ALL Phil Amos wanted to do was be his own boss and enjoy the finer things in life.

Little did he suspect his business making wooden garden furniture would surge in popularity and keep him busier than ever.

But Mr Amos, 37, would not change it for the world and is thrilled the expertise of his company, Rustic Garden Furniture, is being appreciated across the UK and in Europe.

Even the props team at Yorkshire-based television show, Emmerdale, were impressed with the company’s authentic products and ordered a few benches.

“They called out of the blue and said our products suited them,” said a quietly proud Mr Amos, sitting back in his office chair.

“I knew the business would grow but I never thought it would grow as much as it has. Originally I wanted the business to support us and enjoy the finer things, but it has grown rapidly.

“I have two part-time assistants in the workshop who also make deliveries, but I will have to employ more. I wanted to expand but we also need bigger premises in the next two years.”

The range of furniture handmade by the three craftsmen includes garden tables and chairs, bench swings, and some indoor furniture.

Rustic Garden Furniture, which is based at Bellhouse Farm in Church Lane, Stanway, has grown 20 per cent year on year since it was established in 2006 and things are decidedly hectic.

“Not a day goes by when we do not get an order. This is our busiest year yet and we are struggling to keep up,” he laughed, but with a hint of relief in his voice as he fully appreciated the fact many other companies are struggling to survive.

“I think people may be spending more money on their homes and gardens, rather than going on holidays, because it is too expensive to go abroad.

“People can’t sell their homes so they are making them better.

“Some people are also fed up with buying mass-produced products because they need to be replaced every few years. This is all about quality.”

After leaving school, Mr Amos, who lives in Maldon, did an apprenticeship in woodwork, studying at Colchester Institute before leaving the industry to work as a service engineer for Colchester company Sportsafe.

But lots of travelling and staying away from home and his wife, Sarah, ignited the desire to be his own boss and return to his love of woodwork.

A friend – a director from Sportsafe – helped Mr Amos set up his enterprise and he has never looked back.

He now makes garden furniture from wood sourced from sustainable forests in the UK and Scandinavia, for customers as far as the Scottish Highlands, Devon and Cornwall, France and Switzerland.

“We even had an e-mail from America, but it’s too far for us to ship,” he said regretfully.

The success of the business was demonstrated when the Guild of Master Craftsmen, a national group which recognises excellence and monitors standards, approached Mr Amos to join it.

The prestigious link, which was awarded after the rave customer references and approval from the guild’s council of management, means Rustic Garden Furniture can use the guild’s logo on its paperwork and business vehicles, and assure customers itsproducts are of the highest standard and quality, made “with skill and integrity”.

Now the company has been awarded the status, it can benefit from the guild’s help in marketing, growing the business and enjoy special cost-reduction schemes.

Richard Walsh, from the Guild of Master Craftsmen, said: “The guild promotes and supports the skills of craftsmen and women across all sectors of trades and crafts to keep these skills alive for future generations and Rustic Garden Furniture is doing that beautifully in wood and metal products for the garden.”