LONG-STANDING independent Devon-based company Wistman’s Ltd, specialists in bespoke joinery and carpentry, celebrates its 25th business milestone with a re-brand and move from Dartmouth to larger premises in Newton Abbot.

Formerly known as Rendle & Elliott Carpentry & Joinery Ltd, the company was established in Dartmouth in 1997 by Adrian Rendle and Wayne Elliott.

Known today as Wistman’s Ltd, the company designs and creates architectural joinery and carpentry.

Wayne Elliott said: ‘Having worked with Adrian at a local building firm for a couple of years, we decided that it was time to go into business together and set up Rendle & Elliott.

‘Initially, we rented a small unit at the Old Abattoir in Dartmouth where I was based in the workshop full-time, and Adrian went out on site; it was a great partnership.

‘As time moved on, we outgrew the premises and were lucky to have one of our best customers arrange for us to rent a workshop in Blackawton and the business grew from there.

‘We gradually took on more and more joiners and carpenters and as a result needed to move to bigger premises at an industrial unit in Dartmouth in 2014.

‘I believe it’s our ethos to ensure each customer is 100% happy with the finished job that has helped to grow our reputation.’

Members of Wistman’s team
Joiners - Matt Kuchna, Clive Maddison & Archie Newnham-Dibley. (Centre) Joe Maddison (General Manager) & Jeremy Robinson (Director). Carpenters: Louis Stilwell & Matthew Copeman. (Glen King)

In 2021 Adrian Rendle decided to retire from the company, selling his 50% shares to Jeremy Robinson who joined Wayne Elliott as joint director.

The business then moved to larger premises in Bovey Tracey.

The company was renamed Wistman’s Ltd, inspired by the local and famous woodland known as Wistman’s Wood, based at Two Bridges, Dartmoor, which is one of the highest oakwoods in Britain.

Director of Wistman’s, Jeremy Robinson, said: ‘Rendle & Elliott’s reputation for creating superior craftsmanship for many years means much of their work is down to customer recommendations - and this was true for me!

‘I commissioned them to build four Yurt-inspired cedar-clad buildings which my wife and I designed for our holiday rental business.

‘We were so impressed with the quality of the workmanship that I asked them to carry out further bespoke carpentry throughout the house which was highly specialised and beautifully created by their in-house craftsmen.

‘The work was so stunning that when I heard Adrian was ready to retire, I didn’t hesitate to offer to become a shareholder with Wayne and I’m so proud to be part of Wistman’s.’