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CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK 01623 372 213 PUBLISHER Stewart Rickersey stewart@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372218 EDITOR Dan Squires dan@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372215 FEATURE WRITER Wayne Swiffin wayne@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372215 SALES & SUBSCRIPTIONS Sharon Rickersey Operations & Sales Manager sharon@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372213 Siobhan Foster subscriptions@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372216 PRE-PRESS PRODUCTION Tim Morriss tim@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372158 DIGITAL Jakub Krzyzanowski jakub@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372157 Subscription prices Cover price for a single print copy £3.75 Published weekly; 48 issues per year Subscribe online at www.cabinet-maker.co.uk P&P extra. VAT will be charged where applicable. Refunds on prepaid subscriptions will only be provided at the publisher’s discretion. Issue no 6120 published by Information Publications Ltd, Suite 15 Brunts Business Centre, Samuel Brunts Way, Mansfield, NG18 2AH VAT No: GB 945225521 © Information Publications Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system without the express prior written consent of the publisher. We regret we cannot be liable for the safe custody or return of any solicited or unsolicited material. Contributors are advised to keep copies of all materials submitted.
“Companies in industry must use UK training providers or risk losing them.” That was the warning Gary Baker, Furniture and Interiors Education, Skills and Training Alliance (FIESTA) chairman, issued to delegates at the recent ‘Closing the Gap’ conference that took place last month.
— whether it’s through apprenticeships or other means — are ones that are ‘much more profitable’, Gary states. There will be a focus in next week’s Last Word, which you can’t afford to miss. On to the issue in hand, this week features a different approach into educating the industry through the Chippendale School of Furniture. A famous learning establishment, the head principal talks to us about what it’s like to run the school and how the craft of woodworking unites the world. If this doesn’t ignite the inner craftsperson in you, then you’re in the wrong industry!
The purpose? To inform companies of the looming employment crisis the furniture and interiors industry faces if the emerging skills gap isn’t addressed. Statistics from the 2015 Mind the Gap report showed that of those companies surveyed at the time, more than 50% of their workforce was over the age of 40, whilst half of the employers questioned said they didn’t need apprentices or didn’t know where to find them.
Being in the furniture industry has proved extremely successful for fashion icon brand Joules. We visit its partnership with sofa business DFS and how that has evolved over the past two years. In keeping with the upholstery theme, this week includes an exclusive with new floor cushion brand Humpties, which is certainly not a beanbag!
Four years on from the release of the report and the hope that the introduction of the apprenticeship levy in May 2017 would support businesses to recruit and train new talent has dissipated due to the complexity and rigidity of accessing and using funding.
Team CM was also in attendance during the recent Long Point exhibition in Long Eaton and provides a review of the event. There is also an outlook of what to expect to see if you make the trip to Germany for the LIGNA show.
The Department of Education’s monthly apprenticeship statistics update in March revealed that apprenticeship starts for January were down 21% on the same month in 2017 before the levy was introduced.
The Skills Gap is only going to narrow if each and every business plays its part in training the next generation. Now is the time to accelerate this effort.
It is clear there is plenty of work to be done to bridge the skills gap, but there is also another clear message that Gary is forcing upon the industry. ‘Can you afford not to train your staff?’ Those businesses that have been and are consistently successful in training
Dan Squires Editor
RETAIL Long MANUFACTURE success of the reflects on the
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their its brand Vieva talks about plans and the current future Humpties®, industry. state of the furniture
for manufacturers Cabinet Maker in Long Eaton Point exhibition and the industry.
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INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE
06
NEWS
FEATURES BUSINESS OF LEARNING
18
Chippendale International School of Furniture shares an insight into the importance of its mission.
LONG POINT REVIEW
DFS explains the journey between the retailer and fashion icon brand Joules following a successful collaboration.
20
Cabinet Maker covers the recent Long Point exhibition in Long Eaton.
NOT A BEANBAG!
26
JOULES’ JOURNEY
HEAD TO HANNOVER
28
This month, more than 1,500 companies will be heading to Hannover for industry event LIGNA.
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Vieva talks about its new brand Humpties®, future plans and the current state of the furniture industry.
LAST WORD
34
Rebecca Snowden, Interior Style Advisor at Furniture Choice, has the Last Word.
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NEWS
FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES:
NEWS IN BRIEF PLANNING APPLICATION £6K donation A new furniture store is set to take over a former car showroom after submitting a planning application. The application to Isle of Wight Council states a change of use from the vehicles sales sector to a retail premise for the sale of household furniture and related bulky goods. The showroom is located on Lushington Hill with the plans submitted by Harwoods Garage.
Trading update
Rawson Carpets has reported a decline in sales and profit off the back of a record year. According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 30th June, 2018, total sales fell 7.7% to £67.8m from £73.5m in 2017. Pre-tax profit resulted at £8.3m, down by 30%. Revenues slipped due to a combination of volume and foreign exchange losses across overseas subsidiaries.
Acquisition Global lighting group Osram has completed the acquisition of Ring Automotive. The acquisition of the British aftermarket specialist Ring, which came into full affect from 1st May, will allow the high-tech company Osram to expand its product range in the automotive sector to include more automotive electronics and accessories.
24th May 2019 | 06
Huthwaite-based SR Timber has donated a range of timber products totalling more than £6,000 in value to nearby Vision West Nottinghamshire College’s Construction Centre in Kirkby-in-Ashfield in a bid to support the next generation. Nearly 200 students will benefit as a direct result of the donation of batten and panels, which the college estimates will keep them in raw materials for at least two years.
TICKETS ON SALE
Get set to party in style and celebrate 10 years of the National Bed Federation’s (NBF) Bed Show at its annual Gala Dinner and Award ceremony on 17th September at the Telford International Centre. Tickets for the event, which includes fundraising for the industry charity, The Furniture Makers’, are now available to book at www. bedshow.co.uk.
Rebrand
GB Projects has announced the launch of its new website alongside a complete rebrand. GB Projects has rebranded to support a new direction in business and open up new opportunities as well as to better reflect its product offering for existing and prospective clients. With clear messaging, the business wants visitors to its new website to leave with a firm idea of who they are and what they stand for.
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Sofa business set to open store in Birmingham Retail destination The Mailbox has announced a new furniture addition. Benefiting from 70 years of family heritage in the furniture industry, Sofas & Stuff will further bolster the Mailbox’s leading furniture proposition in the region. Open from early June, guests will be able to visit the 2,000sq ft space to experience its range of sofas, beds and chairs first hand, as well as benefit from the knowledge and guidance of its the expert team. Birmingham-based The Mailbox continues to attract new and diverse brands to its occupier mix, with the opening joined by three other occupiers, which include Castle Fine Art, Pall Mall Barbers and a women’s fashion retailer that is yet to be announced. Melanie Taylor, head of retailer relations at Milligan, joint owners of the Mailbox, comments: “We’re incredibly excited to announce the latest arrivals to the Mailbox, taking us to 18 new retail and F&B openings within the last two years. It’s a real vote of confidence in the centre’s valuable proposition for our occupiers in this challenging retail climate. “The new signings are a fantastic example of the breadth of our portfolio, which now comprises a wide range of occupiers, united by excellent service and exceptional product to provide a truly customer-focussed experience. We look forward to showcasing our exciting offering to customers in Birmingham and the broader Midlands region.”
w www.sofasandstuff.com
DESIGN
Woodstock refreshes design Bespoke furniture company Woodstock Furniture has announced the launch of its new logo and strapline. Commenting on the design, Andrew Hall, managing director of Woodstock Furniture, explained, “We decided now was the right time for Woodstock Furniture to rebrand and give our company a fresher and more cohesive look to appeal to a wider audience. We feel that Amino Media have achieved just that.” The design team at Amino Media, a specialist interiors marketing agency, said: “It was essential that Woodstock’s professionalism and craft was reflected in its new logo. The singular line structure of the logo is reflective of the careful consideration that goes into every piece of furniture created by Woodstock Furniture. The bold reflects their strong past and current status in the market, and the thin reflects their careful consideration to detail.” Tala Monks, managing director of Amino Media, added: “Branding is the key to success and good branding definition is hard to come by. Woodstock already has a strong brand image so we recreated and reshaped its current brand identity along with a new strapline, ‘Created by us. Inspired by you. Designed for life.’ We are very happy with the results.”
w www.woodstockfurniture.co.uk
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THE FURNITURE MAKERS’ COMPANY INSTALLS NEW MASTER Dids Macdonald OBE, chief executive of the design and intellectual property membership and campaigning organisation Anti Copying In Design (ACID), has been installed as the 58th Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry. Dids, who succeeded Hayden Davies, is the second female Master in the company’s history. The annual installation ceremony took place on Tuesday, 14th May at St Mary-le-Bow Church in the City of London, followed by a commemorative dinner in the stunning Egyptian Room at Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London. Around 220 guests were in attendance to celebrate the new Master’s installation and were joined by City dignitaries, including the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Peter Estlin; Lady Mayoress Lindy Estlin; and Alderman and Sheriff Amanda Vincent Keaveny. Dids Macdonald said: “To represent the furnishings industry as Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company is not only an honour but a huge opportunity to champion the outstanding work of this talented sector.” In a speech to guests, the Master announced that one of her focuses for the year would be increasing awareness of the company’s welfare support provision to industry workers through the launch of a new campaign called One Step At A Time. She added: “I plan on raising awareness about our charitable giving so that every single individual knows where to come if a curveball strikes. As well as encouraging more women to join our ranks, I will do everything I can to raise awareness about the looming skills gap crisis.”
w www.furnituremakers.org.uk
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First anniversary at carpet company
YOUR 2019 SUCCESS STRATEGY 5 ESSENTIAL WAYS TO MAXIMISE YOUR SALES AND PROFIT l ADVERTISING – Most advertising does not work very well. If yours isn’t, stop wasting your money now. Don’t blame the media, blame the message. Re-design your advertising in a benefits-orientated-style. Call Greenwood for effective copywriting know-how. l PRODUCTS – Be ruthless with your precious floor space. If a product or collection isn’t performing after being given a fair trial, then clear it and replace it with a faster selling line. Test and measure the selling potential of all your products in a Greenwood Sale. lSELLING SKILLS - Get good at selling. Most retailers don’t employ a proper retail sales process for big ticket goods. The most successful ones do. Invest time and money in quality sales know-how. Call Greenwood to arrange an effective sales training course for your team. l COMPETITION – Check your competition to find out what they are offering. Avoid all-out price wars. Out-perform your competition on the most relevant beneficial points including choice, quality, value and service. Call Greenwood to mystery shop your competitors. l PROMOTION – Promote your business effectively. Every good retailer from Aldi to Harrod’s does. Consider using a ‘Greenwood’ sales promotion to increase sales, turn stock into cash and win future market share, while protecting your profit at the same time. Call Greenwood!
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GREENWOOD SALES…
Take a look at our website or call us now on 01565 650101, or, send an email enquiry, and we’ll gladly call you to discuss the exciting possibilities we can offer you, without obligation. We are now booking Greenwood Sales right across the UK and Ireland from autumn 2019 to mid 2020 on a first come first served basis. Book your sales event early to guarantee exclusivity for your business.
Why not find out more today? Call Bernard Eaton or Donald Currie on 01565 650101
Independent carpet retailer Carpets, Rugs and Runners has celebrated its first anniversary. The business, which is situated on Stourbridge Road in Bromsgrove, opened in May 2018 and went on to secure more than 350 sales in its first year of trading. To celebrate the occasion, the business donated a special first anniversary cake made for the shop to Primrose Hospice in the town.
w www.carpets-rugs-runners.co.uk
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Online retailer grows turnover
CHAIRMAN AT CARPET MAKER CALLS TIME
Online furniture retailer Swoon Editions has reported a significant increase in sales as turnover edged closer to the £20m mark. According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31st July, 2018, total sales rose 47% to £19.6m from £13.3m in 2017, representing a second straight year of growing sales. Gross profit also increased 90% to £9.7m from £5.1m, whilst pre-tax losses resulted at £8.3m, growing from its loss of £6.6m the previous year.
Northern Ireland-based carpet manufacturer Ulster Carpets has confirmed that its chairman has retired.
w www.swooneditions.com
Despite this retirement, the Wilson family will remain at the helm of Ulster Carpets, with Edward’s nephews, Nick Coburn and John Wilson, as group managing director and chairman respectively.
MANUFACTURE
BUSINESS FINED AFTER SAFETY BREACH Furniture, joinery and kitchen design business Flory Works Ltd has been fined after two separate incidents led to workers’ fingers being amputated. Reading Magistrates’ Court heard how employees of Flory Works Ltd were injured in two separate incidents involving cutting tools. One employee was injured while cutting timber on the blade of an unstable sliding table saw in August 2017, and suffered amputations to the middle and index fingers on his right hand. A second incident occurred in September 2018, where an apprentice joiner was feeding timber through a Planer Thicknesser, and an insufficient guard caused the planer’s blade to come into contact with the employee’s finger, amputating it down to the first knuckle. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into these incidents found that Flory Works Limited failed to ensure effective measures were taken to prevent access to dangerous parts of their machinery, and issued the company with three Improvement Notices and a Prohibition Notice. The company complied with the Prohibition Notice by making the sliding table saw stable, but failed to comply with the Improvement Notices within the given deadline. A further extension to comply was granted, but again the company failed to do so. Flory Works Limited, of The Hangar, Little Acre Farm, Chesham, pleaded guilty to a total of four breaches of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and one breach of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The company has been fined a total of £10,600 and ordered to pay costs of £2024.60. Speaking after the case, HSE Inspector Thomas Giles said: “This incident could easily have been prevented had the machinery been properly maintained. Failings in health and safety management were reflected in the general poor standards that were further compounded by the company’s non-compliance with Improvement Notices served by HSE. “Awareness and management of health and safety, regardless of the company size, is crucial to ensuring the safety of the workforce, and companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
w www.hse.gov.uk 24th May 2019 | 08
Edward Wilson CBE, chairman of Ulster Carpets, stood down after 58 years at the business. He is the son of Jean and George Walter Wilson, who founded the Portadown-based company 81 years ago.
Following his last meetings with shareholders and board members, Edward’s final act was an official event at the company’s Castleisland factory, where staff had an opportunity to say a final farewell. Everyone at the company wished Edward a long and happy retirement.
w www.ulstercarpets.com
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French group acquires UK concern French group Printemps has acquired online furniture business Made in Design. Printemps has become the sole shareholder of the entity, acquiring Made in Design from European investment company Gimv. The group, which previously focused mainly on fashion, sees the acquisition as a platform to expand its product category into furnishings, fulfilling its desire to develop the home market. Commenting on the deal in a statement, Paolo de Cesare, president of the Printemps group, said: “Made in Design has enriched our online lifestyle offering, which until recently was predominantly fashion-focused, and this acquisition illustrates our desire to develop the home market via a selection of the best brands. We are pleased to welcome its founder, Catherine Colin, to offer our customers an omni-channel experience. “
w www.madeindesign.co.uk
MANUFACTURE
GLOBAL GROUP DELIVERS STRONG START US-based office furniture specialist Knoll has reported a strong start to the year. According to its latest trading update for the first quarter ended 31st March, total group sales increased 12.2% to $332.8m. Net earnings rose 17.8% to $18m, whilst Adjusted EBITDA increased 13% to $41.6m. Stated within its report, Knoll said that its Muuto acquisition continues to deliver with accelerating top and bottom-line growth, whilst sales in both its core divisions grew with Office up by 9.2% to $202.2m and Lifestyle up by 17.2% to $130.6m.
w www.knoll.com
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CARPET MACHINERY BUSINESS SAVED FROM ADMINISTRATION Carpet finishing machinery manufacturer Sellers Global Engineers has been acquired out of administration. Paul Philmore, of Philmore & Co, was appointed as the administrator of Sellers Global Engineers Ltd in March. Since the appointment a deal, which remains undisclosed, has been secured by a consortium of investors, led by Charlie Armitage, of Sellers of America, and will trade as a new identity under Sellers Textile Engineers. The holding company of The Netherlands-based ETF Machinefabriek, a specialist in cutting, rolling, wrapping and material handling equipment for the floorcovering industry, is the largest single investor. In a statement, the group said that Charlie has taken the role of new managing director, whilst long-standing Sellers employees Neil Miller and Danny Chambers have joined the board and will fill technical and production roles respectively, adding to their sales responsibilities.
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Lighting firm opens new showroom Luxury lighting manufacturer Bert Frank launched a new showroom and presented latest lighting collections at Clerkenwell Design Week Located on 67 Farringdon Road, the space showcased Bert Frank’s collections that draw influence from a multitude of styles and eras — from the design codes of the industrial era through to Art Deco and mid-century inspired forms. Set across two floors, the new showroom has embraced its original features, including raw brickwork and floor tiles. Set against a backdrop of natural light combined with a neutral palette, Bert Frank showcased its full range of British-made lighting products from new designs to signature styles. Commenting on the event, the company said: “With all lights designed and made in the UK, Bert Frank continues to win universal acclaim with prominent new designs that reference curvilinear forms and industrial-inspired aesthetics — marrying them with the technical expertise and quality that the brand has become so well-known for.”
w www.bertfrank.co.uk
A historic manufacturer of carpet finishing machinery has been acquired out of administration by a consortium of investors. West Yorkshire-based Sellers Global Engineers was established in 1912.
w www.sellers-uk.com
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Furniture retailer celebrates centenary with exclusive collection
For a life that’s larger than today’s living room. From the UK’s leading soft seating manufacturer
Independent furniture retailer Heal’s marked 100 years of Homes & Gardens with the launch of an exclusive Designed by You collection. Three of the retailer’s most popular pieces from the fully customisable range have been transformed by the Homes & Gardens design team, using new fabrics from the Homes & Gardens III Baker Lifestyle collection. The versatility of the Designed by You range is demonstrated through this exclusive specification across the Homes & Gardens sofa, armchair and footstool. The bespoke experience enables customers to design upholstered pieces to their taste and style — from contemporary minimalist to heritage inspiration.
An innovative 3-in-1 pouffe that effortlessly changes its form.
The collaboration comes as Heal’s celebrates its long-standing relationship with the magazine, having advertised in the very first issue in 1919. To launch the new pieces, Heal’s hosted an exclusive late night reader event at its Tottenham Court Road store on 22nd May. The event included access to a panel discussion, hosted by Sarah Spiteri, with experts from Heal’s and GP & J Baker, as well as interior designer Suzy Hoodless
w www.heals.com
Maximise your sales with minimal floorspace Discover Bazaar Group’s new concept
www.bazaar-group.uk/ayla T: 01670 594137 E: ayla@bazaar-group.uk
Kenzie
We’re full of Bright ideas The latest models in our Urban Attitudes will bring a pop of style, quality and brand value to your showroom.
www.la-z-boy.co.uk Kenzie from Urban Attitudes
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DIY retailer sees strong first quarter
The Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Peter Estlin, left, and Master Dids Macdonald OBE present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Sir Terence Conran
Home improvement retailer B&Q has reported a growth in sales as weather-related products boost performance. According to Kingfisher’s first quarter trading update to 15th May, total B&Q sales rose by 2.8% to £851m, with like-for-like sales up by 2.8% on a constant currency basis. The uptick in B&Q UK & Ireland sales reflected stronger weatherrelated performance benefiting like-for-like by 6%, partly offset as expected by 2% impact from discontinuation of showroom installation services. Kingfisher Plc, the group that houses B&Q and Screwfix within the UK, posted overall UK & Ireland sales of £1.2bn, up by 5% from Q1 last year, with like-for-like sales up by 3.4%. Screwfix sales jumped 9.6% to £433m in the quarter. Overall Kingfisher group sales for Q1 grew by 1.7% to £2.8bn, although sales in its French division slipped 5.1% to £1.1bn.
w www.diy.com
MANUFACTURE
UK SALES RETURN TO GROWTH; CAUTIOUS OUTLOOK Swiss-based office furniture company Vitra has reported a return to sales growth within its UK market. According to latest filed accounts, total sales for the year ended 31st December increased 3.7% to £27.4m from £26.4m in 2017, ending a run of three straight years of declining sales. Gross profit decreased 5.7% to £4.9m from £5.2m, whilst pre-tax profit fell from £420,000 to £352,000, a decline of 16% year-on-year, but significantly improved from its previous year’s drop from £2.3m. Stated within its report, Vitra said that it is cautiously optimistic on future turnover growth as the ongoing Brexit fallout continues to hamper consumer confidence. However, this is offset by more successful sales activities within its main office market.
w www.vitra.com
MANUFACTURE
EXPORTS HELP OFFSET WEAK UK PERFORMANCE Bristol-based outdoor furniture manufacturer Gloster has reported static sales, despite a lull in UK performance. According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31st December, total sales resulted at £2.3m, in line with its previous year. Sales in the UK were down by 34% to £530,442 from £803,608, which were offset by rising overseas sales of 18% to £1.8m from £1.5m. Pre-tax profit resulted at £418,956, down by 11% from £472,915 the previous year. Stated within its report, Gloster said that the level of uncertainty around Brexit has impacted market conditions.
w www.gloster.com 24th May 2019 | 12
Design icon presented Lifetime Achievement Award Sir Terence Conran, one of the world’s best-known designers, retailers and restaurateurs, has been given a Lifetime Achievement Award by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the design and furnishing sector. Sir Terence was presented with the award by the Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Peter Estlin, at the Mansion House in the City of London during the Installation Dinner of the Company’s newly-installed Master, Dids Macdonald OBE. Born in 1931, Sir Terence founded the Conran Design Studio in 1956 and in 1964 opened the first of the Habitat chain of home furnishing stores that revolutionised design on the British High Street in the 60s and 70s. He later established The Conran Shop and opened stores in London, Paris, New York and across Japan. In the 90s he founded the Conran Restaurants group that opened iconic restaurants, hotels and bars in London, Paris, New York, Japan and Scandinavia. Throughout his career Sir Terence’s companies have designed, owned and operated shops, restaurants, hotels, bars and cafés around the world as well as working across the fields of architecture, interiors, products and graphics. In 1989 he founded the Design Museum in London, the world’s first museum dedicated to design, which moved to larger premises in the former Commonwealth Building, Kensington, in 2016. Today Sir Terence designs furniture for Benchmark, Content by Terence Conran, and The Conran Shop, and remains involved in the restaurant industry through The Boundary and Bibendum. Now in its 10th year, the Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honour the Company can bestow on an individual in the furnishing sector. Dids Macdonald OBE, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “You have been a pioneer and game changer in British design, which encompasses innovation, technology, creativity and craftsmanship, and been an inspiring influence in our lives in more ways that we can imagine — thank you!” Sir Terence said: “In my heart I have always considered myself a furniture maker, it has given me more pleasure than anything else during my rather long career. As a very young boy I vividly remember the absolute joy of finally finishing making my very own bookcase. It has been in my bloodstream ever since.”
w www.furnituremakers.org.uk
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Italian brand opens debut UK showroom Italian furniture business De Padova has announced the opening of its first monobrand UK showroom in London’s shopping quarter, Brompton Cross.
An artist’s impression of how the bays could look
FLOORING FIRM SUPPORTS LOCAL HOSPICE Flooring contractor Designer Contracts has pledged £100,000 to help a hospice close to its headquarters in Chesterfield. The company has donated the six-figure sum to Ashgate Hospice’s Three Bedded Bay Appeal, launched to raise money for renovations to its cramped patient bays. The transformation will see the space turned into nine single bedrooms, providing patients and their families with more of a home-from-home environment and much-needed privacy. Peter Kelsey, Designer Contracts managing director, said: “We’re really thrilled to be able to continue supporting Ashgate Hospice. Last year we helped to refurbish the family room and some counselling rooms, so it is a pleasure to be able to contribute towards further improvements that will benefit future patients and their families.”
w www.designercontracts.com
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Bensons and Harveys raise almost £10m for charity Harveys and Bensons for Beds have revealed that £8.7m has been raised for the British Heart Foundation, via the retailers’ ongoing work with the charity. Having first started working with the charity six years ago, both Harveys and Bensons for Beds offer a free service to customers, which allows them to donate unwanted reusable furniture to the British Heart Foundation when they purchase new products. From sofas and chairs to bed frames and mattresses, all donated items are sold in British Heart Foundation stores to help fund research. Helen Nunn, head of marketing for Harveys and Bensons, said: “Working with the British Heart Foundation over the past six years has been an extremely rewarding process and we’re delighted to have raised such a huge amount of money for them.” Karen O’Donoghue, head of retail partnerships from the British Heart Foundation, added: “The partnership has provided our stores with much needed furniture stock, especially bedroom furniture that we find is not donated as much.”
w www.bhf.org.uk
Since merging with Boffi in 2015 and MA/U Studio in 2017, De Padova has had the opportunity to expand its bricks and mortar presence across the globe, first by being introduced within Boffi’s established network of showrooms and now by opening unique company-owned spaces in Milan, New York, Paris and, from this year, in London. Located on the first floor of a modern four-storey building redesigned by British architect David Chipperfield, De Padova Chelsea has been designed under the creative direction of architect Piero Lissoni and the Boffi Group Design & Style office. Roberto Gavazzi, chioef executive of the Boffi Group, said: “We have found an extraordinary space for De Padova in the heart of Chelsea. A far cry from the traditional furniture shop, it is an exceptional loft space that fully showcases our complete interior design offering. “The showroom’s close proximity to Boffi Chelsea enables us to provide the best design solutions for all our clients, whether for De Padova, Boffi, MA/U studio and now, ADL.”
w www.depadova.it
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PRODUCT INVESTMENT BOOSTS FURNITURE GROUP Global furniture manufacturing group KI has reported record sales across its EMEA region during 2018. KI said its commitment to local product development, codesign with key customers and local manufacturing has directly contributed to record sales for 2018, up 16% overall since 2017.
Fire destroys beds store Independent bedroom furniture and mattress retailer Kettering Bedding Centre has suffered a huge fire. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene on Regent Street in Kettering after the blaze broke out around 12.30pm on 13th May. The building involved measures around 100m by 150m, with all three storeys, as well as the basement, affected by the fire. No casualties were reported, but neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution. Firefighters remained at the scene until the following day to monitor hotspots as they continued to make the area safe, whilst officers from Northamptonshire Police remained on the scene to assist. A statement from Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Control of the secured site is now handed to Kettering Borough Council. Crews will be revisiting the premises to check for hotspots, and an investigation into the cause of the fire continues. Many thanks to residents and businesses in the surrounding area for your support and understanding while our firefighters dealt with this incident.” In a short statement, Kettering Bedding Centre also commented: “Due to a fire the Kettering Bedding Centre will be closed until further notice. Any customers who have any questions regarding their orders are asked to ring 01536 512061. The family would like to thank all the emergency services for their help in tackling the fire. Also many thanks to the local community for the kind words of support, which are very much appreciated at this difficult time.” An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way.
w www.ketteringbeddingcentre.co.uk
MANUFACTURE
UK SALES UP AT LIGHTING WHOLESALER Lighting supplier Cascade Holdings has reported a growth in turnover as profit remained over £800k for a third year running. According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31st March, total sales rose 2.4% to £20.6m from £20.1m in 2017. UK sales led growth, up by 15.7% to £14m from £12.1m, however sales from outside the UK slipped 16.4% to £6.6m from £7.9m. Pre-tax profit resulted at £815,030, down just 1%.
w www.cascadelighting.com 24th May 2019 | 14
Ongoing investment in skills, customer service, in-house design capabilities, tooling, and supply chain and distribution partners has helped deliver these strong results. Record sales for the workplace division were up by 35% compared to 2017 and were underpinned by major project wins. Strong sales growth was also recorded by the education division, which grew year-on-year sales by 8%. The team has been consistently expanding sales beyond its core market of primary and secondary schools, gaining greater popularity amongst universities and colleges across the UK and Europe. Jonathan Hindle, group managing director - EMEA, KI Inc, comments: “Specifying furniture that enhances wellbeing has been a critical driver for KI’s recent success. Our investments in product development over recent years have focused on helping organisations meet these evolving needs. “Equally important has been our investment in our supply chains and customer service teams, ensuring that not only do we make great products, we are great to do business with, too. These record results are testament to the team’s collective efforts, whilst giving our customers confidence that we can continue to be a supplier of choice throughout the EMEA region for the years to come.”
w www.kieurope.com
RETAIL
Brexit impacts market uncertainty Independent flooring and beds retailer Frank’s the Flooring Store has reported a slight decline in both turnover and profit. According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31st July 2018, total sales fell 2.1% to £31.3m from £32m in 2017. Gross profit was also marginally down by 1.4% to £7m from £7.1m, whilst pre-tax profit fell 19% to £1.6m from £2m — the first time profit had dipped below the £2m mark since 2012 when it recorded £1.4m. However, the reduction was impacted by a one-off rebate of £400,000 to a key strategic customer, meaning that without this cost, profit would have resulted at the same level compared to the previous year. Stated within its report, the company said that, despite performance being slightly down compared to last year, it was another good year in a challenging economic climate. Frank’s, which trades from 27 stores across the North East, added that it had continued to invest in staff training to improve operations, whilst the ongoing uncertainty around Brexit had an affect on market conditions.
w www.frankstheflooringstore.com
aQO RETAIL
DESIGN
Competitive pressures impact kitchen retailer
Adhesive tape supplier secures mirror certification
Broxburn-based kitchen furniture retailer Kitchens International Group has reported a decline in both sales and profits. According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31st December, 2018, total sales fell 12.2% to £10m from £11.4m in 2017. Pre-tax profit fell 25.8% to £345,972 from £465,570 year-on-year, experiencing a third straight decline. The current performance marked the company’s lowest sales generated since 2013, when revenues stood at £8.7m, whilst profit levels were also at its lowest since 2009 when profit resulted at £278,000. Stated within its report, the business said that competitive pressures are ‘ever increasing in the marketplace’ and that margins remained ‘under pressure’.
w www.kitchensinternational.co.uk
MANUFACTURE
FLOORING GROUP COMPLETES BELGIAN ACQUISITION UK floorcoverings distributor Likewise Group plc has announced the completion of the acquisition of H&V Carpets BVBA. Likewise Group plc has acquired the entire issued share capital of H&V Carpets BVBA for one euro in addition to a 10-year warrant for one million Likewise shares at 30 pence per share. H&V is a supplier of full rolls of carpet to flooring retailers in the UK and Germany. The acquisition includes stock of EUR1.47m and trade creditors to the corresponding value. Likewise will act as agent to collect the outstanding H&V debtor book. H&V sales in the year ending December 2018 were EUR7.07m. Product development in addition to sales and marketing activities will continue to be the responsibility of Johny Peeters, general manager, and Paul Hugo, sales manager. H&V will continue to operate from its facility in Meulebeke, Belgium with the stockholding, logistics and delivery to customers being enhanced through utilising the existing Likewise UK structure in Dewsbury, Sudbury, Glasgow, Daventry and Peckham. Tony Brewer, Likewise chief executive, said: “The acquisition of H&V provides an additional dimension to our UK activities and a platform to develop a business in continental Europe from the facility in Meulebeke. “We welcome Johny, Paul and their sales team; together we can maximise the many opportunities before us.”
w www.likewiseplc.com
tesa, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of adhesives tapes, continues to support furniture manufacturers, with the announcement that its double-sided PE foam tape, tesa® 62510, has been certified for use in mirror mounting applications. tesa® 62510 has been certified by TÜV Rhineland, where tests included observation of performance in a climatic chamber. The creep strength of the product was extrapolated up to a period of 10 years and a recommendation of 50 cm2 per kilo of mirror weight was made. Offering a rapid, reliable and efficient element of the production process, whether on wardrobes, occasional furniture, dressing and vanity units or bathroom cabinets, tesa said manufacturers can be assured that the newly-certified tape will provide instant bonding strength and durability over time. Secure bonding of mirrors in furniture is a critically-safe application that requires the specific type of adhesive and the correct amount of tape be applied in the correct way. Peter Spencer, tesa’s key account manager, works closely with furniture manufacturers to find solutions for the ever-changing requirements of the industry. He said: “The use of tesa® 62510 allows manufacturers to provide the best aesthetic results, with the hidden bond offering designers clean, uncluttered lines free from any mechanical fixings.”
w www.tesa.com
RETAIL
Vacancy rates rise to highest level in four years High street footfall declined during April but at a lesser rate compared to last year. According to the latest BRC-Springboard Footfall and Vacancies Monitor for April 2019, overall footfall fell by 0.5%, whilst the town centre vacancy rate increased from 9.9% to 10.2% — the highest since April 2015. High street footfall declined 1%. However, this was a lesser decline on the previous year when footfall fell by 4%. Scottish High Street’s saw the highest growth of all regions, with +1.8%. The South East saw the steepest decline, with -3.3% for the month. Retail Park footfall increased by 2.2%, a sharp improvement on last year when it fell by 1.8%. The North & Yorkshire saw footfall growth of 4.8%, the highest for the region since January 2016. Shopping Centre footfall declined by 2.1%, a significant slowdown to last year’s fall of 3.5%. Of all the UK’s regions, only one managed to buck this declining trend, with Northern Ireland recording +2%, the best since April 2017. Overall, only three UK regions saw footfall growth in April, with a clear North-South divide. Scotland saw the strongest growth of +0.7%, with Northern Ireland and the North & Yorkshire also bucking the overall trend, at +0.5% and +0.1% respectively.
w www.brc.org.uk 24th May 2019 | 15
NEWS RETAIL
MANUFACTURE
Business battles back from flood
Q2 SALES DOWN AT GERMAN LIGHTING GROUP
Family furniture business Russell Dean Furniture has continued to thrive since its reopening after a devastating flood back in 2015.
Global lighting group Osram has reported a decline in revenue during the second quarter, but it was in line with expectations.
Mytholmroyd-based Russell Dean Furniture is benefiting from stronger flood protection and increased business, as part of the village’s ongoing recovery from the Boxing Day 2015 floods. The store reopened in its iconic new three-storey building on the A646 Burnley Road in May 2018, following a multi-million-pound investment to improve flood resilience. The previous premises were badly affected by flooding in both 2012 and 2015. In 2015 the whole ground floor, which accounted for 80% of the store, was damaged by 1.5 metres of floodwater. In the aftermath, the business started trading from the first floor, but it was a relatively small space and not sustainable. Supported by grants from Calderdale Council and the Leeds City Region flood recovery fund, Russell Dean built a new store raised up on stilts and converted the original ground floor into a car park for customers. The £75,000 council grant was part of its £3 million fund to boost the flood recovery and resilience programme across Calderdale. Since reopening, business has been thriving for Russell Dean; feedback from returning and new customers has been positive; and people have visited from further afield, helping to bring more shoppers into Mytholmroyd.
w www.russelldean.co.uk
MANUFACTURE
LIGHTING FIRM SECURES FUNDING LED lighting specialist Rotolight has secured a £5m funding package from Octopus Investments. Rotolight, which specialises in creating advanced LED lighting for the photography and filmmaking industries, said it will use the funding to support its ambitious business growth plans. The growth capital will strengthen the company’s future, as it invests further in research and development to supplement its existing cutting-edge products, as well as marketing and international expansion. Rod Aaron Gammons, chief executive of Rotolight, said: “We are delighted to secure Octopus as part of our team for what will be a very exciting time ahead; delivering on our ambitious plans for growth and developing products that change the way photographers and filmmakers work with light.” As part of the deal, Rotolight also announced that the former managing director of Dixons and chief executive of Jessops PLC, Christopher Langley, and Martin Wood, formerly of Tetley Group and Hozelock Group, will be joining the company board of directors, as chairman and chief financial officer respectively.
w www.rotolight.com 24th May 2019 | 16
Total sales on a comparable basis fell by 13.5% to EUR862m in the period from January to the end of March. The adjusted EBITDA margin was 8.1%. When preliminary key figures were published at the end of March, the lighting company had forecast a decline in sales of around 15% for the second quarter and an adjusted EBITDA margin in the mid to higher single-digit range. As announced at that time, the decline was due in part to the continuing weakness of the automotive, general lighting and mobile device markets. This led to high inventory levels, particularly in China. In addition, the general economic slowdown is adversely affecting business development. Olaf Berlien, chief executive of OSRAM Licht AG, said: “In our 113-year history, we have repeatedly experienced challenging times, but each time we have emerged stronger than before. Our long-term strategy of implementing new applications in the LED sector remains intact.” Osram previously announced that management was in closer talks with Bain Capital and The Carlyle Group about a possible takeover, with the due diligence process currently continuing.
w www.osram.com
RETAIL
EU retailer loses TM dispute Croatian-based furniture retailer Meblo Trade has lost an appeal to revoke a competitors’ trademark. On 5th March, the EU General Court rejected the appeal to cancel a trademark registered by Slovenia-based retailer Meblo Int. Meblo Trade had previously claimed that the mark was not put to genuine use between the period of March 2011 and March 2016. Back in 2005, Meblo Int was granted a trademark that feature a black and red sign with the word MEBLO in bold black text. It was registered under a number of furniture, mattress and materials classes. Then in March 2017, the European Intellectual Property Office’s (EUIPO) Cancellation Division upheld Meblo Trade’s application to cancel the mark in part and revoked Meblo Int’s trademark in respect of all classes, except 20 and 35, which still related to furniture and the sale of furniture. Meblo Trade appealed this ruling, arguing that Meblo Int had not sufficiently established genuine use of the trademark. However, Meblo Int provided additional evidence to counteract these claims, which the court took into consideration. The court dismissed the appeal, resulting in Meblo Trade having to pay the costs of case, which remain undisclosed.
w www.meblo.hr
aQO RETAIL
DESIGN
Digital retailer launches new customer service centre
Home furnishings business replatforms
Shop Direct, owner of the Littlewoods and Very brands, has handed the power to deliver customer service innovation to a team of 20 frontline advisors with the launch of a new customer closeness centre at its Liverpool head office. The customer closeness centre is designed to create the ideal environment for customer service innovation, with an open plan agile zone including collaborative meeting spaces, and a customer zone featuring a contact centre. Innovation is at the core of the team’s approach, supporting Shop Direct’s plans to continue enhancing its digital customer service capability. In 2018, almost 30% of customer contact came via digital channels, including the AI-powered Very Assistant chatbot, webchat and social media. New technology shaped by the team includes an online tool to help specific issues be resolved within a single call by following a ‘decision tree’ and allow instant news alerts to be shared with all 1,500 customer service colleagues. The team has also completely redesigned the process behind some key customer experiences, such as offline sales and lost goods. Mark Billingham, customer service director at Shop Direct, said: “We want to lead the way for customer service innovation and create the empowered frontline colleagues of the future, equipped with complex problem-solving ability, digitial skills and the latest technology. The customer closeness team and centre will help us reach this ambition.”
Ethical home furnishings company Myakka has announced the appointment of ecommerce consultancy specialist Venture Forge as its new platform provider. In securing the contract, Venture Forge is to help the brand to further grow its business by moving away from its existing ecommerce platform, which was becoming a blocker to growth, and on to the Shopify Plus platform. The project was completed in five weeks with one of the main advantages in Shopify Plus being the ability to buy into enterprise-grade capability whilst not requiring an enterprisesized team or technical resource. By removing complexity, and standardising its approach to ecommerce, Myakka has been able to remove technology as a barrier to its future growth and can now focus on building its business, not its platform. Commenting on the move, Georgie Hopkins, Myakka founder, said: “At the initial discussion of the project, Venture Forge instilled confidence and understanding of not just the Shopify Plus platform but the commercial aspects of our business. “With Venture Forge’s experience in online furniture retailing, we had great confidence in both their technical and commercial ability.”
w www.myakka.co.uk
w www.shopdirect.com
RETAIL MANUFACTURE
FLOORING GROUP POSTS MIXED YEAR IN UK Irish flooring group Furlong has reported a mixed performance amongst its UK operations. Within its UK group performance, total sales for Regency Carpet Manufacturing Limited fell 4.8% to £37.1m from £39m, although the company did record a return to profit of £197,582 from a loss of £81,632. Furlong Flooring (Southern) Limited saw sales decrease by 6.8% to £29.9m from £32.1m year-on-year. The Dartford division also reported a decline in pre-tax profit by 21% to £1.1m from £1.4m last year. Its Preston arm, Furlong Flooring (Central) Limited saw sales return to growth, increasing by 4.5% to £22.9m from £21.9m, whilst pre-tax profit stood at £285,932, up by 53% compared to its profit of £186,705 the previous year. Furlong Flooring (Wales) Limited reported an increase in sales for a third straight year, up by 7.3% to £16.1m from £15m. Pretax profit resulted at £199,933, up by 30% from £152,994. Furlong, which is headquartered in Co. Kildare, with the controlling parent company Furlong Investments Limited, saw combined UK sales total £106m, slightly down by 1.8% from £108m.
w www.furlongflooring.co.uk
International sales drive Q1 growth French furniture retailer Maisons du Monde has reported a positive first quarter with international sales growing doubledigit. According to its first quarter 2019 trading update, total sales rose 9.9% to EUR280.3m with like-for-like sales up by 2.4% as online sales continued its strong momentum, growing by 21.6% year-on-year to EUR72.2m. International sales, including its UK footprint, increased by 23.5% to EUR124m, whilst its native France sales also rose by 1% to EUR156.3m. Within its product categories, furniture sales experienced an increase of 15.6% to EUR131.1m, closing the gap on its decoration division with sales in this sector growing by 5.3% to EUR149.2m. Maisons furniture division now represents 46.8%, up from 44.5% in 2018. The group continued to develop innovations in its offer, including the deployment of its Spring / Summer 2019 decoration collections in January, with six different themes; the launch of its new indoor and outdoor furniture catalogues in March; as well as the launch of its new BtoB catalogue, showcasing 135 SKUs specifically designed for this market. Julie Walbaum, chief executive of Maisons du Monde, said: “We turned in solid sales even while operating in a soft trading environment.”
w www.maisonsdumonde.com 24th May 2019 | 17
F E A T U R E |A P P R E N T I C E S H I P S D E B A T E
The Business of Learning Anselm Fraser, principal at the Chippendale International School of Furniture, talks about the importance of running an establishment that unites the passion of woodworking. Cabinet Maker has been leading the line in championing the importance of addressing the skills gap within the furnishing industry. Over the past few months we have taken a look at different points of view including apprenticeships, internal training and industry practices to help reduce the skills gap moving forward. This week sees an alternative angle with Anselm Fraser, principal at the Chippendale International School of Furniture, taking the time to discuss what furniture making means to him and his school.
I suppose that, like any passion, it’s not one that we can easily rationalise. It’s just something that’s part of us. But what we also share is a constant thirst to learn more, because we can always discover new ways to improve.
Over to you Anselm...
Sticking only to what you’ve always done means standing still in a changing world.
Running a furniture school is a little bit like running the United Nations. This year we have professional course students from the USA, Canada, Iceland, Germany, Australia, and Ireland. On our one-month intermediate course, this year we’ve had students from Brazil, Germany, Spain and Trinidad and Tobago. Not only do our students learn from our teaching staff, they learn from each other. And I learn something every day from them. Because woodworking is a passion we all share, whether as professional teachers or students. 24th May 2019 | 18
In this way no two days are the same and you continue learning for the rest of your life. Learning more means understanding how fashions are changing; understanding how new technologies can make life easier.
I have been a woodworker since 1981, first as a furniture restorer and then as a teacher. Over that period, I have learned — and continue to learn — how furniture design and woodworking is a universal and timeless passion. We have always needed furniture, and will always need it. What do I learn from my students? Well, for a start, the very best furniture carries within its design a little bit of the maker’s DNA. It’s those kind of design touches that we encourage at the Chippendale school because
Cabinet Maker is dedicated to supporting, encouraging and championing apprenticeships within the furnishing industry by working with businesses and organisations to continually highlight the importance of apprenticeships and the benefits they offer — not only to a business, but to the industry and future generations of furniture making. Cabinet Maker welcomes your thoughts and also invites your business to share your story on your apprenticeship success so far and plans for the future — email editor Dan Squires at dan@cabinetmaker.co.uk or call 01623 372215.
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Oli Juliusson has been inspired by a trawler it’s those small flourishes that really put the bespoke into fine furniture. For example, we have an Icelandic student, Oli Juliusson, who has made a beautifully-crafted olive ash table. Oli was a trawlerman for 10 years, before deciding on a new career on dry land, but he wants his furniture to honour the Icelandic fishing tradition. For a start, he’s named his table the Dolphin, after the fishing vessel he sailed on, and the design of the table’s legs reflect the architecture of the ship’s gallows — the arched structure at the rear of the ship. There is Stephen Barr, originally from Northern Ireland, who first came to the school on a one-week introductory course. He is turning the Brexit debate into a talking-point piece of furniture. It’s a very clever idea because, to be commercially successful, woodworkers have to make their speculative pieces interesting and relevant. Stephen’s two-door cabinet in walnut and Japanese ash will depict the Union Jack on one door, and the EU’s stars on the other. The neat joke that Stephen is incorporating is that one of the EU stars will be missing… or could, perhaps, be replaced if the UK decides to stay in the EU.
Stephen Barr, left, has turned the Brexit debate into a piece of furniture Rachel Faulkner, from Newcastle, who has considerable artistic talent, is busy carving a pair of intertwined hands into lime for her course mirror — something that all our students have to make. She worked with pyrography before coming to the school, and it’s a technique she’s used again to finish her intertwined hands, because the hands belong to her and our woodcarving specialist John White — and John has a tattoo of a swallow on his hand. It’s those kinds of design ideas that I find so refreshing, and which always teaches me that there are always more things to learn.
We may speak different languages but we are united by a love of woodworking, and that creative passion is also a universal language. This year there will be a public exhibition of our students’ work at Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh on Monday, 10th June (noon-8pm) and Tuesday, 11th June (10am-8pm). There will also be a public Open Evening at the school on Friday, 14th June (6pm-8pm) and a public Open Day on Saturday, 15th June (10am-4pm).
w www.chippendaleschool.com
“WE MAY SPEAK DIFFERENT LANGUAGES BUT WE ARE
UNITED BY A LOVE OF WOODWORKING , AND THAT CREATIVE PASSION IS ALSO A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE .”
Rachel Faulkner 24th May 2019 | 19
F E A T U R E |S P R I N G L O N G P O I N T R E V I E W
No run of the mill show, just a...
Success Story! Exhibitors and organisers are hailing the Spring Long Point 2019 as a winner — both for local manufacturers and the industry as a whole. Cabinet Maker attended the exhibition and reflects on its success.
Spring Long Point brought buyers and suppliers together over three days (29th April1st May) at Harrington Mill and other venues across Long Eaton. The event, run by the Long Eaton Guild of Furniture Manufacturers, was a chance to meet people, and talk about the industry, product ranges available and what might be coming up in the future. In Harrington Mill, discussions were had over coffee, with bright sunlight pouring in through the old windows and on to carefully-arranged sets. 24th May 2019 | 20
Spring Long Point, 2019 As outlined in a previous edition of Cabinet Maker, many manufacturers had previously revealed what visitors could expect at Long Point, and it did not disappoint. For example, award-winning bedroom manufacturer, Wiemann, had a selection of its latest bedroom collections and innovations on show, ranging from entry level to top-quality VIP. Taking centre stage was award-winning Monaco plus Misura, Kansas and Brussels. Speaking to us after the show, the company
reflected and said it “enjoyed a successful few days at the Spring Long Point exhibition.” Simon Hewitt, managing director of Litmus Furniture, Wiemann’s sole agent for the UK and Ireland, was at the company’s set. He told Cabinet Maker: “Our perseverance at Long Point and Harrington Mills is paying off. “We had a number of productive conversations with a greater number of customers than ever before. Our new showroom ranges and layout were well
FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK
aQO Cabinet Maker’s preview of the exhibition was on show
“EVENTS LIKE LONG POINT ARE PUTTING
MANUFACTURERS ON THE MAP . WE
GET BUYERS COMING FROM ALL OVER THE UK AND BUSINESS IS DONE .” — Andrew Mitchell, chairman of the Long Eaton Guild
received, and we look forward to catching up with all the retailers who visited us.” And that’s where trade-only shows can succeed. When conversations are had, they need to be followed up and relationships forged. Wiemann, of course, has a permanent showroom on the first floor at Harrington
Mill, and anyone who wants to visit Wiemann can make an appointment by calling 07787 106225 or emailing enquiries@wiemannuk. co.uk Visitors looking around the displays at Harrington Mill could have seen pieces from brands such as Wiemann, G Plan, Siren, Carlton Furniture, Collins & Hayes, »
Carlton Furniture and Vintage Sofa Company were among the exhibitors 24th May 2019 | 21
F E A T U R E |S P R I N G L O N G P O I N T R E V I E W
ABOVE: A successful Spring Long Point Exhibition ended with a prize draw — for a deluxe accommodation and meal package at Raymond Blanc’s Belmond Le Manior Aux Quat’Saisons Hotel and Restaurant in Oxfordshire — drawn by Maggie Throup MP, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Furniture Group. Among those also pictured are Suzanne O’Flynn, of John Sankey; Iain Mitchell, of Iain James Furniture; and David Gascoigne, of Gascoigne Designs. RIGHT: The winner, Robert Shotton, of Cousins Furniture, receives his prize from Andrew Mitchell, chair of the Long Eaton Guild.
Spring Long Point, 2019 Westbridge, or Parker Knoll, for example, But there were others around the town — Steed Upholstery on Bonsall Street; John Sankey in Meadowmead House, Milner Road; and David Gascoigne on Wilsthorpe Road. A short walk away from Harrington Mills, on Bridge Street, Artistic Upholstery Limited and Iain James Furniture Limited had a range of exquisite items on display in their showrooms. If you’ve not been into the workshops, it’s wonderful to see the craftsmanship on display, with the attention to detail and pride in delivering handmade pieces. But, as said previously, Long Point is more than just about the actual furniture, it’s about people and relationships. As David Gascoigne, of Gascoigne Designs, points out, they had a “great Long Point seeing important buyers.” “We received further comments on new models that we had introduced during this year’s January Furniture show and in Milan. 24th May 2019 | 22
Artistic Upholstery and Iain James Furniture showroom
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Overall, the new pieces were received very well in general. We also received welcoming comments regarding the new website, which was nice to hear,” he told Cabinet Maker. Andrew Mitchell, chairman of the Long Eaton Guild, said that the show was a great example of working together to show the strength of the industry. “Events like Long Point are putting manufacturers on the map,” he said. “We get buyers coming from all over the UK and business is done. Conversations are had and thoughts shared. That’s why Long Point is a trade event that people put in their calendar.” The Long Eaton Guild has already announced that its Autumn Long Point exhibition is planned for the three days of 23rd, 24th and 25th September 2019, with opening times from 9am to 5pm daily. Andrew added: “For those who want to come along, meet new people and existing contacts, it’s in the diary and they should get in touch. Details are all on our dedicated website.”
w www.longeatonguild.co.uk
Among the exhibitors were, from top, Westbridge, Collins & Hayes, Parker Knoll and Wiemann
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F E A T U R E |V I E V A Humpties® is designed and made here in the UK
NOT
a
beanbag!
Andy Bullock, design director at Vieva Limited, talks about its new brand Humpties®, future plans and the current state of the furniture industry.
‘Lots’ can happen in a year. It was the defining word that was used when reflecting on the process behind the launch of furniture business Vieva Limited and its debut floor cushion brand, Humpties®. Oxford-based Vieva officially launched back in February 2018 and has spent the past year developing fabrics and designs to bring its brand to market. Andy Bullock, design director at Vieva, told Cabinet Maker in an exclusive interview that ‘lots’ of time, investment and dedication has gone into the creation of Humpties®. “We got comfortable and found out more about the concept, the people behind the brand and why now was the right time to shake up the marketplace. We started the business one year ago and have spent the year developing and refining the Humpties® product line and the manufacturing process, 24th May 2019 | 24
which is perhaps not as simple as one would think,” Andy revealed. “Our priority is to get the Humpties® product and the Vieva brand recognised in the marketplace, both to retail businesses and to consumers. Our marketing is a two-pronged affair, involving quality high-end retail and direct online via our new online Humpties® store. “We have created such a strong brand with Humpties® and now we want to make this name synonymous with the quality product it is.”
areas — and we have Sarah Shepherd, our brilliant admin in the office,” Andy says, continuing: “On site at our studio/workshop in Oxford we have four full-time upholsterers who also work across Oxford Upholstery — an allied business that also runs Oxford School of Upholstery and was set up by Stuart and Rachel 15 years ago. “I had worked with Stuart when I was design director at another brand, developing some high-end contract furniture designs. Stuart contacted me with an idea for a product that needed refining and branding for Vieva and subsequently Humpties®, as you see them, now were born.”
So who are the key figures in the business? “Vieva UK comprises three directors — Stuart Bottomley, our MD and head of production; myself, design director; and Rachel Zivkovic, who works across the design and marketing
As indicated, Humpties® is manufactured here in the UK at its Oxford facility, with the business already forging a strong relationship with another manufacturer to help with large scale production — although Vieva remained
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“ HUMPTIES® ARE A VERY
SOPHISTICATED UPHOLSTERY PRODUCT AND CERTAINLY
NEVER TO BE CONFUSED WITH A BEANBAG!”
tight-lipped on the partnership, but did reveal what ingredients Humpties® consists of. Andy says: “Humpties® bought through our online store are manufactured to order at our facility in Oxford. For large quantity supply to national retailers, a partner factory in the North of England will manufacture them. “We source all of our wool knops through a cooperative and this comes mainly from British uplands sheep breeds. The wool aspect of the design is very important to us and the brand — it is a distinct USP for the product and is 100% sustainable. There is no plastic in a Humptie®! We also offer a lifetime guarantee on the inner cushions. Humpties® are a very sophisticated upholstery product and certainly never to be confused with a beanbag!” And that’s not all the design team at Vieva have been busy with, as Andy tells us there are plans already afoot to launch a lighting product and a modular furniture range.
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“Vieva is a brand with huge ambition,” Andy proudly states, adding: “We will also be manufacturing and marketing the Stratum lamps and the Pi range of modular seat/ table units. These have never been marketed before and are largely aimed at the highend contract/corporate markets, for hotels, receptions, corporate HQs and VIP lounges, although the Stratum lamps are also seen as a consumer product design and will shortly be available through a dedicated Vieva online store. In addition, we are always prototyping new product designs at our facility in Oxford and have a rather clever multi-purpose modular seating unit, which could be seeing the light of day shortly.” From product plans to footprint expansion, Andy confirmed that its EU radar is on alert. “We have plans to set up a network of distributor agents across Europe and worldwide. We will be embarking on this over the coming year and we are always pleased to hear from any agents/distributors in these territories to discuss exclusive supply arrangements for Humpties® and all Vieva designs, particularly in the high-end multiple ‘high street/department store’ and those with connections to the interior design markets,” he added. For now though, the focus remains solely on the UK with initial plans to forge more partnerships, but this time with retailers. All Andy could add on this topic was that they are being ‘very selective’ with which retailers they want on board at this stage and that ‘more news’ on this will follow shortly. With every new launch comes challenges, whether it be the product itself or the marketplace it intends to operate in. Both have been an influencer, as Andy explains: “Getting the structure and the making of Humpties® refined to a point where we had a consistently high-quality finish was a challenge we embraced, which is essential for such a premium, branded product. “On the market, it is interesting as ever from a design point of view and far too cut-throat at the lower end, which is definitely not where Vieva was designed to operate. We are clearly focused on the mid to high-end consumer and contract markets, where we see the place for Vieva original designs. We
currently manufacture only in the UK with a very strong emphasis on quality of materials and workmanship.” After ‘lots’ of hard work, Andy knows that there is ‘lots’ more to follow as the brand looks to establish itself in the upholstery sector. And with early signs being encouraging, we asked how has the brand been received so far? “Terrifically! Everyone that actually gets their hands on a Humpties® in the flesh, so to speak, loves them. They are extremely high-quality upholstered products and, with the inclusion of the handle in the design, the practicality of having one in the living room to throw down under your feet at the end of the day is immediately apparent. They also look pretty good too!” It will be interesting to see the progress of Humpties® moving forward — and remember folks, it is not a beanbag!
w www.vieva.uk
Humpties® in green, red and grey 24th May 2019 | 25
F E A T U R E |J O U L E S / D F S
Kellie Wyles, Head of Brands at DFS, talks to Cabinet Maker about the journey and partnership between the retailer and fashion icon brand Joules following a successful collaboration.
Windsor
The partnership between Joules and DFS officially launched two years ago. The purpose behind the collaboration was to bring together two iconic British brands to offer an exciting new range to meet customers’ lifestyle needs. Celebrating the very best in British design and manufacturing, the partnership combines the distinctive, eclectic designs from Joules, a brand known for its prints, colours and designs, with the high-quality craftsmanship and expertise of DFS, a leading upholstery retailer in the UK. The collection comprises coastal, country and colour-inspired pieces, featuring the surprising details and distinctive handdrawn prints for which Joules is known, and manufactured by DFS craftspeople in DFS factories in Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Reflecting on the success so far, Kellie Wyles, Head of Brands at DFS, told Cabinet Maker: 24th May 2019 | 26
“The collection has proven very popular — the range originally launched into 11 DFS stores in 2017 and, since then, DFS has gone on to feature two styles from the Joules collection in 65 stores within the DFS retail estate. These are spread across the UK and the rest of the range is available online. Joules has also introduced a sofa into many of its own stores, so that customers who may not usually shop at DFS have the opportunity to see the range first-hand.” For Joules, the partnership has also been hugely successful in extending its own homeware offering, which previously comprised a limited number of kitchen, tabletop and bedding pieces. DFS saw an almost six-fold increase in the sale of yellow velvet between December 2017 and May 2018 when compared to the same period the previous year, underpinned by the launch of the yellow velvet Joules Windsor sofa.
Kellie revealed: “The Windsor sofa has proven incredibly popular, with the yellow colourway seeing significant success — proving that bold colour remains important for the Joules customer. The Cambridge, which features Joules’ iconic Cambridge print, has also been successful — once again showing that Joules customers love making a statement with their furniture, as well as opting for bright colours and prints within their fashion choices. “The relationship between Joules and DFS is very much a collaborative one, with both sides engaging in creative discussions right from the start of the design process. The team at Joules are always on the lookout for inspiration, whether it be out and about, in stately homes, from the Joules archives or brand-new prints hand-painted with sofas in mind. They then work closely with the team at DFS’ own dedicated design studio to understand what customers need and want from their sofas. The designs are drawn up by DFS’ talented designers and Joules
FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK
“IT IS SUCH A JOY TO BE ABLE TO WORK WITH A BUSINESS THAT SHARES THE SAME PASSION FOR
STYLISH DESIGN AND QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP .”
aQO
is involved in every step of the process, from initial drawings, samples, fabrics and cushions right through to the final trims and labels.”
The DFS partnership is looked after by Joules’ in-house licensing team — they also work on other categories including bedding, eyewear, watches and toiletries.
As word of the range grows, more and more customers are buying online without having to visit a store beforehand — and, more importantly, more consumers are buying into the concept. For DFS, an omnichannel offering is key — 80% of DFS customers start their research online, but stores play a vital role in the purchase journey, as customers still want to see the appearance and quality of a sofa to try it out for comfort.
For the year ahead, both brands said they look forward to adding new ranges into the collection, including two brand new sofas in the form of Millbrook, which will launch in June, and then Patterdale, set for early Autumn. These new additions will join the existing Joules products available exclusively at DFS: the Windsor, a modern take on the classic Chesterfield sofa; the Cambridge, featuring Joules’ iconic floral print; the Ilkley, using heritage-inspired soft tweed with a contemporary twist; and the Burnham, offering a chic coastal inspired look.
“It is clear that when it comes to big-ticket items, customers feel reassured by a product that is endorsed and created by two brands they trust,” Kellie said, adding: “There haven’t been any notable challenges, although it can be tricky to apply prints that are designed for clothing on to large scale pieces like sofas, so it is key to upscale each print carefully to ensure each still retains its original handwriting.” Josie Will, Licensing Manager at Joules, added: “For Joules, visiting DFS’ factories and seeing the sofas being hand-made by such talented craftsmen and women has been a key highlight. It is such a joy to be able to work with a business that shares the same passion for stylish design and quality craftsmanship, and the drive to create unique pieces with wonderful details for customers to discover.”
As the partnership continues to blossom expect to see more fashion-led designs appearing in the UK’s leading upholstery retailer.
w www.dfs.co.uk w www.joules.com Ilkley
Cambridge 24th May 2019 | 27
F E A T U R E |L I G N A
HEAD TO More than 1,500 companies will be in Germany to showcase the future of the woodworking and timber processing industries in May.
HANNOVER
Whether it’s about digitisation, automation, IoT platforms or collaborative systems, LIGNA is where innovations are shown for the first time. Taking place from 27th-31st May at the Hannover Exhibition Centre, almost 1.4 million square feet of space will host stands featuring the latest woodworking and timber processing plant, machinery and tools.
LIGNA 2019
Integrated Woodworking – Customised Solutions In the wood industry, there is keen interest in IoT application scenarios, such as condition monitoring and predictive maintenance, to help boost production efficiency. In such
scenarios, humans remain an integral part of the production process but are supported by cyber-physical assistance systems, such as collaborative robots, automated guided vehicles and smart-worker support technologies. The trend is towards hybrid human-machine production systems in which the product is inextricably linked to
Visitors can expect to see innovations across all display categories, from forestry technology and furniture, through to tooling systems and surface technology. They will also see live demonstrations of fullyfunctional furniture production plants, learn about IoT platforms for Industry 4.0 plants and the latest R&D projects, as well as being able to participate at networking events throughout the show. LIGNA 2019 has three focus themes: “Integrated Woodworking – Customised Solutions”, “Smart Surface Technology” and “Access to Resources and Technology”. The latter is also the keynote theme of the Wood Industry Summit. 24th May 2019 | 28
Visitors from across the globe will head to Hannover
FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK
Learning the way with LIGNA The LIGNA show’s organisers are serious about their responsibility to help develop the next generation of wood industry professionals and this year’s event features a Scientific Research and Education showcase. Science and research play a major role in shaping the future and solving problems. At this year’s showcase in Hall 11, trade schools, polytechnics, technical colleges and universities will be presenting their latest R&D findings and projects, and providing information on their education and training programmes. At the heart of the Scientific Research and Education presentation area is the LIGNA.Campus, where numerous research-focused institutions of higher learning will present their latest research projects. Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, Kuchl Campus At its display at Stand E62 in Hall 11, it will be presenting its “Hybrid Materials” technology and research platform. Hybrid materials are a class of highly-promising new composites. They are engineered to have particular properties that, in conjunction with new processing technologies, open up exciting new applications.
the production plant and the humans who operate it. Visitors will gain an insight into what the future has in store for the furniture and woodworking industries. Smart Surface Technology Themed “Smart Surface Technology”, the surface finishing exhibits at LIGNA 2019 will span all the intelligent processing solutions needed to cater for today’s surging demand for haptic, matt and reflective surfaces. This includes digital printing and decorative gravure printing systems, inspection systems, the latest generation of spray-coating machines, robotics systems, and much more. The full range of the latest surface technologies, applications, innovations and solutions will be on display in halls 16 and 17.
aQO
Educating for the future Rottenburg University of Applied Forest Sciences Stand F75, Hall 11 will feature a newlydeveloped type of cross-laminated construction timber made from hardwoods. Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development Stand F69 in Hall 11 presents a new method for continuously monitoring the structural integrity of timber structures using electrically conductive adhesives. The Ostwestfalen-Lippe University of Applied Sciences (HS-OWL) Stand F67 in Hall 11 features design values of oil palm wood, development and testing of products made from oil palm wood, joining technology and technology integration in industrial and SME-scale furniture production and interior finishing. Rosenheim University of Applied Sciences Stand D88 in Hall 11 focuses on today’s ever-changing and integrated production environments. Digitisation and steadily increasing customer expectations in terms
of product individualization necessitate flexibility and agility on the part of manufacturers. University of Kassel, BUILDING ART INVENTION platform The TETHOK (Textile Tectonics for Timber Construction) project, in stand F66 in Hall 11, is developing a continuous “thread” made of solid wood. This can be used to create technical textiles and offers a range of new applications and design possibilities. Baden-Württemberg Forestry Testing and Research Institute At its showcase at Stand E67 in Hall 11, the Baden-Württemberg Forestry Testing and Research Institute will present an overview of its current hardwood research initiatives. Forschungsplattforum Holzbearbeitungsmaschinen e.V., Frankfurt At Stand E69, the VDMA Woodworking Machinery Research and Testing Association (FPH) will explain the work it does as a champion of pre-competitive research in the wood industry.
Access to Resources and Technology Providers of technology for the forestry and/ or primary wood processing industry, in particular, will have an unrivalled opportunity to tap into new growth markets at the Wood Industry Summit, which is themed “Access to Resources and Technology”. Complete with a forum, lounge and exhibition area, the summit is all about international communication and technology transfer. Its focus will be on ways of optimising the entire forest-wood-logistics value chain — from standing trees through to final processing in the factory — as well as on protecting forests from biotic and abiotic damage, and on climate and environmentally friendly harvesting processes. Digital technologies, such as drone-based data capture » 24th May 2019 | 29
F E A T U R E |L I G N A
More than 1,500 exhibitors will be
at LIGNA
systems, mobile applications, laser scanners and highly sophisticated IT programmes, now span the entire forestry value chain, from forest information and integrated harvesting systems right through to modern forest-management systems. The focus is squarely on efficiency and productivity, with digitisation being a prominent theme. Main display categories The last LIGNA featured a restructured site layout featuring seven main display categories — a layout well received by exhibitors and visitors alike, and so it will be continued in 2019. They are: *Tools and Machinery for Custom and Mass Production in halls 11 to 15 and 27. *Surface Technology in halls 16 and 17. *Wood-Based Panel Production in Hall 26.
CLASSIFIED
LIGNA 2019
*Sawmill Technology in Hall 25. *Energy from Wood in halls 25 and 26, and in Pavilions 32, 33 and 35 on the open-air site. *Machine Components and Automation Technology in halls 15 and 16. *Forestry Technology on the open-air site and in Pavilions 32, 33 and 35. Guided Tours In order to help visitors get the most out of this year’s show, the organisers are offering Guided Tours on “Smart Surface Technology”, “Integrated Woodworking – Customised Solutions” and “Sawmill Technology – Innovations and Trends”. Commenting ahead of the show, Dr Andreas Gruchow, managing board member at
Deutsche Messe, said: “Over 50 countries will gather here to showcase state-of-theart processing solutions, applications and concepts for the entire forestry and wood industry. The presence of all the world’s leading technology providers will make Hannover the global hotspot for the woodbased industries during those five days. “One of the big challenges is the ever greater trend to product individualisation — a trend that is putting pressure on manufacturers to deliver customised products at least as quickly, profitably and efficiently as with series production. It’s these sorts of challenges for which LIGNA exhibitors will be presenting solutions. We look forward to seeing you there.”
w www.ligna.de TO ADVERTISE A JOB
PLEASE CONTACT SHARON RICKERSEY Q 01623 372213 m SHARON@CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK
Boss Design Group
A
Dudley, DY2 8SZ www.bossdesign.com
A By Andre
www.abyandre.com
Halton Hills, ON L7G 4R9 www.brc.group
ACID
Staunton, GL19 3QS www.acid.uk.com
08456 443617
ADVANSA
Hamm (Germany), 59071 www.advansa.com
+49 23888402207
AHF
Peterborough, PE3 7PR www.ahf.co.uk
01733 336200
Airsprung
Staverton, BA14 8RQ www.airsprungbeds.co.uk
01225 754411
Alpha Designs Upholstery Bilston, WV14 7HZ
01902 492937
Alstons Upholstery
Colchester, CO2 9JU www.alstons.co.uk
Cheltenham, GL50 1TY www.amaresearch.co.uk
Aquaclean Fabrics
www.aquaclean.com
Archers Sleepcentre
0141 892 0308
Ashley Manor
01384 486800
Association of Independent Stores
Solihull, B90 4LF www.aistores.co.uk
+90 (212) 549 20 60
B London, SW10 0XE www.bakerfurniture.com Northallerton, DL7 8UB www.barkershome.co.uk
020 7823 3612
Matera (Italy) www.caliaitalia.com
Carpenter Ltd
Glossop, SK13 6LE https://carpenter.com/uk/en
01457 861141
Purfleet, RM19 1TT www.carpetright.co.uk
0330 333 3444
Leicester, LE3 1TH www.cimchome.com
0116 287 5288
Charltons Furniture
Midsomer Norton, BA3 4BS www.charltonsfurniture.co.uk
020 3058 2751
Cleland McIver
Rochdale, OL16 4NG www.clelandmciver.co.uk
01706 374431
Clockwork Components
Witney, OX29 0YN www.clockworkcomponents.com
01993 775 767
D
Dewsbury, WF13 3RD www.thefurniturebazaar.com
Windsor, SL4 1DP www.danielstores.co.uk
01753 801000
Decorative Panels
01484 658341
London www.decorex.com
020 7921 8275
Design Guild Mark 01609 776 667
London, EC2N 2HE www.designguildmark.org.uk
020 7562 8520
DFS
Bazaar
0333 7721242
Doncaster, DN6 7NA www.dfs.co.uk
01302 573 200
Dickinsons Furnishers
Beales
01202 552022
Chorley, PR7 2ST www.dickinsonschorley.com
01257 262141
Dreams
Belfield Furnishings
01159 071700
Mansfield, NG18 1HA www.dreams.co.uk
0800 652 5090
Dura Beds
Bensons for Beds
0333 222 6800
Batley, WF17 6PB www.durabeds.co.uk
01924 422 537
Duvalay
Betta Living
Oldham, OL9 7TH www.bettaliving.co.uk
Calia Trade SPA
Decorex International
Barkers Home
Mansfield, NG18 1HA www.bensonsforbeds.co.uk
C
Elland, HX5 9HF www.decorativepanels.co.uk
Baker Furniture
Ilkeston, DE7 5EP www.thebelfieldgroup.com
01244 812628
Daniel Stores
Aydin Tekstil Ticaret
Bournemouth, BH1 1LJ www.beales.co.uk
Connah’s Quay, CH5 4DP www.brownsfurniture.co
Ceramic Import and Manufacturing Company
01793 612660
Dudley, DY2 0RL www.ashleymanor.co.uk
01629 823680
Browns
01242 235724
Arc Lighting & Design
Glasgow, G52 4BN www.archerssleepcentre.co.uk
Ilkeston, DE7 5EP www.breasley.co.uk
Carpetright
07779 597040
Swindon, SN1 3BH www.arc-lighting.co.uk
0905 873 8509
Breasley
01206 733300
AMA Research
Istanbul (Turkey) www.aydintekstil.com
01384 455570
BRC
0800 083 1127
Gomersal, BD19 4HX www.duvalay.co.uk
01274 877200
Dwell
BFM
Long Eaton, NG10 4QD www.bfm.org.uk
01332 321 827
BIID
London, EC2A 4PE www.biid.org.uk
0207 6280255
Norfolk, NR17 1N3 www.boconcept.com
E
Ekornes
020 7462 0440
ercol
Princes Risborough, HP27 9PX www.ercol.com
Bodyease
0800 046 99 01
Bolia.com
Aarhus (Denmark) www.bolia.com
0345 675 9090
London, EC1N 6TE www.ekornes.co.uk
BoConcept
Dewsbury, WF12 9AH www.bodyease.co.uk
London, SE1 0SW www.dwell.co.uk
+45 51502110
01844 271800
Espoke Living
Chester, CH4 8BU www.espokeliving.com
0333 344 2855
Eve Sleep
London, N5 1XL www.evesleep.co.uk
0800 808 5766
F +90 224 241 69 00 www.boyteks.com OSB. 8. Cad. No: 60, 38070, Kayseri, Turkey
Findel Education Ltd
Accrington, BB5 4EE www.findel-education.co.uk
03451 203 603
»
24th May 2019 | 31
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
01209 210080
G
069 7575-0
Heritage Furniture
Blackburn, BB1 1TJ www.heritagefurnitureuk.com Melksham, SN12 6GN www.hermanmiller.com
Crowthorne, RG45 6LS www.en.kobe.eu
Blackburn, BB1 2BX www.lanzet.co.uk
Gillies
01382 477281
Glasswells
01284 752804
Global Furniture Alliance 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
Laura Ashley 0845 226 9776
Newtown, SY16 1DZ www.lauraashley.com
HSL
www.hslchairs.com
01924 406600 01924 486902
Hydeline Furniture
Milton Keynes, MK12 6HS www.hydeline.co.uk
01908 968228
Hyder Beds
Dewsbury, WF13 1EN www.hyderbedsltd.com
Scunthorpe, DN16 3RN www.lebus.co.uk
01844 348200
I
LIA
Telford, TF3 3BQ www.thelia.org.uk
London Design Fair
London, E1 6QR www.londondesignfair.co.uk
Iconography
Ilminster, TA19 9DN www.iconography.co.uk
Indus Valley Furniture Ltd Nottingham, NG2 4BN www.indusvalley.co.uk
M
ISM Networks Furniture Leigh, WN7 2RR www.ism.furniture
0300 030 9915
J
Dudley, DY2 8NT www.masonandpearl.co.uk 020 7384 8211
Jarrold & Son
Norwich, NR2 1JF www.jarrold.co.uk
Wallsend, NE28 9NZ www.mammothcomfort.com
Mason and Pearl
January Furniture Show
London, SW6 3JW januaryfurnitureshow.com
Mammoth
01603 660661
0116 4422363
Mathias Wiemann GmbH & Co KG Germany www.wiemann-online.com/en
49 5401 852-0
Mattressman
Norfolk, NR14 8SQ www.mattressman.co.uk
0333 577 5773
Mattresstek
07891 506241
Matza
Hammonds www.hammonds-uk.com
0800 021 4363
Harrison Spinks Leeds, LS11 5SB www.harrisonspinks.co.uk
0113 205 5200
Harry Corry
028 9060 6801
Harvey Norman
www.harveynorman.com
Dewsbury www.matza.co.uk Bacup, OL13 0EA www.jjoplc.com
01706 877877
K
Mansfield, NG19 8R www.kbsa.org.uk
+353 45 484 300
Foxrock www.kelstonhouse.com
023 8086 6111 www.millbrook-beds.co.uk
Minerva Furnishers Guild 01623 818808
Corsham, SN13 0HN www.minervafurnishers.co.uk
01225 444204
MPT Group
Kelston House 01675 433000
London, HA9 0LB www.metrowardrobes.co.uk 0203 4883347
Millbrook Beds
Kaymed
Dublin www.kaymed.co.uk
01924 458699
Metro Wardrobes and Kitchens
JJOplc
KBSA 0344 372 1000
Headlam
24th May 2019 | 32
01332 321827
Long Eaton Guild
Lancashire, BB4 5JT www.mattresstek.co.uk
0344 499 4686
Birmingham, B46 1LW www.headlam.com
020 7739 5561
Luxury Furniture Manufacturers www.longeatonguild.co.uk
0333 7777 575
London, W1T 7PJ www.habitat.co.uk/furniture
www.harveysfurniture.co.uk
01724 281381
Greengates, BD10 9TQ www.lectra.com/en
Hypnos
Princes Risborough, HP27 9RS www.hypnosbeds.com
Lebus Upholstery Lectra
Habitat
Harveys
03332 008 009
Highgrove
H
Belfast, BT17 9GX www.harrycorry.com
01254 265883
London Fabric Show
www.gallerydirect.co.uk Sittingbourne, ME10 3RN 01795 439159
Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3TU www.glasswells.co.uk
01344 771653
L
Long Eaton, NG10 4QD www.londonfabricshow.uk
Dundee, DD5 2AJ www.gillies.co.uk
01536 444960
Kobe UK
Lanzet 01254 660777
Herman Miller
Liversedge, WF15 6QA www.highgrovebeds.co.uk
Furniture Makers
London, EC2N 2HE www.furnituremakers.org.uk
01268 745421
Heimtextil
Rotherham, S66 9HU www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com
Furmanac
Kingswinford, DY6 7FF www.furmanac.com
Corby, NN17 4JN www.kettleinteriorsagencies.com
Heico
Hockley, SS5 4AD www.heico-fasteners.co.uk
Forte Furniture
Warsaw ww2.forte.com.pl
Kettle Interiors
Rotherham, S66 9HU www.healthbeds.co.uk
353 404 80068
Bacup, OL13 9RW www.mptgroup.com
01706 878 558
E V E R Y W E E K TO ADVERTISE ON THESE PAGES CALL 01623 372213 OR GO TO: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK Rowico
N
Calne, SN11 9BN www.rowico.co.uk
N Brown Group
01249 821 748
Royams Upholstery
Manchester, M60 6ES www.nbrown.co.uk
0161 236 8256
Nathan Furniture Group
Lancashire, BB1 5JJ www.royams.net
01254 665228
S
Wensley, DL8 4HS www.nathanfurniture.co.uk
Skipton, BD23 1NL www.bedfed.org.uk 01756 799 950
0800 14 13 786
Sassy Home
Cwmtillery, Abertillery, NP13 1LZ www.sassyhome.co.uk 0115 943 8980
Rothwell, NN16 8SD www.satra.com
Italy www.natuzzi.co.uk
0039 080 8820488
NCF Furnishings
Guildford, GU1 3DU www.natuzzi.co.uk
01483 306 280
Neville Johnson
Stretford, M17 1RW www.nevillejohnson.co.uk
0161 873 8333
Nolte Möebel
Bury, BL9 8RN www.nolte-mobel.co.uk
0161 767 8244
O Oak Furniture Land
www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk
Oliver & Sons
www.oliverandsonsuk.com
Oliver Bonas
www.oliverbonas.com
0800 440 2254
01724 281888 0800 083 0683 020 8974 3332
Huthwaite, NG17 2HW www.perfecthome.co.uk
0121 389 4262
01623 441886
01509 235236
01945 461361
London, NW2 1LJ www.protectabed.co.uk
020 8731 0020
Dewsbury, WF13 3JY www.shirebeds.co.uk
The Great Chair Company
Cheltenham, GL52 6NZ www.thegreatchaircompany.com
01924 439 898
Thirsk, YO7 4LX www.treske.co.uk
Shop Direct
Liverpool, L70 1AB www.shopdirect.com
0333 123 0892
0177 0512 7700 45 87 54 55 00
Slumberdream
0121 773 6669 01204 368413 0808 159 9679 0345 400 2222
353 42 935 1950
Highbridge, TA9 3AE www.sopha.co.uk
RJ Binnie
0116 284 9063
Recticel
017738 38800
Relyon
Wellington, TA21 8NN https://relyon.co.uk
01244 888658
Plymouth, PL5 2TT www.vispring.com/en-uk
01752 366311
Kidderminster, DY10 1JR www.victoriaplc.com
01562 749610
VIDA Living
Stockport, SK3 0XT www.vidaliving.com
Vitsoe
Barwell, LE9 8GZ www.voguebeds.co.uk
W
Westbridge
Hampshire, PO7 7XY www.swanretail.co.uk
01455 841257
Denham, UB9 4DX www.walkergreenbank.com
0203 457 5862
Greenfield, CH8 7FF www.westbridgefurniture.com
01352 714131
Dorset, DT1 1HN www.woods-furniture.co.uk
01305 262666
Woods Furniture 02393 873 170
353 (0) 42 933 7044
London, W1U 3ED www.vitsoe.com
Swaffer
01733 371727
01623 428481
V
Walker Greenbank
Stellenbosch, (South Africa) www.steinhoffinternational.co.uk 27218080700
Swan Retail +32 87 59 59 59
Mansfield Woodhouse, NG19 9AL www.unitedcarpetsandbeds.com
Steinhoff (International)
Peterborough, PE2 6WQ www.swaffer.co.uk
ROM Sofas
01278 557755
Staingard
Waverton, CH3 7PD www.staingard.co.uk
United Carpets
Vogue Beds
Sopha
07711 743531
U
Victoria Plc
Sofa Workshop Sofa.com
Peter Rex
pjrex@hotmail.co.uk
Vi Spring
Sofa by Saxon
Bolton, BL3 2NZ www.sofasbysaxon.com
01845 522770
Bishop Wilton, York
Skovby Mobelfabrik A/S
Birmingham, B11 2NR www.slumberdream.co.uk
01204 368413
Turnaround
0844 292 1000
London, SW1E 6QT www.simbasleep.com
Co. Louth, Ireland www.sofahouse.ie
Netherlands www.vitatalalay.com
Belgium www.romsofas.co.uk
0800 789 789
Sofahouse Importers Ltd
Radium Foam
Somercotes, DE55 4RD www.recticel.com
0121 505 0270
Shire Beds
www.sofa.com/gb
R Leicester, LE8 6LH www.rjbinnie.co.uk
Banff, Aberdeenshire www.goodsleepcompany.co.uk 01261 819984
Treske
Godalming, GU7 1EY www.sofaworkshop.com
Protect-A-Bed
0333 241 3209
The Good Sleep Company
Bolton, BL3 2NZ www.timelesschesterfields.com
Denmark www.skovby.com
Pike Textiles
Wisbech, PE13 2RS www.pike-textiles.com
016973 20342
Timeless Chesterfields
www.simmons.com
Pickworth Furnishings
Loughborough, LE11 3HB www.pickworthfurnishing.co.uk
The Furniture Ombudsman (TFO)
Clayton, BD14 6LT www.sherborneupholstery.co.uk 01274 882633
Simmons Bedding Group
Perfect Home
0333 200 1725
Stevenage, SG1 2AD thefurnitureombudsman.org
Simba
Park Lane Bedding
01772 792936
The Cotswold Company
Sherborne Upholstery
Barnoldswick, BB18 6BJ www.silentnight.co.uk
0115 951 9512
800.805.3635
Tetrad
Silentnight
Paragon Interiors
Birmingham, B8 1AG www.parklanebeds.co.uk
0115 943 8980
Serene
West Bromwich, B70 0TX www.serene.co.uk
353 42 935 1351
Tempur Sealy
Norwich, NR1 3PA www.cotswoldco.com
www.sharps.co.uk
P Nottingham, NG8 6PX www.paragonplc.com
0208 8384838
Sealy UK
Aspatria, CA7 2AS www.sealy.co.uk
Louth, BT35 8PX www.tcsimports.com
Preston, PR1 5PQ www.tetrad.co.uk
Sharps
Oldrids and Downtown Scunthorpe, DN15 6SU www.oldrids.co.uk
01536 410000
SCS
Nottingham, NG2 3GZ www.scs.co.uk
01689 886888
TCS Imports
Lexington (USA) www.tempursealy.com
Savoir
London, NW10 6UD www.savoirbeds.com
T Orpington, BR6 0PH www.tapi.co.uk
Satra Technology Centre Natuzzi
Burnley, BB10 1SH www.sweetdreamsuk.com 01282 830033
Tapi Carpets
Sareer
Dewsbury, WF12 9AH www.sareerfurniture.co.uk
Sweet Dreams
24th May 2019 | 33
LAST WORD REBECCA SNOWDEN, INTERIOR STYLE ADVISOR AT FURNITURE CHOICE How to choose the ideal table for a small dining space Making smart furniture choices can easily turn a small dining space into a chic, comfortable focal point in the home. Here are three tips on choosing a table. 1. Pick the right table shape and style
“IT ALL COMES DOWN TO STRATEGIC PLANNING AND SHOPPING SMART.“
The heart of the home is where people come together for meals and conversations, so choosing a suitable dining table is vital, especially when space is at a premium. Consider the room layout and obstacles before making a new purchase. The shape and design of a table might affect how it fits around the room, along with the number of chairs it can accommodate. Round tables are great for tight spaces, and their rounded edges reduce the risk of accidents for a more family-friendly home. Pedestal tables are also excellent space-savers; the central base frees up more legroom while also maximising floor space. When it comes to style, the possibilities are truly endless. A rustic table in walnut or grey wood lends a comforting presence and can be paired with practical wooden chairs, or styled along a chic, bistrofeel with comfy fabric seats. Or, for a modern take, glass tables are perfect for that extra oomph. These tables score big on style with different silhouettes and materials, from polished steel legs to statement wooden pedestals. 2. Opt for an extending table Small dining spaces will benefit from an extending table — the winning formula is its ability to lengthen and transform a space for parties and gatherings. Extending tables are popular picks for most homes, but they’re extremely crucial in smaller homes
NBF ISM NETWORKS CONTRACT 24th May 2019 | 34
and apartments. These centrepieces are ideal for big gatherings, and can be kept to their original, compact shape for everyday use. There’s a variety of extending styles to choose from, but it’s important to invest in one that works best in tight spaces. Butterflyleaf tables extend quickly and efficiently, and fold neatly under the table when not in use. Depending on budget and room size, there’s a table for every room — think classic, rectangular tables to practical round centrepieces that lengthen out for dinner parties. 3. Choose a table that can multi-task Styling around a compact dining space also means investing in furniture that pulls double duty. It all comes down to strategic planning and shopping smart. Think about how the table will be used at home and where it’ll be placed, without throwing the rest of the space off-balance. Look for a sturdy centrepiece that multi-tasks as a handy kitchen counter, dining area or comfortable workspace. If smaller tables are the go-to here, opt for lighter builds that can be moved against a wall when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space.
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