pledge

In Memoriam: David E Carter

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:13:54 GMT

In Memoriam: David E Carter

Founder & Managing Director

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our Founder and Managing Director, David Carter.

David’s journey in the seating industry began with Trueform Posture Chairs. Armed with nothing more than a buyer’s guide and a single sample chair, he would set out from Ipswich each morning at 8:30 am, travelling door to door with no brochures and no appointments, working his way home to his family in Hemel Hempstead. His natural ability, determination, and belief in the product quickly set him apart. Opening up to six new accounts a day, David’s success soon overwhelmed factory capacity, and within a short time he was promoted to General Manager, running the company until its owners later separated.

Following this, David had the vision and courage to start his own business. With a detailed business plan, two young children, and very little capital,
he approached suppliers with an ambitious promise that he would sell 15,000 chairs in his first year. Despite his lack of capital every supplier agreed. True to his word, David sold all 15,000 chairs in under a year, working alongside his wife Doreen.

David believed firmly in sound financial principles. He chose to work only with customers who paid within 7–30 days and ensured suppliers were paid back-to-back. In May 1970, Pledge Office Chairs was founded with the objective of specialising in the production of adjustable office seating. Operating from just 180 m² of factory space with 10 employees, David took on the roles of sole manager and salesman, securing his first order from a company named Hoggs.

In 1971, David designed a new swivel bush for office chairs. The invention allowed chairs to be supplied in “knock-down” form, significantly reducing
the bulk and cost of packaging and transport. The design provided firm support for the seat on the spindle, while allowing smooth rotational movement through a snap-action mechanism that retained the spindle securely while permitting swivel motion.

Just one year later, in 1972, Pledge moved to new premises in Leighton Buzzard, employing 50 people and focusing on the production of operator chairs. In 1975, continued growth required a move to larger premises of 2,200 m², including a new engineering department featuring robotic welding, automated saw cutting, and a powder coating plant. The workforce grew to 70 employees.

In 1980, Pledge partnered with German company Grammer to produce a range of chairs designed by American designer Charles “Chuck” Pelly. These seating systems were developed to meet modern ergonomic principles, helping users remain comfortable, healthy, and productive across a wide range of applications and environments.

Innovation remained at the heart of the business. In 1982, David designed a revolutionary tilting chair mechanism named Levermatic, allowing seat height, back height, and back angle to be adjusted while seated using side-mounted levers. In 1983, the mechanism was further developed into the Trimatic, offering independent seat and back adjustment with body-weight tension control. Worldwide patents were registered, and the mechanism was exhibited at the NEC. In 1987, David further advanced the design with the Synchromatic mechanism.

In 1985, two further sites were acquired Leighton Buzzard, bringing total manufacturing and office space to 5,600 m² and enabling expansion of the metalworking division. The workforce grew to 120 employees.

Pledge’s reputation grew internationally. In 1989, a licensing agreement was agreed with Lion Seating, enabling the Pledge Milton range to be produced in Malaysia. In 1990, further licensing agreements were signed with Faultless Doerner in Canada and Kayd Seating in Durban, South Africa, allowing the Trimatic mechanism to be produced under licence.

In 1991, Pledge moved to its current site on Mill Road, Leighton Buzzard, with over 14,000 m² of manufacturing space on a self-contained 9-acre site, employing 160 people and providing capacity for future growth.

Growth through acquisition followed. In 2000, Pledge acquired Formline Ltd, and Pelvic Posture, an ergonomic back care solutions. In 2003, the Edge range of seating was launched, featuring designs by Martin Ballendat (Edge 90), Denis Santachiara (Edge 70), and Pledge’s in-house design team.

In 2015, Pledge opened a London showroom on Great Sutton Street, Clerkenwell.

In 2020, Pledge celebrated its 50th anniversary. Fifty years on, David remained Managing Director, overseeing production of close to one million chairs per year.

In 2025, Pledge marked its 55th anniversary with the opening of a new flagship showroom on Clerkenwell Green, showcasing new product launches from both in-house and industry designers.

Reflecting on his career, David once said:

“I've thought about retiring, but I still enjoy what I do. I'm proud that we've got generations of the same family that have worked for me, and I take my responsibilities to those people very seriously.

By operating our own in-house design, metalworking, woodworking, and upholstery facilities and even manufacturing and maintaining our own machinery we maintain total control over quality and consistency. It’s our way of ensuring that ‘Made in Britain’ continues to mean something. I still talk to major customers every day. In some cases, I’m dealing with the grandchildren of people I first worked with. But it’s not just about me, we’ve got a very good team here.”

Sadly, in December 2025, David Carter passed away. His legacy is one of innovation, integrity, and determination. His vision shaped not only Pledge, but the modern office seating industry as a whole. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, colleagues, partners, and all who had the privilege of working with him.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to David’s family during this difficult time.
Details regarding funeral arrangements will be shared when they become available.

CLERKENWELL DESIGN WEEK

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 06:42:58 GMT

Pledge is exhibiting at Clerkenwell Design Week in London from 21 – 23 May 2024 and would love you to join us. We extend a warm invitation for you to join us as we showcase a selection of our products and unveil our revolutionary new modular soft seating range, Pontoon.

NEW RANGE: PONTOON

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 16:31:03 GMT

Introducing Pontoon, a groundbreaking modular system created by designer Jo Day. Pontoon has been crafted for dynamic workspaces in need of a flexible furniture solution that can adapt and expand alongside the evolving needs of organisations. The potential is boundless.

From the designer:

"When I was younger, I was part of a rowing club which constructed floating pontoons from square plastic blocks. The blocks could be arranged over water to form any shape or sized platform, offering limitless flexibility and tailoring for any location.

This versatility became the inspiration for the design. I wanted to create the ultimate modular seating range.

Adaptability is essential for contemporary, inclusive workspaces. Pontoon can be arranged to create comfortable meeting areas and quiet spots for collaboration or solitary work. The possibilities are limitleess with this versatile range, using just a few modules. The collection features upholstered seating, coffee tables, and planters that can be easily detached from the base for effortless reconfiguration."

"From above the design appears to be a square modular pattern, however Pontoon’s soft curved profiles offer sculptural and harmonious lines to create a striking design whether it is pushed up against a wall or in the middle of an open space.

Pontoon consists of a two and three seater chassis base onto which any combination of stool, chair, table or planter can be arranged. Each top component is simply clipped onto the chassis and can be rearranged easily as and when needed This will allow the range to grow and evolve as the organisation's needs change."

"The base is powder coated and has the option to change the legs from sled style to a straight leg or even castors. Complete your customisation of this smart system by adding power units, which are mounted just under the top rail."

WORKSPACE DESIGN SHOW

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 18:27:58 GMT

Pledge is exhibiting at workspace design show in London from 27 – 28 February 2024 and would love you to join us. We extend a warm invitation for you to join us as we showcase a selection of our products and unveil our revolutionary new modular soft seating range, Pontoon.

CHILDREN IN NEED

SMinney@pledgechairs.co.uk (steve Minney) — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 14:42:22 GMT

L@L for Children in Need

At Pledge, we are proud of our employees’ achievements when it comes to raising funds for worthy causes. Our Finance Director, Heather Thorne, has been with the company for sixteen years. A loving Mum and Nanna, she’s always held Children in Need close to her heart. In fact, it was during her 2007 event that Heather received a phone call to say she’d got the job, starting in our Purchasing department!

For twenty-six years, between 1993-2019, Heather raised an incredible £40,000 for the charity, performing a six-hour Sing-A-Thon in Leighton Buzzard high street every November, no matter the weather.

When asked why she chose Children in Need, Heather said, “I’m a mum! And children have no control over their circumstances.”

“What I loved most about the Sing-A-Thons was meeting lovely people. There was one man who, every single year, would save up all of his 1p and 2p coins, and put them all in the bucket.”

Heather was joined from 2006-2019 by her daughter, Millie, who also works at Pledge. She said, “We can’t physically help all the children who need it - we’re just two people - so knowing that we were able to contribute by doing something we enjoy to raise money; that’s the next best thing.”

Heather and Millie hope to produce a special gala show with local performers next November. Watch this space!

Join us for a giggle and show your spots at our London Showroom on Thursday 16th November, 12 pm – 1 pm, or 1 pm – 2 pm.

To secure your ‘spot’, please register by emailing events@pledgechairs.co.uk

First Floor, 21-22 Great Sutton Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1V 0DY

MACMILLAN

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 12:05:59 GMT

Read Judy's story and why Macmillan is close to our hearts.

Pledge are proud to be hosting a coffee morning to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support in our London showroom on Wednesday 27th September.

While we look forward to raising much needed funds, there is one person at Pledge who has helped to raise in excess of £3,500 for Macmillan. Judy Hinds is our Senior Office and Health and Safety Administrator, and has been a valued member of staff here at Pledge for eleven years. She holds Macmillan close to her heart after personally experiencing their incredible support and compassion.

“I was 27 when my Mum died. She was 51,” Judy recalled. “She had the most amazing Macmillan Nurse before going into a Hospice. I leant on her a lot. Being in my 20s it was not something I would ever have imagined to happen. It’s tough at any age."

The support Judy received while she faced a huge loss at such a young age saw her wanting to give back; hosting, organising and participating in various fundraising events. In 2014, Judy, along with eleven other members of staff, took part in the Pledge Snowdon Trek. In that same year and again in 2019, Judy hosted a Macmillan Coffee Morning at our Head Office in Leighton Buzzard, and in 2017, she completed the arduous Macmillan ‘Hike a Marathon’.

Explaining why fundraising is so important, Judy said: “Macmillan’s income is 98% funded by voluntary donations, so could not survive without fundraising.”

Judy also fundraises for additional charities, having taken part in Race for Life twice for Cancer Research, organised Wear it Pink for Breast Cancer Now, and a raffle on her 50th birthday in aid of Florence Nightingale Hospice, the first prize was a pink leather BOX stool supplied by Pledge! This June, Judy ran ‘30 miles in June’ for Cancer Research.

Pledge are incredibly proud of everything Judy has done, and continues to do, for Macmillan and other cancer charities.

Three million people in the UK are living with cancer. Help us make sure that no one faces it alone. Join us at our London Showroom on Wednesday, 27th September at 11.00am till 14:30pm, for coffee, cake and great company ☕��

First Floor, 21-22 Great Sutton Street, Clerkenwell, London, EC1V 0DY

OUR JOURNEY TO NET ZERO

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 14:05:46 GMT

Time is ticking...

2050

By 2050, every UK business has to be net-zero by law. Understanding the impact Pledge has on the planet is the first step in identifying the actions Pledge need to take to achieve this.

How?

Calculating Pledge's carbon footprint is the first step in any effective carbon reduction strategy. By providing a baseline of emissions broken down by the component parts, the carbon footprint helps understand where the opportunities exist to make immediate and meaningful reductions.

When?

Pledge are at the very beginning of their journey to a more sustainable future. Stay tuned for more updates.

NEW RANGE: CORTADO

Mon, 22 May 2023 09:46:32 GMT

Cortado is a new café breakout range of seating which is perfectly suited to the modern workplace. Gentle curves, spacious and durable, this UK designed product will occupy your third space for years to come.

The Range

Wood Frame Finishes

Metal Frame Finishes

Options

Oak Arm Pads (AP)

Environmental

Recycled Content: 15% (estimated)
Recyclable Content: 98%

NEW RANGE: CABANA

Mon, 22 May 2023 08:43:00 GMT

Designed by Jason Lansdale, Cabana creates a mobile, flexible, and fun meeting zone for the modern office. Open sided, modular, and easy to move around, coupled with battery powered charging ports, this makes Cabana one of the most flexible meeting spaces available.

The Range

Booth Table Top Finishes

Booth Table Frame Finishes

Options

Two-tone Upholstery: 10% Upcharge (2T) .
Pixel, Proton and Puma Power & Data options available.
Fixed Glides (GL)

Environmental

Recycled Content: 15% (estimated)
Recyclable Content: 98%

NEW RANGE: HYDE

Thu, 04 May 2023 18:50:00 GMT

Hyde is a multi-configurable booth which delivers plenty of space to build a comfortable collaboration or meeting zone. Built with sturdy wood panels and finished with foam and fabrication, Hyde is naturally sound absorbent, keeping your space defined.

The Range

Booth Table Top Finishes

Booth Table Frame Finishes

Options

Hyde Joining Roof Panel (HY-R)
Spotlights (SL)
TV Bracket (HY-TVB)

Two-ton e Upholstery: 10% upcharge (2T)

Proton and Puma Power & Data options available

Environmental

Recycled Content: 12% (estimated)
Recyclable Content: 98%