Semper Hopkins Upholstery & Interiors 

Image from left to right – Cllr Nick Mannion, Emma Semper Hopkins (Founder and Director), Cllr Michael Gorman

Council Leaders recently visited Semper Hopkins Upholstery & Interiors Ltd in Scholar Green as part of the Made in Cheshire East programme, celebrating the borough's diverse and innovative business community. During the visit, the team met with founder Emma Semper Hopkins to learn more about the company's growth journey, commitment to sustainability and contribution to the local economy.

Reviving Heritage Through Creativity and Community

Founded in 2016, Semper Hopkins Upholstery & Interiors Ltd has transformed a former derelict Methodist chapel at Kent Green into a thriving creative, learning and community hub. While retaining its roots in upholstery and furniture restoration, the business has evolved to offer workshops, corporate team development, and creative learning experiences that promote wellbeing, confidence and personal development.

The transformation of the historic building, led by Emma’s dad Ian, into a vibrant community asset demonstrates how heritage, craftsmanship and entrepreneurship can come together to support wellbeing, lifelong learning and the growth of Cheshire East's creative and cultural economy.

Business innovation and diversification

A key theme of the visit was the company's successful diversification. Building on a foundation of modern craftsmanship, the business now delivers a range of creative workshops, corporate experiences and wellbeing programmes for organisations, charities and community groups.

This diversification demonstrates how Cheshire East businesses can adapt to changing markets, create new revenue streams and develop innovative services while remaining true to their core values and expertise.

Skills, wellbeing and workforce development

The visit highlighted the growing role the business plays in supporting learning, wellbeing and personal development. Through its hands-on workshops and team-building activities, participants develop practical skills, creativity, confidence and collaboration.

The company works with businesses and organisations to deliver experiences that strengthen employee engagement, teamwork and workplace wellbeing, demonstrating the value that creative learning can bring to individuals and teams.

Sustainability and the circular economy

Sustainability is at the heart of the business model. Through furniture restoration, repair and upcycling, the company promotes reuse and helps extend product lifecycles, reducing waste and supporting circular economy principles.

The business demonstrates how modern skills can contribute to modern environmental objectives while creating long-lasting products and encouraging more sustainable consumer behaviours.

Responsible business and social value

In September 2024, Semper Hopkins Upholstery & Interiors Ltd achieved B Corp Certification, recognising its commitment to high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency. The accreditation reflects the company's focus on creating positive outcomes for people, communities and the environment.

The business provides a strong example of responsible business leadership in Cheshire East, demonstrating how commercial success can be aligned with social value and environmental responsibility.

Looking ahead

Building on the success of the chapel's transformation and growing recognition, including recent coverage in Cheshire Life, Semper Hopkins Upholstery & Interiors continues to expand its role as a creative learning and community hub. The business aims to inspire more people to develop new skills, improve wellbeing and connect through creativity, while championing sustainability and preserving modern craft skills for future generations.

The visit provided valuable insight into how creative enterprises contribute to economic growth, skills development, wellbeing and sustainability across Cheshire East.

People, Community and Connection

At the heart of Semper Hopkins Upholstery & Interiors is a commitment to bringing people together through shared creative experiences. What began as a furniture restoration and upholstery business has evolved into a welcoming community space where individuals, groups and organisations can connect, learn and create together.

To learn more about Semper Hopkins Upholstery & Interiors, please visit: Semper Hopkins Upholstery & Interiors: Upholstery & Team Building Workshops Based in Cheshire.