Jonathan Bull
Ilkeston,Derbyshire
Summary
Seasoned professional with over 35 years in the upholstery industry, seeking a career transition. Expertise in craftsmanship and attention to detail, consistently delivering high-quality results. Proven ability in hands-on tasks and creative problem-solving, enhancing project outcomes.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Upholsterer
Self Employed
Ilkeston, Derbyshire
1998.05 - 2025.12
- Crafted premium upholstery pieces for Swift Upholstery.
- Refurbished worn out furniture applying furniture restoration techniques to repair and restore original item condition giving them a fresh look without compromising comfort for JB Green Upholstery
- Created new patterns and templates to achieve customer design specifications for Daro Trading Ltd
- Strengthened client relationships through consistent quality in upholstery workmanship.
- Mastered use of both traditional hand tools and modern machinery in day-to-day tasks.
- Cut foam and fabric to exact size requirements to minimise waste and maximise profit.
- Lined and upholstered furnishings using techniques suited to materials and furniture styles.
- Handled cutting instruments carefully to achieve precise results whilst reducing risk.
- Used knowledge of precision, hand and power tools to accurately select equipment according to design requirements.
- Measured and cut upholstery materials following templates, sketches or design specifications.
- Calculated cost estimates for furniture upholstering orders.
- Applied ornamental trims, buckles and buttons to enhance upholstery appearance.
- Met with customers to assess upholstery service needs.
- Drafted invoices for services, labour time and supplies.
- Respected health and safety regulations whilst undertaking all upholstery duties, reducing workplace accidents.
Upholsterer
Penforth Sofabeds
Ilkeston, Derbyshire
1987.09 - 1998.05
- Completed two years of workplace and college-based training, achieving City & Guilds in traditional and modern upholstery.
- Selected appropriate fabrics according to client requirements, increasing repeat business.
- Securing springs, padding and covering material to furniture frames.
- Demonstrated attention to detail in every aspect of upholstering process.
- Completed large-scale upholstery projects within tight deadlines for client satisfaction.
- Strengthened client relationships through consistent quality in upholstery workmanship.
- Manufactured items quickly and accurately to achieve production activity KPIs.
Education
City & Guilds - Traditional & Modern Upholstery
Basford Hall College
Basford Nottingham 1987.09 - 1989.06
City & Guilds - Traditional & Modern Upholstery
Webbs Training Services
Nottingham 1987.09 - 1989.06
GCSEs - English, Maths, Biology, Geography, Design & Tech, TVEI, RE
Ilkeston Secondary School
Ilkeston 1982.09 - 1987.05
Skills
- Traditional upholstery techniques
- On-Site upholstery services
- Upholstery methods
- Leatherwork proficiency
- Use of pneumatic equipment
- Material cutting accuracy
- Staple gun operation
- Patterning and cutting
- Manual dexterity
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Measurements and estimations accuracy
- Fire safety standards compliance
Affiliations
- Dog Walking, fishing, biking, produce growing and looking after my chickens
Accomplishments
Attended a weeks training course at Amtico Flooring Training Academy in 2019 achieving certification to lay the highest quality floor fitting.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Upholsterer
Self Employed
1998.05 - 2025.12
Upholsterer
Penforth Sofabeds
1987.09 - 1998.05
City & Guilds - Traditional & Modern Upholstery
Basford Hall College
1987.09 - 1989.06
City & Guilds - Traditional & Modern Upholstery
Webbs Training Services
1987.09 - 1989.06
GCSEs - English, Maths, Biology, Geography, Design & Tech, TVEI, RE
Ilkeston Secondary School
1982.09 - 1987.05