Franz Design

‘From Wood to Web’ - Ireland’s other Caffery’s comes good.

1 . Overview

Franz Caffrey has gone from strength to strength. From his early success as the youngest design company to be featured on the US QTV Network, Franz Caffrey has this year received numerous accolades including – best traditional gift and best general gift. His company has been short-listed for the top 100 in the Ernst and Young Enterprise of the Year along with reaching the national Irish finals of Enterprise of the Year.

This success is due, in part, to the enterprising online web store, launched in late 2000. Designed first and foremost as a marketing tool, the site has continued to collect data to assist the company in selecting overseas locations for future retail outlets. So far the company has secured 10 retailers in the overseas market – each one directly attributed to their visiting of the web site. This demonstrates how a very small company in the craft sector, with a small budget approach to eBusiness, can successfully export to distant markets.

After leaving school at an early age, Franz Caffrey relied on his artistic inclinations and passion for wood, painting and sketching to select his chosen career path. Starting as an apprentice with a selection of small wooden furniture and kitchen crafts companies, Franz moved on to work under an antique dealer in London. Under the guardianship of Tony Bell, Franz acquired the skills of antique furniture restoration. To further his knowledge, Franz spent a year at Bolton Street College in Ireland studying the history and design of furniture. Upon completion of the course, Franz made the brave choice to start his own company, to employ these skills which he had acquired during his formative years.