Lesley graduated from Keele University in 1999 and began working for Henmore Marketing. By 2002 Lesley had gained valuable experience acting as Account manager for Henmore's many I.T. clients. The role of Assistant Manager at deVOL was offered to Lesley in January 2003. Her ability to co-ordinate numerous complex projects at once, achieve the best deal from suppliers and earn the respect of tradesmen and clients alike won Lesley the rapid and thoroughly deserved promotion to Manager in April 2004 and then General Manager in July 2006.

As General Manager Lesley is responsible for the scheduling of each project, from order to installation and ensures that every detail is specified prior to manufacture. Lesley also runs the company's finances as well as staff recruitment. Lesley's marketing experience has helped raise deVOL's profile, such that magazine editors and freelance journalists seem to be queuing up for the next willing deVOL client. Lesley is a very determined character, she prides herself in making everything run smoothly and takes it personally when things don't run to plan. Clients are reassured by Lesley's obvious commitment and her devotion to not letting people down. Her infectious vitality helps turn the otherwise gruelling upheaval of extensions and refurbishments into an exciting, enjoyable and ultimately rewarding experience.

Ben qualified from Hereford Technical College as a cabinet maker in 1989 and worked for Paul Somers Interiors and Woodgate Woodcraft Ltd gaining valuable knowledge from experienced craftsmen. Ben returned to college in 1992, and excelled in successive courses, namely: a BTEC in Art & Design, an HND in Textiles and finally his degree in Multimedia. Ben's college work was selected for 100% Design and The New Designers exhibition where he won the prestigious 1997 Designer's Guild Award . Ben's chubby carpet scooter sculptures and other imaginative works have been exhibited in London's Mall Gallery, as well as Durham, Berlin and The Maze Gallery, Turin. Following his graduation Ben worked for a year designing, making and fitting boat interiors before joining deVOL in 1998 as one of our cabinet makers. After 3 years Ben earned promotion to Workshop Manager and was made Production Manager in April 2004.

Ben is responsible for maintaining production levels and ensuring the quality of materials, construction and finishing meet deVOL's extremely high standards. Ben's unique blend of talents and experience are highly valued, and his creative input is regularly sought by the design team. Ben's charming and unassuming nature endears him to all of our clients who clearly appreciate his attention to detail and his aesthetic viewpoint.

Phil graduated from Loughborough University in 1988 and joined Insight Design Consultancy. He worked closely with Paul O'Leary on prototyping and was responsible for project administration and marketing Insight's design services. Phil co-founded deVOL in 1989. Initially, much of the work involved furniture and architectural restoration which proved to be an excellent grounding in the traditionally accepted proportion and methods of construction. Phil and Paul developed the deVOL style together over a period of ten years and built a reputation for delivering consistently high quality, cabinet made, freestanding kitchen furniture.

Philip chose to take a sabbatical in 1998, but thankfully returned to take on the role of Customer Services Manager. Philip is renowned for being honest, fair and reliable which makes him a natural for providing customer care. Phil also manages deVOL's sister company, deVOL Products, which sells decorative kitchen accessories and the deVOL Laundry Maid. deVOL Products is Leicestershire's largest stockist of Bridgewater Pottery and Phil is responsible for purchasing and for maintaining the on-line stock list. Philip continues to support the business, which he was so influential in nurturing, in a collaboration which has flourished for nearly 20 years.

James graduated from Cardiff University in 2001 and pursued a freelance career in animation and graphic design. He began working for deVOL in January 2004 as Assistant Designer to Paul O'Leary.

James completed deVOL's extensive Kitchen Furniture Catalogue on C.A.D and is now an integral member of the design team, liaising directly with customers and producing the highest quality kitchen plans and furniture elevations. James' innovative design flair has rejuvenated deVOL's presentation resulting in a Website, Catalogue and Brochure that reflects the quality of the product. James is a naturally helpful and patient individual who exudes calm. These are indeed valuable assets when working through the intricacies of surveying, planning and specification of furniture, appliances and accessories.

Helen joined deVOL in the summer of 2005 and quickly became an integral member of our design team.

Helen was employed by Benetton in 1984 and by 1985 had already become store manager. Over a ten year period, as Benetton opened new stores throughout the East Midlands, Helen recruited new staff, selected managers and ensured each store was maximizing its sales potential and running smoothly.

After a lengthy sabbatical raising a family, Helen joined deVOL where she quickly proved that she has the wherewithal to guide prospective clients through the kitchen design process.

Helen is a keen chef, recently attending a cookery course in Tuscany with two of her sisters. The course was hosted by Giancarlo Caldesi and was televised on BBC2’s ”Return to Tuscany” in May 2006. Helen’s life experience together with an innate creative awareness puts her in an ideal position to understand the needs and desires of deVOL’s clients.

Elizabeth graduated from Loughborough University in June 2006 with a First Class Honours Degree. Her "Smart Grips" children's pens were chosen for The 2006 New Designers Exhibition at the Business Design Centre in Islington. deVOL recruited Elizabeth soon after and she has settled into our design team with ease. Elizabeth also assists Lesley Pilling in managing kitchen projects and ensuring that accessory and appliance suppliers meet our expectations.

Elizabeth is cheerful, gregarious and highly organized; which has quickly earned our affection and respect. She is an active member of The Openheaven Church.

Matt completed a one year placement at deVOL and returned to Loughborough University in October 06 to complete his degree in Industrial Design and Technology. Matt impressed us with the presentation of his design work and his sheer enthusiasm for the opportunity to gain experience within our design team.

Matt hit the ground running and became highly proficient at drawing up kitchen plans and furniture elevations under James Hyde-Dryden’s supervision. He has also played a major role in the further development of deVOL’s freestanding furniture catalogue and his presentation skills have been put to good use in the updating of our sales literature.

Matt’s courteous and cheerful personality has made him an instant hit with staff and clients alike. Matt will return to deVOL on completion of his studies to take up a permanent design post in August 07.

Robin completed a one year placement at deVOL and returned as full member of staff after completing his degree in Industrial Design and Technology at Lougborough University with a First Class Honours. Robin started selling his wood turnings at a shop in Worcester at the age of ten. By the age of twenty, Robin had acquired an extensive home workshop, including two lathes. He has an incredible knowledge of the properties of even quite rare timbers, as well as a thorough knowledge of traditional carpentry techniques. As a consequence Robin’s advice is often sought on issues of timber treatment and furniture production.

Robin is a thorough researcher who can handle very complex design problems. With the practical skills he has at his disposal he has become a highly regarded member of our design & development team. In his spare time Robin coaches white water kayaking and builds vintage motorcycles. There seems to be no end to this young man’s talents and deVOL is privileged to have the benefit of his services. Robin will return to deVOL's expanding design team on completion of his studies in July 2007.

Richard joined deVOL in July 06 on a year’s placement within our design office. He will return to complete his honours degree in Industrial Design and Technology at Loughborough University in October 07. Working within a design and manufacture business appeals to Richard as he is able to see projects through to conclusion. We were most impressed with Richard’s presentation skills which are of a highly professional standard due, in part, to a gap year working in advertising. We also felt Richard would fit right into our informal and friendly office environment.

Richard is charming and naturally helpful, which is a real asset when guiding customers through the process of surveying and planning their kitchen. Experience in the building industry, both on renovations and new builds, working in the design office and on site has also helped Richard understand the particular issues associated with kitchen refurbishment.

Richard enjoys BMX and mountain biking, in which he has competed and won a photo competition in Mountain Biking UK magazine for riding up a tree! He also enjoys DJ’ing, snowboarding and computer rendering. We hope Richard will find his year at deVOL as productive and rewarding as our previous undergraduates and we are very happy to welcome him into our creative and friendly design team.

Graham was deVOL's first employee. He began his apprenticeship in 1992 and accumulated a wealth of experience in the restoration of antique furniture. He subsequently spent 6 years working at the furniture manufacturers Gordon Ellis where he experienced the other end of the furniture industry, becoming expert in the practical techniques of large scale furniture fabrication and finishing. Graham has spent substantial periods travelling, in particular to Australia, but thankfully decided to re-join deVOL in 2001. Since then we have come to rely on Graham's undoubted abilities in the rare skills required to produce a finish that is highly regarded by all of our customers. Graham is a consummate professional who takes immense pride in his work.

Richard attained excellent grades in sciences and went on to study Physics at Reading University. He pursued a successful career in Bacteriology and Microbiology working for Harlon UK for 6 years. By 2004 Richard was responsible for the output of several laboratories, but decided that this environment was giving him little personal satisfaction. Having gained valuable and rewarding experience renovating his own property, Richard decided to follow a more vocational career and joined deVOL in May 2004.

Richard has proven himself more than capable of meeting deVOL’s exacting standards. His excellent critical eye, together with his organisational skills, earnt him the position of Finishing Manager in April 2006. Richard is now responsible for maintaining a consistently high level of quality and ensuring that every kitchen is ready for delivery in good time.

Alex first joined deVOL at the age of 16 in 1994 as an apprentice cabinet maker and completed his NVQ qualifications within 2 years. Alex became a very productive cabinet maker and was an excellent fitter. In 2000 Alex returned to University to study Multimedia and graduated in 2003.

After a period spent traveling and working around Australia, Alex undertook some building projects in the UK and then returned to deVOL. He now has such a wide range of skills at his disposal that he is equally adept at, making, painting or installing our kitchen furniture. We were very pleased to welcome Alex back and have the services of this versatile individual at our disposal once again.

Tom joined deVOL in August 05 and assisted with the development of deVOL’s new offices. Tom has worked in the construction industry and spent 3 seasons working as a ski technician in Les Deux Alpes. Many of these specialist manual skills were transferable to cabinet making and furniture finishing. Tom also ran his own catering business in the Isle of Man between 2002 and 2005.

Tom loves snowboarding and is an accomplished musician and Blues vocalist. His varied background has given him many of the qualities we look for in an apprentice: He has made a considered choice to learn a creatively stimulating trade, he has plenty of experience with technical and manual work and is a responsible and motivated character. In addition, his open hearted and cheerful nature makes him a pleasure to work with.

Tom has begun passing on skills to more junior staff and has proven to be a capable and considerate instructor.

Simon joined deVOL in March 06 with a wealth of practical experience gained over a period of six years. For three years Simon trained as a motorcycle mechanic and paint sprayer and also completed safety and First Aid courses. The next three years were spent with a specialist skate park company manufacturing, finishing and installing ramps around the country, including one for Blue Peter.

Simon settled into our finishing department immediately; he already had the necessary skills and he picked up deVOL's specific techniques within weeks. Since then we have been further encouraged by Simon’s unstinting concentration levels and attention to detail. As a result of Simon’s rapid integration, deVOL's finishing production has grown significantly and the quality of work continues to make our competitors finishing look decidedly amateur.

Simon enjoys family life, playing with his young son and tinkering with motorbikes.

Tom completed a degree in Fine Art at Leeds University in 2003. He joined deVOL in 2006 having worked for Yorkshire Metropolitan Housing Association for 3 years as an admin assistant. During this period Tom attended evening classes and completed a two year course in cabinet making. Tom wanted to turn his hobby into his career and also wished to return to Leicestershire with his wife and two children. When he approached deVOL we recognised what a rare individual he is and happily offered him a post.

Since joining our team of furniture makers Tom has shown that he can understand and replicate our particular methods with the minimum of instruction. Having chosen deVOL as his dream job from afar, we are hoping to benefit from Tom's obvious commitment for many years to come.

Tom enjoys walking in the country with his two daughters, growing fruit and vegetables, drawing and watching live music.

Philip joined deVOL in 2006 having worked for Bradgate Furniture for the preceding 3 years. He will be completing his NVQ level 3 qualification in 2007. Since starting at deVOL Philip has demonstrated that his college courses and previous experience have been an excellent grounding in furniture making.

Philip’s current responsibilities include manufacturing hardwood worktops and assisting the finishing department in preparing furniture for dispatch. Philip says he has learnt so much in the short time he has been at deVOL and we are very encouraged by his rate of progress.

Phil has spent many years abroad, living in Hong Kong, America, Thailand and Australia before his family settled in Leicestershire. His passions are Heavy Rock and playing his bass guitar.

Michael joined deVOL in 2006 as our junior apprentice; he is currently attending college to gain his NVQ level 2 in hand crafted furniture.

Michael was chosen for a placement at deVOL from over 40 junior applicants. He demonstrated a genuine interest in carpentry and his respectful and attentive attitude should enable him to make rapid progress. For the time being Michael acts as a general assistant to all the cabinet makers but as his skills develop he will spend a number of months on each area of production.

It’s hard to find school leavers with a real determination to learn a trade, but Michael is one of the few. He will receive the highest level of training from our experienced cabinet makers, which will serve him well for the rest of his career.