Darren Coupland, co-owner of Sail and Cover Marine Services, a maritime focused design and manufacturing business, is looking for more younger people who are interested in working in the industry to get in touch.
The firm, based off Sproughton Road, specialises in boat covers and was bought by Mr Coupland with his business partner Stephen Curle four years ago.
He said: "It was a failing company; we built it up and we serve the whole of Suffolk with yacht covers and the superyacht market as well."
Sealine F37 a vessel that the company completely refurbished including a manufactured a new framework, as well as the complete rear enclosure, bimini, console cover and bimini bag.Sealine F37 a vessel that the company completely refurbished including a manufactured a new framework, as well as the complete rear enclosure, bimini, console cover and bimini bag. (Image: Darren Coupland) Sail and Cover has had some high-end clients including designing sunshades for the director’s box at Tottenham Hotspur FC and work it has recently completed on a $60m American super yacht named My Samadhi.
Mr Coupland added: "They bought from Holland for a $20m refit. It's a different world. It had two cars on it. It is $500,000 (to hire) for five days."
A retractable supercar cover that the company designed and manufactured as the client had no garage facility.A retractable supercar cover that the company designed and manufactured as the client had no garage facility. (Image: Darren Coupland) Despite the glittering clients his company have worked for, Mr Coupland insists "it's not just the top clients, it's local people as well" citing a forthcoming project with the Station Hotel in Burrell Road which showcases the diversity of his company.
However, despite the company's success Mr Coupland insists given his ageing workforce it is essential for the firm to attract local youngsters.
An interactive tipi that the firm manufactured for Lexton Springs Special Residential School.An interactive tipi that the firm manufactured for Lexton Springs Special Residential School. (Image: Darren Coupland) He said: "I'd like to bring more local staff in over the next six to 12 months. This is a dying trade, I'm 55 years old and I'm probably one of the youngest guys that do it.
"Everything's hands on, everything's bespoke. It's not just put into a computer - it's an old-school trade."
A residential property in Creeting St Mary where the company made enclosure panels for the outside seating area.A residential property in Creeting St Mary where the company made enclosure panels for the outside seating area. (Image: Darren Coupland) "It would be nice to bring younger people into it. I struggle like hell to get people involved in it, I really do."
Mr Coupland emphasises Ipswich's proud maritime history as well as the strong manufacturing history in the town although he admits that most people who worked in manufacturing have retired, and many younger people aren't interested in working in the sector today.