Originally from Sandown on the Isle of White, George Henry Chambers moved to Workington in 1881. Himself a Master Craftsman Carpenter and Joiner, he was attracted to the area by the growing Iron & Steel Industry and the prosperous harbour and he set up a joinery workshop in the town.
The firm has continued through the generations and today G H Chambers & Son is one of Workington's longest trading family firms. Operating from the head office at Clay Flatts Trading Estate in Workington, the family first opened a joinery workshop in Workington in 1881 and since that time they have developed a wealth of experience in specialist joinery manufacture, whilst diversifying their business to offer a range of complementary services and products.
The company trades as Chambers Joinery based at Clay Flatts Trading Estate where the Joinery and Building Services are managed. The company showroom trading as Chambers Homecentre is located on Oxford St., where you can view their wide range of products from kitchens, bedrooms, flooring, sliding wardrobes and furniture. Over the years “Chambers of Workington” have become synonymous with quality.
From minor repairs to full refurbishment, both domestic and commercial, they pride themselves in always carrying out their work to the highest standard and regularly get positive feedback for their approach to customer care and attention to detail. This is made possible by a company culture founded on the ethos of taking pride in their work, which is instilled throughout the workforce.
Chambers Company History - Spanning Five Generations
1881: George Henry Chambers establishes a joinery workshop in Dean St, Workington.
1920's: His son, Ernest Edward Chambers, takes over. He also served his time as a Carpenter and worked his way across Canada before returning to join his father.
1930's: In turn his son, Ronald, served his time as a Carpenter/Joiner. The workshop moved to new premises in James Street, Workington.
1939-45: Ronald served in the Royal Engineers in World War 2. On his return he continued to help his father in the business and eventually took over the running of the firm.
1970's: Ronald’s sons, Ian and George, join the firm. George joined the firm straight from school and served his apprenticeship as a joiner, Ian returned to the town after training and working as an engineer.
1980's: Business expands, acquiring more property on James Street and opening a new shop – Chambers Timber & DIY.
1990's: Further expansion when joinery workshop moves to additional premises on the Clay Flats Trading Estate.
2009: Joinery workshop extended to accommodate more storage and workshops.
2011: George’s son Geoff returns to work in the family firm having gained a degree in Civil Engineering at Leeds University in 1998 and having worked out of the area for a few years. Geoff is the fifth generation to work in the business.
