July 2022 has seen Teddington Carpet Centre (TCC), one of the longest standing businesses on Broad Street celebrate its 60th anniversary.

Employees, customers past and present, friends and family, all gathered to celebrate the remarkable milestone at Bar Estilo in Teddington. The wonderful turnout paid tribute to TCC's owner, Robert Wilks' larger than life personality and his firm belief in getting to know his customers.

Back in 1962, Leslie Wilks founded the company along with partners Henry Wooding and Ronald Rayner.

Leslie had been selling carpets, furniture and bedding after he had finished service in the RAF in 1947.

His son, Robert, took over in 1978 and has gone on to establish TCC as one of the most thriving businesses in Teddington.

Ably assisted by Sharon Brewer, they both firmly believe their success stems from the ability to ensure excellent customer service and by approaching each job in the way they would want it done in their home.

Dynamic duo: Robert Wilks and Sharon Brewer at TCC's 60th anniversary celebrations

It's a testament to the service they offer as they now boast third-generation customers, who have been loyal to the business since it first opened 60 years ago.

Despite being called 'Teddington Carpet Centre' the shop has had to evolve with fashions and market demands over the years. It now boasts a wide portfolio of flooring products including laminates, engineered hardwoods, natural floor coverings and vinyl tiles.

As well as its diverse range of high-quality services, TCC'S involvement in the local community has also been pivotal to the business becoming such a bedrock in the area.

Robert is a key figure within Teddington and is Chairman of Teddington Together, a local committee made up of volunteers from local businesses and residents who share their skills to develop and expand the local community's lifestyle and shopping experience within the town.

With TCC situated close to Teddington Hospital, Robert witnessed first-hand how tough it was for NHS staff during the pandemic and played his part by donating a regular fund to a local coffee shop to ensure doctors and nurses could pop in for a snack and drink during their shift.

The TCC owner is also an avid supporter of helping school leavers find employment and runs a Kickstart Scheme with Richmond Borough.

During TCC's rich history, Robert has seen wholesale changes throughout Teddington and casting back to when he first started working part-time as a 14-year-old, certainly didn't envisage TCC celebrating 60 years of business.

Reminiscing, Robert said: "Dad used to stock rolls of heavily patterned stair runners – they used to retail at 35 shillings a yard in old money (about £1.75). Nowadays, Woven Axminster Carpets cost in excess of £80 per sq. yard.

"Memorably, the shop featured a heavily patterned lino on the floor – Thames Television asked Dad to lift it up for them because they said it was such a horrible pattern – and they wanted to put it on the set of Mr Rigsby's Flat!"

Whilst also reflecting on her time at TCC, Robert's trusty and loyal co-worker, Sharon added: "I remember first coming into TCC to buy carpet and there was Rob run ragged trying to answer calls and chat to customers all at the same time.

"I offered a helping hand saying I could fill in for a couple days-a-week, at first I didn't hear anything, then 6 weeks later I came in for two days. Soon enough, those two days turned into six days-a-week and 11 years later…here I am!"