About Us
At Sofa UK, the focus has always been on creating beautiful, high-quality furniture built to stand the test of time. From its humble beginnings in 1975 as Quality Upholstery, the company has grown into a trusted name in the industry, thanks to an enduring commitment to expert craftsmanship.
The story of Sofa UK began in Kashmir, where its founder perfected the art of upholstery. After relocating to the UK, he worked long shifts in Sheffield’s steel mills, dedicating his evenings to repairing and upholstering furniture in a small rented room to support his young family.
In 1976, he opened his first shop in Huddersfield. Over time, the business flourished, particularly after relocating to Rotherham. In 1983, his son joined the business as an apprentice, working alongside him after school and on weekends. Together, they built what came to be known as the “famous blue shed” in their backyard—a modest workspace where the founder balanced his time between the steel mills and his passion for upholstery. It was there that values of precision, quality, and pride in handcraftsmanship were passed down to the next generation.
By 1986, the family rented their first commercial workshop, enabling them to design and manufacture bespoke sofas and settees. This milestone was followed by the opening of their first showroom on London Road, Sheffield. In 1990, the business moved to a larger workshop in Rotherham to accommodate its growth. Although the founder passed away later that year, his legacy of craftsmanship and dedication continued to inspire the family. In the late 1990s, the second generation secured premises in Mexborough, further cementing the foundations of what would become Sofa UK.
In 2014, Tawqeer, the founder’s grandson, joined the business after graduating from the University of Bradford with a BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Sciences. While initially helping in his spare time, Tawqeer’s natural business acumen became evident when he secured several large client contracts. This success motivated him to commit fully to the family business.
In his first year as director, Tawqeer set out to find new premises with room for expansion. Through hard work and determination, he secured the company’s flagship location—a state-of-the-art manufacturing complex housed in the iconic former Burberry Factory in Rotherham. This relocation in 2015 marked a significant turning point, providing the space and resources needed to innovate and grow while preserving the company’s tradition of fine craftsmanship.
That same year, Tawqeer was joined by his older brother, Khassid, who had graduated in Optics. Despite juggling two jobs and a very demanding schedule, Khassid demonstrated unwavering dedication to the family business, ensuring that its needs were never neglected. Together with their father, the team of father and two sons worked tirelessly to modernise operations, expand capabilities, and lay the foundations for the business’s current success.
Now in its third generation, Sofa UK has achieved remarkable growth while maintaining its commitment to quality, sustainability, and the art of furniture making.
The words of the founder continue to inspire the family and the business:
“It’s not about the money; it’s about having pride in what you’ve created.”
Sofa UK doesn’t just make furniture—it crafts pieces designed to endure. With a rich heritage and an even richer history, the company is proud to continue its esteemed legacy.
