Trading Boundaries is a family business founded by Michael Clifford and Tracy Thomson in 1996. Michael’s Grandparents had been missionaries in Southern India, and his mother, Marguerite, was born near Kohinoor in the Nilgiri Hills.
The family also founded a small emporium store and built a church which is still standing today. Michael’s visits to these places as a teenager left with him a desire to return and a feeling of unfinished business. Together, Michael and Tracy’s passion for traveling and trading has taken the business from a very humble beginning in a small agricultural barn to the beautiful Georgian Coaching Inn that over the years has become a ‘go to’ place to find something unusual for your home.
Their shared love affair with India remains but the company now also imports from all over South East Asia. Over the years they have developed a fantastic network of suppliers and hand-pick only the most interesting pieces for the Sussex showroom. Trading Boundaries has grown organically over the years and is now home to an award winning Live Music Venue and is the official gallery to internationally acclaimed artist Roger Dean.
Sons Oliver & Ben, Aunt Jen and daughter-in-law Cara form the core of the family business and have brought fresh ideas and energy to the company as it has grown in recent years. Trading Boundaries is officially licensed for weddings and now features 8 boutique guest rooms!
