Made in Holt, Norfolk
Michael was born and raised near the town of Holt in North Norfolk. After leaving Fakenham Grammar School, he started a joinery apprenticeship at North Dean Joinery in Holt and during his six years there, he qualified with Advanced City and Guilds Purpose Made Joinery (Norwich City College) and won the best student of carpentry and joinery award.
Rycotewood College, Thame, Oxfordshire
In 1988 Michael was given a placement at Rycotewood College where he studied furniture design and making to HND (Higher National Diploma) level. Michael, again, finished top of his year!
Whilst at Rycotewood College, Michael was pleased to win many awards and prizes including:
- The Woodworker Magazine Certificate of Merit for Upright Dining Chair, 1989
- Practical Woodworker Magazine Second Prize for Rotating Display Cabinet, Furniture Design Awards 1991
- The Rotary Award for Best Contemporary Design
- The Michaelis Cup for Best Piece of Modern Design/Craftsmanship.
After leaving Rycotewood College, Michael worked for Andrew Varah in Warwickshire for two years, gathering more experience and learning new techniques.
Michael returned to Oxfordshire and worked for Nicholas Dyson Furniture for three years. During his time with Nicholas Dyson, work included high end bespoke furniture, corporate (boardroom table for Cable and Wireless) and batch production work (for student accommodation).
In 1996 Michael began work for Matthew Collins Furniture (Oxfordshire). Whilst working for Matthew Collins, Michael had the opportunity to work on very high profile projects, some in far afield locations around the world and Europe.
Return to Norfolk
In 2000, Michael returned to his home county of Norfolk to start a family and began his own business, Michael Cottrell Furniture Limited.
The business has flourished and in 2006, Michael moved to new premises just outside Holt, where he now runs a comprehensive, cabinet making and joinery workshop.
How we work
We try to work as closely as possible with the client. We will come out and discuss your ideas, requirements and wishes.
- An initial measure up is done.
- A proposal drawing is then produced with initial estimate of costs.
- All drawings and quoting is free no obligation.
- A further visit or meeting to discuss and re-fine the design, alterations, decide on materials appliances, worktops, lighting etc.
A final design drawing is produced and a quotation based on this.- A deposit of 30% is required with written confirmation of the order.
- Dates are fixed for manufacture, installation and related works.
- The project goes into production, customers are welcome to visit the workshop and see it being made.
- Upon delivery, a 30% interim payment is required.
- All installation work is undertaken.
- The final 40% payment is due after completion.
Employment Opportunities
We are always looking to hear from skilled cabinet makers and joiners who are either looking for a change of environment or employment.