Taking the entrepreneurial plunge at 27 

It’s a bold move to quit the day job and set up as a competitor to your former employer at only 27 – but that’s what our Loughton customer, Simeon Belev, did two years ago. After eight years in the flooring industry, he took the plunge to become his own boss – and hasn’t looked back. The secrets to Dubwoods’ success? Hard work and putting the customer at the centre of everything they do. 

Quitting the day job to start a business   

Simeon Belev set up Dubwoods to provide exceptional flooring solutions to enhance the beauty and functionality of residential and commercial spaces. Providing a start-to-finish solution, they combine high-quality products and labour services, including sanding solutions and installation. With a range that includes engineered wood, luxury vinyl tiles, solid wood and laminates, they offer bespoke wood flooring designs and finishing in any size or colour.  

Since starting out on his own on 4 January 2023, Simeon has grown the reputation of Dubwoods to land a range of retail and trade customers, as well as several high-end residential and commercial customers in central London. They have also worked on and completed Grade 1 & Grade 2 listed buildings in the capital. 

Creating a point of difference to win customers    

With plenty of flooring suppliers to choose from, Simeon says Dubwoods stands out for offering a complete, convenient start-to-finish service to all customers: “We provide personal one-to-one consultations, whether they come to visit the showroom or request us to come to them with our big display samples. Our customers always deal with the same person from that first consultation, including a site visit to measure up and right through to completion of the project.  

“There’s no secret to our success – it’s all down to hard work and constant efforts. We adopt a totally customer-service orientated approach. It is so important that we follow up after fit outs, checking that the  customer is happy with their new floors. We always strive to exceed expectations.” 

Flexibility and simplicity makes business accommodation a no brainer      

When it came to choosing the right location for Dubwoods, Simeon found everything he needed at Loughton Seedbed Centre: “I decided to go with Capital Space because it has the ease of monthly licensing. I am also happy that I get one invoice for the rent, utilities and phone lines. It makes everything one bit easier to deal with. 

“I have now been in this centre since January 4th 2023, when I collected the keys to my unit. We have since managed to build the showroom, kit out the warehouse and even purchase a forklift.  

“From the moment I enquired about the unit I was assisted by the Loughton Seedbed Centre team from start to finish of turning an empty workshop into a beautiful and complete flooring showroom. They also helped put me in contact with trusted fit-out teams and building control contractors. The support from the team on site is ongoing and as a small business it is a great to know that I can always ask for help when needed.” 

With Dubwoods’ three-year anniversary looming, Simeon is looking forward to continuing to invest in and grow his business to stay ahead of his competition and win new customers.   

If you’re looking for flexible accommodation for your new business, get in touch