Little Possums

Margot and Alan Spalding are owners of Jimmy Possum, a large business based on carpentry and designing and building furniture. They believe the majority of their success is due to the hard working employees and apprentices - from their first apprentice: Damian McIntosh.

Jimmy Possum has established itself as one of Australia's premier furniture and upholstery makers. Owned and directed by husband and wife team Margot and Alan Spalding, Jimmy Possum employs over 100 staff, 35 of those being apprentices.

"The people are everything, and if it wasn't for the people, we wouldn't be where we are today," says Alan.

Todd Carrington, Margot's son, is the company's Design & Development Coordinator yet at age 25, decided to do a cabinet making apprenticeship to further enhance his skills.

Damian McIntosh was the very first apprentice employed by Margot and Alan and after several years with the company, decided to leave to see what other opportunities were available.

After a short period, Damian realised that Jimmy Possum was the place for him and now sets his sights for a bright future with the company.

Quick Facts

Margot Spalding was named 2006 Telstra Australian Business Woman of the Year.

Jimmy Possum offers more than 1000 products through five retail stores as well as supplying furniture to 66 stores across Australia.

No other furniture business in Australia manufactures and retails all of its own products.