At a Glance
- Tasks: Cut, machine sew, and fit upholstery on-site for commercial projects.
- Company: Join a well-established national company with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Earn £275 to £300 per day, with travel and hotel costs covered.
- Other info: Ideal for self-employed upholsterers seeking reliable, well-paid work.
- Why this job: Enjoy flexible contract work while earning a competitive income.
- Qualifications: Must have proven machine sewing and pattern cutting skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Self-employed commercial upholsterer wanted for ongoing contract work along the M4 corridor, based within easy reach of Reading. Day rate £275, rising to £300 per day for work inside London, with congestion charges and hotel stays paid for you.
We are looking for a self-employed upholsterer, or an experienced upholsterer who is ready to go self-employed, who wants a regular flow of well-paid commercial work alongside their own jobs.
The one skill we cannot compromise on: you must be able to machine sew. Every job involves cutting and machine sewing fabric on site. If you are a hand upholsterer who sends sewing out, this is not the role for you. If you cut your own patterns and run your own industrial machine, read on.
On-site commercial upholstery repairs, re-covers and refurbishment for a well-established national company.
- Cutting, machine sewing and fitting on site, working independently and managing your own day.
- Travelling within roughly 80 miles of home, with occasional overnight stays in London and further afield (hotels paid).
To put that in perspective, £275 a day worked five days a week across the year is the equivalent of £71,500, and £300 a day is £78,000. This is contract work, so volume depends on demand rather than a fixed rota. It suits an upholsterer who already has some work of their own and wants a reliable, well-paid stream on top.
Requirements:
- Proven machine sewing and pattern cutting skills.
- Solid commercial upholstery experience: contract seating, banquettes, booths, headboards, panels and similar.
- Your own tools, van and industrial sewing machine (a portable Sailrite machine can be rented for £25 per week if you need one).
- Public liability insurance, vehicle insurance and a full UK driving licence.
- Self-employed status (sole trader or limited company), or the willingness to set up quickly.
The Talent Branch have introduced experienced Upholsterers and Furniture professionals into the industry for over a decade now and have many other roles within this niche sector.
Upholsterer - Furniture Upholstery in Milton Keynes employer: THE TALENT BRANCH
Join a leading furniture restoration brand that values its employees and offers a supportive work culture. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and excellent training and development opportunities, this role as an Upholsterer provides not just a job, but a pathway to growth and success. Enjoy unique benefits like a company vehicle, free fuel, and performance bonuses while being part of a dynamic team during an exciting period of expansion across the UK, Scotland, and Ireland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Upholsterer - Furniture Upholstery in Milton Keynes
✨Join Local Trade Associations
Getting involved with local trade associations can open up doors for freelance gigs in your area. These communities often have job boards or networking events where you can showcase your skills and connect with potential clients looking for skilled tradespeople.
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We think you need these skills to ace Upholsterer - Furniture Upholstery in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Craft:When you're applying for a freelance role in skilled trades like Upholsterer - Furniture Upholstery, your portfolio is your best friend! Include photos and descriptions of past projects, ideally ones that are similar to the work you'd do for THE TALENT BRANCH. This gives potential clients a clear picture of your skills and what you bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Always make sure to list any relevant certifications or qualifications that make you stand out in the skilled trades sector. If you've got trade-specific certificates or licenses, like health and safety training, flaunt them! This adds credibility and demonstrates your commitment to the industry.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Freelancing means flexibility, but be upfront with your availability! In your application, mention when you can start and any blackout periods when you might not be available to work. Clarity helps THE TALENT BRANCH understand how you can fit into their schedule.
Tailor Your Application:Just like crafting a piece of furniture or a cool renovation, every application should be customised! Research THE TALENT BRANCH and mention specific projects or values that resonate with you in your cover letter. This personal touch shows you're genuinely interested in working with them.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE TALENT BRANCH
✨Showcase Your Best Work
As a freelancer in the skilled trades, it's crucial to bring a solid portfolio with you. We should highlight specific projects that demonstrate our skills and problem-solving abilities. Pictures and detailed descriptions will help us prove our worth to THE TALENT BRANCH!
✨Know Your Tools Inside Out
Expect to talk about the tools and techniques we use in our trade. Familiarise ourselves with any industry-standard equipment that could be relevant to the job at THE TALENT BRANCH. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that we're knowledgeable and ready to take on the challenge.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Rates and Availability
As freelancers, we're not just selling our skills, but also our time. We should come prepared to discuss our rates transparently and outline our availability for projects at THE TALENT BRANCH. This honest dialogue sets the tone for a professional relationship right from the start.
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Freelancing interviews are a bit like pitching your services. We can practise explaining what makes us unique, the value we bring, and why we're a great fit for THE TALENT BRANCH. A confident pitch can make a difference in landing that contract!