Warren Evans: Texas-born bedmaker feathering his nest

Warren Evans made his first pine bed atr the age of 17. This year, his company is expecting turnover to hit £13m. That's a far cry from the last recession, when he lost a fortune, his business and his house.

The high street has been hit hard by the recession. With the property market in the doldrums, furniture shops have been among the biggest casualties. Yet Warren Evans's bed business is thriving. Sales at the Camden-based bed maker are up 60% on last year, with the company expecting turnover to hit £13m this year.

For Texas-born Evans, it couldn't be more different from the 1990s downturn, when he lost his three-bedroom semi-detached home in West Hampstead after going bankrupt. "I've learned a lot since then," says the 46-year-old. "We have no debt, no outside investors, and have got more aggressive with our marketing. In a recession, it really makes you stand out."

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Jody Clarke

Jody studied at the University of Limerick and was a senior writer for MoneyWeek. Jody is experienced in interviewing, for example digging into the lives of an ex-M15 agent and quirky business owners who have made millions. Jody’s other areas of expertise include advice on funds, stocks and house prices.