Big Furniture Group Magazine January 2023

Editorial Dan Squires Managing Editor dan@bigfurnituregroup.com 07531 854718 | 01223 298489

Advertising Gary Hall Sales Director gary@bigfurnituregroup.com 0207 096 1010

Publisher Stephen Smith Production Juan Morante GraphiC Design www.bigfurnituregroup.com

EDITOR´S NOTE

Dan Squires Managing Editor

Welcome to January’s Big Furniture Group Magazine ”

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful festive break and managed to switch off from work mode – even just for a day! With the New Year now underway, it brings a sense of optimism but also perhaps some reservation and anticipation on what may unfold over the next 12 months. Sitting with my optimistic hat on, January always represents a fresh start for the furniture industry, especially as show season officially begins. This month we take a look at three UK shows taking centre stage with the INDX Furniture Show and January Furniture Show the first two towards the end of the month. Immediately following these events is the Spring Fair in early February.

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Print: Buxton Press ISSN No: 2753-3387

Copyright © Big Furniture Group 2022 Issue No: 5

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the specific prior written consent of the publisher. Big Furniture Group Ltd accepts no responsibility for variations in colour reproduction and cannot be liable for the safe custody or return of any solicited or unsolicited material. We are committed to producing a true, factual, fair and unbiased publication through the editorial content within and takes appropriate measures to do so. Big Furniture Group Ltd reserves the right to edit any content other than advertisements, with the editor’s decision being final. All material submitted for inclusion in Big Furniture Group is done so entirely at the owner’s risk. Advertiser information is accepted in good faith and Big Furniture Group accepts no responsibility in in adverts appearing in the magazine, and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s views. Contributors are advised to keep copies of all material submitted.

Throughout the magazine you will find updates from various suppliers ready for show season, as well as our regular interview slots. Talking of which, this month’s Big Interview is La-Z-Boy UK’s new MD, Rich Greenwood, while our Retail Focus shines the spotlight on independent retailer Glasswells. The latter also features in our next round of Green Retail, alongside Sopha and Linthorpe Beds, while Ideal Furniture talks about why it has moved its manufacturing facility from China and shares an insight into storage trends. With China in mind, our newest feature is A Letter from China, where Paul Wray, Managing Director of Furntec Ltd, talks about the furniture industry in China and how to find the right partner.

The magazine also includes an interview with Ekornes and how their clear strategy has delivered record growth, while MattressTek celebrates a trio of award wins. There’s another input on technology from Made Smarter and with show season in mind, we asked a number of retailers what their favourite furniture trade event of year is. Meanwhile, GNG, Wiemann, Gallery Direct, Hyder Beds, Mattsons Beds and Kettle Interiors all share their latest developments, and to sign things off we have a Last Word from Sarah Hillary, a partner at BDO, who provides an insight into the question, are apprenticeships still overlooked by young people?

That’s enough from me, so enjoy our latest magazine. Oh, and if you have any news you want to shout about, drop me an email on dan@bigfurnituregroup.com We’d love to share your story.

Rich Greenwood, new MD of La-Z-Boy UK, takes our Big Interview this month and talks about what the furniture industry is lacking, a bowling talent and future plans now firmly in the hot seat.

Furniture Village becomes 100% family-owned

business would be wholly owned by the family. We have now realised that dream thanks to our fantastic people and our principal partners who have all contributed to our journey – my original business partner David Imrie, Peter Grant of Cadogan Estates, Jane Vinson at BGF and Jim Hodkinson our longstanding Chairman.”

Charlie Harrison, Commercial Director, of Furniture Village added: “In recognition of our team, their strength and success, Furniture Village has also decided to introduce an Employee Benefit Family Partnership which will be a means of sharing the results of great performance with everyone in our special business.”

Sussex Beds revamps vans

Sussex Beds also plans to open a new 6,000sq ft store on High St in Horley, its first in Surrey, on 14 January 2023, as well as in Caterham and other locations in the year ahead.

Digital agency partners with flooring firm and furniture retailer

Online beds retailer Happy Beds has been told to clarify future price comparisons in adverts to not mislead by falsely claiming a price advantage.

National furniture retailer, Furniture Village, has announced it has managed a highly successful exit deal with its shareholders that sees it become a 100% family-owned company. (Pictured: Charlie Harrison, Commercial Director and Peter Harrison, Chief Executive at Furniture Village)

The move allows father and son, Peter and Charlie Harrison, to continue to focus on the strong values and vision that have made it such a sector-leading success, with the aim of continuing to strengthen its market position. Outside a substantial holding by the company’s employee benefit trust, they are now the sole shareholders of the business.

Former shareholder, capital investor BG, supplied the retailer with two significant investments, the first in 2014, followed by a second in 2015. Furniture Village used these to increase its store footprint and to bolster its logistics, IT and digital infrastructure, significantly accelerating its growth. BGF’s exit therefore follows a strong period of profitable growth for Furniture Village, enabling it to utilise its internally generated cash reserves to buy out their position in full.

Peter Harrison, Chief Executive, Furniture Village commented: “It has always been a lifelong ambition that the

Independent beds and mattresses retailer Sussex Beds has revealed the rebranding of its delivery fleet with a fresh new look.

Sussex Beds has presented “Beddy Mercury”, the first of its new branded vans, with four others given names as part of its marketing strategy, and a bit of fun too. The chosen names for the other four are “Meryl Sleep”, “Sleep Gonzales”, “Dozee Rascal” and “Shaun of the Bed”.

John Rayment, Operations Director at award winning family run retailer Sussex Beds, said: “All will be in the new blue branding, with features including 30 night comfort trial, Family Business and Eco-Disposal. Our team were then asked to suggest names, which were then voted for with the five winning names chosen to be printed on our new vans.”

A page on the Happy Beds website, www.happybeds.co.uk, seen in August 2022, listed a child’s bed frame and featured text stating, “Milo Grey Wooden Mid Sleeper Kids Bed Frame – 3ft Single £845.98 NOW £469.99 Save £376”. A single complainant, who understood that the bed had not been sold at the original higher price, challenged whether the savings claim could be substantiated and was misleading.

In response, Happy Beds explained that the higher price was the RRP price provided by the supplier or manufacturer. They said they were an online retailer only and therefore the RRPs were not set by them. They supplied a number of links to other retailers with a similar RRP. They said the links confirmed that the before price was set by the manufacturer and not Happy Beds. They also provided two anonymised receipts showing the product had been sold for £845.98 in February 2022 and May 2022.

However, following an investigation, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), ruled: “The listing had made an explicit comparison with the RRP, stating that a consumer would save £376 on the RRP. However, because we had not seen sufficient evidence that the product had been generally sold at that price we concluded that the ad was misleading.

“The ad must not appear again in the form complained of. We told Happy Beds Ltd that future price comparisons in ads should not mislead by falsely claiming a price advantage. Savings against RRPs should only be displayed if it can be evidenced that the product had been generally sold at that price.”

New independent furniture and interiors shop opens in Scotland

The store is situated at The Guild Wiltshire Shopping Centre and features products made out of reclaimed timbers ranging from softwoods sourced from Vietnam and Latvia. Reclaim Nation is the sister company to furniture retailer FW Homestores and is already featured in its four stores as stockists.

The business has opened in a small unit at the shopping centre initially, with the response being ‘really positive’ so far. “Our unique reclaimed furniture collections have been carefully designed and constructed around our ethos of sustainability, durability and low environmental impact,” the company says.

A new independent furniture, interiors and giftware shop has opened in Scotland. The Study Gifts and Interiors has opened on Kilmarnock Road in Shawlands, Glasgow’s Southside, in a new venture founded by Lewis Donaldson.

The shop features a variety of products from furniture, artwork, glassware, ornamentals and lighting, with the aim to “bring something new to the city”. The business celebrated its soft launch weekend on 10 December, saying that it was a successful first day.

JYSK introduces VR training tool to boost customer service

Danish furniture retailer JYSK has announced the launch of its first virtual reality (VR) training tool for its instore employees.

During the ‘Right Sales Attitude’ VR training, the employee starts by finding one of the three customers in the store. ‘The Right Sales Attitude’ training uses virtual reality technology and helps staff practice interaction with customers by presenting various situations in different areas from the store. The mLearning was created by its Training department in cooperation with the Retail Operations department, with the help of an external company that specialises in webVR services.

Darina Stoynova, Training Manager

JYSK, has been in charge of the project and said: “The main advantage is that the look and feel is very realistic. It feels like you are in an actual JYSK store, talking to real customers whose reactions and gestures are also taken from the real life.

“The training consists of scenarios with three different customers. Colleagues will be in dialogue with the customer and have different answers to choose from, to try to successfully complete the mLearning. The employee even gets evaluated by the customer, using a virtual Customer Satisfaction Survey.

“The VR training also includes a gamification aspect. This motivates employees to learn, give the correct answers and win more points. Every time they make a sale, they will win a certain number of coins. While serving the customer, they can earn or lose star points by selecting the correct or incorrect answers.”

Loaf launches partnership with homeless charity St Mungo’s

British furniture and homewares brand Loaf has announced its partnership with St Mungo’s, a leading charity working to end homelessness the UK.

Loaf will be working with St Mungo’s through fundraising and donations, supporting them throughout their journey to help those who are sleeping rough and to provide vital resource to those in need.

Charlie Marshall, founder of Loaf, said: “I’m delighted to be partnering with St Mungo’s. Helping people lead happier lives is built into our core values and we hope that the work we do with St Mungo’s can help achieve that for many of their clients.”

St Mungo’s Director of Fundraising, Reta Robinson, said: “Their generosity in matching every customer donation will really help support our vital work to make every night someone’s last on the streets. And we are very grateful to them for their support.”

Eco-friendly furniture business Reclaim Nation has announced the opening of its first flagship store in Wilton.

Sustainable focused furniture business opens flagship store

Furniture retailer praises staff for energy saving initiatives

Despite the current economic climate, Barker and Stonehouse is continuing to invest in its offering and customer experience, building a new state-of theart flagship store in Gateshead, North East England.

In line with the retailer’s eco-friendly approach, the new store has been designed with sustainability ingrained in its blueprints. This includes the typical green practices you’d expect from Barker and Stonehouse such as the use of responsibly sourced timber frames rather than steel and a full roof of solar tiles, as well as innovative extras such as an expansive green roof that will protect and promote biodiversity.

Gary Doy is known for his skill in designing aircraft and vehicle seating internationally. Gary Doy has designed a new branded product called INOVU, with the brand exclusive to Modern Motion.

Much of the make-up of the chair is based on new materials used to lighten but strengthen the product. The base mechanisms are designed and produced by Schultz Seating, internationally known for its excellence in structural mechanisms.

Furniture retailer Barker and Stonehouse has thanked staff members for coming up with a raft of initiatives that have helped cut energy costs by over a third.

Managing Director James Barker has hailed the contribution of his staff who helped cut back energy usage by 35% over the past three months, not only saving the business money but improving its impact on the planet.

James said: “Like most businesses, our energy costs have seen a dramatic increase year on year and while the government has offered some respite by promising to cap these in the short term, these increased rates still require us to make some changes as a result.

“Our teams have been proactive by taking seriously various bread-andbutter energy saving steps (from energy efficient lightbulbs to diligent use of lighting, heating and air conditioning), helping us to cut our energy usage by a massive 35% over the past three months.

“These added efficiencies mean we can continue to drive down our carbon footprint as a business. While we’ve been carbon neutral for the last two years, we’re always looking for ways to improve and refine our operations and challenges, such as the ones we are facing. This is typical of our staff who are always going the extra mile, not only for the business but for the planet too.”

Ahead of its opening in April 2023, the retailer’s existing Gateshead store will be transformed into an outlet unit, giving customers the chance to shop on a budget without compromising on quality.

Modern Motion said that the copyright is protected, with the products expected to “make an impression on the market” following their “valuable research”, which has resulted in major production changes, making the whole chair sustainable.

Pete Andersson, Commercial Manager at Modern Motion, said: “There’s exciting stuff from Modern Motion for 2023, as many retailers have already agreed to work with us. Gary Doy has produced several designs for recliner chairs and mobility products for the INOVU brand for 2023, with the aim to provide verifiable data, and best practices to help us to design sustainability into our future products as this is important to us.

“We are so pleased that we have been able to have Doy Designs as a partner in these new products, as it puts Modern Motion up there on the international stage for design and concept.”

Modern Motion recently appointed Chris Lester as its Principal Agent in the UK.

Modern Motion partners with Doy Design

Modern Motion has agreed a partnership with Doy Design, while confirming that its new range will be available in the New Year.

Arighi Bianchi appoints new Finance Director

Macclesfield-based furniture and furnishings retailer Arighi Bianchi has appointed Susie Harding as Finance Director. Susie also joins the business’ board of directors, the first time a nonfamily member of the fifth-generation family owned and run business has become a board member.

Susie joins Arighi Bianchi from Tetrad, an upholstered goods specialist, where she was Finance Director. Commenting on her appointment, Susie said: “I’m looking forward to working alongside Managing Director Sarah Bianchi, as well as Nick, John and Richard Bianchi as we take the business from strength to strength. We have a robust and clear vision for the business and it is my role to help deliver this strategy –navigating challenges facing the sector as a whole and putting in place new internal systems to help streamline operations.”

Despite the current economic climate, Managing Director Sarah Bianchi is optimistic that Arighi Bianchi is in a positive position, adding: “Susie is an extremely experienced Finance Director with an acute business brain and a wealth of sector knowledge. She will be an asset to the senior management team and her expertise will play a pivotal role in helping the business continue to grow. We are extremely glad to welcome her on board.”

Lukehurst shows off new look store

Independent furniture retailer Lukehurst has unveiled its new external look following a £250,000 investment.

The store on Eurolink Way in Sittingbourne has seen the outside of the building undergo refurbishment works to better match the instore environment on offer for customers.

This includes new cladding, LED lighting and new signage, as well as the installation of a new mezzanine second floor extension to allow the business to offer more display space and a wider choice of products.

Commenting on the completed upgrade, Kathryn Lukehurst, Managing Director at Lukehurst, said: “It feels absolutely wonderful and quite emotional! Especially when a member of staff who knew and worked with my grandfather Gerald said wouldn’t he be proud to see his name in lights “wowing” the passing traffic in what looks like a brand new 21st century building – a long way from the humble beginnings of a rented shop on Rainham high street. However, we can’t rest on our laurels and we need to keep moving forward.

“We’ve had many comments from customers and general passing trade suggesting we are the new “John Lewis” of Sittingbourne. We knew we “blended” into the background and didn’t necessarily look like a smart furniture showroom and at times questioned whether we needed to spend the money to upgrade our image but the transformation is huge and surpassed our expectations.”

Looking ahead too, Lukehurst is continuing to invest. “In the new year we are investing in our in-store experience by introducing the new “man size” Furniture Kiosk terminals for dynamic online browsing of ranges we would have previously held in brochures, which will soon be interactive for the customer to use and order independently if required in store,” Kathryn said.

“We are continuously investing in Google and social media marketing and the way in which our website can reach more people in the South East. We are considering proposals for 2023 for implementing solar panels on the roof of our Sittingbourne store and electric car charging points in the car park. We are continuously investing in product development with new ranges and displays to ensure that Lukehursts are a destination store of choice within the South East.”

Ekornes CEO steps down

Norwegian furniture manufacturer Ekornes, owner of the Stressless brand, has announced that Roger Lunde has stepped down as CEO.

The Board of Directors has appointed Fredrik Ødegård Nilsen, Ekornes‘ current CFO, as interim CEO and have initiated a process to identify the Company’s next CEO.

“I am very proud of our accomplishments at Ekornes over the past years, and how we have made the group develop, improve and grow,” said Roger Lunde. “I am also proud of the team and how we have successfully steered through turbulent times. Our continuing record results demonstrate the strength of our long-term strategy, and I am confident that Fredrik and the new permanent CEO will be successful in leading Ekornes’ next phase of profitable growth.”

Fredrik Ødegård Nilsen will become interim CEO effective immediately, while Roger Lunde will be available for the company in a period to ensure a sound transition.

Sofa Factory to unveil new ranges at JFS

Sham Alaq, Commercial Director at Sofa Factory – part of the Bentinck furniture group, reveals what the company will be showcasing during the upcoming January Furniture Show.

Sofa factory, part of the Bentinck’s group, has continued to deliver growth throughout 2022 and looks forward to exhibiting at the January Furniture Show 2023 exhibition. To maintain their ongoing momentum and increase growth further, the company is launching multiple new models across their pricing strategy from Modern Living to Designer Living.

Sham Alaq, Commercial Director at Sofa Factory, explained: “Our rise with independent retailers and groups alike has been due to our drive for quality, commercial pricing and speed of delivery. Last year was a challenging year due to the supply chain issues that have affected, fabric, timber and latterly foam, but we have managed to fulfil our order bank for 2022.

“Although 2023 could be a difficult year due to market conditions, we anticipate continued growth in all sectors and are ensuring our supply chain is robust to ensure a seamless service to our valued retail partners.”

The new models Sofa Factory are launching are aimed at volume sales, with “great quality and commercial pricing” says Sham, as he continues: “The market is evolving, as are we, and

we look forward to producing a net carbon zero range in the coming year in addition to our other ranges. So, from price, style and sustainability, with the added security of a market leading delivery time, I believe we have something for all retailers and the year ahead is going to be a milestone year for the business.”

Operating as a family-owned company, based in Gateshead on the banks of the river Tyne and occupying a 129,000sqft factory sat in the middle of a seven acre site, Sham said that the upcoming JFS event, their second time at the NEC in Birmingham, will be an exciting few days with the unveiling of their new products.

“We will have offers on new floor stock models to ensure our retailers get off to a flying start. We look forward to seeing all our retail partners and new customers at the exhibition, where the team will be delighted to present the range to them.”

www.sofafactory.uk

I believe we have something for all retailers. ”

Big Bites

Mattress Online partners with Sleep Geek

Beds and mattress retailer Mattress Online has announced a new partnership with Yorkshire-based sleep practitioner James Wilson, aka The Sleep Geek. James will be supporting and educating the Mattress Online team with sleep and wellbeing advice – helping them get to grips with the fundamentals of stress reduction, enjoying work to its fullest and providing tailor-made customer service.

Egoitaliano opens second

UK store

Italian furniture manufacturer Egoitaliano has announced the opening of its second UK showroom in Surrey. The Surrey showroom has been launched in partnership with Park Street Design and is located on Park Street in Camberley.

Sales up at Sleepeezee

Bed and mattress manufacturer Sleepeezee has reported a growth in turnover as sales surpassed £30m. According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021, total sales rose 20% to £34.1m from £28.4m in 2020. Pre-tax profit resulted at £354,000, up from £172,000 recorded in the previous year. During the year, Sleepeezee continued to invest in marketing, increasing its expenditure by 17% on the previous year.

Natuzzi appoints new CFO

Italian upholstery manufacturer Natuzzi S.p.A. has announced the appointment of Carlo Silvestri as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Group, directly reporting to the CEO, Antonio Achille. Carlo brings over 20 years of international experience in finance as well as a solid knowledge of retail and wholesale dynamics gained with important luxury brands.

Luc Tack to acquire Latexco

Belgian entrepreneur Luc Tack has announced that he has reached an agreement in principle to acquire all the activities and employees of Latexco. The acquisition will be realised via the company Harmony Industries. Latexco, which is headquartered in Tielt (Belgium) and owned by the family of Luc Maes, produces mattresses, pillows and toppers made from latex, as well as PU foams.

BFM launches Future of Furniture campaign

Opportunities to carve a rewarding career in British furniture-making are the cornerstone of a new campaign by national trade body British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM). The Future of Furniture aims to highlight the value and variety of careers within the industry, as well as showcasing the steps the industry is taking to support a greener approach to manufacturing.

Lebus director retires after 33 years

Sofa manufacturer Lebus Upholstery has announced the retirement of Darrell Bettany as a director of the company. Darrell, who has been with Lebus for over 33 years, played a crucial role as a director in managing the finances for the business. The company organised a short presentation, which ended with a speech and farewell gifts.

Sleep.8 appoints new Vice President of Retail

Sleep smart brand Sleep.8 has announced the appointment of their new Vice President of Retail, Musi Chayla, who will drive the business’ global expansion. Previously CEO of Sleep.8 UK, Chayla has worked his entire career in retail and is passionate about revitalising the high street post-Covid.

CMA investigates Emma

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating mattress brand Emma Sleep over concerns that some of its online sales practices may breach consumer law. As part of its investigation, the CMA will examine whether Emma Sleep has misled consumers by using countdown timers and claims about time limits to imply that a discounted price will end soon, when this may not be the case.

KING Living opens second UK showroom

Australian furniture maker King Living has opened its second UK showroom at Kingston’s The Bentall Centre. The move follows the success of the brand’s store in central London at Tottenham Court Road with the new store featuring 2,500sqft of retail space.

Bespoke furniture company sees founder resign

David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon, cousin to King Charles and known professionally as David Linley, has resigned as a director of David Linley Furniture, the company he founded some 40 years ago. According to filings on Companies House, David has resigned as a director of David Linley Holdings, David Linley & Co and David Linley Furniture.

January

ON

BIG SOCIAL

A look at what’s been going on over social media channels. Share your news with us and email

dan@bigfurnituregroup.com

he has seen it grow from one small builders’ merchants in the Welsh valleys to the first out of town DIY superstore in Llantrisant before seeing the range grow to offer “everything for the home under one roof” with the modern home department stores we now have expanding both within Wales and over the border. Our Tonypandy store will not feel the same without him. Thank you Tyrone, enjoy your retirement and we look forward to celebrating with you at our annual long service awards dinner.

Kelly Jones, Industrial Signs

A recent job done for the lovely Fabb Furniture lot! Looking Fabb - even if I do say so myself (and no I’m not even sorry about that terrible pun!) Happy Friday everyone!.

Bishops Beds

We’re thrilled to announce that Kelly Vinnicombe will now serve as Executive Director with Bishops Beds. Kelly has spent the last year working hard to implement new processes and procedures, and she has been an integral part of our team’s success. She has also worked diligently to make sure we continue providing the highest level of service possible. Kelly has been a great asset to the company and we are thrilled to have her as our Executive Director.

Wolf Components

As we continue to grow our new dedicated mini spring facility, last Friday we were excited to take delivery of further VSS® mini spring machinery. This will enable Wolf to offer increased capacity and an expanded range of VSS® products all as part of our ongoing capital investment strategy. This also further increases our ‘just in time’ service capability, which has been a core Wolf Components value since day one. This latest investment ensures we can always respond rapidly to our customer demands as an independent local supplier.

Carpetright

We’re excited to share another of our concessions! We’ve recently opened our flooring area within the Llandudno Bensons for Beds store and have a few sneak peaks to share. As we continue to update and develop our store estate and product offering, our concession within Llandudno Bensons for Beds will enable our customers to explore our soft and hard flooring ranges. Jo and the team look forward to welcoming customers into our concession, so pop in and say hi if you’re in the area.

Leekes

Today marks the end of an era as we say goodbye to our longest service non-family team member the incomparable Tyrone Harris from our Tonypandy store. Tyrone has served an enormous 48 years with the business, joining us when we were mainly staffed by family members. In his time with our business

Tapi Carpets & Floors

Hello Dorking! Our brand new store opened in Dorking on Saturday and we think it’s beautiful! If you’re local to Dorking high street, RH4 1AY, come and say hello to the team – they’ll welcome you with a big smile and show you around our gorgeous new store..

ScS

It’s not just us humans that love our sofas here at ScS. No matter your style, you’ll find the pawfect Dog Sofa to suit your home here at ScS.

BIG INTER VIEW WITH

Can you share a bit about yourself?

I was born and live in West Yorkshire and started my sales journey around 25 years ago selling replacement vehicle parts to car garages in the North of England, if ever I needed grounding that job certainly did that! Since then, I have managed some of the largest retail accounts in the UK in a number of varied industries such as consumer adhesives, pet food, health and nutrition and more recently the furniture industry.

What is your current job role and key responsibilities?

I joined La-Z-Boy in 2021 as Sales Director National Accounts and was delighted to be made Managing Director in October 2022, 18 months after joining the business. I’m responsible for driving growth through all channels in our UK business by formulating and implementing strategic plans and ensuring all departments are working together in synergy.

Rich Greenwood, new MD of La-Z-Boy UK, talks about what the furniture industry is lacking, a bowling talent and future plans now firmly in the hot seat.

What do you love about your job?

I love variety and certainly in my current position there is plenty of that, no day or week is ever the same and due to the acquisition of our own manufacturing facility 12 months ago this has never been truer.

What time is your alarm clock set for?

It doesn’t matter what time I set it for, I always wake up before it goes off, even when I need to be in the Maidenhead office and it’s a 4.30am start. My morning routine involves coffee, lots and lots of coffee.

Why did you choose to work in the furnishing industry?

I didn’t so much ‘choose’ the furniture industry, an opportunity presented itself to me and when I did some background work into the La-Z-Boy brand and the growth opportunities that I could see, it was a no brainer. I can honestly say, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made!

Have there been any special moments during your career?

One of the proudest moments of my career was very early on, back in 2004 when I won Salesperson of the year for Henkel UK, it was at a company conference in Barcelona where I was invited on stage to receive a full-size sword (not the best thing to give a Yorkshireman who’d had a few drinks). What it did do though was give me confidence to believe that I could make a good career for myself in sales, nearly 20 years later of believing in myself and hard work and determination and I’ve been rewarded

with my new position at

What is your favorite item of furniture you own?

You would expect me to say a piece of La-Z-Boy furniture, and you would be absolutely right. I have been fortunate enough to create my own, let’s call it a movie room, when in reality it’s a man cave and the centre piece of that room is a La-Z-Boy 2-seater reclining sofa with added head tilt and cooling cupholders and I can honestly hand

La-Z-Boy.´

on heart say, it’s the most comfortable sofa I have ever sat on, I absolutely love it.

What do you think is trending within the industry?

We believe that the biggest trend we are going to see is a swing back to browns, beige and more neutral colours on textured and patterned fabrics. A switch towards more traditional looking furniture with exciting accent pieces, with a focus on comfort over style, and larger seating areas are proving to be popular. Consumers are also wanting to personalise their pieces too, so coordinated scatters, contrasting piping and panels, aluminium inlays, and alternative colours and materials of legs if it’s an off the floor model. Technological advancements, so wireless charging, bluetooth connectivity and built-in speakers are frequently mentioned to see if they are options.

What would you change in the industry?

The industry is a great place to work and there are many different personalities within it but the one

thing I think is lacking is youth. We need fresh ideas to drive the industry forwards, to not be afraid to try new ideas and not be held back by things that haven’t worked in the past. We need more market research to drive forward innovation and find fresh new ways to engage with consumers.

Can you share an insight into your future plans?

I want to strengthen our position of being the brand leader in motion upholstery in the UK and Ireland by continuing to develop and launch more contemporary designs while adding innovative features. We are building our capabilities in Sales, Marketing and Manufacturing to ensure we have the best product range possible to support our consumer proposition across all channels of the market.

What do you enjoy most outside of work / free time?

I’ve coached both my son’s football teams for around eight years, and I can honestly say, it’s one of the most rewarding things I have done. Admittedly, in the colder months,

when it’s raining, snowing, and freezing cold and my hands are turning blue I often ask myself, ‘why do I do this again?’

What might someone not know about you?

Back when I was a teenager, I used to play a lot of ten pin bowling competitively, I used to travel all over the UK representing my local team in Yorkshire.

If you had a different career, what would it be?

I would love to say professional footballer, as I’m sure a lot of people would but more realistically due to lack of fitness and ability, I would have to be a football manager instead.

Finally, if you were an item of furniture, what would it be and why?

I would be a plastic chair in the Stretford end at Old Trafford so I could guarantee watching every home Manchester United game!

www.la-z-boy.co.uk

New Exhibitors at INDX Furniture

As part of the INDX umbrella brand of trade shows, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2023, INDX Furniture is brought to market by Associated Independent Stores (AIS), the UK’s leading buying and services group for Fashion, Home, and Leisure.

Whilst admission to INDX Furniture on Friday 20 January is reserved as an exclusive preview for AIS Members, general trade visitors are welcome to attend the show on Saturday 21, Sunday 22, and Monday 23 January.

With the brand strapline ‘by Buyers, for Buyers’, and unique to the market, INDX Furniture is thoughtfully curated by a team of retail experts based at AIS, whose plethora of product knowledge and retail sector experience combine to ensure visitors to the show enjoy the latest ranges and innovations from a commercially edited selection of exhibitors. The organising team have secured a number of exhibitors for whom the January 2023 show will represent their INDX Furniture debut. These include Bell & Stocchero, Calia Italia, Celtic Spas, Connubia, Encore, Kesterport, Mattsons, and Siren. As for returning exhibitors, these include Actona, Classic Furniture, HND, Daro, Papaya, Digio by Sofitalia, G Plan, Hill & Hunter, Himolla, HTL, Parker Knoll, Primavera, TCH, Unique, Wood Bros, At The Helm and Hydeline.

At The Helm, on Stand D1, will be featuring a wide range of new and existing models in rich, bold colours. 2023 will see the introduction of an extensive soft cover collection to complement the finest quality leather offering for which the brand is well-renowned. The development of At The Helm as a lifestyle brand continues apace with the launch of an exclusive

rug collection, specifically designed to complement both the Signature Heritage and Modern Explorer collections. At The Helm has focused on adapting its stylish, modern ranges, and first seen at the INDX Furniture Show will be the launch of the Theo range. A brand new, compact design, encompassing a softer, more relaxed sit, providing that homely feel everyone desires. An exciting statement and also something not to missed, is At The Helm’s Olivia Print. A bespoke, hand-painted design inspired by British Heritage and a nod to the Arts & Crafts movement, which has a symbiotic relationship with the travel-inspired collections and traditional craftsmanship throughout At The Helm.

Meanwhile, Hydeline, also Stand D1, brings the exciting launch of their Lounge Chair Collection. Featuring the very latest technology and the comfort you have come to expect from Hydeline, this collection perfectly complements the current offering. Introducing Alva, Ebro, Mira, Otra, Reno and Saar, these six new lounge chairs offer a 2- or 3-motor reclining mechanism option. Adjustable backrests and footrests, manually-adjustable headrests, plus that all-important, zero-gravity position to help blood circulation, relax the heart and ease the day-to-day pressures on the body. All of this is achieved effortlessly using the integrated remote control to find the ultimate comfort position. The user-friendly charging points are designed for optimum convenience and each turning base has an automatic stopping function of 270 degrees.

Furmanac, a major manufacturer of adjustable beds and motion bed frames in the UK, will reveal the re-launch of their luxury HESTIA brand as HESTIA Living. Hestia Living will be inclusive of its range of existing occasional furniture and sofa beds

INDX Furniture is preparing to return to its West Midlands event venue, Cranmore Park, on 20 -23 January 2023.

currently branded as MiSofa. The goal is to simplify its range and make it much easier for customers to navigate through their range of high-end products, made all in-house, at their Kingswinford factory. “We aim to establish a very strong presence in the upholstered furniture market. MiBed range of Motion Intelligent adjustable beds will also be experiencing slight changes with customer needs in mind,” Furmanac said.

Also on show, and celebrating 50 years in 2023, Daro - a leading UK brand for indoor and outdoor rattan furniture, will be offering an array of comfortable and luxurious designs with a choice of quality upholstery fabrics. All Daro frames are hand-made in their Indonesian factories with soft furnishings made in their own UK division incorporating fabrics from leading European mills. With a Stockist delivery service for indoor products and a number of supply options for outdoor supply, come and see the Daro representatives at the INDX Furniture Show in January to understand more and be part of this growing market.

Emma Rackley, Director of Furniture and Home, AIS, said: “Attendees can expect a trend-driven showcase, bringing together the best names in the business across product categories including upholstery, living-room, dining-room, garden, and accessories. We’ve been busy working with our key suppliers to select the best ranges for the upcoming show and the team has also been busy sourcing lots of new suppliers, whose ranges have been chosen to strengthen and broaden our

existing product offer. Our Members and visiting retailers can look forward to discovering an inspiring, trend-led, and commercially sound product showcase at the upcoming show, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Cranmore Park once again.”

Attracting an enviable footfall which includes AIS Members, department stores, leading retailers, high street specialists, and quality garden centres, INDX Furniture is a proven must-visit trade show for all Furniture stockists. Committed to providing a visitor-vetted, order-taking show and a friendly, business and Buyer focused environment, INDX Furniture is an unmissable opportunity for retailers to find new products, to source new suppliers, and to meet and network with industry colleagues.

INDX Furniture is free to attend, and onsite parking is free. Visitors also enjoy complimentary barista coffee and refreshments throughout, plus free morning pastries. Cranmore Park Conference and Event Centre is home to all INDX trade shows, and is located in Solihull, West Midlands, close to major rail and road links, and just minutes from J4, M42.

Other shows within the INDX Home portfolio include Homewares which will take place on 21-22 February 2023, and Beds & Bedroom which will take place on 25-26 April 2023.

Visitor registration is open at: www.indxshows.co.uk/indx-home/furniture/furniture.

FEATURES

Countdown to launch

The team at Gallery Direct are ready to launch their SS23 Collection at this year’s January Furniture Show.

Gallery Direct have worked hard, designing and developing the range of over 500 new products, all of which offer style, quality and affordability. James Hudson, Commercial Director, commented: “The January Furniture Show is a great place to showcase our Spring Summer collection, and we’re looking forward to introducing this exciting new range of products to the industry. The collection features products across our categories, with over 125 furniture pieces, which will be our main focus at the show.”

Madison is one of the new furniture ranges. It offers a selection of living and dining pieces, including sideboards, occasional tables, dining tables and chairs, all offered in a choice of two contemporary finishes, Peroba and Salvage Coffee. The stunning design of the pieces features beautiful marquetry with inlaid book-matched veneers and offers a timeless ‘new traditional’ look, with its elegant style with a modern touch.

Another new range is Eton which again offers a great selection of pieces, including dining tables, chairs & benches, butchers blocks, occasional tables, sideboards, TV units and cocktail cabinets. The updated classic farmhouse style features clean lines and a stylish painted finish paired with the natural beauty of wood. The core pieces are offered in a choice of two colours, with personality pieces in contrasting hues which can be use as stand-alone furniture or combined with other pieces from the range to create a more eclectic colour palette.

There are also new apartment-living style tables and chairs, along with occasional chairs which offer a modern twist on retro designs, to create stylish, timeless pieces which will suit a wide range of interiors and look at home for years to come. Gallery’s popular Wycombe and Hudson ranges have been extended with new products added, and the Neyland and Jensen chairs have new upholstery versions.

SELECTION OF SS23 MIRRORS

On the ‘made to order’ side from Gallery’s Wiltshire factory, the new collection includes an innovative ‘bed in a box’ which can be used as a footstool or additional occasional seating, but it contains an easy open, fold out bed with mattress to offer a comfy sleep solution. Plus, there’s a new mattress collection which is designed to make it easier for customers and end users alike to choose the right one for their requirements.

To complement the furniture, the SS23 Collection also features new wall décor, featuring mirrors and artwork, a vast array of over 250 accessories, and soft furnishings, in a range of styles to suit different interiors. Finally, Gallery’s outdoor living range has also been extended with an exciting range of new products added, including furniture, pergolas and even a pizza oven!

To be amongst the first to view this extensive new collection, visit Gallery in Hall 2 on Stands E20 and E22 at the January Furniture Show, and at Spring Fair on Stands 8F30-7A31 and 7A30-B31.

Contact: 01795 439159 sales@gallerydirect.co.uk www.gallerydirect.co.uk

MADISON

ETON

The TAD family keeps on growing

Art

UK

Timber Art Design UK Ltd (TAD) was established in 2018 as a wholesaler of self-assembly furniture. The company is the UK office, situated in North Wales, of south Malaysian furniture manufacturer Timber Art Design in Muar.

TAD’s comprehensive range of self-assembly furniture products include bedroom and living room ranges, showcasing a variety of styles, colours, and concepts. These include wardrobes, chests of drawers, storage cabinets, sideboards, TV Cabinets, shoe storage solutions and desks. “We have hundreds of products available to purchase, which are all produced, and quality checked to our high standards, to ensure maximum satisfaction,” said Yoan Wong, Managing Director at Timber Art Design UK Ltd.

“We offer flexible, seamless ordering solutions for wholesale, drop-ship, or spare parts from our UK stock, alongside free, next day delivery to the UK mainland. The entire process of conception, design, prototype, final design certification, production and wholesale, is overseen by just us. This ensures an accurate and efficient service to you the customer, and our team of highly trained specialists are on hand to guide you through the entire process.”

Last year was one of continued growth for TAD with the business adding 54,000sqft of storage with a view to increasing stock availability and additional ranges to their catalogue. Moving into 2023, the business plans to grow this further, as Yoan revealed: “2022 was an exciting year for us. This year, we are going to expand our ranges and also grow our supplier base to continue our upward growth path and versatile product offering.

”“We have recently introduced a new range to our ever-growing collection. The Leyo Range, which is the newest member of our TAD family and brings together contemporary and modern styling. This simplistic, tool free assembly product is both versatile and suitable for any interior.”

The Leyo range has recently been added to Big Furniture Group’s online show platform, the Big Furniture Show, along with some of TAD’s most popular ranges, which can be found in Hall 1, Stand 1.2. The online furniture show allows buyers to find the latest product ranges and trade services from suppliers, at a click of a button, which is open all day, every day.

“Looking ahead to 2023, we will continue to grow with new and exciting additions. Working closely with our factory in Malaysia we will continue to expand and offer the highest standards for our customers, old and new. Contact us today and join us for what promises to be a great year.”

www.timberartdesignuk.com - www.bigfurnitureshow.com

We have recently introduced a new range to our ever-growing collection.

Yoan Wong, Managing Director at Timber

Design

Ltd, talks about their continued growth and why the new Leyo range is simply stunning.

Wiemann to unveil new ranges at JFS

German bedroom manufacturer Wiemann is to launch five new ranges at the January Furniture Show.

The award-winning company, known for products which offer a total bedroom solution to suit any home, is also set to reveal updates and additions to at least six of its existing collections.

The new products, on show in Hall 4 Stand C50 will complement Wiemann’s premium VIP ranges including Monaco and Quito, which all show commitment to driving increased value for retailers. There will be four new VIP ranges on Wiemann’s stand, all with on-trend looks, functionality and style. There will also be a special promo range making its debut at the NEC, offering all the Wiemann quality at an entry-level price.

Look out for updates and accessories across six ranges, including Monaco, reflecting the latest trends and designs. Monaco, which comes in four VIP versions – 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 – is a previous award winner at the JFS and continues to consistently head Wiemann’s bestseller list. The collection is to be expanded with all-new options set to be unveiled at the show. Monaco 1000 offers hinged doors, Monaco 2000 has bi-fold doors, Monaco 3000 is the sliding door option and Monaco 4000 is the collection’s wide range of complementary furniture including bedside cabinets, chests of drawers and beds.

Other ranges set to enjoy new accessories, colours or finishes include country cottage styled Cambridge, All-In, which is known for its comprehensive collection of interiors storage fitments, sleek Tampa, popular sliding door choice Miami Plus, value

choice Berlin and hinged door option Cairns. In total, around 17 ranges from the Wiemann catalogue will be on display at Birmingham.

Simon Hewitt, managing director of Wiemann’s sole agents for the UK and Ireland, Litmus Furniture, said: “We have some fantastic new products lined up for launch in January 2023. Our stand is not to be missed with around 28 wardrobe and two bed displays on view. All Wiemann products are known for their excellent design, quality and value and are backed up with our five-star customer support service. We are excited to share all this with friends old and new at the January Furniture Show.”

The show returns to its traditional January slot for 2023 and comes after a successful year for Wiemann. The company has enjoyed strong sales growth in the UK and Ireland and at a time when supply chain difficulties in numerous sectors have hit the headlines, Wiemann has avoided problems thanks to smart sourcing of raw materials and manufacturing efficiency.

Simon added: “It feels good to be back starting our year with the January Furniture Show. Wiemann once again has an attractive and interesting display, packed with stylish ideas and stunning products. Everyone is welcome to call in for a chat and see what we have to offer in Hall 4, Stand C50.”

www.wiemannuk.co.uk enquiries@wiemannuk.co.uk

Monaco from Wiemann

Quito from Wiemann

The Ideal Furniture Solution

Matthew Spicer, Director at Ideal Furniture Ltd, talks about why it has moved its manufacturing facility from China, while sharing an insight into storage trends.

soon are dining, sofas and mattresses. We have already started the process and will have mattresses ready for the end of January.”

Keeping it in the family is one of the core ideals at Ideal Furniture, which is now in its third generation of the business. Starting life back in 1957 by Joseph Spicer – the grandfather of current director Matthew Spicer – Ideal Furniture has since been involved in the manufacturing, importing and supply of furniture products. Throughout their three generations, the company ethos remains to always supply great designled quality products at excellent value.

The company continually travels to source the best products from the best suppliers around the world, with all of its suppliers independently audited by quality specialist Pro QC to ISO9001 and SA8000 standards. Ideal Furniture also offers a reliable and cost-effective supply chain proposition from all parts of the world to support reliable delivery lead times, which has been enhanced further.

With Matthew in the hot seat, he has navigated the business through recent and ongoing challenges, which has seen the company invest in multiple areas, including the relocation of its bedframe manufacturing facility. He said: “Following the recent Covid lockdowns, we took the decision to move our bedframe manufacturing from China to a closer base in Europe where lead times are significantly

shorter, and minimum order quantities for our customers are much lower. We have made a significant investment in a joint venture manufacturing facility with an excellent, experienced partner to guarantee quality production with low delivery lead times.”

Other investments include technology and product range expansion, as Matthew continued: “We are also still developing our IT system and App to bring technology to the forefront of our business to help us supply a first-class service. The IT system investment is around £100,000 to date and we continually improve it every week. It will give customers live tracking of orders, access to order spare parts directly, see new products arriving and download all product information, live customer service, live stock feeds and much more. It’s live now, but we build it to suit each individual customer’s needs so they can continue to work the way they prefer to.”

As for product ranges, Ideal Furniture primarily supplies beds and bedroom furniture, however, due to continued demand from customers, the business is increasing its upholstery and dining furniture ranges from Europe, aimed at mitigating the continuing supply chain issues in Asia. Matthew said: “The next three categories we will expand into

With their extensive product and market knowledge, Matthew has identified storage demand as an ongoing and increasing trend. Here’s why: “Our sales are demonstrating the increasing demand for storage products. Customers are looking for innovative storage solutions in their furniture products. Storage features strongly in our new product ranges launching in Spring 2023. In terms of fabric colour trends, we are also seeing a strong demand for natural and grey tones.”

With 2023 plans underway, Matthew expects to see a year of “significant growth” for Ideal Furniture, bolstered by the expansion of product ranges and categories, as well as growing the brand both online and in retail stores. Matthew added: “It’s an exciting time for us at Ideal Furniture, and our vision for the business is to continue to develop and evolve with new technology – and ‘hopefully’ – one day - our children will become involved in the business so that we can pass onto a fourth Spicer generation. We are looking forward to 2023, so watch this space!”

www.idealfurn.com

Contact: 07515892769 matthew@idealfurn.com daniel@idealfurn.com

We embrace any challenges head on as we are always looking to adapt.

Retail Focus Glasswells

Recent investments?

Glasswells always invests profits back into the business to make improvements to the overall shopping experience, be it store refurbishments, investment in staff training and tech or switching to eco-friendly alternatives. We offer customers a place that they can browse comfortably for a few hours, with immaculate displays and expertise.

Currently we are working on refurbishing the stunning atrium area at our Ipswich store, inspired by the extensive works already completed at Bury St Edmunds. The design will include an imposing feature wall, to showcase products across all of our home furnishing departments, incorporating digital display screens, improved lighting and refined signage. First impressions are very important

and this investment is sure to create a real wow-factor when customers enter the store. It also ensures customers can have an easy and enjoyable shopping experience, as the store is more open and products are more visible as soon as you enter the showroom.

We also are extending our central warehouse on Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds. Our warehouse is used to hold our stock and customer orders, as well as archived documents for businesses and we provide a storage service for our removal’s customers. We also run a large commercial storage operation, which has seen significant growth in the last five years. Demand for this service is greater than the current space we have on offer and, as a result, we are mid-way through an extension at the site. The first phase involved moving the fencing on the car park to create additional exterior space for parking and an overflow storage area. Phase two is an extension to our warehouse, which will create space for an additional 2,000 pallet spaces, increasing our total commercial storage area to 5,000 pallets. This is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2023.

During the summer we invested in new members of staff to join our growing web and digital marketing team, to maximise online opportunities and grow our skill base in-house. This has allowed us to communicate with customers, and potential customers, more regularly through emails, blogs and social media, generating more visitors to the website. Our web team works hard to persuade a customer that it is worth coming to visit one of our fabulous stores, by ensuring our website and social channels showcase the huge choice, value and expertise that Glasswells has to offer.

with Paul Glasswell, Managing Director and owner of independent furniture retailer Glasswells, talks about recent investments, with an eye on the future, and what product has seen growing demand.

Future plans?

We are always on the lookout for the next expansion opportunity. We are keen to open another Glasswells home department store within the East Anglian region, as well as requiring a larger warehousing facility to increase our commercial storage business in the not too distance future.

What is your mission?

Since 1946, the Glasswells’ philosophy has been to provide the widest choice of quality furniture at the very best value, paired with outstanding customer service; a service that stands out from the crowd, is true and is trusted. Today, we uphold our promise and continue to exceed customer expectations by offering a huge range of exceptional furniture and furnishings for the

entire home. We strive to put our customer first, by listening to feedback and providing choice and value with the widest variety of fresh designs that inspire and appeal to all.

On sustainability, what is your business doing on this topic?

Our own commitment to the importance of sustainability, and that of our suppliers, is high on our agenda. We send out information to our customers through E-Shots and blogs, as well as implement a number of sustainable practices. These include operating solar panels, electric vehicle charging points, LED light bulbs, carrier bag reduction, recycling and waste partnerships, and teaming up with suppliers that focus on the environment too. You can read more details on Glasswell’s sustainable efforts in this month’s Green Retail feature on page 36-37.

How has recent business been?

Footfall has unfortunately reduced, following the huge demand for home furnishings which came after the pandemic. However, customers coming into our stores have been pleased to see the decreased lead times, new ranges and great offers now coming through. In regards to trends, we have seen a lot of interest in electric adjustable beds. Traditionally, adjustable beds were a solution for those who struggled with mobility and required extra care. However, nowadays these beds are more of a luxury for those who just want something a little more high-tech.

The quantity of service issues can be a challenge, causing frustration for customers, ourselves and suppliers. Considerable time and resources are unfortunately occupied resolving these issues, which can be costly. We are also working hard to increase footfall, with great promotional offers and significant investment in our in-store environments and website.

we pride ourselves on providing really special shopping environments, where customers can spend a few hours leisurely shopping. Our in-store Place to Eat restaurant is also incredibly popular, with many customers visiting regularly to enjoy our home cooked lunches and freshly baked treats. We work closely with our carefully selected suppliers to offer great value for money. We have a wide spread of price points to suit all budgets, from big name brands to products that have been chosen to sit under the Glasswells Collections home brand.

All team members are valued at Glasswells and it is thanks to every one of them that we have the honorable and trusted reputation for choice, value and service. All of our 280 staff are focused on delivering a high level of service to our customers, which we hope encourages customers to come back and choose us again.

Our experts provide a trustworthy and reliable service and frequently have training in which they gain invaluable knowledge of products. This makes our team confident to help customers choose the right products for their needs and lifestyle. It is important that we get it right the first time.

Glasswells is a household name in Suffolk and beyond and we have built a strong reputation for quality products, great value and exceptional customer service over our 76 years of trading. To quote the NBF judges at this year’s awards ceremony ‘Glasswells is one the finest furniture retailers, not just in the UK but maybe all of Europe,’ we know our trade, we are experts in our field. It is for all of these reasons that generations of customers choose to shop at Glasswells time after time.

We have a huge choice of home furnishings all under one roof, from furniture and beds, to flooring, curtains and blinds, kitchenware and home accessories. We offer everything you need to refresh any room in your home and www.glasswells.co.uk

What challenges do you currently face?

Do you have any staff you would like to pay special thanks to or recognition to and why?

Why do you think customers choose your business?

We are also working hard to increase footfall, with great promotional offers and significant investment in our in-store environments and website.

Green Retail

In the next part of our ongoing sustainable series, we take a look at a number of independent furniture retailers and what they are doing in terms of sustainability. Next up, Glasswells, Sopha, and Linthorpe Beds.

The topic of sustainability is not anything new but its importance is ever relevant and continues to grow. You may have seen a greater choice of sustainability-led products within the furniture industry over the past few years, from bottle-filled mattresses to fully recycled components at the core of new products. This is fantastic and long may it continue. Alongside product innovations, businesses are also adapting new ways of working to make their operations greener. In the next instalment of our series, we explore what some of the independent retailers are doing in this area as we focus on Glasswells, Sopha and Linthorpe Beds.

GLASSWELLS

Glasswells says that sustainability is on high on their agenda. From regular e-shots and blogs to informative eco-information on their website, the business promotes sustainable practices and their efforts openly. During the last year alone, Glasswells has continued to build on its sustainability commitment across a number of areas, including solar panels, electric vehicles, packaging and recycling to name but a few. On solar panels, in 2014 Glasswells began the process of installing a total of 580kW solar panels at its stores in Bury St Edmunds and in Ipswich, as well as at its warehouse. In December 2021 the company installed a 118kW system on the roof of its Haverhill branch, which has reduced energy draw down from the grid by over two thirds. In June 2022, Glasswells added a further 410kW solar panel

system to the Bury St Edmunds store. “We are now in discussions to add a further 200kW system to our storage and distribution centre, in line with our environmental policy. We have changed our heating from gas to electric, which benefits from using the energy generated from the solar panels to heat and cool our buildings. This has minimised the environmental impacts of our business,” said Paul Glasswell, Managing Director of Glasswells.

The company has installed four electric vehicle charging points at its Bury store this year too, which are being used regularly by customers. Glasswells has even replaced some of its company cars with electric vehicles. On other initiatives, Paul added: “We have partnered with Clearabee for collection and disposal of our customers’ old furniture, while in our warehouse we are shredding the card board boxes that products are delivered to us in and using this, instead of bubble wrap, when repacking goods for customers. All our light bulbs have been changed to be LED energy efficient bulbs in all our stores and our general waste is sent to West Suffolk District Council, which is processed into renewable energy.

“We have reduced the number of carrier bags that we use, and the ones that we do use now are made of 100% recycled plastic and are 100% fully recyclable. We are also using paper bags in our gift departments. There is increasing awareness of the need to look after our planet, and we support suppliers who are committed to this. We promote the environmental benefits of purchasing our ranges from Harrison and Hypnos. In addition, we have started working with a new supplier, Millbrook Beds, as they offer a fully recyclable, zero to landfill range of beds called Smooth Tech.”

There is increasing awareness of the need to look after our planet, and we support suppliers who are committed to this

Paul Glasswell, MD at Glasswells

”

www.sopha.co.uk

SOPHA

Sustainability plays an important role at Sopha with one of their founding aims to discover what it means to be a sustainable furniture retailer. Matt Scott, Co-founder, explains: “Our entire building has been stripped back to introduce energy saving features such as wall, floor and roof insulation and LED lighting, however we feel that there is still a huge amount more that we can do. Back when we started the business we were talking to our suppliers about sustainable materials and while many suppliers were already using FSC certified timbers the idea of using foam alternatives was far from most supplier’s list of priorities. The saying that every cloud has a silver lining I think is particularly apt to the rise in the cost of foam throughout the Covid pandemic that has forced many suppliers to look towards more sustainable alternatives for their upholstery and we’re delighted to be on the journey with them.”

Sopha is currently working on writing a sustainability report on each of their products that they’ll be able to share with customers. The business already hosts a sustainability page on its website too, further outlining their commitment. “We always feel like we’re learning but in everything we do we aim to become more sustainable; from LED lighting throughout our shop to mattresses with fewer damaging foams and plastics making them carbon negative. Our coffee shop is largely plasticfree too! In addition to that we’re constantly working with our suppliers to switch to more sustainable products and packaging to make sure we’re still able to make a difference into the future.”

In addition to this we are currently reviewing how our price tickets are displayed and working on solutions to reduce the amount of paper used throughout our stores. It’s getting the balance right between providing our customers with the information they need versus the amount of paper we use to do that. We are more efficient with planning and routing deliveries and all vans have a tracking system so we can measure and track our carbon footprint and improve on this daily. We also utilise direct home deliveries from manufacturers instead of delivering goods into us to also save on carbon footprint. We work with suppliers on delivering goods into us to also deliver with full vans or on a van that is also going to stores in locations nearby.

LINTHORPE BEDS

Finally, sustainability is equally important to Linthorpe Beds. The business has implemented various initiatives and continues to look at ways to improve its carbon footprint. Recent examples in include recycling initiatives in the business, including offering customers the option of taking their old mattress away to be processed in a way that benefits the planet. “We recycle packaging in our warehouse daily (we’ve recently had a bailor installed) and work collectively with the bedding industry to keep up to date with new ideas on how to keep our company operating in a sustainable way,” the company said.

“We now distribute boxes of collected fabric from the draw straps and the mattress borders used to protect the mattress on delivery. We now supply these to local care homes/colleges and nurseries for crafts. This reduces our waste and in turn gives back to our local communities. One care home has now started a winter sewing club thanks to the material donated by us. We have also sent a few boxes over to a local community group based in the Thorntree area of Middlesbrough. They will be using the fabric offcuts to create blankets to issue to those who will be struggling to put the heating on this winter.”

What to expect at JFS

With the January Furniture Show returning this month, we explored some new products that visitors can expect to see in our second preview.

The January Furniture Show is back at the NEC in Birmingham from 22-25 January 2023. The show will feature around 350 exhibitors showcasing over 50,000 products across four halls. These include Premium Design (Hall 1), Interior, Accessories & Furniture (Hall 2), Living, Dining & Bedroom (Hall 4), and Upholstery & Beds (Hall 5). New for 2023 is a partnership with trend experts, The Better Trends Company, to provide the buying community and attending brands with trends advice.

Becoming increasingly diverse, furniture and interior brands from more than 18 countries are exhibiting, including from Australia, the USA, Italy, and Germany. There will be several International Pavilions, representing Vietnam, Portugal, and Poland. The Furniture Talks Stage will see a number of engaging topics across the four days, with a focus on sustainability, innovation, trends and insights. The Young Furniture Makers will be displaying new talent in the industry with a focus on sustainability. There with live furniture making and demonstrations from renowned designers. Meanwhile, the British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM) will officially launch its new ‘Future of Furniture’ campaign, which aims to highlight the value and variety of careers within the industry, as well as showcasing the steps the industry is taking to support a greener approach to manufacturing. At the event, the trade body will give out two accolades to BFM members in recognition of excellence in sustainability and education –the BFM Future of Excellence in Sustainability Award and the BFM Excellence in Education Award.

As for exhibitors, this preview highlights some other brands you can expect to see and what they will be promoting on their respective stands. To start with, and in keeping with the aforementioned international scene, Merlino will be exhibiting at JFS for the very first time. Merlino is an Australian brand of Italian heritage, selling to the retail and contract interiors

sectors. Now into its fifth decade, Merlino, with operations in Italy, China and its Australian HQ, said they are looking forward to the show: “Currently, the UK is a blank canvas although we do trade in Europe & Ireland. We therefore extend a warm Aussie “g’day” to our new prospective clients and hope you will find our products of interest. We are one of the few distributors and manufacturers to offer mixed containers of our furniture shipped directly from our international supply chain.”

From a newcomer to a mainstay brings the spotlight on Gallery Direct. Over the last few months, they have been designing and developing their SS23 Collection, along with a new mattress range, ready to launch at the show. Gallery’s SS23 Collection features a fantastic selection of new furniture ranges, as well as extensions to some of their current ones.

Meanwhile, Sofa Factory, part of the Bentinck’s group, has continued to deliver growth throughout 2022 and looks forward to exhibiting at JFS for the second time. To maintain their ongoing momentum and increase growth further, the company is launching multiple new models across their pricing strategy from Modern Living to Designer Living. “We will have offers on new floor stock models to ensure our retailers get off to a flying start. We look forward to seeing all our retail partners and new customers at the exhibition, where the team will be delighted to present the range to them.”

Lebus Upholstery is looking forward to returning to JFS, where it will welcome customers old and new to view its new range of sofa collections. All the sofas have been carefully handcrafted in the UK by their dedicated design and development team over the last few months. As for Whitemeadow, they will be unveiling no less than six brand new product ranges. “With our focus on key interior trends, from calm comfort, to monochromatic elegance and muted earthy tones, this year, expect our display to look more inspirational than ever.”

Marseille Enzimi from Merlino

Moving to beds, Shire Beds, now FSC certified as a company and part of the NBF Pledge for the Planet to further their sustainability journey, is also a multi-award-winning manufacturer that offers added extras of own label, exclusive fabrics and extended guarantee on its eco designed products. Its award-winning Signature Range and Best-Selling Picasso from the Artisan Range are firm favourites. “The New Spectrum Range offers great value in these very challenging economic times. The Spectrum range ensures we provide products to ensure everyone gets a good night’s sleep.”

Highgrove will unveil its 21st Anniversary Collection at JFS, launching several exciting new models. These range from bed frames to innovative new comfort and support specifications. “These include our new AdvantEdge Plus® Pocket Spring System, health promoting CopperSleep®, temperature controlling ChiroGel® and an exciting new Highgrove mattress in a box.” As for Sanctum, crafted here in the UK using the finest natural materials, the premium bed brand features an engineered pocket spring system for total body support, plus an extensive range of base options with enhanced drawers and headboards. This is supported by in-store POS and delivery service.

Komfi, part of the GNG Group, will showcase their Unity vacuum-packed mattress range. At an extremely affordable price point, this new range is certainly an asset to the existing diverse and successful Komfi collections; Active, Sensory and Rhea. All mattresses come with a 10-year guarantee and are made in the UK to National Bed Federation approved standards. Meanwhile, German bedroom manufacturer Wiemann is launching five new ranges. The new products will complement Wiemann’s premium VIP ranges including Monaco and Quito, which all show commitment to driving increased value for retailers.

Finally, Rh45 will be showing their existing and extensive range of wall art, which is printed directly onto glass to give crystal clear definition and then embellished in a way that only Rh45 knows how! “We have something to suit all tastes and interiors. Our artist commissioned pieces by “DC” which includes iconic celebrities and children’s favourites have proven ever so popular with customers so far, as they make the perfect gift. We will also be taking this opportunity to launch our new style of pictures, something that has not yet been seen or done and is bound to wow customers. Our new “Metallic Ink Range” is simply stunning, with neutral tones that fit into any home, but will be a real centrepiece.”

Upholstery manufacturer La-Z-Boy will also be in attendance with their stand to include its very sports den where visitors can relax and unwind. The area, which celebrates La-Z-Boy’s three-year partnership with the American football league NFL, will include the brand’s Spectator chairs, a widescreen TV and framed NFL shirts. It will also showcase the Spectator rocker recliners, which have been available to buy from selected UK retailers since September 22.

Visitor registration is still open. To register, visit: www.thefurnitureshows.com/welcome

Majesty Highgrove Beds

Manhattan Snuggler from Whitemeadow

Spectra from Shire Beds

Hat Trick of Popular British Brands from GNG

2023 is likely to be another busy year for GNG Group, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of mattresses, as the Komfi, Sonlevo and Nectar Sleep brands continue to gain momentum.

The popular Komfi brand offers retailers an unrivalled range of mattresses featuring unique designs and innovative materials. These include Ecofoam which has a reduced carbon footprint; breathable ViscoGel for premium comfort; and Neuform memory foam as well as the new Unity vacuum-packed mattress collection which benefits from an affordable price point. With a choice of over 20 mattresses already under the Active, Sensory and Rhea brands, Komfi comprises a diverse range of foam and pocket-sprung hybrids, plus combination foam mattresses.

The Komfi range is perfectly complemented by GNG’s luxury Sonlevo mattress brand which has set a new standard within the industry. Its exclusive TrueGel technology features a unique grid system: 80% air, 100% recyclable and hypo-allergenic, it gives maximum support while minimising pressure and ensuring that it is never too hot or too cold.

With five models within the Sonlevo collection, the entire range is recommended to its members by the Football Medicine and Performance

Association as the products offer correct posture support and ultimate comfort, ensuring the best night’s sleep and, therefore, the best performance.

As an NHS approved supplier, GNG manufactures to the highest standards at its new purpose-built 40,000sq ft factory in Yorkshire. All mattresses are made in the UK to National Bed Federation approved standards and come with a reassuring 10-year guarantee. It also prides itself on being an environmentally responsible organisation having embarked on its journey to become a carbon neutral company back in 2019.

GNG is continuing to extend its offering to retailers by developing partnerships with companies such as Nectar Sleep, the largest boxed mattress brand in the US. With a focus on exceptional comfort, combined with a 365-night trial and lifetime warranty, Nectar Sleep mattresses are designed to meet the demands of modern living.

Led by a data-driven, global team of experts, Nectar Sleep is changing the way people buy and fall in love with their bed. With more than two million satisfied sleepers, the brand can help boost retail revenue by driving customers that want to try before they buy, directly to store.

GNG is the natural choice for UK retailers, providing the latest in mattress innovation as well as using green technology to provide a reduced carbon footprint. With all mattresses made here in Britain, customers are assured of fast and efficient delivery times as well as British quality. If you’d like to find out more about stocking Komfi, Sonlevo or Nectar Sleep, contact GNG on 01924 950 300 or email: info@GNG-Group.co.uk

www.komfi.com www.sonlevo.com www.nectarsleep.co.uk www.gnggroup.co.uk

Mattsons Beds prepares for INDX debut

Colin Boyce and James Leach, co-founders of newly launched Passage House and agents for bed manufacturer Mattsons, talk about what to expect to see at the upcoming INDX Furniture show.

and James, both agents for a number of British and Italian brands, decided to bring their joint expertise together as one company.

And so, with the Mattsons Beds partnership spearheading the venture, their company, Passage House, was born. “We’ve always wanted to do something together for some time – the chance to build a meaningful business and hopefully a brand together,” revealed Colin.

The duo jumped at the chance to represent Mattsons Beds, Sweden’s oldest bed company that has been operating since 1851 and is a 6th generation family business, with two generations working within the company today. James said: “A Mattsons bed is like no other. The product is guaranteed for up to 25 years, and uses components such as Swedish timber and the finest natural materials found in the bed industry.

Following the recent UK showroom launch for Swedish luxury bed manufacturer Mattsons Beds, and the appointment of Colin Boyce and James Leach as its UK agents, the brand will make its first appearance at the upcoming INDX Furniture Show this month. Mattsons Beds will showcase six models for visitors to try and explore, as well as find out more about the brand and the POS it has to offer.

James said: “Mattsons Beds will give retailers a chance to make the margin they would like to at the top end of the bed market. With Mattsons being a fresh new brand in the UK both Colin and I feel there is a great opportunity for retailers to come on board and promote this wonderful range of products without fear of losing orders to a host of competitors.

“Our goal is to make Mattsons become a recognised and respected brand within the trade. We believe there is a gap in the market for a luxury bed manufacture that’s story has the use of natural materials at the heart of its products.”

“The comfort of the beds is enhanced with their toppers, traditionally mattress toppers in the UK are used as the mattress unit won’t provide the correct feel. However, Scandinavian manufacturers believe that the mattress and topper is an integral part of the sleep system that provides support and unrivalled comfort, with the mattress designed with the topper in mind, Mattsons have had over 171 years to create the ultimate sleeping experience.”

Fast forward to January 2023, Mattsons has decided to take a stand at INDX Furniture, which takes place from 20 - 23 January and is organised by Associated Independent Stores (AIS), the UK’s leading buying group for fashion, home, and leisure, and is held at West Midlands exhibition venue, Cranmore Park.

“Mattsons will support UK stockists by way of Google word searches in local 50-mile radius’ plus, arranging and contributing to the cost of local magazines to hopefully create local interest. We are already working with paid promotions in the UK on Insta and Facebook,” Colin said.

“We’re looking forward to showcasing our ranges at the INDX show and can’t wait to welcome visitors to our stand to learn more about our brand.”

Mattsons Beds opened its new showroom in Topsham, near Exeter, its 17th space across the globe and its debut location here in Britain last year. On the back of this new venture, Colin www.mattsonsbeds.com

Hyder Beds focused on JFS

Yorkshire-based beds and mattress manufacturer Hyder Beds Ltd looks ahead to the January Furniture Show, highlighting their craftsmanship and eco-focus.

Situated in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, Hyder Beds Ltd boasts more than 30 years of experience in bed and mattress manufacturing. In that time, the company has mastered the art of bed-making and as such, prides itself as one of the leaders in the competitive beds industry. Fresh from a well-deserved festive break, Hyder Beds is ready to go once again and will officially kick its New Year off at the January Furniture Show, which takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from 22nd-25th January 2023.

On display will be Hyder’s latest developments and innovations, including an array of customisation options to meet demand of different styles and trends. Furthermore, the company prides itself on manufacturing sustainable products, which is an important part of Hyder’s ethos.

“Over the years, our specialty in the manufacture of various kinds of mattresses has evolved to high quality using the recent technology trend amalgamated with extensive test and trial with our years of master craftsmanship experience,” Hyder said.

“Time costs nothing. But choosing the right mattress is an investment in your health, happiness and well-being,” the business continued. “We take eco-friendliness seriously too. The materials we use to produce and manufacture our beds are all organic, re-useable or recycled. From organic, toxin-free fertilizer to using recycled packaging, and everything else in between, we pay attention to every environmental detail.”

When packaging products, Hyder said it adopts a unique ‘roll pack’ system, which works on reducing the amount of packaging it uses and the number of vehicles needed to transport goods. “The different types of mattresses we produce (Organic, Hydro Gel, Advance Foam and Sleepaedic) are all designed to provide excellent postural support while delivering luxury,” Hyder said, continuing: “We understand our customers have different preferences. So, as well as manufacturing various models of furniture, we also provide tons of customisation options. Whether you want a bright interior or darker colours are more your vibe, we’re confident our selection of fabrics has something to suit everyone’s tastes.

“Are you a local business? A national chain? Or a contract-style agency? If so, good. You’re in the right place. We accept orders

from brands of all sizes and industries to manufacture beds. Whether you’re a tiny B&B or a well-established hotel chain, we’ll provide precisely what you need. You name it, we’ll create it.”

Hyder Beds are looking forward to exhibiting at this month’s January Furniture Show and will be situated in Hall 5 on Stand 5-E62. “We hope you had great seasons break last month. Now it’s time to start a New Year with new ideas. Therefore, we will be featuring our latest product range and a chance for you to meet our team at the January Furniture Show. We look forward to seeing you.”

Hyderbedsltd.com e. info@hyderbedsltd.com t. +44 1924 462 616

FEATURES

The Freshest Furniture at JFS

Kettle Interiors is launching brand-new collections at The January Furniture Show 2023.

With brand-new collections drawing inspiration from the latest trends in global interiors, a visit to Kettle Interiors at The January Furniture Show will unlock new opportunities. For retailers looking for the freshest furniture to see at this year’s show, Kettle Interiors in Hall 4 and is well worth a visit.

The supplier will be launching new collections across its Essentials, Originals and Signature cabinet furniture brands, alongside new addition the MINT Interiors collection. With new options from the fast-selling value of Essentials through to the premium quality of Signature furniture, visitors to the Kettle Interiors stand will be the first to take advantage of the ranges and there will also be exclusive show discounts.

Retailers and designers will also be able to find out more about how Kettle Interiors has worked tirelessly over the last 12 months to ensure that its customers have access to its furniture whenever and however they want it. This is made possible by high stock levels of over 1,900 individual items, each available for quick delivery through the supplier’s Stockist, Wholesale or new and improved DHD service. Simon Ainge, International Sales Director, said: “For over 30 years we’ve been supplying the trade with the very best in choice, value and design. We’re keen to show retailers visiting The January Furniture Show how partnering with Kettle Interiors creates exciting new opportunities. With cabinet furniture, outdoor furniture and home lifestyle products all available, we give retailers the chance to explore new markets without sacrificing the ease and convenience of multiple supply options from a single source.”

The Kettle Interiors team will be on-hand throughout The January Furniture Show to talk retailers through the new collections and to show how its industry-leading 24/7 account management and ordering system gives the freedom of access anytime and anywhere. Find Kettle Interiors in Hall 4, The January Furniture Show, 23-25 January 2023, NEC Birmingham.

For further information contact Kettle Interiors Agencies, 01536 444960, sales@kettleinteriorsagencies.com www.kettleinteriorsagencies.com

”

We’re keen to show retailers visiting The January Furniture Show how partnering with Kettle Interiors creates exciting new opportunities.

Discover Bright New Finds At Spring Fair 2023

As the largest and most accessible “shop for shops”, Spring Fair is the UK’s trusted platform for discovery and innovation, putting the most sought-after products, bright new finds, and industry-leading creative thinkers, under one easy-tonavigate roof whilst giving retailers unparalleled cross-buying opportunities.

Spring Fair encompasses 14 sectors within four destinations across eight halls and includes area dedicated to home and gifts. The show creates a compelling and unmissable platform for buyers to touch, feel, and experience the latest products, trends and innovations. The Small Business Sunday Village showcases at Spring Fair for the first time and will welcome its founder Theo Paphitis. Theo can also be seen on the Inspiring Retail Stage which will also offer an exciting and insightful line-up of speakers and trend presentations across all four days. Running alongside Spring Fair is the UK’s newest responsible sourcing show, Source Home & Gift uniting the best manufacturers from key sourcing regions around the world with key retailers, brands, contractors and interior designers

Nicola Meadows, Portfolio Director, Spring Fair, says: “All of the team at Spring Fair are very excited about opening the doors to the next show in February 23. We offer an incomparable destination for sourcing newness, innovation and your next best-sellers. Our vision for discovery builds on our heritage as a trusted platform for buyers and adds an improved layout and unparalleled opportunities for cross-buying and creativity.”

Within Home, Living & Décor and The Summerhouse buyers will discover newness and the most stylish and on-trend furniture, textiles, housewares, art, and decorative interior and outdoor accessories from the UK and around the world. The Summerhouse welcomes back Bloomingville, MyGiftsTrade (including Urban Nature Culture), Hot Tomato, The Libra Company, Terrace & Garden / Casa Verde, Jellycat, Stone Glow Candles, RoseHill, Biggie Best, Morgan Wright brands

Spring Fair, the UK’s leading marketplace for wholesale Home, Gift and Fashion returns to the NEC Birmingham NEC from 5th – 8th February 2023 hosting an even more dynamic and inspirational offering.

who are looking to find new suppliers or explore private label opportunities.

including Also Home and Rain & Humble, DeluxeHomeart and Gallery Direct. Returning from Denmark is VanillaFly, while new to Spring Fair, visitors will be delighted to discover one of Scandinavia’s leading wholesalers, Wikholm Form.

Luxa will introduce Sompex of Germany, a dedicated lighting specialist with beautiful contemporary portable lighting. Villeroy & Boch will also be launching lighting additionally to their range. Storefactory are a must see with stunning contemporary decorative pieces. Look out for the groundbreaking new brand from Spain, Bioo Lux, which brings a fusion of translucent decorative plant vases that use biotechnology to create light when touching the plant.

Spring Fair is delighted to welcome back an array of home and outdoor lifestyle brands for the 2023 event in February, including Coach House, Kaemingk, Mint Interiors by Kettle also featuring Mambo Outdoor Living, London Ornaments, Bakers, Ascalon, Ivyline, Minster Stylish Living, Dutch Import & Daughters, Waltons of Yorkshire, Malini, Lows of Dundee,

Sparta Decor, Tweedmill, Chic Antique, Fifty Five South, Hanlin, and Hill Interiors. Voyage Maison rejoins the Spring Fair line-up at the front of Hall 6, while lighting industry leaders Searchlight will present a mixture of decorative lighting. Hunter Price and their new Billie Faiers range can also now be found in Home, Living and Décor sector. Nortonvale Homeware are a new and upcoming soft furnishings supplier and will also be exhibiting. They specialise in a wide selection of cushion covers in all styles and design and import goods from around the globe. “We follow trends extremely closely and work with our customers in order to ensure we are providing you with the most up to date styles for your stores,” Nortonvale said.

As the buyers one-stop marketplace for everything new and on-trend for 2023, Spring Fair is the most comprehensive home, gift and fashion buying showcase. It runs from 5th - 8th February 2023 at NEC Birmingham.

www.springfair.com

A clear strategy provides record growth

Simplification and a clear strategy with putting the customer at the centre of decision making has delivered record results for the UK division of Norwegian furniture manufacturer Ekornes AS. The group is the largest furniture producer in Norway and owns the brand names Ekornes®, Stressless®, Svane® and IMG. Operating globally, it was the UK market that outperformed the rest of Ekornes’ divisions, driven by a “well executed” strategy.

James Thompson, Senior Vice President - Commercial Europe at Ekornes AS, revealed: “Whilst it remains hugely turbulent in the industry, simplification and reliability have delivered us a new record turnover for the UK market, doubling the size of the business, and making it the best performing market globally for the group.

“We remain very reliant on our strong relationship with our independent retail partners, who are a key part of the delivery of our brand strategy. The Norwegian ethos around community runs deep within our organisation and this plays heavily into this strategy. Our independent retailers remain the lifeblood of the communities they operate in, and ultimately deliver a strong retailer partnership. We remain steadfast to this strategy and partnership.”

James highlighted that the business benefited from the buoyant focus on the home over the last year with consumers investing in their living spaces. Due to the brands repositioning, which started some years back, this played an important part in their growth and will continue to do so moving forward. He said: “Fundamentally, a focus on consumer journey, product and brand position have allowed us to pivot for the better. The business has reduced its range, therefore simplifying the consumer journey, reduced down the number of retail partners by 10% and developed new products that fit better into our portfolio delivering better customer (retailer) and consumer engagement.

“All topped off by re-positioning the brand as a lifestyle brand, through to rolling out of over 100 studio concepts across our network enhanced by fantastic photography and storytelling. Whilst at our roots the product remains technically the best made product on the market, we deliver this message to our consumers later in the journey, through our highly trained retail partners.”

Another key cog in the Ekornes machine that has paid dividends is the investment in their digital platform, which has enhanced the consumer journey James touched upon. He continued: “Pre-pandemic the company invested heavily in our digital platform delivering an enhanced branded consumer journey, and better optimisation of this remains a significant focus, with a digital first marketing strategy taking significant focus past and present.”

Alongside this, Ekornes has continued to invest into European production, which has been significant over the past

James Thompson, Senior Vice President - Commercial Europe at Ekornes AS, shares an insight into its UK performance and plans moving into the year ahead.

three years. James added: “Initially this was to nearshore the production of our sister business IMG and more recently with further investment this has given us the chance to relocate some of our more labour-intensive product to our environmentally rated A+ facility in Lithuania, specialising in the production of our Stressless power sofas and our IMG business.”

More recently, at the company’s London Brand Store, it has re-introduced iconic models already in the portfolio but with enhanced comfort and quality, which will prolong the life of the product. This plays well into one of the pillars of its sustainable strategy; ‘built to last’. “We have also extended our range of power sofas by adding new Stressless Anna to the family, a smaller more compact power sofa,” James added, continuing: “We also took a second venue to display and introduce IMG models to the network of retailers with two white label concepts, Nordic Spirit and Scadia. So far, we have been pleased with the response.”

James hinted that a number of “exciting projects” are currently underway and being developed by their Norwegian product development team, but remained tight-lipped on the details “for now”. One thing James, who will be celebrating six years with the business in April next year, could share was an insight into his thoughts on industry trends. “On a macro level, I watch with interest how the pureplay online empire reorganises itself having had giddy valuations which have not been backed by proof of concept, ultimately built on low value and poor-quality products with a precarious value and supply chain, to me this feels like a new dawn. On a more local level, I remain very optimistic around UK and European production and how the near shoring of production will create opportunities both in the UK and within Europe.

“On reflection, we as a team have achieved a great amount, and in return cemented our position as the market leading Scandinavian lifestyle brand in the UK, back where it should be.”

www.ekornes.com www.stressless.com

We remain very reliant on our strong relationship with our independent retail partners, who are a key part of the delivery of our brand strategy.

New Products

Shire Beds

Shire Beds are a FSC certified company and also signed the NBF Pledge for the Planet to further their sustainability journey. Shire Beds is a multi award winning quality manufacturer that offers added extras of own label, exclusive fabrics and extended guarantee on its eco designed products – it is a must have brand in furniture retail. Its award winning Signature Range and Best Selling Picasso from the Artisan Range are firm favourites. The new Spectrum Range offers great value in these very challenging economic times.

www.shirebeds.co.uk

Gallery Direct

Gallery Direct are launching a new mattress collection which offers a range of models, each with its own features, designed to make it easy for Gallery’s customers and end users alike to choose the right mattress to suit their requirements. All the new mattresses will be hand crafted at Gallery’s Wiltshire manufacturing unit by their highly skilled, experienced team. The new mattresses will be introduced to the industry at the January Furniture Show 2023, but are ready for customers to preview and order ahead of the show.

www.gallerydirect.co.uk

Wiemann

Award-winning German bedroom manufacturer, Wiemann, has two new-in-2022 VIP ranges available to view at trade shows throughout the Autumn. Quito is an eye-catching premium VIP range featuring a distinctive square design to set it apart from the crowd. Featuring hinged doors and a variety of carcase, door and finish options including mirrors, pebble grey, champagne and rustic oak. Asmara is a versatile and contemporary premium VIP total bedroom solution featuring hinged doors with or without drawers. Available in a variety of finishes including Bianco oak, pebble grey, champagne and mirrors. Chests, bedsides and beds complete the collection.

www.wiemannuk.co.uk

Sweet Dreams

Bed manufacturer Sweet Dreams has announced the launch of its new exclusive Eden Online Mattress range. The new range features 18 mattresses, which are made to order, and offers a wide range of price points and features, from starter mattresses to high quality hand side stitched FR Chemical free mattresses. The Eden range is complimented by a fully FSC certified divan range featuring non-storage, drawer, side and front ottoman bases with matching headboards in 16 luxury fabrics.

www.sweetdreamsuk.com

Siren Furniture

Upholstery supplier Siren Furniture have announced the launch of their most comfortable sofa range to date – Freya. A modular range, Freya is easily configured to suit any shape and size of room and is offered with a wide range of fabrics to suit most tastes. Those that have experienced Freya so far have said that the comfort is unrivalled. Fillings and components have also been sourced with a keen eye on sustainability and the complete package makes Freya one to seek out. www.sirenfurniture.com

Merlino International

Merlino is our Australian brand of Italian heritage, selling to the retail and contract interiors sector. A unique living concept that embodies the latest trends and contemporary styles. Our Marseille modular sofa, featuring a steel frame structure, upholstered in Enzimi 03 Cream fabric. www.merlinointernational.com

Nectar Sleep

At Nectar Sleep we are committed to sustainability, which is why we use premium materials in our products to ensure that they last. However, we are also aware that all products have an environmental impact, which is why we have partnered with Climate Partner to measure, reduce and offset our carbon footprint. The products are also delivered in FSC certified boxes and vacuum packed using recycled polythene. We also create a second life for our mattresses. We refurbish and re-sell those that are good as new from our 365-night trials and we donate the rest to the British Heart Foundation. To date, our used mattresses have raised £410,000 for the charity. www.nectarsleep.co.uk

Sonlevo

The Sonlevo TrueGel range is setting a new standard. It’s the first gel mattress to be developed in the UK using revolutionary Gel technology – its unique grid system is 80% air. TrueGel gives maximum support, minimises pressure and is never too hot and never too cold, for the best night’s sleep possible. For over 40 years GNG has been dedicated to helping people sleep better, with the latest in innovation, materials and design. From sidesleepers to star-fishers, nappers and night owls, to those who suffer in pain - we have something for everyone. Everything we do is researched, designed and manufactured by us in the UK. Given the heightened focus on sleep and wellbeing, this new premium range represent a real opportunity for retailers to expand sales into lucrative new areas. www.sonlevo.com

THE BIG QUESTION

Nigel Lomas, Harvest Moon Interiors

There is only one furniture show as far as I can see. The NEC January Show. We’ve been going now for 23 years, every year bar Covid. It’s the only place to see everything and get the whole feel of the industry and where trends are going. It’s had its ups and downs but every year we find something new or a different look. The roll call of old flames and makers long past is quite sad but on the plus side people will always need a sofa to sit on and a chair at the table to eat at. I’d like to see fewer old men in grey suits and more youngsters running stands.

Steve Adams, Mattress Online

The National Bed Federation Show in Telford. We can liaise with all our primary suppliers, it’s a great event for networking and the most efficient strategic buying opportunity in our calendar.

George Sinclair, Nimbus Beds

My favourite would have to be the January Furniture Show at NEC Birmingham. This was the first big show I went to as a teenager when I started selling beds & was inspired by the HUGE trade stands that would costs thousands to create. It has a diverse range of exhibitors and there is plenty to see too. Some of the usual bed shows can get quite boring after seeing beds all day!

Vic Smith, Vic Smith Beds

I know as a bed retailer, the show I am meant to say as my first choice is the Bed Show in Telford, organised and run by the National Bed Federation, and whilst I feel this show is a must, and unless you have a really good excuse, shouldn’t be missed, they are very samey. I do find the January Furniture Show can be a little bit more uplifting and seeing what other people in the furniture industry views are and new products for the bed industry. The bed manufacturers showing at the January Furniture Show tend to have a few more eco options and a lot more progressive ideas.

Darren Barker, Mattressman

It would have to be the NBF show in September, to see all the latest new launches of mattresses and to see all the latest technology in the industry.

Mike Murray, Land of Beds

Two shows in particular stand out in our calendar: The Index Bed Show, organised by the Associated Independent Stores (AIS) and The NBF Bed Show. As buyers curate The Index Bed show for buyers, when attending, we can be confident that we will have the opportunity to discover the latest market trends and industry innovations within a carefully curated marketplace. Committed to meeting the diverse and everchanging requirements of today’s retailers, with a particular focus on independent stores, this trade show allows us to browse a carefully organised, selected list of high-quality products and services. As this event is very targeted with our key suppliers, we regard it very highly in our diary dates. The Bed Show is firmly established in our calendar as it allows the whole industry an opportunity to come together once a year. With so many manufacturers and suppliers housed under one roof, it is a great chance for us to see new, high-quality products being launched and to meet up with existing and potential new suppliers. Whenever possible, we like to buy from NBF members as we value the rigorous and robust vetting procedures that are in place. Plus, The Beds Show Gala dinner and awards evening is always a magnificent event to attend and is a great networking opportunity.

Matt Scott, Sopha

I know as a bed retailer, the show I am meant to say as my I’d say my favourite trade show is the one where shops that surround us aren’t attending; it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of showing the same products in the same fabrics as all of the other stores around us. Back when it first started The Bed Show was a catalyst for innovation within the sector however the show has lost it’s newness and can often feel like many of the other larger trade shows where exhibitor’s expectations from previous years and stand fees that need to be repaid often decrease the appetite for the risk from the exhibitors. It’s the smaller shows with lower stand fees and low expectations that usually deliver products which catch our eye. A typical year for us will see us visiting both Minerva Shows, the South West Show, Bed Show, Manchester Show, Cranmore Park and Long Point. All of this is on top of visiting some manufacturers ‘at home’ shows where you can often poke around and find interesting fabric swatches or other points of difference that can enhance our customer’s experience.

Paul Wray, Managing Director of Furntec Ltd and Modern Outlook Furniture, shares an insight into the furniture industry in China and how to find the right partner.

How to partner with the right factory in China

China has been referred to as the factory of the world for some time now. Over 50% of the world’s furniture is made in China. When looking for a manufacturing partner you may find it difficult to see the woods from the trees, there is a broad range of options and solutions to suit all budgets, how do you know which will work for you?

Below I have detailed several points you will want to focus on to ensure you don’t come up against any nasty surprises. At Modern Outlook Furniture we work with hundreds of manufacturers across China to meet the needs of our retail clients in the UK and USA, so we have a fair bit of experience when it comes to knowing what to look for.

Factory inspections

While certification and legislation offer some peace of mind, having a physical factory inspection is unrivalled. You will want to work with a third party based in China to inspect the factory is clean, organised and pay attention to how physical stock is being handled on the premises. If it is not being stored or packed correctly, this should be a red flag for future issues which could arise with your products.

Factory inspections will also give you an opportunity to speak to your contact and get an idea of how much they understand about the production processes. If they are not knowledgeable about each stage of production this could be another red flag that you are not dealing directly with the factory or they may not be able to meet requirements to your satisfaction once your order has been placed.

Clarity on factory processes

Be sure to get a comprehensive rundown of all factory processes. If your manufacturing partner is adept at international business, they should already have documentation and processes in place to meet your requirements. Be sure to set clear expectations and ensure this is passed down through the entire workforce.

A great way to identify if quality control processes are in place and effective, is by asking to see their rejected products. You can also ask more information about their processes to rework these products here too.

Referencing and proof of existing customers

If the factory you are considering is busy, that is a good sign that they are in demand and have been benefiting from repeat business. This is a great indicator that existing clients are impressed with the quality of production. Bonus points if you can identify branded products and packaging on your factory visit as confirmation of their existing partnerships.

Quality control Standards

It’s best not to leave anything to chance here. Quality control must be at the forefront of your production run. Once products have left a factory and arrived with you, you may find it difficult to achieve any recourse with a manufacturer in China, in addition to this, they will rarely cover additional shipping costs for replacements. The best thing you can do is have feet on the ground in China to monitor quality control inspections regularly.

It’s also important to consider product testing. Independent testing will ensure longevity of your product, and therefore your brand. They may look okay to the human eye, but can you be sure they will withstand the usage they are made for?

Acceptance Quality Limit Reporting (AQL) reporting is usually carried out by a third party in China. AQL is a comprehensive quality report which covers all aspects of production right through to packing. This is not a standard practice in Chinese factories, however by offering this service to our clients we have saved them tens of thousands of pounds in faulty goods and goods being damaged in transit.

While AQL reporting and third party quality control is an additional cost, it often means you can achieve peace of mind from a distance and have more confidence in your investments from the beginning.

I hope you found this useful, if you have any questions, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn.

www.linkedin.com/in/paul-wray-79403935/

How technology can transform furniture makers manufacturers

The festive period is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for the furniture sector, racing to keep up with consumer and customer demand. On top of this increased pressure, manufacturers will also be experiencing tough conditions amid increased energy and materials prices, and supply chain and labour challenges.

The Christmas and New Year rush will highlight bottlenecks and other issues with their processes. Meanwhile, changing consumer habits towards more sustainable products, online shopping and supporting small businesses instead of huge corporations, are also revealing opportunities for growth. This makes it the perfect time to take stock of these challenges and find a way of avoiding them in the future. It is also a good time to reach out for help.

Since 2018, Made Smarter, the government-funded, industry-led movement to help SME manufacturers adopt digital technologies and skills, has worked with more than 2,500 businesses in the North West, including 150 in the furniture sector. Made Smarter offers expert, impartial technology advice, digital transformation workshops to help manufacturers take their first steps, as well as matched funding for SMEs to invest in technology.

These technology projects are helping businesses plan production and capacity, oversee and manage the workforce, forecast demand and inventory needs, manage stock levels and optimise picking, and automate the packaging process. They have proven to help businesses cope with the seasonal surge, remain competitive, and set themselves up for success all year round.

James Tanner Joinery, a Kendal-based manufacturer of traditional hand-crafted windows, doors and staircases, is an example of an SME which was able to overcome capacity and growth challenges by investing in an integrated solution consisting of a five-axis CNC machine with time-management and design software.

Before investing in automation, production was extremely manual and required wood being moved between three machines. This time-consuming process was reducing capacity, creating backlogs, and limiting growth. The new machine removes the labour-intensive processes and links to a new cloud-based design software, which tracks the life journey of the product from customer enquiry, design and prototype using fully rendered 3D-imaging, material management, to manufacture and delivery.

Made Smarter, the movement to increase the take up of digital technology among manufacturers, talks about how technology adoption can empower and transform furniture manufacturers.

As a result software reduces jobs time by 50% while production is typically 13 times faster. By doubling its production capacity, the business can take on that extra commercial work. James said: “This solution means that we can do all the design work and programming before, put the wood into the machine and let it do its job, all in one go. Our motto has always been ‘precision-made joinery’. Accuracy is really important to me, to the reputation of this company. This new solution takes our ability to achieve that accuracy to the next level.”

The investment has also helped James create a digital roadmap which includes steps towards 3D design software to expand into bedrooms and kitchens. 3D scanning and immersive technologies are also being explored as ways of rapidly accelerating the design cycle further and enhancing customer experience.

James added: “I want to be able to go to a job, measure or scan the key parameters, sketch a design and go back to the office to produce a 3D design. It then goes from screen to machine. Now we have taken this first step, I can see the possibilities. And that is very exciting.”

Forest Sofa, a furniture manufacturer based in Salford, has also been able to better manage resource demands and reduce the likelihood of bottlenecks in production after investing in data and system integration technologies.

The addition of digital tools increased visibility which has enabled the business to digitally track production and allowed it to provide real time updates to their customers.

The success paved the way for a second Made Smarter-supported project focussed on production, and is forecast to reduce fabric waste by up to 10% and reduce cutting time by 50%.

Ryan Mohieddin, Managing Director, said: “Our second project involves pattern digitisation, optimisation and material cutting to increase production capacity, whilst providing a digital back up protecting our IP. We are looking forward to this next step on our journey, as we continue to combine traditional manufacturing with digital innovation.”

Both these case studies illustrate the importance of creating a digital roadmap. As a new year begins, Made Smarter - which is also available to manufacturers in the North East, West Midlands, East Midlands, West of England and Yorkshire and Humber regions - is calling for businesses across the furniture and home goods supply chain to seize the moment to start planning for the future.

They have produced a free guide to help demystify digitalisation and drive technology adoption. The document includes topics such as how digital tools can help overcome specific challenges, and showcases Made Smartersupported manufacturers who are reaping the benefits of investing in technology which is vital in helping them cope with increasing demand during busy periods.

https://www.madesmarter.uk/resources/guide-is-digital-technology-thekey-to-success-during-busy-periods-such-as-christmas

www.madesmarter.uk

Trio of awards for MattressTek

Machinery manufacturer MattressTek has been celebrating its global success with a round of awards recognising its International Trade.

MattressTek were finalists in the Made in Rossendale and Large Business categories at the Rossendale Business Awards on 30th November and ended up coming away with the former, along with the organisers’ top price for being ‘an excellent business ambassador for the valley’.

The business were up against Scentish and Foremost Furniture in the Made in Rossendale category and won but narrowly missed out on the Large Business award to Slingco, ahead of Framex and Orthoplastics.

The following evening, MattressTek won Company of the Year (up to £20m) at Insider North West’s International Trade Awards at The Lowry Hotel. They

were up against filters manufacturer MPE, Sovereign Beverage Company, 100 Per Cent Group and International Pheromone Systems.

Technical Director Shaun Peel said: “We’re over the moon to have won at both of these awards. We are so humbled to have even made it through to the shortlist or final but to win is thanks to our dedicated team at our site in Lancashire.”

“Over the last five years, our range has proven popular with clients and big brands in the UK, US, Mexico, Europe and Australia, and we’re proud to be supporting the inevitable transition into automation and industry 4.0, across the manufacturing and processing of

foam components and springs, and are excited to see where our growth expands to next.”

With over 40 years of experience, it has been a busy few months for the company, who attribute 70% of their production is export pursuits.

As a finalist in the International Trade category of The Manufacturer TMMX Awards as well, the company says: “Having maintained our position as a provider of quality, robust and reliable production lines for the bed industry and beyond, Innovation and problem solving remain at the core of our mission.”

www.mattresstek.co.uk

We are so humbled to have even made it through to the shortlist or final but to win is thanks to our dedicated team at our site in Lancashire

Last Word with BDO

Misconceptions around apprenticeships are still influencing the decisions of young people in their career paths, according to new research from accountancy and business advisory firm, BDO.

The survey of more than 1000 people across England found that more than half (51%) of people aged between 18-24 still believe that a university degree makes you more likely to earn a high salary than doing an apprenticeship. The research also found that almost half (49%) believe that apprenticeships are better suited to those who don’t get high enough grades to go to university.

Looking at career progression, the survey found that some say an apprenticeship could have a negative impact. More than a third (34%) believe you are less likely to reach the most senior positions within a business if you do an apprenticeship rather than a university degree.

The survey also looked into attitudes of education providers and parents and guardians. Almost two thirds (62%) of respondents said their school or college encouraged them to go to university rather than apply for an apprenticeship. This figure was higher for young people based in Greater London (70%) and lowest for those based in the North East (55%).

More than half (55%) of respondents said their parents or guardians would prefer or have preferred them to go to university over an apprenticeship. Whilst many believe that an apprenticeship may not lead to as highly paid job as a university degree, almost two thirds (64%) of those surveyed do believe that an apprenticeship is more likely to result in a permanent job once completed compared to a university degree.

Sarah Hillary, a partner at BDO commented on the findings: “Despite school leaver apprenticeships being a well-established route into many well-paid professions, including accountancy and law, our research demonstrates that there are still misconceptions about this career path. It is also concerning that more than a third believe doing an

apprenticeship rather than a degree could be a barrier to reaching the most senior positions within a business.

“Whilst a university education is still a highly regarded achievement, it can also bring a significant amount of debt and additional costs. As the cost-of-living crisis continues to take hold, university may not always be the most attractive or accessible route for young people, particularly those from a lower socio-economic background.

“With this in mind, it is important to not just increase the number of quality apprenticeship positions but also raise awareness of how this type of training can create meaningful, sustainable careers whilst giving the opportunity to ‘earn while you learn’. This would be a step in the right direction to improving social mobility in the UK.”

A separate survey by BDO recently revealed that apprenticeships could be starting to be seen as a more appealing recruitment strategy with almost a third (29%) of the UK’s medium-sized businesses planning to hire more apprentices in a bid to attract more talent.

Sarah added: “It is promising to see more businesses offering apprenticeship positions to attract more talent. We must now continue to ensure that young people from all backgrounds, as well as those influencing their career decisions, are aware of the wealth of opportunities and career progression that quality apprenticeship programmes can provide.”

www.bdo.co.uk

Sarah Hillary, a partner at BDO, provides an insight into the question, are apprenticeships still overlooked by young people?