From modern upholstery to creative enterprise: council leaders visit Semper Hopkins

4 November 2026

Council leaders have visited Semper Hopkins Upholstery and Interiors in Scholar Green as part of Cheshire East Council’s Made in Cheshire East campaign, which celebrates the borough’s diverse and innovative business community.

Councillor Nick Mannion, leader of Cheshire East Council, and Councillor Michael Gorman, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, met with founder Emma Semper Hopkins to learn more about the business and its contribution to the local economy.

Founded by Emma Semper Hopkins in 2016, the business has evolved from a modern upholstery and furniture restoration company into a provider of creative workshops, corporate team development and business advisory services.

Operating from the restored Old Kent Green Methodist Chapel in Scholar Green, the business combines traditional craft skills with a focus on sustainability, repair and reuse. The company is also a certified B Corporation, recognising its commitment to meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.

Councillor Mannion said: "Businesses such as Semper Hopkins Upholstery & Interiors demonstrate the diversity and creativity that can be found across Cheshire East's economy.

"What began as a modern upholstery business has successfully adapted and evolved, creating new opportunities while retaining a strong commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability and skills development.

"It was inspiring to hear how the business has grown and to learn more about its ambitions to continue making a positive contribution to the local community.

"Through Made in Cheshire East, we are proud to celebrate businesses like Semper Hopkins that are helping to make our borough a great place to live, work and invest."

Councillor Gorman said: "Small and medium-sized businesses are at the heart of our local economy and play a vital role in supporting jobs, skills and growth.

"Semper Hopkins is a great example of how businesses can innovate and evolve while remaining rooted in their local community, and it was a pleasure to hear more about the company's journey and future aspirations."

Emma Semper Hopkins said: “What started as a passion for upholstery has grown into something much bigger than I ever imagined. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible support of my family, particularly my dad, who has been my biggest supporter from the very beginning.

“He’s been there through the highs and lows of running a business and played a huge part in helping us transform the chapel into the space it is today.

“I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created. A place where people can come together, learn new skills, build confidence and reconnect through creativity. To be able to do that here in Cheshire East, while championing sustainability and making a positive difference to people’s lives, makes it even more special.”

The Made in Cheshire East programme highlights the strength, diversity and innovation of the borough's business community, helping businesses share their stories and showcase Cheshire East as a place for enterprise and investment.