The Abbey Group

Honoured and privileged to be invited to join the panel for ‘See Her, Be Her: Inspiring Women in DRR’ at the BDMA Conference 2026 alongside such an incredible group of women from across the industry.

I’m looking forward to sharing experiences, discussing opportunities and challenges within the DRR sector, and hopefully inspiring more women to pursue and progress within our industry.

A huge thank you to the BDMA for creating an important platform for these conversations — I’m excited to be part of it.

Today, we remember an Abbey legend, Robert “Bob” Chessell, who sadly passed away 5 years ago today.

Bob played a huge part in The Abbey Group family, our success story, and the history we have built together. On this anniversary, our thoughts are with Bob’s family and with all the staff who had the pleasure of working, laughing, joking, and sharing so many memories alongside him.

Not only was Bob an incredibly talented and skilful wood machinist and craftsman, he was also a larger-than-life character and a true friend to so many. His humour, personality, and dedication left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

Bob will always hold a special place in our hearts and remain a cherished part of The Abbey Group story.

We’ll all be raising a pint in your honour and memory, Bob ❤️🍺🍻

☀️🍻 National Beer Garden Day 🍻☀️

With the sunshine making a welcome appearance and the Bank Holiday weekend officially underway, the team at Abbey will be making the most of National Beer Garden Day this afternoon!

We’ll be closing at 1:15pm today so everyone can enjoy the sunshine, support our fantastic local venues, and kick off the long weekend properly in a local beer garden. 🌿🍺

Wishing all our clients, colleagues, and friends a brilliant Bank Holiday weekend — hopefully with a little sunshine included! ☀️

🚑 Today, the team at The Abbey Group stepped away from their desks and workbenches and swapped furniture triage for real first aid training.

A huge thank you to Kevin Grant organising an excellent First Aid at Work Training Course, successfully completed by myself, Laura Salter, Chris and Martin 👏

Congratulations to the team on passing the course and becoming certified to provide emergency treatment in the event of injury or sudden illness in the workplace. Certificates are valid for 3 years and are an essential qualification for businesses committed to maintaining a safe working environment for employees and visitors alike.

At The Abbey Group, safety is just as important as craftsmanship, and we are proud to also have our own defibrillator on site — vital, potentially life-saving equipment that could make all the difference in an emergency. ❤️

In short, Laura Salter and Lisa Cannings are now qualified to give the Kiss of Life……💋💋💋💋💋💋

✨ Specialist Chandelier Restoration & Cleaning Services – at The Abbey Group ✨

Today our team attended site following significant carbon soot and smoke damage to several chandeliers within a property. Situations like this can often leave clients believing these beautiful fittings are beyond repair — but in many cases, specialist restoration can return them to their former brilliance while avoiding unnecessary replacement costs.

Following today’s assessment, we developed a restoration plan designed to minimise disruption to the policyholder and help control overall claim costs. Where practical, larger frames and fixed elements will be restored safely in situ, while delicate crystal components and specialist parts are being carefully removed off site for detailed cleaning, repair and restoration.

Attending site today were Darren, Chris & Cameron — not Del Boy, Rodney or Uncle Albert … because when it comes to specialist chandelier restoration, it pays to use professionals. 😉

💎 Our specialist services include:

• Smoke & soot damage cleaning
• Removal of dirt and dust deposits
• Crystal chandelier cleaning
• Buffing and polishing of frames and metalwork
• Chandelier repairs and restoration
• Electrical testing and certification
• Full rewiring services
• Replacement bulbs and electrical components
• On-site and off-site restoration works
• Specialist replication of missing or damaged pieces
• Comprehensive stock of chandelier parts and accessories

Every single crystal, fitting and decorative feature contributes to the overall grandeur of a chandelier.

Very often, chandeliers that appear heavily damaged from smoke, fire, water ingress, age or environmental wear can be restored successfully with the right expertise.

Our team also regularly undertakes:

✔ Heritage chandelier restoration
✔ Insurance claim restoration works
✔ Hotel and public house lighting restoration
✔ Preventative maintenance and cleaning
✔ Specialist electrical safety inspections

If your chandelier has lost its sparkle, appears dull, has glazing or spotting on crystal pieces, or has suffered damage from smoke, humidity, water or age, our specialist team can help restore it safely and professionally.

📞 Specialist services delivered professionally, safely and in house.

🍩 National Doughnut Week has officially arrived… and at The Abbey Group we’re taking it as the perfect excuse for a little sugar overload this week!

Over the next few days, we’ll be sharing some favourite throwback photos of the team enjoying a well-earned doughnut break over the years — because nothing brings people together in the office quite like coffee, conversation and a box of donuts. ☕🍩

While we all enjoy the sweet treats, National Doughnut Week also supports an incredible cause. Since 1992, the campaign has helped raise funds for The Children’s Trust, supporting children with brain injuries across the UK.

A simple doughnut can go a long way in supporting life-changing work — and we’re always happy to support any initiative that combines community, positivity and a little bit of sugar!

Who else is celebrating this week? Favourite doughnut flavour? 👇

🌱 Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 | 11–17 May 🌱

This year’s theme, “Action”, reminds us that mental health support goes beyond awareness — it’s about the everyday actions that create healthier workplaces, stronger communities, and better support for everyone.

At work, small actions can make a big difference:
✅ Checking in with colleagues
✅ Encouraging healthy boundaries
✅ Taking breaks without guilt
✅ Creating psychologically safe spaces
✅ Supporting open conversations around wellbeing

With so much of our lives spent at work, investing in mental health isn’t optional — it’s essential.

This week, we’re encouraging everyone to choose one positive action that supports mental wellbeing, whether for yourself, your team, or your community.

💚 Don’t forget Wear it Green Day on Thursday 14 May.

Together, small actions can create lasting change.

May the 4th be with you ✨

When disaster strikes, you need more than luck—you need a team strong with the Force.

From fire and flood damage to full restoration and insurance claims, our crew of 14 skilled craftspeople brings balance back to your treasured pieces. Upholsterers, French polishers, professional rug cleaners, art conservators, ceramic restorers, cabinet makers, leather technicians—supported by our dedicated office staff and drivers—work together to restore what matters most.

Because every piece has a story… and we’re here to help it continue.

Congratulations to Simon on his 14th work anniversary at The Abbey Group!

Your loyalty and commitment to the business, our customers, and your colleagues have made a real difference over the years. Through all the challenges and successes, you’ve helped keep things going strong.

With over 30 years of experience, your knowledge and cabinet-making skills truly reflect your expertise and dedication to the craft. We’re grateful for everything you bring to the team.

Here’s to many more milestones ahead!

This time last week I was in Amsterdam, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of endless tulip fields in full bloom. 🌷

Fast forward to today, and while Laura Salter and I were out on the road, we came across Tulleys Tulip Fields—right on our doorstep. Rows upon rows of vibrant colours and stunning varieties, a reminder that inspiration and beauty can be found closer to home than we often think.

At The Abbey Group, we bring that same appreciation for detail, care, and craftsmanship into everything we do—from fine furniture restoration and artwork conservation to professional rug cleaning.

We work closely with insurance companies, loss adjusters, disaster recovery companies and policyholders, supporting fire and flood claims with specialist restoration services—helping recover and restore cherished items when it matters most.

Because whether it’s a field of tulips or a treasured piece in your home, preserving beauty is what we’re passionate about.