A WORCESTERSHIRE business boss is staying positive as he moves out of the coronavirus lockdown into a bright future.

Kensi Hope Interiors Limited returned to trading on Monday June 1 and is already seeing an upturn in orders.

The company, which has a showroom on Hewell Road, Redditch, spent the lockdown preparing to return to business as soon as the government lifted restrictions and managing director Tony Hateley says they are already reaping the rewards.

Mr Hateley said: "We have had a massive upsurge in enquiries there is lots of buoyancy in the market.

"We work within 25 miles of Redditch and have 17 staff all from the local area. We are a family-run business and our staff are an extension of the family."

Kensi Hope designs and supplies kitchens and bathrooms while it's sister company, TH Developments, carries out installations and domestic renovations.

The business was shut for 11 weeks and Mr Hateley says uncertainty about when they would reopen, and how they would adapt to infection safety rules were an issue but being pro-active was the solution.

He said: "We kept in touch with our customers to make sure they were happy and OK and they were appreciative.

"He had to change a lot of the ways we work, with extra sanitising and cleaning but we pulled together as a team and I'm really proud of what we have achieved."

The company implemented a wide range of safety measures which go beyond government guidelines including providing full PPE, regular cleaning and sanitising even down to tools used on site, social distancing and whenever possible buddying-up team members.

With his experience of building a successful business during previous tough times, the boss also has a clear vision about how to make the best of a difficult situation.

He added: "We make sure our operations are lean and run correctly, we look after our staff, who look after our customers.

"It is not just about price, it's about service - service is paramount. We are always striving for 100 per cent."

Redditch Advertiser:

Directors Tony and Claire Hateley from Kensi Hope along with sales team member Jilly Pemberton

The company generates plenty of business from recommendations by previous customers but also has a clear multi-media marketing strategy for the post Covid-19 era.

Mr Hateley said: "Nowadays everyone uses everything, the paper, social media, magazines and flyers.

"It's about being as savvy as you can, a lot of people use social media and not just young people. A lot of people still read the papers but there is also the online presence of the papers.

"Everything is evolving and it is about an awareness of what is changing."

Last week the Redditch Advertiser launched the Love Local Business campaign to support local businesses as they recover from the impact of the coronavirus lockdown.

To find out more call 01905742372 or email dale.godliman@localiq.co.uk.