England rugby legend Bill Beaumont helps independent firm mark anniversary

England rugby legend Bill Beaumont helped GSG Carpet Factory Shop mark their fourth anniversary with a champagne reception

England rugby legend Bill Beaumont helped an independent Rochdale firm mark their fourth anniversary with a champagne reception.

GSG Carpet Factory Shop, of Queensway, Castleton, was founded in 2009 by director Sue Benson who has now been joined by Sharon Wills’ Curtain Design Service.

To mark the occasion, guests were invited to meet former England and British Lions captain Bill Beaumont – now a director of his family textile business – at an open day.

Sue says the business’ success in this difficult economic climate is justification for taking a punt on it four years ago.

“My motto at the time was just go for it,” she told Rochdale Online.

“Although it is very tough times I have absolutely no regrets.

“I think Rochdale is a lovely place and I have met some lovely people here.”

Sue explained the shop – which stocks high-quality roll-ends and remnants and can therefore offer them at low prices – has fitted carpets for people as far afield as Newcastle and Hull.

She added: “Events like this are very important to us because they allow people to see what we are about.”

Sharon meanwhile originally met Sue when she went to find a carpet for her dining room.

After asking if it would be possible to display some business cards, she was informed the shop was looking to expand and was asked if she was interested.

Sharon acknowledged it was a risk to set up business but claims her love of the job makes it worth the chance.

“I love doing what I am doing,” she said. “I enjoy my curtain design and I like meeting people.

“It’s nice to be able to put on things like this where we can show them what we do.

“It’s a pleasure to be working with Sue - we both share the same passion.”

She added: “From here, I don’t really know! I’ll just see how it goes. Hopefully it will all be grand.”