A FAMILY business in Hurstbourne Tarrant, launched during the pandemic, is set to expand later this month with the grand opening of its brand new showroom.

Started in a small workshop in their back garden, Hurstbourne Forge was created after Jack and Lydia Swanborough had an idea for a perfect family Christmas gift - a very large metal trivet covered in ducks - but could find nowhere to get it made.

A qualified engineer, Jack built a workshop in the garden with the help of family and friends. Then, alongside his wife Lydia, the business started designing, making and selling pretty much everything made from metal.

A runaway success in its first year, the workshop brought new meaning to working from home.

Thanks to local community support and tolerant neighbours, the Forge has quickly expanded to a full family-run business with Jack’s brother Harry and father Andy in the workshop, and mother Paula in the office.

In September 2020 Hurstbourne Forge moved to a new workshop in Andover to keep up with demand, and to be able to offer an ever increasing range of products and services.

Some of the projects which keep the business busy include metal cut to size for DIY projects; repairs and refurbishment of patio furniture, gates and railings; designing garden arches; wall art and sculptures; and parts for classic cars.

Combining modern computer-aided design, traditional metalworking, hot forging techniques and laser cutting, the Forge produces everything in the workshop, aiming to work with local suppliers where possible and very much emphasise the longevity and durability of their products in a disposable world.

Now, the team has announced it will be opening a brand new showroom at 4 Brunel Gate, West Portway, Andover on September 11 from 2-6pm.

There will be tea, coffee and cake and the chance to not only see the showroom and the workshop running, but also to take part in a forging workshop and see demonstrations.

The Forge works closely with other local craftsmen and women and their work will be on display too.

For more information, visit: www.hurstbourneforge.co.uk