Over 20 years ago, Steve Bingham and Gerard Leathem were working as part-time employees at Wilson’s Yard. From humble beginnings with a brush in hand, the duo weren’t to know then that two decades of hard work would see them rise through the ranks to eventually co-own the business they dedicated their careers to as part of a major acquisition supported by Ulster Bank.
The pair take over the reins of the famous architectural salvage yard as founders Geoff and Rosy Wilson announce their retirement after 44 years in business.
Once billed as a one-stop shop for all things reclaimed, Wilson’s Yard has grown to become a leading design house providing bespoke and one-off commissioned architectural products. Previously split across two sites in Dromore, the business has consolidated at its Mossvale Road location where new owners Steve and Gerard intend to refocus while staying true to their roots.
“Architectural salvage will always be part of our DNA,” Steve said. “But the supply of reclaimed products is finite. There are fewer and fewer old properties, salvage is harder to come by, and the demand is still high.”
The move allows Wilson’s Yard to concentrate on its strongest areas, including reclaimed and new wooden flooring, bespoke kitchens and joinery, period doors, beams, trusses, cast iron radiators, sash windows, lighting, fire-retardant timber cladding for commercial projects, and a wide variety of antique and vintage decorative items.
“Our approach is simple: restore, don’t replace,” said Gerard. “There is huge demand for authentic materials and skilled restoration, particularly from people working on period homes. Where original materials are no longer available, our joinery team can recreate them to the correct proportions using reclaimed materials and traditional methods.”
Between full-time employees, part-time staff and self-employed craftspeople, Wilson’s Yard supports a skilled team of around 12 people and many related businesses.
“We started here as young men and over many years gained knowledge about each part of the trade,” Steve said.
“That gives us a strong foundation to carry Wilson’s Yard forward, protect the skills that make it such a special place, and continue serving the customers across the UK & Ireland who depend on us.”
In recent weeks, the business opened a refreshed yard to the public, giving customers the opportunity to explore its wide range of products and discuss bespoke commissions with the team. New display areas and a new e-commerce website is also in development, designed to make it easier for customers to order bespoke and specialist products online, including items created in their chosen finish.
Ulster Bank business development manager Derick Wilson said: “What makes a business like this thrive is the people behind it; those with a keen eye for detail, a love and understanding for our built heritage, and with important, specialist skills, often in traditional crafts. We’re really pleased to support the new ownership team write the next chapter for Wilson’s Yard. Their vision and strategy is clear and their respect for the heritage of the business is commendable.”