Full of beans

When Clive and Sue Mabbutt returned to the UK after a spell living in the Philippines, they were both unemployed and had to make a speedy decision about how they were going to settle back into British life. Starting a business together had always been an aspiration and they decided it was time to take the plunge. Full of Beans, a company which now specialises in all types of bean bags, floor cushions and soft play toys, took three months to set up and launched with three products - a child beanbag, an adult beanbag and a giant ladybird cushion; the latter is still a best-seller seven years on. The seeds of the company had already been sown in a small, informal way while they were living abroad. Sue has a scientific background, but has always had a strong interest in interior design and soft furnishings. In order to provide more seating for the family in their large house she made several bean bags which were much admired by visitors. Word spread and she began to sell them occasionally at local markets, although back then she didn't see it as a serious business venture.