About Us    Heritage

An introduction to Custom Covers (1984) Ltd

Custom Covers was established in 1984 as a cover maker to the marine trade. The company has since diversified into the Events industry and other complementary areas where it currently derives the majority of its revenue. The Company's primary goal is to be recognised as the supplier of choice in the covers, marquees and decorative linings market.

The firm is a medium sized organisation currently employing 70 people from its base in Southampton. The staff are drawn from the local cover, sail making and upholstery industries with a high technical skill level and the ability to bespoke equipment to customers' requirements. These skills have allowed the Company to develop products that have won prizes for our marquee stand at the annual Showman's show in every year since 1996. In 2006 Custom Covers received recognition for its commitment to quality. The ISO 9001 2000 certificate was awarded to the company following a recommendation from Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance

The company provides a made-up textile service by converting roll materials into their final product. As noted the main areas of specialisation are in the Marquee Trade yet increasingly the company's skills are being sought by local industry .

The Company is split into three main departments:

1. A PVC or canvas department handling cloths of 500gsm and upwards using a computer controlled cutting table and modern high frequency welders to allow rapid and accurate manufacture of PVC sheeting up to 750 square metres. Recent investment has resulted in a 30m welding table. The department has a range of modern heavy-duty sewing machines for non-weldable materials and finishing operations.
2. The second manufacturing department sews lightweight materials, normally used as decorative linings for the marquee and leisure industry. Custom Covers is currently the leading manufacturer of decorative linings in the U.K.
3. The third department is a service department, which provides linings services to the event industry. This department is currently the fastest growing area of the business and its success is based on a contract to provide linings services signed with Arena Structures Ltd.

In addition to making up textile products, the company can also supply marquee framework, for 3m to 40m structures, solid flooring and doors. This allows a full service to be provided for customers looking for a tent or marquee.

The Company brochure visually reflects this summary and provides further insight.

Custom Covers is a member of the Performance Textiles Association formally known as MUTA and as a Company seeks to provide an appropriate solution to any textile requirements. In July 2006 The Company were certified ISO 9001 2008 by Lloyds Register Quality Assurance (LRQA).

Custom Covers - Customers

The Company serves a wide variety of customers ranging from small marquee operators up to large players in the event industry such as Arena Structures Ltd, Danco International PLC, Mahood Marquees Ltd, Field & Lawn Marques Ltd, Piggott Bros & Co. Ltd, Fews Marquees Ltd, Coopers Marquees Ltd, Living Heritage Ltd, Classic Event Hire Ltd, Beaumont Events Ltd and many more.

Recent other work done includes the design manufacture and fitting of ceremonial awnings on the back of BAE/VT manufactured Type 45 destroyers, the manufacture of specialist covers for the British Antarctic Survey for installation at the Halley base in Antarctica and specialist cover work for Lockheed Martin

Custom Covers - Ownership and Management

David Sanders bought the Company in its current form in 1984. Having steered the company through 18 years of profitable growth in 2002 David ensured the next phase of development and management succession by selling the business to a management buy-out led by a family backed consortium. The buy-out team consisted of his son Robert Sanders and son-in-law Simon Bell who with David comprise the current board of Directors.