THE new owners of a specialist furniture retailer in Exeter are aiming to grow the business after updating its image.

David and Katherine Lacey have taken over Backworld in Topsham Road, as the company this year celebrates 20 years of selling ergonomically designed chairs and desks.

Mr Lacey has worked at the shop for three years and he took the opportunity to buy the business when the previous owner, David Suchodola, decided to retire.

Mr Lacey said: "I really enjoyed working for the previous owners and learned so much about the industry.

"So when they were looking to sell the business, it was a natural progression for me to take over the company."

He had also worked at the showroom under Rod Halling, who ran Backworld from 2002 until last year.

Since taking over, the new owners have invested in revamping the company's website to create an online store.

There are also plans to give the shopfront a facelift and a redesigned company logo will adorn both it and the company's new van.

The couple are also aiming to increase sales of furniture to businesses, having recently supplied chairs to the new city office of Follett Stock solicitors.

Later this week they will be attending the National Dentistry Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

Mrs Lacey, who previously worked as a teacher, said business had been going well since they took over.

"It's slowly growing," she said. "It's not gone mad but we think we have done the right thing.

"We have raised sales quite a bit already but it's a slow process.

"Sometimes it's been manic and other times nothing happens for a few days, so we can't rest on our laurels."

She added that they might take on more staff in future as they become busier.

Though predominantly delivering to individuals and businesses across Devon and the South West, the company has recently received an order from a customer in Barcelona who was looking for specialist chairs on the internet.

Mr Lacey has also joined Exeter Chamber of Commerce and some local networking groups to boost Backworld's profile in the business community.

"Backworld is already well known as specialists in the sale of ergonomically designed seating so Katherine and I are very excited about the future and are looking to take the company to a higher level," he said.

"We are developing ideas to further raise our profile in the area.

"Back pain is a major cause of discomfort and absence from work and if you sit at a computer every day the design of the chair can be a contributory factor to your wellbeing and productivity.

"Getting the right furniture is a major investment for a business."