THE re-siting of Tom Cook Carpets, just round the corner at Blackminster Business Park, provided the perfect opportunity for expansion for Ali Foulds whose interior design business and showroom was literally bursting at the seams.

Mrs Foulds, who has run Ali Foulds Interiors from the same spot for 14 years, says she would have stayed and 'managed' in the tiny bright red shop, formerly a director's office and bank when the business park was a fruit-canning factory linked to Badsey Growers, but being able to expand next door has proved a godsend.

"I love it at the business park. There is everything here. Each business literally bounces off one another," she said. "We all just seem to fit with what we all sell, from furnishings to carpets, hot tubs, garden machinery, log burners. It would have been a squash if Tom had not moved just round the corner and meant we could expand next door, but we would have managed because I would not want to move. We are thrilled with our new showroom and it means we can create lovely displays of the hand-made furniture we offer and examples of our furnishings. It is bright and airy and people can feel relaxed as they walk round.

"We've been told we offer the largest range of designer fabrics outside London. A lot of people have come into the showroom amazed at what we have."

An advanced City and Guilds-qualified interior designer, Mrs Foulds employs five staff. Her right-hand man is Nicky Robbins, herself an interior designer. Both are on hand to offer advice and guidance and there is no shortage of choice with more than 1,000 pattern books to ensure your furnishings are a perfect match.

Collections of fabrics, trimmings and wallpapers including those from Designers Guild, Osborne & Little, Nina Campbell, Zoffany, Harlequin, Sanderson and GP&J Baker grace the walls, alongside, Bakers Lifestyle, Mulberry Home, Blendworth, Colefax & Fowler, Jane Churchill, Lewis & Wood and Romo.

The business is also the main stockist of Farrow and Ball paints and wallpapers.

The bespoke furniture is handmade in England and can be made in any of their upholstery fabrics with many examples on show. A complete and professional interior design service for your home or commercial property is also offered.

Details of opening times and examples of the furniture and furnishings on offer as well as the interior design service can be found on the website: www.alifoulds.co.uk

Alternatively ring 01386 832212 or email ali@alifoulds.com