Upholstery Boost! Emma Semper Hopkins Scores Big Grant for Creative Business Workshops
Four-Figure Grant Fuels Upholstery Comeback
Emma Semper Hopkins, founder of Semper Hopkins Upholstery & Interiors, has landed a generous four-figure grant to launch group upholstery workshops aimed at businesses. The cash boost paid for new benches, tools, expert consultancy on product development, plus marketing and website upgrades.
“I want to thank Manchester Metropolitan University for their backing during the grant process, and the Cheshire & Warrington Business Growth Programme for all the invaluable learning,” said Emma, 40, whose workshop is based in a converted chapel at Scholar Green.
Family Touch Transforms Old Chapel
Emma’s dad Ian has been hands-on in refurbishing the chapel on Cinderhill Lane since 2016. Along with mum Kath and husband Dave, the family has become her biggest cheerleaders, turning the space into a creative hub complete with a refreshments bar, tech and presentation kit, and breakout zones for meetings and strategising.
Workshops Tackle Business Stress with Craft
Emma initially offered custom-made furniture and upholstery but shifted to workshops during the pandemic. Now, she hosts group sessions for 4 to 12 people from businesses across the North West and Staffordshire.
“Research shows around two-thirds of small business owners battle mental health issues since the pandemic, with anxiety, depression, and sleepless nights common,” Emma explained, referencing FreshBooks data. “Plus, the HSE reports over 910,000 UK workers suffer from work-related stress. Crafting is a proven mood booster and stress buster—an effective form of social prescribing alongside therapy or medication.”
Workshops Win Fans in the Business Community
The Federation of Small Businesses Cheshire helped launch Emma’s workshops by hosting their Live Network Events roadshow at the chapel.
One attendee, Helen Hill, founder of UnlikelyGenius, praised the sessions: “I was burnt out running three businesses and planned to sneak emails during the workshop, but I didn’t touch my laptop once! The calm atmosphere was restorative—it helped me step back and rethink my work-life balance.”
Emma and her dad’s workshops offer a fresh, hands-on way for stressed business owners to unwind, connect, and recharge. Crafty therapy is proving a perfect mental health pick-me-up across the region.
