The seeds of the company had already been sown in a small, informal way while they were living abroad. Sue has a scientific background, but has always had a strong interest in interior design and soft furnishings. In order to provide more seating for the family in their large house she made several bean bags which were much admired by visitors. Word spread and she began to sell them occasionally at local markets, although back then she didn't see it as a serious business venture.
However, when the Mabbutts returned to the UK and saw how the nursery market was expanding, they realised that such products could prove very popular. Clive has always worked in sales and marketing so he already had the necessary expertise to get their products into the marketplace and to target the right customers. When customers began asking for soft play toys as well as cushions and bean bags, it became clear how Full of Beans could expand.
At first, all the products were manufactured under contract by a business on the Welsh border, close to where Clive and Sue live. When that company unexpectedly went under they decided to take on their own manufacturing, the main advantage being that they could take tight control of the quality of each item. They moved the business to a barn on a nearby farm and Sue taught herself to work with PVC so that she could train their new machinists.
Initially, the soft play range included sleep mats, dice, dominoes and a construction set, but the catalogue is now much more extensive. The original ladybird cushion has been joined by eight other animal character cushions and the soft play includes a racing car and a tractor and trailer, jigsaws and ride-on rocker toys, as well as the more usual seating andball pools. The company also makes the very popular play parachute which was highly commended in last year's Nursery World Equipment Awards.
To order the latest Full of Beans catalogue, email sales@full-of-beans.com,visit www.full-of-beans.comor call 01694 751772.
