Our History
Ian Block - Founder and CEO
Ian Block founder and CEO of The Recover Team had previously volunteered and then worked as a Practitioner in a treatment and rehabilitation setting. During this time he saw people supported and doing well in treatment, but he also saw that for many people this was going to be only part of their recovery journey.
Once the initial presenting problems that prompted treatment were dealt with other deeper-rooted issues came to light. He often saw people return to the treatment in a worse state than when they left – “the revolving door syndrome”. Ian could see that for most, continued support was needed when primary treatment had finished.
With 35+ years of experience with antiques, restoration, architectural design and build, commercial contract furnishing and other entrepreneurial ventures, a furniture up-cycling workshop would be a good choice.
“It felt like an excellent fit”. In addition to the core work of supporting vulnerable adults the up-cycling workshop and training has numerous integral, eco, environmental and social benefits which also benefit communities in Hertfordshire and beyond.
“I became aware that there was a very real need for something beyond front-line treatment, something more intensive available every day, something not treatment-based but giving life skills and specific work-related training and experience”.
January 2023 marked Recover’s 10 year anniversary and we continue to learn, develop and evolve organically.
Holly Brunsden - Workshop Manager
Holly Brunsden has been part of Recover since day one: From volunteer, helping with the workshop’s building renovations before moving in, via apprenticeship and business development to her current role of Workshop Manager, which includes the rewarding job of looking after the Team Members’ training, development, and wellbeing.
“What I find particularly satisfying about working at Recover, is once given the confidence, our Team Members show amazing creativity in such a wide range of styles. It’s truly wonderful to see the development, both in terms of the individuals and the products!”
Holly came to Recover with 20+ years of sales and retail management experience. She holds qualifications in Interior Architecture and Design, Building Conservation and Product Design.
Holly Brunsden - Workshop Manager
Holly Brunsden has been part of Recover since day one: From volunteer, helping with the workshop’s building renovations before moving in, via apprenticeship and business development to her current role of Workshop Manager, which includes the rewarding job of looking after the Team Members’ training, development, and wellbeing.
“What I find particularly satisfying about working at Recover, is once given the confidence, our Team Members show amazing creativity in such a wide range of styles. It’s truly wonderful to see the development, both in terms of the individuals and the products!”
Holly came to Recover with 20+ years of sales and retail management experience. She holds qualifications in Interior Architecture and Design, Building Conservation and Product Design.
Fran Rice - Upholstery Trainer
Fran has had a career in Computing during which she studied for a fine art degree at Central St Martins. After a period of time successfully working as a full-time artist and running a local community art gallery, she re-trained in upholstery at The Wendy Shorter School in Colney Heath where she graduated with distinction. Fran has worked alongside several local and London Upholsterers. She has run her own upholstery business, – Twist and Shout Design, for fourteen years and is a member of the Association of Master Upholsterer and Soft Furnishers. Fran teaches modern upholstery at Hertford Regional College and traditional upholstery at a local village hall. Fran has been teaching at Recover since 2016.