Tom retires from TK Furniture & Interiors and hands over Leighton Buzzard business to the family

Kathy was also a partner in the Hockliffe Street furniture business for the past 48 years with Tom. Her illness was short and sudden with only a few weeks of notice, but the family has told the LBO that Kathy has left a great legacy for them to build on. They say she was a tireless worker who didn’t seek reward or fame and is sadly missed by her four children and 11 grandchildren.

Tom and Kathy’s children Samuel, Daniel, Paul and Tara say they are committed to make sure the family furniture business carries on for future generations to continue the legacy of their parents.

A family spokesman said: "The key qualities of service, community, good pricing and offering local customers a full range of furniture, carpets and curtains will carry on. We are proud that we can offer furniture, carpets and curtains all under one roof as well as provide good service.

"Further there are plans to develop the business location on Hockliffe Street, which previously was the old Co-op, to modernise and improve the shop and to convert warehousing space at the shop into residential. The changes proposed will help ensure the family business can remain in the town centre and be competitive."

Tom says he will still pop in to the shop from time to time and he will miss the human daily contact with people, which has been built up over the years. He expresses his thanks to the local community for their support over the years.

Samuel, the shop manager, added: "I have worked with my father for 34 years since I was 16, I have been through several recessions and seen many companies come and go. I have learnt from my father and mother that through hard work it is possible to continue even through the hard times. I look forward to the continued success of the business and offering good service to the local community."

The shop plans to reopen on Thursday, December 3. More details at www.tkfurniture.com


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