Finding a passion for woodworking at school, and then completing a cabinet making apprenticeship, I realised I had a natural talent for design and started to work for myself.
After over 30 years my passion for wood and design burns as brightly as ever and I consider myself extremely fortunate to work in the environment I do, with the like-minded professionals within my team.
I am especially proud to have been named the UK’s ‘Cabinetmaker of the Year’ twice.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
The Secret Drawer was nearly called The Carpentry Shop until a client learnt about the secret drawer in their dresser and said “why not call the company The Secret Drawer?”
Emily Chew
Senior Furniture Designer
After studying Interior Architecture and Design at Nottingham Trent University, I was lucky enough to travel around the world, gaining great inspiration from fantastic architecture and spaces. I joined The Secret Drawer in December 2014 to fulfil my ambition of becoming a furniture designer. My role is varied and includes visiting clients for briefings and site surveys; completing hand and CAD drawings; and keeping up to date with changes and developments in the interiors industry to ensure we offer the most comprehensive options available. I work individually on projects and sometimes alongside Richard, managing every element from concept to completion.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
That I would love to own my own home full of Secret Drawer furniture which I have designed!
Andrew Ellwood
Senior Furniture Designer
After graduating from High Wycombe furniture college, I spent the first eight years of my career making furniture and learning practical skills. Since then, I have designed furniture and interiors, working for over 25 years in the industry, across a broad range of manufacturers and companies in the public and private sectors. I’m a strong believer in attention to detail which is paramount to my role at The Secret Drawer. I work on a variety of projects, working collaboratively from initial design brief to final hand over.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I’m passionate about the outdoors and a keen runner.
Richard Mason
Owner and Furniture Designer
Finding a passion for woodworking at school, and then completing a cabinet making apprenticeship, I realised I had a natural talent for design and started to work for myself.
After over 30 years my passion for wood and design burns as brightly as ever and I consider myself extremely fortunate to work in the environment I do, with the like-minded professionals within my team.
I am especially proud to have been named the UK’s ‘Cabinetmaker of the Year’ twice.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
The Secret Drawer was nearly called The Carpentry Shop until a client learnt about the secret drawer in their dresser and said “why not call the company The Secret Drawer?”
Emily Chew
Senior Furniture Designer
After studying Interior Architecture and Design at Nottingham Trent University, I was lucky enough to travel around the world, gaining great inspiration from fantastic architecture and spaces. I joined The Secret Drawer in December 2014 to fulfil my ambition of becoming a furniture designer. My role is varied and includes visiting clients for briefings and site surveys; completing hand and CAD drawings; and keeping up to date with changes and developments in the interiors industry to ensure we offer the most comprehensive options available. I work individually on projects and sometimes alongside Richard, managing every element from concept to completion.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
That I would love to own my own home full of Secret Drawer furniture which I have designed!
Andrew Ellwood
Senior Furniture Designer
After graduating from High Wycombe furniture college, I spent the first eight years of my career making furniture and learning practical skills. Since then, I have designed furniture and interiors, working for over 25 years in the industry, across a broad range of manufacturers and companies in the public and private sectors. I’m a strong believer in attention to detail which is paramount to my role at The Secret Drawer. I work on a variety of projects, working collaboratively from initial design brief to final hand over.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I’m passionate about the outdoors and a keen runner.
Sue Hirst
Interior Designer
My formal qualifications are in Spatial Design, bringing to The Secret Drawer my passion for design and colour. I have a wealth of experience throughout the interiors fields and regularly atend industry events to ensure my knowledge is second to none. Based at the Skipton showroom, I enjoy using my versatility and creativity to find solutions for clients' requirements.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I love colour, design and interiors and being able to express this through the varied projects we work on at the Secret Drawer.
Sue Hirst
Interior Designer
My formal qualifications are in Spatial Design, bringing to The Secret Drawer my passion for design and colour. I have a wealth of experience throughout the interiors fields and regularly atend industry events to ensure my knowledge is second to none. Based at the Skipton showroom, I enjoy using my versatility and creativity to find solutions for clients' requirements.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I love colour, design and interiors and being able to express this through the varied projects we work on at the Secret Drawer.
Caz Stewart
Ilkley Showroom Manager
With a background in IT recruitment, I then joined the UK’s leading retailer as a Head Sales Coach, working in their kitchen and home design departments. I have a keen eye for detail and really enjoy liaising with our customers. My absolute passion is always delivering excellent customer service.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I love taking part in 24-hour endurance races. It’s character building stuff!
Katie Mason
Sales & HR Coordinator and Bookkeeper
Katie is Richard’s wife and supports the sales and design team at the Ilkley showroom. With a background in HR and as a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, she helps the office with HR activity. She also looks after the book-keeping as part of the finance team.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I'm also a Rainbows leader – our village ‘pack’ of 20 girls can be very noisy!
Caz Stewart
Ilkley Showroom Manager
With a background in IT recruitment, I then joined the UK’s leading retailer as a Head Sales Coach, working in their kitchen and home design departments. I have a keen eye for detail and really enjoy liaising with our customers. My absolute passion is always delivering excellent customer service.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I love taking part in 24-hour endurance races. It’s character building stuff!
Katie Mason
Sales & HR Coordinator and Bookkeeper
Katie is Richard’s wife and supports the sales and design team at the Ilkley showroom. With a background in HR and as a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, she helps the office with HR activity. She also looks after the book-keeping as part of the finance team.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I'm also a Rainbows leader – our village ‘pack’ of 20 girls can be very noisy!
Darren Lambert
Production Manager
Since an early age, I’ve had a passion for making things by hand. After leaving school I completed an advanced diploma in design, then in 1995 started an apprenticeship and took the route of cabinet maker to follow my passion for creating fine pieces of furniture.
As Production Manager I look after the team of cabinet makers, finishers, fitters and the day to day running of the workshop.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
Nothing pleases me more than seeing the transformation of raw timber to a finished piece of furniture.
Jane Denney
Office Manager
The smooth running of the company is my main mission; I also help the designers manage all projects from raising the first invoice to ordering the last fixture or fitting needed for a client.
As a fully qualified Landscape Architect I am used to running complex projects and I'm able to use these skills in the day to day operation of The Secret Drawer.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
On my wish list is a lovingly handcrafted beehive for my bees as I know of no challenge too great (or small) for our cabinetmakers.
Carol Farrell
Marketing Coordinator
I studied Marketing and Advertising at Leeds University Business School and have worked in marketing, media and PR for a range of businesses. Property features heavily in my marketing background and I love to showcase homes and interiors at their best.
From advertising and press coverage to social media and photography, my aim is to bring The Secret Drawer’s stunning craftsmanship and bespoke design process to life, inspiring prospective clients.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I'd really love to organise my family with a Secret Drawer larder cupboard, boot room, dressing room.... the list goes on!
Darren Lambert
Production Manager
Since an early age, I’ve had a passion for making things by hand. After leaving school I completed an advanced diploma in design, then in 1995 started an apprenticeship and took the route of cabinet maker to follow my passion for creating fine pieces of furniture.
As Production Manager I look after the team of cabinet makers, finishers, fitters and the day to day running of the workshop.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
Nothing pleases me more than seeing the transformation of raw timber to a finished piece of furniture.
Jane Denney
Office Manager
The smooth running of the company is my main mission; I also help the designers manage all projects from raising the first invoice to ordering the last fixture or fitting needed for a client.
As a fully qualified Landscape Architect I am used to running complex projects and I'm able to use these skills in the day to day operation of The Secret Drawer.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
On my wish list is a lovingly handcrafted beehive for my bees as I know of no challenge too great (or small) for our cabinetmakers.
Carol Farrell
Marketing Coordinator
I studied Marketing and Advertising at Leeds University Business School and have worked in marketing, media and PR for a range of businesses. Property features heavily in my marketing background and I love to showcase homes and interiors at their best.
From advertising and press coverage to social media and photography, my aim is to bring The Secret Drawer’s stunning craftsmanship and bespoke design process to life, inspiring prospective clients.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I'd really love to organise my family with a Secret Drawer larder cupboard, boot room, dressing room.... the list goes on!
Rosie Binns
Showroom Assistant
My role is a varied one, supporting the design team and ensuring clients have the best experience visiting the showrooms. I work closely with the administration team, providing project management support.
I help with client meetings, site surveys and product training to ensure we provide excellent service and pass on the latest product knowledge to our clients.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I love to cook for family and friends and aspire to have a kitchen with Miele and Sub Zero appliances.
Rosie Binns
Design Coordinator
My role is a varied one, supporting the design team and ensuring clients have the best experience visiting the showrooms. I work closely with the administration team, providing project management support.
I help with client meetings, site surveys and product training to ensure we provide excellent service and pass on the latest product knowledge to our clients.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I love to cook for family and friends and aspire to have a kitchen with Miele and Sub Zero appliances.
Tony Avis
Furniture Finisher & Painter
I’m involved with every piece of furniture created in the workshop, literally providing the finishing touches. We apply Farrow & Ball, Paint & Paper Library and other high-quality paints for our painted furniture and various lacquers and polishes to our timber furniture.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
You will occasionally see me out on site putting a final coat onto furniture once it has been fitted, ensuring our high-quality finish.
Robert Boughen
Senior Cabinetmaker
I've worked in the wood trade for over 30 years, having studied Carpentry & Joinery at Bradford College when I left school. I've been a Senior Cabinetmaker with The Secret Drawer for over 15 years.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I love seeing a piece taking shape, turning into the finished item.
Tony Avis
Furniture Finisher & Painter
I’m involved with every piece of furniture created in the workshop, literally providing the finishing touches. We apply Farrow & Ball, Paint & Paper Library and other high-quality paints for our painted furniture and various lacquers and polishes to our timber furniture.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
You will occasionally see me out on site putting a final coat onto furniture once it has been fitted, ensuring our high-quality finish.
Robert Boughen
Senior Cabinetmaker
I've worked in the wood trade for over 30 years, having studied Carpentry & Joinery at Bradford College when I left school. I've been a Senior Cabinetmaker with The Secret Drawer for over 15 years.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I love seeing a piece taking shape, turning into the finished item.
John Turton
Senior Cabinetmaker
I've worked for The Secret Drawer for over 20 years as a senior cabinetmaker. I enjoy working on such varied projects from start to finish and helping to train our apprentices.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I love the beauty of hand cut dovetail joints on traditional drawer boxes.
John Whitaker
Senior Cabinetmaker
I’ve been a cabinetmaker since leaving school in 1988 and hold City and Guilds qualifications in Bench Joinery. I have a specialist interest in woodcarving and hand carve all the details we feature, such as the hand carved apple boxes in our kitchens and pantries.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I love the noise made by a freshly sharpened hand plane as it removes a crisp shaving from the piece of wood.
Jonathan Boothman
Senior Cabinetmaker
Jonathan joined The Secret Drawer in 2018 bringing with him over 30 years of experience as a specialist bench joiner in the building and property industry. Now one of our senior cabinetmakers he also helps train our apprentices.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
A keen cyclist and fell runner, Jonathan spends much of his spare time in the great outdoors of Yorkshire and Lancashire.
John Turton
Senior Cabinetmaker
I've worked for The Secret Drawer for over 20 years as a senior cabinetmaker. I enjoy working on such varied projects from start to finish and helping to train our apprentices.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I love the beauty of hand cut dovetail joints on traditional drawer boxes.
John Whitaker
Senior Cabinetmaker
I’ve been a cabinetmaker since leaving school in 1988 and hold City and Guilds qualifications in Bench Joinery. I have a specialist interest in woodcarving and hand carve all the details we feature, such as the hand carved apple boxes in our kitchens and pantries.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I love the noise made by a freshly sharpened hand plane as it removes a crisp shaving from the piece of wood.
Jonathan Boothman
Senior Cabinetmaker
Jonathan joined The Secret Drawer in 2018 bringing with him over 30 years of experience as a specialist bench joiner in the building and property industry. Now one of our senior cabinetmakers he also helps train our apprentices.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
A keen cyclist and fell runner, Jonathan spends much of his spare time in the great outdoors of Yorkshire and Lancashire.
Dave Cooper
Furniture Fitter
I’m a qualified cabinetmaker, carpenter and joiner with over 20 years' experience in the furniture industry. I started with The Secret Drawer as an experienced cabinetmaker and now work on site fitting all our furniture.
Working to a tight schedule I ensure the high levels of quality workmanship achieved in the workshop are maintained in the final product as it arrives in our clients’ homes.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
It takes a long time to become a Secret Drawer fitter; I was a cabinetmaker with The Secret Drawer for six years before becoming a fitter.
Dave Cooper
Furniture Fitter
I’m a qualified cabinetmaker, carpenter and joiner with over 20 years' experience in the furniture industry. I started with The Secret Drawer as an experienced cabinetmaker and now work on site fitting all our furniture.
Working to a tight schedule I ensure the high levels of quality workmanship achieved in the workshop are maintained in the final product as it arrives in our clients’ homes.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
It takes a long time to become a Secret Drawer fitter; I was a cabinetmaker with The Secret Drawer for six years before becoming a fitter.
Andy Hinchliffe
Specialist Painter & Decorator
I have worked as a painter and decorator for over 19 years initially learning the trade from my father. I joined The Secret Drawer over nine years ago to provide our clients with a professional decorating service as part of our full in-house service.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
Completing a job and handing over to a satisfied client is my favourite stage of the job.
John Cleaver
Builder & Tiler
I’ve been employed by the Secret Drawer for the past ten years and previous to this as a sub-contractor. The changes and business growth I have witnessed over this time has been very impressive.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
Seeing Richard establish the business with underpinning values for quality and continuous improvement is key to the job satisfaction I get from my work at The Secret Drawer.
Andy Hinchliffe
Specialist Painter & Decorator
I have worked as a painter and decorator for over 19 years initially learning the trade from my father. I joined The Secret Drawer over nine years ago to provide our clients with a professional decorating service as part of our full in-house service.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
Completing a job and handing over to a satisfied client is my favourite stage of the job.
John Cleaver
Builder & Tiler
I’ve been employed by the Secret Drawer for the past ten years and previous to this as a sub-contractor. The changes and business growth I have witnessed over this time has been very impressive.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
Seeing Richard establish the business with underpinning values for quality and continuous improvement is key to the job satisfaction I get from my work at The Secret Drawer.
James Craven
Junior Cabinetmaker
I joined The Secret Drawer in 2017 as an Apprentice Cabinetmaker, mentored by Darren Lambert, Production Manager. I qualified in 2020 and work as a Junior Cabinetmaker looking after a variety of projects from start to finish.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I’m a keen golfer. When I'm not in the Workshop there's a good chance you'll find me on the golf course.
Benjamin Cowgill
Apprentice Cabinetmaker
Ben is our most recent Apprentice Cabinetmaker, joining the team in 2021 shortly after leaving school. Based in the Skipton workshop, he is mentored by our team of senior cabinetmakers and is part of the North Lancashire Training Group scheme.
James Craven
Junior Cabinetmaker
I joined The Secret Drawer in 2017 as an Apprentice Cabinetmaker, mentored by Darren Lambert, Production Manager. I qualified in 2020 and work as a Junior Cabinetmaker looking after a variety of projects from start to finish.
It's no secret...
It's no secret...
I’m a keen golfer. When I'm not in the Workshop there's a good chance you'll find me on the golf course.
Benjamin Cowgill
Apprentice Cabinetmaker
Ben is our most recent Apprentice Cabinetmaker, joining the team in 2021 shortly after leaving school. Based in the Skipton workshop, he is mentored by our team of senior cabinetmakers and is part of the North Lancashire Training Group scheme.
WORKING TOGETHER
Here we try and give you a flavour of how we work but we always welcome a chat too, either in person or over the phone.
