Editorial
Dan Squires
Managing Editor
dan@bigfurnituregroup.com 07531 854718 | 01223 298489
Advertising
Nick Mizin
Sales Manager
nick@bigfurnituregroup.com
0207 096 1010
Publisher Stephen Smith
Production Juan Morante GraphiC Design
www.bigfurnituregroup.com
BigFurnitureGroupLtd
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Print: Buxton Press
ISSN No: 2753-3387
Copyright © Big Furniture Group 2022 Issue No: 28
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.
Dan Squires Managing Editor
As the year draws to a close, December’s edition is packed with industry insight and reflection as well as looking ahead to 2025. Our Cover Star this month, Timber Art Design, details its services and product offer, while Gallery Direct and Indus Valley both unveil what’s new and Devonshire Living reveals its new logo fresh for the New Year.
In keeping with a new identity, we took the opportunity to head down to Sofa Connections in the West Midlands where they gave us a tour and an early look at its new rebrand. That will keep for next month, but the feature shares an insight into the factory as well as meeting office dog Mimi. We also caught up with Fairway Furniture as the retailer completed its recent refurbishment, while Spaceworks – the team behind the refit – shares their view on the project.
We also found ourselves at the Vogue Beds factory for a tour where we learnt more about its ongoing innovation journey. This month features its latest Climate Collection while next month will have a full debrief of the visit. Sticking with new products, GNG introduces its new GelMed range, Wiemann lifts the lid on what to expect at the next month’s January Furniture Show and we share previews of both upcoming shows in January, as JFS and INDX Furniture look to kick off 2025 with inspiration.
As for the regulars, COKU Home talks about their rapid growth, its commitment to sustainability and why the industry needs to shift away from ‘fast furniture’ in our latest Retail Focus feature. Matthew Randle, General Manager at independent bed retailer Dreamland Bedding Centre and sustainability guru, shares insight into his career so far, why retailers need to invest in their staff, his admiration for a fellow sustainability expert and the continued consumer shift towards natural products in our Big Interview.
With sustainability in mind, Simon Scholes, Director at Oakdene Hollins, talks about greenwashing and recycling claims, while Purman highlights the power of upcycling rigid PU foam. Our Green Retail spotlight shines on DFS and Siren talks about what recycling a sofa might look like. Meanwhile, WEBS Training shares its view on the future of furniture, Furniture And Choice returns with another trend insight and Loren Williams shares an insight into the company, recent investments and future plans.
Guardsman also features and talks partnerships, while Shankar details the team behind the business and new product development. Purecare continues the conversation on its rapid rise in the UK as it returns to its launch pad at the upcoming JFS, while Platinum labels ask the question: Is your swatch service driving results?
The edition also features more about CGI from Prodoto, the latest insight from the Letter from Vietnam and UK trade data. To wrap things up, Furniture Sales Solutions shares three top tips for a jolly Christmas sale. And on that note, the BFG team would like to thank every contributor and customer for their continued support during 2024 and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
That’s enough from me, so enjoy our latest magazine. Oh, and if you have any news you want to shout about or if you’re keen to get involved in our Retail Focus and Big Interview features, drop me an email on dan@bigfurnituregroup.com We’d love to share your story.
GENERAL MANAGER AT INDEPENDENT BED RETAILER DREAMLAND BEDDING CENTRE AND SUSTAINABILITY GURU, shares insight into his career so far, why retailers need to invest in their staff, his admiration for a fellow sustainability expert and the continued consumer shift towards natural products.
FOCUS COKU Home talks about their rapid growth, its commitment to sustainability and why the industry needs to shift away from ‘fast furniture’.
HIDDEN GEM West Midlands-based family run furniture manufacturer, Sofa Connections, opened the doors to their production facility as they prepare for a debut January Furniture Show.
Gallery Direct recently invited the Big Furniture Group team to its showroom and distribution centre in Chesterfield where we got a first look at the new launches on display.
Peter Delaney, Sales Director, and Claire Dangar, Head of Marketing Technology, gave an insightful tour of all the new products on display, starting with a stunning view from the ‘Viewing Platform’ that overlooks the centre’s true power behind the products ready to go. It’s a view you need to see with your own eyes – it’s huge!
In fact, the showroom and centre itself covers a massive 224,000sqft and holds around 36,000 pallets of stock.
Back to the products, Claire reflected on the success of their @Home events, with the latest being no different. “The show has been a tremendous success to date, attracting excellent attendance from our key trade partners, and running across a busy 2-week period.
“We’ve seen great enthusiasm for our latest launches and the response to our @Home Show is a clear indicator of how much our customers value the opportunity to see the products in-situ and as the complete lifestyle solution.
“We are in a unique position within in the industry to design and supply the entire ‘lifestyle solution’. From expertly curated displays to complete lifestyle collections, we empower our customers to create and deliver the entire look. Our innovative merchandising ideas and trend-driven designs are backed by operational excellence, ensuring seamless deliveries to either commercial premises or as direct-to-customer drop-shipping solutions.
“The sneak peek of fresh, vibrant designs and innovative materials has already created excitement, setting expectations
high for the next season. Our key range extensions into bedroom within the Vancouver, Hatfield and Artisan collections was extremely well received. As well as building on the success of our already popular key ranges, such and Madrid, Amalfi and Datsun, where we are introducing additional coordinated pieces and colour options.
“The overwhelmingly positive feedback has reinforced our direction. It’s clear that our commitment to providing trenddriven, high-quality products as a complete lifestyle solution is valued, and we’re excited to continue innovating and delivering exceptional solutions to our customers – having the ability to do this @Home as an immersive showroom experience further enhances the personal touch we offer to all our customers.”
Gallery will be introducing the new products in phases, with AW24 available now, and its Spring Summer collection launching in January and February 2025, in time for Gallery’s attendance at the Spring Fair.
www.gallerydirect.co.uk
Upholstery manufacturing group Sofa Brands International has committed to its Wiltshire outlet store after what has been a successful opening period.
Situated on New Road in the town centre of Chippenham, the Sofa Brands Factory Outlet store officially opened on 12 January 2024. Since then, the store has “exceeded expectations” with management keen to continue its presence in the town and build on its growth.
Craig Lyus, Group Marketing Director, said: “We’re delighted that our initial months of trading exceeded expectations, in what is a very challenging market for sofas and furniture at the moment. The fact that we’re able to offer our major brands like G Plan and Parker Knoll at a fraction of the RRP has clearly struck a chord in the current economic climate.”
Furniture supplier Devonshire Living has announced the appointment of Anthony Palmer as its new Area Manager for the South of England.
Anthony joined the company on 18 November 2024, bringing with him his vast industry experience, having represented Kettle Interiors and Kettle Home for almost a decade. Mike Brown will retain his position as Business Development Manager and cover the
North of England, Southern Scotland and all of Wales, while Chris Lester continues to his role in Ireland.
Commenting on the appointment, Gemma Spry, Marketing Executive at Devonshire Living, said: “We are excited to announce the appointment of Anthony Palmer as Area Manager for the South of England. Anthony joins us off the back of a successful tenure with Kettle Interiors/Home, and so is in the unique position to help support any of our current and new customers. We are looking forward to welcoming Anthony to our team.
Furnishings manufacturer, The Belfield Group, which includes the brands of Westbridge, Tetrad, Belfield Home & Leisure and Clinchplain, has confirmed that it is consolidating its Westbridge production into a single facility.
Under the plans, Westbridge WB3 factory on Deeside Industrial Estate will move to Westbridge WB2 site in Flint by the end of 2024.
A statement said: “Westbridge will be consolidating all production into a single site facility, with all work transferring from WB3 into WB2 by the end of 2024. WB2 will become our sole manufacturing facility, retaining significant capacity through our proposed use of shift patterns, although we will still be retaining our WB3 facility, with a view to re-starting operations in this facility in the future when market conditions improve and volume demand returns.
“Westbridge have faced several impacts over the past year that have led to this decision. The uncertainty in consumer confidence combined with supply-chain and inflation pressures created a difficult trading environment in 2024, an environment that has impacted the whole industry. In addition, M&S’s decision to exit the
‘bulky furniture’ market has resulted in us accelerating transformation plans to mitigate the loss of a significant portion of our traditional intake.
“The decision to move to a single manufacturing site allows us to accelerate our ‘factory of the future’ concept providing us solid foundations for growth, whilst rationalising cost to ensure the business can complement its superior design and quality with competitive prices. We believe this additional resilience will ensure the long-term success of our business.”
In addition to site consolidation at Westbridge, Belfield Group have also announced a further review of headcount within their Belfield Leisure business. They have also confirmed that they are proposing to exit the soft furnishing market, with an expected wind-down of operations at their Belfield Home business by 31 January 2025.
Northern Irish independent furniture retailer Traynor Furnishings has opened its new store.
Situated at 89A Moy Road in Armagh, the new 15,000sqft store opened on 22 November 2024. The business, which has invested £500,000 into the site, opted for the location due to being one busiest Roads in Northern Ireland.
Commenting ahead of the opening, Jason Traynor, Director of Traynor Furnishings, said: “This modern facility enhances the shopping experience with a spacious layout and inviting atmosphere, allowing customers to comfortably explore our extensive product range.
“Additionally, we have invested in a unique line of beds, sofas, mattresses, and dining furniture, all designed with quality materials and attention to detail. These investments position us to redefine the home furnishing landscape and strengthen our market presence.”
The National Bed Federation (NBF) has announced the sad passing of Mr Jim Gerety, a cherished member of the NBF and Vispring Ltd families.
Jim passed away on Saturday, 9th November 2024, at the age of 66 after a brief illness. The NBF said: “Jim joined the NBF Board in 2019 and served as President from 2022 to 2024, an honour he fully embraced and a role that was greatly valued by the NBF secretariat, Board and Council.
“Jim was a very well-respected figure in the UK bed industry, as well as globally. Jim started his career with Vispring in 2011 as Sales Director and became Managing Director from 2016 until his retirement in late 2022.
“Upon retiring, he was succeeded by Martin Gill, with whom he had closely collaborated while also serving as Managing Director of ‘And So To Bed.’ “Even after his retirement, Jim remained a member of the Vispring Board and continued to support the Flex Bedding Group, working closely with CEO Rafael Gonzalez and COO Alain Rauh.
Through his ongoing involvement and leadership, Jim played a significant role in helping Vispring grow into the successful luxury bed brand it is today. He will be greatly missed, and our deepest condolences go out to Jim’s family, friends and colleagues during this sad time.”
“Jim was a truly wonderful man,” added Tristine Hargreaves, NBF Executive Director. “We are all deeply saddened to hear the news of Jim’s passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Home furnishings and homewares retailer Dunelm Group plc has announced that it has acquired Homefocus Group Limited.
Homefocus Group Limited is a soft furnishings retailer which trades under the ‘Home Focus at Hickeys’ brand, with 13 stores trading in high-quality locations across the Republic of Ireland. The business also operates online, providing home delivery and a ‘Click & Reserve’ option for customers to collect products in-store. With a focus on fabrics, the brand specialises in specific home categories including curtains and bedding.
The acquisition is an attractive opportunity for Dunelm to connect with more customers by entering a new geography, with a homewares market of more than £1bn. The acquisition immediately provides the Group with good coverage across the Republic of Ireland, through Home Focus’ portfolio of smaller stores (<10,000 sq ft).
Dunelm sees potential to offer a broader range of products in Home Focus stores, in line with the Group’s existing smaller format stores in the UK, giving customers more choice and a more comprehensive offer for the home.
Dunelm also sees opportunity to introduce a more comprehensive online proposition and, over time, will assess new store opportunities across Ireland.
The acquisition will not be material to Dunelm’s financial performance and the Group will utilise its existing operations, capabilities and supply partners to strengthen the customer offer of Home Focus.
Minerva have announced a leadership transition. Effective immediately, Jim Orr has stepped down from the role of Group Chief Executive. During this transition period, the Board will collectively assume senior leadership responsibilities, ensuring continuity and stability within the organisation.
Concurrently, the Board will initiate a recruitment process to identify a suitable successor who can lead Minerva Furniture Group into its next phase of growth and development. The Board remains committed to maintaining stability and continuing to build on the Buying Group’s strategic initiatives. Further updates will be provided as the recruitment process progresses.
The Minerva Board extends its gratitude to Jim for his contributions and wishes him the best in his future endeavours. For members’ enquiries going forward, please contact Stacy Nicholas, Office Manager, or one of her team members who will be able to assist.
National bed retailer Dreams has opened a new store in Macclesfield, Cheshire, marking another milestone in the company’s growth strategy.
The new store is part of a series of new openings planned before the end of 2024 and follows the opening of Dreams’ first premium concept store in East Sheen, London in September.
Dreams’ expansion and growth plans build on the record investment in store refits, technology upgrades, and logistics improvements which have positioned the business for continued growth in 2024 and beyond.
Iconic furniture retailer Heal’s has announced the expansion of its UK retail portfolio, with a new outlet store opening at Bicester Avenue.
Heal’s opened its new 6,000sqft space on Wednesday 13 November 2024. Located on the Bicester Avenue site, which is owned by Blue Diamond Garden Centres, the outlet will bring a selection of Heal’s best-selling pieces and most popular brands to Bicester for the first time, at reduced prices.
From sofas and beds, to lighting and home accessories, a range of cancelled, returned and overstocked orders will be available with considerable discounts.
Hamish Mansbridge, CEO of Heal’s, comments: “We continue to enjoy real success across our bricks and mortar portfolio and are excited to further expand our footprint with this new opening at Bicester Avenue.
“For those looking to update their homes, we understand that many customers prefer to see and feel products in person before making a purchase. Whether it’s a big-ticket item like a new bed, or those small, finishing touches that make a room feel like home, the outlet store will allow local shoppers to discover some of their favourite designs for less.”
Bed manufacturer Dura Beds has confirmed that it has terminated its licencing agreement with Mammoth. Dura Beds previously acquired the UK licence for Mammoth beds, mattresses and bedding.
Under the agreement, Dura Beds were to take on the manufacturing of Mammoth’s flagship Comfort collection and its Performance collection.
However, due to a breach in the terms of the licence agreement Dura Beds has terminated the acquisition with immediate effect.
A company spokesperson said in a statement: “Dura Beds Ltd had sought to secure an exclusive licence with Blue Dragon Assets to supply Mammoth branded mattresses into the UK market place.
“It has become apparent to the directors of Dura Beds that this is not the case and other licences are active in the UK territory. As such there is a material breach in the licence. This material breach is not remediable. In light of this the directors of Dura beds have terminated the Licence Agreement with immediate effect.”
The Association of Independent Stores (AIS) has expressed its sincere gratitude to outgoing Chair, Neville Moore, for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the leading membership organisation for independent retail in the UK and Ireland.
After a successful tenure, Neville has stepped down from his role as Chair of the AIS Board, which oversees the governance of the membership. His unwavering commitment and passion for the independent retail sector have been invaluable in supporting AIS.
Sue Kemp, Managing Director of AIS,
commented: “We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Neville for his unwavering support and his significant contributions to AIS. His leadership and guidance have been instrumental in shaping the organisation’s future. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
AIS has announced the appointment of Darryl Simpson as its new Chair of the Board. With a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the independent retail sector, Darryl is well-positioned to support AIS. Darryl Simpson is currently Managing Director of Aldiss, a Norfolk-based retailer of furniture, homewares, bedding and flooring.
Darryl Simpson, incoming Chair of the AIS Board, said: “I am honoured to take on the role of Chair of AIS. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors and to ensure that AIS continues to provide exceptional value and support to its Members. We will focus on futureproofing the organisation, leveraging technology, and strengthening relationships between members and suppliers.”
A former furniture store in St Neots has been placed on the market, listed for £750,000. The property on 58-62 High Street used to house family furniture retailer Brittains, which had been trading for 120 years, but closed back in June last year due to rising costs and reduced demand.
Since its closure, the building has been left empty. Earlier this year, a planning application was submitted to Huntingdonshire District Council seeking to convert the upstairs of the shop into 15 properties. These plans have since been approved this month.
With the plans in place and the potential of the ground floor retail space, the property has been listed on Rightmove at price of £750,000.
Mattress manufacturer GNG Group has announced the appointment of Rob King as its new Business Development Manager. Rob joins with a wealth of experience in the bed and mattress sectors having worked in senior positions across several well-known bed brands.
A new online furniture business has launched aiming to supply the UK with products from the Far East. Matahari Interiors, a family business run by Omar Sheikh, who is based at its new Wilmslow office, and his wife’s cousin Jeremy Skelchy, who looks after sourcing from Kuala Lumpur, has now gone live with its website, www.matahariinteriors.co.uk. The business designs and sources products from manufacturers in Malaysia, Indonesia and northern China.
Independent furniture retailer Choice Furniture Superstore (CFS) has been named as ‘Best Furniture Retailer’ in the ufurnish Home Awards 2024. Held at a ceremony at the Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel, central London, the inaugural ufurnish. com Home Awards had more than 450 entries and celebrated a wealth of UK talent in 17 categories.
Independent furniture retailer Solent Beds and Furniture has announced the official opening of its new store. Solent Beds and Furniture has occupied a store on Savoy Court, Town Lane, in Newport, Isle of Wight, for the last 10 years and has decided to relocate to a larger space. It has taken over the former Poundstretcher and Courts Furniture Store building on Newport High Street.
Furniture manufacturer ANK Manufacturing Ltd has been placed into administration, owing creditors over £400,000. Carolynn Best and Thomas Harris of Begbies Traynor were appointed as liquidators to ANK Manufacturing Ltd on 29 October 2024. Upon appointment all 26 employees have been made redundant and creditors have been notified.
North Home, the Nordic-inspired homeware and furnishings retailer, is expanding with a new concept store in County Arcade in the Victoria Quarter in Leeds. The new store will be set across four floors and will feature designer collections in furniture, ceramics, fragrances, kitchenware, lighting, accessories, skin care, and much more.
The Cotswold Company has launched on www.next.co.uk, extending the brand’s distribution model to now include a third-party retail platform. A selection of the Cotswold Company’s bedroom, dining and living room furniture has been available to NEXT customers since the first of November, significantly expanding the brand’s reach.
Furniture brand Maker&Son has announced it has moved into a new showroom and headquarters in Sussex. Situated at The Courtyard at Holmstead Farm on Staplefield Road, the new showroom promises an “extraordinary experience for furniture enthusiasts, interior designers, and anyone seeking highquality, made-to-order pieces crafted from all-natural materials”.
Sosandar plc, the women’s fashion
brand, has announced it has signed a licensing agreement with NEXT for a Sosandar homeware range. The range will include a full set of living room furniture and accessories, including sofas, accent chairs, rugs and lighting. It will be sold online exclusively at NEXT.co.uk and expects to launch in Autumn 2025.
Furniture brand Feather & Black has announced its expansion into a new category with the launch of its firstever collection of Italian-made sofa beds. The new Serena and Felicia sofa beds are designed to meet the growing demand. Both models feature high-quality foam mattresses.
Mobility retailer Style Mobility has announced the opening of its new showroom in Lowestoft. Style Mobility, a specialist in mobility scooters, power chairs, furniture and stairlifts, is expanding with a new showroom at the value garden centre Cherry Lane Early Dawn Nurseries in Carlton Colville.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) previously opened an investigation into Emma over concerns that some of its online sales practices – such as discounts and urgency claims, including countdown timers and high demand prompts –may mislead consumers. The CMA called on the business to make changes and agree to commitments – known as ‘undertakings’ – to ensure its compliance with consumer protection law and ensure shoppers get a fair deal. Emma has failed to take the necessary action to address all of the CMA’s concerns relating to the use of reference pricing. As a result, the CMA has now launched court action.
24!
Peak Converters Ltd
We said goodbye to Emma Tilson from our Kitting Team, who has been with the Peak Family for 26 years! Emma has been a real asset to the business over the years and will be missed dearly by all her colleagues and friends. Thank you for your commitment and hard work Emma. Enjoy a wonderful retirement creating beautiful garden landscapes at home.
A look at what’s been going on over social media channels. Share your news with us and email
dan@bigfurnituregroup.com
NBF Executive Director Tristine
Hargreaves and Head of Marketing & Membership Simon Williams had a busy morning in Leeds visiting the team at Zarach, The Children’s Bed Charity. During their visit, Tristine and Simon learned more about the vital work this wonderful charity does to help end child bed poverty.
Barons Contract Furniture
We were delighted to host some of our independent retailers at our headquarters last week. Their visit included a tour of our factory and showroom to see the artistry and craft that defines every Hypnos mattress. The group got the chance to get hands-on by trying their hand at side stitching and get competitive at our quiz to win prizes! Thank you all for comingsharing our commitment to British craftsmanship and sustainable luxury sleep is always a pleasure.
Exciting news! Our Whitstable showroom now features an eye-catching Purecare® Home stand. Not only does it effectively showcase the products, but it also has interactive elements, that bring the breathability and waterproof benefits of these mattress protectors to life for our customers. A huge thank you to Jason Hillier and his team for visiting our showroom today and for providing informative training sessions to both our Sales and Customer Service teams. Fishpools
Congratulations to David Short who is celebrating 15 years at Fishpools in our Furniture Sales Team! We wish you a very happy anniversary!
Christmas has arrived at Barons! Whether you’re planning to refresh a care home or senior living property in the new year, Barons can help you create environments that feel just like home. Pop by to see our tree, or reach out to discover how we can support your next project!
General Manager at independent bed retailer Dreamland Bedding Centre and sustainability guru, shares insight into his career so far, why retailers need to invest in their staff, his admiration for a fellow sustainability expert and the continued consumer shift towards natural products.
Let’s start with you. Can you share a bit about yourself and your background?
I have held management roles from an early age, having been entrusted with leadership responsibilities since 18. A commitment to ongoing education has complemented my professional journey. I returned to formal studies in my mid-20s and again in my mid-30s to refine my expertise across crucial business domains such as training and development, marketing, procurement, and finance. I hold an undergraduate degree in business enterprise, with a concentrated focus on marketing. I am pursuing a Level 7 apprenticeship in senior leadership and completing an MBA.
I serve as the General Manager of Dreamland Bedding Centre, a position I have occupied since January of last year, though my tenure with the company spans nearly 14 years. In this capacity, I oversee the strategic direction of the business, which includes critical decision-making in procurement, financial strategy, and operational excellence. Moreover, I am deeply involved in shaping our marketing approach and fostering sustainable business practices. My role also encompasses enhancing customer satisfaction and cultivating a positive workplace culture, ensuring that all facets of the company operate harmoniously.
The most fulfilling aspect of my role is the opportunity to influence and create a meaningful impact on multiple fronts. I take pride in offering staff opportunities for professional development, training, and volunteer work within the business, fostering personal and organisational growth. I also find great satisfaction in ensuring that customers are provided with products that meet their needs while upholding our ethical standards. Furthermore, my involvement in community programs allows me to bridge the business with the local community, contributing to social cohesion and corporate responsibility.
I do not rely on an alarm clock — my 15-month-old daughter assumes that role! Mornings are invariably hectic, but despite the inevitable chaos, it’s a routine I wouldn’t change for the world.
My foray into the furnishings industry began quite serendipitously when I took on a part-time role as a sales assistant while completing my undergraduate degree. My parents required that I work if I wished to live at home, and a weekend sales position was available. Given my natural aptitude for interpersonal communication, I excelled in the role. Upon graduation, Mike, the owner of Dreamland, extended a competitive offer, and over the years, I have undertaken nearly every position within the company. This experience has provided me with an invaluable understanding of the intricacies of each department and the overall business.
There are several esteemed figures within the industry whom I hold in high regard. Richard Naylor stands out as a paragon of sustainability expertise; his depth of knowledge is matched only by his genuinely kind and approachable demeanour, which makes his insights even more impactful. I also deeply admire Steve Adams and Steve Pickering for their visionary, commercially astute leadership, which has consistently fostered innovation and advanced forward-thinking strategies across the industry.
The individuals at Prestige Beds, whose professionalism is underscored by a warmth and collegiality rarely encountered—they are, without doubt, some of the most exceptional people I’ve had the pleasure to meet. Stewart Walker’s refined communication style and Vicky Golding’s meticulous approach resonate deeply; Vicky’s endeavours, in particular, seem to achieve a level of precision and elegance that is truly inspiring. I could, without hesitation, continue at length, as the industry is enriched by an array of professionals whose dedication and acumen inspire me continuously.
I would like to see more of a commitment from retailers to invest in their staff, not just through traditional training but by offering educational pathways and opportunities for volunteering.
Throughout my career, I have been privileged to experience numerous pivotal and gratifying moments, each contributing to my professional evolution. Among these, one of the most remarkable has been Dreamland’s achievements at the National Bed Federation (NBF) Awards. In 2023, we had the honour of reaching the finals, and this year we ascended to claim the title of Small NBF Retail Champion of the Year. This recognition is profoundly meaningful, not as a mere individual accolade but as an acknowledgment of the collective dedication, resilience, and shared vision within our entire team. The win embodies our relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to industry leadership.
On a deeply personal level, the moment was rendered even more significant by sharing it with Mike, the owner of Dreamland. Mike’s mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my professional path, and witnessing the emotion on his face as we celebrated this esteemed recognition was unforgettable. It was a rare and powerful reminder of the depth of shared purpose and the impact of our journey together—a testament to his enduring influence and our united aspirations. This moment stands as a beacon, illuminating both our past efforts and our future ambitions.
What is your favourite item of furniture you own and why?
As one might expect, my favourite item of furniture is a bed. Though it has yet
to arrive in my home, I’m eagerly awaiting a luxurious model from Enchanted House, which I consider one of the finest I’ve ever encountered. This exceptional mattress, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, represents a standard of quality distinct from anything else we’ve ever carried at Dreamland. Having observed the intricate process behind its creation, I was captivated by the artistry and precision involved—a true testament to Enchanted House’s dedication to excellence. Even before its arrival, this piece has already claimed a special place in my life as an embodiment of comfort and elegance.
While it may be challenging to determine whether this is an industry-wide phenomenon or something more specific to our business, we have observed a notable shift toward natural products. Many customers who purchased foam mattresses during the lockdown period have expressed dissatisfaction and are now gravitating towards more sustainable, natural alternatives.
My initial thought would be to address product sustainability within the industry; however, I believe we are already undergoing a transformation. I would like to see more of a commitment from retailers to invest in their staff, not just through traditional training but by offering educational pathways and opportunities for volunteering. The industry has the potential to impact many lives positively, and we should be leveraging that capability to its fullest extent.
Looking ahead, I am actively exploring opportunities to diversify our supplier base, intending to expand our product portfolio and deliver greater value to our customers. I am also working on initiatives to provide placement opportunities for T-level students, supporting the next generation of industry professionals. Furthermore, I have been invited to serve as a trustee for several charitable organisations, which I find highly compelling. However, I intend to complete my current studies before fully committing to these roles.
Free time is a rare luxury these days! However, I make time for a weekly pub gathering with friends every Thursday. I also enjoy attending music festivals, though I’ve had to forgo them recently due to the responsibilities of raising a young child..
An interesting fact that may surprise people is that I am an advanced scuba diver — yet I have never learned to ride a bicycle.
If I were to pursue a different career, it would likely be in either training or finance. Both fields have always captivated my interest and have been integral components of my career thus far..
If I were to embody a piece of furniture, I would most likely be a bookshelf. It is a piece that is seldom occupied or disturbed. Yet, it serves as a knowledge repository, constantly offering something new to explore — much like my passion for continuous learning.
If you could hack into any one computer, whose computer would you choose and why?
If I could hypothetically hack into any computer, I’d be curious to access the archives of the British Library or the Vatican Library. The thought of uncovering restricted historical texts, confidential manuscripts, or centuries-old documents not available to the public is fascinating. These repositories hold untold pieces of history and knowledge that could offer profound insights into our past, shedding light on everything from ancient civilizations to more recent guarded secrets. It would be an extraordinary opportunity to peer into humanity’s hidden narratives and preserved mysteries.
What fact amazes you every time you think of it?
The sheer number of mattresses that end up in landfill each year never ceases to amaze me. The volume is so vast that it could fill Wembley Stadium five times over. An astonishing statistic underscores the importance of sustainability efforts within our industry.
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
My most spontaneous adventure arose from a profound familial bereavement, which catalysed a pivotal shift in my perspective on life and the importance of seizing the moment. In response, I made the audacious decision to book several months off work and purchase a one-way flight to Thailand. With no definitive itinerary, I embarked on a transformative journey that led me through Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia. I embraced the inherent unpredictability of travel, securing accommodations on a day-to-day basis and fully immersing myself in the rich tapestry of cultures and experiences. This venture not only allowed me to traverse diverse landscapes but also served as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life, reinforcing the necessity of living authentically and cherishing each moment as it unfolds.
Nick Hawkins, Managing Director at Loren Williams, shares an insight into the company, recent investments and future plans as it prepares to showcase at the upcoming January Furniture Show.
Premium bed manufacturer Loren Williams started with the core belief that people can achieve anything after a good night’s sleep. Over 60 years on, their commitment to this core belief is at the forefront of everything the company does, and their team works relentlessly to ensure every product developed supports this belief.
In fact, as a second-generation family-owned business, it is still headquartered at their original factory site in Edinburgh, but has now grown to have a global brand presence. “We are proud to have created a range of products that suit all needs and budgets,” Nick said. “Great consideration is taken when designing our products, selecting materials and testing to guarantee premium products of outstanding quality and value, that will stand the test of time.”
A key part of the Loren Williams’ ongoing success is their valued team. Heading up the company is Nick Hawkins, Managing Director, who is supported by Sophie Macnie, Operations Manager, David Blount, Director, Marc Vosilius, CFO, Ryan Allan, Senior Designer, and Khurram Inam, Chief Brand Officer. With this dedicated leadership team in place, each plays a crucial role in its continued success and growth.
“Together, this team is driving the company towards continued success and innovation,” Nick said. With that in
mind, Loren Williams has delivered another year of strong business, with significant growth across multiple areas – all while celebrating an historic 60-year anniversary milestone.
“It’s been a fantastic year for us,” Nick continues. “We’re celebrating a major milestone—60 years in business - which makes this year even more special for us. We’ve successfully launched in Australia, expanding our presence internationally, which has opened up new markets and opportunities.
“In the UK, we’ve introduced two new collections, both of which have been very well received. These developments have not only boosted our sales but have also strengthened our brand positioning in both established and emerging markets. We’re excited about the momentum we’ve built and are looking forward to sustaining this growth in 2025.”
During the year, the company has implemented several investments, including warehousing, in both the UK and Australia, to offer faster distribution to its customers. “One of the challenges we are addressing is ensuring we can offer faster distribution to our customers as demand grows,” Nick revealed. “To overcome this, we’ve invested in a larger warehouse, allowing us to hold more stock and meet orders more efficiently.
“We’re also in the process of looking at centralising our warehouse operations, which will streamline logistics and help us deliver products more quickly and reliably across the country. These measures are key to enhancing our service and ensuring customer satisfaction.”
Other key investments have seen the company introduce a new show van, which allows its retail partners to view the latest product offerings without waiting for a trade show, while in addition, the Loren Williams team has expanded across various departments to ensure it has the expertise needed to support its ongoing growth and development.
Furthermore, the company has launched an online trade store to streamline stock management for its retail partners, while other plans are also in the pipeline. “We have several exciting initiatives planned,” Nick said. “We’re currently developing new products, including a flagship anniversary model that celebrates our 60 years in business. Additionally, we’re enhancing our existing product lines to ensure our product collections remain fresh and meet customer’s needs.
“We’re also looking at a dedicated trade showroom where our customers can experience our offerings firsthand. These developments are designed to strengthen our relationships with retailers and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.”
Alongside product development and company practices, another area of importance at Loren Williams is sustainability. “We’re making significant strides across various aspects of our business,” Nick said. “One of our key initiatives is the introduction of sustainable products, such as The Ocean Collection, which incorporates recycled ocean plastics into its design. This not only helps reduce environmental waste but also aligns with our commitment to eco-friendly practices.
We’re currently developing new products, including a flagship anniversary model that celebrates our 60 years in business.
“Additionally, we’re investing in new, more energy-efficient vehicles to minimise our carbon footprint. By centralising our distribution, we’re further reducing emissions and optimising our logistics to ensure a more sustainable operation overall. Sustainability is a core focus for us, and we’re continually looking for ways to improve in this area.
“We also see this as a key movement too with the increasing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products. Consumers are placing greater emphasis on materials like organic fabrics, recycled components, and mattresses that have a reduced environmental impact. We share this commitment and are actively exploring new ways to enhance our sustainability efforts.”
As the business continues its 60-year celebrations, Loren Williams is excited for what 2025 holds and will be exhibiting at the upcoming January Furniture Show (JFS) in Hall 5 on Stand J14.
“We’re proud to see our brand continue to grow, reaching more customers who value quality products,” Nick adds. “We’re always open to expanding our network and welcome opportunities to partner with new retail stockists who share our passion for excellence. Please do come and see us during JFS where we’d be happy to welcome you on our stand.”
Nick oversees the strategic direction of the company. He is responsible for driving growth, expanding into new markets, and ensuring the business continues to thrive. His leadership has been pivotal in achieving major milestones, including our recent expansion into Australia and other international markets.
Director
David, Nick’s cousin, plays an integral role within the family business and oversees our operations in Australia. David’s been key in managing our recent expansion into the Australian market and leads efforts to grow the brand internationally.
Sophie ensures the smooth day-to-day operations of the company. She manages logistics, supply chain efficiency, brand relationships and oversees key operational functions to ensure everything runs like clockwork. Sophie’s role is critical to maintaining the exceptional standards that our customers have come to expect.
CFO
As the Chief Financial Officer, Marc manages all financial aspects of the business. His focus is on maintaining financial health, ensuring strong performance, and guiding investment strategies as we continue to expand.
Khurram manages all aspects of the company’s brand, strengthening our presence in the UK and internationally. He oversees everything from product development to marketing campaigns, ensuring every touchpoint connects with customers. His work is vital to keeping the brand strong and competitive in a crowded market.
Senior Designer
Ryan leads our design team, providing creative direction across all areas of the company. His role ensures that everything created not only meets our high design standards but also aligns perfectly with our brand’s core values and purpose.
Gallery Direct already offer an extensive selection of products to customers, but are continually developing new ones to expand their offering and keep their catalogue fresh.
As part of their AW24 Collection, Gallery launched range extensions to some of their popular chairs and sofas, as well as new ones. The new products featured a selection of green seating, an on-trend colour at the moment, along with others.
Gallery’s Datsun sofas and chairs feature a sleek solid wooden frame with beautifully curved arms and upholstered seat and back with decorative channel stitching. To add to the ebony and brown leather versions of the sofa and chair, there are now beautiful green and charcoal bouclé options, as well as a cream ‘sheepskin’ chair. A footstool has also been introduced in the green and grey bouclé, with ebony and brown leather footstools to be added to their catalogue shortly.
The Hawking range, which featured brown, charcoal and ember chairs, lounge chairs and stools, has also had lovely deep green versions added. All these stylish seats feature a beautiful, curved design with a stunning metal frame and upholstered seat, combining comfort and style.
New additions include the Blackhall Armchair and the Sloane Dining Chair. Blackhall, which is upholstered in beautiful green leather, offers scandi inspired design with
New additions include the Blackhall Armchair and the Sloane Dining Chair.
its sleek, minimalist frame, whilst the buttoned back adds a touch of refinement and traditional craftsmanship. A brown leather version is soon to be added to the catalogue. Sloane features a lovely, curved design and is offered in a choice of green or grey bouclé. It combines modern aesthetics with high-quality craftsmanship.
As well as showcasing their AW24 Collection, Gallery recently previewed their SS25 Collection to customers at an @Home event. The stunning SS25 collection features a huge selection of new furniture lines, including range extensions to several of their popular collections as well as a whole host of brand-new models.
One of the ranges seeing an extension of the pieces offered is the beautiful Madrid living and dining collection. The new lines include a nest of tables, a smaller sideboard, an extending dining table and a dining chair. All are offered in a choice of oak or walnut and feature timeless elegant design for which Madrid is renowned.
Gallery’s Vancouver collection has been extended to include bedroom furniture. All offer stylish, practical storage – even the wooden bedstead has two large drawers. These beautiful pieces offer a sophisticated yet rustic look. The clever use of a mill saw gives the characteristic features of cross sawn timber to create a tactile, dramatic finish.
The new ranges and lines include a stunning bedroom, living & dining collection, more living & dining ranges, occasional tables, seating and upholstered bedsteads. These will all be launched in January, so look out for more information in the January issue or contact your Key Account Manager.
01795 439159
sales@gallerydirect.co.uk www.gallerydirect.co.uk
Will Lack, Prodoto Managing Director, talks about the rise of CGI and why it works for furniture.
Computer generated imagery (CGI) production for the furniture industry has seen significant improvements in recent years. Brands no longer have to accept flat lifeless objects placed in a simple room. Photorealism is possible in today’s marketplace at an affordable price.
It’s easy to see how CGI has become popular for furniture brands. Assets can be kept on file for editing in the future to swap the product or change colours. There’s greater accuracy with the use of lighting and there’s no restrictions due to studio size. CGI can also be more cost effective. Maybe the biggest advantage to CGI is the ability to visualise products before they’re produced.
So, what happens when a team of expert interiors photographers that have shot on traditional room sets for years apply their skills to CGI?
That’s what Prodoto Photographic Studios has done. They offer brands all the benefits of CGI technology, but with images created through a commercial photographer’s eye.
Will Lack, Managing Director of Prodoto told us: “We’ve seen more clients favouring CGI for its benefits and ease of production. So, we invested in the technology and trained our creative team to deliver the highest quality CGI.”
The Yorkshire based studios bring a rare perspective to CGI, having photographed furniture in built sets since 2006. They’ve worked with top brands such as The Branded Furniture Company, Duresta and SCS. Will says this gives their work a creative edge.
“We understand how to get the best out of the technology to help brands sell furniture through aspirational lifestyle images.
“We do this by being creative with camera angles, depth of field, natural lighting, nuanced textures, styling, and propping with attention to detail.
“Our team create beautiful window views, true reflections, light bouncing off objects, plus purposeful imperfections.”
Will’s perspective and experience provides clients with photorealistic images set in seemingly real homes that appeal to customers. “The key to CGI is to build a customer’s trust. They need reassurance that the image of the product matches the real thing they’re committing their hard-earned money to.”
Prodoto’s production team spends time understanding brands and works with a network of stylists.
For brands that prefer photography, Prodoto has an in-house set build team that constructs interiors in their large studio.
“We’ve not abandoned our roots, as we know some of our clients favour authentic photography using a set. We’ve simply added to our services, seeing an opportunity to apply our 18-years of photography experience to the latest technology to produce realistic lifestyle CGI.”
Prodoto has embraced new production techniques to become a one-stop-shop for brands looking for professional images that drive sales.
With over 20 years of experience, Timber Art Design UK has become a trusted name in delivering beautifully crafted furniture that suits a wide range of tastes, styles, and budgets. Serving clients nationwide, we offer wholesale and drop shipping services across the UK, bringing quality and variety direct to you or your customers doorstep.
Our curated collections span from modern and contemporary designs to rustic and industrial aesthetics, ensuring there’s something for every home and preference.
We cater to individual needs and provide full furniture sets, allowing you to design cohesive, stylish interiors effortlessly.
From single statement pieces to coordinated bedroom sets, Timber Art Design UK has something for every room. Our bedroom furniture collections include complete sets with wardrobes, bedside cabinets, and chests of drawers, creating a harmonious look that’s both functional and stylish. Beyond the bedroom, we offer a wide range of living room and hallway furnishings, including TV units, sideboards, and shoe storage cabinets, each available in various colours and finishes to complement any décor.
At Timber Art Design UK, we believe that exceptional customer service is as important as the quality of our furniture. Our commitment to you begins the moment you engage with us and continues through every step of your journey, from order placement to the point of assembly.
Our knowledgeable, friendly customer service team is here to make sure your experience is effortless and enjoyable. Whether you’re placing your first order, coordinating a large vendor project, or simply enquiring about the details of a specific piece, we’re dedicated to providing the guidance you need. We understand that every customer’s needs are unique, and our team is always on hand to answer questions, offer product recommendations, and provide updates every step of the way.
Backed by a sophisticated warehouse management system, we manage inventory and order processing with precision, guaranteeing that each order flows smoothly from start to finish. Every item is handled with the utmost
care, ensuring it reaches your or your customer in perfect condition. Our commitment goes beyond mere transaction— we’re invested in your success, and we want you to feel confident and delighted in your choice to partner with us.
At Timber Art Design UK, customer satisfaction isn’t just a goal; it’s a promise. We’re here to help you create spaces that reflect your customers vision, and we’re honoured to play a role in making that vision a reality.
Choose Timber Art Design UK and experience a level of service that truly stands out—because, with us, your happiness is our highest
Our delivery promise?
We deliver products throughout the UK by partnering with the nation’s leading logistics providers. Your order will be shipped using the fastest, safest, and most reliable method available. Whether it’s a single box or multiple pallets, we ensure your order reaches you or your customer within our guaranteed delivery timeframe. Our fully tracked delivery solution keeps you updated at every stage, providing peace of mind from dispatch to delivery.
Visit www.timberartdesignuk.com to explore the full scope of what we offer, and find furniture that perfectly complements every style and space.
Interested in becoming one of our partners or working with us?
Email: sales@timberartdesignuk.com
Telephone: 01978 660768
Address: 108 Abbey Road South, Wrexham Industrial Estate, LL13 9RF
Trade Application: www.timberartdesignuk.com/ customer/account/create
Sam Murfitt, Managing Director of COKU Home - a sustainably-sourced furniture supplier and retailer, talks about their rapid growth, its commitment to sustainability and why the industry needs to shift away from ‘fast furniture’.
Meet Sam I’m the Managing Director of COKU Home. I share directorial responsibilities with Steve Murfitt. My focus is on design, marketing, web development, product development, and launching new products. Steve manages operations, logistics, accounts, and customer service.
I have always been a very creative person and wanted to do something which could take advantage of that. I have always loved architecture and interior design so this was the perfect fit. We came up with the idea in 2018 after I graduated university with a degree in Biomedicine. I had two friends from university who were already in the furniture industry and were doing very well with it, I was inspired by their story and decided to enter the furniture industry but in a different direction so we don’t directly compete.
Myself and Steve decided on a direction and a brand name, we then spent the next six months planning and investing into stock. We started in a shed we built in Steve’s back garden. We received our first shipment in 2019 and have been trading ever since. We hit a bump in the road due to Covid 19 pandemic and we had to put many of our operations on hold due to the rise in material and shipping costs.
Additionally, many of the factories we worked with closed down over that period. We moved in October 2021 to a new premises in Thornbury, where we essentially restarted. We outgrew that place in about a year and we ended up getting three warehouses on that site to fulfil our demand and capacity needs. In April 2024 it was time to upgrade to a much larger site and we have been there ever since – and actually almost outgrown this site too.
We have recently moved to a much larger warehouse and we continue to invest heavily into new products and ranges. We anticipate we will be at full capacity by the end of the year and we will need to expand again. Our growth has been unprecedented.
We aim to further expand our offerings in the furniture industry, which offers limitless opportunities. Our focus remains on designing and developing high-quality, unique furniture that appeals to our customers.
Our goal is to be a leading brand in the designer solid wood furniture industry. We’re encouraged by the market’s reception to our designs, even noticing competitors emulating our styles.
On sustainability, what is your business doing on this topic?
At COKU Home, sustainability is woven deeply into our operations and ethos. We’ve detailed our comprehensive sustainability practices, which highlights how we minimise our environmental footprint. Here are key aspects of our commitment:
Material Choice: We predominantly use solid wood, known for its durability, renewability, and inherent beauty. Unlike fast furniture that relies on synthetic materials, our solid wood furniture is built to last, aging beautifully and gaining character over time. This ensures our pieces are far from disposable.
Sourcing Ethics: We meticulously ensure that all wood utilised in our products is sourced legally. We actively seek out and prefer partnerships with FSC-certified suppliers or those on a clear path to certification, reinforcing our commitment to responsible sourcing.
Eco-friendly Packaging: Recognising the environmental impact of packaging, we use FSC-certified cardboard for all our solid wood product packaging, furthering our commitment to sustainable practices.
Manufacturing Innovation: Our partner factories are pioneers in sustainable manufacturing. They utilise sawdust from woodcutting to create pellets that power their seasoning plants. This not only reduces waste but also showcases the potential of a closedloop manufacturing process.
Renewable Energy: These facilities are largely solar-powered, dramatically reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and underscoring our commitment to renewable energy.
Reforestation and Biodiversity: For every tree used in our furniture production, we ensure many more are planted in return. This reforestation effort not only offsets our material use but also aids in ecosystem restoration and biodiversity enhancement.
Community and Ethical Practices: Our factories are more than just production sites; they are centers of community and philanthropy. They provide thousands of jobs, including for disabled and handicapped individuals, fostering inclusivity and supporting local communities.
Our dedication to sustainability is a cornerstone of our philosophy at COKU Home, ensuring that we not only deliver exquisite furniture but also contribute positively to our planet and its people.
How has recent business been?
We’ve observed a significant shift in interior design trends, with a growing preference for natural materials in living spaces. While the previous trend leaned heavily towards white gloss finishes and faux leather in neutral tones of white and grey, current trends are embracing a warmer and richer palette.
Homeowners are now incorporating more inviting and textured elements into their interiors, such as bouclé and corduroy fabrics, alongside warm hues like olive green and burnt orange. In terms of materials, solid wood remains a favourite, with natural and walnut colours seeing particular popularity.
This move towards more tactile and visually warm materials suggests a desire for living spaces that feel more personalised and comforting.
What would you change in the industry?
The industry needs to shift away from ‘fast furniture’ and embrace sustainable, durable furniture that can be passed down through generations. We focus on high-quality construction with solid wood to support this change.
What challenges do you currently face and how are you overcoming these?
High shipping costs are a significant challenge, impacting our margins. We strive to absorb these costs to continue offering great value to our customers without compromising on quality or service. Once these prices come down, we will be able to invest these savings into new designs and a broader range of products.
”
We’re
proud of our growth from a modest beginning in a shed to a large distribution centre in just a few years.
do you think customers choose your business?
Customers choose COKU Home for our unique, exclusive designs and competitive pricing. Our commitment to quality is evident in our products and supported by over 1,000 five-star reviews. Our exceptional customer service further distinguishes us in the market.
We’re proud of our growth from a modest beginning in a shed to a large distribution centre in just a few years. Our journey reflects our commitment to innovation and quality, and we’re excited about the future.
Rani Joshi, Head of Operations at Indus Valley, shares an insight into the new collections for 2025 that will be unveiled at the January Furniture Show next month.
Indus Valley is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest furniture collections, which will be on display at the highly anticipated January Furniture Show. Visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to experience their stunning new ranges—Cameo, Amiri, Lima, and Hoxton—each combining modern design with impeccable functionality.
The Cameo collection exudes sophistication with its ceramic extending table. The sleek, durable ceramic surface makes it a versatile addition, perfect for both intimate gatherings and larger dinner parties. This table combines contemporary elegance with practical design, effortlessly adapting to any occasion.
Amiri, with its signature fluted wood design and luxurious marble top, is the epitome of timeless luxury. This collection is crafted for those who appreciate the blend of rich textures and refined materials. The elegant pairing of wood and marble works seamlessly in both modern and classic settings.
Indus Valley continues to push the boundaries of innovative, high-quality furniture design.
For those seeking both style and comfort, the Lima dining set offers a perfect balance. Featuring a ceramic tabletop paired with a plush upholstered corner bench, the Lima set creates a welcoming, cosy atmosphere — ideal for long, leisurely meals and family gatherings.
Introducing Hoxton, the latest addition to our urban-inspired designs. Featuring a warm wooden table and a chic PU leather corner bench, Hoxton offers a modern industrial aesthetic that complements contemporary city living. The combination of wood and PU leather provides a refined, yet edgy contrast, perfect for creating a bold statement in any space.
Alongside these exciting new ranges, Indus Valley will also showcase other customer favourites, such as the Iconic Glass Cabinet, a design staple that brings timeless style to any home.
Indus Valley continues to push the boundaries of innovative, high-quality furniture design. Be sure to visit the January Furniture Show to explore the new collections and discover how their pieces bring elegance and functionality into your home.
www.indusvalley.co.uk
In its 37th year, the January Furniture Show (JFS) returns to the NEC Birmingham from 19-22 January 2025. We take a look at what to expect to see during next month’s event.
JFS sets the benchmark for exceptional design attracting a global audience, attendees will have the chance to explore over 500 international brands and suppliers. Set out across four distinct sectors: Premium Design, Home & Lifestyle, Living, Dining & Cabinet, and Upholstery & Beds - JFS will showcase the best in classic, innovative, and contemporary modern design, featuring everything from standout pieces to accessible, mass-market options.
The event will showcase suppliers from both the UK and overseas, with 35% of exhibitors new to the show. Within the new brands, these include Ashley Manor, Hooker Furnishings, G-Plan, Bentley Designs, Sofa Connections, MaxFurn, MAYAFab & Hammel Home, PBJ Designhouse APS, Hartman, Trampoline, Hill Interiors, Widdop & Co and Reinforced Beds to name but a few.
On the international front, key brands include Himolla, FAMA, Nicoletti Home, ALF, Ego Italiano, Marinelli, Kristensen:Kristensen, Aquinos, Furninova, Wiemann, Rauch, Nolte Mobel and Violino. Other staple names of industry that will be exhibiting include Sherborne Upholstery, Celebrity Motion Furniture, Baker Furniture, Whitemeadow, Alpha Designs, HUMZ, At The Helm, Birlea, Lebus, Kyoto, Loren Williams, Shire Beds, Shankar, Vogue Beds, West Midlands Upholstery and Purecare. The show also features technology, software and other specialists from the likes of Pathfinder, RetailSystem, Woods Packaging and SATRA, plus much more which can be found on the exhibitor list on the JFS website.
As the first show of the year, JFS will be the stage for new and established brands to present their new collections, giving attendees the opportunity
to explore over 50,000 new launches at the start of Q1. Over the show’s four days, there will also be a host of events where retailers, exhibitors, interior designers, architects, garden centre buyers, property developers, manufacturers and wholesalers can connect, including the return of the Furniture Awards, which takes place Sunday evening.
On Tuesday, the Women in Furniture Network will host their ‘Celebrating Success’ event, where women from across the industry will come together for an evening of networking coupled with inspirational discussion from our panel of experts. These include Sarah Bianchi, Owner and Lead Buyer, Arighi Bianchi, Gisela Lancaster, Head of Buying, Sofology, Katy Hawes, Founder, Grace & Favour and Victoria Darnell, International Furniture Designer and Merchandiser, Hooker Furnishings.
Other key features of JFS include a VIP Lounge where VIP visitors will be able to relax in style, sponsored by Hooker Furnishings, while there’s also the Young Furniture Makers Showcase, displaying the next generation of design talent at The Furniture Makers’ Company Young Furniture Makers Showcase located in the BFA Networking Hub in Hall 5. Looking for even more fresh talent? Uncover pieces from emerging upholsterers with a showcase of award-shortlisted pieces presented by the Worshipful Company of Upholders. The Upholders Awards presentation takes place on Sunday at 12:30pm in the Social Studio, Hall 2.
JFS presents plenty of opportunity to network and source new products. Register now for JFS 2025 and build the future of furniture, together.
West Midlands-based family run furniture manufacturer, Sofa Connections, opened the doors to their production facility as they prepare for a debut January Furniture Show.
It’s been a busy year for upholstery manufacturer Sofa Connections. The company, run by husband and wife team, Matt and Sarah Oakley, has attended several trade shows throughout 2024 as the brand continues to raise awareness and reinforce its heritage of furniture making, which spans some 35 years.
Situated in Brierley Hill, just outside Birmingham, the business invited Big Furniture Group for a tour, a catch up ahead of the January Furniture Show (JFS) and to meet the office dog. It was Mimi – the Pomeranian dog – that first greeted the BFG team, her playful nature setting the scene for a fun-filled day. Entering the office and showroom space, two striking Sofa Connection models made a comfy start alongside a warm coffee as Matt and Sarah downed tools to share the background of the business.
“We’re a family run company and have over 35 years’ experience designing and manufacturing high quality sofas, chairs and upholstery, supplying the retail and contract market,” Sarah says. Founded in 1995 by brothers Brian and Paul Oakley - after the company Brian worked for, Unimoble, folded - Sofa Connections has been making and designing high quality furniture ever since with products going to market via a wellknown trading partner.
Brian’s son, Matt, recently took over the reins and with it a new direction, supported by Sarah in the office and the skilled team in the factory, which still includes Matt’s father,
uncle and also his brother. Their aim: “To bring that more personalised touch to the upholstery market”, Matt said. “With a highly skilled work force who have over 50 years experience in the trade you can trust that the products we design and manufacture will last the test of time.”
Brian is Sofa Connections skilled cutter - there isn’t a fabric or leather he doesn’t know how to handle, while Paul, who started out as a frame maker but says he likes his fingers too much, switched to upholstery. As for Matt, he has been working with his dad and uncle since he was just 17 years old, shaping him into the craftsman he is now.
The team, on average, produce around 60-70 products a week in their busy facility where products are put through
a streamlined system for efficiency and best production practice. As the company continues to establish itself in their own right, there is plenty of room to grow too. “We’re going through a phase of reminding the market and industry of who we are, how long we’ve been making great furniture and why our direction has changed,” Sarah said.
“It’s been a challenging year raising our profile but it’s also been successful where the industry is learning of who we are, our history and values. We’re now excited to expand on this further, with JFS a great starting point to kick off 2025.”
Remaining coy on what new products customers can expect to see, Sarah did say that they are developing a new scatter back for the show, alongside other product launches. JFS will also see the business take it’s largest ever stand space, situated in Hall 1, where it will be displaying popular products from recent shows including best sellers Blakedown and Belfry.
It’s
been a challenging year raising our profile but it’s also been successful where the industry is learning of who we are, our history and values. We’re now excited to expand on this further, with JFS a great starting point to kick off 2025.
As mentioned, the production process is efficient. Quality checking throughout each stage is paramount too, while maintaining a circular flow helps maximise manufacture. The frames used are all locally supplied, while sewers provide such attention to detail to produce a seamless finish. Furthermore, and in keeping with attention to detail, on feather back sofas, the business incorporates a pillar behind the cushion to help maintain the plumbness of the feather filling. Having sat and experienced this first hand too, it really offers a great finishing touch.
For Mimi – they may be a few more dog mentions throughout – her role is to make sure everyone is on task. Her reward, a treat of course. Back in the office she often tries to get involved when the phone rings – she just loves the attention!
As the tour resumed, Sarah showcased their own range of house fabric swatches, plus a range of printed fabrics to accent, which make pricing simpler for those who want a standard product with a great selection of fabrics. “We’ve spent lots of time putting together a lovely mix of fabrics which we know our customers will love,” said Sarah.
It’s clear to see the love and attention to detail that goes into each product, which are all made-to-order. As the company gears up for JFS 2025, Sarah and Matt were proud to share a teaser into their rebrand, which looks extremely premium. Speaking about the rebrand, Sarah, who has spent many a month working hard on potential ideas and looks, said: “We felt that a rebrand of our logo was needed to give us a modern feel and design.
“At the last few shows, we also noticed that the SC on our initial logo can get a bit lost so we wanted to create an identity that is clear, simple and very easy on the eye. I think we have achieved this and we’re excited to unveil it soon.”
Alongside the new logo will come a tagline, endorsing the company’s key message, as well as pricing form change to simplify things for the retailer. It all falls under a natural progression since Matt and Sarah took control. “Our new pricing structure will make it simpler for our customers, while the rebrand and swatch development will also create a buzz as we enter our next phase of growth,” Matt said. “We want to keep telling our story, showcasing our heritage and maintaining our momentum so far.”
To further boost this momentum, Sofa Connections has recently appointed husband and wife team Dave and Debbie Jenkins as agents who are representing the company in East and West Midlands. Both Dave and Debbie have been a prominent team in the East and West Midlands for the past 20 years, yet their combined experience in the furniture trade stretches to over 60 years!
Commenting on joining the Sofa Connections team, Debbie shared: “It’s such a great team, and Dave and I have known Sarah and Matt for many years, so it’s great that we can work together with a true quality British manufacturer.”
The appointment is in addition to Jonathan Huntsman, who joined earlier this year as an agent for the North East. He added: “We had great fun at Manchester, both personally with the team and also for business too. Sofa Connections have been a hidden gem for 35 years and I’m so pleased to be part of the team to spread the word on this new opportunity for retailers to make margin. It’s a very exciting time.”
The team works closely with national agent Colin Boyce who has been representing Sofa Connections from the beginning when the business moved from supplying a third party to venturing into the world of supplying directly to the retail market.
“Our team has continued to grow this year and we’re delighted on the progress we’re making so far,” Sarah said. With the focus now turning to the January Furniture Show, which takes place from 19-22 January 2025 at Birmingham’s NEC, the team is busy preparing for the event, although Mimi is unlikely to feature on the stand – much to her disappointment!
Dave echoed the sentiment: “The whole industry is changing, and there is an ever-increasing demand from retailers to create their own brand, with exclusive designs, fabrics and marketing, something that Sofa Connections does better than most others. I’m delighted to represent this fast-growing business.
“It’s like ‘two for the price of one’ and can only be a good thing ensuring our manufacturers have outstanding representation and retail partners have a team that will make a positive difference to their business!”
“We look forward to JFS and showcasing our products once more,” Matt said. “Please make sure you stop by and see us; we can’t wait to see you.”
On behalf of the BFG team, editor Dan and Sales Manager Nick had a wonderful experience seeing first hand the craft behind Sofa Connections, as well as a first glimpse at an upcoming rebrand. More on this next month as the company kicks off the New Year with a new look.
Ebrahim Patel, Director at Vogue Beds, explains why its new Climate Collection is a game-changer for the business as it enters its next phase of growth.
Bed and mattress manufacturer Vogue Beds has been constantly innovating its products with the last few years no exception. Developing its range of sustainablyfocused products, the recent NBF Bed Show and Autumn Furniture Show, in September and October respectively, were the launch pads for Vogue’ new Climate Collection, which has already created huge interest and orders with retail partners.
Post-show, Vogue detailed just why its Climate Collection has been an evolution of product development and how the range will build on its next phase of growth. “We’ve had such a great response to our Climate mattress, an eco range mattress collection,” Ebrahim said. “Since the two shows, we’re now seeing orders come through, which is fantastic, and we are hoping to build on this, offering our customers a true sustainable option.”
The Climate Collection features three pocket counts, 1000 Pocket, 1500 Pocket & 2000 Pocket, with all the Pocket springs approved and certified by the Vegan Society ensuring no animal content is used in the manufacturing process. In fact, that’s where the collection originally started some two years ago.
“Our journey for the new Climate mattress collection started with the development of the Vegan mattress back in 2022, when we were the first NBF manufacturer to make
customer and retail research, we have progressed this mattress to the next level. This moves us beyond just ‘Vegan Friendly’, offering the retailer and consumer the very best of sustainable, recyclable and comfortable mattress choices.”
The three mattresses offer a different comfort/tension level – Meadow 1000 offers a Medium Soft feel; Floral 1500 offers a Medium Firm Feel and the Forest 2000 offers a Firm feel.
The Climate Collection is designed to be entirely recyclable too, contributing significantly to the reduction of mattresses that end up in landfills. Furthermore, a standard double mattress from the collection is crafted using around 350 recycled plastic bottles, playing a key role in preventing bottles from polluting oceans each year.
“The Climate Mattress collection features 100% viscose fabric which is a plant base cover, which allows it to breathe, the fabric is unique in its construction and easy to recyclable,” Ebrahim said.
“The fillings also consist of recycled plastic, from the spring insulated pad to the specialist fibre fillings offering support and comfort. All the fillings are made from recycled plastics, which brings it in line with circular economy, where materials never become waste and are regenerated.”
”In keeping with its environmental efforts, for every mattress Vogue sells, it plants a tree with its partners at more trees. “You will get a full certificate as evidence that your purchase has helped offset the carbon of the delivery and supply chain,” Ebrahim added.
“Sustainability is more important than ever in the modern world, making our Climate mattresses the conscious choice for consumers.
“Our new collection offers a diverse range of options tailored to meet different tastes, whilst still upholding sustainability. After all, the key ingredient to a mattress has to be the quality of sleep it offers and we’ve been perfecting this with our high-quality products for decades.
“We realised over the last few years that although the Vegan story was powerful, the end user/consumer message required a better explanation of the benefits of these mattresses. Our Climate Mattress collection provides this message and we’re really excited about our next stage of innovation and growth.”
Vogue Beds will be exhibiting at the January Furniture Show next month on Stand: 5-C40 where the Climate Collection will be on display.
Award-winning German bedroom manufacturer Wiemann is to reveal new ranges and a host of product updates at the January Furniture Show (NEC, Birmingham, January 19-22 2025).
Stylish, contemporary and chic, the new collections are high quality and flexible. They are practical and stunning, offering something to suit every size or type of bedroom. Some of the new ranges fall into Wiemann’s well respected and sought-after premium VIP category. These are as the name suggests, the byword in quality for wardrobes.
Kai Schwenke, Wiemann’s export manager, said: “Customers know our high standards across all our products and the new ranges are no exception. We have shown prototypes at the MOW trade exhibition in Germany in the Autumn and they have been enthusiastically received.
“We are looking forward to launching them on the UK
market at the NEC. As with all Wiemann products, their hallmark is to offer a total bedroom solution to suit any home as well as showing a commitment to helping retailers grow sales and profit.”
The new collections, on show in Hall 4 Stand C26, will complement Wiemann’s existing premium VIP ranges, including best-selling, award winning collections Monaco, Denver, Lagos and most recent addition, New York.
Simon Hewitt, md of Wiemann’s sole agents for the UK and Ireland, Litmus Furniture, said: “We have some fantastic products lined up for launch in January 2025 plus some new finishes which are sure to excite buyers. These include a matt foil for carcass and doors and a glass finish.
“Choosing different options on doors and carcasses can completely transform the look of a range. Our designers have thought carefully about this to ensure consumers can find the perfect match for their room, whatever its style or shape.”
Wiemann’s current VIP high-flying collections include Denver, Lagos, Monaco and New York. Customers love Denver’s urban chic decking-effect panel on slider doors for an on-trend look and Lagos has been a market star since its launch. Both are excellent examples of different finishes and colours achieving contrasting styles.
The Monaco system continues to be a solid best-seller with new accessories added all the time. Whatever a customer wants, Monaco can achieve it with sliding, hinged and bi-fold doors, multiple size options, drawers, colours and effects. There is also a matching collection of bedsides, chests of drawers and other accessories.
New York is contemporary and classic featuring solid wood doors and optional contrasting timber inlays and stylish downlighters.
Simon added: “We have been successfully working with Wiemann for more than 20 years now and have always been impressed with the company’s dedication to excellent design, quality and value. This is all backed up with our
five-star customer support service of which we are immensely proud. Wiemann is a tried, trusted and reliable brand, qualities which are so important in today’s climate and which we value highly.
“We can’t wait to welcome friends new and existing to our stand, unveil and share our collections for 2025.”
www.wiemannuk.co.uk - enquiries@wiemannuk.co.uk
Award-winning US bedding brand Purecare is maintaining its momentum in the UK market and is set to display its innovative products during the January Furniture Show.
It’s been quite a year for Purecare. Since its launch at the January Furniture Show at the beginning of 2024, the brand has continued to raise its exposure, reputation and momentum within the industry. This has been fuelled by event attendances and award recognition.
Following a debut event at JFS24, Purecare joined the Minerva Buying Group as an approved supplier in May, further solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner for retailers. This accomplishment was supported during the Spring Furniture & Beds Show, where Purecare made its debut as an official supplier.
Adding to its bow, Purecare became an official supplier to the AIS buying group with the brand already experiencing great success. Following on from another popular INDX event, Purecare recently exhibited at the NBF Bed Show in Telford, which was a “major triumph”, serving as the perfect platform to introduce three advanced cooling pillows, each designed to elevate the sleep experience.
The newly launched pillows bring cutting-edge cooling technology to the forefront, raising the bar for sleep comfort, and were also on display during the Minerva Autumn Furniture Show at NAEC Stoneleigh Park.
“The Nano Memory Foam Pillow features Memory Foam Crumb and PureCool thermoregulating fabric, delivering optimal comfort and advanced temperature regulation,” Purecare said. “The Groove Contouring Memory Foam Pillow is designed
for front sleepers, offering adaptive support with a thinner core and strategic zoning.
“Combined with advanced airflow technology and a cold-to-the-touch cover, it ensures a truly restorative sleep experience. Lastly, the Wave Pillow integrates dual layers of Gel Memory Foam and Memory Foam to provide targeted pressure relief for side and back sleepers, supporting the head, neck, and shoulders. The wave’s coolto-the-touch surface adds a touch of luxury to its exceptional comfort.”
Alongside the pillows, Purecare also displayed an expansive range of mattress protectors and encasements, aimed to enhance every individual’s unique sleep experience. These products included the award-winning OmniGuard Mattress Protector – a particular highlight of the year for the brand.
“The highlight of the year was our OmniGuard Advance Mattress Protector earning the prestigious Good Housekeeping Approved Award 2024,” the company said. “This accolade underscores Purecare’s commitment to producing innovative sleep products that meet the highest industry standards.
“The Good Housekeeping Institute’s rigorous evaluation considered aspects such as durability, effectiveness, and ease of use, with the mattress protector excelling in liquid repellence, allergen resistance, and quality maintenance even after multiple washes.”
The OmniGuard Advance Mattress Protector stands out by providing comprehensive coverage to shield the top and sides of the mattress from moisture, stains, allergens, dust mites, mould, and mildew. It fits like a fitted sheet, making it suitable for various mattress depths and adjustable bases, helping create a healthier sleep environment while extending mattress life.
As Purecare celebrates these achievements, the brand remains dedicated to delivering superior sleep products and will be returning to where it first launched in the UK next month, The January Furniture Show 2025. Visitors are encouraged to “explore the latest in sleep innovation” with Purecare situated in Hall 5 on Stand D42.
We’ve achieved remarkable success this year, marked by significant milestones and growing recognition in the bedding industry.
“We’ve achieved remarkable success this year, marked by significant milestones and growing recognition in the bedding industry,” the company said. “We’re excited to be returning to the January Furniture Show and look forward to seeing customers new and old there.”
For more information on how Purecare can help your store grow profit and sales, contact the Purecare sales team at sales@purecarehome.co.uk
www.purecarehome.co.uk
At the NBF Bed Show in September 2024, GNG Group proudly unveiled their GelMed collection — an innovative range of hybrid mattresses that builds on the success of the KomfiMed collection, launched in 2023.
Utilising the business’ extensive experience in supplying mattresses to the healthcare markets, GelMed is a next-generation collection that provides targeted, responsive support, superior comfort and enhanced durability. Medically-proven foam technology has been specifically designed to reduce pressure points and improve weight distribution across the mattress, a key concern in healthcare environments. GNG has bought this technology to the retail market, and combined it with layers of cooling True Gel, sustainable Ecofoam and adaptive pocket springs, making GelMed ideal for a wide range of sleep styles. Both GelMed and KomfiMed collections feature a luxurious quilted cover, offering a soft, breathable surface that complements the advanced mattress technology.
Richard Gretton, Commercial Director at GNG Group, explains: “As an NHS-approved supplier, we are a trusted name in the healthcare sector. Last year we provided over 70,000 mattresses to the NHS, and it is this experience within the healthcare industry, combined with our commitment to bringing innovation to the consumer market, which has led to the development of the KomfiMed and GelMed collections. These mattresses bring the same medically-proven foam technology that we use within our healthcare products, to the consumer market at a competitive price.”
GNG’s in house pressure mapping technology was essential in understanding weight distribution and pressure build up across the ranges. The mattresses were tested across a variety of body shapes and sizes, and the results showed they respond dynamically to each individual, ensuring optimal pressure relief where needed most
These mattresses bring the same medically-proven foam technology that we use within our healthcare products, to the consumer market at a competitive price.
”
and providing adaptive support through the night. With a range of offerings available across the collections, KomfiMed and Gel Med support a wide range of different body types and sleep styles.
The GelMed and KomfiMed collections are a testament to GNG’s dedication to health-focused, innovative sleep products. With its medically-backed technology, superior pressurerelieving comfort, and cooling True Gel technology, these collections provides a unique solution for those seeking the ultimate in sleep support.
Alongside GelMed, GNG also debuted two other new Komfi collections at this year’s NBF Bed Show – Infinity and Harmony. Infinity is the company’s premium proposition and represents the ultimate in luxury and comfort, whilst the Harmony collection is a range of carbon-neutral mattresses, which are designed to be 100% recyclable at the end of life.
For more information on the KomfiMed and GelMed collections, or to discover the complete Komfi range, contact GNG at 01924 950 300 or email
info@gng-group.co.uk
www.gnggroup.co.uk
Sandra Humble, director of retailer Linthorpe
Beds and guest Bed Expert, talks about how trends have changed from when Keith and herself first started the company back in 1991.
“Out of town” locations were classed as industrial units and retail had no part in this type of location. Town centres were king, and shoppers flocked in and “mostly” on weekends by bus. They were very happy with the choice of a particular day for delivery and would wait in all day without a quibble.
Retail parks and other “out of town” locations with free car parking are now top of the list when we look for a new location. Customers prefer to get as close as possible to a store and expect parking to be free. Technology now enables us to give our customers a 3-hour delivery slot on the day they have chosen, and they are mostly over the moon about this.
Back in the day, everyone would presume they would pay with cash and a question sometimes was raised “do you accept Barclaycard or Mastercard”?
ago. Memory and gel foam hadn’t even been thought of in our industry and pocket springs were classed as a luxury item whereas now they are run of the mill and customers expect this. Generally, people now understand the importance of spending more time and money on choosing their new mattress, which has been great for the trade as a whole.
In the past customers shopped very locally, which unintentionally was more environmentally friendly than today’s customer who will buy from anywhere and doesn’t think of all those miles a courier has to go to deliver a mattress.
Our business model is primarily focused on Bricks and Mortar and due to well-trained sales staff it is a forever expanding business, but as we all know online shopping is growing hence why we have two websites, one www.linthorpebeds. co.uk, where we focus on our local customer where they will get a feel of what we sell before they actually come into store, and the second one, www.mattresses365.co.uk, where we focus on national customers. It’s always a challenge for the sales team when, once a customer finds what they are looking for, they go online to compare prices whilst still in store. Therefore, we find our own label and suppliers doing branch only ranges are preferable.
If it was the latter, we had clunky machines that took an imprint of the card onto the voucher and then we had to bank this with the cash at the end of the day. Now, it’s nearly all by card.
Continental headboards, ottoman and stool sets were very much in vogue, the top colours for years were very kitsch, Dusty Pink and Dusty Green. We have gone through a long period of time selling fabric bedframes or divan bases and headboards in 50 shades of grey, and now we are moving into a more pleasant palate of naturals with autumnal accents.
Mattress trends have changed enormously from 30 years
This is where an enormous change has happened to our industry and the world over. We were paper based on everything, from customer order forms being duplicated with a carbon copy between a duplicate book to give us a customer copy, delivery note and the original. Orders to suppliers were given by telephone, which then they moved over to fax machines and eventually automated via email.
The accounts office used to run a double entry system, vat return was sent via the General Post Office together with a cheque, now of course it’s all done via MTD. Companies like Sage accounts saved us hours and hours of data entry and the result being real time useful information at hand. So, in short, technology has changed us forever. Persistence in moving with the times has given us and our family a great life and a fantastic business model for future generations to come.
Back in the day, everyone would presume they would
pay with cash.
Peter Harding, Managing Director at Fairway Furniture, shares an update following the completion of their £1.25m interior refurbishment project at its Plymouth store.
Fast-forward to now and the project has been completed, with Peter sharing his thoughts. “Embarking on a major store refurbishment is always a daunting prospect, with the likelihood of disruption and the various ‘unknowns’ that can derail even the best laid plans. Having refurbished all our other stores over the past decade, our flagship store in Plymouth was the last due a full overhaul. Originally slated for 2020, the pandemic intervened, but we finally commenced work this Spring.
“For any project to be successful – particularly when being done within a ‘live’ trading environment - planning is the key and we have a fantastic management team who all worked
Earlier this year, South West independent furniture retailer Fairway Furniture announced a significant internal refurbishment of their flagship Plymouth store, with the work commencing in April and expected to take around six months to complete.
This included the removal of the entire existing interior and installation of a completely new store layout, enabling an even wider range of product to be displayed within a fresh, contemporary shop-fit design – in partnership with store and interior design specialists Spaceworks Interiors. This collaboration formed when they met at the Associated Independent Stores (AIS) annual conference some five years ago.
closely together to ensure it could be completed with the minimum of disruption. Working with the main designer Spaceworks, our planning of the finer details regarding project delivery started in the second half of 2023, such that we could ensure key dates in the 21-week programme did not coincide with important promotional periods in our calendar.”
The choice behind Spaceworks was an easy decision, as Peter continued: “Being able to continue to trade throughout and maintaining use of the customer entrance were nonnegotiables and the plans allowed for us to always have around 75% of the floorspace available. We chose to use Spaceworks to manage project delivery, including the various major local
sub-contractors, so that there was a chain of accountability throughout as well as ensuring our store and head office management team could focus on day-to-day business. The use of a fixed-price contract, subject only to any additions we required as the project progressed, provided fiscal security, and allowed cash-flow to be carefully managed.
“In a challenging early 2024 trading environment and mindful that a dip in store performance would be highly likely as the project progressed, we used it as a genuine reason for a ‘Refurbishment Sale’. This ran for three weeks – from two weeks before the work started until the first week of contractors being on site. This high impact promotion, planned and run in-house on a modest budget, generated good interest from curious customers, with over two months of sales achieved in the three weeks.”
The store is already attracting a wider age-profile audience and with the increased product range we have been able to now include, we are seeing promising signs that the investment will give us the return we had anticipated.
As Phase 1 work started in early April, there was a sense of anticipation among the store team as the temporary dividing wall went up and the area stripped right back to the building frame. “It was reassuring that no major ‘gremlins’ were uncovered, meaning that the Spaceworks team could more accurately plan the timeline for following phases,” Peter said.
“Seeing a design concept come to life day by day was an exciting time. Indeed, the customers coming into the store were keen to find out what was going on – British shoppers, it seems, like nothing more than a little bit of retail chaos. It makes me wonder why we all work so hard to have well laid out and welcoming showrooms!”
The British public also like another thing too while shopping – but more on that a bit later, as Peter talks about moving onto the next Phase’s. “Phase 1 was completed by
late May. This allowed us to reoccupy the space and rotate display stock so we could move onto Phase 2, then Phases 3 and 4. Throughout, we managed to maintain our full range of products on display, albeit some ranges featured fewer pieces.
“Trading performance in store over the project period was stronger than we had anticipated – previous such projects had seen sales weaken appreciably, so this was a welcome surprise.
“As we approached mid-August, Phase 4 neared completion. With the new store layout increasing usable floorspace by over 1,500sqft through the removal of raised display platforms, steps, ramps, fixed walkways and a pond (yes that does say a pond!), the merchandise team had been adding new ranges to the store’s normal product inventory and delivery of these from suppliers began.
“Part of the new store design was changing the way in-store promotional material was displayed, as well as adding scope to ‘theme’ specific areas of the showroom with large wall murals framed with illuminated floating oak frames and new point of sale to create a more contemporary shopping environment. Work on finalising these began during Phase 4 and continued once all the work had been complete.”
Fairway took back the completed store from Spaceworks in early September – on time and within less than 1% of the original contract price, due to minor variations. “Over my 30 years in the business and having been involved with many refurbishment projects, this had been by far the least stressful,” Peter revealed. “This was down to a strong working relationship with Spaceworks –from the initial design phase through to its evolution and on to delivery. It felt like a truly collaborative team project – not one where we were the client and they were the contractor.”
It is often the case that a design concept and the delivered reality can be quite different. With this project, however, Peter believes that the end product is better than the original design, principally because of that collaborative approach that didn’t stop when work started. “Getting store designers to truly understand what matters to your business is vital and that empathy then helps shape the design through to delivery.
“We took time back in 2023 to commission prototypes of the shop-fit components so we could put them into
the showroom and gather feedback on size, look and impact. This proved to be a valuable investment, as we made some crucial changes to dimensions before commencing the project. Similarly, as the project continued, we did the same with other elements, tweaking little details here and there to make the end result the best it could be.”
“I am a great believer that strong relationships will always deliver the best results,” continues Peter. “It is not always about the lowest price but rather the ability for the designer and the contractors to understand what you are trying to achieve and then work with you to challenge thinking, suggest alternatives and ultimately produce the outcome that you want.
“We were always keen to use local contractors where possible and working with Spaceworks they understood the importance of that. They quickly formed strong working relationships with the local contractors and from early in Phase 1 it was clear that everyone was committed to delivering the project to the highest possible standards.
“We have used numerous contractors over the years, and I have no hesitation is saying that Spaceworks are among the very best. They possess a real ‘can do’ attitude and were always prepared to go above and beyond to ensure the project remained on schedule. More importantly however, they understood that in retail, you can’t simply shut things down during the day to complete work. This meant that we suffered almost no disruption at all to trading throughout the duration.”
As Peter reflected over the past few years, from the original decision to start on the refurbishment journey with a new shop design and fit contractor, to the delivery of a store, he believes it now makes Fairway a “true destination furniture store” – both in the city and beyond. “I am both relieved and excited,” he said. “Relieved that it’s over and excited that the feedback from customers has been incredibly positive.
“The store is already attracting a wider age-profile audience and with the increased product range we have been able to now include, we are seeing promising signs that the investment will give us the return we had anticipated.
“Perhaps the most amusing comments from customers however have been about our in-store toilets. We had not intended to include these within the project’s scope but added them mid-way through. They were completely gutted and replaced, designed to blend seamlessly with the store’s fresh new theme. Since they were completed as the last part of the project, every customer using them has offered positive comment. Clearly the British shopper loves nothing more than a stylish loo!”
Kate Rowe, founder at Spaceworks Interiors, reflects on the success of a recent project with independent furniture retailer Fairway.
When revamping a store, the idea is to create a ‘wow factor’ for customers to experience, all while keeping the space designed to maximise productivity and, of course, sales. With a recent project now completed, Spaceworks details more behind the Fairway refurb.
“We were tasked with keeping a flexible space, while ensuring a wow factor and modern finish,” Kate explained. “We developed a strong relationship from the start – through the design process and meeting up to scrutinize the details and ideas. As we are a small flexible team, it was a good fit and all the team were always available to provide the information needed to move things along. It was a great collaborative approach.”
Aside from the obvious upon completion, with the store looking fantastic, Kate added that being on time, on budget and on brief delivered a great finishing feeling. “The store looks exactly as the design visuals the client provided – if not better! It’s a space that welcomes the customer from the outset, reassures them of Fairway’s commitment to offering style and choice and quality, a space that enables browsing with elements of exploration. In fact, even with fixed parameters of the existing walls, we were able to increase their product merchandising floor space considerably.”
As with each project, there are challenges to navigate. Kate continued: “The main challenge was to remain open, while working in a live environment to keep customers safely navigating a good proportion of the product range whist the re-fit was carried out. We worked with the team at Fairway to enable a phased fit out plan with an easy up and down ‘hoarding’ planned to ensure enough of the store was open, yet we had enough in each phase to go at. The planning of the four phases was key in ensuring the correct processes and order of trades booked in and programmed accordingly. It was a challenge that we relished too!”
Reflecting on the best part of the project and how others can benefit from working with Spaceworks, Kate said: “To complete in the time frame and within the budget we set out in our promise to Fairway was great. We did what we said we were going to do and we had a very happy client at the end, thrilled of the snag free, hassle free experience.
“We have a great skill in asking the right questions to extract a good solid brief from the outset which enables us to deliver a good solid solution and plan early on. We also understand that things might change as the project works through the development and discovery stages – we’re flexible in our approach.
“We not only have experience in furniture spaces, but have designed and fitted out department stores, cafes, bars, gift shops, sport shops and more – meaning we have ideas and experience outside and beyond the furniture world which we can bring to the table and offer a different way of thinking to our clients.”
www.spaceworksinteriors.com
David Main, CEO of Shankar, details the team behind the business, new product development and what to expect to see at next month’s January Furniture Show.
At Shankar, the business has a strong emphasis on developing and maintaining strong customer relationships, with every member of the team wholly customer focused. David Main, CEO, has over 40 years of retail and wholesaling experience and has spearheaded the company’s growth since its inception and continues to lead the field in product design and procurement.
“I co-ordinate the company’s activities from finance through to logistics and, together with a valued team, we’ve grown Shankar into a well-respected leader in its field,” David said.
Other key members of the team include Mark Prior, National Sales Manager, as David continued: “Mark has over 20 years of experience in multi-site retailing and 15 years of furniture wholesaling, which enables him to have a unique insight into the requirements of our retail partners.
“With overall responsibility for the company’s UK Sales, Mark also currently has day to day hands on responsibility for covering the North of the UK assisted in the Northwest by our Sales Agent Sandy Smith.”
Shankar has recently made a double appointment with Anthony Lewer joining as Business Development Manager South and Sid Hanif, also as Business Development Manager for online. “Anthony is well known and respected within the furniture trade with wide experience ranging from his family’s wholesale business through to well-known brands including Sylvan products, Totem furniture, Corndell, Skovby, Actona and Devonshire,” David continued.
“Anthony has day to day responsibility for Sales in the South of the UK assisted in the Southeast by our sales agent Stuart McDonnell. Meanwhile, Sid joins us with over 12 years of experience in the furniture industry having built a reputation as a trusted professional known for his ability to forge successful relationships and drive revenue growth. Concentrating on developing sales online Sid will continue to grow our business in this area and is assisting with the sourcing of products specifically for our online retailers.”
David was also keen to highlight key members of the office team, with Sharon Colauto Frost, Office Sales Manager, Beckee Owen, Sales Administrator, Tony McGee, IT and Logistics, and Andrew Field, Financial Controller, all playing vital roles within the business. “Sharon liaises with both our sales team and
our customers directly to ensure that all orders are dealt with efficiently.
“Beckee also liaises with our sales team and customers directly and has responsibility for customer deliveries and service. Tony ensures that our stocks are replenished as required and produces our high-quality POS and product information, while Andrew liaises with our sales team and customers with regard to payments and credit terms as well as efficiently controlling the company’s accounts.
Over the years, Shankar has successfully developed its dining chair range to also include bar stools, accent chairs, dining tables and occasional furniture. “At Shankar, we are continually improving our offer with new designs and fabrics introduced throughout this year,” David says.
“Throughout this year we have run a variety of promotions to help launch new ranges and to drive repeat sales, which have been very successful for us.”
Looking ahead to the January Furniture Show 2025, taking place at NEC Birmingham, Shankar will be launching a wide range of “exciting new products” including additions to its very successful Monaco and Tokyo ranges, as well as some sensational new chairs including dining, bar, accent and office chairs in a variety of up to the minute designs and fabrics.
David concluded: “We look forward to meeting you on stand B40 in Hall 5 where you will be able to meet our team and look at our unbeatable show offers, new products as well as our new ‘chair gallery’ display which will provide you with a leading way of displaying our products in your store.”
In the next instalment of our series of interviews with agents and reps across the furnishings industry, we spoke with who talks about current challenges facing the industry, rogue mattresses, current product movements and why communication is key, as well as a good sense of humour, in the life of an agent.
Current Brands I represent are Deepsleep Beds (UK) Limited - Espoir Beds - West Midlands Upholstery - Ambers International Upholstery - Gee-Line Bedroom Furniture.
How long have you been an agent in the industry?
I became an agent in September 1999, so just over 25 years.
What drew you into the life of an agent, and what’s the day-to-day like?
Until 1999 when our family business closed my background was carpets and furniture in our retail furnishing business and so with knowledge, but nothing better to do, I became a furniture manufacturers agent. The day-to-day is very good from my perspective, mainly from constant contact with customers and promoting the companies I represent.
What is the best part of your role?
Enjoying the Scottish countryside I drive through year in, year out and the warmth of reception from my customers, most of whom are friends now!
What is the most difficult?
I don’t think there is anything difficult about my role as an agent. I firmly believe there is a solution to every problem which helps to keep up with the constant changes in the industry and convey those changes in product to customers.
Do you have any particular highlights so far?
My role in building supplier companies in the Scottish market from zero sales to being important, major suppliers to Scottish retailers today.
What challenges do you think currently face agents in the furnishing industry?
The need to work harder to stay ahead and to achieve results! Opposition has always been there and always will be, but bricks and mortar retail furnishers are still very important in today’s marketplace. Each day is a new challenge, especially with the online and digital age, however, I will probably be chastised for this next part. There is no substitute, whatsoever, from making a physical visit to customers. Zoom appointments are all very well, but
no agent can tell if their product still occupies floor space from talking to a retail customer on a device, nor can the customer, say, get the feel of a fabric for a new upholstery floor model. Physical calling is still very much an important part of life for an agent in what is still a cottage industry, to coin a phrase.
What would you like to see change?
Suppliers not just taking for granted, once they have a retail customer on board, they have that customer for ever. There needs to be more appreciation of the efforts the retail customer puts in to gaining a sale for them from the end user customer and so provide them with all the point of sale they can to make sure the product being sold brings forth the result the supplier desires.
What would help agents more?
Principal/Supplier communication at all times is paramount to an agent’s success in the field. It is so much easier when one can say “Yes we can do that”, rather than, “I will make a call and find out”. Up to date information is crucial to the agents functioning to the best of their ability for the company he or she is working to promote.
What would you say to someone considering becoming an agent?
Go for it! As long as you are positive and have a passion for the furniture and or furnishing industry and your product you will be successful, maybe not overnight, but long term. You will have to make some sacrifices; you will not have to be discouraged when a buyer does not grant you an appointment. You must just move on to the next prospective customer. Eventually, all will fall into place and you will find the rewards follow. Above all, be positive, be truthful and be organised.
What is the most important attribute to have as an agent and why?
The most important attribute is to have a sense of humour, which will stand you in good stead to be flexible and adapt to industry changes of which there are plenty year on year
Can you share something that irritates you the most as an agent?
The inability of the industry as a whole to get to grips with rogue mattress suppliers who are conning the public. A big problem which needs a long-term solution.
Can you share an insight into your plans for the year ahead?
I will be looking to focus more attention on retailer and supplier relations while trying harder to identify products within ranges which fit better and be more mutually
beneficial to retailer and supplier. There are always new opportunities and so will be perusing new avenues to broaden my customer base.
What’s the next big thing you are seeing in the industry and why?
I am not sure there is anything big happening in the furniture industry right now, however, there appears to be a greater emphasis on design, fabric, colour and the strengthening of the electric motion offering in upholstery to broaden appeal. New design and finishes in cabinet furniture are tending to move the focus away from light oak product finishes. All these moves are aimed at making the product more commercial and that much more appealing to today’s discerning end user.
The furniture and furnishing industry continually needs to attract new talent from designers, through manufacturers to sales agents to keep alive a tremendous industry providing new and innovative products which appeal to ever changing generations.
I firmly believe there is a solution to every problem which helps to keep up with the constant changes in the industry and convey those changes in product to customers.
willserve600@aol.com 07867865463
www.linkedin.com/in/george-willson-9802804b/
Samarah Dawson, Business Development Manager at WEBS Training, asks the question, what is the future for British Furniture Manufacture, and will it be left behind?
I am proud of British furniture manufacture, where so much of it is still made by hand. The people who make furniture are modern-day craftspeople. Yet speaking with multiple employers and apprentices on the challenges facing British manufacture, odds seem to be stacked against us, and it is hard not to feel a little disheartened.
In conversation with local employers, we are seeing increased numbers of furniture businesses considering importing their furniture to sell on the British market. Businesses are saying they are struggling with the costs of UK production and are having to look at manufacturing abroad to maintain their profit.
There have been huge increases in overheads and running costs for manufacturing, owing to several factors including energy cost increases and high interest rates.
The raise in minimum wage is also a hot topic for employers regarding costs – especially compared to wages outside of the UK. However, I don’t believe that restricting the earning potential of our manufacturers is the solution. It will only increase the skills gap and push people away from furniture making even further.
There is increased pressure and costs from another angle too – a combination of the cost-of-living crisis and fast fashion
furniture trends has meant consumers want more economical choices. Retailers are also suffering increased costs and larger proportions of business rates. This all puts increased demand on British furniture manufacturers to reduce their prices, which is unsustainable – leaving some feeling they have no choice but to outsource to overseas production.
With 2021 statistics showing £12.2 billion manufacturing turnover, it is not a value we want to lose from our economy – not to mention the near 109k workers in the sector. But choosing imported product rather than British-made seems to be an increasingly attractive choice.
When speaking to manufacturers and retailers using overseas production, and from my own experiences of factories abroad, overseas manufacturers do appear to be getting it right. With clean, spacious, purpose-built facilities using additional manufacturing technologies, along with enjoyable staff spaces – they seem to be ticking all the boxes. And it may be leaving British furniture production behind.
If we are being honest, how many British furniture factories are leaky during winter, stuffy during summer, and overall, a little bit neglected? Do our factory employees have workspaces with natural light, and relaxing areas away from production to take breaks from their manual work?
Depending on our answers, attracting people to work in these environments may be a challenge. In some cases, apprentices have given feedback to WEBS Training of wanting to leave the industry due to work conditions - and returning to that ever-looming cloud of the skills gap, if there is no-one to make British furniture, using overseas manufacture may become the only choice. But renovations and new technology are all costly investments.
We know we need to preserve British manufacture – that’s easy enough said – but how do we achieve the high-quality that British manufacture is renowned for, whilst paying increased costs and meeting the retailer and consumer price expectations?
When we think of British Furniture Manufacture, we think of things like heritage, quality, craftmanship. By engaging with the consumer on the benefits of quality products and their longevity, they may be happy to pay that bit more for the true value of British-made.
With consumers moving towards more environmentally conscious products, this could also be a powerful tool in preserving British manufacture. It is a strong environmental message to have your furniture made and delivered from just down the road!
Furniture makers and their associations need to push local and national authorities so British furniture manufacture is not overlooked. Furniture manufacture was not mentioned specifically in the autumn budget, so it is unlikely to receive funding or support to improve our facilities – which should be challenged.
When we think of British Furniture Manufacture, we think of things like heritage, quality, craftmanship. ”
We collectively need to raise the profile of British furniture manufacture so that we don’t get lost amongst larger manufacturing sectors such as automotive and engineering –which furniture manufacture so often does.
The quality of British furniture is known worldwide, so this could be a great opportunity for British manufacturers if the UK market is slow. However smaller businesses with no experience in this area would need support to access these markets.
All of these would support the preservation of British manufacture, enabling businesses to recruit apprentices to continue these skills and secure the next generation of furniture craftspeople in the UK. British furniture is wonderful, and we should strive to protect it.
If you are a British manufacturer and would like to train an apprentice with WEBS Training, a specialised furniture training provider, then please contact us on info@webstraining.com
www.webstraining.com
Furniture imports during September 2024 increased on the same month last year while exports from the UK also rose.
A look at some notable data within the upholstery, mattresses, cabinet and carpets sub-categories.
Upholstery Imports Year-on-Year
Country
According to the latest UK trade data, analysed by Big Furniture Group, total imports of furniture into Britain valued £633.7m in September 2024, up 3.3% from £613.1m against the same month the previous year.
Imports from the EU registered a decline of 3.4% to £307.3m from £318.3m. Imports from Italy were down 2% to £59.1m, while Polish imports fell 0.1% to £61.2m. Imports from Germany were down 6.5% to £52.1m.
As for outside the EU, total imports rose 10.7% to a value of £326.4m from £294.7m. Chinese imports were up 18.3% to £226.8m, while Vietnam rose by 5.5% to £14.9m. Imports from the USA decreased 12% to £18.4m, while Turkish imports declined 15% to £11m.
Moving to exports, the total value of UK furniture leaving the country rose 17.3% to £216.9m from £184.8m year-onyear. In Europe, exports rose 11.1% to £106.5m from £95.8m. Exports to France decreased 1.9% to £29.7m, while German exports increased 16.1% to £16.2m. Irish exports were down 10% to £20.8m, while exports to Spain jumped 403% to £11m.
Outside the EU saw exports increase 24% to £110.3m from £88.9m. Exports to China were down 21% to £2.2m, while Singapore saw growth of 248% to £5.3m. Exports to the UAE rose 18% to £9.6m, while the USA increased 26% to £55.1m.
Get the free data
For the monthly data and all other annual changes across four main sectors of the market – including upholstery, mattresses, cabinet and carpets, download the full report of imports and exports by country and value at:
www.bigfurnituregroup.com/furniture-imports-and-exportsboth-rise-in-september-2024
Upholstery Exports Year-on-Year
Mattress Imports Year-on-Year
Mattress Exports Year-on-Year
Cabinet Exports Year-on-Year
Carpet Imports Year-on-Year
Over the past few months, the Guardsman team has celebrated significant achievements in securing new partnerships and strengthening existing relationships, demonstrating the company’s position as a leader in the furniture care industry.
Zeyn Kassam, Guardsman’s Commercial Director, comments: “These new partnerships underscore the commitment and dedication of the entire team. We have reestablished a valued relationship with Swyft Upholstery, who returned to us after a period with a competitor”. Zeyn added that “Swyft’s return is a testament to our exceptional team, policies, and practices that enable success for our partners while maintaining the highest standards of compliance”.
According to the team, Swyft was particularly impressed by their ability to outperform competitors, recognising their partnership approach, hard work and dedication to providing quality service, which has strengthened the trust leading brands place in Guardsman’s expertise.
The team also explain how in recent months, several other retailers have transitioned to Guardsman, drawn by the company’s professional and collaborative approach, as well as its commitment to guiding partners through the complex requirements of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
“Guardsman’s support for its retail partners is ongoing, extending far beyond the initial contract signing. We are dedicated to providing continuous guidance and resources to ensure each partnership is successful and compliant with the latest regulatory standards,” comments Richard Oloyede, Head of Sales and Key Partnerships.
Richard emphasised that retailers are increasingly recognising Guardsman’s market-leading position and commitment to
excellence, and noted that many are returning to Guardsman, appreciating the company’s unwavering dedication to compliance and its award-winning service. “Guardsman is committed to maintaining high compliance standards and staying agile within an ever-evolving regulatory landscape.”
As online retail grows, Guardsman is equally prepared to support digital-first partners, offering proven online support to meet their unique needs. The Marketing team plays a crucial role in this process, helping retail partners fully understand the requirements necessary to protect and grow their brands.
By collaborating closely with partners before launch, Guardsman ensures a smooth onboarding experience, fostering confidence and understanding of compliance needs and best practices which continues beyond the initial launch.
Internationally, Guardsman’s growth and innovation efforts are also thriving. Paul Jennings, Head of Sales and Development for the UK and Europe, has recently spent time in Italy, strengthening retail partnerships and developing new product offerings. Guardsman’s long-term partnership with Fenice Care System S.p.A has been pivotal in enabling the creation of new product ranges that align with the latest trends in furniture fabrics.
“Fenice are a global leader in specialised furniture care solutions who we have collaborated with for over 20 years and with new materials emerging in the market, we have worked in collaboration with the team in Italy to develop products
These recent successes reflect the effectiveness of Guardsman’s strategies and the dedication of its people. ”
adaptable to the latest upholstery fabrics,” Paul said, while also sharing that they are in the final stages of testing an innovative product expected to make a significant difference in the care and maintenance of both leather and fabric upholstery. “Once finalised, this new product will be introduced to retail partners, marking an exciting advancement in Guardsman’s product lineup.”
This year has seen structural changes within Guardsman’s Sales team, which are now proving fruitful. The team’s efforts have contributed to the trust and confidence shown by retailers who are either returning to Guardsman or committing to long-term contracts.
of its people, underscoring the company’s mission to lead the industry through integrity, innovation, and a commitment to partner success.
“Overall, 2024 has been an incredibly busy year for the team, from internal promotions recognising the value in the staff in the team to bringing in new, expert people to help grow the business and make it successful; and not forgetting an office move to new and modern premises!
“We would like to wish the Big Furniture Group readers a Merry Christmas and prosperous 2025; we look forward to sharing our journey and working with you.”
Zeyn concludes: “These recent successes reflect the effectiveness of Guardsman’s strategies and the dedication www.guardsman.co.uk
Recycling rigid polyurethane (PU) foam offers transformative benefits, particularly through an innovative upcycling process that repurposes waste materials from sources like warehouse insulation, refrigerated trucks, and cold storage facilities.
Used widely for its thermal insulation properties, PU foam poses a significant disposal challenge as it does not decompose in landfills and is non-biodegradable. This article outlines how PU foam, once considered waste, is given a new life through a method that creates high-quality, durable materials suitable for industries such as furniture manufacturing, construction, logistics, and packaging.
This upcycling approach, developed by industry innovators, diverts rigid PU foam from wasteful disposal processes like incineration and landfilling, which harm the environment. Instead, the foam is collected, shredded, and combined with lignin—a natural byproduct of the paper industry—to form a durable, eco-friendly material ideal for sustainable product manufacturing. This method stands out as both a solution to industrial waste and an exciting development in creating environmentally responsible, long-lasting products.
One of the core advantages of this method is its contribution to sustainability. Traditional disposal methods like incineration release toxic emissions and contribute to greenhouse gases, while landfilling PU foam leads to environmental pollution, as the foam is nonbiodegradable and occupies landfill space for centuries. By mechanically recycling PU foam and binding it with lignin, this process minimizes carbon emissions, avoids the need for harmful adhesives, and promotes a circular economy. The result is a substantial reduction in the environmental footprint of PU foam waste and the sustainable use of natural resources.
In the furniture industry, recycled PU foam provides high-quality, durable materials that excel in both strength and fire resistance. These properties make it ideal for structural components like furniture frames and bases. Additionally, the material’s versatility in design enables it to be molded into various shapes, allowing designers
to create innovative and customizable furniture pieces. This flexibility in design has aesthetic appeal and aligns with consumer demand for eco-friendly products. As more consumers prioritize sustainability, furniture crafted from recycled PU foam stands out, providing not only functional beauty but also a compelling story of environmental responsibility.
Beyond furniture, recycled PU foam offers excellent thermal insulation properties, with a thermal conductivity ranging between 0.030 and 0.034 W/(m·K). This makes it suitable for applications in the construction industry, where energy-efficient materials are increasingly in demand. The high mechanical strength of the recycled material, exceeding 100 kPa at 10% deformation, also meets construction standards, ensuring durability and longevity.
The economic benefits of recycling PU foam are equally significant. This method offers cost-effective waste management and potential revenue streams from recycled products, reducing raw material costs and waste disposal fees. Additionally, companies that adopt this recycling approach can increase demand for their products among eco-conscious consumers and stakeholders. With lower initial investment and quick returns, this method supports sustainable practices that are both financially and environmentally advantageous.
The upcycling of PU foam supports a more sustainable future. By reimagining waste materials as valuable resources, this approach addresses urgent environmental challenges, fulfills industry demands for durable and sustainable materials, and provides an economically viable path forward. As more industries embrace this innovative method, the potential for a circular economy—where waste is minimized, and resources are conserved—becomes an achievable reality.
In the next part of our ongoing sustainable series, upholstered furniture retailer DFS shares its latest sustainability progress.
Upholstered furniture and living room retailer DFS recently reported a decline in full year sales and a reduction in profit. According to its preliminary results for the 53 weeks ended 30 June 2024, total gross sales fell 7.9% to £1.3bn from £1.4bn in 2023, while underlying pre-tax profit resulted at £10.5m, down 65.7% from £30.6m.
Detailed within its report, DFS shared further insight into its progress on its environmental goals, and were recognised as a Climate Leader by the Financial Times earlier this year. “This is a testament to our commitment to sustainable performance,” DFS said. “In June 2024 we took the next step on our journey and submitted our plan for Net Zero for validation to the Science Based Targets initiative.”
DFS has reduced its scope 1 missions by 20% while also increased certified timber (FSC/PEFC) used in its supply chains to 83%. Furthermore, it is consistently engaging with suppliers to start their own carbon reduction journeys, which covers 59% of its scope 3 emissions, and has set a target for suppliers to provide plastic packaging with a minimum of 50% recycled content by 2026.
Tim Stacey, Chief Executive Officer, at DFS commented: “We decided to shift our Net Zero target to before 2050, aligning with climate science and the UK government targets. I’m pleased to say that this year we have secured commitments from our manufacturing partners that cover 59% of our scope 3 emissions to commit to developing their own science-based Net Zero plans.
“Whilst making up a relatively low proportion of our total emissions I’m nevertheless proud that the consolidation of our delivery fleets, AI route planning tools, and driver efficiency training, as well as removing gas from our retail estate has delivered a significant reduction in our scope 1 emissions. We are already making great strides to ensure our business can make the most of the opportunities of a circular economy to deliver sustainable performance for the Group.”
Furthermore, the company has set a target for suppliers to provide plastic packaging with a minimum of 50% recycled content by 2026; and it is working to ensure all ranges have zero polystyrene in packaging by December 2024. From a product perspective, DFS has also introduced multiple ranges from Jay-Be, who are an accredited Zero to Landfill manufacturer.
“As the largest upholstery business in the UK, we are conscious that we have the opportunity and the privilege to lead in many areas, including sustainability, and we want to bring great design, comfort and value into every home in an affordable, responsible and sustainable manner,” the retailer said.
“Our Sustainable Sourcing Policy ensures greater transparency by requiring suppliers to provide certifications from recognised third-party service providers*, while our Science-based Net Zero strategy outlines our ambition and timeline to become a Net Zero business.”
We are already making great strides to ensure our business can make the most of the opportunities of a circular economy. - DFS
*All suppliers are required to provide the following certifications:
SMETA 4 pillar audit (a 2 pillar audit will be initially accepted, provided it is followed by 4 pillar on expiry) - also applies to sub-contractors in the supply chain
FSC - Timber chain of custody
PEFC - Timber chain of custody
OEKO-TEX (OEKO-TEX STEP) – Textile Mill Auditing
Simon Scholes, Director at Oakdene Hollins, talks about greenwashing and recycling claims.
The Innocent drinks brand has become synonymous today as an example of ‘greenwashing’. The company made claims that those buying its drinks would be positively impacting the environment. In reality, the Advertising Standards Authority ruled that those claims were misleading, and that they had actually exaggerated the total environmental benefits of the drink.
Encouraging people to feel a certain way if they use your product is one of the oldest marketing ploys in the book – an emotional reaction to a sumptuous bed (best night’s sleep), or a family dinner round the kitchen table (talking togetherness), or a cosy evening on a comfortable sofa (de-stressing after a long day) feeds into a collective psyche of familial warmth and wellbeing. Green claims are equally appealing to that collective psyche – of doing good, assuaging guilt – and for marketeers it is a compelling narrative.
processes. Director Simon Scholes highlights how the industry’s complex supply chain can add to the doubt and confusion around the validity of green claims.
But with the planet fast becoming one of the most important considerations for businesses the world over, are sustainability claims beginning to push the boundaries of reality?
Oakdene Hollins is an environmental consultancy that has played a crucial role in helping furniture companies better understand and implement tangible sustainability
“If you take the manufacture of mattresses as an example, you need to take into account materials and processes, regulatory developments such as chemicals and fire retardants, energy costs, labour issues, the provenance of raw materials and components.
“Add to that the packaging and delivery. And then several years down the line what are the end of life implications of the mattress – can it be recycled? Does it contribute to a waste of natural resources? Ultimately it is not enough the slap on a ‘recycled’ marketing sticker if that claim can not be thoroughly proven with scientific fact at every stage of the process,” continued Simon Scholes.
Regulatory initiatives, such as the UK Green Claims Code and the European Green Claims Directive should provide essential guidelines within an organisation’s drive to avoiding the green claims trap.
“Within these guidelines it is emphasised that sustainability claims must address the entire life cycle of a product, from ideation right through to EoL (End of Life), rather than just a marketing strap line,” Simon said.
“The question is, where do you start? Terms such as ‘circular economy’ and ‘closed loop systems’ can cause even the
most determined of companies to come screeching to a terrified halt, eyes blinking in the headlights, before they have even started their green journey.”
Simon firmly believes that the way forward lies in developing a collaborative approach (rather than a competitive one).
“Trade associations are the natural leaders for this kind of initiative,” stated Simon. “While an industry’s scope of companies can be fragmented and unequal, with varying levels of hunger for investing in overhauling processes towards greater sustainability, trade associations can level the playing field and scale the support to be more financially accessible – something which is particularly important for the smaller players.”
Oakdene Hollins, for example, produced an EcoDesign Principles Guide which formed part of the NBF’s (National Bed Federation) Pledge for Our Planet. Within the guide, Oakdene Hollins distilled the processes behind the often complicated area of EcoDesign into an easy to follow framework that is directly relevant to product development in the bed industry.
Terms such as ‘circular economy’ and ‘closed loop systems’ can cause even the most determined of companies to come screeching to a terrified halt.
The overarching focus of the great body of work that goes into monitoring regulations and applying them to certain industry sectors, is to ensure that the move towards environmental sustainability is quantifiable and verifiable.
“The duplicitous nature of unfounded marketing campaigns does not just do damage to the brand,” added Simon Scholes. “They rock the very faith that the buying public have in our general drive towards greater sustainability. The more they feel duped, the less importance it will have on their overall buying decisions.”
It is clear that simply stating that your product is 100%
recyclable does not show the full picture. Are all components recycled? Can they all be recycled at EoL? Does it form part of a closed loop system? Is recyclability woven into overall design?
“It is clear that stepping into the drive towards sustainability encourages more questions than gives definitive answers – and that’s a good thing,” Simon adds.
“Because only by facing these questions will the industry as a whole be in a position to raise its environmental game and eliminate the greenwashing that is still so prevalent.
“Oakdene Hollins facilitates responses to these questions through tools such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and carbon accounting, which offer quantitative methods to substantiate green claims.”
www.oakdenehollins.com
To welcome in the New Year, Devonshire Living unveil their new logo, and showcase the very best of their offer at the INDX Furniture Show this January.
We are constantly reinventing ourselves to stay flexible in what is becoming a very volatile and fast-paced market.
Adaptability has been key to our strategy these past few years and we wanted our brand identity to reflect that with a more contemporary logo. We are constantly assessing our values and character as a business, and feel that this new logo is a better representation of retaining our traditional roots but moving more to the forefront of the modern market with our products and services.
Continuing our theme of blending traditional and modern, we will be showcasing the very best of our long-term ranges alongside our newest collections launched this year, and fresh projects for 2025.
We will have on the stand our Dorset collection, which has been topping the leaderboard for the last 12 years and has grown to include 135 pieces across 3 finishes. On the other end of the spectrum, we will have our Bergen collection launched this year to resounding success, and Lydford Oak – a new finish option for our award-winning Lydford Painted collection.
Further expanding on the success of Lydford, we will also be launching the range in brand-new dining pieces, due to an overwhelming number of requests.
There has been a lot of turmoil in the import business this year - with shipping rate fluctuations, extended lead times, and key suppliers restructuring or unable to continue trading. Our aim is to offer a level of stability by keeping our offer simple, honest and refined. We aim to keep all 500+ of our products at least 95% stocked in our UK warehouse at any one time, own our transport fleet, and employ our drivers so that we know our deliveries will be quick, efficient and up to our standards.
We have QC teams both in the Middle East and here in Devon, to keep on top of quality through every stage of production. We have our own product development team and work closely with our factories to ensure best practices are adhered to, and are working on reducing our environmental impact and carbon footprint, such as reducing the amount of plastic in our packaging going forwards.
Adaptability has been key to our strategy these past few years and we wanted our brand identity to reflect that.
Find Devonshire Living on Stand P10 at INDX FURNITURE January 17th-20th 2025, or contact enquiries@devonshireliving.co.uk .
www.devonshireliving.co.uk
Sofa Connections is a family run manufacturer based in the heart of the West Midlands, ran by husband and wife team Matt and Sarah. During the recent Long Point show, our stand featured a new piece of ours called the Sherwood, with quilted arms and luxurious feather back cushions with a supportive bolster. It was a hit. Our Blakedown sofa with its beautiful sloped arm was also a key player, landing its well-deserved place on some new shop floors this autumn. www.sofaconnections.co.uk
Celebrity strives to continue creating and developing new products within the market whilst ensuring they keep up with the latest trends. We have launched the new Farndon range within our Riser Recliner Collection, which features contemporary styling and enhanced comfort, along with our original powered headrest and lumbar support options available in all three chair sizes. The Farndon features a twotier fibre-filled supportive high back cushions and curved padded arm detail. This range is available in all Celebrity fabrics and is fitted as standard with our Mammoth Medical Grade™ Foam Seating Technology. www.celebrity-furniture.co.uk
Owing to the popularity of our award winning Lydford Painted collection, we are launching the range in allover pale oak. Radiating sophisticated ambience with gently curved edges, rounded tops, sculptured plinths and a beautiful pale oak finish, the Lydford Oak is a true show stopper. Matching piece for piece with the painted collection, the Lydford Oak will carry our most popular and best-selling items, including our very impressive Quad Robe. www.devonshireliving.co.uk
Henrik Pontoppidan, Director of S2U Design, asks the question: What is YOUR sourcing philosophy in Vietnam - And how is it going?
In my series of letters from Vietnam, each exploring key sourcing disciplines for success, this month’s focus is on ‘the sourcing philosophy.’ For example:
• “We cut out the middleman and do all tasks ourselves.”
• “We outsource all sourcing tasks to agents or sourcing companies and focus solely on selling furniture.”
Whatever your strategy, it needs to address design, product development, factory vetting, negotiation, compliance documentation, and QC/QA. If you’re importing from Vietnam, chances are you’ve been burned more than once due to inadequate handling of one or more of these disciplines.
Cutting out the middleman saves costs. No - not if the goal is purely to save money. Only cut out the middleman if you can manage tasks better yourself.
Outsourcing means no worries. Wrong. Blindly outsourcing leads to poor results and costly mistakes. It is super important to understand what’s being done and to be able to evaluate and verify/challenge its quality.
My approach is hands-on, transparent, and rooted in local oversight. I coach, provide expert advice, and manage the process on the ground to deliver superior outcomes. If you have an existing Vietnamese team, I can even coach and train them to enhance results.
Here is a fundamental lesson from 15 years of working with Vietnamese factories on the ground: Avoiding direct investment in proper handling leads to higher costs later –for both you and your supplier. Minimizing upfront spending results in delays, errors, miscommunications, and frustrated – and therefore poorly motivated suppliers. This can even stall a project entirely. Tasks must be done well and require skillwhether you or a middleman perform them. Middlemen have functions, much like organs in the body. Only remove them if you can replicate their function better and more effectively.
To be clear on YOUR sourcing strategy at the outset is paramount. It focuses your resources and prevents trialand-error pitfalls. Strategies range from handling everything internally to outsourcing completely. Most fall somewhere in between. For importers, importing from Vietnam, common strategies include:
1. Off-the-shelf purchases: Quick, but risky with potential quality issues. This approach is also likely to cause unintended problems relating to design rights.
2. Network introductions: More reliable but unlikely to provide the best factory match for YOUR project.
3. DIY: Full control, but time-consuming and challenging to manage remotely.
4. Buying agents: Convenient but often lack transparency. Difficult to identify if the agent’s motivation is to look after your best interests – or support family and friends by giving them the business.
5. Dedicated stationed staff: Effective but administratively burdensome and expensive.
6. Sourcing companies: Comprehensive but expensive and may obscure communication.
7. Representative office: High control but costly, burdensome and complex.
8. Own company: Maximum control but also maximum resource-intensive.
Every sourcing function incurs costs. If you’re not paying directly, they’re embedded in pricing. Common activities and their costs include:
ACTIVITY
Design
Development
Manufacturer search
Supervision
QC/QA
Compliance
Marketing assets
DESCRIPTION
Sketching, 3D modeling
Sampling, molds, testing
Vetting, visits
Production oversight
Sample checks, reporting
Docs (COO, FSC)
Photos, videos
Buyer/Designer/Supplier
Buyer/Supplier
Own staff/Agent
Own staff/Agent
Own staff/Agent
Own staff/Agent
Own staff/Agent
Happy-Go-Lucky Approach Finding the product you are looking for online. But brace yourself! Ordering without vetting often leads to quality issues and delays.
Relying on Introductions Asking around. Valuable but not foolproof for your specific needs.
DIY Method Taking a week out and travelling to Vietnam yourself. May save on costs but it is most likely less than optimal without on-ground expertise, and due to misrepresented factories during preliminary research.
Buyer/Supplier
Buyer/Supplier
Buyer
Buyer
Buyer
Buyer
Buyer
– $10,000
– $10,000
– $3,000
– 15% of order
– 15% of order
– 10% of order Variable
Funnelling The best approach, but requires a lot of time on the ground vetting 5-10 factories, with personal visits conversations with the owners/CEOs, and analysis to find the best one for YOUR project.
In summary, the biggest and most common mistake is to underestimate the need for qualified local support. Tasks require cultural knowledge, technical skill, and continuous oversight.
Whatever your sourcing strategy, I can fill gaps and address its weaknesses with hands-on support. Unlike traditional agents, I offer personalized, “western style” expert service in all areas mentioned. My goal is to demystify processes so you can make informed decisions - and then implement your decisions on the ground with full reporting and oversight. Whether it’s design, factory vetting, production oversight, or compliance, I ensure efficient operations and prevent costly issues. In many cases, I outperform entire teams, delivering better results at lower costs.
Sourcing from Vietnam isn’t just about finding a manufacturer—it’s about managing the entire ecosystem. With the right support, Vietnam’s challenges become opportunities for growth. If I do my job, I put you ahead of your competition.
Investing in qualified support isn’t an expense; it’s an investment in your future success.
If you’d like to discuss further, please reach out:
Amthal Karim – Head of Design at Furniture And Choice – shares her monthly overview of on-trend styles and interior looks currently inspiring furniture buyers.
Dining furniture is being transformed with the introduction of mixed material design. We’ve noticed an increase in dining table styles that mix wood and metal, marble and wood and – more recently – contemporary stone with fluted wood.
The aesthetic advantage of the mixed materials trend in the design world is that it creates interest, depth and elevates a room making it feel more expensive. It’s the juxtaposition of varying textures and layering of elements in your interior space that creates a designer look. It shows that the space has been thought about, the layers considered, and the furniture chosen carefully.
The mixed materials trend is also exciting because customers can choose from endless combinations of materials to create their own look – it’s like buying a bespoke product. The style of a piece of furniture can be completely re-imagined by picking a different combination. A dark, walnut wood dining table with black metal legs works perfectly for a Modern Industrial kitchendiner. The same table design with a marble tabletop and brass-effect legs instead and now it’s more fitting for a luxury dining room with panelled walls.
When it comes to a dining table that combines wood with glass or marble with metal, then the quality and craftmanship of each material is essential. Using stone-effect finishes and powder-coated metals in contemporary furniture enables retailers to market them as longlasting pieces. However, the challenge is producing dining tables in these materials that can withstand everyday use - at an affordable price. A paper-effect marble or travertine stone finish offers a choice of hundreds of patterns and colours for the customer to choose from. But more importantly, it’s durable enough for regular use and easy to maintain.
Of course, it’s not the dining table alone that benefits from the mixed materials trend – it’s the entire dining set. It’s no longer fashionable to match your dining table to your chairs so ‘mix and
It’s not the dining table alone that benefits from the mixed materials trend – it’s the entire dining set.
match’ is in vogue. Customers can create drama in their dining room by combining and contrasting shape, texture and even colour. A modern, wishbone dining chair is sophisticated when paired with a slabstyle table in statement marble. Equally, an extending glass dining table is beautifully balanced with curved, velvet dining chairs.
Whether you choose to combine practical with luxe or contrast rustic against modern – the mixed materials trend blurs the lines of traditional design allowing you to create your own individual style.
Murray RoystonWard, Compliance & Sustainability Manager at Siren Furniture, talks about sofa recycling, legislation changes and what it means for the business and industry.
Siren Furniture, an FSC® Certified (FSC® C137929) designer and sourcing manufacturer of made-to-order upholstered furniture, is known for its commitment to product innovation, sustainable practices and high-quality production.
At the start of this year, Alan Spencer, Managing Director at Siren Furniture, shared his view on proposed regulations for fire safety standards, recognising the need for change to allow for innovation, sustainability, and circularity, within the supply chain.
As the year draws to a close, Siren’s Murray RoystonWard, Compliance & Sustainability Manager, turned the attention to recycling and how legislation changes in Scotland have come into play following its introduction across England. “Here at Siren, we have spent some time imagining what recycling a sofa might look like,” Murray says.
“In an ideal world, your sofa might last a lifetime. Fashion cycles dictate you are more likely to look to change your sofa before this though, and even high-quality fillings and cover materials will eventually show wear and tear. To help with this, we have been exploring furniture design with repair and reupholstery in mind. For example, construction and upholstery methods that make it easier to strip off materials and replace them; or cushion designs where individual components can be easily swapped out for new.”
At present, it is very difficult to recycle a sofa.
Baltimore green velvet sofa
However, “repair won’t always be the answer”, Murray continues, and, at some point, an item of furniture will come to the end of its life. “In an ideal world, these easily strippable designs would be broken down for parts that can be reused. Already, we see foams made from recycled foams.
“Perhaps, one-day, this will easily be extended to fibres, timber, and beyond. This is a vision of circular economy where end-of-life materials become inputs for new materials. Whilst there are still some technical barriers to some of the above, broadly speaking, this is quite achievable apart from one major hurdle. That of chemicals used for Fire Safety.”
In 2023, new rules were introduced regarding the disposal of upholstered furniture. Similar legislation has now come into effect in Scotland. The main purpose of these changes is owing to the presence of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) which do not break down in the environment. Murray added: “POPs cover a range of chemicals which accumulate in the environment and are harmful to health. Historically, POPs have been used for Chemical Flame Retardants (CFRs) within, for example, foams and fabrics. CFRs, of some form or another, are, unfortunately, completely necessary in order to comply with the UK Furniture Flammability Regulations (UKFFRs).
“The UKFFRs are generally considered outdated and are currently under review, something we have been generally supportive of as we hope it will allow for the necessary innovation to maintain fire safety in ways that improve the health and wellbeing of consumers and the environment. CFRs are, themselves, a complex subject.
“Historically, brominated flame retardants, including deccaBDE, have been of especially high concern. They have since been heavily restricted and voluntarily removed in the UK. Other CFRs remain in use. CFRs are, however, perfectly legal. REACH legislation regulates chemicals, and upholstery must conform to the limits given.
Murray RoystonWard, Compliance & Sustainability Manager at Siren Furniture
“So, in order to sum up this complex picture, upholstery requires the use of CFRs in order to meet UKFFRs. CFRs, in their current form, are both legal and, based upon current legislation, considered safe. Historically, less safe CFRs have been used, leading to concerns about their disposal in landfill.”
This picture, however, gets more complex, as Murray explains. “What is considered a legal limit can change as new knowledge is gained. Restricting the use of one chemical formulation can lead to the use of others. Sometimes these replacements lead to new, unexpected problems; what is known as a ‘regrettable substitution’.
“As a furniture manufacturer, whilst we are confident that our products are both legal and safe, the chemical details of the CFRs used by material suppliers are often unclear. What Siren would, therefore, like to see is better chemical transparency. Ideally, fire safety would be achieved without chemicals but, where they are necessary, consumers should be aware of all the details. The hope is that such transparency would help drive further reductions in the use of chemicals.
“So far, we have focussed upon chemicals and their risks to health and environment but, returning to the question of recycling. At present, it is very difficult to recycle a sofa. For example, CFRs mean that materials such as foams can’t be readily collected, broken down, and recycled into new foams. Where recycled foams are available, manufacturers have sourced used, end-of-life foams from outside of the UK to ensure that they do not contain CFRs. CFRs and, by extension, the UKFFRs, are currently a barrier to circular economies and improving the sustainability of upholstery.”
The most recent UN ‘Emissions Gap’ report paints a glum picture of failing to meet necessary actions to restrict global warming to 1.5°C. “Chemical transparency and fire safety without CFRs are both essential components of creating more circular and sustainable products in support of global emissions targets,” Murray says.
“Siren’s focus, therefore, is in advocating for changes to UKFFRs and increased chemical transparency. We are keen to develop ‘circular’ products and are actively looking at how we can design products to better support this but, ultimately the present status of CFRs will always be a barrier to change.”
This month we’re asking retailers:
Our best seller this year has been Cool-gel mattresses, they are a great upgrade from Memory mattresses. We’ve noticed feedback from customers that have bought Memory foam mattresses in the past; customers love the Memory mattresses but they don’t like how the mattresses can make them feel too warm in bed, which obviously affects their sleep. Cool-gel mattresses solve this issue & is a very good selling point.
Throughout 2024, we’ve noticed various flooring types, styles and colours trend with our most popular product changing periodically throughout the year. However, heading towards the end of the year, one particular flooring type has emerged as our best-seller. The Quick-Step Alpha Ciro HerringboneBotanic Beige is our best-selling product of 2024 and it’s easy to see why. This year, we saw the emergence of two popular trends within the world of flooring - natural-looking LVT and oak colours. This option combines the two, giving homeowners a wonderful flooring choice that is easy to install and maintain while boosting their home’s aesthetic with the natural appearance of wood. Next year, we can’t wait to see what trends and flooring products emerge as the talking points of 2025, but for us at Flooring King, this flooring from Quick-Step was the go-to this year.
Our best seller this year has been the GPlan Kingsbury range. We believe this is because it looks great and is well priced.
The Marylebone Soft Truffle range, available as a Large & Footstool set or the Double Corner configuration, has been a top choice for house-proud, style-conscious homeowners this year. This super on-trend yet timeless sofa seamlessly combines comfort and elegance, making it perfect for creating a living space that feels cosy while exuding sophistication. Its modular design ensures it fits effortlessly into almost any home, whether you’re settling into a new property, upgrading your interior, or adapting to the needs of a growing family. We think for all those reasons, its resonated really well with our typical buyer.
The Shire Capri 2000 has unequivocally emerged as our best-selling mattress, both in terms of total volume and value, due to its superior value proposition and unwavering balance of luxury-like comfort at an affordable price. The Capri 2000’s appeal is amplified by its ability to deliver the high-quality attributes typically found in luxury mattresses—such as natural filling, hand side stitching, durability, and comfort—at a significantly more accessible price point. This strategic pricing, positioned in the mid-tier range, has proven critical in today’s market, where price sensitivity is a dominant factor in consumer purchasing decisions. A close contender, the Silentnight Ivory, shares many of the same qualities—supportive firmness, similar price point, and a comparable comfort profile. However, its non-tufted design gives it a slightly softer feel, attracting those who prefer a gentler surface. Both models address the core needs of today’s mattress buyers— firmer, lasting support, high-quality construction, and affordability. These factors combined have made these the mattresses of choice in an increasingly price-conscious market, epitomising the trend toward high-value, high-performance products.
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(Correct as of 22 November 2024)
Minerva Furniture Group are an independent buying group, serving an impressive (and growing) retail membership and worldwide supplier base. Minerva Furniture Group are seeking a hands-on and proactive COO to grow the business while keeping the values Minerva have to our independent retailers. View and apply here: www.bigfurnituregroup.com/minerva-furniture-group-chief-operating-officer/
Clinchplain is part of The Belfield Group, a leading name in the furniture industry. We specialize in creating high-quality foam products for a wide range of clients. With a commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and exceptional service, Clinchplain is a trusted partner in the UK contract markets.
We are seeking a dynamic Sales Manager to drive new business development and nurture relationships with existing clients. This pivotal role involves identifying growth opportunities, managing key accounts, and working closely with internal teams to ensure client satisfaction and revenue growth. – www.bigfurnituregroup.com/belfield-group-sales-manager/
We’re looking for a graphic designer who will take full ownership of our brand identity, proactively developing compelling designs that reflect our good, better, best offerings. The ideal candidate will consistently seek ways to visually enhance our brand presence and ensure all artwork is meticulously filed and archived for easy access and future use. The role will focus primarily on creating still visuals, with basic video editing required on occasion. – www.bigfurnituregroup.com/highgrove-beds-graphic-designer/
Soane Britain owns a traditional frame making workshop. Located in Shaftesbury, the workshop makes bespoke, high-quality furniture using traditional methods of manufacture. Due to ambitious expansion plans, we are now recruiting for a trainee frame maker who is interested in starting a long-term career with us.
Due to the nature of the small team at the Shaftesbury workshop the role will require a can-do attitude and the candidate must not be afraid to get stuck in with the task at hand, be enthusiastic and self-motivated. This role is suitable for someone with an eye for detail and the ability to achieve the excellent standards for which Soane Britain is well known. – www.bigfurnituregroup.com/soane-britain-trainee-frame-maker/
Are you passionate about interior design and ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? Darlings of Chelsea, a dynamic and fastgrowing SME in the interiors industry, is searching for an inspiring Showroom Manager to lead our team and help us achieve our ambitious growth targets. This is a unique opportunity to become a driving force in shaping the future of a well-established brand known for its bespoke furniture and exceptional customer service. – www.bigfurnituregroup.com/darlings-of-chelsea-showroom-manager/
We’re looking for a Mobile Designer to join our team in the Ipswich Showroom! Our cutting-edge showrooms serve as an endless source of inspiration for our customers. With our Mobile Showrooms, we have a unique chance to meet customers in the comfort of their own homes, delivering an authentic Wren design experience. You’ll receive a competitive basic salary of £23,920, with uncapped commission and an OTE of £50,000. – www.bigfurnituregroup.com/darlings-of-chelsea-showroom-manager/
Are you looking to expand your team? Advertise your job with us. For more information, contact Nick on nick@bigfurnituregroup.com
For more jobs and further information, visit www.bigfurnituregroup.com/jobs
INDX Furniture returns to Cranmore Park, Solihull from 17*-20 January 2025 (*AIS Member-only day) and visitor registration is now open.
Look forward to exploring a commercially crafted product showcase, brought together by industry experts, and designed to help fuel your business growth.
Build connections, unlock exclusive deals to drive sales, and get direct access to the freshest products from the best brands in the business.
Plus, brought to you by AIS, in partnership with leading trend and forecasting agency Scarlet Opus, head to the trend area to immerse yourself in the season’s hottest colours, textures, and shapes. Find invaluable insight and discover a curated selection of products, hand-picked to match the season’s key themes.
To date, the exhibitor showcase will cover categories such as Upholstery, Living room, and Dining room, and feature a stellar lineup of brands including Alexander & James, Calia, Classic Furniture, Devonshire Living, Fortune Woods, G Plan Cabinet by Baker Furniture, HTL, Modulax, Nest, Primavera, Rauch, and Sofa Source.
Be part of it. Register for your free ticket today and experience INDX Furniture for yourself.
www.indxshows.co.uk/
www.bigfurnitureshow.com/
Adam Hankinson
Adam Hankinson, Managing Director at Furniture Sales Solutions, shares three top tips for a jolly Christmas sale.
The holiday season is nearly upon us and with the Christmas period accounting for around 20% of annual furniture sales it’s crucial that we make the most of every opportunity. Here are 3 techniques that we’ll be encouraging our delegates to really hone in on this December.
Even though your store’s going to be busier than usual once your sale begins, this doesn’t mean that you should let the good sales habits you’ve developed over the rest of the year fall by the wayside.
Just focusing on improving the part of the sales process where you know you’re weakest can make all the difference. For example, if your approach tends to be poor then focus on welcoming every customer with a genuine smile, some useful information to help them navigate the store (e.g. “Just to let you know the sofas on display come in multiple colours, materials, sizes, etc”), then an opening that allows for you to re-approach them.
With the rush of customers in your store it’s easy to get overwhelmed and try to rush through as many interactions as possible. Instead, we recommend that you deliver the same friendly welcome and focused attention to every customer as you would any other time of year.
Customers are likely to be feeling even more rushed and stressed than usual about the whole shopping experience, probably visiting multiple stores in the little free time that they have at this time of year.
Bringing them into the fold and slowing the process down by asking meaningful and relevant questions to fulfil their needs will help them relax and make them much more likely to make the purchase in the end.
We’d encourage you to smile and acknowledge every customer who enters, even when you’re with your customer, as even this small gesture helps to create a positive shopping experience.
3. LEARN TO HANDLE “WHEN DOES YOUR SALE FINISH?”
You’re likely to hear this all the time over the Christmas period, sometimes even before the sale has actually begun! It’s a question that I think deserves a lot more consideration than most people give it.
When the customer asks this, what they actually mean is, “When does the sale finish… because I’m interested in a particular item, and I would like you to give me justification and reassure me why it’s ok to buy today”.
With this in mind, our answer should sound something like “Great question, if I were you I’d ask the same. This particular promotion ends on X date, but if you just show me the sofa you’re looking at it may be that this product is falling in or out of that promotion”.
This then allows us an opening to start to guide the customer through our usual sales journey, telling them all about it, getting them sat down on it, finding out all their needs and wants, as well as justifying all the reasons that they shouldn’t defer buying it (e.g. “Just to let you know this is on a 20-week lead time…”).
Try these three simple tips to make the most of the Christmas rush, create happier customers, and record-breaking sales!
