Cabinet Maker 19th April 2019

DESIGN

MANUFACTURE

RETAIL

A look at some of the key concepts that you can expect to see during next month’s interzum trade show.

Specialist machinery supplier MattressTek talks about their ongoing success and continued growth.

Steinhoff UK’s chief digital and information officer Chily Fachler sits in the CM hot seat.

19th april 2019 £3.75 l

first issue: 1st July 1880

Carpenter

cabinet-maker.co.uk

dAn sQuIRes

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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Issue no 6115 published by Information Publications Ltd, Suite 15 Brunts Business Centre, Samuel Brunts Way, Mansfield, NG18 2AH

As the leading voice in the furniture industry to help raise awareness of the importance of apprenticeships, it is important to consider the other side of the fence. As previously highlight in several editorials so far, the manufacturing sector has accelerated its capacity to accommodate more apprenticeships. But what about retail?

The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has stepped up its game on shining a brighter light on how this sector can improve with the organisation’s help.

As the UK’s largest private sector employer, the retail industry is committed to equipping its colleagues with skills for the future.

However, many retailers have struggled to find high quality courses relevant to the retail industry to maximise their return on the Apprenticeship Levy. That’s why the BRC have partnered with Leeds Business School, part of Leeds Beckett University, and Corndel to bring the industry apprenticeships that will equip students with the blend of industry knowledge, and practical, relevant experience they will need to capitalise on the opportunities created by a dynamic retail industry. Cabinet Maker explores this area further in next week’s issue.

With a focus on this week, Cabinet Maker catches up with Radium Foam, MattressTek, Carrylift and Carpenter on their latest developments, as well as an exclusive Q&A with new Bensons for Beds and Harveys digital guru Chily Fachler, who talks about the company’s ongoing investment in technology

and future plans with augmented reality (AR).

Not stopping there, Cabinet Maker explores what to expect to see at the upcoming industry event interzum, whilst taking an in-depth look at how licensing can boost exports through a dedicated feature with Broadbrand. To conclude the issue, the head buyer at Bensons for Beds shares an insight into current bed trends and how the retailer is meeting consumer demand.

Taking a sneak peak at next week, Cabinet Maker brings you more on apprenticeships, as mentioned earlier, the next in our series of People Behind the Products, a special focus at a long-serving upholstery manufacturer — currently celebrating a major milestone year — and a preview ahead of the highly respected Spring Long Point edition.

As you can see there is plenty of positivity surrounding our industry. With uncertainty said to continue in the months ahead (I’m not saying the B-word), one thing that is certain is the continuous hard work that goes on across the furniture industry. As the saying goes, ‘keep calm and carry on’.

Dan Squires Editor

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ON THE COVER CARPENTER

TRADE ASSOCIATION MEMBER

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w www.carpenter.com

The

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Made in the UK

InsIde ThIs week’s Issue

06

NEWS

feATuRes WORLD OF COMFORT

22

Carpenter creates ‘world of comfort’ at interzum 2019.

BROADEN YOUR BRAND

A look at some of the key concepts that you can expect to see during next month’s interzum trade show.

24

Jeremy Waller, co-founder at Broadbrand, talks about the benefits of licensing in Asia.

TEK MATTERS

26

MattressTek talks about their ongoing success and continued growth.

ROUND OPEN CELLS

30

CREATIVE CONCEPTS

32

SLEEPING EASY

Carrylift shares an insight into its processes through a case study with Silentnight.

IN THE HOT SEAT WITH…

34

Steinhoff UK, owner of Bensons for Beds and Harveys, chief digital and information officer Chily Fachler sits in the CM hot seat.

28

Vita Talalay shares the technical process behind its natural latex bedding products.

LAST WORD

42

32

Pam Johnson, head of buying at Bensons for Beds, has the Last Word.

26

30

news

foR fuLL sToRIes And dAILY news updATes:

NEWS IN BRIEF LIQuIdATIon

Independent furniture retailer Furniture Homestore has entered liquidation. Simon Blakey, of Connect Insolvency Limited, was appointed as liquidator of Furniture Home Store Blaydon Limited, trading as Furniture Homestore, on 8 March 2019. It is understood that the business will run a £1.25m closing down sale until Bank Holiday Monday on 22 April 2019.

Highly Commended

Yorkshire-based fitted furniture Daval Furniture has scooped the ‘Highly Commended’ award at Made in Yorkshire Awards 2019. Daval was recognised with the accolade in the ‘Manufacturing Innovation Award’ category and was rewarded for its exclusive Option-i production technology, with its latest update to hit UK customers in summer 2019.

UK growth

The UK division of Americanbased furniture maker HOWE has reported a significant growth in turnover as profit more than quadrupled. According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31 December 2018, total sales rose 42.8% to £4m, whilst pre-tax profit resulted at £449,613, storming ahead of last year’s £85,413. London-based HOWE UK is a subsidiary of Commercial Furniture Group Inc.

ReTAIL pARk soLd

A retail park containing a number of furniture businesses has been sold for £15m. Lothbury Investment Management has sold Congleton Retail Park in Cheshire to Middlesbrough Council’s Teesside Pension Fund for £15.09m. Retailers at the 64,800sq ft site include beds business Bensons for Beds, furniture firm Laura Ashley, tile retailer Topps Tiles, discount homewares brand B&M and Marks & Spencer.

appointment New LIA scheme New Office interior design and fit The Lighting Industry Association (LIA) and Acal BFi have created a revolutionary Gonio photometry luminaire testing scheme for lighting manufacturers looking to offer efficient 3rd party accredited luminaire performance testing.

The scheme is understood to radically speed up the product testing process, whilst validating photometric measurements such as lumen per watts and related performance claims.

19th April 2019 | 06

out firm Claremont Group Interiors has announced the appointment of Rebecca Garton as its new national key account manager.

Rebecca joins Claremont from Paragon Interiors Group in Nottingham, which went into administration back in February 2019. Rebecca will focus on supporting the management of Claremont’s key accounts and developing long term partnerships with clients.

ReTAIL

Furniture boss jailed The boss of a discount furniture store has been jailed after being found guilty of tax fraud.

Anthony Whitehead, of Bostock Hall in Middlewich, Cheshire, and owner of Warehouse Prestwich, lied on his tax returns to ensure that he paid almost no VAT, despite his business sales being £2,229,197.

Mr Whitehead was caught after HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officers analysed his company records and found that he had dishonestly declared identical sales and purchases on his VAT returns between May 2011 and August 2016, paying just £205 in VAT over five years.

Appearing before Chester Crown Court on 4 April 2019, Mr Whitehead pleaded guilty to VAT fraud, which totalled to £150,440, and was sentenced to two years and four months in prison.

In a press statement, Tim Atkins, assistant director from the Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “Whitehead was doing very well from his business but he chose to be greedy.

“This was a deliberate and ongoing scam, but we’ve pulled the rug from under his feet and his reputation as an honest businessman is in tatters.

“VAT fraud steals money from vital public services such as schools and hospitals. This money is equivalent to the wages of six trainee firefighters. I urge anyone with information about tax fraud to report it to HMRC online or call our Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.”

w www.gov.uk

MAnufAcTuRe

fuRnIshIngs fIRM ReceIves RoYAL RenewAL Soft furnishings supplier Mitre Linen has been awarded a renewal of Her Majesty The Queen’s Royal Warrant.

Based in Dowlais in Wales, Mitre has proudly held HM The Queen’s Royal Warrant since 1955, and is one of only four Royal Warrant holders in Wales.

The business supplies bed linen, bedding towelling products and soft furnishings to the hospitality industry in the UK and beyond.

“I congratulate the team at Mitre for all their hard work in earning this great honour from the Royal Household of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.” Kate Gough, Mitre Linen general manager, added: “To open up a letter from Buckingham Palace is quite something, and to receive one informing us we have again been granted a Royal Warrant was very exciting.

“Our team here in Wales work so hard to ensure we meet the high levels of quality and service required to earn this honour, so we are really proud to be recognised in this way.”

w www.mitrelinen.co.uk

WWW.Cabinet-maker.Co.uk

desIgn

ISM specialise in UPHOLSTERY REPAIRS SERVICE CONTRACT

SYSTEM & ANALYSIS

CABINET

EXPERT CRAFTSMEN

SERVICE CONTRACT

SYSTEM & ANALYSIS

SERVICE CONTRACT

SYSTEM & ANALYSIS

CABINET

EXPERT CRAFTSMEN

SERVICE CONTRACT

SYSTEM & ANALYSIS

CABINET

A network of over 100 highly skilled independent furniture repair technicians and expert craftsmen covering the UK and Eire.

EXPERT CRAFTSMEN

JOB MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SERVICE CONTRACT

SYSTEM & ANALYSIS

“Our design had to be 100% true to the quality Sonos stands for, without any compromises. At the same time, we wanted to create something completely new.”

CABINET

EXPERT CRAFTSMEN

BEDS & MATTRESSES

UPHOLSTERY

“The lamp-speaker partly springs from the idea of the fireplace – one single piece that spreads warm light as well as sound.

Bed Repairs e.g. broken frames, replacing tufts and resewing damaged stitching, mattress settlement reporting, repairs to mechanisms that drive riser beds and repairs to the lifting mechanisms to TV beds.

EXPERT CRAFTSMEN BEDS & MATTRESSES

UPHOLSTERY

Commenting on the partnership, Iina Vuorivirta, one of the designers of SYMFONISK lamp-speaker at IKEA of Sweden, said: “We knew from the start that we wanted to challenge the traditional high-tech aesthetics.

MATTRESS INSPECTIONS & BEDS REPAIRS BEDS & MATTRESSES

The aim of the collection is to produce furniture that blends into the home in a new way, making it easier to furnish with sound.

Cabinet Repairs e.g. scratches, heat marks, water marks and structural repairs for solid wood, veneers, foil and laminated surfaces.

CABINET

UPHOLSTERY

The SYMFONISK range includes the SYMFONISK table lamp with WiFi speaker and the SYMFONISK book-shelf with WiFi speaker. Both products are compatible with Sonos own product range and can be steered through the Sonos app.

EXPERT CRAFTSMEN

Swedish furniture giant IKEA and sound expert Sonos has entered into a new partnership to launch a collaborative collection.

CABINET REPAIRS BEDS & MATTRESSES

UPHOLSTERY

Furniture retailer forms sound partnership

BEDS & MATTRESSES

UPHOLSTERY

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.

• Very easy to use and navigate to ensure complete transparency • Craftsmen contact number and address details provided on every job submitted

Tad Toulis, vice president of design at Sonos, said: “Sound is a powerful part of our identity – whether it’s hearing your baby’s laughter or listening to that 80s hit your mom loved, it is a deeply emotional part of all our lives.

• Can be customised to meet your specific needs e.g. you can use your own fault codes, ISM fault codes or both

“This partnership has always been about our two companies’ shared passion, values and knowledge. IKEA and Sonos recognize the importance of great sound and its potential to positively affect life at home for the many people.

• Email notifications will update you as the status of each job progresses

• Allows you to upload images/specification documents for our craftsmen to access

• System access 24/7

“We set out to create products neither of us would or could develop independently. To this end, since music and light are both instrumental in creating a sense of place, we developed a product that can deliver both – the SYMFONISK lamp speaker.”

“Creating atmosphere and convenience are central in the creation of the IKEA Home Smart concept, and the SYMFONISK range are perfectly designed with that in mind. IKEA is always looking for ideas that improve life at home.

“By integrating technology with home furnishing products and solutions we can do that in an even better way”, says Björn Block, business leader for IKEA Home Smart at IKEA of Sweden.

w www.ikea.com

For further information please contact Stephen Black, Managing Director Mob: 07860 928017 Email: stephen.black@ism-networks.co.uk

www.ism-networks.co.uk

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M A NUF A C T U R E

Furniture retailer delivers strong Q3

Brand refresh at furniture manufacturer

Furniture and homewares retailer Dunelm reported a strong third quarter with like-for-like sales growing double-digit.

Leeds-based fitted furniture manufacturer Strachan Furniture Makers has reported another year of consistent turnover.

According to its latest trading update for the 13-week period ended 30 March 2019, total sales rose 6.1% to £284.5m. In-store sales rose 9.8% to £225.9m, with online revenues accelerating by 32.1% to £38.7m. Total like-for-like sales increased 12.5% to £264.6m during the period.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 30 June 2018, total sales remained flat at £6.8m. Pre-tax profit resulted at £437,526, down by 23% compared to its profit of £571,973 recorded last year.

Nick Wilkinson, Dunelm’s chief executive, said: “The strong growth in the third quarter reflects our ongoing focus on attracting more customers to the brand and giving them more reasons to shop with us through great product and service.

Our performance was also buoyed by a positive homewares market.”

Stated within its report, the company said that increased distribution and administration costs impacted operating profit, whilst adding that its new London showroom is due to open this year, which is expected to boost sales.

w www.strachan.co.uk

w www.dunelm.com

M A NUF A C T U R E

DES I GN

Customer experience enhanced Upland Software, Inc., a leader in cloud-based enterprise work management software, has announced a new partnership with Steinhoff to facilitate seamless feedback capture across multiple touchpoints of the customer journey for two of the retail group’s biggest UK brands.

The partnership will see the Rant & Rave fast feedback solution rolled out across Steinhoff’s Bensons for Beds and Harveys Furniture brands, allowing stakeholders to understand how customers feel about their experience in real–time.

JAY-be awarded Manufacturing Guild Mark Folding bed specialist Jay-Be® has been awarded the prestigious Manufacturing Guild Mark from The Furniture Makers’ Company.

Roger Durrans, managing director at Jay-Be®, was presented with the accreditation in Dewsbury on the 26 of March by the Manufacturing Guild Mark chairman Ben Burbidge. (Pictured).

The Manufacturing Guild Mark is awarded to companies that demonstrate high standards across all aspects of their business including manufacturing, design, product quality, marketing, financial stability, commitment to training, employment conditions and sustainability.

Jay-Be® is one of only nineteen companies which currently hold the Guild Mark – joining other businesses such as Harrison Spinks, Bisley, ercol, Hypnos and Wren Kitchens.

Manufacturing Guild Mark chairman Ben Burbidge said: “JayBe® is the latest company to successfully demonstrate its prowess across the eight assessment criteria used to determine whether a company is deserving of a Manufacturing Guild Mark.

Congratulations to the whole team at Jay-Be® who should be incredibly pleased with their achievement.”

The move is the next step in Steinhoff’s mission to put the customer first in everything that it does.

By implementing Rant & Rave, feedback can now be captured and processed more quickly than ever before. These insights can be accessed almost instantaneously from the cloud-based dashboard, enabling Steinhoff to take action to improve the customer experience in the moment and beyond through evidence-based change.

In the short-term, Steinhoff aims to identify the key drivers of customer dissatisfaction in real-time and rapidly resolve them, while the longer-term goal will be to undertake more in-depth analysis of insight trends over time, with a goal of improving the total customer experience and building stronger customer engagement than ever before.

Rav Billing, head of insight & CRM at Steinhoff, said: “We wanted a supplier that cares about the customer experience just as much as we do. This, coupled with the effective sentiment analysis capabilities and easy to use dashboard, made Upland Rant & Rave the ideal partner for us.

“The Rant & Rave platform gives us the ability to be more agile in identifying trends to provide clear evidence to support the validity of any strategic business change.”

Roger Durrans, managing director at Jay-Be®, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the prestigious Manufacturing Guild Mark and extremely proud that Jay-Be® has been recognised in this way.”

Jed Alpert, EVP & GM CXM Solutions at Upland Software, said: “We look forward to helping both Bensons for Beds and Harveys Furniture to develop closer relationships with their customers by enabling them to better their understanding of how customers really feel about their shopping experience and act on this realtime feedback.”

w www.jaybe.com

w www.steinhoffinternational.com

19th April 2019 | 08

f o r F u ll s t o ri e s a n d d aily n e w s u p d at e s : W W W . C a b i n e t - m a k e r . c o . u k

RETAIL

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M A NUF A C T U R E

Misleading delivery claims

Exports grow double-digit

Furniture retailer Harveys has been told to not make claims of ‘guaranteed delivery’ if not being able to offer the service.

Design-led flooring company Airea plc has reported an increase in sales with both its UK and export divisions experiencing growth.

Harveys, which is owned by Steinhoff, displayed a website advert, seen on 25 October 2018, that stated text ‘GUARANTEED Christmas DELIVERY’ with a featured image of a dining table and chairs. The advert also displayed smaller text stating ‘Selected items only’.

According to its full year results ended 31 December 2018, total sales rose 8.4% to £19.3m from £17.8m in 2017. Airea said that the uptick was due to new product sales and the growth in its UK and Export business, with the latter up by 15.7%.

A single complainant challenged whether the claim “GUARANTEED Christmas delivery” was misleading and could be substantiated, reporting the advert to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

Operating profit fell to £3.2m from £4.5m, whilst pre-tax profit resulted at £2.6m, down from £3.6m compared to the previous year. Losses incurred from discontinued operations, which totalled £1.4m during the year.

Harveys responded by explaining its process of making sure items purchased in October would be made available ahead of Christmas as well as supplying stock information the pictured furniture, which outlined a high stock control.

The group added that the closure of the Ryalux business was successfully completed during the first half of the year in line with expectations with focus now solely on the profit making Burmatex flooring business.

However, after an investigation by the ASA, they found that the information supplied by Harveys was not sufficient enough to demonstrate the claims. Therefore, the ASA upheld the complaint and said that the advert was likely to mislead, ruling: “The ad must not appear again in the form complained of.

We told Harveys not to make claims of guaranteed Christmas delivery if that was not the case.”

Stated within its report, Airea said: “Further investment in new products will continue throughout 2019 maintaining our confidence in the future prospects of the business, the ongoing improvement in the performance of the commercial floorcoverings business, and the cash this business continues to generate.”

w www.asa.org.uk Visit us during Interzum 2019 Hall 11.1 Aisle E010-F019

w www.aireaplc.com

We support your dreams Latexco envisions a world where people can dream and enjoy a happy, active and healthy life.

We believe that our innovative bedding solutions can help bring this world one step closer, as a good night’s sleep is essential to live that happy, healthy life.

www.latexco.com

19th April 2019 | 09

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M A NUF A C T U R E

Store closes after 200 years

Wholesaler sees small top line growth

A long-serving independent furniture store in Whitby has closed.

Flooring wholesaler Flair Rugs has reported a slight growth in turnover.

Agars of Whitby, which has been located at the same premises on Flowergate for the past 207 years, closed last week after the owners decided to begin a new venture away from furniture.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 30 June 2018, total sales rose 0.5% to £26.5m from £26.4m in 2017.

Established back in 1812, current owners Robert and Tracy Dryden paid tribute to their loyal customers. Commenting to local press, Tracy told the Whitby Gazette: “Our customers couldn’t believe it when we told them we were closing. Some came in to shake our hands, we’ve had kisses and cuddles. It’s just unbelievable the support that we received so we want to thank everyone.

Sales marked a ninth straight year of growth, with 2018 the fourth successive year that turnover remained over the £20m figure.

“We also want to thank our lovely staff. They were a real asset to our business and Agars wouldn’t have been the same without them.”

Stated within its report, the company said the sales growth was due to organic growth from its UK customer base.

w www.agarsfurnishers.co.uk

M A NUF A C T U R E

manufacturer making waves in Wales Welsh furniture manufacturer Silverlining Furniture has continued to drive creativity and craftsmanship to new heights in North Wales.

When Silverlining moved to Wrexham from Cheshire in 2013 they employed 13 staff and has since gone from strength to strength. Now employing 76 staff, the business has seen a 50% increase in staffing levels in the period between December 2016-18.

The company produces collectible luxury furniture for clients across the world, and is a leading exporter, with 98% of its goods going overseas.

During the last 12 months Silverlining were listed 61st in the UK and 2nd in Wales in the Sunday Times SME Export fast track 100 awards, and were awarded the Queens award for Enterprise – International Trade.

It has long term plans to expand further to 130 people including establishing an Academy to train future staff from across the world, and is awaiting the ending of the current uncertainty around how the UK will leave the EU before progressing further.

Founder Mark Boddington, said: “Moving to Wales was a eureka moment for Silverlining and it coincided with our focus on investing in creativity and craftsmanship through technology and science to make market leading products.

“We have growth 25% plus for every year since moving to Wales – by investing in expensive technology, research science, skills and management training and exports markets. The Welsh Government has quite a number of excellent initiatives that we have benefited from such as a contributory grant for advanced technology, subsidised export market exploratory trips and training or advice – what’s great is you have an assigned case manager who really understands the business and is really an important stakeholder.”

w www.silverliningfurniture.co.uk 19th April 2019 | 10

Gross profit increased 11.2% to £6.9m from to £6.2m, whilst pre-tax profits resulted at £364,113, down by 22% compared to its profit of £469,037 recorded last year.

w www.flairrugs.com

RETAIL

Senior restructure Independent department store group Morleys Stores has confirmed the promotion of Nigel Blow to chief executive. Nigel, who has been with the business since 2016, has previously been in senior roles at Harrods, Arnotts and Brown Thomas. The move follows part of its senior management team restructure, which has also seen Bernard Dreesman relinquish his role as executive chairman to focus as chairman of the wider group, whilst MD David Hordle has stepped down from his role and left the company.

w www.morleysbrixton.co.uk

M A NUF A C T U R E

LIA and UL announce working partnership The global safety science organisation UL and the Lighting Industry Association (LIA) have combined expertise to help British companies export globally.

UL’s global lighting expertise in testing, certification and standards has now joined forces with The Lighting Industry Association to offer U.K.’s lighting manufacturers a simple and cost-effective product compliance entrance to over 50 countries, including the U.S. and Canada.

This partnership will give the entire lighting supply chain access to the largest lighting specific laboratory in Europe with the help and advice that both organisations can provide for U.K. companies looking to export.

Hans Laschefski, from UL, said: “This partnership is the culmination of discussions over the last two years and will make the process of offering the UL Mark to U.K. manufactures more simple and effective.”

w www.thelia.org.uk

foR fuLL sToRIes And dAILY news updATes: WWW.Cabinet-maker.Co.uk

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MAnufAcTuRe

Property group grants furniture retailer warehouse extension Property firm LondonMetric Property has agreed to extend Oak Furniture Land’s distribution hub in Swindon.

Furniture retailer Oak Furniture Land currently occupies the 302,000sq ft distribution warehouse in Swindon and has now exchanged contracts with LondonMetric to expand it by 55,000sq ft.

LondonMetric said that construction is expected to commence in May 2019 at a cost of £4m.

The property firm also announced that it has exchanged contracts with Argos to extend the lease at its 656,000sq ft distribution warehouse by a further 12 years.

The new lease runs for 15 years, without break, and generates a rent of £4.1m pa subject to five yearly inflation linked uplifts.

Mark Stirling, asset director of LondonMetric, commented: “We continue to work closely with our occupiers to ensure that our real estate meets their future trading requirements and remains fit for purpose. These transactions demonstrate the strength of occupier contentment at our properties and their confidence in the outlook for their businesses.

“As well as providing greater certainty of income, these deals also give us better certainty of future income growth with all of our mega distribution warehouses now benefiting from contractual rental uplifts.”

InTeRIoRs gRoup soLd ouT of AdMInIsTRATIon Administrators of collapsed interiors group Paragon have confirmed a sale of certain assets to an unconnected third party.

Sean Williams, Richard Pinder and Alex Cadwallader, from Leonard Curtis, were appointed as joint administrators of Paragon Interiors Group Plc and have now sold assets of the business to Elev8 Interiors Limited, following a period of extensive marketing.

Richard Pinder commented: “We are pleased we could deliver a sale to Elev8, who are a highly regarded operator in the industry. Elev8 and the team are committed to restoring the reputation of Paragon, which might involve some recruitment of former Paragon staff members. We would like to thank the team at Elev8 led by Jon Singh and Bevan Hancock and also thank Paragon’s former employees for supporting the Joint Administrators throughout the last six weeks.”

Jon Singh, managing director at Elev8, said: “We are a multiaward winning company and have a clear vision now we have secured the purchase of Paragon.

“We have worked hard to establish ourselves in the marketplace, working with blue chip clients such as Coca Cola, Softbank and Heineken, to name a few. With a combined total of 53 years’ experience between the two companies we are confident and excited about the future.”

w www.leonardcurtis.co.uk

w www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk

MAnufAcTuRe

fIRA AppoInTs new councIL MeMbeR

5 Ye a r

Guarantee

The Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) has confirmed the appointment of Andrew Story (pictured) as a Council member.

ON ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS, ACTIONS & FRAMES

The Research Association is a notfor-profit body and it’s the Council’s role to govern their work, ensuring that projects undertaken are reflective of the furniture sector and will add value to the hundreds of organisations who are members.

Andrew is head of product development at Moores Furniture Group, who manufacture and install kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture and accessories across the contract and retail markets. He was also a British Standards Institute (BSI) committee member.

The appointment of Story helps the bolster the Council’s representation from the kitchen sector. Close to 10% of the Research Association’s membership are from the kitchen sector, with a combined turnover of around £2billion per annum.

w www.fira.co.uk

MALHAM

Have you ordered the new Malham Riser Recliner yet?

This is proving to be extremely popular in both soft covers and leather, across the usual four sizes from Petite to Royale. With an exceptionally comfortable three-pillow back and a choice of Dark Beech or Light Oak knuckles, its comfort can be enhanced even more with the exciting new optional Lumbar Adjustment now offered on all SHERBORNE Riser Recliners.

Sherborne Upholstery Limited Pasture Lane, Clayton, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD14 6LT, England.

Telephone: 01274 882633 Fax: 01274 815129

sales@sherborne-uph.co.uk www.sherborneupholstery.co.uk

19th April 2019 | 11

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M A NUF A C T U R E

Consultancy firm appoints new services lead Graham Jackson, former MD at Bell Northampton has joined Acres Consultancy, extending the range of consultancy services offered to include leadership, coaching and performance management.

Graham led the change programme at Bell Northampton that led to a transformation of the Bell business into an award winning, luxury lifestyle, retailer of homewares, with an 80% increase in sales in five years.

In his role as a business improvement consultant with Acres Consultancy, Graham will work alongside Simon Acres with KBB clients and extend their offering to other retail businesses.

Simon Acres, principal director, said: “We are delighted that Graham has joined the team. His skills are complementary to those we already have in the business, which will benefit our clients that will now have access to a comprehensive set of consultancy service that can support sustainable and profitable business growth.”

w www.acresconsultancyltd.co.uk

M A NUF A C T U R E

Millbrook appoints new sales agent Bed manufacturer Millbrook Beds has announced the appointment of Mike Marshall (pictured) as its new sales agent to its growing sales team and will become manager for Scotland.

The youngest ever president of the Scottish Furniture Representatives Association, Mike has been in the interiors market for 15 years.

He currently represents Kettle Interiors, The Great Chair Company and Protect-A-Bed. Commenting on his appointment, Mike said: “I am delighted to join Millbrook Beds – they complete my portfolio of brands in cabinet, bed and upholstery. There is massive untapped potential in Scotland for this product and I can’t wait to get started.

“Millbrook Beds has years of heritage, and exciting plans for the future backed up by great marketing. I will be visiting retailers from April bringing example product to them in my own show vehicle.”

Mark Hughes, sales director, added: “Mike brings great energy and experience to Millbrook beds team and will solidify our commitment to the independent retail sector. As a business we are keen to build on our success and expand the Millbrook Brand throughout the United Kingdom.”

w www.millbrook-beds.co.uk

business makes six figure investment Ministry of Furniture, the company which emerged from Remploy Furniture in 2014, has expanded its offering by making a major six figure investment in Sign and Print Systems, a print and design company based in the Swansea Valley, which previously traded as BOW Design.

Sign and Print Systems will rebrand as Ministry Graphics and operate as a subsidiary of Ministry of Furniture, which now holds a major stake in the business. The two businesses will share resources and premises both at the company’s head office on Baglan Energy Park, near Swansea, and in Ystalyfera in the Swansea Valley.

Ministry Graphics will continue to be run by Matthew Anderson, the former managing director of Sign and Print Systems, who himself acquired the company in September 2017. Anderson remains a shareholder in Ministry Graphics and will be responsible for driving the company forward.

The two companies complement each other in terms of their offerings with modern Workplace, Education and Leisure space schemes increasingly requiring high quality design and print work; equally, many of Sign and Print Systems’ clients can now benefit from Ministry of Furniture’s interior design and project management expertise.

Sign and Print Systems has invested heavily in new equipment in recent years including acquiring a Roland DG TrueVIS VG-640, a laminator and a CNC router, meaning Ministry Graphics will now be able to offer a bespoke, cutting-edge printing service.

Matthew Anderson said: “The two companies complement each other perfectly. Ministry of Furniture is cutting edge in terms of the learning space and workplace solutions it creates and we can complement that perfectly. Equally, this gives us a solid platform from which to continue to grow the business significantly.

“With the equipment and print capacity we have and the support of our new investor, it is natural to go after large accounts all over the UK. I am a qualified graphic designer and I look forward to working with a much bigger team of designers now to generate the type of innovate solutions customers want.”

Graham Hirst, managing director, Ministry of Furniture said: “This is our first acquisition at what is an exciting time for the company. We have grown steadily since our launch and we are delighted to have reached the £5 million turnover mark in our fifth year of operation. That gives us a fantastic base from which to further expand our offering and this deal does exactly that.

We were already working closely with this company and we can now offer its innovative solutions and high spec offering to a much wider client base, at the same time complementing our existing portfolio.”

w www.ministryoffurniture.com 19th April 2019 | 12

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Furniture overlooked during March

fIT ouT fIRM secuRes fResh fundIng

Furniture retail sales were ‘overlooked’ in March as BRC reports further slowdown.

Interiors fit-out and bespoke joinery specialist ICM has secured £150,000 in new funding to increase productivity.

According to the latest BRC - KPMG Retail Sales Monitor March 2019, total sales were down -0.5% year-on-year, with like-for-like sales down by -1.1%.

Stratford-upon-Avon based ICM, which began life in 1998 as a one-man operation run by managing director Steve Lewis, has invested in new machinery, as well as new air conditioning, flooring and computers thanks to a series of collaborative funding bids.

Non-food retail sales managed a slight increase by 0.1%, although the furniture sector was said to be overlooked as consumers remained cautious over big-ticket items.

Sue Richardson, retail director UK , KPMG, said: “March marked a truly disappointing end to the first quarter of 2019 for retailers.

Big-ticket items, including furniture, remained overlooked.

Online sales may have performed better than the high street, but the high proportion of sales occurring online actually nods towards the underlying issue of profit pressure. Retailers will be hoping for an end to this sustained uncertainty – it’s clearly not good for business – but times have already well and truly changed, and agility remains the best form of defence.”

Helen Dickinson OBE, chief executive, BRC, said: Brexit continues to feed the uncertainty among consumers. For the sake of everyone, MPs must rally behind a plan of action that avoids no deal – and quickly – or it will be ordinary families who suffer as a result of higher prices and less choice on the shelves.”

w www.brc.org.uk

Through the purchase of a £250,000 5-axis CNC machine, the production side of the business has been transformed, with a quicker turnaround time than ever before achievable for its range of high quality interior features, which are fitted at a range of popular restaurants and bars across the UK. The company is looking to create 10 new jobs this year and increase turnover by 30% by 2022 following the recent investments, which have come together as a result of several partnerships.

Steve Lewis said: “Purchasing the 5-axis CNC machine has revolutionised our processes, we are working with a range of new clients in the leisure industry and have expanded to work in airports. This purchase, alongside the equipment we purchased thanks to our work with Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council, has set us up for an exciting year.”

w www.icmltd.net

Over 2,000 customers in a single day!

Business as usual

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When Roomes of Upminster decided to undertake a major upgrade of their store they chose the Lynch Sales Company to orchestrate their Great £2,000,000 Refurbishment Sale.

On the 1st Day, Wednesday 27th March 2019, over 2,000 customers visited the store.

For results you can bank on choose Lynch!

LYNCH SALES COMPANY Established 1914 Call 07974 209761 or visit www.LynchSales.co.uk Copyright 2019 Lynch Brothers Licensing Corporation

19th April 2019 | 13

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Sales slightly down at independent Macclesfield-based independent furniture business Arighi Bianchi has reported a second year of falling turnover.

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bRexIT And hoMebAse TeRMInATIon IMpAcTs uk dIvIsIon

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 30 June 2018, total sales fell 6.5% to £17.2m from £18.4m in 2017.

Swedish kitchen manufacturing group Nobia has indicated that the uncertainty surrounding Brexit continues to impact its UK division.

Gross profit decreased to £7m from £7.5m, whilst its pre-tax profit of £145,908 recorded last year slipped into the red to a loss of £253,685.

Nobia, which operates in the UK under its Magnet brand, saw UK sales during 2018 fall 2% to SEK 5,597 million (£461m) from SEK 5,710 million (£470.4m) in 2017.

Stated within its report, the company said that it has maintained a 41% gross margin, whilst operating profit was impacted by a one-off pension cost of £472,000.

Gross profit did increase by 1% to SEK 2,190 million (£180.4m), although operating profit declined 43% to SEK 257 million (£21.1m).

More recently, Arighi Bianchi has established a new partnership with celebrity star Peter Andre, with the business launching A.

by Andre’s bed brand in its store from the end of March.

Stated within its report, Nobia said that organic growth fell 7%, driven primarily by decreased B2B sales owing to the terminated partnership with Homebase and decreased project deliveries.

w www.arighibianchi.co.uk

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Logistics firm secures new partner Furniture logistics company, W.S. Dennison, has been awarded Irish logistics partner for international retail chain, JYSK, ahead of its launch in Ireland.

The Danish homeware retailer is set to launch 15 stores across Ireland, with the first opening in Naas, Co Kildare, in April this year. Further stores in Drogheda, Navan and Portlaoise are also confirmed to be operational before the end of summer.

W.S. Dennison will provide a combination of warehousing and logistics. Goods will be delivered directly from JYSK’s 700,000sq ft Danish distribution centre to one of W.S. Dennison’s strategically-located warehouses in Antrim (Northern Ireland) or Limerick (Republic of Ireland) for onward delivery throughout Ireland serving all Irish JYSK customers that choose to order online.

W.S. Dennison will be providing its “two-man, white glove” home delivery service to JYSK.ie customers. The company’s dedicated teams will handle all consolidation, home deliveries and reverse logistics on behalf of JYSK. W.S. Dennison, which celebrates 40 years in business this year, has established a reputation for reliability in the Irish marketplace and is also one of the few companies that can accommodate deliveries throughout the whole Island of Ireland.

Roni Tuominen, head of retail for JYSK in Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer a full suite of delivery options for Irish customers and our partnership with W.S Dennison for all online orders is an exciting one. As a company they have a lot of experience in this area which gives us great confidence in their ability to deliver an exceptionally high service.”

William Dennison, W.S. Dennison’s MD, added: “We’re proud to be selected to support a brand that has become synonymous within the furniture sector on a global scale. We are delighted to welcome JYSK to Ireland and are looking forward to growing and developing this relationship.”

w www.wsdennison.com 19th April 2019 | 14

Magnet’s sales grew ‘more than the market’ after a successful repositioning of its offering for consumers early in the year.

Commodore Kitchens and CIE won several major orders during the year for kitchens for new housing construction in the London region.

In statement on the UK performance, Nobia said: “Our UK operations reported negative growth during the year, even though Magnet grew and captured shares in a consumer segment subject to fierce competition.

“Uncertainty surrounding Brexit led to lower consumer confidence and a certain level of turbulence in the UK kitchen market, in which several players reformulated their offerings and business models.

“Our sales to small, local construction companies and DIY chains decreased, and growth was also negatively impacted by the concluded collaboration with B2B customer Homebase, a weak social housing market and postponed housing projects.”

Looking ahead, Nobia added: “In the UK, political uncertainty concerning Brexit continues to hamper demand, and the risk of a “no deal” UK exit from the EU increased early in the year.

Nobia is well prepared for such a situation; measures we have taken include building up a safety stock of components and fronts in order to keep our customers supplied with complete kitchens even if imports are disrupted.”

w www.nobia.com

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Range confirms new HQ opening Homewares retailer The Range has confirmed it is to open its new head office in Plymouth this summer, creating 450 jobs.

Situated at the old Seaton Hill Barracks just off the city’s Tavistock Road, the head office will have a link to The Range store next door. The launch forms part of The Range’s plans to open further stores in both the UK and Ireland as it looks to expand its current 164 store portfolio to reach a total of 600.

The Range currently operates its head office from Estover where it employs 250 staff, but it has now outgrown the site.

w www.therange.co.uk

Furniture testing and certification SATRA is an international centre of excellence for product testing, training, consultancy and innovation celebrating 100 years in business and 21 years of furniture testing.

Working to ISO 17025 and offering expert technical advice on UK and European standards, SATRA is the premier technical partner for suppliers, manufacturers and retailers of furniture.

SATRA Diamond Product Certification available for products that meet extra quality standards.

www.satra.com furniture@satra.com Tel: +44 (0)1536 410 000

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Online business enters liquidation

weAk uk MARkeT IMpAcTs fuRnIshIngs gRoup

Online furniture business Hang and Snooze has entered liquidation leaving customers out of pocket.

Luxury interior furnishings group Walker Greenbank has reported a slight growth in sales despite a decline within its UK market.

Gary Blackburn and Paul Whitwam, both of insolvency firm FRP Advisory LLP, were appointed as joint liquidators of Hang and Snooze Limited on 21 March 2019.

According to its full year results ended 31 January 2019, total sales rose 1% to £113.3m from £112.2m in 2018.

Following the appointment, the company has suspended trading from its website with a statement that implies ‘scheduled maintenance’ is underway and that it ‘will be back as soon as possible’.

However, the business has also removed its social media page amid several customers taking to Trustpilot to air their concerns over unfulfilled orders and refunds.

Some customers have reported the business to West Yorkshire Police and Trading Standards over allegations of theft and fraud.

w www.frpadvisory.com

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UK sales slipped 6.5% to £46.3m from £49.5m, whilst sales in the US increased 7.4% to £14.6m from £13.6m, becoming the company’s second largest market outside Britain.

Sales in Western Europe and the Rest of the World both fell by 3.3% to £11.9m and 7.3% to £14m respectively.

Commenting on its UK performance, Walker Greenbank said that a ‘weak consumer environment’ led to a further ‘deterioration in sales during the key autumn selling season’.

Within the Brands, Clarke & Clarke, positioned at the more affordable end of our target markets, was boosted by the launch of a number of homewares ranges and has performed strongly during the period growing 10.9% in constant currency. Likewise Morris & Co. grew 12.5% in constant currency year on year, but all the remaining brands registered year-on-year declines.

As from the start of the new financial year, Lee Clarke has stepped down as full time CEO of Clarke & Clarke, almost three years following the Walker Greenbank acquisition as planned, but remains with the Group as an advisor. Steve Forder, managing director, now reports directly to the Group CEO. Total manufacturing sales fell by 1.5% to £32.9m compared with the previous full year, with statutory operating profit remaining flat at £0.8m for the division. UK third party sales fell by 0.4% year-on-year and this was despite new customers and a greater proportion of initial printing of new collections. The decline was mainly felt within its fabric factory in Standfast & Barracks as sales were down 5.1% to £14.6m.

AIs goLd sTAndARd AwARd foR bed MAkeR For the seventh year running, British bed manufacturer Relyon has been awarded the highly prestigious AIS Gold Standard Award. (Pictured: Relyon team celebrate AIS Gold award) The AIS bed and bedroom furniture supplier awards ensure the standards of excellence within the bed industry are upheld and recognised every year. The Gold Standard Awards are a pinnacle for quality and service with only 7 out of 25 bed suppliers achieving this prestigious status.

Relyon, a leading manufacturer of luxury hand crafted beds for over 161 years, was announced as a 2019 Gold Standard Winner at the two-day members-only bed show this week after demonstrating to the AIS buying group their continuing commitment to provide the best possible service to their customers.

Overall, group underlying pre-tax profit was down from £11.7m to £9.5m, which reflected the uncertain market conditions within the UK. Christopher Rogers, the interim executive chairman of Walker Greenbank, said: “To mitigate difficult trading we remain focused on growing revenue and cost saving initiatives. At this very early stage of the new financial year the Group continues to trade in line with the Board’s expectations.”

w www.walkergreenbank.com

ReTAIL

New CEO

Paul Little, sales and marketing director at Relyon commented: “We are extremely proud to win a 2019 Gold Standard Award for Relyon. As a company we continue to invest in our products, staff and processes so we continually offer an exceptional level of expertise, service and quality.

Wickes parent business has announced that John Carter will step down as CEO and from the Board on 5 August 2019.

“Year on year we aim to exceed our customers’ expectations so is it a huge achievement to win this prestigious award for a seventh consecutive year.”

Nick will join the business as a director of Travis Perkins and CEO designate on 1 July 2019. To ensure a smooth handover, John will remain with the Group until the end of 2019.

w www.relyon.co.uk

w www.travisperkins.co.uk

19th April 2019 | 16

Travis Perkins PLC confirmed that Nick Roberts, currently CEO of Atkins, will succeed John in the role.

Follow the Crowd to Hall 11.1 Stand A30

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High street footfall bounces back

Soft furnishings firm joins BFM

High street footfall returned to growth during March, ending a run of seventh consecutive months of decline.

British soft fill furnishings manufacturer Bazaar Group has joined the British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM).

According to the latest BRC-Springboard Footfall and Vacancies Monitor for March 2019, overall footfall increased by 1.4%, marking the end of a 15-month run of consecutive decline and significantly higher than the 6% fall recorded last year.

The Cramlington-based manufacturer recently launched its first in-store retail collection Ayla at the January Furniture Show (JFS) having already established itself as a leading online specialist in soft seating.

High street footfall rose 2.5%, against a decline of 8.6% in March 2018. This was the highest growth seen since March 2014.

Philippe Galland, Bazaar Group’s head of sales and marketing, said: “The membership demonstrates our commitment to flying the flag for homegrown products and our support for the British furniture and furnishings sector.

However, the comparable month from 2018 saw a decline of 8.6%, so this was a particularly easy target to outperform. Six of the 10 regions saw year-on-year growth on the High Street in March, with Greater London the strongest performing, with 4.8%. Northern Ireland saw the steepest decline of 3.6%.

Retail Parks footfall also improved by 1.5%, an increase on last year when footfall fell by 1.8%. This arrested the five-month run of consecutive declines seen for the shopping destination.

Similar to High Streets, Northern Ireland was the worst performing region, with -3.6% the worst for the region since September. The South East was the best performing region, with 3.7%.

However, Shopping Centre footfall continued to decline, down by 1%. Despite the fall, footfall marked an improvement compared to the fall of 4.8% against last year. March heralded the unenviable run of a full 2 years since Shopping Centres last saw growth.

Only two regions managed to record growth, with the West Midlands the best performing (4.3%). The neighbouring region of the East Midlands was the worst performing, with -4.2%.

Overall, footfall in the West Midland rose 2.9%, whilst Greater London and Wales both registered upticks of 1.7% and 1.3% respectively. This was the only region to experience growth. Northern Ireland and Scotland were among the weakest performing regions with declines of 3.3% and 1.4%, respectively.

w www.brc.org.uk

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Sales at 20-year high Office furniture manufacturer Flexiform has reported its highest turnover in more than 20 years as profit more than doubles.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31 August 2018, total sales rose 19.8% to £28.4m from £23.7m in 2017. The uptick in revenue marked a third straight year of consecutive growth as well as the company’s highest turnover since 1998 when sales reached £25.4m.

“We are keen to provide retailers with the assurance that we are delivering the highest standards with product quality and industry requirements.”

Nick Garratt, BFM md, said: “We are delighted to welcome Bazaar Group into membership of BFM and I look forward to working with them going forwards. It is always nice to welcome young, fast growing companies into our membership and Bazaar Group are particularly interesting because they have a great reputation for product design and innovation.”

w www.bazaar-group.uk

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Save the date Independent furniture retailer Sopha has confirmed its official opening date. Although already ‘unofficially open’, the business plans to officially launch the store with a grand opening event on 27 April 2019.

The new store is situated on the site of a former hotel in Highbridge and is the result of two and half years of redevelopment, investment and planning.

Sopha, which has been founded by husband and wife team Matt and Emily Scott, will play host to a community event where live music, entertainment, street food and a craft fair will celebrate the new launch.

w www.sopha.co.uk

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Independent opens new store Just4Sofas has announced the launch of its new store. Officially opening on Good Friday, 19 April 2019, Just4Sofas has taken a unit at the Peterborough One Retail Park in Eye.

Pre-tax profit resulted at £931,000, more than doubling compared to its profit of £432,000 recorded the previous year.

The new store becomes the company’s third location, adding to its current stores in Fareham and Banbury. Just4Sofas was founded in 2005 and specialises in recliner sofas and chairs.

Stated within its report, Bradford-based Flexiform said that despite significant increases in input costs, particularly steel, the business show ‘good’ growth.

The new store will join other furniture business Hammonds at the site, which is just off the Paston Parkway.

w www.flexiform.co.uk

w www.just4sofas.co.uk

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eve appoints Loaf CFO

Specialist grows export market

Boxed mattress brand eve Sleep has announced the appointment of Tim Parfitt as its new chief financial officer (CFO).

Contract furniture supplier Seers Medical has secured a new contract to expand its operations into Spain.

Tim officially joins the business with effect from 17 June 2019 and replaces Abid Ismail, whose departure was announced on 12 March 2019.

Tim is a qualified accountant, with over 10 years’ experience as a CFO. For the last six years Tim has been CFO of Loaf, the omnichannel furniture retailer, where he has overseen the transition from an early stage start-up to a profitable, sizeable and fast growing business, with several hundred products.

Prior to 17 June 2019, Tim will be working with the eve team to ensure an orderly handover from Abid, whose departure date has now been agreed as 31 May 2019.

Commenting on the appointment, James Sturrock, CEO of eve Sleep, said: “Tim’s relevant experience and proven track record will add further momentum and support to eve’s rebuild strategy and focus on profitability. His appointment as CFO completes the new management line-up and on behalf of the entire eve team I welcome him to the Company.

“While the rebuild strategy remains in its early stages, progress continues at pace with a strengthened management team, continuing expansion of the product range and ongoing improvements to the customer experience, underpinned by the recent fundraise.”

Tim Parfitt commented: “I am delighted to be joining eve at this important time in the Company’s development and I am confident that I can support eve in its path to profitability. eve has great products and a strong brand, with a substantial opportunity to build a leading and highly profitable position in the sleep wellness space.”

w www.evesleep.co.uk

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Online could threaten stores Homewares and fashion retailer Next has reported a growth in turnover despite in-store sales declining.

According to its full year results ended January 2019, total group sales rose 2.5% to £4.2bn from £4.1bn in 2018. This was largely driven by online sales, which increased 14.7% to £1.9bn from £1.6bn. In-store retail sales fell 7.9% to £1.9bn from £2.1bn.

Next reported a pre-tax profit of £722.9m, which compared to the previous year was marginally down by 0.4% from £726.1m.

Within its Label brand, full price sales rose 29% to £414m with Next outlining plans to increase focus on new homeware and furniture brands in the year ahead.

Reflecting on its online success, Next warned that this area of growth represents a ‘long-term threat’ to its retail business but also provides a ‘much larger opportunity’ for the group in the future.

w www.next.co.uk

Debenham-based Seers, which specialises in medical furniture, has secured its first Spanish distribution contract with support from the Department for International Trade.

The five-year contract will see Seers provide more than 120 treatment and examination couches, medical seating and patient transfer trolleys to hospitals across Spain each year.

Seers Medical secured the deal with Hidemar, a Madridbased furniture medical supplier, after exhibiting at MEDICA in Dusseldorf.

DIT helped the Suffolk company to exhibit through its Tradeshow Access Programme – part of the Exporting is GREAT campaign. DIT also supported Seers in overcoming challenges around the strict regulations that govern medical equipment, which differ from country to country.

Matt Clarke, marketing manager, said: “The Spanish market was one of the few countries in Europe we were yet to do business with. Exports make up more than half of our sales, and we expect this to increase following the contract with Hidemar.”

Seers has also confirmed that its sales director, John Mason, is moving to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

Commenting on the move, Seers said: “In an effort to become closer and more communicative with our distributors throughout Asia & the Middle East, John will be relocating to Dubai. This will enable John to spend more time face-to-face with our customers in that region, which should further increase our presence and strength in the Eastern Hemisphere.

“This does mean, however, that John’s previously managed region of Scotland will be transferred to our direct sales manager for the UK, Darren Corbett.

“Darren has now been with Seers for over five years, and has lots of experience in the medical industry, with an abundance of knowledge in medical couches. We wish the best of luck to John at his new location.”

w www.seersmedical.com

RETAIL

Sales down at fitted furniture firm Fitted furniture specialist Hammonds has reported a decline in sales, ending a run of five straight years of turnover growth.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 29 June 2018, total sales fell 4.5% to £81.5m from £85.4m in 2017. Pretax profit of £3.5m last year fell to a loss of £1.2m.

More recently, Hammonds announced the completion of a Management Buyout (MBO).

The MBO brings 100% share ownership to third-generation family members – Richard Hammonds, Group CEO and Mark Hammonds, group director.

w www.hammonds-uk.com

news In MeMoRY of MATT o’fLYnn

MATT o’fLYnn 08.06.74 – 29.03.19 It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the death of our fierce friend and colleague Matt O’Flynn, who passed away on Friday, 29th March 2019. Matt faced his diagnosis of Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma with grace, courage and his infamous humour.

Growing up in Nottingham with his parents Konrad and Janet and siblings Suzanne and Catherine, Matt was immersed in the furniture industry from a young age. He channelled his love of people, conversations and beautiful furniture into a very fulfilling and enriching career. His fun approach and meticulous attention to detail were expressed in every project and relationship he encountered. These were huge assets enabling him to take in his stride his key professional achievements. It was Matt’s passion for marketing, technology and gadgetry that shaped his path.

He started his career in the family business as a keen marketer. As Marketing Director at Meadowmead, Matt was instrumental in the founding of Insitu; a modern upholstery brand that he established within stores such as Heals and Conran. During his 21 years at Meadowmead, he grew the brands John Sankey and Henderson Russell, developed their websites, became a dab hand at constructing and running an exhibition stand and managed their sales teams.

Alongside this, Matt’s incredible work ethic, passion for and generosity to the industry, also saw him serve as Chairman of the Long Eaton Guild from 20092017, he was involved with the BFM from 2001, joining the Board in 2010 and eventually becoming Chairman in 2016. He also chaired the ‘Heart of England’ fundraising committee for the Furniture Makers’ Company. In 2013 Matt took a position at Collins and Hayes as Managing Director, followed by a short stint as Commercial Director at Sleepezee.

It was in 2017 that Matt, with his close friend Rob Walker, founded Orbital Vision and this was where he really found himself at his happiest. Their combined experience enabled them to see the need for the furniture industry to have a dedicated and knowledgeable digital visualisation service. The Exchange in Long Eaton; which was built to house it, was officially opened by Maggie Throup, MP for Erewash, on 17th September 2018.

A year on from its inception, Orbital is thriving and growing and stands as a proud legacy to Matt’s vision to create a central hub for the industry community in which he had immersed himself throughout his life.

Matt’s boundless, infectious energy, warmth and humour made working with him so much fun and it was his can-do/will-do approach and finessing of projects with meticulous attention to detail, that made them special. He worked hard because he loved working and he did it with a self-assuredness that made everything look easy.

None of this could have been achieved without the love and support of his family and friends and it was his wife Moira and children; Ruari, Cameron, Evie and Finlay that were the real joy and inspiration in his life. Before his passing, Matt wrote a message on Facebook to everyone that he has left behind: I’ MOF. “I’ve been given this opportunity to say thank you very much for being part of my ride. Now’s not the time for sadness. It’s the time to dig deep and find something you’ve loved about my life and to share it. What I’d like is for people to make a nice record of a memory of me that can be given to my children, either via Facebook or by email or hardcopy (depending on how sensitive it is!).

No holds barred. The most important thing is to support my family and give my kids some of the memories I haven’t been able to share with them. Do us a favour. Make the most of the rest of your ride. Every day is a pun day. See you on the other side. Hats all folks… Matt x” A funeral service to celebrate the life of Matthew will be held on Tuesday, 23rd April at 11:00 O’clock at Bramcote Crematorium, Coventry Lane, Beeston, Bramcote, Nottingham NG9 3GJ. Not wanting to be totally uninvolved in his ‘final fling’, Matt requested that guests wear a silly hat, in the spirit of ‘no moaning or mourning’ at his funeral.

In lieu of flowers there will be a donation box available to raise money for St Michael’s Hospice, where Matthew received such incredible care, and the charity Melanoma UK. A private reception will follow immediately afterwards.

19th April 2019 | 20

FE A T U R E |C A R PEN T E R

Carpenter creates ‘world of comfort’ at interzum 2019.

The world’s largest manufacturer of comfort cushioning, Carpenter is showcasing its latest foam innovations at this year’s international trade show interzum, which takes place between 21-25 May in Cologne.

Six teams from Carpenter’s European operations are coming together to transport visitors to ‘their world of comfort’ on stand number A30 in Hall 11.1. Representatives from the UK, France, German, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden will present the full breadth of Carpenter products, highlighting the wide range of densities, comfort levels and ground-breaking designs available. There will also be new advanced-formulation foams making their European debut.

Attendees will be able to view Carpenter’s best-selling and super-supportive Aurora™ Foam in its new colour of blue, which has been introduced for 2019. The highly popular foam offers high-density with maximum support and its ‘spring like feel’ creates great bounce-back.

Aurora® Foam has been specially developed to provide effortless support just where it’s needed. The innovative foam has enhanced pressure relief on sensitive areas of the body, for personalised comfort. While high density, the foam’s unique formula has an open cell 19th April 2019 | 22

structure to allow excellent airflow through the foam for a fresher bed environment.

Incorporating active airflow technology, tests show it allows four times more airflow through the foam versus standard memory foam products. Aurora™ Foam offers luxury with the highest level of comfort being achieved in the market. It can be used as a supportive top layer of foam or as a transitional layer to meet all desires.

As manufacturing experts, Carpenter also shows how different foams can be combined in extremely clever ways – in products like its For All Seasons mattress. Combining five unique layers of sleep technology, the For All Seasons Mattress is the UK’s first reversible mattress that offers a two-in-one sleep solution.

combining two luxurious layers designed to cool body temperatures down when outside temperatures rise the For All Seasons mattress is the ultimate product to prevent people from overheating in the summer months. But in winter, people need bedding materials that will add warmth and keep the heat in – and that’s exactly what the winter side provides, an ultra comforting and snuggle-soft experience.

Guests to Carpenter’s stand will be able to experience for themselves the superiority of its new innovations with four of its products showcased as mattresses within its ‘sleep area’.

Further exciting improvements in foam bedding will also be displayed on Carpenter’s mattress topper hanging wall and pillow bar.

Consumers are already familiar with bedding products that can be adapted to changing seasons – and can now enjoy a mattress that on one side is suited to the colder winter months then, by simply turning the mattress over, benefit from the latest cooling climate control technologies.

Carpenter’s topper foams combine the latest technology in memory foam and innovative profiles. The toppers offer the ultimate in comfort and support and are specifically designed to ensure the even distribution of body weight for a more comfortable night’s sleep.

For a healthy, undisturbed night’s sleep experts advise that body temperature needs to be between 28°C and 30°C. By

Zoning in a variety of designs offers distinct levels of support and can help ease pressure on sensitive areas. Other toppers feature air

f o r F u ll s t o ri e s a n d d aily n e w s u p d at e s : W W W . C a b i n e t - m a k e r . c o . u k

holes for active air technology and a softer feel.

Its pillow bar will showcase the highest quality materials for pillows. Carpenter’s range has a choice of traditionally contoured or anatomically styled pillows designed to create perfect alignment between the spine, neck and head and to complement its mattress collections. The pillows use the latest fabrics, whether it be cotton or Outlast®, a fabric which keeps body temperature just right.

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“visitors to our stand will be able to talk to our teams about new & existing foam grades, new product developments & individual designs with cutting programmes offered to suit our customers brief.”

With breathability of foam a key industry trend, attendees will have a front-row seat to view the company’s ‘Bubble-ator’ on its stand. This fascinating piece of technology demonstrates exactly how much airflow Carpenter’s new cutting-edge foam products allow to pass through by showing the bubbles that its airflow can create in water.

Visitors can also sit back and enjoy a brand-new video designed to give buyers comprehensive information on the range of products available, which each offer distinctive properties and comfort levels, and to explain the unique way that Carpenter vacuum-packs its mattresses and how easily they unfold.

Richard Harris from Carpenter UK says, “Carpenter is renowned for its state-of-theart foaming techniques, foam quality and innovative design. As well as seeing the latest products on display, visitors to our stand will be able to talk to our teams about new & existing foam grades, new product developments & individual designs with cutting programmes offered to suit our customers brief.

“With representatives from the UK, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany and Sweden, the team will also be on hand to discuss the latest trends within the foam bedding sector across Europe.

“Anyone unable to attend the show can receive details of what will be showcased

by Carpenter by emailing us at sales.uk@ carpenter.com.”

w www.carpenter.com

19th April 2019 | 23

f e A T u R e |b R o A d b R A n d

Jeremy Waller, co-founder at Broadbrand, talks to Cabinet Maker about the benefits of licensing in Asia.

Over the past few years the value of British mattress exports into China has steadily increased. Last year British mattress exports into the country stood at a value of £2.4m, representing an increase of 33% when compared to 2017’s figure of £1.8m. In contrast, imports of Chinese mattresses valued a staggering £25.2m during 2018, highlighting a significant gap – but more importantly, highlighting a significant opportunity.

With all the uncertainty surrounding the fate of the UK leaving the EU of late, one area that has seen a boom thanks to Brexit is the export market. Focussing on mattresses and China in particular, as mentioned there has been an upward trend since 2015. Back then the value of UK mattress exports to China reached almost £845,000. A year later it climbed to £1.4m, then again to £1.8m during 2017. Putting it bluntly, there has been an increase of 184% between 2015 to 2018.

Keeping a close eye on market conditions and the prospect of increasing UK brands in Asia is Hong Kong-based brand licensing specialist Broadbrand.

Co-founded by Jeremy Waller and Benedict Lai just under a decade ago, the business has continued to go from strength-to-strength – as has its partnering brands. Jeremy spoke to Cabinet Maker on foundation of Broadbrand and how it is stepping up its game to capitalise on the hidden export opportunity that awaits British businesses: “Our first client was DuPont USA who we continue to

19th April 2019 | 24

work with, but with both Ben and I having so many years in the mattress business in Asia, we felt that we should also really also focus on the mattress and furnishings sector.

Response from UK potential licensors was positive, as was the reaction of Chinese mattress businesses.

“With a mattress, it is all about the brand and that is one of the reasons mattress products were one of the first to be licensed.

We set about forming a licencing model for the mattress business and the business has grown very well. We operate from the UK and we have up to five mattress brands (including Silentnight), one in France and one in Australia that we currently represent.”

Broadbrand sees further growth in both greater China and the Asia Pacific region for both mattress and furnishings. While consumer durables are generally strong for us, the China furnishings sector has some unique characteristics. Just one of these is the sea of competition. There is no country with a similar landscape of manufacturers (good ones and not so good) and consolidation is inevitable, along with climbing capabilities and growing appreciation of the benefits of licensing a foreign brand to differentiate their business in China.

A successful licensor based in the UK may not be the biggest in their industry (Broadbrand represent both large and relatively smaller UK companies. However,

they all have a story to tell which they weave into the brand, to appeal to the Chinese consumer and the licensee.

“When we license a mattress we go through a lot of detail and there is a stage called ‘The Stewardship Review’ which is making sure that all the materials in the mattress comply.

Licensors want to be assured that there is ongoing integrity,” Jeremy said.

“A business may be hesitant about licensing due to the control of the licensee. People worry that a Chinese licensee will run riot with the product and not disclose where they are selling the product, license other products and not disclose the revenues etc. All of these issues are addressed in our model so they can be identified, managed and controlled to ease those concerns.

“We are not a hit and run type marketing/ licensing agency. If we propose a China manufacturer to a UK licensor that we represent, the Chinese company has already gone through an initial assessment and shown that they have the capability and ethics we seek, plus strong distribution and a real need for that brand association. The fact we check the factories, check the management, even check the waste bins to make sure everything is eco and safety conscious, indicates this is a long term commitment and process. We go through the factory with a fine toothcomb, we look at the processes, we look at products, we look at fire certificates, we look at how the labour is organised. It is

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a painstaking job but at least the licensee knows they are operating at high-class standards.”

coming from the UK and the consumer knows exactly what they are paying for,” Jeremy said.

As aforementioned, UK mattress exports into China are growing. Jeremy echoes this statement and reveals his thoughts on why British produce is proving to be so popular.

“The UK is doing very well in China for a number of reasons. One is that China has lost a bit of its affection for American products and they genuinely like the UK and trust UK companies. The pound has helped at the moment to some extent on buying UK products and I think the UK has got better and better with working with China over the past few years. There is a lot of trust there from a Chinese consumer point of view where they value British manufacture.”

“Once the licensee sees this process working they even come back to us and ask for little changes to adhere to what the Chinese consumer likes so there is a constant level of communication to make the offer better.

The licensor is usually happy to make these changes, as volumes will grow, and often become a permanent part of the mix of products in China.

So what are the benefits of licensing?

“A big benefit to licensing, aside from the royalty income stream, is that increasingly the Chinese licensee will want to import a very large proportion of the product mix and will want to import it rather than manufacture immediately, so that gives the UK a big boost on exports. We have clients that are shipping containers continuously so they get the export revenue, royalty benefit, as the product is still being sold in China, and it establishes a benchmark for the standard of product from the beginning, which is that it’s UK made,

“On timing, exporters always underestimate the time it takes to develop an overseas export market, particularly opaque, distant, emerging markets which are really complex.

Licensing can really accelerate the process of generating income, and provide a better return on investment.”

What is the license process?

“The key thing is all about the brand and aspects of the business so its DNA, heritage, history, the energy of the founders and a story of innovation that has affected the growth of the business. With the tools and knowledge we have any business can expand into licensing if they can develop some of these characteristics.

“We don’t ask for upfront fees and we work

“TheRe Is A LoT of truSt TheRe fRoM A chInese consuMeR poInT of vIew wheRe TheY VaLue britiSH MAnufAcTuRe.”

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with the business to help position it and spend some time at the factory. We share in the success in the licensing programme and that is way we encourage a long-term commitment for over five years.

“Our work really starts when the license agreement is signed. We actively assist the process of the brand being adopted and ensure that the agreed rules are follows. We identify any gaps in the process and ability and make sure all steps are approved. Ben, with his unique insights into this industry, has a great way to putting this. He says that it is sometimes like putting Spanish cured Jamon into the hands of a Chinese chef.

Chinese do not eat raw meat. But once they understand its unique flavours, they will amend its use so that the Chinese consumer loves it. The licensor is encouraged to spend time in China and likewise, licensees regularly visit the UK for reviews and updates on the brand,” Jeremy said.

The opportunity to close the import/export gap in this market is there to take advantage of and with Broadbrand already a firm player in the field of licensing, perhaps it’s time your business gave this concept some food for thought?

w www.broadbrand.biz

About Broadbrand Broadbrand is a Hong Kong company with a wholly owned subsidiary in Shenzhen with offices in UK, France, & Singapore. The founders & management team bring experience in Asia built up over 25 years. Broadbrand was created to meet a need for a new era in brand licensing in Asia and to work with the very best Asian, (in particular Chinese companies), wishing to develop their businesses through the acquisition of strong, suitable brands.

Formed in 2011, the company has expanded fast and secured a number of significant licensor agreements, and concluded numerous license deals across widely differing industries and products.

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f e A T u R e |M A T T R e s T e k

Shaun Peel, co-founder and technical director at MattressTek, talks to Cabinet Maker about their ongoing success and continued growth.

Navigating through the recent uncertainty surrounding Brexit, low levels of consumer confidence, raw material price hikes and even the weather has proved to be challenging for most up and down the country across multiple industries.

A typical response to these difficult trading conditions has been in form of businesses calling on their respective heritage’s to conduct the best route forward, taking advice from previous lessons learnt over the years.

However, for some businesses the last few years have been an ever-changing arena, especially for those that are new. This does have its advantages.

One business that has continued to construct year-on-year growth is specialist mattress

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machinery manufacturer, MattressTEK. The company only formed back in March 2017 and hasn’t looked back since, as Shaun Peel, technical director and co-founder of MattressTek, revealed: “We are into our third year now and going from strengthto-strength with year-on-year growth. Over the last two years our machinery range has grown significantly, adding over 15 machines to the range with many more currently in development.”

Shaun told Cabinet Maker that the past 12 months has seen ‘good growth’, which has been down to a number of key reasons.

Firstly, an increase in contracts and projects, secondly, expanding its portfolio of machines and thirdly, the hard work of everyone involved within the business.

And with just being two years old, MattressTek already has the nose to smell out future opportunities as well as the knowledge to adapt to uncertain times. This comes through Shaun, and his co-founder Michael Birtwistle, who between them have more than 30 years’ industry experience.

As Shaun mentioned, MattressTek has introduced more than 15 machines to its range. He shared the details on their latest additions: “One of our newest and most innovative machines is the Fabric Roll Slitting Machine. Initial trials on this machine are very promising, proving that it can cut even the most difficult of fabrics, which customers find impossible on their current machines.

“The Tapetek is quickly becoming an iconic

foR fuLL sToRIes And dAILY news updATes: WWW.Cabinet-maker.Co.uk

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“we pRIde ouRseLves on beIng A TeAM of desIgneRs, engIneeRs And pRobLeM soLveRs who Love whAT we do And TAke gReAT pRIde In The AbILITY To deLIveR InTegRATed And dedIcATed soLuTIons foR The MATTRess MAchIneRY IndusTRY.” piece of machinery within the UK market and has done extremely well for us so far.

Proven to be one of the most reliable tape edging machines on the market, as well as being manufactured and assembled in the UK, this machine has been installed into many customers up and down the country, with customers regularly ordering multiple machines.

“The Mayflower group, which MattressTek is a part of, is growing rapidly, with Altham FabTek, a member of the group producing all our fabrications, ensuring quality, timely deliveries and UK manufacture guaranteed. All MattressTek machines are wholly designed, manufactured and built in the UK, ensuring high quality across the board.”

From new machines to new contract wins, MattressTek has secured – and completed – a large number of conveyor installs over the past 12 months. These include projects that range from foam mattresses, spring mattresses and divans. “During these installs we have had to quickly develop new, innovative and bespoke conveyors to suit the customers requirements, all with short

deadlines. Each project presented us with a different challenge, which we thrive on.

We managed to meet all deadlines in timely fashion,” Shaun said.

“These projects ranged from 100mtr straight conveyor lines, with manipulating conveyors to lift, rotate, flip, inspect and discard faulty/ waste products, to fully automated lines, as well as other conveyor lines that convey products from the first floor to ground floor and conveyor lines that integrate and work flawlessly with existing conveyors. Customers have told us that with these installations they have doubled their production, which is great!”

All of MattressTek’s continuous success would not be possible without the company’s dedicated staff at its Haslingden headquarters. The business is underpinned by its principles of producing British-made machinery for the mattress industry, built on rock-solid foundations, using in-house manufacturing facilities and the latest stateof-the-art machinery equipment. This allows the business full control over every aspect, from machine design to testing and PDI.

Shaun said: “With a team of expert inhouse CAD designers who use the latest Solidworks software, quality and reliable machine designs are ensured, which in turn, allows us to develop long-term relationships with customers, providing extensive support and technical expertise. We pride ourselves on being a team of designers, engineers and problem solvers who love what we do and take great pride in the ability to deliver integrated and dedicated solutions for the mattress machinery industry.

“You need to consider the lifespan of a machine. Yes, upfront costs on new equipment is a big factor but it is just as important to buy quality in order to reduce breakdowns and, in the event of a failure, to have quick and reliable backup from the manufacturer. This is where we come in.”

w www.mattresstek.co.uk

1th April 2019 | 27

F E A T U R E |R A D I U M F O A M / V I T A T A L A L A Y

Round

Open

Cells

Breathability brings hygiene

Vita Talalay shares the technical process behind its natural latex bedding products and also compares it to an artistic pound cake recipe.

Vita Talalay latex is a premium comfort material that is solely made of a pure natural product: natural latex. You will be able to find Vita Talalay latex in many of the high-end bedding brands and products around the world. The many benefits are all thanks to the round, open cells which make the comfort material so unique. But what is the secret? We have three words to answer this question: The Talalay process.

THE UNIQUE TALALAY PROCESS The Talalay process consists of 8 steps which we have perfected over many years. You can compare this unique process to the baking of a delicious pound cake. Dunlop latex on the other hand, is more comparable to a brownie.

Let’s have a look at every step in more detail, shall we?

Mixing The first step is mixing. This is where the fresh and pure natural latex, together with a unique graphite mix, is carefully poured into a large container. There, it is mixed with soap and required additives. Then in the mixing head extra air is injected that helps make it an airy batter. There is no need to add a chemical foamer. The Talalay process uses so called mechanical foaming to turn the liquid into a solid comfort material.

Filling Now the slightly thick liquid is filled into one 19th April 2019 | 28

For the technicians of our many moulds. This is done slowly. The more natural latex is poured into the mould, the denser the final product will be. Depending on what firmness is desired, the moulds are filled between 30%-60% for optimal results.

There are thousands of pins in the top and bottom of the mould. Contrary to what is believed these are not to create ventilation – breathability is in the material itself – these are there to transfer the hot and cold temperatures consistently throughout the mould.

Creating a vacuum The mould is then sealed in order to create a vacuum inside. The air is sucked out of the mould. This will ensure that the natural latex will rise inside the mould and spread evenly so that the material is consistently spread. The weight will not be different from top to bottom.

The small airbubbles that were injected in the beginning will also start to become larger in size. Trapped in-between the latex they become millions of round cells.

Freezing After the natural latex has fully risen within the vacuum, the mould is flash frozen. At this point, it will reach a temperature of -30°C. The pins will make sure there is no piece of latex that will not hit the -30°C. The

round air bubbles now burst open and an interconnected open, round cell structure is created. The mould maintains these icy temperatures for about 10 minutes.

Vulcanisation Now, the opposite occurs and the mould begins to heat to 115°C. At this baking temperature the material will become solid.

The temperature change also has to occur quickly as the mix may collapse if not at the correct temperature. This is when the importance of a good mould comes into play as it has to withstand both extreme temperatures, as well as extreme temperature swings. The mould maintains these hot temperatures for 10 minutes. At this stage, the reaction takes place that links all latex particles, and turns the compound into a consistent, bouncy, breathable material.

Talalay round, open cell under a magnifier

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For the artists Talalay latex maker Radium Foam’s recipe for the Vita Talalay pound cake

Talalay round, open cell under a microscope

Demould Once the mould opens, the product is carefully removed by hand from between all pins. Doing so does take a good amount of experience to perfect, but also requires immense strength.

The product now resembles the inside of a mattress – but we are not quite done just yet!

Washing The natural latex block is now placed on a fully automated production line. After receiving its individual barcode with a laser, it is transported to the washing area. There it will first be washed using fresh water. Bear in mind that we use the water one time only, but always clean our water as part of our environmental efforts. We do not let a single drop of water go to waste. During washing the block will go through rolling mills which will press out the soaps and proteins.

Post-vulcanisation This is the final step before we have our finished product! The freshly washed natural latex block is then placed in a very large oven set to a temperature of 85°C. This is the longest step in the Talalay process as it requires 8.5 hours.

Quality control and customising After a total of 11 hours, natural Vita Talalay latex is finally ready. The blocks are then checked for consistency and classified by firmness then cut and prepared once again for every client’s individual needs. Some will become mattresses, some toppers and others pillows. In addition, there are also unique custom cuts for custom products. We make sure we fulfill every wish of our clients.

Our partners that use Vita Talalay cannot be everybody. They have to be builders that do Vita Talalay justice.

w www.vitatalalay.com

This is our special recipe for our unique and fully natural Vita Talalay latex. Think of Dunlop latex as a brownie, while Talalay is more comparable to a pound cake. In fact, the similarity is uncanny. Not only does it take many years of experience to master the art of baking the perfect pound cake, but the airflow and fluffiness is very similar.

To make things simple, we will explain the baking of Vita Talalay latex as if we were at our kitchen at home.

In order to bake our Vita Talalay pound cake, we will need a few pieces of equipment. This makes the Talalay process; we will need a mixer, a cake mold, freezer, oven, a rolling pin and a tap with a rinsing head. Then we need the ingredients, very simple: milk, some honey, baking powder and an egg.

How to make it MIX First, take a large bowl and pour in the milk. It is important that it is fresh and fully natural milk which has been ecologically sourced and filtered for impurities. Add the honey and the baking powder into the bowl and begin mixing. We recommend using a mixer here. Add the egg and mix further until it is whipped into a very airy batter.

This will guarantee a fluffy cake!

FILL Now you will need to use the cake mold. It is important that the mold has a rectangular shape with pins to guarantee a consistent baking process. It is the classic shape for the fluffy Vita Talalay latex cake!

Fill the airy batter into the mold. Do this slowly as it will allow for additional air to get into the batter - for extra fluffiness!

RISE Put the lid on the mold. Make sure it is fully sealed. This will create a vacuum in the mold, allowing for the batter to rise. The more air is whipped in the batter, the fluffier the cake will be at the end. You can even

decide for a light weight or heavy weight cake! Simply put more or less batter in the cake mold. Fill between 30%-60%.

FREEZE After the batter has fully risen, the airy batter will be evenly divided in the mold.

Place the cake mold into the freezer. Make sure that your freezer is set to -30°C. Leave the cake to blast-freeze in 8-10 minutes BAKE Pre-heat your oven to 115°C. Remove the mold from the freezer into the oven. Do it quickly to avoid the batter from collapsing.

You will now notice the importance of a good mold that can take a high degree of temperature change. Let the batter bake for 10 minutes DEMOLD Take the mold out of the oven. The cake is now solid. Carefully, you do not want to tear it, remove the solid batter from the mold.

WASH Now, bring the pound cake to your tap and prepare the rinsing head. Now rinse the cake. Make sure to use clean, fresh water.

After the solid batter is visibly wet, take the rolling pin and roll out the water. Repeat this step 4 times.

BAKE-OFF Place the pound cake on to the baking tray. Place it back into the oven. Make sure you have the oven set to 85°C, and leave it there for another 8.5 hours to finish!

TEST AND TASTE Now tap the cake with a spoon. You will see it has a very consistent feel, and you will find it is deliciously soft. What is the best part about this Vita Talalay latex pound cake? It consists only of pure natural ingredients and is the healthy choice when it comes to cakes!

FROSTING The best way to enjoy your Vita Talalay cake is to have it frosted to your taste.

Every cake needs a good frosting!

Where to find a frosted Vita Talalay pound cake? Visit the mattress store!

w www.vitatalalay.com 19th April 2019 | 29

f e A T u R e |I n T e R Z u M

Cabinet Maker takes a look at some of the key concepts that you can expect to see during next month’s interzum trade show.

From 21 to 24 May 2019, more than 1,800 exhibitors from all over the world will present their innovations at one of the largest international industry events. Cologne’s interzum, the leading international fair for the furniture and interior construction industries’, supplies visitors from across the world, skilled trades and retail about the latest standards, technological innovations, advanced materials and exciting product debuts.

Exciting is clearly the ‘buzz’ word with this year’s event, which explores a number of concepts that are affecting the furniture industry today. Cabinet Maker focuses on the top three parts of the show, starting with ‘Consumer Trends’. interzum is aiming to stimulate creative new ideas for the future by reflecting current trends and showcasing the innovations offered by businesses.

For interzum 2019, the planning team has expanded the concept of having piazzas by adding the relevant and important topic of digitalisation.

“Digitalisation is one of the key issues of our time,” says Maik Fischer, director of interzum. “So it goes without saying that we are devoting more attention to this trend.

We are seeking to provide a combination of promising ideas and examples of best

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practice. Consumer requirements have become more demanding in many respects.

Sustainability, individualisation, comfortable living and convenient shopping – these are just a few of the big areas where digital solutions would help companies to fulfil these requirements.

“We are not presenting digitalisation as an end in itself. It is a tool that makes it possible to cater for customer requirements more effectively.”

The key concept here is ‘service design’, which provides the outline for this special exhibition. The fourth industrial revolution has not only radically changed the opportunities of the industry and trade, but also the expectations of the customers. In the digital age, customers are better informed than ever before. They can access product information, prices and suppliers at any time and in any place. This consumer behaviour is associated with a growing need for real social connection, for sustainability and for experiencing the way things feel to the touch.

The special exhibition entitled ‘Digitalisation: Focus on Consumer Trends!’ uses three areas, each representing a global consumer trend, to show interior designers, furniture

manufacturers and retailers how they can fulfil customer requirements. Each of the sections highlights certain aspects of these trends. The first area focuses on conscious, sustainable living. The topics here include consumer expectations of solutions for smaller living spaces, furniture hire and sharing models for living areas and workspaces, as well as sustainable production, utilisation and recycling.

A trend that has been challenging the furniture industry for some time is consumer demand for the individualisation of living spaces and the personalisation of furniture.

In this respect, digitalisation is opening up a new level of freedom in terms of design options. The key aspects of this sub-trend are modular furniture concepts, sensors for individualised products and new experiences for the processes of choosing and producing furnishings.

The third sub-trend addresses digitalisation in the context of furniture and accessories. For some time now, robots have been performing routine domestic tasks such as vacuum cleaning and mowing the lawn. Sensors and smart home technology can control a range of functions within the home in order to save energy, improve security and make life

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“dIgITALIsATIon Is one of The keY Issues of ouR TIMe.” MAIk fIscheR, dIRecToR of InTeRZuM easier. Sensors and data that are processed using artificial intelligence can be used in order to offer custom solutions for the home environment.

With living spaces in mind, another key concept at interzum will focus on ‘Tiny Spaces’. Living space is in short supply in attractive urban areas and often sees skyrocketing rents and an increase in house prices, and hence more people are having to make do with smaller, more compact homes.

But this trend doesn’t necessarily have to mean sacrificing comfort in the home. This has been a challenge for the furniture and interior design industry, which has been met head-on. Tiny Spaces addresses this highly topical issue and has secured a line-up of six distinguished industry names to appear in its showcase, which include Atim, Blum, Hettich, Hommel, Häfele and Pessotto.

Maik added: “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.”

From living spaces to ‘Disruptive Materials’, interzum 2019 will showcase new innovations and material opportunities, with the vision of being more sustainable at the forefront.

Cabinet Maker explores this concept in more detail with the help from Dr Sascha Peters, material innovation expert and founder of Berlin-based HAUTE INNOVATION agency.

“In contrast to material innovations, disruptive materials have far-reaching effects. While innovations enable the further development of an existing market, disruptions create a new one. For consumers, the effect of a disruptive change can usually only be felt some time later,” Sascha said.

The exhibition is divided into four large themed areas: Biological Transformation, Resource Efficiency & Sustainability, Digital Materials & Smart Systems, and ProductionRelated Material Innovations. With more than 100 exhibits in Hall 04.2, the Disruptive Materials Piazza is set to be one of the major attractions at interzum.

In the first section, Digital Materials & Smart Systems, visitors will have a chance to view heatable textile surfaces, magnetic woods and sofas that double as carbon loudspeakers. The environmental aspect is well represented in the second section in the form of biobased materials and natural growth processes. Here Dr Sascha Peters and Koelnmesse have partnered with companies that produce leather from various plant fibres.

This will be accompanied by research findings from a number of universities in fields such as “Baubotanik” – using plants to build living structures.

The third themed area is devoted to lightweight construction and resource efficiency. The manufacturers presenting their developments in this section include Andrea Mocellin from Italy with his foldable vehicles and the German company Lightweight Solutions, which, true to its name, will be exhibiting an extremely material-efficient lightweight construction material. The fourth and final section focuses on productionrelated material innovations.

It will shed light on future issues such as 3D-printed houses or e-bikes made from plywood.

of structure with a new Innovation hub, an expansion of the machinery and components for mattress manufacturing section, a new theme for upholstery and textiles – including mattress protection, and an updated cutting and sewing area. Companies such as Amelco, Dueffe, Gruppo Grassi, Macau, Matsushita, MPT Group, Springform, Umit Makina and Zhejiag Shaoxing Huajian will be exhibiting.

Matthias Pollmann, Koelnmesse’s vice president Trade Fair Management – organisers of interzum, concluded: “Today, success is the result of innovative ideas.

This show is where important business is conducted and momentum for the global furniture supply industry is created. Decision makers and opinion leaders from all over the world use interzum to keep up with the latest innovations and to seek out and establish new contacts. Those who want to do truly good business in 2019 should not pass up this opportunity.”

w www.interzum.com

Other areas of the show have also seen improvements on last year.

The Textile & Machinery section, in Hall 10.1, is reinventing itself in terms 19th April 2019 | 31

FE A T U R E |C A R R Y L I F T p art n e r s t o s il e n t n i g h t

Materials handling supplier Carrylift shares an insight into its processes through a case study with bed brand Silentnight.

Carrylift’s approach to problem-solving ensures customers receive not only worldleading equipment but original solutions to their materials handling needs.

It’s an approach that has worked particularly well for companies that are less concerned with the badge on the side of the equipment, than its ability to do the job day in, day out.

In a manufacturing environment, like that of Silentnight in Barnoldswick, Lancashire, there are diverse materials handling needs which often require creative solutions.

Bulk supplies of fabrics, metal and wood all provide handling challenges that require careful consideration, the right equipment and focussed support. Unsurprisingly, Carrylift has been providing exactly that for the best part of a decade.

“We’ve been very happy with the service we receive from Carrylift,” says Silentnight’s Mick Berry, “and the diverse range of equipment we have demonstrates that they have a good understanding of our business, our manufacturing and storage processes.”

Equipment Variety That understanding certainly helps when a wide range of equipment is being provided, from man-up order pickers to multi-directional Combilift’s; Aisle-Master articulating VNA to specially-modified powered pallet trucks. With low-emission LPG counterbalance trucks, cleaning equipment and reach trucks provided 19th April 2019 | 32

f o r F u ll s t o ri e s a n d d aily n e w s u p d at e s : W W W . C a b i n e t - m a k e r . c o . u k

aQO

“We are committed to reducing waste and are proud to be a carbon neutral business.”

too, over 30 pieces of equipment in total at last count, and the breadth of support for Silentnight’s operation become even clearer.

badge on the side of all the equipment – that’s ours. We’re on hand to support Mick and the team no matter what the issue.”

Despite being the UK’s most trusted bed brand with a history that stretches back to the 1940s, Silentnight has not rested on its laurels and is continually innovating, challenging the way it designs, produces and delivers its market-leading products.

By most people’s estimation, beds and mattresses are large products to handle. In fact our determination to have a good night’s sleep is changing standard bed sizes, as larger beds become increasingly popular.

For example, its latest Eco Comfort Breathe range features an innovative Microclimate Sleep System for the perfect sleeping conditions. The system includes breathable and clean materials that are chemical treatment free and, incredibly, contains materials from 150 recycled bottles in every mattress.

“We are committed to reducing waste and are proud to be a carbon neutral business,” says Mick, “We have been absolute zero to landfill since the 1st of September 2018 with 100% of the waste generated from our Barnoldswick site being recycled.”

Here too Carrylift has helped support the business, providing specialised machines to compact or crush wood, card and plastics ready for recycling. The crusher alone has reduced the number of skip movements required by 75 percent.

Carrylift’s Northern Sales Director, Mark Brown, believes the mixed fleet is an indication of how the business approaches its role differently to a typical manufacturer.

Says Mark: “Being open to different ways of handling materials does not come naturally to everyone, particularly those that have a particular type of kit to sell. And whilst we may have supplied Aisle-Masters, TCM’s, Mitsubishi’s and so on, there’s one consistent

Consequently, larger storage and racking systems and more specialised handling equipment are needed to store and move the range of materials and products within the overall production process that outputs around 3,000 products per day.

1900 Stock Items Contrast that with the pressures on keeping efficient stockholding for 1,900 different items, and the fact all products are made to order – mattresses are dispatched almost as soon as they leave the production area – and ensuring that equipment stays in good health and operational is also an essential part of Carrylift’s role.

Mark believes the reliability of the new equipment has helped make life easier, but the quality of the equipment and support package is something which a business like Silentnight is quick to recognise.

Said Mark: “It helps to have equipment that is effective and can be relied upon, as it makes our lives much easier. The TCM LPG trucks have a closed-loop system, which improves reliability and delivers the best emissions standards available. The Combilift operators love its versatility, whilst the cleaning equipment has made a noticeable difference around the 860,000 sq ft site.”

that there is an engineer on site every few days, with a commitment to respond to any extra urgent demands within hours if required. Service and support is locally based and pro-actively works with the on-site team to resolve issues, suggest improvements or minimise equipment downtime.

The materials handling operation itself also benefits from a support infrastructure alongside regular on-site engineeringmaintenance visits and responsive technical back-up. As a result, Carrylift also design, advise and install systems for maintenance and charging for electric trucks. They are currently working with the team at Silentnight to design and install an up-to-date forklift battery recharging station that will offer faster, more efficient vehicle charging with lower energy use – further contributing to the company’s environmental objectives.

“Our input extends much further than handling and equipment,” concludes Mark, “we have installed all kinds of equipment onsite, and developed a partnership based on our in-depth knowledge and joined-up service and support. We are determined to provide the best possible service so there’s nothing for Silentnight to worry about. It’s not just their customers that can sleep easy at night.”

w www.silentnight.co.uk w www.carryliftgroup.com

The service level that Carrylift offers means 19th April 2019 | 33

FE A T U R E |S T E I NHOFF

In the hot seat with‌ Cabinet Maker sits down with new Steinhoff UK, owner of Bensons for Beds and Harveys, chief digital and information officer Chily Fachler.

What is your new role and key responsibilities?

The title is chief digital and information officer.

The role always involved accountability for Technology, Enterprise IT, and Business Process and now includes full responsibility for Digital including P&L accountability for the 19th April 2019 | 34

Ecommerce business and driving digital transformation across the business.

underway, this will complete the initial plan, and allow us to build on those foundations as we move into the next phase of our strategy.

When did you officially take on the extended role?

10th January this year. I have strong Ecommerce experience and have lead initiatives around Omnichannel and Digital for many years. Since joining Steinhoff three and a half years ago I have been very involved in the digital growth of the business. This role has given me the opportunity to take end-to-end accountability of this area.

How have you settled into the role?

I am getting my feet under the desk, learning as much as I can about the department and working with the great team I have inherited to understand what has gone well and where the challenges are. We have already made some big decisions about the way we intend to operate and will continue to work with our partners and colleagues to come up with a digital strategy that will enable us to take a digital lead in our industry and ultimately delight our customers.

Can you share a brief history of your career so far with Steinhoff?

I was taken on in 2015 with a mandate to combine the three existing IT and compliance teams into one high functioning IT and Process team. At the time we set about to build a strong technology foundation that was consistent across the brands, reliable and scalable. Within six months we had agreed an IT strategy and kicked off a three-year plan which included a best fit applications approach, the introduction of one version of the truth BI and a mid-layer ESB to enable future integration across the architectural stack. With the current rollout of our Mobile POS system

What are your future plans?

We are looking at some very exciting plans around technology and digital to take us forward as the leading Omnichannel retailer in our industry. From a technology point of view, we hope to build on the exciting digital innovations that we have, including Mobile POS, our exclusive sleep profiler (SleepPro) and the foundations we have built in our enterprise architecture, to step up to the next level. In addition, we are working with all the departments in the business to transform the way we approach the role of digital in our business and how we can interact with our customers, and how they interact with us.

Can you elaborate on your new IT strategy?

The new IT strategy is a continuation of the existing strategy. We aim to build on the

foR fuLL sToRIes And dAILY news updATes: WWW.Cabinet-maker.Co.uk

aQO

foundations that we have delivered and focus on the enablers and capabilities required for true Omnichannel. This incorporates the introduction of a world class web platform as well as an upgraded customer order management capability. 80% of all our customers start their journey online but are increasingly expecting to continue and complete their journey through a number of different channels. Our customers expect a consistent and world class experience regardless of the channel, location and brand through which they chose to engage with us.

What is your view of the current retail industry?

There is no getting away from the fact that Retail is living through hard times.

Customers are changing their buying habits and behaviours, whilst traditional retailers and some pure players are struggling to keep up.

At the same time the external pressures of the economy, driven by uncertainty around Brexit are taking their toll. We have already lost some fine retailers and more will follow. I do however have an overall positive outlook, as I believe that the core fundamentals in the economy are strong, and once we pass through the current uncertainty, the customers will return to the high street. It is in this scenario, in my option, that the good retailers, and those who invest the time and effort into understanding and embracing new customer behaviours will thrive.

What is your view on online shopping within the furniture industry?

We already know that around 80% of all furniture shoppers start their journey online, predominantly on a mobile device. Regardless of whether they end up buying online or in a store they are also likely to visit a store at some stage during their journey. Whilst traditional pure online players are now starting to invest in stores and showrooms, bricks and mortar businesses need to do more to refine and enhance the online proposition.

The challenge we have is how to get the balance right. Our websites need to serve the dual purpose of showcasing our range and our store catalogue, whilst also encouraging customers to transact. Depending on the nature of the product in question the challenge includes how we ‘tell the story’ including our use of imagery, copy and video, optimising the conversion rate with the aim of increasing online transactions and/or directing customers to the nearest store. The decisions we need to make include how we choose to spend our digital and above the line marketing budget as well as the way we measure success. It is in all these areas that the convergence of technology and digital marketing knowhow becomes essential, and therefore it is around these areas that I will be focussing all my efforts in the coming months and years.

give the customer the ability to visualise our products in their own space from the comfort of their homes. Whilst we are proud of this technology it is only really the tip of the iceberg, and we are investing in improving and enhancing it for our customers. With the strides in technology in this area I believe that within a short amount of time customers will expect to be able to utilise AR as part of the shopping experience in a seamless and easy way. Retailers need to figure out how to best offer AR as a complimentary function within their existing channels, and this is something we are focused on.

What are you doing to grow the company’s digital transformation?

We launched an important digital

“we hAve InvesTed heAvILY In AR, And vR, And hAve buILT boTh Ios And AndRoId Apps foR boTh bensons And hARveYs. These Apps gIve The cusToMeR The AbILITY To vIsuALIse ouR pRoducTs In TheIR own spAce fRoM The coMfoRT of TheIR hoMes.”

What are your thoughts on AR? We have invested heavily in AR, and VR, and have built both iOS and Android apps for both Bensons and Harveys. These apps 19th April 2019 | 35

f e A T u R e |s T e I n h o f f transformation strategy last year. The aim of this piece of work is to not only identify the technology enablers needed to transform our digital proposition, but to help us work with all our colleagues and stakeholders across the business to put digital at the centre of everything that we do.

All of our wonderful colleagues from our stores, distribution centres and service functions are increasingly appreciating what digital should and could do for our business and our customer. The ultimate aim of the digital transformation is for digital to become so ingrained in how we operate that the term eventually become ubiquitous as most of us would find it at home. This may be a few years off, but it is certainly the direction of travel for us.

What would you say is your favourite part of your job?

The favourite part of my job has always been working with great people, having the opportunity to manage a great department and delivering solutions that enable and help people to do their jobs better. In my most recent role, I am truly enjoying learning new things about the business, having the opportunity to pick up new skills and delving into issues and challenges that have not previously been in my remit. I find it really

19th April 2019 | 36

exciting to continue growing my career and hopefully adding to my experience.

What is most challenging?

The things that are most exciting are also most challenging. As anybody in IT will tell you, delivering projects and solutions on time and within budget is an ongoing challenge, but the harder the challenge the more rewarding the success. In the same way, dealing with a whole new area and skillset, with full P&L responsibility is a massive challenge, but one that I am embracing with both arms.

A final thought?

When I first started out in IT and even when I took on my first Directorship, it was unusual for anybody in IT, even IT leaders, to have commercial skills and abilities. Over the years this has changed, and CIOs and IT Directors are now more likely to be commercially astute business leaders who are also able to manage and deliver technology. The convergence of digital, technology and marketing has challenged business leaders on all sides.

In this context I am truly excited at the opportunity to deliver transformation within Steinhoff UK Retail, and to help Harveys and Bensons for Beds, already amongst

the leaders in their respective industries, to continue to enhance their ability to delight customers and to lay the foundations to do so for many years to come.

w www.bensonsforbeds.co.uk w www.harveysfurniture.co.uk

IAIN JAMES

sales@iainjamesfurniture.co.uk

0115 9734481

19th April 2019 | 37 www.iainjamesfurniture.co.uk

cLAssIfIed

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

natural

feelral natu

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feelral natu

natural fibres

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FURNITURE TECHNOLOGIST (HOME) Laura Ashley is a quintessentially British lifestyle brand founded on a rich design heritage and on the traditional values of quality and originality. We use prints and designs that evoke the English countryside, for the way you live today.

There is a fantastic opportunity for a Technologist to join our Home Team.

The role will specialise in Furniture and be based either in our Fulham Head Office or Leicestershire distribution centre with time divided between the 2 sites.

The Role: You will be a member of the category technologist team working with buyers to develop and approve products to meet our exacting standards and specifications. Tasks will include: • Working to a strict product development timetable using critical path milestones • Ensuring products comply with quality, legal and safety requirements, that all packing is robust and that artwork and labelling is correct • Providing technical support and direction within Laura Ashley • Managing and approving samples • Working with suppliers to overcome any quality issues and promote continual improvement • Keeping accurate records of sealing documents product test reports, certification and specification About You: Ideally you will have a background in retail and possess all of the following: • Experience working as a product technologist • Have a good working knowledge of the Furniture flammability regulations and furniture safety standards • A good knowledge of product standards and labelling • PC skills using Microsoft applications • Good written and verbal communication skills • The ability to influence others in the pursuit of excellence • British Driving Licence Full training on our systems and processes will be given to the right candidate If you would like to apply to work in a world class company please send your CV and a covering letter, stating your current salary & benefits package, to careers@lauraashley.com We receive a large number of applications for our roles and will only contact successful candidates.

We do not accept applications from or through Recruitment Agencies.

The Furniture Makers’ Company the furnishing industry’s charity

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

19thWelfare April 2019 | 38 FX half page.indd

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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

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AHF

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01733 336200

Airsprung

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01225 754411

Alpha Designs Upholstery Bilston, WV14 7HZ

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Alstons Upholstery

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AMA Research

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Aquaclean Fabrics

www.aquaclean.com

07779 597040

Arc Lighting & Design

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

01793 612660

Archers Sleepcentre

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

0141 892 0308

Ashley Manor

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

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

Dewsbury, WF13 3RD www.thefurniturebazaar.com

01609 776 667

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

01244 812628

C Calia Trade SPA

Matera (Italy) www.caliaitalia.com

Carpenter Ltd

Glossop, SK13 6LE https://carpenter.com/uk/en

01457 861141

Carpetright

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

0330 333 3444

Ceramic Import and Manufacturing Company 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 Windsor, SL4 1DP www.danielstores.co.uk

01753 801000

Decorative Panels

01484 658341

London www.decorex.com

020 7921 8275

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

020 7562 8520

DFS 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

01629 823680

Browns

Design Guild Mark

Bazaar

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

Ilkeston, DE7 5EP www.breasley.co.uk

Decorex International

Barkers Home

Ilkeston, DE7 5EP www.thebelfieldgroup.com

Breasley

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

Baker Furniture

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

0905 873 8509

Daniel Stores

Aydin Tekstil Ticaret

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

»

19th April 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 Health Beds

FIRA International Stevenage, SG1 2EW www.fira.co.uk

01438 777 700 +48 29 64 42 222 01384 408844

Furnico

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

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

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

Blackburn, BB1 1TJ www.heritagefurnitureuk.com

01209 210080

G

069 7575-0

01254 660777 0845 226 9776 01924 406600

+49 30 20 38 99 66 0161 681 5678 01924 486902

Hydeline Furniture

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

01908 968228

Hyder Beds

01844 348200

Iconography

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

01291 645080

Grampian Furnishers

Elgin, IV30 8QN www.grampianfurnishers.com

01343 813271

Greenwood Retail

Knutsford, WA16 6EN www.greenwoodretail.com

01565 650101

Gresham

Bolton, BL6 4SA www.officefurnitureonline.co.uk

0333 7777 575

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

0800 021 4363

Harry Corry

Belfast, BT17 9GX www.harrycorry.com

028 9060 6801

Harvey Norman Harveys

www.harveysfurniture.co.uk

0344 372 1000

Headlam

Birmingham, B46 1LW www.headlam.com 19th April 2019 | 40

01675 433000

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

020 7739 5561

London Fabric Show

Long Eaton, NG10 4QD www.londonfabricshow.uk

Mammoth

www.maisonsdumonde.com

www.ikea.com/gb/en

01332 321827

Leigh, WN7 2RR www.ism.furniture

0300 030 9915

J 020 7384 8211 01603 660661 01706 877877 03300 883818

K Dublin www.kaymed.co.uk

0116 4422363

49 5401 852-0

Mattressman

Norfolk, NR14 8SQ www.mattressman.co.uk

0333 577 5773

Mattresstek

Lancashire, BB4 5JT www.mattresstek.co.uk

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

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

+353 45 484 300

KBSA

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

Dudley, DY2 8NT www.masonandpearl.co.uk Germany www.wiemann-online.com/en

JJOplc

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

Mason and Pearl

Mathias Wiemann GmbH & Co KG

January Furniture Show

Bacup, OL13 0EA www.jjoplc.com

0808 234 21 72

Wallsend, NE28 9NZ www.mammothcomfort.com

ISM Networks Furniture

Kaymed

www.harveynorman.com

LIA

Ikea International

JYSK 0113 205 5200

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

Maisons du Monde

Norwich, NR2 1JF www.jarrold.co.uk 0344 499 4686

01724 281381

Lectra

London, WC2H 0JG www.made.com

Jarrold & Son

Habitat

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

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

London, SW6 3JW januaryfurnitureshow.com

H

03332 008 009

Made.com

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

Indus Valley Furniture Ltd

Global Furniture Alliance

Newtown, SY16 1DZ www.lauraashley.com

M

01382 477281 01284 752804

01254 265883

Luxury Furniture Manufacturers www.longeatonguild.co.uk

Gillies

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

01628 513810

Long Eaton Guild

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

Glasswells

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

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

Hypnos

I

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

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

London Design Fair

Dewsbury, WF13 1EN www.hyderbedsltd.com Princes Risborough, HP27 9RS www.hypnosbeds.com

L

Lebus Upholstery

Housing Units

www.hslchairs.com

01344 771653

Laura Ashley

Home24

HSL

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

Lanzet

Highgrove

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

01536 444960

La-Z-Boy

Herman Miller

Berlin (Germany) www.home24.com

Corby, NN17 4JN www.kettleinteriorsagencies.com

Kobe UK

Heritage Furniture

Melksham, SN12 6GN www.hermanmiller.com

353 404 80068

Kettle Interiors 01268 745421

Heimtextil

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

Furniture Makers

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

Heico

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Furmanac

Kingswinford, DY6 7FF www.furmanac.com

Foxrock www.kelstonhouse.com

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

Forte Furniture

Warsaw ww2.forte.com.pl

Kelston House

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

01623 818808

023 8086 6111

Minerva Furnishers Guild

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

01225 444204

MPT Group

Bacup, OL13 9RW www.mptgroup.com

01706 878 558 16th November 2018 | 23

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

Skipton, BD23 1NL 01756 799 950

Italy www.natuzzi.co.uk

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0039 080 8820488

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Oliver Bonas

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01924 439 898

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Liverpool, L70 1AB www.shopdirect.com

0844 292 1000

0333 123 0892

Simba 0115 951 9512

0121 389 4262

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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

017738 38800

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

ROM Sofas

+32 87 59 59 59

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

0345 400 2222

353 42 935 1950

01278 557755

01244 888658

01733 371727

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

01752 366311

Kidderminster, DY10 1JR www.victoriaplc.com

01562 749610

0808 159 9679

Swaffer

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

800.805.3635

Tetrad

Vitsoe

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

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

Lexington (USA) www.tempursealy.com

VIDA Living

Steinhoff (International)

Relyon

353 42 935 1351

Tempur Sealy

01204 368413

Staingard

Recticel

Louth, BT35 8PX www.tcsimports.com

0121 773 6669

Sofahouse Importers Ltd

Radium Foam

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

016973 20342

Serene

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

Perfect Home

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

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

Silentnight

Park Lane Bedding

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

Sealy UK

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

Paragon Interiors

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

0115 943 8980

www.sharps.co.uk 0800 440 2254

P 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

Sareer

Satra Technology Centre

Natuzzi

Leicester, LE8 6LH www.rjbinnie.co.uk

01254 665228

S www.bedfed.org.uk

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

Lancashire, BB1 5JJ www.royams.net

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

Sweet Dreams

Royams Upholstery

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

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

Swan Retail 01249 821 748

Stockport, SK3 0XT www.vidaliving.com

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

0203 457 5862

Wayfair

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

19th April 2019 | 41

LAST WORD PAM JOHNSON, HEAD OF BUYING AT BENSONS FOR BEDS Bensons for Beds reveals the top trends in bed buying across the nation for 2019

“we’ve seen A huge shIfT In cusToMeRs opTIng foR fAbRIc bed fRAMes, RATheR ThAn LeATheR And MeTAL.“

We’ve seen a huge shift in customers opting for fabric bed frames, rather than leather and metal. Leather used to dominate over 40% of the market but is now less than 5%, for instance. Fabric bed frames can be really versatile, whether you’re after a classic or contemporary look – our Virage Bed Frame is one of our best-selling, available in an Oatmeal or Grey colour to seamlessly fit into any bedroom. People also want more texture on their bed frames, so velvets are becoming more popular, with more touchy-feely fabrics at the top of people’s lists.

opting for storage options within their beds.

It’s rare for us to sell a bed frame without storage, and Ottoman bed storage is the most popular of all.

Tech takes over One of the biggest trend changes has been the demand for technology in bed frames, which has grown. As the world becomes more technologically advanced, people have convenience at front of mind and want multi-functional products. This spans from something simple like a USB charger in the headboard, like our Bergamo Bed Frame, to a fully equipped tech bed with a smart TV and speakers, like the Legend Upholstered TV Media Bed Frame.

Grey gets the top spot Grey bed frames are really dominating at the moment, with many of our customers choosing grey as their base colour and then accessorising their rooms with colour. Grey is a soothing neutral colour, and by adding a splash of colour separately, they can change the look of their bedroom more regularly We’ve also seen Blush Pink becoming a hit, with our Elycia Upholstered Bed Frame emerging as a recent best-seller.

Choice, choice and more choice There’s been an increasing demand for customisation in beds. Gone are the days where people settle for certain colours, sizes and storage – it’s now all about making the bed their own. We offer this with our ‘Your Bed, Your Way’ concept. Customers can choose from a range of colours, storage options, sizes and headboard styles to create a bed that’s unique to them and their preferences.

Bigger is best Size wise, more people are swapping their doubles for king size beds. One of the main reasons for this is because of Sleep Wellness™ and its increasing importance in people’s lives. People are recognising the impact of Sleep Wellness™ more than ever before, so being comfortable in bed and having the right size for them is at the top of their lists.

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Storage is key With space at a premium as properties decrease in size, more and more people are

PARKER KNOLL: 150 YEARS BRC ON APPRENTICESHIPS PEOPLE BEHIND THE PRODUCTS LONG POINT PREVIEW 19th April 2019 | 42

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