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Clerkenwell Design Week celebrates 10 years. Take a look at what to expect to see at the show.
Alice Barnard, chief executive of the Edge education charity, shares her views on issues surrounding the skills gap.
Online business Room to Grow speaks about its new website and recent rebrand.
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The call to embrace technology and all its benefits has been a constant echoing voice surrounding most industries. Within the furniture sector, especially retail, implementing new technology has been high on the agenda in an effort to enhance the customer experience and ultimately keep the order book healthy.
On the other side of online–instore fence comes online children’s furniture retailer Room to Grow. The business has recently rebranded and launched a new website, so we endeavoured to find out more in this week’s editorial. Also featured this week is a preview of the upcoming Clerkenwell Design Week, which will, of course, play host to a plethora of new designs, concepts and technology. Heritage returns to the Cabinet Maker pages with its latest developments ahead of the Minerva show, whilst concluding the issue is another insight on apprenticeships as the Edge education charity joins the skills gap debate with a focus on the ‘March of the Robots’. Not quite at the levels of Arnie’s Terminator or Will Smith’s I, Robot, but the fear of machines taking over the craft of handmade furniture is something that has been circulating for some time.
From augmented reality (AR) to investing in a modern online presence, the routes into tech are developing at pace and are being adopted by businesses of all sizes. This push to better engage with the consumer comes at a time where savvy shoppers want the best service in a process that is as quick as boiling the kettle. Where some have ploughed investment into new websites — as you will read further in this week’s issue — others have taken an instore approach to encourage consumers back into the traditional way of buying furniture.
This leads to my next point. How far can technology go and how far do we actually want it to go? Using visualisation apps to view furniture in your own home at the click of a button is an exciting concept and Dreams’ new user experience looks to be another engaging way to fulfil the tech savvy shopper.
There is nothing wrong with having a browse online over a coffee or mug of tea, but when committing to a big-ticket purchase, surely the rule is to try before you buy? In fact, most shopping journeys appear to start online, visit a store and then go back to the tablet to find the best price. One retailer in the beds industry has introduced a new unique mattress matching technology to help consumers find their perfect partner when going to sleep. Dreams’ new ‘Sleepmatch’ tech has been rolled out in all of its 195 stores across the UK — further demonstrating the commitment it has with its new technology. You can find out more about this revelation in the news pages.
However, if technology replaces the need for human interaction or manufacture completely, then we know it has gone too far. But for now, I’m off to get my ‘Sleepmatch’ profile captured. Dan Squires Editor
What this does highlight is that technology really is at the forefront of business leaders’ minds. RETAIL MANUFACTURE DESIGN
Week celebrates Clerkenwell Design to a look at what 10 years. Take at the show. expect to see
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INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE
NEWS
06
FEATURES
12
MARCH OF THE ROBOTS
Alice Barnard, chief executive of the Edge education charity, shares her views on issues surrounding the skills gap.
ALWAYS ROOM TO GROW
14
Anne Davies, director at Room to Grow, speaks to Cabinet Maker about its new website and recent rebrand.
LIVING THE DREAM
DECADE OF DESIGN
18
As Clerkenwell Design Week celebrates 10 years, Cabinet Maker looks ahead at what to expect to see during the three-day event.
LAST WORD
26
David Redfern, tax preparation specialist and managing director of DSR Tax Claims Ltd, has the Last Word.
16
Heritage Furniture speaks about how the journey to Minerva has transformed the business.
12
16
18
NEWS
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NEWS IN BRIEF IKEA UK
Sales growth
Swedish furniture giant IKEA has announced the appointment of Peter Jelkeby as its country retail manager for the UK and Ireland. Peter will succeed Javier Quiñones, who is taking on the same position in the USA. In his new role, Peter will be responsible for further strengthening IKEA’s position in the UK and Ireland and will lead an ongoing transformation of the business.
Kitchens group Howdens has reported an increase in sales for the 16 weeks to 20th April. Total sales rose by 5.7% overall and by 3.9% on a same depot basis compared to the same period last year. Howdens said that the growth was driven by an increase in prices in January, against the backdrop of strong volume comparators in 2018.
Investment
TRIO WIN AWARDS
Timber supplier Södra has invested in an additional CLT facility in Värö, Sweden, and aims to become a leader in the Nordic region. The new facility will be established at the combined plant in Värö, where Södra’s first CLT facility has already been co-located with Södra’s pulp mills and sawmills.
Three home furnishing businesses were named as winners of a Scottish Independent Retail Award 2019. Busby-based John Dick & Son won the Independent Furniture Retailer of the Year, Jigsaw Blinds from Coatbridge won Soft Furnishing Supplier of the Year, and Falkirk Carpets was named Flooring Retailer of the Year.
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Swedish kitchen specialist Nobia has announced the appointment of Jon Sintorn as its new chief executive. Jon Sintorn, who most recently served as president and chief executive of Permobil, will succeed Morten Falkenberg on 1st September. After nine years as chief executive of Nobia, Morten is stepping down from his position at the company.
Three Young Furniture Makers have been shortlisted for the Young Designer of the Year Award at Mixology19. The three shortlisted designers are Leon Farago for Metal Chair One, Hollie Owen for the Scarf Loop Coat Hanger, and Andrew Hamilton for the Sointula Range. Voting will close on Friday, 17th May, and the winner will be announced at the awards ceremony at Old Billingsgate, London on Thursday, 20th June.
10th May 2019 | 06
RETAIL
Dreams rolls out new sleep tech Bed retailer Dreams has announced the official launch of its unique mattress matching technology, Sleepmatch. The new tech has been introduced to all 195 of its UK stores and will allow customers across the UK to use the science and technology, paired with Dreams sleep ambassador expertise, to help pick their perfect mattress. The roll-out follows research commissioned by Dreams, which revealed more than two thirds (69%) of Brits are unhappy with the quality and quantity of their sleep, with as many as a third (30%) never waking up feeling refreshed. A crucial element in achieving a great night’s sleep is finding the mattress that’s right for you. Developed through decades of testing and scientific research, the system analyses 18 unique measurements, including height, weight, shoulder width and preferred sleeping position, and conducts 1,000 calculations to pair customers with their perfect mattress. Dreams says its system is the only one to be backed by science, supported by the findings of a large-scale research study by a leading university in the USA. While lying on the Sleepmatch mattress, the technology will capture key profile measurements before producing a Personal Sleep Profile, detailing that person’s unique mattress requirements. Working in partnership with Dreams’ unique Comfort by Colour system, Dreams’ in-store colleagues will use the Sleepmatch findings to guide the customer to their ideal mattress; advising they choose the option that’s best for them. Daniel Parsons, director of Buying at Dreams, said: “Too many people in the UK are currently suffering from a poor night’s sleep — and a bad mattress can be the main culprit. Yet we know the process of picking a new mattress can be sometimes feel overwhelming and confusing. We don’t think it should be that way. That’s why we’re so proud of our Sleepmatch technology — the only system backed by science and specifically designed to make choosing the right mattress easier than ever. This nationwide rollout is a significant step towards helping more people to get a better night’s sleep.” Dreams’ Sleepmatch technology has already proved a huge success, having been introduced to its first Dreams store in November 2018. Globally the technology has resulted in over 12 million profiles being built within the database.
w www.dreams.co.uk
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EU furniture startup launches second fundraiser Croatian smart furniture startup Include has raised more than €1m in a second funding round. Zagreb-based Include has raised the investment in its second crowdfunding campaign on the blockchain-based Funderbeam SEE platform. The second campaign was launched at the Zagreb Stock Exchange and saw more than 150 investors from 15 countries commit their cash in the first 24 hours of the campaign going live. Include, which was founded by Ivan Mrvoš in 2014, specialises in digital street furniture where solar panel technology charges mobile devices from a port on the side of the product. Include currently sells its Steora smart benches and Monna smart cycling points in 43 global markets on five continents and 260 cities. The capital from the new round of investment is to be used for improving development and testing capabilities, as well as expanding its research and development team, component supply, and new product development.
w www.include.eu
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FURNITURE BUSINESS SECURES HQ Independent furniture business Eat Sleep Live has acquired a new headquarters. Nottingham-based Eat Sleep Live has completed the acquisition of a property on Nuthall Road through FHP Property Consultants. The property achieved a high level of interest and, after final bids, Eat Sleep Live, which provides high-quality reclaimed wood furniture, was selected as the most suitable purchaser for the property. Mark Godsell-Fletcher, managing director of Eat Sleep Live, said: “The property is a big project for Eat Sleep Live, but we look forward to the challenge and seeing the business grow from 2 Nuthall Road. “This is the kind of period building that would normally be demolished, and we would use the wooden beams for hand crafting our furniture. So we are extremely proud and excited about restoring this building to its former glory and moving in as Eat Sleep Live’s new home.” Chris Proctor and Steve Gillott, of FHP Property Consultants, who brokered the deal, commented: “We are delighted to have concluded a quick and straight forward sale on behalf of our retained clients. “Equally, it is a delight to see Eat Sleep Live expand in the local area and they have big plans to improve the premises and add value over the coming years. Myself and Steve wish Mark and his team at Eat Sleep Live all the best for the future.”
w www.eatsleeplive.co.uk
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Bed retailer confirms new warehouse investment
A BENCH TO REMEMBER ISOBEL A bench that has been made by many hands is now a fitting memorial to a departed colleague.
British bed retailer Time4Sleep has confirmed plans to launch a new £3.5m warehouse. Established in 2006, Time4Sleep will unveil the next phase of its ambitious growth plan away from its current Huddersfield showroom, with a new purpose-built warehouse that launches this June in the West Midlands town of Willenhall. At 35,000sq ft, the warehouse has been designed specifically for handling beds and bed-related furniture. It will allow the company to triple its stock-holding capacity, establishing a commitment to delivering all stock items by the next working day. Jonathan Warren, chief executive at Time4Sleep, said: “The launch is a significant step in our goal of building a sustainable business in the long-term. Our central location and increase in stock capacity will mean all stock items can be delivered from the new warehouse by the next working day. “In a period of financial uncertainty for the retail sector, our business continues to flourish. After 13 years of trading from our West Yorkshire base, this move will kick-start a whole new cycle of growth for our business. Providing a clean, modern working environment ensures we can continue to advance the quality of service to our customers throughout the UK.”
w www.time4sleep.co.uk
MANUFACTURE
CONTRACTOR CELEBRATES ANOTHER RECORD YEAR Designer Contracts, the UK’s largest flooring contractor, is celebrating another record year. Latest end-of-year figures show a 15% year-on-year growth with company turnover now in excess of £40m and more than 300 employees working within the business. Critical to the growth was a 25% surge in volume from its central distribution facility in Kettering, which maintains a constant £2m stock level, recently boosted to £3m to ensure stock levels remain high during the uncertainty of Brexit. Adding to the business’ success, an ambitious 20% growth was forecast for 2019 — which has already been exceeded — just five months into the company’s financial year. To accommodate an increase in volume, the company’s North East region has added an additional 10,000sq ft to its existing office and warehousing space, almost doubling the size. This is in addition to three brand new regions, which were opened in 2018 in Kent, East Anglia and Leeds to meet customer demand.
Isobel Edgar was student welfare officer at the Chippendale International School of Furniture, Haddington, and passed away last month. She was one of the Scottish school’s longest-standing members of staff, having worked with the team for 25 years. The redwood bench is the school’s way of paying tribute to her and a permanent reminder of her contribution to the Chippendale school. It was copied from an old bench, with all the school’s students and members of staff contributing a small piece. It’s now situated on school grounds, at a spot that Isobel loved, offering views over the surrounding countryside, and a place that will give future students a place of quiet contemplation. The bench was made under the supervision of deputy principal Tom Fraser. A sugarplum tree will be planted beside it. “Isobel was a valued member of the Chippendale school community who worked tirelessly to make our students’ lives as easy as possible,” said Anselm Fraser, principal. “We know that she would love this memorial to her, and that every student and member of staff has contributed to it.”
w www.chippendaleschool.com
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Retirement leads to long-serving independent closure Independent furniture retailer Green’s Furnishers & Bed Centre has confirmed plans to close as the owners prepare for retirement. Green’s Furnishers & Bed Centre, located in Westhoughton, Bolton, has been trading since 1911, with current owners David and Jean Green being at the helm for 41 years. The pair have confirmed they have sold the property after revealing plans to retire, bringing its rich history of more than 100 years to an end. The business also announced it will hold a closing down sale, whilst an official final day of trading has not yet been confirmed.
Peter Kelsey, managing director, said: “As a company we have enjoyed consistent growth over the past few years and this is now driving our plan to double turnover to £80m and increase staff numbers from 300 to 600 by 2023.”
Reflecting on their many years running the business, which spans three generations of the Green family, husband and wife team David and Jean, who are both 70, commented to local media that they are ‘sad to leave their second home’ but ‘happy to be leaving with good memories’.
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UK sales rise again for a tenth year The UK business of Danish furniture brand JYSK has reported a tenth consecutive rise in sales as British turnover climbed over £15m. According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31st August, 2018, total sales rose 21.2% to £15.4m from £12.7m in 2017. Gross profit also increased 16.9% to £6.2m from £5.3m, whilst pre-tax losses narrowed to a loss of £2.8m compared to its loss of £3.1m last year. Stated within its report, JYSK said that its expects an unsettled and challenging retail market within the UK to continue but remains optimistic on building future growth. JYSK added that it expanded its UK estate with the addition of one store, bringing its portfolio to 16 outlets. The company said it plans to grow its store network further but has to be in line with its property strategy for desired locations.
w www.jysk.co.uk
MANUFACTURE
UK SALES CONSISTENT DESPITE DIFFICULT MARKET Swedish kitchen manufacturing group Nobia has indicated that, despite difficult market conditions, UK sales have remained in line with last year. Nobia, which operates in the UK under its Magnet brand, saw UK retail sales during the first period of 2019 from January to March slightly improve due to a better product mix. Sales through its trade concept also continued to grow. Project sales were down but picked up at the end of the quarter. Commenting on the UK performance, Morten Falkenberg, president and chief executive, said: “Despite difficult market conditions, sales in the UK remained on the same level as the previous year. Retail sales improved somewhat on the back of a better product mix, while sales through our improved trade concept continued to grow. “We have now trialled the new trade concept in 30 stores over a six-month period with good results, and will thus expand the concept to an additional 120 stores during the year. “Project sales were down in the quarter, but by the end of March our London-based project business started deliveries to a number of key sites, such as Southbank Place, Berkeley’s South Quay Plaza and Canary Wharf Contractors. We expect these to deliver close to SEK 200 million (£16m) within the next nine months.” Looking ahead, Morten added: “We believe the high market volatility is likely to continue, especially as a result of Brexit. “We are, therefore, targeting a reduction in our fixed cost base, but also pushing ahead to make further range reductions and faster supply chain consolidation in line with previous communication.”
w www.nobia.com 10th May 2019 | 10
Andrew Jackson, Richard Elsey, Tom, Liz and Alan Colleran – all from Duvalay – are pictured with presenter Josh Baterip of Vanilla Tech Solutions.
INNOVATION AWARD SUCCESS FOR BED MAKER Bed and mattress specialists Duvalay has won a prestigious Manufacturing Innovation Award at the 2019 Made in Yorkshire Awards. The West Yorkshire-based manufacturers, who are a BBC Dragons’ Den success story, came out on top in a category designed to recognise a company that has generated a substantial return and impact at both a national and international level for an innovative product designed and manufactured in Yorkshire. Sales and marketing director Liz Colleran said: “Duvalay has received special recognition in the Bed Manufacturer of the Year category at Britain’s Bed Industry Awards for the past two years. Our award wins demonstrate that, in the eyes of our industry peers, Duvalay are leading the way in manufacturing and innovation. “We’ll soon be revealing some exciting expansion news. Along with my husband, Alan, and our son, Tom, I am so grateful to all our valued customers, team, suppliers and retail partners, whose ongoing support is the foundation of our success.”
w www.duvalay.co.uk
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Upholstery retailer appoints former TOFS & N Brown CEO Upholstered furniture and flooring retailer ScS has announced the appointment of Angela Luger as its new non-executive director with effect from 16th May. Angela, née Spindler, was previously chief executive of retail businesses N Brown and The Original Factory Shop, and has held senior executive positions at Debenhams, Asda and Mars. Angela is also a non-executive director at Portmeirion and the Madrid-based DIA group. Alan Smith, chairman of ScS, commented: “I am delighted to welcome Angela to the Board of ScS. Angela’s strong retail and marketing background will be of great value to the group, and I look forward to her contribution.” Commenting on her appointment, Angela said: “The team at SCS are experienced, resilient, and focused on serving their customers. I am absolutely delighted to be joining the Board and look forward to sharing my insights and expertise in value retail and leveraging technology. I am very excited to be part of this great business’s next chapter.”
w www.scs.co.uk
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Dunelm continues to invest in tech Furniture and homewares retailer Dunelm has continued to invest within its digital technology. Dunelm said that it has decided to inject further investment into tech operations to boost future profitable growth. The retailer didn’t outline how much has been invested at this stage but indicated that, as a result of ‘improved financial performance’, it expects full-year performance incentives to pay out at a ‘higher level across the business’.
ISM specialise in
Commenting on its digital technology approach, Dunelm said: “Digital technology, including tablet-based selling in stores, has improved our experience for customers and we continue to invest in building our digital capabilities. We remain on track with the phased implementation of our new digital operating system.
Leather & Upholstered Furniture Repairs e.g. scratches, scuffs, tears, holes, seam issues, discolouration and colour loss, in home or workshop repair, replacement of broken arms, collapsed surfaces, recliner mechanisms, frames and replacement of full or partial covers. SERVICE CONTRACT
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“Against the backdrop of a dynamic retail climate, we have chosen to increase our investment in the business, specifically in the areas of technology and marketing as described above, to drive future profitable growth.”
CABINET REPAIRS EXPERT CRAFTSMEN
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“We are excited about the opportunities that will come with the full launch of the new systems but will proceed carefully, mindful that we must minimise disruption to the strong growth trend we are seeing on our existing online platform.
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F E A T U R E |A P P R E N T I C E S H I P S D E B A T E
Alice Barnard, chief executive of the Edge education charity, shares her views on issues surrounding the skills gap. We constantly hear about the ‘march of the robots’. Whether it’s driverless cars, shops with no staff at the tills, or the factory in China that replaced 90% of its human workforce with robots, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is well and truly here — and impacting on our daily lives. In 2015, the Bank of England predicted that 15 million jobs in the UK were at risk of automation. The increasingly-digitised global economy means that many of the skills that were valuable at the beginning of the 21st Century increasingly carry less currency. Algorithms can scan documents more quickly and efficiently than the human eye. However, almost inevitably in the face of the global homogeneity of mass-produced goods, there is a growing demand amongst consumers for the handmade, the original and the exclusive. In 2016, analysis of consumer megatrends by Goldman Sachs said that ‘craft products are rapidly gaining [market] share and forcing established brands to adapt’. From artisanal spirits and bread, to handcrafted soap and soft furnishings, the internet provides an accessible marketing platform that serves a growing number of start-ups and small businesses. It’s estimated that more than a quarter of workers in the gig economy are creatives. The consumer demand for ‘the unique’ is exemplified at the higher end of the market by designer Timothy Oulton, whose handcrafted furniture is inspired by antiques he saw as a child in his father’s shop. Automated processes are not efficient at creating ‘oneoffs’ or manufacturing small quantities. To stay one step ahead of the robots, we 10th May 2019 | 12
need skills like communication, team-working, problem-solving and resilience. It is said that the jobs of the future will be ‘high tech and high touch’ — whether that’s designing video games, engineering or floristry. The commonality is creativity. So it’s surprising that in England between 2010 and 2018 there was a decline of 35% in the number of arts GCSE entries; design and technology is down by 57%, performing or expressive arts down by 63%.You might well ask, does it matter? It clearly matters to the creative industries, which generate around £92 billion a year and account for one in 11 jobs in the UK. There are skills shortages across the creative economy. from visual effects and computer animation to technical roles in theatre production. There are currently 600,000 vacancies in the digital sector. Yet there are still almost a quarter of a million young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). Clearly something has gone very wrong. This was highlighted to me last year when I met Professor Roger Kneebone, a surgeon and educationalist at Imperial College in London. The professor told me that science and medical students at the university, although clearly very academically able, lacked the tactile skills and manual dexterity that professions in those areas demand. Students training to be surgeons are unable to sew; chemistry students struggle with experiments because they have had no practical experience in their school lives; medical students lack the communication skills that are critical to developing their bedside manner.
Cabinet Maker is dedicated to supporting, encouraging and championing apprenticeships within the furnishing industry by working with businesses and organisations to continually highlight the importance of apprenticeships and the benefits they offer — not only to a business, but to the industry and future generations of furniture making. Cabinet Maker welcomes your thoughts and also invites your business to share your story on your apprenticeship success so far and plans for the future — email editor Dan Squires at dan@cabinet-maker.co.uk or call 01623 372215.
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“THERE ARE STILL ALMOST A QUARTER OF A MILLION YOUNG PEOPLE NOT IN EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT OR TRAINING (NEET). CLEARLY SOMETHING HAS GONE VERY WRONG.” Professor Kneebone attributes the decline of these critical skills in his students to the shift towards a narrow school curriculum, with prominence given to academic study of the suite of so-called ‘EBacc subjects’. The government is steadfast in its ambition for 90% of students to take GCSE exams in English language and literature, maths, history, geography, two sciences and a foreign language. For some students, that might be the only subjects they study and there is no room for art, drama, design and technology or music. Creative, computing and Active learning with furniture
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Young people should have access to a broad and balanced curriculum
technical subjects are being driven out of the curriculum, as teachers are under pressure to deliver grades in those subjects on which schools are judged. The consequence is a focus on acquiring knowledge via rotelearning and mastering exam-passing techniques. Ironically, the very subjects that are increasingly absent from our children’s education are the ones best suited to developing the sort of skills Professor Kneebone sees lacking in his students. Edge has long advocated the benefits of ‘learning by doing’ and from engineering to catering, for many professions there is no substitute for practical experience. Furniture maker Sebastian Cox uses handcoppiced hazel and timber, from woodland he manages himself, to create pieces designed to showcase the beauty of the wood. Each cabinet, chair or table bears the mark of the hand that crafted it. He says: “As Homo
sapiens we’re all makers. One of the things that unite us is our ability to make, so if we can develop a product that possesses subtle evidence of craft, then I believe it will resonate with a customer’s primitive maker urges.” Brands such as Made.com have streamlined the furniture manufacturing business, commissioning factories to make limited numbers of products. This plays very well to the customer who might want something less ‘high street’, but without the designer price tag. Founded in 2010, it has expanded across Europe and in 2018 sales rose by 37% to reach £173m. The last decade has seen a number of wellestablished retailers disappear from the high street. The fashion industry in particular has fallen prey to changes in shoppers’ buying habits as we begin to value longevity and sustainability above quantity and cheapness. The rapid pace of new technologies and need for new skills places demands on all workers, but the implication for young people starting out in their careers is particularly profound. What a graduate learns in the first year of their degree may well be obsolete by the time they have finished their course. Careers advice for a school pupil, informing their choice of GCSEs, could be irrelevant by the time they enter the workplace. At Edge we believe that all young people should have access to a broad and balanced curriculum, including art, digital and design subjects, helping them develop the skills that will future-proof their careers and guarantee their place alongside the robots. We urgently need some creativity injected into our classrooms; automation may have driven productivity in the past, but it is the ‘human’ skills that will drive our economy in the future.
w www.edge.co.uk 10th May 2019 | 13
F E A T U R E |R O O M T O G R O W Jubilee Room set in Ivory
Anne Davies, Director at Room to Grow, speaks to Cabinet Maker about its new website and recent rebrand. On the back of a tough year for many across the furniture industry, the best way to react is to inject more fuel to drive future growth. This is exactly what online children’s furniture retail brand Room to Grow has done. Taking advantage of a marketplace that is currently accelerating, Room to Grow, which was established back in 1996, saw this year as the perfect opportunity to invest in its brand with a completely new look and online presence. Director, Anne Davies told Cabinet Maker that 2018 was, in fact, their toughest year yet, but it didn’t come as a surprise “given the climate of uncertainty that we’ve been operating in”. She continued: “We have seen a decline in consumer confidence, particularly when making a large, considered purchase such as their child’s bed. We’re hopeful for 2019, 10th May 2019 | 14
however, and are working on expanding our product range to ensure there is something to fit every parent’s budget.” That’s not all the business has been working on. Officially going live in March, Room to Grow launched its new website and branding. A few months since launch, initial feedback has been really positive with the business already seeing an uplift in conversions. After spending 10 months planning and developing the rebrand and new online platform, Anne said it was critical to enhance the customer experience. “We have worked closely with our digital agency and developers to improve the user experience and make sure what already works well, works even better,” she said. “It was critical to create an enhanced shopping experience that also lends itself to mobile
and I’m very proud of the results. Customers have commented on how easy it has been to navigate the new site and how enjoyable the shopping experience is.” So why now? “Room to Grow’s growth has been phenomenal over the past six years. We could never have anticipated a 540% increase in sales from when Anne took over the business in 2012. But that’s seven years ago now and technology has come on a lot since then. Quite rightly, savvy shoppers who use the internet regularly are expecting faster, more informative, more responsive websites that are easy to use across several platforms — and they will quickly buy from somewhere else if the user experience isn’t slick enough. We’ve made incremental changes over the years but,
FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK
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put simply, it was just time for an update,” Anne said. New website features include filter tools for products, a refreshed layout design, a new blog zone to keep customers updated and a new Sleep Club concept. Anne explained: “Launching a new website also seemed the perfect opportunity to cast a refreshed eye over our branding as well. I absolutely love our logo and didn’t want to take it too far from the original design, but we definitely saw an opportunity to make more of the strapline ‘where dreams begin,’ so we’ve stengthened this underneath our trademark building blocks. “We hope to develop this strapline further and really work on what this means to our customers and potential customers. We’ve also taken this opportunity to launch our new email marketing programme. Room to Grow’s Sleep Club aims to deepen relationships with our already loyal customers through meaningful dialogue and content that keeps them engaging with the brand.” And yet there is still room to grow. As mentioned, the business has expanded its product range, whilst also investing in other areas to broaden its engagement with the customer. The company plans to grow its social media presence to support the new website with a content strategy to drive traffic to the site. There are even plans to open a physical store one day, but not just yet. “Ultimately, we’re looking to expand our channels and brand presence to create an omnichannel selling strategy,” Anne said, continuing: “I’ve always envisaged opening a physical store. However, we have no concrete plans as yet in terms of where or when, but a physical store would lend itself brilliantly to expanding our range of gifts, accessories and bedding. This is a product area I’ve always felt passionate about expanding and, in my opinion, works at its best in a real-world environment, where customers can touch and experience the quality first-hand.” Having achieved so much in such a short space of time, Room to Grow paid tribute to its ethos of putting the customer first and being able to consistently deliver. “Building close working relationships with our complete supplier network has been critical, because it ensures that our Product Specialists have direct access from a support perspective and first hand, specialist knowledge of all of our products. We believe this has been a key driver in our success and plays a crucial role with all online businesses. We pride ourselves on the strength of our relationships with our suppliers and, as such, are able to offer competitive delivery terms and prices. Of course, we’re delivering very large products across the length and breadth of the country, so it’s not without the occasional hiccup, but thanks to our fantastic supplier relationships, we know we’re passing on the very best service to our customers. We’re always working to improve delivery times though, this really is a crucial part of the online business model,” Anne said. On that note, online purchases within the
Nordic Playhouse Bed in white
“THE CURRENT CHILDREN’S FURNITURE MARKET IS SO EXCITING .” furniture industry are continuing to rise yearon-year, especially in the children’s market. Anne revealed: “Consumers are becoming increasingly confident with shopping online and, particularly, making big purchases online as well. Once a pastime for the more tech savvy consumers, it’s now commonplace for most ages and demographics. For our target market of parents, especially those with younger children, traipsing around large furniture stores just isn’t how they want to spend their precious family time. And when there is an alternative to this, that can be done in a couple of clicks from the comfort of your sofa, it’s an easy choice. “The current children’s furniture market is so exciting. We can see new trends coming through in beds, furniture and bedroom accessories all the time — and as a business we love keeping abreast of this and helping our customers create spaces that are bang up to date but most importantly functional. The market isn’t without its challenges though. Parents expect good quality, smarter, functional furniture with great storage solutions. Designs need to have longevity that will last when their children grow or can be handed down to younger children as the family grows. We’re very proud of the quality of all of our products and parents will not be
disappointed with our varied product range that takes space, storage and design very seriously.” Another area of growing popularity that marries both online and furniture is the use of augmented reality (AR). This technology has become a powerful tool for businesses to showcase their products in a new light. Again, this is a concept that still has room to grow, as Anne highlighted the importance of the tech. “I can see how valuable AR is in an industry such as ours. Being able to see how the room would look before making that commitment to buy is a unique way to make an informed purchase decision. Wayfair and Ikea, for example, were early adopters of AR and both have fantastic apps that use mobile devices to overlay their products into real world surroundings. It’s certainly something we’d like to develop in the future for Room to Grow. Just imagine the look on children’s faces if they could actually see what their new bedroom would look like! Priceless!” With plenty of hard work and graft going into the business already this year, Anne said they hope to achieve a 20-30% uplift in traffic to the new website during 2019, which in turn would convert into increased sales. If there is one way to combat uncertain times, then this is surely it. Anne concluded:“There may be uncertainty facing the UK at the moment so we don’t know what the future holds, but we feel positive about our business and are ready to embrace any challenges that might be around the corner.”
w www.roomtogrow.co.uk
10th May 2019 | 15
F E A T U R E |H E R I T A G E F U R N I T U R E Alba
Saeed Mohmed, managing director at Heritage Furniture, speaks to Cabinet Maker on how the journey to Minerva has transformed the business forever.
Living the The last five years have been nothing short of hard work, graft and, as Heritage Furniture boldly states, full of ‘blood, sweat and tears’. The latter trio analogy often relates to long hours of continuous effort to achieve a certain goal. For Heritage Furniture, the ambition was to join the elite within the Minvera Furniture Group. This year the company reached its goal. Saeed Mohmed, managing director at Heritage Furniture, shared the journey of securing Minerva status with Cabinet Maker — a feat that the company is incredibly proud of achieving. “The thought of being part of the Minerva Furniture Group was merely a dream. Upon hearing about this exclusive buyers club for the top furniture retailers in the country many 10th May 2019 | 16
years back, it triggered a series of changes. Five years later and we can finally announce that Heritage Furniture is not only part of the Minerva group but will also be exhibiting at the celebrated event (which takes place from 14th-15th May at Stoneleigh Park Exhibition Centre in Warwickshire). However, reaching this milestone has not been easy. In fact, the journey has been paved with blood, sweat and tears!” said Saeed. The business began its journey in a reflective mood, identifying product areas that needed addressing across the industry, incorporating new designs and then feeding these fresh products into the marketplace. Saeed explains its five-fold strategy a little further. The need for change “A few years back like many suppliers,
traditional oak ranges were popular. However, the market was reflecting a lot of similar products and it was getting more difficult to stand out. Customers wanted something different, the landscape was becoming competitive and retailers needed a change. The same old oak products were not going to cut it anymore,” Saeed said. Focus on design With this in mind, Heritage Furniture took renewed focus towards ‘great design’ and, as a company, made the decision to move into a new direction. This proved to be a ‘great decision’ that would help retailers to stock different products and ultimately give end customers ‘great looking furniture’. However, going down this path saw the business inject more investment in designers, product development and operations.
FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK
Exclusive debut launch – BUT dealing with what came next “It finally happened. After getting the designers, doing the research and staying up all hours in preparation to go to market, the Wardley range was ready and it was a great success,” highlights Saeed, continuing: “Retailers loved the new range and the price. However, the success was short lived. The popularity of the range meant that other suppliers were not going to stand by and watch. Variations of Wardley started to appear on the market, pricing became more competitive and established suppliers maintained market share. “It was a pretty massive blow. On the one side, it confirmed the strategy — the design was good — but on the other, the realisation that the competition was not going to stand by idle. We needed to up our game again.” The relaunch Heritage Furniture took the bold approach in taking another risk by doubling down on product development and significantly investing in marketing. Saeed revealed: “A rebrand had to be done to reflect our new position and Heritage was going to focus on producing quality designer ranges at prices that were affordable. This was the only option to penetrate this market place, to show we were serious about great design and committed to giving retailers the edge.” Heritage’s commitment didn’t falter and during 2018 the business launched four more unique ranges, which included Skien, a timeless Scandinavian collection that suits contemporary tastes and just so happens to
Wardley
“THE GOAL IS TO CONTINUE TO EXCEL IN PRODUCING GREAT INNOVATIVE DESIGNS , WHILST HAVING A BUSINESS MODEL TO SUPPORT ALL RETAILERS TO ENSURE THEY ENJOY HIGH MARGINS.” be the company’s current bestseller. “Retailers once again reacted positively to the ranges,” Saeed said. “More retailers came on board, some of whom are Minerva members. On asking them why they chose Heritage as opposed to others, they said it was the combination of great design and great price. Many retailers were positioning the
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collections to be sold as designer furniture. As a result, they were benefitting from higher margins.” Being part of Minerva The final part of the five-step strategy was achieved at the back end of last year when Heritage Furniture was invited to be part of the Minerva group. Saeed explained: “It was after a successful January Furniture Show in 2018 that the goal of becoming a Minerva member came to fruition. In December 2018 this dream became a reality and the team at Minerva welcomed Heritage into the group. Four months in and the number of Minerva members who have become Heritage customers hasmore than doubled. It’s been an overwhelming success story so far for us.” Along this journey, Heritage has taken each opportunity to showcase its products to the industry and has enjoyed high volumes of success at mainstream tradeshows, including both the January and Manchester furniture shows. Following its attendance at Minerva, Heritage can next be seen during the Manchester Furniture Show in July and then again at the Autumn Furniture Show later this year in October. For now, Saeed and Heritage will embrace what Minerva has to offer and continue on its journey of ‘great design’. “Minerva definitely played a part in changing the focus of Heritage in a good way,” Saeed said, concluding: “The goal now is to continue to excel in producing great innovative designs, whilst having a business model to support all retailers to ensure they enjoy high margins.”
w www.heritagefurnitureuk.com
Sedona
10th May 2019 | 17
F E A T U R E |C L E R K E N W E L L D E S I G N W E E K BottleHouse design
Decade of
As Clerkenwell Design Week celebrates 10 years, Cabinet Maker looks at what to expect to see during the three-day event. This year sees Clerkenwell Design Week celebrate its 10th edition, taking up residency in one of London’s key hubs for design and architecture. Set across three days, 21st to 23rd May, CDW is the annual focus for London’s leading design district. Exploring the festival programme reveals that it will be hosting hundreds of showrooms, fringe events, talks, workshops and installations.
CDW PRESENTS For CDW Presents 10-year anniversary, expect exciting street spectacles, including Once Upon A Time in collaboration with UAL (University of the Arts London), in partnership with Landsdown’s London, which takes inspiration from the rich and sometimes dark historical tales of Clerkenwell. For this initiative, CDW has collaborated with BA Graphic Design Communication students at Chelsea College of Arts to create a series of graphic installations inspired by the stories relating to significant locations. In conjunction with the project, Lansdown’s London will be hosting historical walking tours during CDW, exploring its past as a centre of making, from clock-makers to gin distillers. CDW will also present Decade, a dramatic trail of 10, three-metre high candle-like beacons designed by pioneers within the creative industry, as well as confirmed 10th May 2019 | 18
CONVERSATIONS AT CLERKENWELL
collaborations with brands such as Hakwood and Parkside. The installations, symbolic of birthday candles, will also form part of CDW’s wayfinding strategy to help guide visitors across the exhibition route whilst playfully celebrating CDW as the UK’s leading independent design festival.
COMMUNITY PROJECTS For its fourth year, Scale Rule is back, engaging students from around London to create a concept that inspires visitors to take a moment and look up, by creating an arch within an arch in the historical location of St John’s Arch. This year’s winning concept plays with the idea of space and enclosure. The design proposes a densely-built timber structure that will be inserted within the void of the archway, with openings ‘carved’ away to allow a route through. The structure is filled with moments of colour that intensify towards the top of the arch, drawing the gaze of visitors upwards. This colour is created by using recycled materials and fabrics.
For CDW’s 10th anniversary, the Talks will take place in the Moth Pavilion. A vast canopy of recycled fabric will evoke the wings of a moth hovering over Spa Fields Park, as though a giant winged-creature has temporarily alighted among the trees. Conversations at Clerkenwell, curated by Katie Richardson, brings to life topics of the day, with leading and emerging designers, architects, thought leaders and creative institutes. Highlights for 2019 include a workplace panel, including Sebastian Wrong and Erwan Bouroullec, in conjunction with Established & Son’s installation for CDW, discussing how good design can shape the workplace of the future. Benjamin Hubert joins Max Fraser for a chat on his latest collaborations across the CDW event. New London Architecture showcases some outstanding work for an ongoing public housing project, including a submission by Alison Morris Architects, and the talk will be chaired by Ben Derbyshire, the president of RIBA. OnOffice will host a panel session of design-innovators making a difference to wellness in the workplace.
FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK
POP-UP SHOWROOMS AND WORKSPACES There will be a plethora of exciting pop-up showrooms and workspaces during the festival. Established & Sons will take up residency in Fora to launch four new designs, including The GRID SOFA by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec, the KD TABLE and BEAM TABLE by Konstantin Grcic, and the LUCIO CHAIR by Sebastian Wrong. KI, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of workplace and education furniture, will take over an architectural gem in the centre of the festival site. The pop-up showroom at the landmark Paxton Locher House on Clerkenwell Green will be transformed into ‘KI House’ for the launch of several new UK-designed and manufactured products.
SHOWROOMS Integral to the festival are the local resident design showrooms, many of whom partner with CDW. An abundance of new showrooms will arrive in Clerkenwell, including Optelma, Vescom, Fredericia, Workstories, Duravit, Abstracta, Piemme Industrie Ceramiche S.P.A., Haiken Ltd, Savile Row Projects, Parkside, JPMA Global and Sven, with the latter to present 10 new stylish workplace solutions. Motivation for this British manufacturer’s ‘Ten from Sven’ lies in increasing demand from the Architecture, Design and Fit-out sectors for high-quality, design-led soft seating and collaborative furniture. New Clerkenwell resident, Fredericia, will officially launch new pieces by Jens Risom, a Danish American designer, in the UK for the first time during CDW. Following on from participating in Light last year, award-winning British luxury lighting brand Bert Frank will open its first showroom in EC1.
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Parkside, the design-led tile specification company, will be launching Sequel by Alusid, a sustainable range featuring 98% recycled content. The topic of sustainable design will form the focus of a series of activities at its new showroom site in Clerkenwell. Danish carpet brand Ege will showcase new additions to its Industrial Landscape collection, created in collaboration with world-renowned interior designer Tom Dixon, who will also be speaking about his design philosophy in the space.
EXHIBITIONS CDW’s exhibitions are hosted in distinctive spaces around the area, linked by a route running through the centre of EC1. There are seven exhibitions, each with a different focus, ranging from international design, to emerging talent, lighting, luxury interiors and the best of British design. British Collection Now in its fourth year, British Collection will be located in the Crypt of St James’s Church. Designers from all over the UK will showcase their latest furniture, lighting and product designs within this historically-rich space, showcasing craft techniques, quality materials and design excellence. West & Reid, Brixton-based cabinet makers, will be making their debut at the British Collection, showcasing some of their most popular materials and design styles, all made with sustainability in mind. Benchmark, the powerhouse of British craft, will be presenting new collections, whilst iconic British design brand ercol will be showcasing new collections for the first time at CDW. Wiltshire-based company Forest to Maker will be presenting a selection of hand-crafted wooden furniture that embraces Nature’s imperfections. »
From top, Pandora Chairs in front of the planet Venus, St James Church entrance designed by Alistair Ramage, and a table designed by Forest to Maker
John & Sylvia Reid S-Range sideboard by Nathan Furniture 10th May 2019 | 19
F E A T U R E |C L E R K E N W E L L D E S I G N W E E K
Happy Rocker by Sven
Other renowned names in the British furniture industry exhibiting include Hand & Eye Studio, Pluck and Nathan Furniture, with the latter presenting a return of the John & Sylvia Reid S-Range. The Reids were among the pioneers of the mid-century movement, having worked with icons such as Robin and Lucienne Day. The S-Range has been reissued to their original 1960s designs by their son, Dominic Reid, and Nicholas Radford, son of the original manufacturer and managing director of Nathan Furniture. The range has 13 stylish, ergonomic dining pieces using quality teak veneers and features such as v-shaped metal legs. Design Fields Situated at the northern end of Clerkenwell, Design Fields will host a busy hub, showcasing leading furniture, textiles and product design from all around the world, from kitchens to bathrooms to the workplace. Thonet will celebrate 100 years of Bauhaus at CDW with new interpretations of the side table series MR 515 by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Danish company, True North Designs,
Not Another Chair
revolutionary MOVE IT system, whilst Danish design brand Ebb & Flow will showcase colourful lamps in natural materials and the spectacular crystal pendant, Smykke. Other exhibitors include Graypants, John Hollington Design, Lomas Furniture, Syska and ARKKI by Lovi. will be presenting its new Regatta chair for the first time to a British audience. Other exhibiting companies include Wagner, from Germany; La Cividina, and Tacchini from Italy; and Bute Fabrics from Scotland, all displaying innovation and clever use of technology in their designs. Light Back by popular demand, Light will showcase the top international lighting brands located within the brick vaults of Fabric, the former cold-store turned nightclub. Exhibitors include Belgium-based company Wever Ducre, which creates trendsetting lighting systems. Established in 2015, Swedish design brand Pholc will be showcasing lighting in collaboration with talented designers, each sharing the Scandinavian aesthetic. Austrian-based company XAL will present its
Elements, Detail, Platform and Project Elements bring together a leading selection of ironmongery, hardware, switch plates and architectural accessories within a streetmarket style pavilion on St John’s Square, whilst Detail reflects principles of fine craftsmanship and high glamour, showcasing the most prestigious names in luxury interiors. Hosted within the subterranean depths of The House of Detention, Platform showcases exciting up-and-coming design talent in the historic surroundings of this former remand prison. This is a rare opportunity for the public to explore part of London’s infamous history. Launched in 2016, Project’s first outing was so successful it was extended to cover two linked pavilions for Clerkenwell Design Week 2017 and will be even bigger for 2019. Set in the Garden of St James within the beautiful grounds of Clerkenwell’s parish church, Project brings together a leading selection of flooring companies, as well as workplace collections and an upholstered seating section. Last year CDW welcomed more than 34,000 visitors from 73 countries, capturing over 65,000 business leads — an uplift of 14% on 2017. With the 10-year milestone set to draw in another high attendance, the festival is set to be the best yet. See you there.
w www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com
PRODUCT PROMOTION|SHERBORNE
Malham
Virginia
The recently-introduced Virginia recliner/suite range offers superb comfort in a choice of Small and Standard sizes. The new Malham riser recliner is also proving to be extremely popular in both leather and soft covers. Offered in four sizes, with a choice of Dark Beech or Light Oak knuckles, this and all other riser recliners can be sold with the exciting new optional Lumbar Adjustment, which is also proving to be extremely popular. The 32 new upholstery fabrics have been exceptionally well received and the new sprung mattresses have added considerably to the appeal of the Adjustable Bed range.
w www.sherborneupholstery.co.uk
Optional Lumbar Adjustment
Dorchester 10th May 2019 | 21
CLASSIFIED
TO ADVERTISE A JOB PLEASE CONTACT SHARON RICKERSEY Q 01623 372213 m SHARON@CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK
IT′S TIME FOR A NEW AGENCY We are looking for an Agency that enjoys working with contemporary, mid-market furniture and has experience in serving online and/or multi-channel retailers.
For more Information see www.mygermania.com/en/agency.html
GERMANIA - We are different.
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
10th May 2019 | 22
Supported by
Boss Design Group
A
Dudley, DY2 8SZ www.bossdesign.com
A By Andre
www.abyandre.com
Halton Hills, ON L7G 4R9 www.brc.group
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
Airsprung
Staverton, BA14 8RQ www.airsprungbeds.co.uk
01225 754411
Alpha Designs Upholstery Bilston, WV14 7HZ
01902 492937
Alstons Upholstery
Colchester, CO2 9JU www.alstons.co.uk
Cheltenham, GL50 1TY www.amaresearch.co.uk
Aquaclean Fabrics
www.aquaclean.com
Archers Sleepcentre
0141 892 0308
Ashley Manor
01384 486800
Association of Independent Stores
Solihull, B90 4LF www.aistores.co.uk
+90 (212) 549 20 60
B London, SW10 0XE www.bakerfurniture.com Northallerton, DL7 8UB www.barkershome.co.uk
020 7823 3612
Matera (Italy) www.caliaitalia.com
Carpenter Ltd
Glossop, SK13 6LE https://carpenter.com/uk/en
01457 861141
Purfleet, RM19 1TT www.carpetright.co.uk
0330 333 3444
Leicester, LE3 1TH www.cimchome.com
0116 287 5288
Charltons Furniture
Midsomer Norton, BA3 4BS www.charltonsfurniture.co.uk
020 3058 2751
Cleland McIver
Rochdale, OL16 4NG www.clelandmciver.co.uk
01706 374431
Clockwork Components
Witney, OX29 0YN www.clockworkcomponents.com
01993 775 767
D
Dewsbury, WF13 3RD www.thefurniturebazaar.com
Windsor, SL4 1DP www.danielstores.co.uk
01753 801000
Decorative Panels
01484 658341
London www.decorex.com
020 7921 8275
Design Guild Mark 01609 776 667
London, EC2N 2HE www.designguildmark.org.uk
020 7562 8520
DFS
Bazaar
0333 7721242
Doncaster, DN6 7NA www.dfs.co.uk
01302 573 200
Dickinsons Furnishers
Beales
01202 552022
Chorley, PR7 2ST www.dickinsonschorley.com
01257 262141
Dreams
Belfield Furnishings
01159 071700
Mansfield, NG18 1HA www.dreams.co.uk
0800 652 5090
Dura Beds
Bensons for Beds
0333 222 6800
Batley, WF17 6PB www.durabeds.co.uk
01924 422 537
Duvalay
Betta Living
Oldham, OL9 7TH www.bettaliving.co.uk
Calia Trade SPA
Decorex International
Barkers Home
Mansfield, NG18 1HA www.bensonsforbeds.co.uk
C
Elland, HX5 9HF www.decorativepanels.co.uk
Baker Furniture
Ilkeston, DE7 5EP www.thebelfieldgroup.com
01244 812628
Daniel Stores
Aydin Tekstil Ticaret
Bournemouth, BH1 1LJ www.beales.co.uk
Connah’s Quay, CH5 4DP www.brownsfurniture.co
Ceramic Import and Manufacturing Company
01793 612660
Dudley, DY2 0RL www.ashleymanor.co.uk
01629 823680
Browns
01242 235724
Arc Lighting & Design
Glasgow, G52 4BN www.archerssleepcentre.co.uk
Ilkeston, DE7 5EP www.breasley.co.uk
Carpetright
07779 597040
Swindon, SN1 3BH www.arc-lighting.co.uk
0905 873 8509
Breasley
01206 733300
AMA Research
Istanbul (Turkey) www.aydintekstil.com
01384 455570
BRC
0800 083 1127
Gomersal, BD19 4HX www.duvalay.co.uk
01274 877200
Dwell
BFM
Long Eaton, NG10 4QD www.bfm.org.uk
01332 321 827
BIID
London, EC2A 4PE www.biid.org.uk
0207 6280255
Norfolk, NR17 1N3 www.boconcept.com
E
Ekornes
020 7462 0440
ercol
Princes Risborough, HP27 9PX www.ercol.com
Bodyease
0800 046 99 01
Bolia.com
Aarhus (Denmark) www.bolia.com
0345 675 9090
London, EC1N 6TE www.ekornes.co.uk
BoConcept
Dewsbury, WF12 9AH www.bodyease.co.uk
London, SE1 0SW www.dwell.co.uk
+45 51502110
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
F +90 224 241 69 00 www.boyteks.com OSB. 8. Cad. No: 60, 38070, Kayseri, Turkey
Findel Education Ltd
Accrington, BB5 4EE www.findel-education.co.uk
03451 203 603
»
10th May 2019 | 23
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 FIRA International Stevenage, SG1 2EW www.fira.co.uk
01438 777 700 +48 29 64 42 222 01384 408844 020 3348 9829
Furniture Choice
Mirfield, WF14 9DQ www.furniturechoice.co.uk
0800 035 0070
Furniture Link
Telford, TF1 7AD www.furniturelinkuk.co.uk
01952 604960 020 72565558
0800 804 8879
Furniture World
Newquay, TR7 2HS www.furnitureworld.co.uk
Melksham, SN12 6GN www.hermanmiller.com
01209 210080
G
Chepstow, NP16 6UN www.gfa.uk.com
01291 645080
Elgin, IV30 8QN www.grampianfurnishers.com
01343 813271
Greenwood Retail
Knutsford, WA16 6EN www.greenwoodretail.com
HSL
01924 486902
Hydeline Furniture
Milton Keynes, MK12 6HS www.hydeline.co.uk
01908 968228
Hyder Beds
Gresham
Bolton, BL6 4SA www.officefurnitureonline.co.uk
0333 7777 575
01844 348200
0344 499 4686
Hammonds www.hammonds-uk.com
0800 021 4363
Harrison Spinks Leeds, LS11 5SB www.harrisonspinks.co.uk
0113 205 5200
Harry Corry
Belfast, BT17 9GX www.harrycorry.com
028 9060 6801
www.harveynorman.com
Harveys
www.harveysfurniture.co.uk
0344 372 1000
Headlam
Birmingham, B46 1LW www.headlam.com 10th May 2019 | 24
01675 433000
Telford, TF3 3BQ www.thelia.org.uk 020 7739 5561
London Fabric Show
Long Eaton, NG10 4QD www.londonfabricshow.uk
01332 321827
M
Iconography
Ilminster, TA19 9DN www.iconography.co.uk
Mammoth
Wallsend, NE28 9NZ www.mammothcomfort.com
Indus Valley Furniture Ltd Nottingham, NG2 4BN www.indusvalley.co.uk
Mason and Pearl
Dudley, DY2 8NT www.masonandpearl.co.uk
Ikea International
www.ikea.com/gb/en Leigh, WN7 2RR www.ism.furniture
Norwich, NR2 1JF www.jarrold.co.uk
0300 030 9915
020 7384 8211
Lancashire, BB4 5JT www.mattresstek.co.uk
0333 577 5773
01603 660661 01706 877877
07891 506241
Matza
Dewsbury www.matza.co.uk
01924 458699
Metro Wardrobes and Kitchens
London, HA9 0LB www.metrowardrobes.co.uk 0203 4883347
Millbrook Beds
Kaymed
+353 45 484 300
023 8086 6111 www.millbrook-beds.co.uk
Minerva Furnishers Guild
KBSA
01623 818808
Corsham, SN13 0HN www.minervafurnishers.co.uk
01225 444204
MPT Group
Kelston House
Foxrock www.kelstonhouse.com
49 5401 852-0
Mattressman Mattresstek
K Mansfield, NG19 8R www.kbsa.org.uk
Germany www.wiemann-online.com/en Norfolk, NR14 8SQ www.mattressman.co.uk
JJOplc
Bacup, OL13 0EA www.jjoplc.com
0116 4422363
Mathias Wiemann GmbH & Co KG
J
Dublin www.kaymed.co.uk
Harvey Norman
LIA
Long Eaton Guild
Jarrold & Son
London, W1T 7PJ www.habitat.co.uk/furniture
Greengates, BD10 9TQ www.lectra.com/en
Luxury Furniture Manufacturers www.longeatonguild.co.uk
London, SW6 3JW januaryfurnitureshow.com
Habitat
01724 281381
Lectra
London, E1 6QR www.londondesignfair.co.uk
January Furniture Show
H
Scunthorpe, DN16 3RN www.lebus.co.uk
London Design Fair
Dewsbury, WF13 1EN www.hyderbedsltd.com
ISM Networks Furniture 01565 650101
03332 008 009
Lebus Upholstery 0161 681 5678
01382 477281
Grampian Furnishers
Newtown, SY16 1DZ www.lauraashley.com
+49 30 20 38 99 66
Gillies
Global Furniture Alliance
01254 265883
01924 406600
Housing Units
Princes Risborough, HP27 9RS www.hypnosbeds.com
01284 752804
Blackburn, BB1 2BX www.lanzet.co.uk
Home24
www.gallerydirect.co.uk Sittingbourne, ME10 3RN 01795 439159
Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3TU www.glasswells.co.uk
L
Highgrove
Hypnos
Glasswells
01344 771653
Laura Ashley 0845 226 9776
I Dundee, DD5 2AJ www.gillies.co.uk
Crowthorne, RG45 6LS www.en.kobe.eu
01536 444960
Lanzet 01254 660777
Herman Miller
www.hslchairs.com
Furniture Village
Slough, SL1 4DX www.furniturevillage.co.uk
Blackburn, BB1 1TJ www.heritagefurnitureuk.com
Failsworth, M35 9BA www.housingunits.co.uk
02380 517067
069 7575-0
Heritage Furniture
Berlin (Germany) www.home24.com
Furniture to Go
Portsmouth, PO3 5QD www.furniture-to-go.co.uk
01268 745421
Heimtextil
Liversedge, WF15 6QA www.highgrovebeds.co.uk
Furniture Makers
London, EC2N 2HE www.furnituremakers.org.uk
Kobe UK
Rotherham, S66 9HU www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com
Furnico
London, E12 6SJ www.furnico.co.uk
Heico
Corby, NN17 4JN www.kettleinteriorsagencies.com
Hockley, SS5 4AD www.heico-fasteners.co.uk
Furmanac
Kingswinford, DY6 7FF www.furmanac.com
Kettle Interiors
Rotherham, S66 9HU www.healthbeds.co.uk
Forte Furniture
Warsaw ww2.forte.com.pl
Health Beds
353 404 80068
Bacup, OL13 9RW www.mptgroup.com
01706 878 558
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 Rowico
N
Calne, SN11 9BN www.rowico.co.uk
N Brown Group
0161 236 8256
Nathan Furniture Group
Wensley, DL8 4HS www.nathanfurniture.co.uk
Lancashire, BB1 5JJ www.royams.net
Skipton, BD23 1NL 01756 799 950
Italy www.natuzzi.co.uk
0039 080 8820488
Cwmtillery, Abertillery, NP13 1LZ www.sassyhome.co.uk 0115 943 8980
Guildford, GU1 3DU www.natuzzi.co.uk
01483 306 280
0161 873 8333
Nolte Möebel
Bury, BL9 8RN www.nolte-mobel.co.uk
0161 767 8244
www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk
Oliver & Sons
www.oliverandsonsuk.com
Oliver Bonas
www.oliverbonas.com
01724 281888 0800 083 0683 020 8974 3332
Serene
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
0333 123 0892
Simba 0115 951 9512
0121 389 4262
01623 441886
01509 235236
www.simmons.com
0177 0512 7700
Skovby Mobelfabrik A/S Denmark www.skovby.com
01945 461361
Bolton, BL3 2NZ www.sofasbysaxon.com
020 8731 0020
Godalming, GU7 1EY www.sofaworkshop.com
Sofa.com
R
www.sofa.com/gb
Netherlands www.vitatalalay.com
Co. Louth, Ireland www.sofahouse.ie
RJ Binnie
Sopha 0116 284 9063
Highbridge, TA9 3AE www.sopha.co.uk
353 42 935 1950
01278 557755
Staingard
Recticel
017738 38800
Waverton, CH3 7PD www.staingard.co.uk
01244 888658
Steinhoff (International)
Relyon
Stellenbosch, (South Africa) www.steinhoffinternational.co.uk 27218080700
Wellington, TA21 8NN https://relyon.co.uk
Swaffer
Peterborough, PE2 6WQ www.swaffer.co.uk
ROM Sofas
+32 87 59 59 59
Lexington (USA) www.tempursealy.com
01733 371727
800.805.3635
Tetrad
Preston, PR1 5PQ www.tetrad.co.uk
01772 792936
The Cotswold Company Norwich, NR1 3PA www.cotswoldco.com
0333 200 1725
The Furniture Ombudsman (TFO) Stevenage, SG1 2AD thefurnitureombudsman.org
0333 241 3209
The Good Sleep Company
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
01204 368413
Treske
Thirsk, YO7 4LX www.treske.co.uk
01845 522770
U Mansfield Woodhouse, NG19 9AL www.unitedcarpetsandbeds.com
01623 428481
V
01204 368413
0345 400 2222
353 42 935 1351
Tempur Sealy
VIDA Living
Sofahouse Importers Ltd
Radium Foam
Louth, BT35 8PX www.tcsimports.com
0121 773 6669
0808 159 9679
01689 886888
TCS Imports
Victoria Plc
Sofa Workshop
Protect-A-Bed
Orpington, BR6 0PH www.tapi.co.uk
Vi Spring
Sofa by Saxon
Pike Textiles
Tapi Carpets
45 87 54 55 00
Slumberdream
Birmingham, B11 2NR www.slumberdream.co.uk
Burnley, BB10 1SH www.sweetdreamsuk.com 01282 830033
United Carpets
London, SW1E 6QT www.simbasleep.com
Simmons Bedding Group
Pickworth Furnishings
Belgium www.romsofas.co.uk
0121 505 0270
Sherborne Upholstery
Barnoldswick, BB18 6BJ www.silentnight.co.uk
Perfect Home
Loughborough, LE11 3HB www.pickworthfurnishing.co.uk
016973 20342
Silentnight
Park Lane Bedding
Huthwaite, NG17 2HW www.perfecthome.co.uk
Aspatria, CA7 2AS www.sealy.co.uk
Clayton, BD14 6LT www.sherborneupholstery.co.uk 01274 882633
P Birmingham, B8 1AG www.parklanebeds.co.uk
0115 943 8980
Sealy UK
www.sharps.co.uk
0800 440 2254
Paragon Interiors
Nottingham, NG8 6PX www.paragonplc.com
0208 8384838
Sharps
Oldrids and Downtown Scunthorpe, DN15 6SU www.oldrids.co.uk
Nottingham, NG2 3GZ www.scs.co.uk
West Bromwich, B70 0TX www.serene.co.uk
O Oak Furniture Land
London, NW10 6UD www.savoirbeds.com
SCS
Neville Johnson
Stretford, M17 1RW www.nevillejohnson.co.uk
01536 410000
Savoir
NCF Furnishings
Somercotes, DE55 4RD www.recticel.com
0800 14 13 786
Sassy Home
Rothwell, NN16 8SD www.satra.com
02393 873 170
T
Satra Technology Centre
Natuzzi
Leicester, LE8 6LH www.rjbinnie.co.uk
01254 665228
Sareer
Dewsbury, WF12 9AH www.sareerfurniture.co.uk
Hampshire, PO7 7XY www.swanretail.co.uk
Sweet Dreams
S www.bedfed.org.uk
London, NW2 1LJ www.protectabed.co.uk
01249 821 748
Royams Upholstery
Manchester, M60 6ES www.nbrown.co.uk
Wisbech, PE13 2RS www.pike-textiles.com
Swan Retail
Plymouth, PL5 2TT www.vispring.com/en-uk
01752 366311
Kidderminster, DY10 1JR www.victoriaplc.com
01562 749610
Stockport, SK3 0XT www.vidaliving.com
Vitsoe
353 (0) 42 933 7044
London, W1U 3ED www.vitsoe.com
Vogue Beds
Barwell, LE9 8GZ www.voguebeds.co.uk
01455 841257
W Walker Greenbank
Denham, UB9 4DX www.walkergreenbank.com
Wayfair
0203 457 5862
www.wayfair.co.uk
Westbridge
Greenfield, CH8 7FF www.westbridgefurniture.com
01352 714131
Dorset, DT1 1HN www.woods-furniture.co.uk
01305 262666
Woods Furniture
10th May 2019 | 25
LAST WORD DAVID REDFERN, TAX PREPARATION SPECIALIST AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF DSR TAX CLAIMS LTD Investigate Tax Relief Eligibility
“MANY SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES ARE UNAWARE OF THE TAX RELIEF OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO THEM.“
Many small and medium-sized businesses are unaware of the tax relief options available to them, potentially missing out on tax breaks that could make them more competitive in a challenging market. This is a guide to the tax reliefs available to SMEs (small and medium enterprises) to increase awareness of the methods by which businesses can improve their profitability and increase their chances of long-term success and growth. Capital Allowances, and in particular the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA), are available to all businesses using traditional accounting methods rather than cash basis accounting. AIA allows businesses to deduct the full value of asset purchases from profits before tax. Most plant, machinery and business apparatus is eligible for this relief, with the exception of business cars and other assets that were either owned prior to the business start-up or were gifted to the business, although these might still be eligible for writing down allowances, which allows a business to deduct a percentage of the asset value from the profits for each year. Utilising your capital allowances efficiently is essential for making your business tax-efficient. The AIA amount was temporarily increased by the government to £1 million between 1st January 2019 and 31st December 2020, with the intention of stimulating business investment in the UK economy. Writing down allowances on business cars are dependent on their CO2 emissions. In addition, smaller businesses can make use of Employment Allowance to lower Class 1 National Insurance bills by £3,000 per year, via their payroll software, and may also be eligible for Small Business Rates Relief, which is available for business properties with a rateable value of less than £15,000. This operates on a sliding scale with no business rates applicable for business properties with a rateable value of less than
FIRA INTERZUM PEOPLE BEHIND THE PRODUCTS
£12,000, and then rising on a sliding scale up to £15,000. Business rates relief is usually only available to businesses with only one business property. As well as the universal areas of tax relief, there are a number of industry specific tax reliefs that may be open to your business depending on its nature. R&D Relief is available to research and development projects working towards innovation on science and technology, with SME R&D Relief particularly relevant to small businesses. Whilst these tax reliefs won’t be available for all businesses, if your small business is within one of the qualifying fields — whether science, technology, or creative fields — there can be considerable deductions made for qualifying costs and expenditure so it is worth investigating. For those businesses who are looking at their finance options, a form of venture capital scheme known as a Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) is available for companies with less than 25 employees and who have less than £200,000 in assets, which have been trading for less than two years. While the SEIS isn’t a tax relief as such for the business, due to the tax relief it offers to investors, it can be a great way for new businesses to attract investment. During challenging trading times, applying the full range of tax reliefs available to a business will aid the success of the business.
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