Five Minutes With Sam Bramah

How well do you know our Director, Sam Bramah? This short interview will allow you to learn more about his experience and expertise in manufacturing, as well as discover the opportunities and challenges that he sees for Specialised Canvas both now and in the future. Take some time to read our latest Q&A blog and spend five minutes with Sam. What do you feel is the biggest strength of Specialised Canvas right now? Over the past few years, we’ve grown and developed our team into a flexible and adaptable production company. We’re always happy to take on new challenges, expand our knowledge, and adjust our processes to take on the most ambitious bespoke projects. From creating apparatus carry bags for emergency services, to detailed repairs for luxury camping equipment, we’re able to use our skills and expertise to add to our ever-evolving list of tasks and manufacturing methods. This adaptability is what makes Specialised Canvas so interesting. We are always ready to support the unique needs and requirements of almost any commercial or domestic canvas product, whilst ensuring every customer receives a first-class experience. What goal do you have for SCS? I’d like to see Specialised Canvas be known as the most technologically advanced, bespoke, industrial sewing factory in the UK. In 2020, we increased our capacity and capabilities by investing in state-of-the-art tools and machinery. We’ve made advancements in every stage of production so that, as a company, we can always offer the highest quality products and manufacturing processes. I want Specialised Canvas to welcome more diverse customers and projects and to carry on creating exclusive and made-to-order products. By committing to custom-made pieces, we’ll continue learning about new and different products, and increase the skills and knowledge of our superb team. With the challenges of Brexit and covid-19 and the effects on international trade, we’ve been proud that 100% of our products are made in the UK. Our 24,000 sq ft facility in Chesterfield puts us in a great position to support customers across the country with all sorts of canvas needs. What was the path you took to get to where you are today? As a teenager, I worked for Specialised Canvas as an Office and Factory Assistant helping with the creation of custom covers for MOD vehicles. I went on to study Product Design and Technology at Manchester Metropolitan University, specialising in Engineering Design, before starting my career as a Mechanical Design Engineer. After several years working with different businesses in the automotive and industrial sectors, I returned to Specialised Canvas as part of the Product Development team. Since 2016 I’ve worked with all areas of the business streamline processes and the growth of a dedicated production and sales team. In January 2020 I became a Director at Specialised Canvas and enjoy looking at the big picture for where the business can go next. Sam Bramah Contract Sewing Factory NHS Key workers in Specilaised Canvas PPE Face Shield Peak District What have been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome? When the UK went into lockdown in March 2020, our business had to make quick decisions and adapt the way we worked to fit this new situation. Amongst the challenges of some team members working from home as well as new guidelines fitting into our production facility, there was a host of opportunities and tests to our capabilities as a business. We quickly received enquiries from care homes and healthcare providers in need of high-quality PPE. Thanks to our work on the Ebola epidemic in 2014, we had experience working with flexible plastics to be used for medical purposes and were happy to help. In a matter of days, we went from closing our doors to manufacturing an entirely new product. After just a few weeks, we produced more than 100,000 pieces of PPE including the new design of a plastic face shield which was ordered by GP surgeries, supermarkets, care homes and more. Working to a tight deadline, with extremely large volumes, and keeping team spirits high was a tall order for the entire Specialised Canvas team but I’m thrilled to say we stepped up to the plate. It was superb to see the team working hard and an honour to support the nation’s key workers during a turbulent time for the entire country. What are your outside interests & hobbies? I’m a keen cyclist and have been since I was a teenager. I try to get out on a nice long bike ride as often as I can. I’m fortunate that I have the Peak District right on my doorstep so if the weather is good enough, I get some wonderful views at the same time. I’m also a proud member of the Army Reserves in the Royal Engineers. Connect with Sam Bramah on LinkedIn to learn more about his experience, and to discover the full range of products and services Specialised Canvas produce. Got questions about the services we can provide for your commercial or domestic project? Call 01246 472949 or email sales@specialisedcanvas.co.uk today.

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