I’m Chris, founder, owner, and director of Tru English. Before discovering my true vocation in life, I explored various jobs and developed a good work ethic from a young age. As soon as I was old enough, I got a paper round, ran my own car washing service knocking door to door on my bike, worked in a fish and chip shop and worked in tele sales, selling kitchens. At the age of 17 I knew I wanted to work in carpentry and joinery, so I walked onto a building site and asked for a job as a carpenter. I started off forming concrete, which I did for over a decade.
Due to my passionate vocal expression, everyone around me knew about my desire to become a joiner and cabinet maker and it wasn’t long until a friend of a friend commissioned me to build a wardrobe. I then I realised I had a true talent for joinery, so enrolled on a two-year carpentry course at college. I earned a Level 2 Diploma in Carpentry and was honored with an award for Best Evening Class Student. My time at college, it gave me the drive to do my own thing, so I signed up with ratedpeople.com which then led to the birth of Tru English on May 13, 2016.
I am fortunate to have turned my passion into a thriving business. Sharing my love of wood with my team and seeing our collective craftsmanship come to life is a dream come true. At Tru English, we continue to create beautiful, bespoke woodwork that reflects our dedication and passion for the craft.
Our mission is to provide the finest bespoke luxury joinery and carpentry solutions for both the home and commercial settings. We achieve this through innovative design, superior production, and exceptional service. Our unwavering commitment to artisanal craftsmanship ensures that our projects stand out for their beauty, functionality, and the joy they bring to our clients.
When I’m not crafting wood masterpieces, I love diving into extreme sports. You’ll often find me mountain biking through the South Downs or Surrey Hills, snowboarding in colder climates, or surfing the chilly British waters. I share my life with my two dogs, Mayer and Bilbo, and my wonderful wife.
Brandon joined Tru English just over a year ago, bringing a passion for bespoke carpentry and joinery. Despite the challenges of Covid, whilst at school, Brandon knew early on that he wanted to become a skilled cabinet maker and joiner. He pursued his dream by enrolling in a Level 3 Diploma in Carpentry at college, where he honed his craft and developed his expertise.
Outside of his dedication to custom joinery services, Brandon enjoys rock climbing, bouldering, and trips to the beach when the weather permits. He also loves attending music festivals with friends. Brandon’s enthusiasm for woodwork is evident in his belief that the opportunities in woodworking are endless.
Brandon contributes his expertise in luxury joinery for homes, helping to create bespoke carpentry and joinery solutions that reflect our commitment to high-end woodwork and craftsmanship.
Ross has been a carpenter since the age of 20, honing his craft over a decade of experience. His career has taken him across London, where he has made a significant impact in the realms of scenery and exhibitions. Ross has been instrumental in creating stunning stage, film, and theatre sets, bringing creative visions to life with his expert craftsmanship. His talents extend beyond traditional carpentry, creating captivating displays and runways for renowned fashion houses and museums across London. Ross’s ability to blend functionality with artistry has earned him a respected reputation in both the carpentry and creative industries.
Ross has been honing his skills in joinery over the last five years. Driven by a deep-seated love for wood and a passion for craftsmanship, Ross joined Tru English in January 2024, where he continues to perfect his artistry. Other than a love for wood, Ross also has a passion for his dogs, South African Boerboels, Mabel and Maya, he enjoys body weight training and downtime chilling with his two children and long-term partner.
