'It is a massive achievement': Family-run business in Skegness celebrates 40 years
A Skegness family-run business is celebating its 40th anniversary with the customers they say they are proud to call their friends.
Vernon Carpets & Interiors offered a warm welcome from the effects of Storm Claudia on Saturday with a special event, also attended by the Mayor of Skegness, Coun Jimmy Brookes.
The business was started by Lee Vernon as Vernons Carpets in Ingoldmells in 1985.
It has been expanding into the Skegness area for over 20 of those years and is now run by Lee’s son, James, in Berry Way.
However, family is never far away, with Lee still turning out to give quotations.
The family turned out in force for the celebration. “We are really proud to be celebrating 40 years – it is a massive achievement, especially in this financial climate,” said James, who started working for his dad at the age of 16.
"I took over eight years ago and have seen big changes over the years.
"We started out selling just carpets and now I like to think of us as a one-stop interiors shop, selling furniture as well as flooring.
"One thing that hasn’t changed is that we also set high standards – we like to think of our customers as family.”
Coun Brookes had a full tour of the showroom and added: “It’s a fantastic achievement – I can remember Vernons when I was a young lad.”
To mark the 40th anniversary, a special 40 per cent off promotion is being run for 40 days until Christmas Eve.