John Groom AN Outer Hebrides made-to-measure furniture manufacturer has upgraded its workshop and expanded its offering after securing funding, writes Ian McConnell. Heb Fitted Furniture, on the Isle of Lewis, began in an unused spare room, with business owner John Groom identifying a gap in the market for a made-to-measure furniture service in the area. The business manufactures and installs bespoke shelving and cupboards to create a fully-fitted look in places around the home where standard furniture or shop-bought units do not fit. Taxpayer-funded support service Business Gateway, which helped Mr Groom secure about £4,500 of grant and loan funding that has enabled the entrepreneur to purchase a wide range of tools and equipment, noted his furniture service had started as a “passion project”.