Cabinet Maker 1st March 2019

DESIGN Franklite talks to Cabinet Maker about its brand new logo and their recent developments.

DESIGN

Ena Shaw speaks exclusively to Cabinet Maker on the launch of its new home furnishings brand Tru Living.

1st march 2019 ÂŁ3.75 l

MANUFACTURE

Explore the latest news from the accessories and lighting industry in our new quarterly 16-page supplement.

MANUFACTURE Gallery Direct shines the light on its extensive lighting collection as it offers the complete interiors solution.

RETAIL The LIA details a complete overview of its services and why it plays such an important role.

Accessories & Ligh

ting

RETAIL

A final look at what to expect from this year’s London Fabric Show.

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CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK 01623 372 213 PUBLISHER Stewart Rickersey stewart@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372218 EDITOR Dan Squires dan@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372215 SALES Sharon Rickersey Operations & Sales Manager sharon@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372213 Kacem Ellabbar kacem@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372214 Peter Topley peter@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372216 PRE-PRESS PRODUCTION Tim Morriss tim@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372158

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Delay or no delay, the outcome is still the same. More uncertainty. As the British PM debates whether to postpone Brexit following calls to delay the UK leaving the EU until 23rd May to ‘conclude negotiations’, all this serves up is a further lack of confidence that will no doubt continue to hinder the economy.

Recently Theresa May announced that MPs will get a fresh vote on her deal on 12th March, whilst reaffirming that the leave date — just 17 days later — is still a possibility.

In fact, I’m a bit surprised that the date of 4th May wasn’t chosen in a subtle bid that could signal ‘A New Hope’. Nevertheless, hope remains a key ingredient to cling on to amidst all the circus acts that have been performed since 23rd June 2016. With time running out — and the patience of the country for that matter — for a deal to be agreed, we can only let the powers that be come up with a result.

Hopefully, it will be an outcome that benefits Britain.

In the meantime, lighting up this week’s editorial is Cabinet Maker’s first supplement of 2019, which focuses on the lighting and accessories market. Featuring within the pages includes a round-up of the latest news from this sector as well as special features from a number of industry brands. One of which is Gallery Direct — the business continues to be a stand out when it comes to offering the complete interiors solution and this week shares an insight into its lighting and home accessories range.

Focus then turns to the Lighting Industry Association (LIA), which details why the organisation plays such an important role in the industry, whilst two lighting businesses,

Franklite and där , take centre stage in revealing their recent company developments.

The supplement concludes with an outlook of home accessory trends that are set to take 2019 by storm.

This week’s issue also features an historical piece on the London Fabric Show as the event prepares for another successful year, whilst Ena Shaw speaks exclusively to Cabinet Maker on its latest launch, a new home furnishings brand named ‘Tru Living’.

We found out why this is the right time for the business to expand, especially when most have been waiting to see how clear the picture will look come the end of March.

From one exclusive to another, Cabinet Maker was allowed access into FIRA’s headquarters to sit down with one of their experts in a new series of ‘open clinics’ where we got to ask for their guidance on common questions that face the furniture industry today. If there are any questions that you would like us to pose to FIRA, then please get in touch. One obvious topic we raised relates to Brexit, so make sure you are clued up with the latest knowledge.

As the Brexit countdown begins let’s hope that, come the beginning of April, the clouds of uncertainty will bare some light on the path to growth. In the most part, 2019 has seen some encouraging developments emerge and with this continued outlook of positivity, the best of British is yet to come.

Dan Squires Editor

RETAIL lighting and MANUFACTURE news from the

DESIGN

Cabinet exclusively to Ena Shaw speaks new home launch of its Maker on the Tru Living. furnishings brand

new quarterly Explore the latest industry in our accessories 16-page supplement.

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1st march 2019

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£3.75

July 1880

from this what to expect A final look at Fabric Show. year’s London

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British Furniture Manufacturers British Furniture Manufacturers British Furniture Manufacturers

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Take aim for fun and fundraising

Wednesday 12 June 2019 Holland and Holland shooting ground, Northwood, Middlesex

Book your place now!

Contact: 020 7562 8526 events@furnituremakers.org.uk Supported by

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE

NEWS

06

ACCESSORIES & LIGHTING

FEATURES LONDON FABRIC SHOW

12

LIGHTING & ACCESSORIES

Explore the latest news from the lighting and accessories industry.

A final look at what to expect from this year’s London Fabric Show.

A TRU MAKEOVER

31

Ena Shaw speaks exclusively to Cabinet Maker on the launch of their new home furnishings brand Tru Living.

A FAME

LIFEBLOOD OF LIGHTING

24

34

MODERN LIGHT

36

42

Maik Fischer, director of interzum, has the Last Word.

22

Franklite talks to Cabinet Maker about its brand new logo and its recent developments.

LIGHTING THE WAY

Version Three of the NBF’s rigorous Code of Practice has been accepted as Assured Advice by trading standards.

LAST WORD

20

The LIA details a complete overview of its services and why the organisation plays such an important role.

Experts at FIRA International share their guidance on common questions that face the furniture industry today.

APPROVED STATUS

15

24

Gallery Direct shines the light on its extensive lighting collection.

22

BRIGHT START

där lighting group talks about its recent January Furniture Show appearance as well as its latest ‘game-changing’ products.

ON TREND

28

26

28

Online furniture brand Made.com shares its views on the top five interior and home accessories trends for 2019.

NEWS

FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES:

NEWS IN BRIEF STORE OPENS A new independent discount furniture shop has opened in Burton town centre. Just Bargains has been launched

by Andy Lovett and is situated in Burton Place, selling furniture items that are either excess stock or end-of-line products. The business officially opened in midFebruary, taking over a former Carphone Warehouse outlet, and has been a welcome addition to the town with footfall already high.

PR appointment Bespoke furniture and sofa manufacturer The Sofa & Chair Company has confirmed the appointment of Hillgate as its new PR agency. Following the appointment, Hillgate will be responsible for all consumer and trade PR for The Sofa & Chair Company. Earlier this year, the company reported a turnover of £31.8m, with UK sales accounting for £28.8m of revenues.

Annual Review The Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) has released its Annual Review, covering 2018, with an outlook to activities planned for 2019.

Exports, safety, skills and apprenticeships, environment, Brexit, fire safety regulations and interaction with Government are summarised in the Research Association’s work with the British Furniture Confederation.

1st March 2019 | 06

New appointment The British Contract Furnishing Association (BCFA) has confirmed the appointment of Anita Petersen as its latest recruit to the BCFA as membership coordinator.

With a wealth of experience in customer services, she will welcome enquiries regarding membership and can be contacted on Anita@ thebcfa.com or on 01494 896790.

RETAIL PARK SOLD Palmer Capital has acquired the Beck Retail Park in Wakefield for £37.5m from Aberdeen Standard. The park, which is anchored by supermarket chain Sainsbury’s, includes furniture and homewares retailers The Range, Home Bargains and B&M Bargains, as well as fashion chain Matalan.

RETAIL

From left, Gary King, Linda Rogers, Janet Pead and Rachel Phillips.

Glasswells recognises long-serving employee Independent home furnishings retailer Glasswells has presented Gary King with an award to recognise his long and loyal service.

Gary, who is the manager of its Haverhill store, has been with the business for 40 years. He joined shortly after leaving school, working in the separate carpet shop in Queens Square, Haverhill.

Over his career at Glasswells, Gary has managed the Saffron Walden branch, as well as the store’s largest flooring department in Bury St Edmunds between 1995 and 2000.

Paul Glasswell, managing director, explained: “Gary is an incredibly reliable, loyal and hardworking man. We have been very lucky to have him looking after our Haverhill branch for the past 18 years and are very proud of the good reputation that Gary and his team have gained in the town.”

Gary will be celebrating his milestone at Glasswells with the gift of some new fishing gear.

Paul added: “Our long-serving staff list is really rather extraordinary and it’s very satisfying for myself and the family that so many of our colleagues have enjoyed being at Glasswells for such large parts of their working life.”

w www.glasswells.co.uk

MANUFACTURE

CARPET BUSINESS RETURNS TO GROWTH Store of the future

Carpet manufacturer Penthouse Carpets has reported a return to top line growth and profit.

The organisers behind the Creative Retail Awards are looking to find the brightest student talent to design the LEGO® Store of the Future for their brand new Student Award, Imagine a LEGO® Brand Retail Store in 2025.

The award, sponsored by Morplan Ltd, highlights the value of innovative design within retail and encourages students to think about the role of physical retail in the future.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 30 June 2018, total sales rose 7.9% to £14.6m from £13.5m in 2017. UK sales, its core market, rose 8.2% to £14.5m from £13.4m, whilst international sales almost doubled, up by 66% to £105,962 from £63,101.

Pre-tax profit resulted at £187,968, marking a return to growth compared to its previous year’s loss of £275,823.

Stated within its report, employee-owned Penthouse Carpets said that despite a challenging retail environment and the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, the business has performed well.

w www.penthousecarpets.co.uk

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MANUFACTURE

FURNITURE MANUFACTURER ENTERS ADMINISTRATION; CEASES TO TRADE Contract furniture manufacturer YTM Group has entered administration.

Lee Lockwood, of Begbies Traynor, and Ray Claughton, of Rushtons, have been appointed as joint administrators of YTM Group with all 117 staff made redundant.

Following the appointment, the company has ceased trading with administrators now focusing on realising assets for creditors, which includes marketing the company’s large freehold industrial unit in Castleford, along with other business assets.

According to administrators, the company suffered from strong competition as well as losing one of its major contracts during December 2018. This led to ‘severe cash flow problems’, ultimately leaving the business financially unviable.

YTM Group was founded in 1981 and operated from sites in Castleford and Pontefract.

w www.begbies-traynorgroup.com

RETAIL

Bed retailer confirms new sleep partnership Premium bed retailer And So To Bed has announced a new partnership with sleep expert, Dr Lindsay Browning.

Author of troublesleeping.co.uk, Dr Lindsay Browning (left), will be working with the brand to educate customers on how to get ‘the finest night’s sleep’.

She will provide comprehensive sleep tips on And So To Bed’s blog and social media channels, and will also be available for one-to-one consultations with customers to help them overcome specific sleep problems by looking at their sleep quality and general lifestyle.

Obtaining a doctorate from the University of Oxford where she investigated the relationship between worry and insomnia, Dr Lindsay Browning has since been passionate in helping people of all ages to sleep well. A chartered psychologist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, Dr Lindsay Browning is also a member of the British Sleep Society; she is a respected professional in the field and has published several publications about sleep and game theory.

Martin Gill, managing director at And So To Bed, said: “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Dr Lindsay Browning.”

Dr Lindsay Browning commented: “I am thrilled to be working with And So To Bed as their sleep ambassador to help educate and help improve people’s sleep. I am passionate about the importance of sleep having specialised in insomnia.”

w www.andsotobed.co.uk 1st March 2019 | 07

NEWS RETAIL

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MANUFACTURE

Furniture sales down

DETAILS OF UPHOLSTERY INSOLVENCY EMERGE

Homewares and fashion chain Laura Ashley has reported a decline in sales during its first half of the year with furniture revenues down double-digit.

Upholstery business Wesley Barrell has been acquired out of administration, although unsecured creditors are likely to lose out.

According to its latest trading update for the 26 weeks to 31 December 2018, total group sales were down 8.7% to £122.9m from £134.7m, with like-for-like retail sales down by 4.2%.

Mark Upton, of Ensors Accountants LLP, together with David Scrivener, by the Qualifying Floating Charge Holder, Wessex Bristol Investments Ltd, were appointed as joint administrators of Wesley Barrell (Witney) Limited on 7 February 2019.

Laura Ashley, which is owned by Malayan United Industries (MUI), said that it had suffered a pre-tax loss of £1.5m compared to its profit of £4.3m against the same period last year.

Within the UK, retail sales were down 4.6% to £117.2m from £122.9m, with like-for-like sales also down by 4.2%. Online sales fell 9.7% to £24.3m, although the company added that it did relaunch the website during the period to better ‘enhance the customer experience’.

Looking at its stores, Laura Ashley closed four, downsizing its estate to 156 outlets. The company does plan to open two during the second half of the year.

Furniture, which includes upholstered and cabinet furniture, beds and mirrors, saw a sales decline of 15%, with like-for-like sales down 14.4%.

Laura Ashley said that new product ranges have been added for Spring 2019 and that it remains confident in both the quality and breadth of its furniture category, which is expected to improve performance during 2019.

w www.lauraashley.com

MANUFACTURE

WEAK CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IMPACTS GROUP Luxury interior furnishings group Walker Greenbank has indicated that it expects full-year sales to grow by 1.1%.

According to its latest trading update for the year ended 31 January 2019, total sales are forecast to be £113.3m compared to £112.1m in 2018. Total Brand product sales, excluding licensing, were down 4.1% in reportable currency compared with the prior year.

UK sales, its largest market, were down 6.2% as the ‘modest improvement’ seen in the first nine weeks of the second half of the year was not sustained as a result of ‘weak consumer’ confidence, which led to a further ‘deterioration in sales during the key autumn selling season’.

International brand sales were down 1.6%. Brand sales in the US, its second largest market, rose 6.6%, with sales in Western Europe down 3% and sales in the rest of the world down 7.9%.

The company’s wallpaper and fabric manufacturing operations experienced a reduction in orders from the company’s own brands and from the UK, though this was mitigated by strong growth in overseas orders and growth in digital fabric printing.

The group added that its ongoing recruitment of a new chief executive officer continues to progress well.

w www.walkergreenbank.com 1st March 2019 | 08

According to a creditor letter and documents seen by Cabinet Maker, Wesley Barrell Interiors Ltd, which shares Ayiaz Ahmed as a common director, acquired the company on the same date in a pre-pack sale for a sum of £120,000.

Under the terms of the deal, Wesley Barrell Interiors paid £30,000 for the IP, business name and customer database, £20,000 for equipment and £70,000 for stock (as well as work in progress) with the latter having a book value of £1m.

However, the report also outlined that unsecured creditors are owed in the region of £1.6m and are expected to suffer a shortfall of the entire amount. Trade and expense creditors are owed a figure north of £1.1m, whilst employee wage and redundancy arrears amounted to more than £130,000.

A statement said: “The pre-packaged sale has secured significant continued employment for 58 members of staff (19 staff had been made redundant or had resigned) and ensured the continuity of the business, although the fact that creditors have suffered a loss is recognised.”

The report highlighted that the company was loss making in the build up to administration, with accounts to 31 December 2018 indicating a net loss of £1.5m on sales of £4.3m.

This represented ‘significant deterioration’ compared to 2017, which showed a profit of £81,000 with sales of £5m.

The business was then served with a winding-up petition from the HMRC after failing to resolve a settlement on its outstanding debt of £397,000. This was coupled with rent arrears on a number of its leasehold trading premises where landlords had threatened to take action.

Due to the mounting pressures and the threat of ceasing to trade, the company was placed into administration with the buyer in place.

Ahead of insolvency proceedings, an advertisement offering the business for sale was launched on 15 January 2019 with numerous parties declaring an interest. A deadline of 29 January was set for official offers to be made.

One was the offer that was accepted as mentioned above, whilst the second — and only other firm offer — represented a bid of £400,000 for the business and assets. However, this was subsequently withdrawn, leaving Wesley Barrell Interiors the only viable offer.

It is understood that the new company will fulfil the outstanding order book avoiding any additional loss to customers.

Ayiaz Ahmed is a director of all three entities and a shareholder of both Wesley Barrell Interiors and Wessex, whilst Wessex is a shareholder and secured creditor of Wesley Barrell (Witney) Limited.

w www.ensors.co.uk

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Furniture production Interiors Cologne

MANUFACTURE

CARPET MANUFACTURER GROWS SALES Carpet supplier G-tuft has reported a return to sales growth.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 29 April 2018, total sales rose 5.8% to £23.3m from £22m in 2017.

This marked a return to growth following its decline from £24.6m registered in 2016. Gross profit remained static at £1.2m, whilst pre-tax profit resulted at £15,665, down from £137,298 recorded the previous year.

Stated within its report, the company said that it was pleased with results against a testing retail backdrop. G-tuft added that stock of materials dropped 28.2% and, by careful cash management, bank borrowings declined by 46.3%.

w www.linkedin.com/g-tuft-limited

RETAIL

d’s’s Woorrlld W ingg eaaddin LLe nt EEvveent

Furniture shop to close A furniture store in Ashford is expected to be knocked down after the local council acquired the property.

Ashford Borough Council’s property company A Better Choice for Property has acquired the store that houses HomePlus Furniture, on Beaver Road, from Southern Housing Group.

Under new plans, the council wants to redevelop the site to build new homes.

The HomePlus purchase is understood to be a multi-million pound deal, although the terms of acquisition remain undisclosed. It is also not yet known when the furniture store will close or if it plans to relocate to another site in Ashford.

HomePlus also operates out of other stores in Kent, in locations in Sheerness and Chatham.

w www.homeplusfurniture.com

MANUFACTURE

TIMBER FIRM GROWS FOLLOWING SUPPORT Timber manufacturer Bayram Timber has recognised its ongoing support from finance provider Skipton Business Finance (SBF) as turnover more than doubled over a decade.

Melton-based Bayram Timber first partnered with invoice finance specialist SBF over 10 years ago and in that time has seen revenues grow from £10.6m in £21.9m. Bayram, which has recorded another growth in turnover to £24m, has also grown its workforce from 97 to 165 employees.

The company said that its continued growth has been hard work in challenging economic times but, with the support from SBF, the business was able to expand.

Baryam Timber supplies timber to several furnishing sectors such as flooring, pine furniture and beds, divan beds and futons.

w www.bayramtimber.co.uk

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NEWS RETAIL

New furniture store set to open in Lancashire

MANUFACTURE

KITCHEN FURNITURE FIRM SUPPORTS INDUSTRY EDUCATION Manufacturer of German kitchen furniture, Rotpunkt, has shown its support for The Kitchen Education Trust (TKET): a registered charity that provides a link between the kitchen industry and education.

A new furniture and interiors store is set to open later this year following a seven-figure investment.

The owners of shopping village Oswaldtwistle Mills previously announced plans to launch a new furniture store, named Loom Loft, back in August last year after securing planning permission to develop a 15,000sq ft store in The Ribble Valley at Barrow Brook, Clitheroe.

Investing £1.5m in the project, the business said it has also spent the last 12 months sourcing products to populate the store with ahead of opening, which is now pencilled for the end of July.

The development, which was first proposed back in April 2018 and originally had the name Love Furniture Stores, forms part of the business’s 25-year anniversary celebration and is a standalone store focusing on just furniture.

Commenting ahead of the launch, Loom Loft said: “In the last 12 months we have been working hard in the background with the creation/concept of a new business and store called Loom Loft Furniture & Interiors.

“While Loom Loft is a different concept on a much smaller scale store format it will be a very niche offer focussing on Furniture & Interiors. Products include sofas, a recliner lounge, dining sets, cabinet, object d’art, specialised artwork, picture and mirror gallery, rugs, home decoration and interior accessories. A good proportion of products will be from Lancashire manufacturers and suppliers from the region.”

w www.loomloft.co.uk

MANUFACTURE

CHINESE BUSINESS TO EXPAND INTO EUROPE Chinese furniture business UE Furniture Co Ltd has announced plans to build a production facility in Romania.

UE Furniture said it would invest around £7.2m in the new production site, which is set to be located in central-western county of Hunedoara.

The company, which is listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, will incorporate a new Romanian company named Yongyi Romanian Furniture through its wholly-owned subsidiary Yongyue Hong Kong Investment Co. Ltd. UE Furniture was founded in China in 2001 and makes mainly office chairs and sofas.

w www.uechairs.cn 1st March 2019 | 10

Rotpunkt recently pledged its support of TKET through sponsorship, sharing the roster with other leading brands from the kbb sector to help propel the kitchen industry into a true ‘profession of the highest integrity and competence’.

Matt Phillips, head of UK operations, Rotpunkt, said: “Skills shortages are putting significant pressure on the kitchen industry and TKET is successfully helping to maintain a high level of student enrolment and thus, market enrichment from the next generation of kitchen designers that will ultimately help to shape our future. It is vital for our industry to work together and encourage fresh thinking that offers a new perspective and/or approach to kitchen design in general.”

TKET helps the kitchen industry to award scholarships to students wanting to attend the Foundation Degree in Kitchen Design at Buckinghamshire New University.

w www.rotpunktuk.com

RETAIL

Mattress retailer to bounce back Beds and mattresses retailer Mattressman successfully restructures as growth is forecast to return.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31 March 2018, total sales rose to £29.8m from £26.6m in 2017.

Gross profit increased to £14.8m from £14.6m, whilst pre-tax losses stood at £5.5m, which was largely due to a number of exceptional costs relating to its Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA).

Back in July 2018, Mattressman entered into a CVA after suffering several issues, including adverse weather conditions, leading to a reduction in sales and cash flow problems. As a result, 16 of its 26 stores were closed and 136 members of staff were made redundant.

Since then the business has implemented a turnaround restructure programme, which is now complete, leaving the company in a ‘strong position to weather the economic storms ahead’.

The report indicated that directors are ‘grateful’ for the continued support it has received throughout this restructure and confirmed that the business is on target to return to profitability.

As stated, the significant loss includes costs relating to onerous leases and the CVA write-off of impaired assets arising from the restructure.

w www.mattressman.co.uk

aQO RETAIL

DESIGN

Potential Brexit risks

New colour trends

Furniture and homewares retailer Dunelm has identified potential risks that could arise following Brexit.

In a statement, new chief financial officer, Laura Carr said that the business has ‘identified some risks arising from potential disruption at ‘deep-sea’ ports in the period following exit’.

Over the past 18 months, Dunelm, which imports less than 1% of its goods from EU countries, has been working to identify and mitigate any risks arising from the EU exit on 29 March 2019.

“Actions have been taken within the business and throughout our supply chain to mitigate these risks, such as purchasing incremental stock of some best-selling lines and securing additional supply chain capacity,” Laura said.

“Approximately 2.5% of our employees are EU nationals and we are ensuring that they are kept up to date with the latest information from the UK government. They will also be receiving our support to obtain ‘settled status’ if and when needed.

“Like other retailers, we remain exposed to any impact Brexit may have on currency and consumer confidence. The impact of significant macro-economic disruption to demand in the homewares market is difficult to predict and, therefore, we remain cautious.”

w www.dunelm.com

Luxury fabric specialist Kobe UK is to focus its attentions on the new Colour of the Year 2019 and must-have shades.

The global authority on colour, Pantone has announced its Colour of the Year 2019 as Living Coral, a vibrant pink alternative, while paint manufacturer Farrow & Ball has released its must-have shades for 2019, one being the moodily-named Sulking Room Pink.

Kobe’s Shantung curtain fabric features an extensive selection of 50 shades, three of which meet the Living Coral and Sulking Room Pink criteria.

The company also boasts an entire section of its Scala collection to the colour of the year, whilst its Volterra, suitable for upholstery and soft furnishings, features Living Coral variations.

David Harris, managing director at Kobe, said: “Pink is a great colour for brightening up a décor and Pantone’s Colour of the Year has always been an interior trend setter.

“Living Coral and Farrow & Ball’s Sulking Room Pink, a dusky variation of the colour, is the ideal shade for decorative accessories and soft furnishings, and complements a whole host of other colours such as grey, cream and the popular ‘spiced honey’ spectrum.”

w www.en.kobe.eu

Thank you to new and existing customers for making JFS 2019 a great success 1st March 2019 | 11

F E A T U R E |L O N D O N F A B R I C S H O W London Fabric Show is held in Chelsea FC’s West Stand

Thriving at

Cabinet Maker takes a look at the history behind the London Fabric Show and what’s in store during this year’s event.

Held in a championship venue, as it reaches its fifth birthday the London Fabric Show is itself a champion. It is a celebration of highend fabrics for upholstery and soft furnishings from all over Europe and is definitely on a winning streak.

There is a waiting list of companies that wish to exhibit, and it attracts fabric buyers from all over the country and from every UK-based upholstery company you’ve ever heard of — 1st March 2019 | 12

5

London Fabric Show — a story of success

along with many premium bed companies and soft furnishing producers. Notable retailers too make a B-line to the show to select fabrics that will be exclusive to them.

Organised by the BFM (British Manufacturers Association), the two-day event returns to Chelsea FC’s West Stand and is about to open its doors — taking place on Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th March.

The first London Fabric Show that took place at Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge stadium was in 2015 and it used the executive boxes and suites overlooking the pitch. It proved to be immediately popular — the venue had the prestige to match the companies exhibiting and the executive boxes enabled privacy for negotiations between suppliers and buyers.

It was easy to get to for visitors, being only a three-minute walk from the Fulham underground station, as well as having on-site

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“THE DEMAND FROM OUR MEMBERS FOR A COHESIVE AND QUALITY- DRIVEN FABRIC SHOW IN THE UK WAS CLEAR IN 2013.

THEY WANTED THE OPPORTUNITY TO SELECT NEW FABRICS IN THE UK — UNDER ONE ROOF.”

aQO

The first London Fabric Show at Chelsea in 2015, from left, Marianne Temmerman, of FIT; Jackie Bazeley, of BFM; Eve Devoldere, of FIT; and Mark Vervaeke, of Fedustria

— Jackie Bazeley joint managing director of the BFM

parking and accommodation. It was especially good for football fans — Chelsea fans in particular!

Prior to the 2015 event, there had been two simultaneous shows held in London hotels, one for Belgian producers, including major names including Annabel, Greenstreet Fabrics and Van Neder, which was organised by the Flanders Investment and Trade Agency (FIT) and Fedustria vzw (the Federation of the Belgian Textile, Woodworking and Furniture Industry), in conjunction with the BFM. The second, which featured other European producers, was organised by James Lowe, from the Spanish Interfabrics group.

Having two competing shows in different venues proved unsuccessful. It was agreed that the BFM would take over sole running of a smaller, combined show in one venue.

Art of the Loom

The Flemish producers, many of whom had long-standing relationships with UK manufacturers, would be the mainstay of the new show, with Interfabrics and many exclusive UK fabric producers, including Abraham Moon, Art of the Loom and Warwick Fabrics also becoming cornerstones of the

new show.

Jackie Bazeley, managing director of the BFM at the time of the decision, and who has been the driving force behind the show since it began the move, said of the decision to take over and run the new event: “The demand from our members for a cohesive and qualitydriven fabric show in the UK was clear in 2013. They wanted the opportunity to select new fabrics in the UK — under one roof.

Working closely with FIT and Fedustria we eventually found the perfect venue, Chelsea worked, and continues to work for exhibitors and visitors alike. I’m delighted to say that since the first show in 2015, it has quickly gained momentum and grown in stature each year since it began.”

Since the first iteration of the London Fabric Show, the Chelsea venue has continued to be a winner and visitor numbers have substantially increased. The event has proved to be the ideal platform for producers to introduce new designs and collections at a time perfectly suited for UK buyers. Each year new exhibitors join the regular exhibitors and this year three new prominent producers — the British Bill Beaumont Fabrics, the » 1st March 2019 | 13

F E A T U R E |L O N D O N F A B R I C S H O W The 2018 show

Belgian Ragolle Fabrics and Teksium Textil from Turkey — are the new names in the 38-strong A-list of exhibitors.

Suited and booted for its fifth birthday as well as every kind of fabric — from light cottons to heavy jacquards — the show also incorporates every kind of fabric treatment, another reason for its success. Alongside the huge variety of fabric styles and types are fabric supplies; treatments for fire resistance, water and stains; as well as backing fabrics and swatch makers.

Looking forward to a bright future and to continuing the show’s winning streak, Nick Garrett, the new managing director of the BFM, said: “London Fabric Show has now become a fixture in the calendar, it has been growing year on year and I am delighted to be involved. We work closely with the Belgian textile federation and this partnership has 1st March 2019 | 14

worked really well since the show started.

Along with exhibitors from a number of other countries we have a wide mix of very high quality companies at the show. I am looking forward to seeing their new collections. The show is sold out once again so we are looking at ways of building on this success for future years.”

Entrance to the London Fabric Show is free and there is still time to register.

w www.londonfabricshow.co.uk

Bill Beaumont

DESIGN

MANUFACTURE

RETAIL

Franklite talks to Cabinet Maker about its brand new logo and its recent developments.

Gallery Direct shines the light on its extensive lighting collection as it offers the complete interiors solution.

The LIA details a complete overview of its services and why it plays such an important role.

Accessories & Lighting

GALLERY DIRECT | PUEBLO LAMPSHADES

ACCESSORIES AND LIGHTING NEWS RETAIL

Boxed mattress brand moves into lighting

MANUFACTURE

LIGHTING MERGER UNDER INVESTIGATION The proposed acquisition of Ring Automotive by global lighting firm Osram is under investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

On 30 January 2019, German-based Orsam announced the acquisition of Leeds-based vehicle lighting business Ring Automotive.

However, the takeover is now being investigated by the CMA to see if the deal would result in a ‘substantial lessening of competition’ within the UK market.

Mattress-in-a-box brand Casper has announced the launch of its first connected sleep innovation.

The Casper Glow Light (above), which aims to improve the sleep environment, is a result from its dedicated Labs research.

“Casper applied millions of data points and years of expertise in sleep research and science toward addressing a top environmental factor — light — that often gets in the way of a good night’s rest,” the brand said.

In a statement, the CMA said it “is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.”

Previously commenting on the deal, Hans-Hans-Joachim Schwabe, chief executive of Osram Automotive, said: “With the acquisition of Ring Automotive, we are further expanding our aftermarket portfolio and can at the same time use stable distribution channels in the United Kingdom.”

With 160 employees, Ring Automotive achieved annual sales of around £40m in 2017.

The Glow light gradually dims that cues your body for bed to help establish healthy sleep patterns. The light is accompanied by the Casper Glow app for setup and customisation, including a Bluetooth feature.

In addition, Osram will give the Ring portfolio access to the US market via the established Osram Sylvania channels and opens up new sales potential in Europe and the rest of the world with a differentiated brand strategy.

Neil Parikh, Casper co-founder, added: “We believe in the power of a more well-rested world. Glow raises the bar on sleep innovation while bringing joy back to bedtime.”

George Skalski, managing director of Ring Automotive, said: “The acquisition secures continued investment in the business, which will support our future growth plans and our leading-edge product innovation.“

The Casper Glow Light officially launched in the UK on 29 January.

w www.osram.co.uk

w www.casper.com

RETAIL MANUFACTURE

LIGHTING FIRM RETURNS TO GROWTH Lighting business Saldon Products, the company behind Tamlite Lighting UK, has reported a growth in sales and profits.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 30 April 2018, total sales rose 25.7% to £52.7m from £41.9m in 2017.

The uplift in sales marked a return to top line growth following its fall of 0.7% from £42.2m in 2016, and also marked its highest revenue achieved since 2005 when sales reached £63.7m. Pretax profit resulted at £7m, up by 159% compared to its profit of £2.7m recorded the previous year.

The profit achieved was the second highest pre-tax profit in the history of the business, behind £7.5m generated in 2015.

Home accessories provide uplift Homewares and fashion chain Laura Ashley has reported a growth in sales within its home accessories division.

According to its latest trading update for the 26 weeks to 31 December 2018, total group sales were down 8.7% to £122.9m from £134.7m, with like-for-like retail sales down by 4.2%.

However, one product category that did see growth was home accessories, up by 0.3% with like-for-like performance up by 1.5%.

In a statement Laura Ashley said: “Continued like-for-like growth in this competitive category gives us confidence that our seasonal gift offerings and core home accessories products are meeting customer expectations in both design and price. Our bed linen ranges, in particular, have performed well.”

The Redditch-based company said that net assets increased to £28.8m with year-end cash rising to £18.7m.

Other furnishings categories that did not perform as well were decorating and furniture as sales fell by 14.2% and 15% respectively.

w www.tamlite.co.uk

w www.lauraashley.com

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DESIGN

Swedish design award winner revealed

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MANUFACTURE

LIGHTING MANUFACTURER MAKING ‘GOOD PROGRESS’ LED lighting manufacturer Luceco plc has announced good progress in the second half of the year, despite what is called challenging UK market conditions.

Detailed in its latest trading statement for the year ended 31 December 2018, margins have been ‘successfully restored’ and the Group therefore expects full year Adjusted Operating Profit to be in line with market expectations.

The business has also been derisked by reducing net debt, improving working capital efficiency and investing in an enhanced finance function, creating a ‘sound foundation for future growth’.

Organisers of the Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair have announced the winner of its design award.

Mirror (above), produced by Swedese and designed by Front, won the new Born Classic 2019 Award.

The award goes to a piece of furniture or lighting that has qualities that could make it a design classic of the future. The product has to be designed by a Scandinavian designer or made by a Scandinavian producer.

A panel, which included Eva Seeman, Henrik Åberg, and Jonatan Jahn, judged the award.

Commenting on the winner, the jury said: “Starting with a relevant and sustainable production process, Swedese and Front have created a mirror from waste material that has sculptural qualities and a strong character. Produced in a limited edition, the mirror can be a future classic and potentially a collector’s item.”

w www.swedese.com

MANUFACTURE

LIGHTING FIRM CONFIRMS SENIOR PROMOTION Lighting firm Lighting Reality has announced the appointment of Tony Cook as its new chief operating officer.

Tony has been promoted to the role after being with the company for a year since joining as chief technical officer back in February 2018.

The move forms part of the group’s wider plans to target future growth during 2019 in overseas lighting markets, including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Malaysia.

Commenting on the promotion, chief executive Tim Bosher said in a statement that the company is now pushing its products on a global scale and using Tony’s extensive knowledge and contracts in overseas markets would play as a key part in its expansion.

The Group expects to report full-year revenue of £164m, down 2% on the prior year, largely as a result of previously reported destocking amongst consumer-facing retail customers and adverse foreign currency movements in H1.

“Whilst these headwinds reduced in the second half, overall progress on the revenue line was held back by slower demand from UK professional customers due to a more uncertain economic environment,” Luceco said.

The full year effect of acquiring Kingfisher Lighting increased revenue by £8.5m, although this was offset by a £1.3m revenue reduction due to the previously reported closure of loss-making US operations.

In line with its expectations, margins improved in the second half, reflecting the benefit of a continuing strategic shift towards higher margin business in the professional channel, pricing changes and a more favourable input cost environment, aided in part by the Group’s currency hedging programme.

Net debt at 31 December 2018 was £32.3m, which is expected to represent 2.0x Adjusted EBITDA, having reduced by £9.1m in the second half due to restored profitability.

John Hornby, chief executive, said: “We begin 2019 with a stronger balance sheet, improved profitability and cautious optimism, notwithstanding the current UK economic and political uncertainty.”

w www.luceco.com

RETAIL

New board appointment Recolight, the leading WEEE compliance scheme, has announced the appointment of Glenn Christie from Tungsram Lighting to the Recolight Board.

Glen said: “Scheme membership is increasing, and there is a great team of dedicated staff. I look forward to working with the board as the business continues to grow.”

Birmingham-based Lighting Reality specialises in design software applications for outdoor and street lighting.

Recolight chief executive Nigel Harvey said: “We are delighted that Glenn is joining. His knowledge of the lighting sector will be a significant help as Recolight’s strategy continues to evolve.”

w www.lightingreality.com

w www.recolight.co.uk 1st March 2019 | 17

ACCESSORIES AND LIGHTING NEWS DESIGN

Manufacturer introduces new accessories range

MANUFACTURE

LIGHTING GROUP MAKES PROGRESS FOLLOWING REBRAND Lighting manufacturer Signify has reported a growth in sales as it continues to grow following its rebrand.

According to its fourth quarter and full-year results 2018, Signify saw group sales increase by 10.1% to EUR 6.4bn. Net income resulted at EUR 261m, down from EUR 281m recorded in 2017.

Signify said it had continued to make solid progress on its simplification and cost-reduction initiatives in 2018. These initiatives are centred around simplification of the organisation and processes and optimisation of the manufacturing footprint, as well as cost savings in procurement and the indirect cost base.

This has, among others, reduced the adjusted indirect cost base

by EUR 224 million, or 10%, on a currency comparable basis in 2018. As a result, the adjusted indirect cost base decreased by 29.8% of sales, keeping the company well on track to further improve the adjusted indirect cost base.

Beds and upholstery manufacturer Sweet Dreams launched a number of new product offers during JFS. Alongside new products within its typical product offering in beds, sofa beds and upholstery, the company also launched its new line of living furniture and decorative accessories.

The January Furniture Show 2019 saw the official launch of Sweet Dreams’ brand new living collection. Included are dining tables, with solid oak/veneer/acacia mix Fern complemented by matching living room furniture, plus occasional tables, and decorative mirrors, clocks and lamps.

Its new decorative accessories collection consists of five rectangular mirrors, including the Diamound set (above), three clocks and three art deco style lamps with square or rectangular shades.

w www.sweetdreamsuk.com

MANUFACTURE

LIGHTING SUPPLIER GROWS TOP AND BOTTOM LINES Lighting wholesaler Forum Lighting Solutions has reported a fourth straight year of turnover growth.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31 March 2018, total sales rose 28.5% to £2.7m from £2.1m in 2017, marking another year of record revenue.

The lighting business saw UK sales grow by 25% to £2.5m from £2m, with sales in the EU also registering an uptick of 51.6% to £194,275 from £128,501. Gross profit increased 34.1% to £688,499 from £513,197, whilst pre-tax profit resulted at £76,207, up by 153% from its profit of £30,000 recorded the previous year.

Forum Lighting Solutions is a member of the Cascade Holdings Group, which is based in the North West of England.

w www.forumlightingsolutions.com 1st March 2019 | 18

Commenting on the results, Eric Rondolat, chief executive, said: “We continued to make solid progress with our simplification and cost reduction actions in 2018, resulting in a substantial increase in profitability and strong free cash flow delivery.

“In line with our strategy, our growing profit engines — LED, Professional and Home — have strongly contributed to these improvements and our LED-based sales have grown by 2.5%, now representing 71% of total revenues.

“While market conditions are challenging, we continue to focus on new growth platforms to strengthen our market leadership and progressively improve our growth profile. Looking forward, I’m confident we have built a solid foundation to deliver in 2019 on the mid-term targets set at the time of the IPO.” The Eindhoven-based business changed its name following the amendment of the company’s articles of association, from Philips Lighting N.V. to Signify N.V. during 2018.

w www.signify.com

RETAIL

Retailer introduces origami lighting Online home accessories business Red Candy has announced the launch of a new range of lighting.

Red Candy has introduced its UK-exclusive range of aquatic Origami Lamp shades and Lanterns within its decorative interiors product category.

The Origami Lamp shapes and Lanterns are inspired from all things that live in the sea, including dolphin, octopus, fish and turtle styles.

Commenting on the launch, Red Candy said: “We’re excited to launch this range in the UK. You won’t have seen these anywhere else! We’ve already had an incredible response from our customers.”

w www.redcandy.co.uk

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Children’s interiors brand embraces technology Luxury children’s furniture and interiors brand Dragons of Walton Street has incorporated technology in its latest wallcoverings launch.

The company has utilised expert digital printing technology to create its latest wallpaper with artist Juliet Travers, Blossom Tree.

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MANUFACTURE

SURVEY SAYS LIGHTING CAN IMPACT WELLBEING Lighting supplier LED Hut has revealed how lighting can have a direct impact on mood and wellbeing.

A survey of 1,000 UK adults carried out by LED Hut, as part of the Brighter Britain report, found that one in three people feel lighting — both natural and artificial — plays a crucial role in how they feel, encouraging feelings of comfort, security, and happiness.

Designed to complement existing Linen Blossom artwork and Falling Petals fabric, the new wallpaper is the latest addition to the Dragons family.

More than 31% believe lighting is important when creating a relaxed and calm atmosphere before going to bed in the evening, which assists with their sleep, whilst 38% feel lighting in the bedroom during the morning can also allow them to feel alert.

Each aspect of the design was drawn full scale on to the panels and was then digitally scanned by cutting-edge factory machinery in the UK, in order to capture all the subtle detailing.

How light impacts mood and wellbeing doesn’t end at home — an overwhelming 77% feel lighting in the workplace can impact their productivity.

Lucinda Croft, Dragons’ creative director, said: “At Dragons we value true artistry and the appreciation that children have for it. Using advance digital printing methods means that Juliet’s beautiful work can easily be brought in to someone’s home without the time and expense usually needed for mural work.”

When quizzed on the impact light has in the workplace, 33% of respondents said they felt access to natural light was important, while a further 32% said they would be happy to work under artificial lighting if it is designed to aid productivity.

Juliet, director of Juliet Travers — Wallpapers and Fabrics, added: “This is such a special collaboration for both myself as an artist and Juliet Travers Ltd as a brand — it has been an incredible few months creating something so unique and exciting for such a high-end brand like Dragons.”

w www.dragonsofwaltonstreet.com

Paul Garner, ecommerce and marketing director at LED Hut, commented: “Considering how important natural light is to generating vitamin D, and even assisting the circadian rhythms which govern our natural sleeping patterns, the potential lighting has to improve our wellbeing in a number of ways is clear.

“While it might be obvious that natural light helps to boost our mood, not everyone knows that artificial light also plays an important role when natural light isn’t an option.

“There are smart lighting solutions available to help achieve an appropriate blend of natural and artificial light, which are adaptable for both the home and in the workplace.”

MANUFACTURE

w www.ledhut.co.uk

LIGHTING FIRM INTRODUCES SUNLIGHT LEDS Manufacturer Selectronic has announced the launch of its ‘New Era’ Sunlight Spectrum LEDs. UK LED specialists Selectronic have collaborated with their Chinese partners HongliTronic in the launch of Sunlight Spectrum 2835 SMD, which aims to produce a spectrum of light that best matches sunlight’s natural spectrum, using its unique opto-electronic technology.

Commenting on the launch, Kevin Dry, Selectronic managing director, said: “We are pleased to introduce Hongli’s Sunlight Spectrum 2835, which is the perfect solution to those wanting very close to natural light from an artificial source.

“The option to create lighting products that replicate daylight opens a new era of what can be achieved in previously closedoff rooms or underground environments, not to forget the health benefits in dark winter periods from creating artificial daylight particularly when linked with a time clock to accurately reflect the various times of a bright sunny day.”

“We have a commitment to provide high-quality service and back-up from an environment specifically created for the task of exceeding customer requirements.”

w www.selectronic.co.uk

RETAIL

Online retailer secures funding Online retailer Monster Group has secured a seven-figure funding package from HSBC bank.

Monster Group, which specialises for multiple product sectors including home accessories, said the funding will help the business expand in Europe as it looks to grow turnover by 40% in the next year.

The group was supported by HSBC UK’s international trade finance facilities, which has enabled Monster to accelerate its expansion plans with a focus on France, Germany, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands.

The business also plans to increase the range and quantity of its stock, which is mainly imported from the Far East, by 110%.

Commenting on the funding, Rana Harvey, managing director of Monster Group, said in statement that the investment would allow the business to ‘dramatically ramp up our offer to customers in Europe’.

w www.monstershop.co.uk 1st March 2019 | 19

A C C E S S O R I E S A N D L I G H T I N G F E A T U R E |L I A LIA Laboratory

LIFEBLOOD OF

LIGHTING

The Lighting Industry Association (LIA) details a complete overview of its services and why the organisation plays such an important role in the lighting industry.

Working for the betterment of the UK lighting industry The LIA is Europe’s largest lighting trade association with a mission to promote lighting excellence to every area of the industry — from design and manufacture to wholesale and retail.

It is the trade association for lighting equipment professionals, which includes lighting manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, wholesalers, designers and all professionals active in the UK lighting market. The LIA shares knowledge with its members and with the wider industry and legislators for the benefit of the industry.

A globally-recognised authority on all things lighting, the LIA’s agenda is driven by its members for the benefit of members and the wider lighting community. The association promotes best practice throughout the lighting sector and provides technical, legislation, policy, testing, compliance, performance, recycling and marketing assistance to its members.

1st March 2019 | 20

to Government consultations. The LIA also invites government officials to attend LIA Technical Board meetings to gain a better understanding of issues affecting our members.

Developing the industry The association is working on the development of a joint UK Government/ Lighting Industry strategy with the aim of creating common aims linked to trade, education and innovation, and has produced a joint industry and Government strategy designed to set out a roadmap to 2030.

The LIA works closely with legislators in the UK and Europe and enjoys global recognition as an authority on lighting. It represents all aspects of UK, EU and international lighting stakeholders at the highest level — including with national and international regulatory bodies— whilst protecting the interests of both the public and members.

On an ongoing basis the LIA scans for Government consultation documents and responds timely with relevant responses

The LIA has alliances with other trade associations on specific policy areas, for example intellectual property, trade policy, energy efficiency and market surveillance, and has its technical managers sitting on more than 40 national, European and international committees.

Raising technical standards globally The LIA is committed to raising the technical standards of the lighting industry worldwide and works with various lighting organisations. Through its collaborative work, LIA endeavours to promote and maintain high standards of practice and professional conduct in a range of areas, including technical advancement, quality assurance, education and training.

Its technical managers actively participate in conferences, technical committees

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Other areas of activity is the continued development of training and educational services offered by the LIA Academy. The HNC/D in Lighting has proved to be a great success with the second cohort beginning their studies in September last year.

HNC Students at the LIA’s Lighting Industry Academy

Education of the supply chain is essential and the LIA will strive to implement more initiatives in this area to help identify best practice and quality products for the end-user.

w www.thelia.org.uk

and working groups of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the world’s leading organisation for the preparation and publication of International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies.

In Europe, the LIA is a founder member of LightingEurope, the organisation representing the interests of the European lighting industry, where LIA chief operating officer Peter Hunt is currently the president.

LIA has special working relationships with a number of other trade associations, such as German Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association, ZVEI, the Italian Association of Lighting Manufacturers, ASSIL and the Lighting Council of Australia, and they all work collaboratively for the mutual benefit of LIA members.

Surveillance to promote compliance One of the main purposes of the LIA is to ensure lighting products sold in the UK are compliant, whether on the high street, in the commercial sector or online.

For the last two years the LIA has been running a Market Surveillance activity as part of the campaign to review the law of online trading, which has come under the spotlight due to the proliferation of the ‘Fulfilment’ business model popularised by online traders such as Amazon and eBay. Market surveillance remains a top priority for the LIA and the coming months will see it shift its efforts from the retail sector to

electrical wholesalers. It continues to monitor the level of compliance among members to strengthen the value of membership and it expects the recently-launched LIA/BSI Kitemark™ for Commercial Lighting to make a significant impact on the lighting market for those wishing to set their products apart from rest.

The future?

Brexit will have an impact on the future of the lighting industry, much of which hinges on the deal that is struck with the EU. A ‘no deal’ is likely to lead to further currency falls and a consequent rise in cost of imported lighting products that will push up prices.

The economic outlook is likely to be such that many suppliers would be tightening their belts and holding back on investment until the outlook is clear.

The new single lighting regulation will come into force next year and whilst we are still waiting for the final draft, there will be some changes that will affect lighting suppliers.

The new EPREL database requiring the entry of data on an EU wide platform will be a cost burden but, again, it is not clear at this stage just how wide the scope of this will be or whether the UK, in the event of a withdrawal from the EU, will replicate the idea.

The LIA is encouraged by the increasing noise surrounding market surveillance by the national authorities. The LIA hopes to see this translated into real action in the future to tackle the ongoing issue of non-compliant products being placed on the UK market.

Lumicom recycling service

LIA Membership The LIA members benefit from up to date advice, technical help, discounted laboratory testing services and academy courses, staff development support and fantastic networking opportunities.

LIA members can show product compliance by adopting the LIAQA scheme, which offers them a lighting industry specific robust Quality Assurance solution, either standalone or in conjunction with ISO 9001, addressing the legislative and regulatory requirements specific to the lighting industry.

LIA members working in the Emergency Lighting market can get specialist support through the Industry Committee for Emergency Lighting (ICEL), which is also helping to strengthen the industry through education and awareness.

LIA Services

LIA Laboratory — Europe’s largest independent testing, measurement and certification laboratory for lighting offers the widest range of application engineering, luminaire performance and photometry services.

Lighting Industry Academy — Committed to fulfilling the educational needs of the lighting community by offering specialist courses in lighting at the purpose-built learning facility in Telford and other locations.

Lumicom — Leading UK WEEE Compliance Scheme providing impartial, accurate and expert advice, along with a bespoke collection and recycling service for domestic and commercial lighting producers.

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A C C E S S O R I E S A N D L I G H T I N G F E A T U R E |F R A N K L I T E

MODERN LIGHT Nicki Flack, marketing assistant at Franklite, talks to Cabinet Maker about its brand new logo and recent developments.

Tropic

The Franklite brand has been established for more than 45 years, serving the lighting industry, and it has become one of the leading pioneers in the design, manufacture and distribution of high quality products.

Since its inception back in 1973, the business has continued to grow and supplies both the retail and contract lighting markets.

The business prides itself on constantly developing and innovating products, alongside maintaining its core values of customer service and value for money.

This year, Milton Keynes-based Franklite decided it was also time for a change with its appearance, leading to the unveiling of its brand new logo.

Officially launched at the January Furniture Show, Nicki Flack, marketing assistant at Franklite, told Cabinet Maker why now was the right time for a refreshed look. “After several months designing and preparing our ‘new range’ we were proud to launch not only some charming new lighting products, but also a completely fresh look for Franklite, 1st March 2019 | 22

starting with our new logo.

“The new logo has adopted an additional colour to help us stand out as one of the leading lights in the luminaire market. Building on our success, we felt the time was right to create a new and vibrant look. Our outlet shop manager came up with the design and

concept of the logo. We feel the new logo evokes a sense of modernism and although we know it takes time to adapt to, and recognise, any brand changes, we are really excited to start 2019 with our new look.”

The new logo has already had rave reviews from customers during JFS, with the event

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“THE NEW LOGO HAS ADOPTED AN ADDITIONAL COLOUR TO HELP US STAND OUT AS ONE OF THE LEADING LIGHTS IN THE LUMINAIRE MARKET.” reaffirming its position as a leading player in the lighting game as well as being proactive to change with its new appearance.

And with new designs, Franklite always aims to be at the forefront of product innovation and being able to spot the next big trend, as Nicki added: “Pendant light fixtures are becoming more of a trending theme at the moment, like our smoked glass pendant in two sizes on a satin nickel and black braided cable suspension.

A very classic look, but it has a large interest from our customers.”

Anovocare Nursing Home - Cloghran

being a successful launch for the show and a fantastic relaunch for the lighting industry. The event itself also proved to be another busy period for the business.

“2019 has been non stop!” Ian Cathcart, Franklites National Sales Manager said, continuing: “The ball is continuously rolling, from the launch of the new logo at the January Furniture Show, with our account managers continuously on the road visiting customers. We had a great show and it is always good to see new and existing clients that make exhibiting so worthwhile. We were really pleased with our stand, which displayed our new logo extremely well and certainly caught the eye — as did our products.”

The show provided a solid platform for Franklite to showcase its new ranges, although Nicki revealed that there is more in the pipeline with its new ‘Catalogue 25 Supplement 2’ currently in the process of being released, which will feature even more of its modern products.

“We constantly strive to offer products that provide optimal value for money and do not compromise performance for aesthetics and vice versa; upholding our well-earned reputation as a quality lighting manufacturer,” Nicki said.

Following a successful January Furniture Show, Franklite can next been seen at the Independent Hotel Show in Amsterdam, which takes place from 8th to 9th May. With the year off to a bright start for the business, Nicki was quick to point out that Franklite would not be where it is today without the continuous hard work from everyone at the business.

Back to the new branding, the fresh look doesn’t just stop with a new logo, as Nicki revealed: “In hand with the logo we are planning to relaunch the website which will complement the logo. We are really excited about this and can’t wait for it to become live. The new website will adopt an additional colour to continue to help Franklite stand out as one of the leading lights in the luminaire market.”

“Everyone at Franklite is essential to the business. This year we are celebrating the loyalty of one of our customer service team, Elaine Taylor, who has been dedicated to Franklite for 30 years! It’s a massive achievement and one that we are really excited to celebrate! So watch this space,” she said.

w www.franklite.net

Keeping the official live launch under wraps for the time being, it is clear to see that 2019 is a big year for the brand in terms of 1st March 2019 | 23

A C C E S S O R I E S A N D L I G H T I N G F E A T U R E |G A L L E R Y D I R E C T INFINITY pendant light

Gallery Direct shines the light on its extensive lighting collection as it continues to offer the complete interiors solution.

LIGHTING WAY the

As part of Gallery Direct’s complete interiors solution, it offers an extensive range of lighting. The collection combines fresh designs with timeless classics and hand-crafted artisan lighting.

Featuring ceiling lights, floor lamps, table 1st March 2019 | 24

lamps, pendants and wall lights, the range offers individual pieces, as well as collections for those who like a coordinated look to their room.

The choice of ceiling lights varies from the traditionally-styled Chalbury, to the practical

Hoopla spotlight ceiling bar, to the modern Auria with its flowing chrome loop arms and glass shades filled with thin wire, threaded with glass beads, to create a striking light pattern.

Gallery’s floor and table lamp range includes a

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Create Your Own

‘create your own’ selection, where customers can choose from 11 bases and nine shades to create their own piece. There are also contemporary lamps, such as the Rico Floor Lamp and the Jak Touch Table Lamp, as well as more traditional styles, including the Nicholson Floor Lamp and the Caesaro Table Lamp.

Pendants include the stunning Infinity with multiple iridescent glass shades, which create amazing light patterns, whilst for those who like a glamorous style, Valetta features an impressive mix of polished nickel metal and high-quality prism shaped clear glass crystals.

Both have height adjustable cables and clear flex. Hayes offers a simple yet stylish look, with its elegant smoky glass shades. And for a sophisticated industrial look, there are height-adjustable, single drop pendants, in a choice of finishes, which are ideal for large bulbs.

The range of wall lights again offers a great choice, from the practical Kai that allows the light to be directed where required, to the contemporary Zeus, and to the more traditional Hampton.

And last, but by no means least, the collections include a wide range of styles to suit different tastes and styles of interior — from the industrial style of the Hal, with its aged pewter and copper finish and bare bulbs, to the ultra-contemporary Aria with its flowing lines of light and sleek chrome.

The Hal collection offers a wall light, table lamp, base table lamp, two ceiling lights and a pendant, and the Aria collection features a wall light, two table lamps, floor lamp, ceiling light and pendant light.

The entire range, which features more than 320 items, is showcased in Gallery’s new Lighting Design Directory. To find out more, visit its website or contact the Gallery team.

w www.gallerydirect.co.uk

Left: ARIA Group, Right: VALETTA six pendant light 1st March 2019 | 25

A C C E S S O R I E S A N D L I G H T I N G F E A T U R E |D Ä R L I G H T I N G G R O U P

Bright Start

Falcon and Hexagon (right)

Nicola McGuirk, managing director of the där lighting group, talks about its recent January Furniture Show appearance as well as its latest ‘game changing’ products.

It has been a bright start to the year for the där lighting group with a successful January Furniture Show performance and the launch of a new trade showroom at its Banbury headquarters. Displaying its products, whether at an exhibition or on its home turf, där lighting takes immense pride in its collections, with the 2019 LED range a particular prized asset.

“We are very proud of our LED lighting collections, so expect to see these in our promotions for 2019. In the last decade, the 1st March 2019 | 26

technology has been bedding into the design and manufacture process and we are now seeing its fruition with a myriad of exciting applications, from dramatic pendants with integrated LED strips to simple LED bulbs that can be retrofitted to any light,” Nicola McGuirk, managing director of the där lighting group told Cabinet Maker.

Its collections most certainly caught the eye during the January Furniture Show, with the event proving to be big success. Nicola continued: “We had another busy year on our

stand. We were very happy with the footfall and the calibre of attendee. We’ve been supplying lighting to the UK for more than 40 years, so the show is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends. We have been working with many of our customers for decades and the NEC provides a central location for us to share our latest collections and catch up with our retail partners.”

On display included där’s new LED collection, which — as it revealed during the show – is an industry game changer that

FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK

“LED LIGHTS CONTAIN NO TOXIC ELEMENTS AND THEIR LONG LIFESPAN MEANS FEWER WILL BE USED, DRAMATICALLY REDUCING THEIR CARBON FOOTPRINT.” has a beneficial impact on the environment.

“This year, our lead designer, Peter Legg, has redesigned the simple hanging lightbulb using LED technology in a design exclusive to us,” Nicola said, continuing: “The SPL suspension will never require a bulb change, uses just 12W but produces the equivalent light of a 60W bulb, and is designed to be compatible with any easyfit shade, allowing the customer a great opportunity to create their own energy saving light fitting whatever their style.

“Lifespan depends on the type of light and how it is used, but you can expect an LED bulb to last up to 25 times longer than other types! So, although they may cost a little more to buy, LEDs will save you money, not only by using far less electricity, but also by lasting much longer before they need replacing.

“But LED lighting is not only good news for our homes; it will revolutionise our impact on the environment. The US government has calculated LEDs will save the country 348 TWh of electricity by 2027 — that’s $30 billion and the annual output of 44 large power plants. Similar predictions are being made across Europe. And finally, LED lights contain no toxic elements and their long lifespan means fewer will be used, dramatically reducing their carbon footprint.”

Nicola pointed out that Thomas Edison

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Four examples of products from där lighting group, from left, Mercury, Tetra and Hexagon, and, below, LED Light Pendant

marketed the first commercial light bulb in 1880 — the same year as first Cabinet Maker pages were printed — and in the last 140 years there has been no single innovation as important as the LED bulb within the lighting industry.

In fact, the ‘old-school’ fluorescent bulb will lose 95% of electrical energy as heat, with just 5% becoming light, which is why traditional bulbs become so hot. Nicola explained: “The LED flips this statistic on its head, converting 95% electrical energy into light and losing just 5% as heat. As a result LEDs require far less electricity; a 60W bulb can be replaced by an LED equivalent of just 6-8W. Their reductions to the national grid will be very significant indeed once their use becomes more widespread.”

In terms of being ‘widespread’, där highlighted that there are several challenges within the lighting sector with the uncertainty around Brexit playing a part in stunting industry growth.

However, Nicola indicated that there is a more significant challenge in the way consumer behaviour has shifted towards online and how a home is now viewed.

“I feel there is no replacement for physically seeing a homeware product in front of you and understanding its proportions and materials, but that doesn’t mean the transaction always has to happen in-store. It’s about understanding multichannel retail and making the customer feel

that, wherever they are, they are picking up the same conversation.

“Also, I think we are looking at our homes differently in the 21st Century. Houses are an extension of ourselves as consumers are more focused on what resonates with them.

There is a growing appetite for bespoke and customised products in the upper-mid market that ties into this.”

Identifying potential challenges plays a key part in any business and for där a challenge is something to embrace and incorporate into forward plans. And on the topic of planning for the year ahead, Nicola suggested she would be living out of a suitcase as she prepares for ‘a lot of travelling!’

“We have a big launch each September, so we will be visiting our manufacturing partners in the UK, Europe, India and the Far East to see what new techniques they have and how we can work together in 2019. We have very vigorous standards for our supply chain and, just like with our customers, these relationships are the work of decades.

Travelling is the most exhausting part of the job, but there is nothing like visiting the factories and watching a new design take shape. It makes you feel very invested in your products and excited to present them to the industry.”

w www.darlighting.co.uk 1st March 2019 | 27

A C C E S S O R I E S A N D L I G H T I N G F E A T U R E |M A D E . C O M

ON Online furniture brand Made.com shares its views on the top five interior and home accessories trends for 2019.

TREND

When it comes to trends it can be a matter of one opinion to another. And the more views on what’s trending in an industry such as home furnishings can only be a positive thing because of all the variety of products and styles. With this in mind, Cabinet Maker spoke to online furniture business Made. com on its vision of 2019 trends. Five of the Made team shared their thoughts on an increasingly popular market of growth — home accessories.

1. Holly, junior creative producer, thinks with The Blue Planet Effect, sustainability in interiors will fully enter the mainstream.

“Did you spend last Sunday bingeing on 1st March 2019 | 28

Attenborough’s Dynasties, rooting for David the chimpanzee? So did we. And we think it reflects a deeper desire to bring nature into our lives. Documentaries such as Blue Planet and Before The Flood highlight the need for more sustainable practises. And as more and more conscious consumers make a move

towards natural materials and renewable sources, I’d say we’ll see a lot more interiors that create a mindful, zen-like space that helps the environment. Think woven furniture, potted plants, wooden accents and recycled materials.”

FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK

2. Christine, senior product designer, is going to hold on to those dark colours.

“If we’re looking into the veritable crystal ball that is the Salone del Mobile show, deep saturated hues are here to stay. In Milan, we’ve seen a lot of racing green paired with black stained timber. So in 2019 I’m looking forward to strong hues, like deep blues mixed with bottle greens. With our own collections, MADE is going into more Bauhaus-y colours like royal blues and rusty reds. Come summer, I think it will be all about vibrant and colourful interpretations of modernist industrial backdrops – like raw concrete styled with Pantone’s colour of the year, living coral.”

3. Katja, showroom manager in Berlin, says the next wave of the urban gardening trend is all about growing your own greens.

“I’m sure the indoor gardening trend will continue to grow even stronger — so many people come into our showroom and ask about our indoor grow designs! And with more design-y and less outdoors-y plant hangers, pots and terrariums available now, there really is a pot out there to suit any taste.

It may even be time to swap your cheese plant for some sage! I think in 2019 it will not stop at bouquets and indoor plants. Kitchen gardens, inside or outside, with herbs like basil, rosemary or lavender are next. Even homegrown vegetables. It’s great because this trend is 2 in 1: stylish and useful.”

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“DOCUMENTARIES SUCH AS BLUE PLANET AND BEFORE THE FLOOD HIGHLIGHT THE NEED FOR MORE SUSTAINABLE PRACTISES.” 4. According to MADE’s Soho showroom manager, Africa, we’ll be embracing raw and unfinished materials.

“Things will get rough in 2019 and we’re not talking politics. Cane, concrete, amber glass, rattan, leather, unfinished wood — I’m really looking forward to some fun texture clashes in interiors next year. Designs that have a sharp texture contrast are already some of our most sought after in the London showroom.

Our Lomond range, for example, features a beautiful, warm mango wood alongside welded iron. Our customers (myself included) can’t seem to get enough of it.”

5. Swap your pink for some yellow says our social media manager, Yulia.

“Colours are important. And no colour has been analysed more than millennial pink.

The era of all pink everything, with whole social media accounts being dedicated to the decade defining hue, is not yet over — but a second player is entering the colour game.

It may not (yet) be on the walls of every new brunch place, bar or restaurant in London... but yellow is slowly infiltrating our usually rose-tinted Instagram feeds. The warm, cheery shade dubbed as ‘Gen Z Yellow’ is not too poppy and still subtle enough to pair with other soft neutrals. Yes, that includes pink, of course.”

As trends come and go it is clear to see that 2019 looks to be ever more vibrant in choice and colour, as well as also having that eco-friendly, sustainability stamp to products that consumers are really starting to adopt.

It will be interesting to see how these trends develop throughout the year and what new styles will emerge.

w www.made.com 1st March 2019 | 29

NEW IN for SS19 Discover our complete collection of home accessories including faux plants, candles and candleholders, photo frames and practical storage pieces to suit every interior.

VISIT US ONLINE TO VIEW OUR FULL COLLECTION 01795 439159 www.gallerydirect.co.uk

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Mon 25/02/2019 16:08:28

F E A T U R E |E N A S H A W

A Steven Ross, commercial director at Ena Shaw, speaks exclusively to Cabinet Maker on the launch of its new home furnishings brand, Tru Living.

Scandi

Makeover Many across the furnishing industry have echoed the same statement when reflecting on 2018. Three words automatically spring to mind, with ‘difficult’, ‘challenging’ and ‘uncertainty’, all being used to describe what has been a turbulent year. However, those businesses that assess, address and act on

challenging periods stand a better chance of emerging through them.

Soft furnishings specialist Ena Shaw, which itself had to “work harder” to retain its position, spotted an opportunity to expand.

February 2019’s Spring Fair exhibition » 1st March 2019 | 31

F E A T U R E |E N A S H A W

marked the official launch of its new home furnishings brand Tru Living, which is expected to ‘“prop up growth” for the company.

So why was now the perfect time for the business to open the curtains on its new venture? Cabinet Maker caught up with Steven Ross, commercial director at Ena Shaw, who revealed all behind the launch, the concept and the timing.

“The Spring Fair was a great platform to showcase our new product launch, although I felt footfall was down based on previous years,” he said.

“However, we got from it everything we wanted. Retailers liked the concept behind Tru Living and got exactly what it is we were trying to achieve — the fact that we want to ease the journey from a single cushion purchase to a whole room makeover.

We also got great feedback on the fact everything is designed and made in the UK at our 85,000sq ft facility in St Helens.

“For most soft furnishing manufacturers, 2018 was a difficult year. In order to improve our position, we need access to more retailers — which is difficult with fabrics.

Fabrics are far more complex than most furnishing items and some retailers don’t understand it.

“We needed to find a solution to access more retailers, so we converted fabric into products, and products into packages that anyone can sell.”

And as Steven highlighted, the reception of the brand has been extremely positive.

Taking a closer look at the brand, Tru Living offers five collections, which includes Urban, Country, Festival, Stratus and Scandi.

Steven gave Cabinet Maker a break down of each collection, starting with Urban.

“This was inspired by city living. It is very contemporary and is ideal for chic apartments,” he said.

“Country boasts neutral colour palettes, 1st March 2019 | 32

stags and has quite a masculine feel to it. We have seen this concept working in high end markets and we wanted to create something similar to work in the middle market.

“Festival brings a touch of novelty to a grown-up furniture collection. It is quirky, and a little bit child-like while still being fashionable.

“The Scandi influence is huge in the interiors market and this is our take on it. All the top end brands have Scandi-influenced collections and we have created one for the masses.”

Steven added that the idea behind the Tru Living concept was to have more than one collection, with the aim to appeal to different demographics. And from the initial idea through to production and launch, the turnaround time was just six months, alongside a significant investment with all the products designed and manufactured here in the UK.

Above: Scandi Curtains Left: Urban Lampshade Below: Country Cushion

FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK

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Festival

“Everything has been done relatively quickly.

Using UK fabrics has really helped speed up the process, as they can be easily sourced and samples can arrive the next day. It can take up to 12 weeks to receive fabrics from abroad. The Spring Fair cost £70,000 just to exhibit and we have also increased our stock levels and backed up the launch with B2B and B2C marketing campaigns.”

The investment within the Spring Fair seemed to have paid off with the business registering around 50 new retailers, with a further 70 showing serious interest in stocking the

brand. Now, the focus turns on following up with those retailers and to continue to grow the brand.

“We’ll be doing a small update for AW19, tweaking the original collections. Sales and feedback from our retailers will influence which products, if any, we discontinue.

Our first orders will be with retailers in late March, early April, so it will be another tight turnaround to introduce the product for autumn, but again, because we are sourcing UK fabrics we are confident we can deliver,” Steven said, continuing: “We are passionate about supporting the British high street and its independent retailers, and this brand is doing just that, while offering homeowners a complete interior styling solution.

“For retailers, we are making it easier to upsell from a single item to a whole room makeover. Products available include curtains, roller blinds, lampshades and cushions.

“There doesn’t have to be a massive investment from retailers, there is no minimum order level and we are happy to supply tight packages. Tru Living is about building partnerships with retailers to secure repeat business for both parties.”

“ TTTRU LIVING IS ABOUT BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS WITH RETAILERS TO SECURE REPEAT BUSINESS FOR BOTH PARTIES.”

w www.enashaw.co.uk Urban Roller Blind 1st March 2019 | 33

F E A T U R E |F I R A I N T E R N A T I O N A L

Expert Access

In the first of a new series of open ‘clinics’ we approached the experts at FIRA International for their guidance on common questions that face the furniture industry today.

Do we have any clarity over what industry standards will apply after Brexit?

Phil Reynolds, director, Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA), said: “Despite the confusion and uncertainty over Brexit, here there is guidance, regardless of what shape Brexit takes.

“On 23 November 2018, the General 1st March 2019 | 34

Assemblies of the European Standards Organizations CEN and CENELEC approved a plan that secures BSI’s (British Standards Institution) full membership post-Brexit. This confirms that the UK will continue to work on and adopt European Standards as British Standards. This means common standards will be used throughout Europe, helping to ease trade and providing some level of certainty to users of standards.

“Furthermore, this allows UK experts to continue as chairs, convenors, committee members and policy experts to work on maintaining and developing the 20,000 European standards that are managed by CEN and CENELEC. Standards users in the UK can continue to be confident that these standards will meet their needs as they will be influenced, as now, by UK stakeholders such as those from the Furniture Industry Research Association.

FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK

“Much of this has been in response to UK manufacturers, service providers, trade associations, consumer bodies and others, who have been clear and consistent in their message that they want to continue to work within the European standards system as it makes sense to have harmonised standards across Europe to simplify trade.

Regulations 1988 (as amended) (FFFSR) apply.

“Unlike most upholstered product, where the cover fabrics and filling materials have to satisfy the relevant ignition test with the FFFSR, the regulatory requirement for scatter cushions and seat pads is that only the filling material must satisfy the relevant ignition test and each individual item must bear a reduced information permanent label.

“If readers would like further details then BSI has a set of frequently-asked questions accessible from www.bsigroup.com/enGB/about-bsi/uk-national-standards-body/ standards-policy-on-the-uk-leaving-the-eu/.

“There is also an email address available for specific queries, europeanpolicy@bsigroup. com.”

“A scatter cushion is any small cushion that can be moved to any position in a room and is supplied separately (i.e. not comprising an integral part of an item of upholstered seating).

How will a no-deal Brexit impact buying and selling timber?

Stuart Cochrane, sustainability consultant, FIRA International, said: “With all the uncertainty with Brexit, this is actually one area where we have clarity. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) published a paper late in 2018 with guidance on the buying and selling of timber.

“Currently, and up to 29th March 2019, timber supply chains are subject to the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), to ensure that only legally harvested timber is placed on the market.

Businesses placing timber on the EU and EEA market for the first time (known as operators) must take steps to ensure there is negligible risk of illegal harvesting by exercising due diligence on their supply chain.

“When the UK leaves the EU, European law will no longer apply and the UK will implement its own UK timber regulation and UK Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) regulation. Although this will have the same requirements as the EUTR and EU FLEGT regulations, should the UK leave in a no-deal scenario, businesses that import timber from the EU and EEA and place

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Phil Reynolds it on the UK market would have to exercise due diligence to demonstrate that they are importing legally harvested timber, in much the same way as imports from outside of the EU are currently treated “This represents a change from the current situation where products imported from the EU and EEA would see a company hold trader status, with no due diligence requirements placed on that business.

“For UK companies exporting timber and timber products to the EU and EEA, there will be an obligation on the importing organisation to conduct due diligence on the exported UK goods in order to comply with the EUTR. “The implications for UK businesses exporting timber products is that they will be required to provide relevant documentation about the source and legality of the timber in their supply chain. This could prove to be commercially sensitive and require additional record keeping to that which is currently retained.”

Where do scatter cushions sit under the fire regulations?

Steve Cotton, technical specialist Flammability and Physical Upholstery, FIRA International, said: “The topic of scatter cushions is one of the most common queries. There seems to be confusion over what constitutes a scatter cushion, which then leads to queries over what sections of the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety)

“A seat pad is generally accepted to be an especially small cushion intended to be used with items such as a wooden kitchen or dining chair; again, here it is not an integral part of any item of upholstered furniture.

Whilst the size of a scatter cushion or seat pad is not defined in the regulations it is commonly accepted that a scatter cushion has dimensions that are less than 60cm x 60cm x nominal product thickness and a seat pad has dimensions no greater than 30cm x 30cm x 1cm thick.

“For scatter cushions that are provided with a fitted and non-removable decorative cover, the requirement is that a permanent label is attached securely to an exterior surface (often attached to the seam). However, there has been some confusion when the scatter cushion interior pad has been supplied with a zip-on removable cover. This is because the required label refers only to the filling materials for scatter cushions and there are no requirements for the fire resistance of the cover. Hence, if the label is fitted to the zip-on cover and, subsequently, the cover and filling become separated, or the cover ends up on a different filling, the label would be inaccurate.

Enforcement officers accept labels fixed to the interior pads of scatter cushions and suggest that the label protrudes through a partly open zip at the point of sale so it is visible.”

w www.fira.co.uk

Questions & Answers IF you have a question you would like us to pose to a FIRA International expert, email dan@cabinet-maker.co.uk 1st March 2019 | 35

F E A T U R E |N A T I O N A L B E D F E D E R A T I O N

Approved

Status

There is good news for the National Bed Federation and its members.

Version Three of the National Bed Federation’s (NBF’s) rigorous Code of Practice has been accepted as Assured Advice by Trading Standards.

This essentially means that all ‘Approved’ members of the NBF complying with the Code can rely on this to demonstrate they are exercising an acceptable level of due diligence in complying with the law in those areas under the jurisdiction of Trading Standards — product safety and trade descriptions.

All Trading Standards authorities in England must have regard for Assured Advice, while those in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland should also take it into account.

The NBF has partnered with West Yorkshire Trading Standards as its primary authority since the launch of its Code of Practice in 2013 and the first two versions of the Code were also both given Assured Advice status.

1st March 2019 | 36

are aware of the requirements. Auditors will check the progress members are making on incorporating them into their existing product recall procedures.

Version Three of the Code of Practice now covers 10 key areas, including new additions and adjustments to existing requirements.

The NBF Due Diligence Programme of random purchase and testing has also been incorporated into the latest version of the Code and included in the Assured Advice.

Auditors will also have a watching brief on health and safety, with any concerns potentially triggering a more comprehensive separate audit, and will be checking awareness of the Modern Slavery Act of 2015. These areas do not come under the jurisdiction of Trading Standards.

The introduction of the new PAS 7100 Product Recall standard, issued by the new Office of Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), means members are to ensure they

Amendments have been made to cleanliness of fillings to cover responsible use of any used components or materials or resale of used mattresses. There are also clearer

FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK

“THE CODE OF PRACTICE HAS GONE A LONG WAY TOWARDS

RAISING STANDARDS,

IMPROVING AWARENESS AND TIGHTENING PROCEDURES IN BED MANUFACTURING IN THE UK.” — Jessica Alexander, NBF executive director

requirements on trade descriptions and further checks on process controls and procedures, such as batch control, broken needle and sharps policies.

The full list of requirements covered by the updated Code are: Flammability Cleanliness and reuse Trade descriptions Labelling and composition of textile products

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About the NBF Founded in 1912, the NBF represents UK manufacturers of beds and their suppliers, and today its members account for about 70% of the total UK bedding turnover. There are more than 65 bed and mattress manufacturers in NBF membership, including the top 20 British bed manufacturers by turnover/market share.

EU timber legislation Chemical legislation (including REACH, POPs and biocides) Awareness of health and safety compliance Awareness of process controls and procedures Awareness of PAS 7100 — product safety requirements Awareness of Modern Slavery Act of 2015 “The Code of Practice has gone a long way towards raising standards, improving awareness and tightening procedures in bed manufacturing in the UK,” explains NBF executive director Jessica Alexander.

validated by its adoption as Assured Advice

by Trading Standards.”

Audits for the new, third version of the NBF Code of Practice are due to start this month, with all manufacturer members and eligible supplier members due to have been audited

by October 2019.

Feedback on the results of the first round of testing under the Due Diligence Programme is expected to be released soon.

w www.bedfed.org.uk

“All this helps to level the playing field for reputable manufacturers doing the right thing. Since its launch we’ve seen more and more retailers expect their UK suppliers to join the NBF so they can demonstrate their compliance, both to required regulations and to basic standards of honesty.

“The robustness of the scheme is further

The NBF recently conducted a recycling survey 1st March 2019 | 37

CLASSIFIED

TO ADVERTISE A JOB PLEASE CONTACT KACEM Q 01223 846825 m KACEM@CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK

Mattress Production Manager We are seeking an experienced Mattress Production Manager to lead our mattress division through continued expansion.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience of mattress manufacturing, along with a considerable amount of management experience. Knowledge of product development and introduction to manufacturing is essential. ( DFME / FMEA ).

The role will be based at our Dewsbury factory and salary will be commensurate with experience.

Location: Dewsbury, West Yorkshire

Sales Agent - Furninova Furninova and SOUL Lifestyle are looking to expand its global sales team with a UK based sales agent. You will be responsible for managing the current customer database, to identify and develop core business opportunities and to identify and proactively open new accounts.

Furninova is a Scandinavian company whose aim is to manufacture upholstered furniture that consistently exceed our customers’ expectations. By combining comfort and high-quality material in designs that reflect the best of current trends. Positioned as a value for money upholstery supplier, with worldwide activities, we are looking for a candidate with experience in field sales and excellent sales presentation skills. SOUL is offering modern furniture mainly based on MDF. Both companies source its main production from the company owned European factories.

For more information, please phone: 01924 66 66 33 or email: leannescargill@jaybe.com

For further questions or interest in above, please contact our Sales Manager Martin Teilmann at martin.teilmann@furninova.com or by phone 0045 26830455. Also visit furninova.com and soullifestyle.com for more information about the companies.

Discover more at jaybe.com

The Furniture Makers’ Company the furnishing industry’s charity

1901 - Mattress Production Manager.indd 1

30/01/2019 14:28:10

WE CAN HELP YOU

Things don’t always follow the design

Life

There may be times you need

have in mind

often throw some curve balls

We will always be there for

The Furniture Makers’ Company has been supporting the welfare of employees in the interiors and furnishing industry for more than 100 years. If you or someone you know is in need of financial support, let us help. Visit our website www.furnituremakers.org.uk/assistance or contact 020 7256 5558

This advertising space was generously donated by Cabinet Maker magazine in support of The Furniture Makers’ Company’s welfare campaign.

The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers’ Charitable Funds incorporating the Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association is a registered charity in England and Wales (no. 1015519) and a registered company (no. 02759359) in England and Wales

1st March | 38 Welfare FX2019 half page.indd

1

12/10/2017 15:12

A

BRC

Halton Hills, ON L7G 4R9 www.brc.group

A By Andre

Wirksworth, DE4 4AA www.breasley.co.uk

ACID

Staunton, GL19 3QS www.acid.uk.com

08456 443617

ADVANSA

Hamm (Germany), 59071 www.advansa.com

+49 23888402207

AHF

Peterborough, PE3 7PR www.ahf.co.uk

01733 336200

Airea

Ossett, WF5 0AN www.aireaplc.com

Charltons Furniture

01242 235724

Cleland McIver

01793 612660

Clockwork Components

+90 (212) 549 20 60

London, SW10 0XE www.bakerfurniture.com Northallerton, DL7 8UB www.barkershome.co.uk Dewsbury, WF13 3RD www.thefurniturebazaar.com

020 7823 3612 01609 776 667 0333 7721242

Beales

01202 552022

Belfield Furnishings

01159 071700

Bensons for Beds

0333 222 6800

Betta Living

0800 083 1127

BFM

01332 321 827

BIID

0207 6280255

BoConcept

0800 046 99 01

Bolia.com

+45 51502110

Boss Design Group

01384 455570

Boyteks

Bursa (Turkey) www.boyteks.com

020 8874 6484

Birmingham, B23 5PN www.cookesfurniture.co.uk

0121 2505050

Daniel Stores

Windsor, SL4 1DP www.danielstores.co.uk

01753 801000 01484 658341

Decorex International London www.decorex.com

020 7921 8275

Design Guild Mark

London, EC2N 2HE www.designguildmark.org.uk

020 7562 8520

DFS

Doncaster, DN6 7NA www.dfs.co.uk

01302 573 200

Dickinsons Furnishers

Chorley, PR7 2ST www.dickinsonschorley.com

01257 262141

Dreams

Mansfield, NG18 1HA www.dreams.co.uk

0800 652 5090

Dura Beds

Batley, WF17 6PB www.durabeds.co.uk

01924 422 537

Duvalay

Gomersal, BD19 4HX www.duvalay.co.uk

01274 877200

Dwell

London, SE1 0SW www.dwell.co.uk

0345 675 9090

E London, EC1N 6TE www.ekornes.co.uk

Bodyease

Dudley, DY2 8SZ www.bossdesign.com

London, W1K 3QD www.colefax.com

01993 775 767

Ekornes

Norfolk, NR17 1N3 www.boconcept.com

Aarhus (Denmark) www.bolia.com

Witney, OX29 0YN www.clockworkcomponents.com

Elland, HX5 9HF www.decorativepanels.co.uk

Bazaar

Dewsbury, WF12 9AH www.bodyease.co.uk

01706 374431

Decorative Panels

Barkers Home

London, EC2A 4PE www.biid.org.uk

Rochdale, OL16 4NG www.clelandmciver.co.uk

020 3058 2751

D

Baker Furniture

Long Eaton, NG10 4QD www.bfm.org.uk

0116 287 5288

Midsomer Norton, BA3 4BS www.charltonsfurniture.co.uk

Cookes Furniture

B

Oldham, OL9 7TH www.bettaliving.co.uk

Leicester, LE3 1TH www.cimchome.com

01384 486800

Aydin Tekstil Ticaret

Mansfield, NG18 1HA www.bensonsforbeds.co.uk

0330 333 3444

Matera (Italy) www.caliaitalia.com

Colefax

Association of Independent Stores

Ilkeston, DE7 5EP www.thebelfieldgroup.com

Purfleet, RM19 1TT www.carpetright.co.uk

0141 892 0308

Solihull, B90 4LF www.aistores.co.uk

Bournemouth, BH1 1LJ www.beales.co.uk

C

01206 733300

Ashley Manor

Dudley, DY2 0RL www.ashleymanor.co.uk

(03) 8831 9777

Ceramic Import and Manufacturing Company

Archers Sleepcentre

Glasgow, G52 4BN www.archerssleepcentre.co.uk

Melbourne (Australia) www.bunnings.com.au

01902 492937

Arc Lighting & Design

Swindon, SN1 3BH www.arc-lighting.co.uk

01244 812628

Bunnings

Calia Trade SPA

AMA Research

Cheltenham, GL50 1TY www.amaresearch.co.uk

Connah’s Quay, CH5 4DP www.brownsfurniture.co

01225 754411

Alstons Upholstery

Colchester, CO2 9JU www.alstons.co.uk

Browns

Carpetright

Alpha Designs Upholstery Bilston, WV14 7HZ

01629 823680

01924 262525

Airsprung

Staverton, BA14 8RQ www.airsprungbeds.co.uk

Istanbul (Turkey) www.aydintekstil.com

905 873 8509

Breasley

www.abyandre.com

+90 224 241 69 00

020 7462 0440

ercol

Princes Risborough, HP27 9PX www.ercol.com

01844 271800

Espoke Living

Chester, CH4 8BU www.espokeliving.com

0333 344 2855

Eve Sleep

London, N5 1XL www.evesleep.co.uk

0800 808 5766

» 1st March 2019 | 39

C A B I N E T M A K E R A L P H A A D S |C O N N E C T I N G B U Y E R S A N D S E L L E R S F

www.harveynorman.com www.harveysfurniture.co.uk 03451 203 603 01438 777 700 +48 29 64 42 222 01384 408844 020 3348 9829

Mirfield, WF14 9DQ www.furniturechoice.co.uk

0800 035 0070

Furniture Link

Telford, TF1 7AD www.furniturelinkuk.co.uk

01952 604960

Furniture Makers

London, EC2N 2HE www.furnituremakers.org.uk

020 72565558

Furniture to Go

Portsmouth, PO3 5QD www.furniture-to-go.co.uk

02380 517067

Furniture Village

Slough, SL1 4DX www.furniturevillage.co.uk

0800 804 8879

Furniture World

Newquay, TR7 2HS www.furnitureworld.co.uk

01268 745421

Heimtextil

069 7575-0

Heritage Furniture

1254660777

Herman Miller

Melksham, SN12 6GN www.hermanmiller.com

0845 226 9776

Highgrove

Liversedge, WF15 6QA www.highgrovebeds.co.uk

01924 406600

Home24

Berlin (Germany) www.home24.com

+49 30 20 38 99 66

Housing Units

Failsworth, M35 9BA www.housingunits.co.uk

HSL

www.hslchairs.com

0161 681 5678 01924 486902

Hydeline Furniture 01209 210080

Milton Keynes, MK12 6HS www.hydeline.co.uk

01908 968228

Dewsbury, WF13 1EN www.hyderbedsltd.com

www.gallerydirect.co.uk Sittingbourne, ME10 3RN 01795 439159

Gillies

Dundee, DD5 2AJ www.gillies.co.uk

01844 348200

Chepstow, NP16 6UN www.gfa.uk.com

I Iain James Furniture

Elgin, IV30 8QN www.grampianfurnishers.com

01343 813271

Greenwood Retail

Knutsford, WA16 6EN www.greenwoodretail.com Bolton, BL6 4SA www.officefurnitureonline.co.uk

London, W1T 7PJ www.habitat.co.uk/furniture Hammonds www.hammonds-uk.com Harrison Spinks Leeds, LS11 5SB www.harrisonspinks.co.uk

0113 205 5200

Harry Corry

Belfast, BT17 9GX www.harrycorry.com

1st March 2019 | 40

028 9060 6801

01628 513810

Lanzet

Blackburn, BB1 2BX www.lanzet.co.uk

01254 265883

Laura Ashley

Newtown, SY16 1DZ www.lauraashley.com

03332 008 009

Lebus Upholstery

Scunthorpe, DN16 3RN www.lebus.co.uk

01724 281381

Lectra

0333 222 4120

LIA

www.loaf.com

0345 468 0697

London Design Fair

London, E1 6QR www.londondesignfair.co.uk

Ikea International

Magniflex

Italy www.magniflex.com

ISM Networks Furniture

020 7739 5561

01332 321827

0300 030 9915

Maisons du Monde

www.maisonsdumonde.com

+39 057451011 0808 234 21 72

Mammoth

London, SW6 3JW januaryfurnitureshow.com

0800 021 4363

Maidenhead, SL6 1BU www.la-z-boy.co.uk

London, WC2H 0JG www.made.com

Nottingham, NG2 4BN www.indusvalley.co.uk

Wallsend, NE28 9NZ www.mammothcomfort.com

Mason and Pearl

Dudley, DY2 8NT www.masonandpearl.co.uk

January Furniture Show 0344 499 4686

La-Z-Boy

Indus Valley Furniture Ltd

J

Habitat

01344 771653

L

Made.com

0333 7777 575

H

Crowthorne, RG45 6LS www.en.kobe.eu

M

Ilminster, TA19 9DN www.iconography.co.uk

Leigh, WN7 2RR www.ism.furniture

Gresham

01482 701173

Kobe UK

Long Eaton, NG10 4QD www.londonfabricshow.uk

www.ikea.com/gb/en 01565 650101

Hull, HU7 0BZ www.kingstown.co.uk

London Fabric Show Iconography

Grampian Furnishers

01536 444960

Kingstown Furniture

Loaf

01284 752804 01291 645080

Corby, NN17 4JN www.kettleinteriorsagencies.com

Telford, TF3 3BQ www.thelia.org.uk

01382 477281

Global Furniture Alliance

353 404 80068

Kettle Interiors

Bilston, WV14 8LB www.leekes.co.uk

Glasswells

Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3TU www.glasswells.co.uk

01623 818808

Leekes

Hypnos

Princes Risborough, HP27 9RS www.hypnosbeds.com

Mansfield, NG19 8R www.kbsa.org.uk

Greengates, BD10 9TQ www.lectra.com/en

Hyder Beds

G

+353 45 484 300

KBSA

Foxrock www.kelstonhouse.com

Heico

Blackburn, BB1 1TJ www.heritagefurnitureuk.com

Furniture Choice

Dublin www.kaymed.co.uk

Kelston House

Rotherham, S66 9HU www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com

Furnico

London, E12 6SJ www.furnico.co.uk

Health Beds

Hockley, SS5 4AD www.heico-fasteners.co.uk

Furmanac

Kingswinford, DY6 7FF www.furmanac.com

01675 433000

Rotherham, S66 9HU www.healthbeds.co.uk

Forte Furniture

Warsaw ww2.forte.com.pl

0344 372 1000

Headlam

Birmingham, B46 1LW www.headlam.com

FIRA

Stevenage, SG1 2EW www.fira.co.u

Kaymed

Harveys

Findel Education Ltd

Accrington, BB5 4EE www.findel-education.co.uk

K

Harvey Norman

Mathias Wiemann GmbH & Co KG

01603 660661

Mattressman

01706 877877

Mattresstek

03300 883818

Matza

Jarrold & Son

Norwich, NR2 1JF www.jarrold.co.uk

JJOplc

Bacup, OL13 0EA www.jjoplc.com

JYSK

Hazel Grove, SK7 5BW www.jysk.co.uk

0116 4422363

020 7384 8211

Germany www.wiemann-online.com/en Norfolk, NR14 8SQ www.mattressman.co.uk Lancashire, BB4 5JT www.mattresstek.co.uk Dewsbury www.matza.co.uk

49 5401 852-0

0333 577 5773

07891 506241

01924 458699

E V E R Y W E E K TO ADVERTISE ON THESE PAGES CALL 01623 372213 OR GO TO: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK Metro Wardrobes and Kitchens London, HA9 0LB www.metrowardrobes.co.uk

0203 4883347

Millbrook Beds

Totton, SO40 3XJ www.millbrook-beds.co.uk

023 8086 6111

Minerva Furnishers Guild

Corsham, SN13 0HN www.minervafurnishers.co.uk

01225 444204

Myakka

Wincanton, BA9 9EQ www.myakka.co.uk

0345 460 3122

N Manchester, M60 6ES www.nbrown.co.uk

0161 236 8256

Nathan Furniture Group

Wensley, DL8 4HS www.nathanfurniture.co.uk

Skipton, BD23 1NL www.bedfed.org.uk

01756 799 950

Natuzzi

0039 080 8820488

NCF Furnishings

Guildford, GU1 3DU www.natuzzi.co.uk

01483 306 280

Neville Johnson

Stretford, M17 1RW www.nevillejohnson.co.uk Bury, BL9 8RN www.nolte-mobel.co.uk

Oak Furniture Land

www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk

Calne, SN11 9BN www.rowico.co.uk

01249 821 748

Royams Upholstery

Lancashire, BB1 5JJ www.royams.net

01254 665228

Dewsbury, WF12 9AH www.sareerfurniture.co.uk

0800 14 13 786

Scunthorpe, DN15 6SU www.oldrids.co.uk

Oliver & Sons

www.oliverandsonsuk.com

Oliver Bonas

www.oliverbonas.com

0800 440 2254 01724 281888 0800 083 0683 020 8974 3332

Cwmtillery, Abertillery, NP13 1LZ www.sassyhome.co.uk 0115 943 8980

Sealy UK

www.sharps.co.uk

016973 20342 0121 505 0270 0800 789 789

Shire Beds

Dewsbury, WF13 3JY www.shirebeds.co.uk

01924 439 898

Shop Direct

Liverpool, L70 1AB www.shopdirect.com

0844 292 1000

Silentnight

Barnoldswick, BB18 6BJ www.silentnight.co.uk

0333 123 0892

Simba

London, SW1E 6QT www.simbasleep.com

0115 951 9512 0121 389 4262 01623 441886

Pickworth Furnishings

01509 235236

Pike Textiles

01945 461361

Protect-A-Bed

020 8731 0020

R

0177 0512 7700 45 87 54 55 00 0121 773 6669 01204 368413

Sofa.com

www.sofa.com/gb

0808 159 9679 0345 400 2222

Sofahouse Imports Louth www.sofahouse.ie

353 42 935 1950 01278 557755

Staingard

Waverton, CH3 7PD www.staingard.co.uk

0116 284 9063

Recticel

017738 38800

Preston, PR1 5PQ www.tetrad.co.uk

The Cotswold Company Norwich, NR1 3PA www.cotswoldco.com

0333 200 1725

The Furniture Ombudsman (TFO) Stevenage, SG1 2AD thefurnitureombudsman.org

01244 888658

Banff, Aberdeenshire www.goodsleepcompany.co.uk 01261 819984

The Great Chair Company

Cheltenham, GL52 6NZ www.thegreatchaircompany.com

The Lounge Co

www.theloungeco.com

01225 792429

Timeless Chesterfields

Bolton, BL3 2NZ www.timelesschesterfields.com Thirsk, YO7 4LX www.treske.co.uk

01845 522770

U United Carpets

Mansfield Woodhouse, NG19 9AL www.unitedcarpetsandbeds.com

01623 428481

V Plymouth, PL5 2TT www.vispring.com/en-uk

01752 366311

Kidderminster, DY10 1JR www.victoriaplc.com

01562 749610

Stockport, SK3 0XT www.vidaliving.com

353 (0) 42 933 7044

London, W1U 3ED www.vitsoe.com Barwell, LE9 8GZ www.voguebeds.co.uk

01455 841257

W Walker Greenbank

Denham, UB9 4DX www.walkergreenbank.com

0203 457 5862

www.wayfair.co.uk

Westbridge Greenfield, CH8 7FF www.westbridgefurniture.com

01352 714131

Peterborough, PE2 7BW www.willisgambier.co.uk

01733 318400

Dorset, DT1 1HN www.woods-furniture.co.uk

01305 262666

Wayfair

Swaffer

Woods Furniture 01733 371727

01204 368413

Treske

Steinhoff (International)

Stellenbosch, (South Africa) www.steinhoffinternational.co.uk 27218080700

0333 241 3209

The Good Sleep Company

Willis and Gambier

Peterborough, PE2 6WQ www.swaffer.co.uk

01772 792936

Vogue Beds

Sofa Workshop

Godalming, GU7 1EY www.sofaworkshop.com

800.805.3635

Tetrad

Vitsoe

Sofa by Saxon

Bolton, BL3 2NZ www.sofasbysaxon.com

353 42 935 1351

VIDA Living

Slumberdream

Birmingham, B11 2NR www.slumberdream.co.uk

I

Lexington (USA) www.tempursealy.com

Skovby Mobelfabrik A/S Denmark www.skovby.com

01689 886888

TCS Imports

Victoria Plc

Highbridge, TA9 3AE www.sopha.co.uk

Netherlands www.vitatalalay.com

Orpington, BR6 0PH www.tapi.co.uk

Simmons Bedding Group

Sopha

Radium Foam

T Tapi Carpets

Vi Spring

www.simmons.com

Perfect Home

Loughborough, LE11 3HB www.pickworthfurnishing.co.uk

Sassy Home

Clayton, BD14 6LT www.sherborneupholstery.co.uk 01274 882633

Park Lane Bedding

Huthwaite, NG17 2HW www.perfecthome.co.uk

0208 8384838

Sherborne Upholstery

Paragon Interiors

Birmingham, B8 1AG www.parklanebeds.co.uk

London, NW10 6UD www.savoirbeds.com

Savoir

Sharps

P Nottingham, NG8 6PX www.paragonplc.com

01536 410000

West Bromwich, B70 0TX www.serene.co.uk

01282 830033

Tempur Sealy

Rothwell, NN16 8SD www.satra.com

Aspatria, CA7 2AS www.sealy.co.uk

Burnley, BB10 1SH www.sweetdreamsuk.com

Louth, BT35 8PX www.tcsimports.com

Sareer

0161 767 8244

Oldrids and Downtown

Somercotes, DE55 4RD www.recticel.com

+32 87 59 59 59

Rowico

Serene

O

RJ Binnie Whetstone, LE8 6LH www.jbinnie.co.uk

Belgium www.romsofas.co.uk

02393 873 170

Sweet Dreams

ROM Sofas

0161 873 8333

Nolte Möebel

London, NW2 1LJ www.protectabed.co.uk

Hampshire, PO7 7XY www.swanretail.co.uk

Satra Technology Centre

National Bed Federation

Wisbech, PE13 2RS www.pike-textiles.com

Swan Retail

Wellington, TA21 8NN https://relyon.co.uk

S

N Brown Group

Italy www.natuzzi.co.uk

Relyon

1st March 2019 | 41

LAST WORD MAIK FISCHER, DIRECTOR OF INTERZUM

“THE TINY SPACES SPECIAL EXHIBITION IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF INTERZUM’S POSITIONING.THE EVENT ACTS AS THE LINK BETWEEN CUSTOMER NEEDS AND THE FURNITURE INDUSTRY.“

FURNITURE TO GO FURNITURE LINK MEET HATTIE 1st March 2019 | 42

interzum presents solutions for small-scale living How comfort can be combined with small living spaces is an issue that is driving the interiors industry. From New York to Berlin, Tokyo to São Paulo — living space is in short supply in attractive urban areas.

The result is sky-rocketing rents and house prices and, hence, more and more people are having to make do with smaller and smaller homes. But this trend doesn’t necessarily have to mean sacrificing comfort in the home — and showing how is a challenge for the furniture and interior design industry.

With its new Tiny Spaces showcase, interzum is addressing this highly-topical issue. The world’s leading trade fair for suppliers to the furniture industry has succeeded in securing a line-up of distinguished industry names to appear in its showcase.

Atim, Blum, Hettich, Hommel, Häfele and Pessotto — these companies will present their answers to the specific requirements of living in tiny spaces.

All the participating companies are convinced that demand for space-saving solutions is set to grow: among the products on show at the special Tiny Spaces event will be an electric cabinet bed system with a folding sofa by Pessotto that combines living and sleeping in a single space-saving design. Blum also has some creative furniture ideas to contribute to the special event, while the others mentioned will also have their own takes on the concept.

The Tiny Spaces special exhibition is a perfect example of interzum’s positioning.

The event acts as the link between customer needs and the furniture industry. Our exhibitors have an instinct for market needs.

They develop solutions for these requirements and thereby enable furniture manufacturers to deploy functional and innovative components so that they in turn can produce innovative products.

Tiny Spaces is an extension of interzum’s overall concept. The fair’s event character will be emphasised even more at interzum 2019.

As part of this, alongside our outstanding international exhibitors, we are presenting various thematically-focused special events.

From digitalisation to disruptive materials and tiny spaces, the furniture industry will find inspiration for all the issues that are currently driving the sector at interzum 2019. The Tiny Spaces Piazza is a new trade fair highlight.

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