about us

George Shields Kitchens Ltd was established in 1962 by George Shields – a Hartlepool man who wanted to set up a joinery and shop-fitting business. He purchased land in Whitby Street South, on which he personally constructed the first building, and by 1964 the business had evolved into the first D.I.Y. store in the town. By 1966 it started to sell and fit self-assembly kitchens, such as Hygena, and they were also fitting a number of bathrooms at that time.

Continuing to be a major player in their industry, George Shields Kitchens were a star in the eyes of appliance manufacturer Neff, who sent George and his wife Greta on a fabulous trip on the Orient Express.

Devastatingly, in 1979 the company suffered a huge fire that burnt the original building to the ground. It was rebuilt this time in British Steel and George, still determined to be at the heart of the action, dug the foundations out himself. In this building, that still stands today, the business continued to flourish with the number of employees rising to 12. As a result of unacceptably long lead times with certain suppliers, George Shields launched their own brand of kitchen, ‘Longscar’.

In 1986, George finally retired and having trained his two sons Martin and Gary in the business, the company was handed over to them to continue the family tradition. With Martin running the sales and marketing arm of the business and Gary specialising in the fitting, they became the longest standing & largest kitchen and bathroom showroom in the town.

Gary then took over the business in 2006 and while he now runs the design, sales and marketing function he has trained his own specialised team of fitters to offer the same quality on which he has built his reputation. With increased customer interest in additional services such as design and colour, Gary realised it was time to develop the business further and to offer an even more diverse package.

To reflect the expansion of the company and its presence in new markets, it has undergone a major re-branding exercise and will now operate under the new name of Shields Interiors. The top floor of the premises has been refitted for the soft furnishings arm of the business, and the ground floor has been completely refurbished to make it one of the best showrooms around.

Shields Interiors continues its traditions of quality products, skilled team of fitters, excellent knowledge of the industry, and first rate Customer Service. In fact we were recognised for this when we won the Hartlepool Business Awards Service Sector Business of the Year 2009 and we are striving for better next year.

The new-look Shields Interiors can be contacted on 01429 269320 or emailed at info@shieldsinteriors.co.uk