September 1989 -
The 'Thomas' sisters, Alison Cooper (oboe) and Gill Horton (clarinet), set up Wind Plus as a partnership.
Alison had gained her "Diploma in Woodwind Musical Instrument Making and Repair" after completing a three year course at Newark Technical College, Nottinghamshire and was keen to set up her own woodwind repair business.
Gill had come to the end of maternity leave from NatWest Bank and was debating the next step in her working /family life. It was an opportune time, as Alison had become aware of the need for more options for the purchase of materials used in the repair trade. Alison's time would be taken up with instrument repairs, but Gill was eager to join her and take on the sales of supplies.
2001 -
After the birth of Alison's first child, it is now time for her to reconsider work/life balance. At this stage, the two sides of the business can work independently, so Alison continues repairing as a sole trader. Gill does the same for the sales of supplies, continuing the Wind Plus name.
2002 -
Gill incorporates Wind Plus and her husband, Lee Horton (trumpet), becomes Company Secretary in the newly formed limited company.
2010 -
Lee joins Wind Plus full time as a co-director. Lee had always supported both sides of the business and brought in his engineering expertise. He had previously worked in engineering design, within the aero industry and power generation, and felt that after nearly 30 years in this field it was time for a change.
2020 -
Matt Horton (trombone), Lee and Gill's elder son, joins Wind Plus. Matt graduated from Leeds College of Music and Leeds Metropolitan University with a Degree in 'Music Production'. After working at the prestigious Curve Theatre in Leicester as a Sound Engineer for a few years, then taking his knowledge of stage and audio visual gained there into working in the world of retail display installations, and later working in the building and repair of valve HiFi equipment, he brings in a wealth of experience and technical knowledge.
Wind Plus grew organically and steadily over the years and continues to grow and respond to the needs of repairers and to woodwind and brass musicians in the care and maintenance of their instruments.
Alison continues repairing today in her very successful repair business.
