Mike has been selling beds in one form or another for over 30 years! He was born in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, where his father Thomas had his own printers called Clarendon Printers. After attending Davenies Prep School, Mike went on to Chalfont School and then, High Wycombe College studying Business and Economics.
His brother David who was considered academically superior and attended Cambridge University, initiated Mike's passion and determination to succeed through sibling rivalry.
Mike's first job in furniture retail was at Martin's Furniture in High Wycombe, where he was put in charge of the bed department at the tender age of 19!
Mike then moved onto Williams Furniture, Hardy's Furniture and Perring's Furniture (all sadly no longer trading), working his way up to Area Manager before opening his first shop selling Sofa-beds in Uxbridge at the age of 30.
With their first child, just born, Mike and wife Carol sold their car, re-mortgaged their home and risked all their savings on fulfilling the 'dream'. "It just had to work; we had no choice, everything was on the line. With some skill, a little luck and shed loads of hard work your Dreams can become reality"
As well as running Dreams, Mike is also a Liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers, a Freeman of the City of London, Director (Past President) of the Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association, Director (Non Exec) of the British Retail Consortium, Trustee of The Buckinghamshire Foundation, Governor of Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College and an Ambassador of Buckinghamshire. As well as an accomplished speaker at numerous Business and Entrepreneurial Conferences, Mike's a keen supporter of many local charities and a Patron of the Outward Bound Trush and the Retail Trust.
20 YEARS on Mike's passion is as strong as ever - Mike has surrounded himself with the best people in the industry and strongly believes "It's teamwork that makes Dreams Work."
Beaconsfield is still Mike's home town where he's involved with numerous local organisations and charities. He's won many business, entrepreneurial awards and accolades over the years, including being listed in 'Who's Who' and the 'Sunday Times Rich List'.
Very much a family man, Mike has been supported by Carol, throughout the business's 20 years (the wind beneath his wings). Their four children have all worked for the business during their holidays. Morpheus (the Greek God of Dreams) their beagle dog, completes the family. Mike doesn't have time for many hobbies, but his other love is travel. On the rare occasions he is away from the business, he tries to visit new and interesting places (and can almost always find a bed shop or two).
