MPOWER

The origins of M.POWER Tools lie in a woodshop, in a derelict barn, in the West Country of England.

In 1992, Tobias Cardew, (a burnt out London based restaurateur) crashed out of town and went “On the road” living in a caravan with his girlfriend and a bus dwelling hippy friend and his family. The new ultra-slow tempo of life helped his recovery, but a change of direction was needed and a new challenge too.

Having enjoyed designing and converting the trailer, he embarked on several woodworking courses culminating in a BTEC National Diploma in Furniture Design at Rycotewood College in Oxfordshire. Upon his return, Toby persuaded a local land owner to rent him (for next to nothing) an abandoned Pig Shed based on the local farm.

Toby started designing and making furniture and installations for a wealthy client base in London. Late into an evening while attempting to streamline efficiency, Toby rigged up an old vacuum cleaner to a slab of MDF and created his first vacuum hold down system.

In 2001, a teenager who worked as a Pot wash in the local Pub asked for a job. Toby, who left school with no academic qualifications, advised Phil Lawes “Go back to University and finish your degree, maybe after that we can talk.”

A week later Phil returned having quit his course and cajoled/begged and levered his way into a full-time job at the renamed M.POWER Tools.

5 years later Phil’s inherent administrative financial skills and natural business acumen earned him the top job at M.POWER. At the tender age of 24 Phil became Managing Director.

M.POWER is now in its 25th year and continues to design, develop and manufacture innovative tools, exporting to more than 16 countries Worldwide.

"Our mission is simple; to provide innovation, simplicity and quality to discerning craftspeople all over the World.”