Cabinet Maker 17th May 2019 by Cabinet Maker

DESIGN

MANUFACTURE

RETAIL

FIRA International opens the doors to its experts for another slice of industry questions answered.

Looking to the future, Cabinet Maker recaps on the successful Student Industry Tour 2019.

The latest People Behind the Products feature takes Cabinet Maker to Franklite.

17th may 2019 ÂŁ3.75 l

first issue: 1st July 1880

cabinet-maker.co.uk

Looking to the future | Student Industry Tour 2019

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DAN SQUIRES

CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK 01623 372 213 PUBLISHER Stewart Rickersey stewart@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372218 EDITOR Dan Squires dan@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372215 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.

Much has been said of late regarding the skills shortage within the furniture industry and what methods are best to tackle this issue. Apprenticeships are an obvious answer and a concept that many businesses are adopting. Another answer is training. This can relate to apprenticeships but in another format. Offering in-house training to expand a skill set within a workforce is an area that not only retains staff, but also develops them. In keeping with training, encouraging the next generation into the industry is key to the longevity of furniture craft here in the UK. And there is no better way to do that than actually getting these young people into the heart of the industry. The Furniture Makers’ Company, the industry charity, organises just this with several industry businesses in what is known as ‘The Student Industry Tour’. For someone who is considering pursuing a career in the furnishing industry and wants to find out more about the different companies that operate within the sector, the Student Industry Tour is an invaluable experience. In this week’s editorial, Cabinet Maker explores 2019’s tour with more than 30 college and university students taking part.

Franklite, who has been with the company for 30 years in its customer service department. Also in this issue features the next ‘Expert Access’ series from FIRA International, who answer your industry questions. This week focuses on new furniture standards, an update on Brexit implications, the process behind product recalls and a first look at what the organisation is doing to promote plastic alternatives. There is also the latest development from Breasley as well as a final look at the interzum show. To sign off this week’s issue, David Woodward, junior warden at The Furniture Makers’ Company, reflected on another successful year with the Student Industry Tour, which is set to return in 2020: “The students were impressive and clearly got a lot out of the experience. If this doesn’t convince the students that the furniture industry is the place to be, I don’t know what will.” A statement we at Cabinet Maker fully endorse. Dan Squires Editor

From the younger generation wanting to enter the furnishing industry to the seasoned staff that offers a lifetime of experience comes our latest People Behind the Products instalment. Meet Elaine Taylor from lighting manufacturer

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RETAIL MANUFACTURE DESIGN

opens the doors FIRA International of for another slice to its experts answered. industry questions

17th may 2019

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Maker recaps future, Cabinet Looking to the Tour Student Industry on the successful 2019.

first issue: 1

July 1880

Behind the The next People takes Cabinet Products feature Maker to Franklite.

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INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE

NEWS

FEATURES MEET ELAINE

The next People Behind the Products feature takes Cabinet Maker to Franklite.

STUDENTS ON TOUR

Cabinet Maker recaps on the successful Student Industry Tour.

A TRIP TO COLOGNE Cabinet Maker takes a final look at the upcoming interzum event that is set to unveil ‘the future’ of home furnishings.

A TAYLORED APPROACH!

Cabinet Maker meets the new head of marketing at Breasley, Clare Taylor.

EXPERT ACCESS FIRA International opens the doors to its experts for another slice of industry questions answered.

LAST WORD Naomi Aharony, managing director of Faraway Furniture, has the Last Word.

NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF SAVE THE DATE

PR appointment

Danish furniture brand JYSK has confirmed it will open its new St Helens store on 15th June. Situated on St Helens Retail Park, the new store is part of the company’s ongoing expansion plan into the UK and will create 12 new jobs. JYSK previously revealed Bradford as another location to open this summer, as well as a further five stores this year.

Interiors specialists AKA PR has been appointed by Plumbs, the UK’s number one upholstery recovering and reupholstery solutions company, to handle its consumer public and media relations. The longestablished PR agency, which has supported some of the biggest names in British furniture, will work with the business to promote its specialist soft furnishings services.

BIID partnership

CVA SUPPORT

The British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) is partnering with the House & Garden Festival 2019. Returning to Olympia, London from 19th to 23rd June, the festival will host a series of BIID events and activities at the inspiring interiors event.

Department store retailer Debenhams has confirmed that creditors have approved its CVA proposal. Debenhams Group Holdings Ltd confirmed that the creditors of the group have approved the CVA proposals presented by Debenhams Retail Limited and Debenhams Properties Limited as announced on 26th April, with a majority significantly above the required threshold of 75% on each proposal.

Strong Q1

New ﬁnancing

Global mattress giant Tempur Sealy has reported growth in overall sales during its first quarter, despite a lull in international trading. According to its latest trading update for the first quarter ended 31st March, total sales increased 8.4% to $690.9m. International sales, which include the UK, decreased 3.6% to $146.9m from $152.4m.

Floorcoverings group Victoria plc has agreed new longterm debt financing. The deal provides the group with committed long-term funding for five years to 2024 to replace its existing EUR445m (£384m) debt facilities. The commitment has been provided by Credit Suisse, working alongside the group’s existing banks, which continue to provide funding to the business.

17th May 2019 | 06

RETAIL

Rise managing director, Carl Drake, centre, receives the Best Customer Service Award from Matthew Stamford, right, of Verity Frearsons, with Deputy Lieutenant for North Yorkshire and BBC presenter, Harry Gration MBE

Double award for mobility business Harrogate-based mobility company Rise Furniture and Mobility has scooped two prestigious customer service awards. The Harrogate store was presented with the Service Excellence Award at the National BNB awards held annually in London. Returning to Yorkshire, Rise managing director, Carl Drake, attended the Harrogate Excellence in Business Awards and was presented with Best Customer Service Award by Deputy Lieutenant for North Yorkshire and BBC presenter, Harry Gration MBE. Carl said: “This has been a remarkable year and we’re extremely proud our hard work has been recognised.”

w www.risemobility.co.uk

DESIGN

Investment in product development Luminaires manufacturer Chalmit has announced the launch of Protecta X LED, a revolutionary light for the engineering and manufacturing industries. Chalmit, part of the Hubbell Harsh & Hazardous group, is a leading supplier of lighting to many industries. The Protecta X is Chalmit’s largest investment in product development; with four patents pending it is expected to lead to a whole new generation of LED lighting within the engineering and manufacturing sector. Ken Eddleston, Chalmit’s lighting product manager, said: “We gave the luminaires a complete rethink, putting customer needs, product lifespan and lumen output front and centre of our design process. “Rather than accepting the constraints of a traditional linear enclosure, our design team started from scratch and asked what design would ensure the absolute best from the LED? The result is the Protecta X – the highest performing LED linear ever developed.”

w www.hubbell.com

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NEWS RETAIL

JYSK reopens Lincoln store

MANUFACTURE

UPHOLSTERY MANUFACTURER EXPANDS TEAM

Scandinavian global furniture store group JYSK saw its latest store opening break all records for UK opening day sales.

British soft-seating manufacturer Bazaar Group has appointed a new business development manager to support its growing B2B arm.

Country manager for JYSK, David Ashton, said: “We smashed records achieving 165% of previous day one records.” The brand re-located JYSK Lincoln, one of its first UK stores, to a purpose-built Deacon Road Retail Park in the city. Lincoln was the latest in a series of new-look Concept 3.0 stores, which feature light wood flooring and furnishing inspirations, showcasing everything for the home. JYSK is in a rapid expansion phase with multiple store openings planned through to 2020. David Ashton, added: “It really was quite an incredible opening weekend, both our first and second day new store opening records were beaten. Day one was smashed, achieving 165% against the previous record. “To really put it into perspective, our new Lincoln store achieved in the two days of 4th and 5th May the same as its entire sales for the month of May in 2018. “I firmly believe that this new Lincoln store is one of the most attractive JYSK stores in the world, both internally and externally. The City of Lincoln and the store team deserve this store.”

w www.jysk.co.uk

MANUFACTURE

FIRA NAMES LATEST ‘CERTIFIED COMPANY’ Essex-based upholstery manufacturers, Alstons, is the most recent organisation to become a Certified Company under the Furniture Industry Research Association’s Compliance Scheme for the Fire Performance of Upholstered Furniture. Alstons, which can trace its heritage back to 1850, achieved Certified Status after passing an independent audit, showing it has suitable processes and procedures in place to demonstrate due diligence compliance with the Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations (FFFSR). Philip Grindrod, managing director at Alstons, said: “It was key for us to be part of the ‘Compliance Scheme for the Fire Performance of Upholstered Furniture’ as it enables us to demonstrate to our stockists that Alstons has as strong focus on compliance and due diligence. “The auditor’s analysis of our processes and procedures throughout our entire production process was very in-depth, and passing the audit was a real achievement for the whole team. “Although we are not members of the Furniture Industry Research Association, it’s very positive that their Compliance Scheme is open to all as this allows everyone from across the upholstery sector to benefit and, ultimately, improve safety for consumers.”

w www.fira.co.uk/compliance

Jen Hannant (left) will oversee client-relationship management and tracking new business for both the Eden Learning Spaces and Ayla brands. Ayla, which was launched at the January Furniture Show this year, is the company’s first instoreonly retail offering, while Eden Learning Spaces is a hugely successful educational soft furnishings brand. Jen, who comes from a home improvement and wholesale retail background, said: “It’s a very busy time as the new Eden is finalising new ranges for 2020 and Ayla is, in a sense, a brand new company. “A large part of my role is getting out there, getting the brand known and showing how we can offer full support for new stockist partners. Ayla is a quality, well-designed range, so that’s half the battle, but it’s also about communicating the benefits it offers to retailers. “A retailer can still have their bestselling sofas, but by offering additional, smaller pieces alongside they will also be attractive to an audience currently seeking attractive, small space solutions online.”

w www.bazaar-group.uk

RETAIL

Easter timing boosts furniture sales in April Furniture retail sales benefited from the long Easter weekend during April, despite overall sales ‘below expectations’. According to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for April, total sales increased by 4.1% in the month, against a decrease of 3.1% in April 2018. The April figures are positively distorted by the timing of the runup to Easter, which is in April this year compared to March in the previous year. Over the three months to April, in-store sales of non-food items declined 1.7% on a total basis and 1.8% on a like-for-like basis. Online, the three-month and 12-month average growths were 4.1% and 6.2% respectively. Paul Martin, partner, UK head of retail at KPMG, said: “Retailers reaped the rewards of Easter and more favourable weather in April. The long weekend also helped children’s toys and furniture sales, as parents looked to keep youngsters entertained as they returned to home and garden improvements.”

w www.brc.org.uk 17th May 2019 | 08

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NEWS RETAIL

MANUFACTURE

DIY market makes improvement The parent business of home improvement retailer Wickes has reported a ‘strong’ performance during the first quarter of 2019. Travis Perkins PLC, which houses both the Wickes and Toolstation brands, said that total group like-for-like sales were up by 5.4% with the DIY market experiencing a significant turnaround. The group said Wickes had a strong performance in like-forlike sales and total sales growth from both core DIY and the Kitchens and Bathroom showroom (K&B). This was due to K&B benefiting from a continued improvement in execution and a strong order book carried over from 2018, partially aided by competitor decisions to exit the design and install service for end-consumers in the second half of 2018.

BED MANUFACTURER LAUNCHES IN CHINA

John Carter, chief executive, commented: “We have delivered strong sales growth in the first quarter of the year, which reflects both our focus on excellent customer service and the weak comparator in 2018. This performance is all the more encouraging given the impact of the on-going political uncertainty on our end markets.

British bedmaker Duvalay was guest of honour at the Shenzhen International Furniture Fair (above) — the most successful commercial exhibition in China’s furniture industry.

“Wickes posted encouraging sales growth figures in both core DIY and showroom categories, demonstrating a strong turnaround in Kitchen and Bathroom performance.

It attended the official unveiling of its Hilary Devey Collection at the event, which attracts up to 20,000 visitors annually.

“We are making good progress on cost reduction activities and expect to meet our cost reduction targets this year. Overall expectations for the group in 2019 remain unchanged.”

w www.wickes.co.uk

MANUFACTURE

FITTINGS SPECIALIST REVEALS AWARDS SHORTLIST Furniture fittings specialist Häfele has announced the shortlists for its fifth annual Studio Partner Awards. Taking place at Scotland’s iconic Gleneagles® Hotel in June, the Häfele Studio Partner Awards celebrate the achievements of Häfele’s Studio Partners — a select network of more than 200 premium, independent kitchen, bedroom and bathroom studios across the UK. This year’s ceremony will see awards presented across six categories, which include Best Customer Service, Best Use of Digital Media, Kitchen Design of the Year, Best Showroom Experience, Studio Partner of the Year and Best Success Story. Robyn Berry, marketing manager at Häfele, said: “Here at Häfele we are passionate about combining top-quality products with outstanding customer service and we handpick our Studio Partners based on their shared commitment to these values. “Our Studio Partner Awards are the perfect opportunity to celebrate our partners’ exceptional achievements and to thank them for their continued dedication to excellence.

Duvalay has signed a ground-breaking deal to ship its handmade beds and mattresses to new distribution partners in the Far East.

“We were blown away when we first saw the Hilary Devey Collection trade stand at the fair, which was decorated with huge images of the Yorkshire Dales and British landmarks like London Bridge,” said Liz Colleran, sales and marketing director at Duvalay. “The attention to detail was incredible — right down to recreating the brickwork in our offices in Gomersal! Our agreement also permits our partnWe are delighted that the Duvalay brand is in such excellent hands in Asia.”

w www.duvalay.co.uk

RETAIL

New homeware store opens Fashion and homewares retailer H&M HOME has announced the launch of its new London Concept Store. The 7,500sq ft store spans over two floors and is located on Regent Street. Featuring its latest collections as well as other unique collaborations, the new store also includes café concept It’s Pleat — the second in the UK — with a range of signature food and coffee. For the opening, H&M HOME collaborated with renowned auction house Christie’s, showcasing how to mix vintage treasures with the brand’s modern design items.

“The standard of entries this year has been particularly high and deciding upon the final shortlists hasn’t been an easy task!”

H&M HOME said: “The collaboration with Christie’s enables everyone visiting the store to fall in love with covetable vintage pieces from their auctions and to bid online on the items they crave — showcasing the beauty of mixing historical works of art with modern design and inspiring to more sustainable and eclectic home décor.”

w www.hafele.co.uk

w www2.hm.com

17th May 2019 | 10

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NEWS RETAIL

Warmer weather boosts Q1 ahead of expectations Fashion and homewares retailer Next has reported a growth in first quarter sales. According to its latest trading update for the 13 weeks to 27th April, total sales were up 4.5% on last year. This was 1.3% ahead of internal forecasts for the first quarter. The growth was due to a double-digit increase in online sales, up by 11.8% during the period, whilst instore sales slipped 3.6%. Commenting on the results, Next said: “We believe this over performance versus forecast was mainly as a result of unusually warm weather over the Easter holiday period, which was particularly helpful to our retail stores. “We do not currently believe that the over performance of the first quarter can be extrapolated through to the rest of the year. The over performance in the first quarter amounted to sales of around £10m. Given this is a relatively small number in the context of annual sales, we believe it is too early to revise our full-year sales and profit guidance (of £715m).”

MANUFACTURE

FIRA AND TFO TO HOST JOINT LEARNING SESSION The Service Technicians experts within FIRA International and The Furniture Ombudsman (TFO) have announced plans for a free joint learning session covering the latest consumer legal updates, and the process of furniture inspection and repair when customers report a possible product defect. Taking place on Wednesday, 26th June, from 9.30am to 2.45pm, at FIRA International’s facilities in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, the event will include a mix of classroom-style sessions and practical hands-on workshops, where delegates will have the opportunity learn how the experts inspect furniture and identify possible faults, alongside the opportunity to try a range of repair techniques first-hand. These workshop sessions will specifically focus on upholstery, mattress and cabinet repairs. Inspections will include looking for mattress dipping, whilst repairs will focus on retufting mattresses, re-stitching upholstery, colour repairs on leather and scratch repairs to cabinets.

w www.fira.co.uk

w www.next.co.uk

RETAIL MANUFACTURE

IKEA UK teams up with charity

LIGHTING GROUP STRENGTHENS UK POSITION

Swedish furniture retailer IKEA has formed a new partnership with children’s charity Barnardo’s.

Norwegian-based lighting group Glamox has announced the acquisition of 100% of the shares in Luxonic Group Ltd and its subsidiaries.

IKEA UK and Barnardo’s has agreed a three-year deal that will see the retailer commit to fundraising initiatives on top of its initial donation of £100,000.

The deal saw Glamox pay £10.15m on a cash and debt free basis as an initial payment for 100% of the shares of Luxonic Lighting. An additional earn-out of £6.75m can be paid, conditional on the company’s performance in 2019 and 2020.

Barnardo’s collection tins went into all Ikea UK stores on National Children’s Day UK (12th May) to mark the start of the partnership.

Luxonic Lighting, established in 1986, is a UK based lighting company with a strong brand and its own manufacturing plant located in Basingstoke, UK. Luxonic had revenues of £16.7m in 2018. Glamox has been present with its own subsidiary in the UK since 1967. The acquisition strengthens Glamox and Luxonic’s combined position in the UK lighting market with complementary sales reach and product offering. Rune E. Marthinussen, chief executive of Glamox, commented: “We are excited about this strategic opportunity that will allow us to further strengthen our position in the UK lighting market. The UK market is one of the largest lighting markets in Europe and Luxonic Lighting is a strong system solution provider with a high service level and local manufacturing that is highly recognized by customers.” Nick Tavaré, managing director of Luxonic Lighting, added: “We are very pleased to become part of the Glamox Group. The acquisition marks the start of an exciting new phase for Luxonic Lighting moving from 33 years as an independent business to being part of an international group with all the advantages that brings, but without losing our well-established identity in the UK.”

w www.glamox.com 17th May 2019 | 12

Javed Khan, chief executive of Barnardo’s, said the partnership would make a‘positive impact on the lives of some of the most vulnerable children and young people in the UK. All IKEA UK stores and Barnardo’s will work together with the aim to create more child-friendly areas.

w www.ikea.com

MANUFACTURE

LUXURY BED MAKER INTRODUCES DEBUT LINENS Luxury bed maker Savoir has announced the launch of its debut bed linen collection. Savoir has introduced Vision, which is made of Giza 87 Egyptian cotton, and consists of three options, including percale, sateen and jacquard. The company has also launched two other bed linens, Drift and Dream, with both being available in a selection of formats from sheets and pillowcases to duvet covers.

w www.savoirbeds.com

NEWS RETAIL

DESIGN

Retailer signs lease for new store

Furniture retailer issues product safety warning

Marks & Spencer has signed a lease with Gallagher Properties Ltd for a new M&S store at Eclipse Park, near Junction 7 of the M20 in Maidstone.

Swedish furniture giant IKEA has issued a product safety warning on a baby-changing table following three incidents.

Construction of the 84,044sq ft store is under way, with its doors planned to open in the summer of 2020. The store will sell clothing and home products as well as having a foodhall and M&S café. The store will create up to 300 jobs.

IKEA stated that the SUNDVIK table/chest (left) must be used with the provided safety locking fittings ‘at all times’ and that the product must not be used if these fittings are missing.

M&S identified Maidstone as the ideal location for this major new store, which will be the largest new store opening in 2020, and is designed to be ‘inspirational’, drawing people from a wide catchment area. The store is being constructed by Gallagher Ltd with aggregates, Kentish Ragstone and ready mix concrete being supplied by Gallagher Aggregates Ltd from its nearby Hermitage Quarry.

w www.marksandspencer.com

MANUFACTURE

GROUP REMAINS CONFIDENT OF GROWTH Floorcoverings group Victoria Plc has confirmed ‘consistent’ trading and remains confident of future growth. The strategy adopted last financial year to drive top-line growth, is continuing to deliver in the current calendar year, with likefor-like revenue gains across the group continuing to be +3%. Management remain confident that this growth is sustainable for the foreseeable future. Group chief executive, Philippe Hamers, said: “Over the last five years Victoria has steadily built what I believe to be one of the finest management teams in the industry and the value of this is demonstrated by the speed of execution and successful delivery of our productivity and margin improvement plan. “Shareholders can be confident margins are steadily improving alongside continued market share growth.”

w www.victoriaplc.com

MANUFACTURE

CONSULTANCY FIRM EXPANDS TRAINING TEAM KBB sector consultancy business Acres Consultancy has announced the appointment of Ray Isted as its new training, marketing and recruitment consultant. Principal director at Acres Consultancy, Simon Acres, said: “We are thrilled that Ray has joined us. He has a first-class reputation for enthusiastic and experienced training and will be a great asset to our business as we continue to service a growing, diverse and high-profile client base.” Ray added: “I am delighted to be joining such a progressive and professional consultancy. It’s a great time to be joining the team and I am looking forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.”

w www.acresconsultancy.com 17th May 2019 | 14

IKEA has received three reports of incidents where the foldable part of the SUNDVIK changing table/chest of drawers has come loose and children have fallen off the changing table. The company said in a statement: “In these incidents the safety locking fittings were either not used according to instruction or were not fitted at the time of construction. “The SUNDVIK changing table/chest of drawers is intended to be used in a fixed position, as either a changing table or a storage chest, and not as an everyday multi-function product. “The fitment and use of the safety lock fittings provided are integral to the overall safety and intended safe use of the product and, therefore, must be used at all times.” IKEA added that it will provide additional safety locking kits, where they have been lost or misplaced, free of charge.

w www.ikea.com

RETAIL

Trademark infringement case US-based Williams-Sonoma has stepped up its case against Amazon.com over ‘confusing consumers’. Last year, WilliamsSonoma, which owns furniture brand West Elm, filed a trademark infringement complaint against Amazon.com after similar furniture products appeared on the marketplace. According to court documents, Williams-Sonoma stated that Amazon has not made it clear enough to consumers that the products are not coming directly from Williams-Sonoma. Amazon responded by stating that the marketplace is a platform where Williams-Sonoma products, which have been bought elsewhere, could be resold to consumers. However, a magistrate judge at the US District Court, Northern District of California, in San Franciso said that the allegations are ‘strong enough’ for the case to proceed. In a statement, Elizabeth Laporte, Magistrate Judge, said: “It is a close call but on balance the allegations raise the plausible inference that Amazon is not merely reselling Williams-Sonoma products, but is instead cultivating the incorrect impression that these sales on Amazon.com are authorised by Williams-Sonoma and that a consumer is likely to be confused.”

w www.williams-sonoma.com

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MANUFACTURE

Store opening success at ﬂooring retailer; more in pipeline

IMPROVED PERFORMANCE FOLLOWING SUCCESSFUL MBO

Online flooring retailer Connection Retail has seen its latest store opening in Birmingham prove to be a big success.

Kitchen furniture supplier Moores has reported a significant increase in sales as well as narrowing losses.

The business, which operates brands including Flooring Superstore.com, Connection Flooring, Direct Wood Flooring and Grass Direct, recently launched a new store on the Ravenside Retail Park in Erdington and has performed well ahead of initial forecasts.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31st December 2018, total sales rose 24.5% to £51.7m from £41.5m in 2017, representing an uptick of £10.2m.

The business said that sales are up by 22% from expectations and has become its best performing store from its current portfolio of 12 locations. The 5,000sq ft store, which saw £150,000 of investment go into the launch, officially opened on 30th March. Furthermore, the company added that it plans to open six new stores in Bristol, Glasgow, Stockport, Milton Keynes and Crewe later this year.

w www.ﬂooringsuperstore.com

MANUFACTURE

BED SHOW OPENS ONLINE REGISTRATION Get ready to join hundreds of bed buyers and specifiers for two days of beds as online registration opens for the 2019 Bed Show, which returns to Telford International Centre on 17th and 18th September. Organised by the industry trade association, the National Bed Federation (NBF), the only bed-specific exhibition in the UK is celebrating its 10th year with what promises to be a terrific show. The Bed Show is the only place to see so many UK and Irish bed manufacturers all under one roof and the fact that they are all — large and small — independently audited NBF Approved is an added incentive to visit. All the big names are returning, including Airsprung, Breasley, Harrison Spinks, Highgrove, Hypnos, Millbrook, Relyon, Sleepeezee, Sweet Dreams and Vispring, plus lots of smaller, niche players and a selection of key component suppliers. More than 1,500 people are expected to visit the show where parking and entry are free for visitors. Once again there will be complementary refreshment vouchers courtesy of John Cotton and on the night of the first day of the show there is a sparkling gala dinner and the 2019 Bed Industry Awards ceremony — with new award categories. Jessica Alexander, NBF executive director, said: “Visitors come to the Bed Show to source new products, see the latest innovations and build new relationships. “Our 10th show brings together some of the best names in the industry and is the leading destination for anyone interested in beds, accessory products and components — we look forward to celebrating this milestone year with everyone in the bed sector.”

w www.bedshow.co.uk

Gross profit increased 52.7% to £16.8m from £11m, whilst pretax losses of £9.7m reduced to a loss of £5.2m during the year. Stated within its report, Moores said that following its MBO back in 2017, the company, along with new investors, worked together to deliver growth in core markets through improved customer service and fulfilment. Furthermore, key relationships have been developed in private development and retail multiple markets, which is expected to deliver future growth moving into the year ahead.

w www.moores.co.uk

NEWS RETAIL

DESIGN

Kitchen firm delivers impressive growth

Design Guild Mark 2019 winners

West Retail Group, the parent of kitchen furniture manufacturer and retailer Wren Kitchens and online electrical retailer Ebuyer, saw turnover jump by almost £100m as profit more than doubled. According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31st December 2018, total group sales rose 15.4% to £701.1m from £607.1m in 2017, representing an increase of £94m in cash terms and a seventh straight year of top line growth. Gross profit increased 24.5% to £260.4m from £209m, whilst pre-tax profit resulted at £38.3m, up by 116.3% compared to its profit of £17.7m recorded the previous year. Within its Wren Kitchens division, sales soared by 20.7% to £490.7m from £406.6m — representing an increase of £84m. EBITDA also increased 65.9% from £37.6m to £62.4m. Stated within the report, the group has invested £28.7m in Wren’s fixed assets during the year, expanding its retail presence from 70 outlets to 77, with a further five already earmarked for the year ahead (two of which have opened in Ayr and in Eastbourne). The group also indicated that it remains bullish over Brexit by stating that the only factor that could impact performance is consumer confidence and based on the company’s post-year sales performance, the group added that this does not appear to be a current issue. Furthermore, Wren said that its expansion of its product range, including its bespoke service, has proven popular and that demand for personalised kitchens will only increase.

w www.wrenkitchens.com

MANUFACTURE

MARKET CONDITIONS IMPACT CONVERSIONS John Lewis of Hungerford, the manufacturer and retailer of kitchens and bedroom furniture, has reported a slow-down in order conversion. According to its latest trading update, the business said it continues to ‘trade positively’ with deposits taken ahead of those compared to last year. The company added: “However, we have experienced a slowdown in converting deposits taken into full orders. “We believe this is primarily due to the prevailing market conditions impacting customer confidence, which remain affected by uncertainty due to Brexit and the retail climate generally. “Sales for the second half are expected to be approximately 10% ahead of the prior year, although lower than management expectations by approximately £400,000.”

w www.john-lewis.co.uk

The Design Guild Mark has been awarded to 22 designs for 2019. It is awarded by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, to drive excellence and raise the profile of British design and innovation. Now in its 11th year, the Mark recognises the highest standards in the design of furnishings in volume production by the finest designers working in Britain, or British designers working abroad. A total of 22 designs from the Furniture and 2D categories, representing the domestic and contract markets, have been awarded. Rodney McMahon, chairman of the Design Guild Mark, commented: “The variety and quality of designs applying for the Design Guild Mark always makes for an interesting judging day and, this year, we were pleased to meet many new designers and companies. The insights of our judges, and the challenging questions that they pose, ensure that the award of a Design Guild Mark is something to which to aspire.” The 2019 Design Guild Mark recipients are as follows: FURNITURE • Ori Guest Bed - Designed by Catherine Aitken and manufactured by Another Country • Oran - Designed by Mark Gabbertas for Allermuir • William Lounge Chair and Ottoman - Designed by Mark Gabbertas for Gloster Furniture • Oxbow Lounge Chair - Designed by Namon Gaston & Peter Holmes for Namon Gaston & Peter Holmes • BOB - Designed by Paul Kelley for Bisley • Panel - Designed by Lucy Kurrein for Capdell • Rock - Designed by Yorgo Lykouria for Allsteel • Isla - Designed by Tom Potts for Lyndon • Barrel - Designed by Philippe Malouin for SCP • Bure Collection - Designed by Steven Owens for &Bespoke • Newson Aluminum Chair - Designed by Marc Newson for Knoll International • Object Collection - Designed by Jonathan Prestwich for OPM Furniture • S-Range Dining Chair - Designed by John and Sylvia Reid for Nathan Furniture • WW Armchair CS3 - Designed by Alejandro Villarreal for Hayche • Latis Collection - Designed by Samuel Wilkinson for The Conran Shop 2D • Mosaico - Designed by Another Brand for Another Brand in Partnership with Qualita Ltd. • Aalya - Designed by Gary Bridge for Axminster Carpets • Corian® Solid Surface with Resilience Technology™ Designed by CD (UK) Ltd for CD (UK) Ltd • That’s Caffeine - Designed by Atticus Durnell for Atticus Durnell • Artistic Liberties - Designed by Claire Kimble and Helen Lloyd for Milliken • Quirky B, Alternative Flooring with Liberty Fabrics - Designed by Liberty Fabrics with Alternative Flooring for Alternative Flooring • Igneous - Designed by Nathan Philpott and Jemma Ooi for Custhom Design Ltd The Design Guild Mark is judged by a panel of leading industry professionals. Judges must ensure that each submission meets the criteria of excellence in design, materials, manufacture, and function.

w www.designguildmark.org.uk 17th May 2019 | 16

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

Meet Elaine B ple eh

In the latest in our People Behind The Products features, Cabinet Maker goes behind the scenes at decorative lighting manufacturer Franklite to meet one of its long-serving members of staff, Elaine Taylor, as she shares an insight into her role. Can you describe your current job role and responsibilities? My current responsibilities at Franklite are general day-to-day customer service care and seeing through the entire export part of the business from start to finish.

as the content of my job. Although it is always different, there is also a routine to it and I enjoy seeing it each challenge that arises. The people you work with make a real difference in a workplace and I feel very lucky to be in an environment such as this.

How long have you been in your current role? I recently celebrated 30 years at Franklite, on 27th February, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve enjoyed every minute of being part of this great company.

What is most challenging about your role? Probably the export side of it as it changes frequently on a day-to-day basis. This also makes it a lot more interesting as I always have to adjust to meet certain demands. No two days are the same!

Can you give a brief background on yourself? I have two children and three beautiful grandchildren, who I love spending time with. At the moment, my main hobby is learning to play the piano every week for 30 minutes. I also attend a variety of social events, including Slimming World each week. What is the best thing about your role? Seeing the Franklite family every day as well 17th May 2019 | 18

Can you describe your typical working day? A typical day is hard to describe as it changes day-to-day. However, I suppose that one thing that is consistent is that we are always busy assisting customers as much as we can. Being part of the customer service team is an essential aspect of the business and being able to maintain a high level of service

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ind

or Name... Elaine Tayl Service er om st Cu ... Job role e Company... Franklit Email... klite.ltd.uk customerservice@fran

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Elaine Taylor with Mark Lancaster, former MP for Milton Keynes North

is paramount to our ongoing success. I love speaking to people and being able to help them achieve their goal. Can you share something that your coworkers may not know about you? Being within the company for 30 years, I think everyone knows everything about me!

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aQO “I SUFFER FROM PARKINSON’S AND, BECAUSE OF THIS, FRANKLITE OPERATES A DRESS-DOWN DAY ON FRIDAYS TO PROACTIVELY HELP RAISE MONEY FOR THE CHARITY.”

What are your favourite things in life? I love the elements of Nature, especially flowers! Seeing my family and most definitely my cat Molly.

Left, Frank Lissauer, owner of Franklite Ltd, thanks Elaine for her 30 years’ service.

What are your future ambitions? To retire! There are three years left until my golden days! Although I will miss the people I work with a great deal.

w www.franklite.net

B ple eh

ind

If you would like to feature your staff members in our People Behind The Products features, email editor Dan Squires at dan@cabinet-maker.co.uk or go to www. cabinet-maker.co.uk and follow the link at the bottom of the home page to fill in our questionnaire form.

Dress-down Friday? Franklite’s chosen charity is Parkinson’s UK, which is very dear to me. I suffer from Parkinson’s and, because of this, Franklite operates a dress-down day on Fridays to proactively help raise money for the charity. Last month we raised over £100! A massive big thank you to everyone who donated and thank you to those for co-ordinating!

And finally, if you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Dedicated, driven and happy!

rodu

What is your favourite piece of furniture you own? And why? I would have to say my piano, as it was bought from my brother-in-law as a gift to encourage me to learn to play. Although he passed away before he brought it, he ensured that my sister took me out shopping to get one. It was his last final gift to me.

Did you know that Cabinet Maker has been established since 1880? How long have you been reading the magazine? If I’m honest, I didn’t know. However, following Franklite’s debut editorial the other month, I’ve taken a keen interest in finding out what’s going on within the lighting sector.

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Do you have any career highlights that spring to mind? My most recently cherish memory was in February, where everyone in the Franklite team gathered to celebrate my 30-year service and Frank (the owner) made a speech in my honour.

17th May 2019 | 19

F E A T U R E |T H E F U R N I T U R E M A K E R S ’ C O M P A N Y More than 30 students went on tour

Students

ON TOUR

Festool sander

Cabinet Maker recaps on the successful Student Industry Tour that plays a key role in educating young people on the furnishing sector.

Student Industry Tour, 2019 For someone who is considering pursuing a career in the furnishing industry and wants to find out more about the different companies that operate within the sector, the Student Industry Tour, organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the dedicated industry charity, is an invaluable experience. More than 30 college and university students studying furnishing-related courses at institutions around the UK enjoyed the 2019 tour, which took place from 25th to 29th March and saw the group visit six leading furnishing businesses. The annual Student Industry Tour, which is sponsored by Festool, gives young people interested in pursuing a career in the furnishing sector a broad understanding of how it operates. This year they visited Corian 17th May 2019 | 20

distributor CD (UK) Ltd, tool manufacturer Festool, retailer Furniture Village, bed manufacturer Harrison Spinks, contract furniture maker Knightsbridge, and foam manufacturer Vitafoam. The students got to see inside factories, design offices and stores of some of the UK’s leading furnishing businesses, getting an understanding of sales, marketing, manufacturing and design. Some of these students spoke to Cabinet Maker upon completion of the tour and shared their views. Adam Meyrick and Izumi Shimura, who both study 3D Design at Bath Spa University, said: “The first factory we visited was Festool in Bury St Edmunds. The technical trainer demonstrated some of Festool’s products and let us try (the machinery). The sander

he introduced; it was remarkable to see and learn how orbits move at rotary motion and eccentric motion with marking the surface of the sanding sheet.” In fact, the trip to Festool was a particular

F E A T U R E |T H E F U R N I T U R E M A K E R S ’ C O M P A N Y

Students enjoy a demonstration at main sponsor Festool

Student Industry Tour, 2019 highlight for many of the students, who all got the opportunity to use the latest machinery. Phil Beckley, technical trainer at Festool, added: “Supporting The Furniture Makers’ Company with the student tour is one of the highlights of the year for me. Being in a position to pass on as much knowledge as I can to the next generation of artisans is a privilege and I wish them every success in their chosen specialism.” Commenting on the trip to Furniture Village, Hazel Corcoran, a student at the Upholstery Skills Centre, said: “We learned about sales techniques and buying for a large store. We discussed the customer demographic in Furniture Village and what sells best in which part of the country.” John Clarke, a student at Manchester Metropolitan University, shared his thoughts on their VitaFoam experience: “Who would have thought that foam manufacturing could be so interesting? I think the whole group were fascinated walking through the factory at the Duckinfield plant. The process was really well explained and it was interesting to see so many different grades of foam and various uses of the product. To then see how a lot of the cutting and shaping work could be done prior to shipping to clients was a huge benefit to clients.” Sarah Mann, from Wendy Shorter Interiors, commented on her time with CD (UK) Ltd: “This was where I was most perplexed at a choice of location for the tour, as solid surface thermoformable materials known for kitchen and bathroom applications do not naturally sit with upholsterers, furniture makers and product designers. “The outcome, however, was surprising as after a highly-informative presentation about the ever-increasing varied applications for their product Corian, we had an inspiring hands-on training-driven session that left us all feeling like it was a very possible material to work with, despite most having no skills or 17th May 2019 | 22

experience of working with it, and a material that could turn itself to many uses.” Finally, Natalie Friesem, Jason Ellis-Feather and Byron Clark, all students at Northumbria University, spoke about the visit to Harrison Spinks and Knightsbridge: “We very much enjoyed the tour around the factories of Harrison Spinks, and found it to be an aspirational company, very much aligned with what we value and would want to encompass within our own design work. “We were inspired to learn about how his father helped to build and design all of the specialist machines used within the factory, and implement the purchase of the company farm, from which they source wool, hemp, and flax for their mattresses. It was so refreshing to see a company so transparent at all stages of production, with such an emphasis on creating a sustainable and recyclable product. “Our trip culminated in a visit to Knightsbridge Furniture. It was interesting to hear about their vast research in the needs of a wide ranging and far-reaching target market, which in turn put a significant focus on functionality. The majority of manufacturing is done in-house, and we enjoyed being able to receive an inside perspective of a British manufacturing company, seeing the clockwork efficiency of a batch production line.” The tour also gave students the chance to socialise with like-minded students from other institutions as well as offering a crucial insight into the industry that they are set to embark on. After a successful year, the Student Industry Tour will return in 2020 and hopes to encourage and inspire the next generation of furniture personnel into the industry. David Woodward, senior warden at The Furniture Makers’ Company, concluded: “The

“WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FURNITURE MAKERS’ COMPANY FOR PROVIDING US WITH SUCH AN INSIGHTFUL AND

WIDE-RANGING TOUR OF THE BRITISH FURNITURE MAKING INDUSTRY.” — The Student Industry Tour 2019

students were impressive and clearly got a lot out of the experience. Thank you to our hosts who were brilliant and tour sponsor Festool — if this doesn’t convince the students that the furniture industry is the place to be, I don’t know what will.”

w www.furnituremakers.org.uk

F E A T U R E |I N T E R Z U M 2 0 1 9

TRIP to

COLOGNE Cabinet Maker takes a final look at the upcoming interzum event that is set to unveil ‘the future’ of home furnishings. On 21st May, the future of furniture production begins again in Cologne with interzum set to inspire the global furniture supply industry. This is where decision makers, opinion leaders, disseminators and trendsetters from all over the world keep up with the innovations in the sector, and seek out and establish new contacts. More than 1,700 exhibitors will come face-to-face with an anticipated 70,000 visitors from over 150 countries — around 80% come from abroad, making Interzum one of the most international industry events in the world. interzum 2019 will be divided by theme into three topic areas, with the largest exhibition area occupied by the Function & Components product segment. In Halls 3.2, 4, 5, 7 and 8, the industry will show how customers’ increasing demands in the areas of technology, energy efficiency, comfort and convenience can be fulfilled. These points will be addressed by the product segments of light and lighting systems, semi-finished products for storage, kitchen, office and frame furniture, fittings, locks and furniture components. Solutions to these requirements will be the focus of attention 17th May 2019 | 24

in the technical and functional components segment. The conservation of resources, sustainable raw materials and cradle-to-cradle concepts – these are but a few of the trends addressed in the Materials & Nature segment in Halls 4.2, 6 and 10.2. This is where a comprehensive presentation of versatile materials for furniture design will again be offered, including wood, veneer, parquet, interior design and furnishings, decorative surface design, decor papers, laminates, woodbased materials, high-pressure laminates, solid surface materials, edge trims, surface treatments and finishes, embossing cylinders and sheet metal. Climate-regulating upholstery fabrics, energy-efficient cutting machines for foam materials and leather that make optimal use of materials, weatherproof outdoor fabrics: nowadays, success comes from innovative ideas, high-performance materials and ultraefficient processing by means of advanced technology and machines. In the Textile & Machinery segment in Halls 9, 10.1 and 11, the quality leaders and innovation drivers from across the entire value chain will again

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

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Sustainable materials will be a key show concept be presenting their latest developments. These include machinery for upholstery and mattress manufacture, upholstery materials, upholstery accessories, materials for covers, leather and adhesives.

product groups such as furniture handles or upholstery and decorative fabrics.

In a new development for 2019, Hall 10.1 will serve as a central connecting hub for the Textile & Machinery segment, reinventing itself in terms of structure. The three segments mean that visitors can also look forward to an optimal structure throughout the trade fair, designed to give a quick and compact overview of the trends and new developments in the sector. With a range of special exhibitions, the trade fair also explores global megatrends such as individualisation, mobility and digitalisation. The leading industry platform is therefore an important source of inspiration for designers, architects, product developers and other planners. Through the newly-established ‘Tiny Spaces – Living in Compact Homes’ piazza, interzum is addressing a highly topical issue. How comfort can be combined with small living spaces is, and will remain, a highly relevant issue — and not only for the interiors industry. The “Disruptive Materials – Changing the Future” piazza will be devoted to these materials and production methods. Berlin trend forecasting agency HAUTE INNOVATION will showcase some of the latest materials innovations and disruptive technologies. The exhibition will be divided

into four main areas of focus — biological transformation, resource efficiency and sustainability, digital and smart materials, and production-related materials innovations. Featuring more than 100 exhibits, the piazza will be among the major attractions at interzum. The ‘Trends in Surfaces & Wood Design’ piazza in Hall 6.1 will present product solutions for interior architecture and the furniture design of tomorrow. The piazza will be highlighting how innovative surface materials broaden the range of options available to the industry. Pioneering developments in interior architecture and furniture design will be concentrated into one area here. The piazza is divided into sections addressing key words — Sustainability, Customised, Haptic, Lightweight, Digital Printing, AntiFingerprint and Wood & Stones. It is not just wood and materials that will be presented in the special exhibition, but also related

How can the expectations of furniture production and interior design be served by means of digitalisation? And what role do interzum’s products and solutions play in this? interzum 2019 addresses these questions in its new ‘Digitalisation: Focus on Consumer Trends!’ piazza. This is where interzum’s exhibitors will showcase a product or service they offer, or a best-practice example from their everyday business. Physical products with digital components will be presented, as will new business models and solutions in which digitalisation influences design, production, sales, logistics or recycling. A special area in Hall 3.2 has been dedicated to the subject of digital printing as a complement to the piazza. The broad spectrum of potential uses of digital printing will be shown in a demonstration ranging from the design concept to the finished piece of furniture, including all the important process steps required for the integration of this ground-breaking technology into furniture production and interior design. The entire process will be shown, from the choice of decoration and its transfer into computer programmes to the actual printing stage and the subsequent finishing step. There will also be a presentation of a selection of leading specialists in the field. Matthias Pollmann, Koelnmesse’s vicepresident trade fair management, said: “Today, success is the result of innovative ideas. With new concepts, we’re boosting the trade fair’s function to offer orientation and transparency.”

w www.interzum.com

interzum 2019 is expected to attract 70,000 visitors 17th May 2019 | 25

F E A T U R E |B R E A S L E Y

A Taylored Approach!

Clare Taylor is on a marketing mission.

Cabinet Maker meets Clare Taylor, the new head of marketing at Breasley. The name Breasley is synonymous with a good night’s sleep — the Derbyshire-based company is one of the UK’s leading vacuumpacked mattress producers. It’s a well-established family-run company, with a reputation across the industry for quality products, and as well as its own brands (Breasley Foam, Uno and Salus), it produces mattresses for third parties. With around 200 employees, the firm is proud of its heritage and its standing, but it isn’t one to rest on its laurels. In fact, it regularly says it 17th May 2019 | 26

is “always looking to bring innovation and the latest technology to the sleeping experience”. And that’s why new head of marketing, Clare Taylor, has been brought on board. An experienced marketing and sales professional, Clare has worked across a variety of international engineering and manufacturing sectors for nearly 20 years, most notably in the contract hospitality, pharmaceutical and rail sectors. “I really wanted a new challenge,” says Clare.

“I specialise in marketing and it’s a discipline that can be used across industries. I love it; it’s an opportunity to be creative and make a difference. “I’ve known the Breasley name for a long time and so when the opportunity arose, it made perfect sense to join the company.” Clare, an avid runner and even keener supporter of her local football club, Derby County, describes herself as a “tenacious strategic thinker”, and she clearly has a track record of supporting business growth

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

“I REALLY WANTED A NEW CHALLENGE . I SPECIALISE IN MARKETING AND IT’S A DISCIPLINE THAT CAN BE USED ACROSS INDUSTRIES. I LOVE IT; IT’S AN OPPORTUNITY TO BE CREATIVE AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE .”

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Breasley has come up with a unique design that offers extra storage capacity over conventional Ottoman bases

by creating strong brands with clear value propositions. That background will help Clare as she shapes her role as leading the full marketing mix, including the website, exhibitions, public relations, editorials and events. “The Breasley name has been well known for a long time,” says Clare. “But the business is constantly evolving, especially under the drive of new managing directors, brothers Darren and Michael Crowshaw. “I see my role as modernising the proposition, building a very strong brand and making sure that everything is brought together. “The achievements of the company so far can be used as a springboard to future success going forward.

platforms and channels as effectively as we could do, at the moment, in order to be shouting more about what we do. There’s a real opportunity for us. “I’ve got lots to do, so much to get into and I see it as a great starting point. I need to make sure that we talk about all the good things that we do here at Breasley and really put the name on the map. “I want Breasley to be one of the first names that springs to mind when consumers are looking for new beds and mattresses in store or online.” Watch out for more on Breasley and its latest news. If Clare works her marketing magic, its competitors won’t be able to sleep easy.

w www.breasley.co.uk

“I’m not sure that we are using all the

The Breasley headboard collection includes 11 contemporary, stylish headboards 17th May 2019 | 27

F E A T U R E |F I R A FIRA International opens the doors to its experts, Phil Reynolds and Suzie Radcliffe-Hart, for another slice of industry questions answered.

Expert Access

In a second open â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;clinicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experts at FIRA International tackle Brexit, standards and product recalls. Send your questions for the experts to dan@cabinet-maker.co.uk Q. Are there any new furniture standards to be aware of? A: Phil Reynolds, director, Furniture Industry Research Association: It is a busy time within the standards development community, however the publication of new standards is a little way off. Key standards in development are: BS EN 14749: 2016 Furniture. Domestic and kitchen storage units and kitchen worktops. Safety requirements and test methods. A draft amendment to this standard is currently in development to bring in tighter stability requirements for storage furniture designed to support televisions. This follows a number of injuries and fatalities relating to televisions toppling on children, both in Europe and globally. Whilst the requirements for units designed to support televisions has been defined, there is concern in some quarters that the majority of incidents occur when televisions are placed on units not designed to be used with televisions. There 17th May 2019 | 28

is a suggestion that all furniture not designed to support a television should be marked as such, although this is unlikely to get support. BS EN 581-2: 2015 Outdoor furniture. Seating and tables for camping, domestic and contract use. Mechanical safety requirements and test methods for seating. An amendment is planned to be published updating the standard to reflect the test methods in the recently-published standard BS EN 1022: 2018 Furniture. Seating. Determination of stability. In addition, a lot of work is being undertaken at an International (ISO) level to develop common test methods that can be used globally, with a view to easing international trade.

Q: Is there a further update on Brexit? A: Suzie Radcliffe-Hart, technical manager, FIRA International: Brexit continues to be a challenging subject on many levels with information updated on a weekly basis, some topics even more frequently, and anything I offer is likely to be out of date by the time readers read this! We continue to receive weekly updates from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) which we summarise and circulate via www.fira.co.uk/ brexit, accessible to both members and nonmembers. In the short-term, the government has

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

postponed the weekly forum sessions, moving these to a monthly format during the Brexit extension to ensure ongoing engagement whilst negotiations continue. I still attend when they are scheduled and all information, including a short meeting summary and useful links, is disseminated via www.fira.co.uk/brexit. Updates from these forums have covered everything from VAT to packaging, compliance marking and testing, to importing and exporting. The best advice I can give readers is to regularly check for updates that are pertinent to their role / organisation and sign up for updates directly from the .Gov website. Q. How does the product recall process work and are there any do’s and don’ts to consider when issuing a recall? A: Suzie Radcliffe-Hart, technical manager, FIRA International: However well a business is run, the unexpected can happen and the effectiveness with which a product quality or safety issue is handled can be crucial. The credibility and value of a brand can be at stake if events are not handled well, particularly given the increased focus on corporate behaviour and rise of social media. It is essential, therefore that businesses, large or small, have a clear

documented process in place to highlight the steps that should be taken to ensure any issues are dealt with promptly and effectively. Help is at hand in the form of PAS 7100: 2018 Code of practice on consumer product safety related recalls and other corrective actions. Part 1 of the PAS focuses on the need for a proactive approach, identifying key steps that should be in place to facilitate the monitoring, assessment, notification and correction of unsafe consumer products, including through public recall or other corrective action. It includes detailed information on: •Preparing to manage a possible safetyrelated product recall or other corrective action. •Establishing mechanisms to monitor the safety of products. •Investigating any potential product safety issue. •Establishing a Product Safety Improvement Plan or PSIP to deal with product safety issues, including reference to recalling products. •Reviewing any corrective action policies or plans to ensure that product safety responsibilities continue to be met. Part 2 of the PAS gives guidance to supporting regulators and enforcement authorities on the assistance that should be made available to businesses in order to

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support them in meeting their obligations in relation to issues involving the safety of consumer products. The PAS is available for SMEs to download for free via the BSI website https:// shop.bsigroup.com/ProductDetail?p id=000000000030359024 Q: There has been a lot of talk regarding plastics in the furniture industry (bags that wrap furniture for delivery). Can you recommend any alternatives or is FIRA noticing any movement away from traditional plastics? A: Stuart Cochrane, sustainability consultant, FIRA International: In March the Furniture Industry Research Association tasked me with leading a project on alternative wrapping materials, as they see key environmental issues in how we currently work. The project will include proposing alternative packaging materials to those currently used in the UK furniture industry, which will both reduce environmental risks and mitigate the risks of increased costs to businesses under Packaging Waste Producer Obligations. Output from the project should be released in the Autumn.

w www.fira.co.uk

Take aim for fun and fundraising Wednesday 12 June 2019 Holland and Holland shooting ground, Northwood, Middlesex

Book your place now! Contact: 020 7562 8526 events@furnituremakers.org.uk

Supported by

F U R N I T U R E

sales@iainjamesfurniture.co.uk

0115 9734481

www.iainjamesfurniture.co.uk

Boss Design Group

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

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

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

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

17th 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 FIRA International Stevenage, SG1 2EW www.ﬁra.co.uk

01438 777 700 +48 29 64 42 222 01384 408844 020 3348 9829

Furniture Choice

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

0800 035 0070

Furniture Link

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

01952 604960 020 72565558

0800 804 8879

Furniture World

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

Melksham, SN12 6GN www.hermanmiller.com

01209 210080

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

01291 645080

Elgin, IV30 8QN www.grampianfurnishers.com

01343 813271

Greenwood Retail

Knutsford, WA16 6EN www.greenwoodretail.com

HSL

01924 486902

Hydeline Furniture

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

01908 968228

Hyder Beds

Gresham

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

0333 7777 575

01844 348200

0344 499 4686

Hammonds www.hammonds-uk.com

0800 021 4363

Harrison Spinks Leeds, LS11 5SB www.harrisonspinks.co.uk

0113 205 5200

Harry Corry

Belfast, BT17 9GX www.harrycorry.com

028 9060 6801

www.harveynorman.com

Harveys

www.harveysfurniture.co.uk

0344 372 1000

Headlam

Birmingham, B46 1LW www.headlam.com 17th May 2019 | 32

01675 433000

Telford, TF3 3BQ www.thelia.org.uk 020 7739 5561

London Fabric Show

Long Eaton, NG10 4QD www.londonfabricshow.uk

01332 321827

Iconography

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

Mammoth

Wallsend, NE28 9NZ www.mammothcomfort.com

Indus Valley Furniture Ltd Nottingham, NG2 4BN www.indusvalley.co.uk

Mason and Pearl

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

Ikea International

www.ikea.com/gb/en Leigh, WN7 2RR www.ism.furniture

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

0300 030 9915

020 7384 8211

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

0333 577 5773

01603 660661 01706 877877

07891 506241

Matza

Dewsbury www.matza.co.uk

01924 458699

Metro Wardrobes and Kitchens

London, HA9 0LB www.metrowardrobes.co.uk 0203 4883347

Millbrook Beds

Kaymed

+353 45 484 300

023 8086 6111 www.millbrook-beds.co.uk

Minerva Furnishers Guild

KBSA

01623 818808

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

01225 444204

MPT Group

Kelston House

Foxrock www.kelstonhouse.com

49 5401 852-0

Mattressman Mattresstek

K Mansﬁeld, NG19 8R www.kbsa.org.uk

Germany www.wiemann-online.com/en Norfolk, NR14 8SQ www.mattressman.co.uk

JJOplc

Bacup, OL13 0EA www.jjoplc.com

0116 4422363

Mathias Wiemann GmbH & Co KG

Dublin www.kaymed.co.uk

Harvey Norman

LIA

Long Eaton Guild

Jarrold & Son

London, W1T 7PJ www.habitat.co.uk/furniture

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

Luxury Furniture Manufacturers www.longeatonguild.co.uk

London, SW6 3JW januaryfurnitureshow.com

Habitat

01724 281381

Lectra

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

January Furniture Show

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

London Design Fair

Dewsbury, WF13 1EN www.hyderbedsltd.com

ISM Networks Furniture 01565 650101

03332 008 009

Lebus Upholstery 0161 681 5678

01382 477281

Grampian Furnishers

Newtown, SY16 1DZ www.lauraashley.com

+49 30 20 38 99 66

Gillies

Global Furniture Alliance

01254 265883

01924 406600

Housing Units

Princes Risborough, HP27 9RS www.hypnosbeds.com

01284 752804

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

Home24

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

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

Highgrove

Hypnos

Glasswells

01344 771653

Laura Ashley 0845 226 9776

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

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

01536 444960

Lanzet 01254 660777

Herman Miller

www.hslchairs.com

Furniture Village

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

Blackburn, BB1 1TJ www.heritagefurnitureuk.com

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

02380 517067

069 7575-0

Heritage Furniture

Berlin (Germany) www.home24.com

Furniture to Go

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

01268 745421

Heimtextil

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

Furniture Makers

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

Kobe UK

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

Furnico

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

Heico

Corby, NN17 4JN www.kettleinteriorsagencies.com

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

Furmanac

Kingswinford, DY6 7FF www.furmanac.com

Kettle Interiors

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

Forte Furniture

Warsaw ww2.forte.com.pl

Health Beds

353 404 80068

Bacup, OL13 9RW www.mptgroup.com

01706 878 558

E V E R Y W E E K TO ADVERTISE ON THESE PAGES CALL 01623 372213 OR GO TO: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK Rowico

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

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

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

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

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

17th May 2019 | 33

LAST WORD NAOMI AHARONY, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FARAWAY FURNITURE

“AS MORE INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS BECOME AVAILABLE AND PRICES ARE MORE COMPETITIVE, THE SMART GARDEN MARKET WILL SURELY THRIVE.“

Revealed: Brits’ most desired smart garden technology

place through an app on a smartphone or tablet.

The summer is nearly upon us. With that comes the perfect incentive to clean the garden and facilitate a more pleasurable outdoor environment for those all-important summer BBQs and gatherings.

Contrastingly, a ‘weather-resistant Bluetooth speaker disguised as a rock’ (35%) garnered the least enthusiasm among Brits. Slightly above, more took a fancy to a ‘solar LED lights parasol’. A total of 42% wanted the outdoor umbrella, which uses electricity generated from a solar panel situated at the top of it to charge its control mechanism and, therefore, enable functions like the LED lights underneath the canopy.

Cleaning and maintaining the garden though, does not always present itself as an easy task. It can often end up being tedious and time-consuming. Fortunately, with the development of smart technology specifically for the garden, these products have the real potential to make gardening more efficient and less stressful. Interested in smart garden technology, outdoor furniture specialists FarawayFurniture.com surveyed 1,524 British homeowners and renters with gardens to identify the smart garden products that most appeal to them. Faraway Furniture found that a ‘plant sensor’ (71%) is the smart garden device that has most captured the interest of Brits. Perhaps that is unsurprising, given the depth of data (e.g. soil moisture, fertiliser levels, light intensity etc.) they can transmit on plants and their surroundings with a dedicated app by simply placing it into the soil. Consequently, it enables individuals to acquire the information needed to better look after their plants. Brits placed a ‘smart weather station’ (58%) as an area of interest. A smart weather station can be kept outdoors to relay realtime data to a supported app on aspects such as temperature, humidity, wind speed/ direction, soil moisture and CO2 levels. Next came ‘smart outdoor lights’ (53%) – where multiple functions (e.g. brightness, colours, on/off timings) of these smart light units/bulbs can be controlled at any time and

DFS LIGNA PREVIEW LONG POINT REVIEW

17th May 2019 | 34

Smart technology has already revolutionised the way Brits live in their homes. So, it’s only natural the technology is transitioning to make waves in the outdoor space. The current products available on the market are nothing short of exciting. They aim to simplify the effort individuals must go through to sufficiently maintain and improve different parts of their garden. The encouraging takeaway from this research is that Brits already have a good awareness of the current products and are keen to experience them. As more innovative products become available and prices are more competitive, the smart garden market will surely thrive.

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