Booming business- an interview with Cove Interiors

With the first anniversary of Cove Interiors fast approaching, Yachting Pages spoke to Matt Shelton to find out how the 2014 business year was for the British company.

When was your business founded?

Carly and I met when we started working for a prestigious shipyard in 2004. It was here we gained the experience and knowledge working from trade level to management within the interior finishing department. Realising the need for a professional company with our skillset we started Cove Interiors in February 2014. Since then we have delivered contracts in the UK, France and Italy and have been consistently busy with many clients coming back with repeat business.

In your own words how would you describe your business?

Cove Interiors is an interior finishing company operating in the superyacht sector. From new builds to refit work, we spray or hand finish paint and polish work to high standards. From full refits, touch up work and exterior bright work our friendly team can deliver contracts worldwide and work closely with clients in a professional manner to meet their needs. We have been running the company for our first season and our clients have had us back for repeat work so it’s been a good start for us.

What makes you different from your competitors?  

The industry sector we operate in has changed a lot over the years. French polishing is a traditional finish that is rarely used on yachts today. The need for durability and a greater range of products meant that this trade has developed accordingly and we have addressed these needs. Clients are expecting a professional company to undertake works on board, whether in a shipyard or a marina worldwide. There are very few companies specialising in the interior finishing and exterior bright work of superyachts. We are friendly, professional and understand the importance of a good client relationship that is reflected in our repeat business.

What’s new with your business?

We are currently working on a classic Feadship in Southampton and another motor yacht in the south of France and enquiries are coming in for other jobs.

Is there anything that people don’t know that you would like to announce?

Clients do need to book in advance because we tend to be busy through the season, sometimes 4 months ahead.

Who is your key target audience?

Yacht captains, chief stewardesses, project managers, shipyards and management companies.

What are the biggest challenges that you face in the superyacht industry at the moment?

We are only a new company, so for us it is getting new clients and establishing a good, professional relationship so they can see what our company is about and how we work.

How is business?

Business has been good for our first season and we don’t seem to be affected by the recession. We are able to travel with our work so the opportunities are greater.

What are your top tips in your industry?

High standards, flexibility and a professional work ethic.

What is the most bizarre client request you’ve received?

We recently refinished a large rocking horse that was unusual.

What are the current trends in your sector at the moment?

In the new build and refit sector we are seeing a move away from the high gloss ‘bling’ finishes to a more subtle contemporary matt finish. Natural washed effects and more exotic timbers are being used now.

What superyachts/big clients have you worked with that you can share?

Confidentiality is an important aspect to our business so client’s privacy is respected but some of the yachts we have worked with can be viewed on our website blog. We have worked with some of the large management companies like Fraser Yachts and many prestigious yachts over the years in the industry.

Do you have a brochure/information about your business?

Yes, we had some information printed outlying our services which can also be sent in pdf format, although most can be found on our website. View brochure here

Are you attending any upcoming boat shows?  

We are currently busy with other contracts, but we do attend some of the main shows if we have any spare time.

Who would be your dream client?

Every yacht is different and we are always learning and progressing with new developments, so we always enjoy a new challenge with every project, albeit some more than others.

For more information, visit Cove Interiors