November 2026

Right From the Start

For ercol, family has always been about more than a name. As a fourth-generation family business, it is a thread that runs through the company’s history, shaping not only the furniture it makes, but the people and relationships behind it. 

Without our people, we would not exist

Through the different generations, this sense of family has extended beyond the business’s ownership, becoming an important part of the wider ercol team. From colleagues who have followed in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents to those who work alongside their own family members today, these connections help carry forward the values and traditions that have shaped ercol.

Few stories illustrate the relationship between family and ercol quite like that of our Chairman, Henry Tadros. Today, Henry represents the 4th generation of his family to lead ercol, continuing a legacy that began with his great-grandfather more than a century ago.

Ercol Founder Lucian R Ercolani was Chairman from 1920 (Captured in the painting), his son Lucian B Ercolani was Chairman from 1976 (bottom middle, alongside his brother Barry Ercolani), his nephew Edward Tadros was Chairman from 1973 (top left)

Henry’s extensive family history at ercol dates all the way back to 1920, when his great-grandfather, Lucian R. Ercolani, founded the business in High Wycombe. Driven by beliefs in good design, craftsmanship and the importance of looking after the people behind the business, Lucian laid the foundations for a company that would continue through generations of his family. His son, Lucian B. Ercolani, became Chairman in 1976, continuing the family’s involvement in leading the company. The role was later held by Henry’s father, Edward Tadros, who spent 29 years working within the business before stepping down as Chairman in 2022, and passing the role to Henry. 

Henry became chairman in 2022, following in the footsteps of his Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather

Henry has built his experience through several different roles throughout the business, starting in the factory and moving across different departments, before moving into sales and then finally becoming Chairman in 2022. 

“Family is everything to us. We’re a family-owned business, with different generations of families working within it, which only brings us all together into a big ercol family.”

For Henry, this sense of togetherness is what makes ercol special.

Family connections can also be found across ercol’s customer service team. Amelia is the fourth generation of her family to work at ercol, following in the footsteps of her great-grandfather, grandfather and father, who all worked within the factory and warehouse. Having grown up with an understanding of the company and its history, Amelia says this was one of the things that inspired her to join, she comments that

"I enjoy being part of a business where people are so welcoming and supportive and am looking forward to building on the connections that my family has shared with ercol for so many years." 

Similarly, Jo and Nicky both followed in the footsteps of their mothers, who worked together in customer service and reception for many years. When Jo’s mum retired, Nicky took her place, and she and Jo now work together just as their mothers did before them. Reflecting on this, Jo explains that their families have known each other for years, with both knowing each other's children and relatives, in their own words;

“It’s lovely that our mums worked together, and now we work together too. That’s why we’re always joined at the hip!” 

A further connection of those still working side by side at ercol today is that of Pat and his grandson, Connor. Pat first joined the business in 1965 as an electrician and, despite reaching retirement age in 2004, has remained an integral part of the business, generously passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation. His daughter also worked at ercol in the upholstery department, making Connor the third member of the family to join the company. 

Pat first joined ercol in 1965, and now works in the same factory as his Grandson Connor.

Having completed work experience in the design department while at sixth form, Connor decided to explore a career at ercol. Having his grandad there meant he had someone to turn to for advice and a familiar face as he settled into a new working environment. Pat admits he was initially unsure whether Connor would enjoy the change, but is pleased to see him doing well and getting along with his colleagues. 

Having his grandad there meant Connor had someone to turn to for advice and a familiar face as he settled into a new working environment.

 “We’ve tried to do everything we can to look out for each other here, and I’m sure that Connor will carry it on.” 

For Pat, family is about supporting one another, and he’s sure Connor will continue that tradition.

For Monika, ercol has been part of her family’s life for generations. Her grandfather joined the business in the 1960’s. While out walking with a friend, he came across the ercol factory and went inside to ask for work. He was hired on the spot and went on to work here for 20 years, the majority of his time in the bandsaw shop. Other members of the family followed, including Monika's mother, auntie and her uncles, one of whom completed 21 years. 

Monika joined in 2005 and was promoted to Head of Marketing in her 21st year at ercol

Monika grew up with ercol as a familiar part of family life, from attending company family open evenings to the annual summer trips to Bournemouth. Monika continues to feel that same family connection, whenever she does something that she is proud of at work, she calls her uncle to share the news, and his response is always the same: her grandad would have been so proud. For Monika, this reflects the lasting connection her family has with ercol, where a sense of family extends beyond relatives to the colleagues who have worked alongside one another for many years.

Roy has worked here since August 1978

The connection between generations is also evident in the relationships between fathers and sons at ercol. Roy has spent his working life with the company, playing an important role in the development of the machine shop and continuing to find new challenges throughout his career. He is also involved in ercol’s apprenticeship scheme, helping to bring the next generation into the business.

Both of Roys sons have worked at ercol.  Having worked across several areas before finding his place, Tim has developed his own career within the business in the Health & Safety team, Tim brings a different set of skills and interests to the company.

Roy’s other son, Chris also followed the family tradition, joining ercol in the assembly department. His time at ercol meant that all three had a connection to the company, each contributing in different areas. Together, their experiences highlight how different generations can contribute in their own ways, while sharing a long-standing connection to ercol. 

Andy, our Journeyman Supervisor, and his son Duncan, in Technical Support, are yet another example of a father-and-son relationship within ercol. Their connection also extends to Rob Taylor, our Machine Shop Team Leader, who is Andy’s brother-in-law and Duncan’s uncle. Together, their family ties demonstrate how different generations and wider family connections are represented throughout the business. Rob comments that, 

"You get to know people so well over the years that they become like family. I'm still in touch with some of the lads who have left, and we still see each other." 

This is a further reflection of the close-knit environment at ercol, where the relationships people build often extend beyond their working lives.

Over 230 years of service at ercol in one picture.

Across generations, these stories offer a glimpse into what makes ercol more than just a place to work. From the families who have grown up alongside the business to the colleagues who have supported one another throughout their careers, there is a shared sense of belonging that runs through the company. Knowledge, skills and values are passed from one generation to the next, while new faces bring their own experiences and ideas. More than a century since Lucian R. Ercolani first founded the business, ercol continues to evolve, but the importance of its people and the connections between them remain at the heart of what it is.