Cabinet Maker November 2019 by Cabinet Maker

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 £9.99 Published daily online at www.cabinet-maker.co.uk and monthly in print 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 6130 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.

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Described as ‘an essential component’ of the furniture industry calendar, the show returns to the NEC in Birmingham, from 19th to 22nd January. Our first look at the important event centres around the Best of British. Hopefully by the time you read this there may be a bit more clarity around Brexit — but, if not, at least JFS 2020 is an event to look forward to. Talking of the Best of British, the show will, of course, play host to regular exhibitors, including Sherborne Upholstery, which has almost 90 years of rich manufacturing history behind it; ercol, which has become one of the most recognisable names in the UK market; and Furmanac, which also has a rich heritage of 50 years. For those visitors who are already planning their route through the five halls of the NEC, this month’s preview is one to help get those plans in place. And it doesn’t stop there. In December we will feature another preview of JFS 2020 with a different take on what to expect — and then there’s the New Year edition, which will include more information and a handy show guide to help when actually at the show. This means there is still plenty of opportunity for exhibitors to highlight what you have planned for the show within our preview pages. Contact us to find out more on how you can get involved.

Alexander, executive director of the NBF, talks to us about the recent NBF Bed Show, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary in September. There is also a recap of two further events — The Autumn Furniture Show and Autumn Long Point exhibition — as well as a look ahead to the Parisian event, EspritMeuble, which takes place in early December, and January’s Heimtextil international trade fair. Away from the shows, this month’s Cabinet Maker also includes the latest People Behind the Products series with Frank Olsen Furniture, Harrison Spinks and Woodstock Furniture. In our monthly Beds section we catch up with the latest news from Breasley and Mammoth. Jerry Hodkinson, marketing manager at Andy Thornton Ltd, says it is not all gloom and doom in the contract furniture sector, while Simon Haslam, of Abel & Imray (UK and European patent attorneys) explains, on behalf of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA), how your business can avoid pitfalls associated with the ownership of intellectual property. To round off the issue, Jessica Alexander returns in our Last Word, talking about why being part of the National Bed Federation is the right thing to do and all its benefits to members. Happy reading! Dan Squires Editor

DESIGN Mammoth is on a mission to make our sleep better and healthier.

MANUFACTURE Vita Talalay and Hypnos talk about how they have taken their sustainable offering to the next level.

RETAIL Jessica Alexander, executive director of the NBF, talks about the NBF Bed Show.

BEDS

The opinions and views expressed in Cabinet Maker are not necessarily those of Information Publications Ltd. Being subject to the Advertising Standards Authority guidelines in place at the time of going to press, all data submitted by advertisers and contained in their advertising copy is accepted by Information Publications Ltd in good faith.

It’s not long until the January Furniture Show is upon us. I’m sure plans are well under way for exhibitors as they all prepare for the daunting task of the stand build and then filling it up with products. It is fitting then that our November issue marks the first look at what to expect to see at JFS 2020.

Beds November 2019

MANUFACTURE

BEDS

Eaton Guild’s A review of Long Autumn Long highly successful Point show.

NOVEMBER 2019

Hypnos have Vita Talalay and offering to taken their sustainable the next level.

first issue: 1

UPHOLSTERY

of wireless How the concept led to charging furniture a career change.

Breasley celebrates a decade of Salus | Page 70

July 1880

November 2019 | 47

cabinet-maker.co.u

ON THE COVER CORDOBA LIVING & DINING by Wojcik from Furniture To Go

From one show to look forward to one that has just been a big success and Jessica

British Furniture Manufacturers CORDOBA LIVING

British Furniture Manufacturers British Furniture Manufacturers

& DINING | From

Furniture To Go

w www.furniture-to-go.co.uk

The Exclusive UK Fabric Trade Show Housing the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier fabric suppliers under one intimate roof.

For more information and to register your attendance please visit

www.bfmfabricshow.uk/london

25th & 26th February 2020

Opening Times 9.30am - 6.00pm on Tuesday 9.00am - 4.00pm on Wednesday

Chelsea Football Club, Stamford Bridge, Fulham Road, SW6 1HS

THIS MONTH INSIDE OUR NOVEMBER ISSUE NEWS 6

LAST WORD 106

BEDS & MATTRESSES

FEATURES NOT RUN OF THE MILL

A look back at the successful Long Eaton Guild Autumn Long Point.

BEST OF BRITISH

A look ahead to JFS 2020, where British brands remain on point.

UNDER ONE ROOF

FUTURE OF DESIGN

100

Meet the winners at the annual Young Furniture Maker awards.

PRODUCT PAGES Sherborne Upholstery 61 Furniture To Go 99

UPHOLSTERY & CABINET A BIT DIFFERENT

Cabinet Maker looks back on its visit to The Autumn Furniture Show.

POWER OF PARIS

Jessica Alexander, executive director of the NBF, reviews its successful Bed Show.

90 HEALTHY SLEEP

Find out why the esprit Meuble in Paris this December is worth a visit.

GETTING IP RIGHT

How to avoid pitfalls associated with the ownership of intellectual property.

SHINING A LIGHT

Jerry Hodkinson, from Andy Thornton Ltd, says it is not all gloom and doom.

SPARKLING AT 50

International trade fair Heimtextil will be celebrating a big milestone in January.

Mammoth is on a mission to make our sleep better and healthier.

MEET ANDREW

Andrew Hall, from Woodstock Furniture, features in People Behind The Products.

SUCCESSFUL YEAR

DFS is reflecting on a year of major developments at the upholstery retailer.

MEET JULIA

Frank Olsen Furnitureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Julia Fulford is in the People Behind The Products hot seat.

MEET RICHARD

Richard Essery, from Harrison Spinks, features in People Behind The Products.

DECADE OF DELIGHT

Find out why the NBF Bed Show was special for bedmaker Breasley.

SUSTAINABLE SHOW

Vita Talalay talks about its recent Bed Show success.

NEWS

FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES:

SPORTING BACKING

Retail park sold

Office furniture supplier AJ Products UK has announced it is the official sponsor of referees in the UK’s Elite Ice Hockey League for the 2019/20 season. Established in Sweden in 1975, the AJ Group has a long history as an official sponsor of the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. It has supported the tournament every year since 1989. In both the Elite League and IIHF, its logo will feature on the referees’ shirts.

A retail park that houses 14 businesses, including the likes of Dunelm and B&Q, has been sold in a £67m deal. Retail property giant Hammerson announced the sale of Abbotsinch retail park in Paisley to property investment firm Ashby Capital. Hammerson bought the site for £42m and said it had invested £17m into expanding the park, which had increased the number of its tenants from six to 14.

Best Stand

Organisers of The Autumn Furniture Show 2019 have unveiled the winner of its coveted Best Stand Award. The accolade, which was presented by group chairman Martin Likehurst, went to Pentik, from Finland, which specialises in home décor and accessories. The show took place in October at NAEC, Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire.

New outlet open Russell Francis Interiors has launched a new store, Classic Interiors, in Hanley, Stoke-onTrent. Owner Graham Lewis said they wanted to create an established business for local people as well as sell highquality furniture. Store manager Tim Tobin added: “We can offer something unique that not many companies can. We feel like we’ve got something different in terms of quality and furniture.”

THE

NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF

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Rebrand revealed for BFM’s London Fabric Show The BFM (British Furniture Manufacturers Association)-organised fabric show is being updated and rebranded as BFM Fabric Show London. The 2020 edition of the go-to event for upholstery fabrics, soft furnishing fabrics and fabric treatments, returns to the West Stand of Chelsea F.C. at Stamford Bridge, Fulham on Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th February. The change of name from ‘The London Fabric Show’ to ‘BFM Fabric Show London’ is to ally the show more closely with the BFM. It also enables the event to expand, with the potential for more fabric shows elsewhere in the UK. Nick Garratt, BFM managing director, said: “The 2020 show will feature a fresh look and new branding – aligning it more closely with the BFM, while retaining its admired and unique character. ”A new distinct and contemporary logo design accompanies the name change and is also being rolled out for the first time. “The logo and rebranding reflect the BFM’s desire to be both current and forward looking as we respond to the needs of our members and the wider furniture industry.” The new branding was developed in collaboration with creative agency Orbital Vision, which is a member of BFM. A refreshed show website — www.bfmfabricshow.uk — incorporating the new branding has also been launched — simplified and easily navigable, the website provides visitors with information on exhibitors, sponsors and the venue. Registration will be live in the first week of November and visitors will be able to register for their free entry to the show via the registration link on the website.

w www.bfmfabricshow.uk

Store to open

App launched

Furniture discount store B&M Stores is set to open a new store in November, creating around 50 jobs. The outlet will be launched in Sutton Coldfield town centre, where it is to open in two former units at Newhall Walk retail park, which have been knocked through to create one. A spokeswoman for B&M said: “We’re feeling really positive about the creation of more jobs for local people.”

Studio.co.uk has launched its first mobile shopping app, Studio WOW. More than two million customers shopping with the brand every year will have access to tens of thousands of products on the iOS and Android apps, covering a range of categories including homeware. Chris Chalmers, marketing director at Studio, said: “We have come a long way from our traditional catalogue heritage.”

November 2019 | 06

RETAIL

Sofa retailer partners with PR firm Specialist sofa brand Sofology has unveiled its latest collection of home furniture. From sofas, accent chairs, snugglers, footstools and more, it is the first launch following its new company partnership with interiors PR agency, PR First. “At our core, we are a business that loves to offer unparalleled choice and expert advice, helping people to feel at home on a sofa they love,” said Sally Hopson, Sofology chief executive.”

w www.sofology.co.uk

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DAMS ANNOUNCE DOUBLE ISO CERTIFICATION Dams, the office furniture specialist, are delighted to have been awarded both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications, which are internationally recognised standards that ensure their products and services meet the needs of customers through an effective quality management system and protecting the environment. When Dams Furniture opened its new upholstery factory earlier this year, which brought its manufacturing and assembly together on one large site in Knowsley, Liverpool, the company made a strategic decision to upgrade quality management and environmental management systems to the latest ISO standards. The world’s most popular quality management system standard, ISO 9001 helps businesses prove their ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. And in line with Dams Furniture’s goal to build a sustainable business, the ISO 14001 accreditation ensures that its UK manufacturing operations meet the latest standard requirements, helping to supply environmentally-sound solutions, reduce carbon footprint, better manage waste and air emissions, and reduce energy and water consumption. “We are proud to have been audited for both ISO standards without any non-conformities,” says managing director, Chris Scott. “Achieving ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification is fantastic news and means our customers have complete assurance our products operate to the highest-quality standard, and that our UK manufacturing operations are at the forefront of environmental performance in the office furniture industry.” “I am extremely proud of the whole team for the achievement, which proves theirs and the company’s commitment to ensuring quality and providing the best possible service to our customers. We are dedicated to constant improvement and development, and achieving and maintaining an ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditation ensures we have the processes and systems in place for this.” Gaining the latest ISO certifications reinforces Dams’ relentless focus on creating industry-leading products and services, measured against global benchmarks of industry excellence and environmental performance.

w www.dams.com

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OPTIMISE YOUR NEXT BIG SALE

NEWS NEWS

RETAIL

Return to profits There was a return to profits for Irish furniture wholesaler Annaghmore Agencies in its latest accounts for the year ended 31st December, 2018, despite a fall in sales. Pre-tax profit was £23,690, compared to a loss of around £52,000 the previous year for the Portadown-based business. Sales fell by 6.5% to £12.8m from £13.7m and the business said the coming year was likely to be challenging, although early results indicated it could see continued growth.

w www.annaghmoreagencies.com

RETAIL Managing director William Dennison with long-term transport manager Liam Taggart

Sales steady, but losses widen

Logistics company celebrates 40 years in business

Department store chain Beales has blamed one-off costs, including a management buyout, for a widening loss to £3m for the year ended 31st March, 2019.

Furniture logistics company W.S. Dennison has celebrated 40 years in business with a family fun day for friends, family and other business associates who “helped to build the business”.

A post-tax loss of £3.05m compared with a £1.26m loss in the previous year, but turnover was £48.3m compared with £48.7m, and gross profit was level year-on-year at £25m.

The event took place at the company’s premises in Antrim, Northern Ireland, and was attended by around 150 guests.

The exceptional and one-off costs totalled £915,000, including the management buyout that put the company in the ownership of its chief executive, Tony Brown.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the company opted for a special 40th anniversary logo, which has been added to some of the 23 vehicle and 65 trailer fleet. The company raffled a range of prizes at the fun day, which were donated by suppliers and customers. The proceeds of the raffle, which reached £2,000, will be split between Macmillan Cancer Support and Parkinson’s UK. William Dennison commented: “Although there have been highs and lows over the last 40 years, we are extremely proud to have reached this milestone and we were delighted to be able to share our celebration with those who have helped us to build the business.

During the year, Beales made significant investment in IT, which was delivered on time and on budget, he said. It had invested in stores and in a new payroll system.

w www.beales.co.uk

RETAIL

Growing digital strategy

“As well as strong family support, both within the business and in home life, we have had the support of many local businesses over the years.”

Soft furnishings retailer Terrys Fabrics has appointed digital marketing agency Visibilis to manage its online strategy.

W.S. Dennison was founded in 1979 by managing director William Dennison, who was quickly joined by transport manager Liam Taggart.

Under the partnership Terrys Fabrics aims to improve the consumers’ buying experience and has recently launched a new app to grow its digital presence.

The company remains family owned and as well as being regarded as the leading furniture storage and logistics company in Ireland, it now also provides domestic and commercial removals and storage.

Alongside the app launch, the retailer said it also has ‘exciting growth plans’ with Leeds-based Visibilis now responsible for developing its digital strategy for the next stage of the brand’s development.

w www.bbfurniture.co.uk

Visibilis has a track record in the furnishings sector, also having children’s furniture brand Room to Grow as part of its portfolio.

w www.marksandspencer.com

November 2019 | 08

aQO Senior management roles go at John Lewis Partnership Around 75 senior management head office roles, from a current total of 225, are to go at John Lewis Partnership. The restructuring, which should save around £100m, comes after the retailer reported a half-year loss for the first time in its history. The partnership is merging the managements of its High Street department stores and Waitrose grocery chain into a single team. Waitrose boss, Rob Collins, is leaving the business and the posts of managing director at both businesses are being axed. John Lewis chairman Sir Charlie Mayfield said: “These changes will be difficult for some of our Partners (employees) and we will implement as carefully and sensitively as we can.” He said there would be “little or no disruption” for customers, but the restructuring would create a more unified leadership team and cost structure. Sir Charlie added:“Our current structure has served us well in the past, enabling us to develop two of the UK’s most loved and trusted brands.

MANUFACTURE

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR JFS 2020 Visitor registration is now live for the 2020 January Furniture Show. The four-day trade show runs from 19th to 22nd January 2020 and returns to Halls 1 - 5 of Birmingham’s NEC. The UK’s largest furniture and interiors show, January Furniture Show attracts more than 500 UK and international exhibitors and 22,000+ visitors. The visitor profile includes buyers from independent and group retail stores, hotel and leisure facilities, garden centres, interior design companies and government departments. Post show feedback from the 2019 event confirmed that the two new sectors introduced at the show this year — BEDS and LIGHT — were a welcome addition to the event and proved extremely popular. They will both be extended in 2020 with returning and new exhibitors. In line with previous years, the show is already 85% sold out at the time of registration going live. Visitors can now register for their free entry to the show at:

w https://januaryfurnitureshow.com

“In the last three years we have delivered significant innovation and driven efficiency, maintaining market leading service standards and growing customer numbers. However, the lesson of the last two years is that we need more innovation, faster decision making and bolder steps to align our operating model with our strategy. This is what the ‘Future Partnership’ is all about. Sharon White, chairman designate, added: ”I am passionate about working together as one Partnership. There is huge potential to unlock from partners working across our two great brands, providing brilliant service to the many customers who shop at both Waitrose & Partners and John Lewis & Partners. “I am very excited to be taking forward the Partnership in this next phase of its transformation when I join at the start of next year.”

w www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk

RETAIL

Closure date confirmed Home improvement retailer Homebase has confirmed it will close its store in Worle. It said that the store, situated at the Queensway Centre, on Bristol Road, just outside Weston-super-Mare, would shut on 20th December. The closure forms part of wider group plans to close over 40 stores as part of its CVA. When the store closures, Homebase will be left with just three stores across the Somerset area — Portishead, Bath and Frome.

w www.homebase.co.uk

ALBANY

This popular riser recliner range is now extended into a full suite, with manual/powered recliner, fixed chair and fixed 2-seater also now available. Offered in the Standard size, these provide exceptional comfort, with soft, stylish three-pillow backs and soft ‘pillow’ arms.

NEWS

RETAIL

NEWS NEWS

DESIGN

RETAIL

Kingfisher appoints CFO Kingfisher, the international home improvement company, has appointed Bernard Bot chief financial officer (CFO). Bernard has also joined the board of directors on that date and become a member of the group executive team. Bernard joins most recently from Travelport Worldwide, a global technology platform for the travel industry that was NYSE-listed until June 2019. As Travelport’s CFO, Bernard was responsible for finance, strategy, transformation and investor relations. He was integral to the repositioning of the company from a traditional travel content distributor to a digital-led commerce platform.

Canadian furniture and lighting brand opens UK showroom Gabriel Scott has unveiled its new London showroom in the heart of Mayfair, with a 1,000sq ft space that houses its furniture and lighting designs. The Old Burlington Street address showcases Gabriel Scott’s distinctive chandeliers and pendants, a glamorous range of chairs, dining tables, and side tables, as well as providing a venue where designers, architects and end customers can plan projects and interiors schemes. Gabriel Scott was founded in 2012 when brothers-in-law Gabriel Kakon and Scott Richler first collaborated while working as architects in Montréal, Canada. Often tasked with specifying high-end custom furniture for clients, the pair realised that projects would benefit from a holistic approach, if they were able to control every detail of a building design, right down to the furniture and lighting. Each piece of furniture and lighting in the collection is handmade in Gabriel Scott’s 30,000sq ft studio in Montreal’s historic Garment District, a neighbourhood renowned for its status as a pioneer of Canadian fashion and design. “We are hugely excited about this next step for our brand. It feels like the right time for us to arrive in London and make our works more accessible to a growing UK/EU demand,” comments Gabriel Kakon. “Although we are expanding, the heart and ethos of Gabriel Scott remains the same,” adds Scott Richler. “We are as committed as ever to creating beautiful, contemporary, hand-crafted pieces of design that people will be able, and want, to pass down from generation to generation.

Prior to that, Bernard was CFO of Aer Lingus, where he was responsible for all aspects of finance, IT and procurement. Between 2005 and 2014, Bernard held various positions at express delivery company TNT Express NV, including group CFO and interim group chief executive. Between 1992 and 2005, he worked at McKinsey & Company, where he rose to become a partner and leader of McKinsey’s worldwide post and logistics group. Bernard is a non-executive director of A.P. Møller – Mærsk A/S and a member of its audit committee. Bernard has significant experience in large-scale transformation programmes, logistics and supply chain management, technology and digital services. He is a seasoned CFO, having held this role at companies listed in the US, UK, Ireland and the Netherlands and has worked at international businesses throughout his career. Bernard is a Dutch national, who also speaks fluent English and French, and will be based at the company’s headquarters in Paddington, UK. The company has also announceds that John Wartig, who joined Kingfisher as interim CFO on 8th April, has been appointed to the newly-created role of chief transformation and development officer. He will remain on the group executive team, with direct responsibility for transformation, IT, business development and property, and will report to Thierry Garnier, Kingfisher’s chief executive. As well as his interim CFO responsibilities, John has also steered Kingfisher’s Transformation Office since joining. He has instilled a heightened focus on the implementation of Kingfisher’s change programme at Kingfisher France, and in measuring the performance and delivery of key transformation milestones around IT and supply chain. John has significant experience of complex transformations across different geographies, as well as an established track record of actively managing large property portfolios. Thierry said: “Bernard is a highly-experienced CFO whose credentials and track record are ideally suited to Kingfisher. He played a central role in the successful transformations at both TNT and Travelport, where he also gained a deep knowledge of technology and digital services, and he has a career-long understanding of logistics and supply chain optimisation.

“Our London showroom is classically chic and understated, with minimal white walls, an elegant muted-tone stone floor and brass trims. Think art-gallery meets Celine store.”

“His career at international businesses has also given him strong capital markets expertise as the group CFO of companies listed in the US, UK, Ireland and the Netherlands. We look forward to him getting started later this month.”

w www.gabriel-scott.com

w www.kingfisher.com

November 2019 | 10

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NEWS NEWS

DESIGN

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Dowsing & Reynolds opens in Victoria Quarter Leeds-based luxe interiors brand Dowsing & Reynolds has officially opened its doors to its first store in Victoria Quarter’s County Arcade. The 2,165sq ft showroom is across two floors and designed by James & Ally Dowsing-Reynolds, with the help of local interior designer Karen Knox, from Making Spaces. The concept shop has a dedicated section for each room in the home. The ‘kitchen’ features design-led cupboard and drawer handles, knobs and pulls, whilst the ‘living room’ showcases paint, table lamps, outside lights, as well as the company’s range of faux foliage. Customers will be able to browse sockets and switches in unique finishes and customise their own light while exploring the range of pendant and wall lighting in the ‘hallway’ and ‘bedroom’. With the help of retail psychologist Kate Nightingale, from Style Psychology, Dowsing & Reynolds has created a brand new store concept and worked to provide the level of shopping experience expected from Victoria Quarter’s customers. Everything from the specific way the products are presented in layers and placed to create intrigue and inspire creativity, to the way customers are guided throughout the ‘home’, have all been carefully considered. Ally Dowsing-Reynolds said: “With such a range of products on display in our new shop, and more yet to come, we’ve worked around the clock to bring something extra special to those shoppers in Leeds who are looking to make their homes more striking with carefully-selected finishing touches. It’s about the way a kitchen handle feels to the touch as you open a cupboard or drawer, and a statement light that creates just the right ambience. “We’re beyond thrilled to be nestled in the heart of the Victoria Quarter among such high-profile names in fashion and design, after focusing solely on our online business for the past seven years. The team we’ve chosen to work in-store are interior design aficionados and are passionate about helping inspire customers to create a home that says something about them. “We often get asked whether our products can be experienced ‘offline’ so we look forward to welcoming both neighbours and customers alike to get up close with our products.” Karen Knox, from Making Spaces, said: “A fierce attention to detail and love for the alternative is something Dowsing & Reynolds and I have in common, so our desire to create the ‘wow’ factor whilst not overwhelming customers with products, was perfectly aligned. We wanted to create a unique shopping experience and concept that showcased the products whilst making people feel at ease and, more importantly, like being at home.” Kate Nightingalem, from Style Psychology, added: “As a consumer psychologist and human experience expert, I was asked by Dowsing & Reynolds to help them with their exciting new store concept. I conducted a behavioural review of the proposed experience with its consistency in mind as well as paying attention to product ‘grabability’, brand and product story, and how immersive the overall experience is.”

w www.dowsingandreynolds.com November 2019 | 12

Wren opens another showroom Kitchen retailer Wren Kitchens has opened a new store in Acton with its state-of-the-art showroom creating 25 new local jobs. Located at West Five Centre on Western Avenue, the retail unit underwent substantial six-month internal and external renovations ready for the opening in October. The new 15,432sq ft showroom development will display more than 40 kitchens, from edgy industrial to ultra-modern and charming traditional designs. Wren’s 84th showroom, it is part of the company’s wider retail expansion plans. “We’re adding the finishing touches to the showroom now to ensure it has a real impact when customers walk through the doors,” said Wren Kitchens Acton showroom manager, Paul Hope. “Over the last six months the showroom has been stripped back to a complete shell and it’s been kitted out to the highest standard. “We’ve even invested in a virtual reality room where dream kitchens will be brought to life using the most innovative technology!”

w www.wrenkitchens.com

RETAIL

New consumer and trade websites Tile retailer Topps Tiles has announced the launch of its new trade and consumer websites as it looks to improve the buyer experience. Features on the trade site include the automatic storing of VAT receipts for purchases, made both online and in-store, and the facility to buy in bulk. On the consumer site, Topps Tiles has segmented the products by area of the home. In addition, navigation has been made easier through the use of multiple filters for colour, material, size, shape and trend.

w www.toppstiles.co.uk

INTERIORS

Sell the Room Everything you need: LIVING | DINING

NEWS

FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES:

NEWS

DESIGN

MANUFACTURE

Collection to reflect ‘Brit Chic’

UK FOAM MANUFACTURING PIONEER DOUG CAMPBELL MOURNED

British-Canadian designer Hilary Farr is to launch an indoor and outdoor furniture link-up with American-based family business Braxton Culler She said the Hilary Farr Designs Collection was ‘Brit Chic’ and would reflect her ‘British aesthetic’.

One of the pioneers of the UK foam manufacturing industry, Doug Campbell, has died aged 84. Doug (pictured) passed away peacefully at home after a courageous battle against renal disease.

Hilary — known in the States for her television programme, Love It Or List It — has designed and renovated properties in the UK as well as California and New York, and Australia, including the homes of celebrities.

Doug and his partner started Plastikos (Foam Converters) in 1968. In 1973 they bought I and J Hymans and proceeded to build it to be one of the largest foam converters in the UK.

Apart from furniture, the collection will include fabrics, rugs, lighting, room décor and accessories.

w https://hilaryfarr.com

MANUFACTURE

RISE IN SALES AFTER SLOW START

Doug left Hymans and became a manufacturers agent, working for FibreLine, Attenborough Trimmings and Wade Springs. He was well known in the industry as a true gentleman and will be sorely missed.

Motion furniture specialists HSL reported a rise in sales for the year ended 31st December, 2018.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joyce, his sons, Charles, Colin and Stuart, their wives and nine grandchildren.

However, profits fell during the same period after a quiet start blamed on poor weather in a mixed year for the company, which celebrated its 50th birthday milestone during the 12 months.

A funeral service was held at St Bedes RC Church, Clayton-leWoods, Chorley. Donations in lieu of flowers to Chorley Renal Unit were gratefully received.

In its latest accounts total sales increased by 4.6% to £45.8m from £43.8m, while pre-tax profit at £755,000 was down from £930,000 the previous year.

w www.hslchairs.com

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Sales up at IKEA Inter IKEA Group has reported a growth in sales as smart home products and online increased momentum.

First quarter growth

IKEA retail sales grew by 6.5% in FY19. Total retail sales, which includes sales of both products and services to IKEA customers, amounted to €EUR 41.3bn.

Furniture and homewares retailer Dunelm has reported a growth in sales.

w www.ikea.comduk

According to its latest trading update for the 13-week period ended 28 September 2019, total like for like sales increased by 6.4% in the first quarter to £255.6m. Total Dunelm growth was 7.5% at £262.6m, with instore sales up by 2.9% to £219.9m and online sales up by 34.7% to £35.7m. Nick Wilkinson, Dunelm’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are pleased with our performance in the first quarter, building on the strong growth delivered over the last year. Our customers continue to respond well to our specialist product and service offering and we are excited by the numerous opportunities ahead of us.

RETAIL

Store closure expected Carpet and beds retailer Carpetright is expected to close a store in Exeter to make way for a Hobbycraft outlet. Plans have been submitted by the owners of the Rydon Lane Retail Park to allow the sale of arts and crafts at Unit 6, currently used by Carpetright.

“The launch of our new digital platform will be an important milestone in this phase of Dunelm’s development. Once fully live, we can really begin to enhance and extend our offering and customer experience. Despite the recent softness in the homewares market and the increased political uncertainty, we are confident we can continue to win market share and our expectations for the full year remain unchanged.”

A statement with the application said: “The applicant expects Carpetright to shortly vacant the premises. The unit was one of several stores that Carpetright has indicated that it intends to close. Accordingly, the application proposals respond to the imminent void, which will be created by Carpetright’s departure from the unit.”

w www.dunelm.com

w www.carpetright.co.uk

November 2019 | 14

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Design Guild Mark launches 2020 call for entries The Design Guild Mark is accepting applications for 2020 with the addition of a new category for lighting design. This will be alongside previous categories, including furniture and textiles, wall coverings, surfaces, carpets and floor coverings. For more than 10 years the Design Guild Mark, awarded by The Furniture Makers’ Company, has been distinguishing the excellent from the ordinary in the design of furnishings intended for volume production. It is unique to other design awards as the panel of independent judges — all experts in the field of design — examine the submitted pieces and question the designer during a judging day that takes place in Carpenters’ Hall in the City of London. Rodney McMahon, chairman of the Design Guild Mark, said: “The variety and quality of designs, from both established and aspiring designers, applying for the Design Guild Mark is always stimulating. With the launch of the lighting design categories this year, we now have three different design strands that we hope will attract an even broader range of applicants, and ensure that the award of a Design Guild Mark continues to be something to which to aspire.” Designers and companies have until 28th November to submit an entry to meet the early bird deadline and until 23rd January to meet the final deadline. The Design Guild Mark judging panels for 2020 will be: Furniture: Joanna Biggs - GA Design, Sarah Bryan – Sheppard Robson, Elliott Koehler – Layer Design, Jeremy Myerson - Royal College of Art, Tom Pearce – Farrah & Pearce, Campbell Thompson - The Conran Shop, Terence Woodgate – Studio Woodgate Textiles, wall coverings, surfaces, carpets and floor coverings: Linzi Coppick – Forme UK, Daniel Hopwood Hopwood Design Studios, Professor Clare Johnson – Royal College of Art, Natasha Marshall – Natasha Marshall, Corinne Pringle – tp bennett, Peter Thwaites - Rapture & Wright Lighting: Simon Alderson – twentytwentyone, Tim Rundle – Tim Rundle Studio, Simon Terry – Anglepoise, John Tree – Jasper Morrison, Sebastian Wrong – Established & Sons Designs awarded a Mark benefit from increased industry and consumer awareness, press and social media coverage, with the designers and companies behind them also receiving enhanced brand recognition. The piece from each category deemed to be the most outstanding by the judges will also win the Jonathan Hindle Prize for Excellence – a £1,000 cash prize.

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BIID annual conference supporters announced

Home furnishings firm’s new website unveiled

The British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) has revealed the official conference supporters for its annual conference this month. Inside Knowledge 2019: What is an Interior Designer Worth takes place on Thursday, 7th November, at 30 Euston Square in London. Joining official conference partner, Havwoods will be: Ivy, Hamilton Litestat, Gym Marine Yachts & Interiors, Lutron, London Building Control and Selectaglaze. Harriet Forde, BIID president, said: “The BIID is delighted to have such an exciting group of partners on board for this year’s conference. The conference is a valuable opportunity for our members to network and learn about new and innovative brands.” Inside Knowledge 2019 is the only conference specifically designed for professional interior designers in the UK. It features talks from a range of industry experts from the residential, commercial and hospitality sector to provide designers with practical knowledge to support them in their development. Open to all designers, the event is also BIID CPD accredited and worth six hours of CPD. Ivy is one of the leading business management platforms for interior design firms. The platform streamlines workflow by simplifying day-to-day processes such as procurement, client billing, purchasing and time tracking. Its intelligent app software empowers designers and utilises advanced technology such as augmented reality (AR) to appeal to interior designers. Providing homeowners with the capabilities to create a beautiful, ambient interior is Lutron. Lutron provides a range of solutions, including blinds, dimmers and switches, to create the most efficient lighting scenes. Founded in 1961, it continues to design and manufacture more than 12,000 energy-saving products, sold in over 100 countries, from its headquarters in Pennsylvania. Authorised by the Secretary of State, London Building Control Ltd is a Corporate Approved Inspector with the capabilities to provide building control approval for all your projects. Not only specialising in the commercial sector, they are leaders in certification for residential projects. Providing support throughout the process, the team is dedicated to reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, delays and costs. To find out more about the conference and to register to attend and book tickets, visit:

w https://biid.org.uk/inside-knowledge-conference-what-interiordesigner-worth

RETAIL

83rd showroom opened Kitchen retail chain Wren Kitchens opened its 83rd showroom in Shrewsbury in October. The development of the 17,353sq ft site has created 23 new jobs locally.

w www.wrenkitchens.com November 2019 | 16

A Yorkshire manufacturing company, specialising in high-quality bespoke blinds, has launched a new website. Huddersfield firm Excel enlisted the expertise of creative digital marketing agency The Bigger Boat to give its online personality a new lick of paint, manage its social media channels, analyse commercially driven data and help design an online lead generation strategy. The home furnishings supplier required a more fitting but contemporary feel for its online presence, with the aim of the digital refresh to drum up new business opportunities with stronger calls to action and improvements to its Google ranking. The official website launch marks the completion of the collaborative duo’s four-month project. Commenting on how The Bigger Boat’s work has breathed new life into the firm, Venice Gent, head of marketing at Excel, said: “We needed a well-rounded marketing partner and The Bigger Boat fit the bill perfectly because of its attention to detail and results-driven ethos. “The team showed us how to make the most effective use of our website and digital activities and were more focused towards the generation of leads, rather than followers, in order to create a return from our online activity. “We’ve always been advocates of utilising, and supporting, other Yorkshire businesses and — after searching for a strong regional firm — we looked no further than the The Bigger Boat because of the enterprise’s professionalism, experience and wide range of skills.” Andy McCaul, director at The Bigger Boat, and account manager Ruby Ribbons led on the project alongside in-house web design, SEO and copywriting specialists who teamed up to finalise the Mirfield team’s impressive overhaul. “We quickly spotted where Excel required support, in order to truly reflect the breadth and professionalism of the business’s product offering,” added Ruby. To view the new site, visit:

w www.excelgb.com

RETAIL

Growing market share Argos delivered a good second quarter for Sainsbury’s as its presence continued to increase. According to the group’s Q2 trading update for the 12 weeks to 21st September, total like-for-like sales were down 0.2% compared to its growth of 1.1% in the same period last year. General merchandise sales were down 2% in the period, although Argos saw continued growth in market share across ‘key categories’.

w www.argos.co.uk

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Outdoor furniture business acquired Outdoor furniture retailer Moda Furnishings has been bought by private equity firm Endless. The Manchester-based business is run by Jonathan Brierley and Vallan McCarthy, with both confirming to continue to lead the firm and drive its growth plans with Endless’ backing. The acquisition was led by Endless Manchester partner Mathew Deering and associate director James Warburton, who said that the business has fantastic potential to grow. They said they were delighted to be able to support this moving forward. Moda added that it is extremely excited about the partnership as it enters its next phase of growth.

w www.modafurnishings.co.uk

RETAIL

Argos chief to leave The head of Sainsbury’s Argos chain is to join advertising giant WPP. John Rogers, who has been in the role for three years at the home and furniture retailer, was due to leave at the end of October to become WPP’s chief financial officer. His position at Argos will also go, with main responsibilities being shared between retail and operations director Simon Roberts and commercial director Paul Mills-Hicks. John Rogers said: “As a technology-driven business with creativity at its heart, joining WPP was an opportunity impossible to resist and I look forward to playing my part in helping the business deliver its new strategy.”

w www.argos.co.uk

RETAIL

Raising money for hospice Stollers furniture store in Barrow has raised just under £16,500 for charity. A forget-me-not party hosted by the store saw £16,494.20 collected for St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston. Stollers chose St Mary’s Hospice as its charity of the year to benefit from an inspiring range of community initiatives and events. The hospice said: “What an amazing total - we are so grateful to everyone.”

w www.stollers.co.uk

Breast cancer chair raised money for charity foundation Furniture business Content by Terence Conran has unveiled a special edition chair to help raise awareness for breast cancer. The pink Matador armchair was supporting October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and also The Pink Ribbon Foundation. The chair features a modern take on the traditional wing back look and includes a bold zig-zag design of Clarke & Clarke’s velvet Empire fabric in the Orchid colourway. Content by Tereance Conran said that for each one of the chairs sold in October it would donate more than £200 per chair (15%) to Pink Ribbon Foundation.

w www.contentbyterenceconran.com

MANUFACTURE

TECHNOLOGY LICENCE AGREED Hong Kong-based kids furniture producer Anca HK Ltd has signed a licence agreement with Välinge for the use of Threespine®. Anca, which specialises in affordable design furniture for babies and kids, has its production location based in China and its design team in Europe. Mark Quint, Anca director, said: “We are very happy to have discovered Threespine® and to have found a partner in Välinge. “Threespine will allow us to make our next generation of furniture more environmentally friendly as well as easier and quicker to assemble for the parents. On top of that, we also see some interesting new design possibilities” Anca products with Threespine are scheduled to be launched in early 2020.

w www.ancababy.com November 2019 | 20

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John Lewis to withhold part of some landlords’ service charges

New brands with Shop Direct

Furniture retailer John Lewis is withholding 20% of its service charge to some landlords. John Lewis said the charges had become too high and urged landlords to help during the fourth quarter of the year. In September it posted its first loss for the first half of a year and John Lewis Partnership has also announced a major restructuring of management teams in a bid to save £100m a year. In a statement John Lewis said: “At a time when we are doing everything we can to reduce our cost base, we have unfortunately been faced with regular increases to the service charges we pay for some of our shops in shopping centres. ”Over the last three years we have seen an increase in service charges of 20% and these continued increases are simply not acceptable, particularly in the absence of strenuous efforts by landlords to work collaboratively with us to reduce these costs.

Digital retailer and financial services provider Shop Direct has added seven big name home and furniture brands to its portfolio of more than 150 over the last six weeks. The move supports the company’s plans to drive sales within its home category by complementing a strong own-brand offer with a greater proportion of branded products. Design-led furniture brand Swoon has launched a collection of 80 product lines on Very.co.uk, encompassing sofas, tables, chairs, TV stands and bookshelves. This will be complemented by more than 135 new product lines from Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Content by Terence Conran, Accessorize, Karen Millen and East End Prints available on both Very and Littlewoods.com. The collections will span a mix of bed linen, bath linen, bedroom accessories and graphic art prints. Several brands already available on Very and Littlewoods have also expanded their home ranges. Ted Baker has launched a home fragrance collection, Sass & Belle has added storage and decorative accessories and Scion has added bath linen.

”We are investing more in our current shop estate than ever before to do everything we can to encourage customers to grow footfall to our shops and we hope that our landlords will support us in continuing to do this.

Silentnight, which has sold more than a million individual products via Very to date, has also launched an exclusive range of upholstered bedframes.

w www.johnlewis.com

w www.shopdirect.com

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FURNITURE SPECIALIST GROWS SALES Office specialist Senator, based in Lancashire, has reported an increase in sales as the UK market remains consistent. According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31st December, 2018, total sales rose 3.9% to £171.6m from £165.1m in 2017.

Mike Gawne (left) has sadly passed away

Well-known industry professional passes away Independent furniture business B&B Furniture has confirmed that one of its longest-serving members of staff, Mike Gawne, has sadly passed away. Mike, who died in September, was very well known across the industry. In a short statement on his passing, Isle of Man-based B&B Furniture said: “He loved attending all the furniture shows. He was always the life and soul of the party, especially when he had a drink in his hand; this will be continued in his memory.

UK sales remained at £118m, whilst pre-tax profit fell slightly from over £10m to £9.2m. Stated within its report, the business said that it had opened two new showrooms in the USA and Bangalore and expects to continue to grow moving forward.

w www.thesenatorgroup.com

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Extension project nears completion Independent furniture retailer Hatters Fine Furnishings has confirmed it is close to completing its expansion project.

“As well as his fun side, he was also very professional. Loved by all our customers and colleagues alike, he will be sadly missed.”

Situated in Bedford, the business said an extension to the store is expected to be unveiled in November after a six-figure investment.

w www.bbfurniture.co.uk

w www.hattersfurniture.co.uk

MANUFACTURE

FLOORING WHOLESALER COMPLETES MERGER Flooring wholesale company Kellars has completed the merger of two flooring businesses. Morecambe-based MCA Floorwise and Floorwise (North East) in Chester-le-Street have become part of Stockport-based Kellars, with owner Andy Duce also joining as a director. The deal forms part of Kellars’ rapid growth strategy, which has seen it grow to now being one of the largest independent wholesalers in the UK.

www.kellars.co.uk

RETAIL

CEO to leave M&S Marks and Spencer Group plc has announced that Humphrey Singer, group chief financial officer, has decided to leave the business. A succession process is now under way. He will work with Steve Rowe, group chief executive officer, and the Board to ensure an orderly transition. A departure date has yet to be decided and until then Humphrey will continue with his responsibilities. He said: “I feel privileged to be a part of the challenging but hugely rewarding turnaround at Marks & Spencer. It is a brilliant business and a much-loved brand for our colleagues and our customers.

Dwell opens debut NI store

The transformation taking place is of a scale, depth and pace not seen before at the company.

Furniture retailer Dwell has launched its first new store in Northern Ireland. Dwell, which was acquired by DFS in August 2014, opened a space inside the DFS store on Boucher Road in Belfast.

“After 18 months of working with Steve to lead the transformation strategy and rebuild the finance function, I have decided that now is the right time to move on. I will continue to give the business my all.”

The company currently operates from 37 stores across the UK and its new store follows a recent opening in Cardiff.

Steve Rowe, group chief executive officer, added: “Humphrey has been a huge asset to the business. He has helped to establish the foundations of our transformation.”

w www.dwell.co.uk November 2019 | 22

w www.marksandspencer.com

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A year of “good progress”, but challenging start to FY20 Furniture and carpets retailer SCS has reported a year of “good progress and growth” for the financial year ended 27th July, 2019. However, it has warned that the group has had a more challenging start to FY20, with like-for-like order intake falling 7.6% from 28th July to 29th September 2019. It said the period has been impacted by the record high temperatures over the key August bank holiday weekend and the increased political and economic uncertainty that the UK is currently facing. David Knight, chief executive officer of ScS, commenting on ScS’s preliminary results for the 52 weeks ended 27th July, 2019, said: “I am delighted to report another year of good progress and growth for ScS in our continued effort to ensure we remain Britain’s best value sofa and carpet retailer.

Using recycled parachute material A new collection of rocking chairs and screens by Benjamin Hubert’s design agency Layer and fashion studio Raeburn highlight their aim to “recontextualise undervalued materials”.

“The group saw a £5.8m (1.8%) increase in gross sales in the year to £333.3m (2018: £327.5m). The increase was impacted by a lower opening order book at the start of the year, due to the warm weather and the football World Cup at the end of the previous financial year. Sales were also impacted by the closure of two stores, which did not meet the required level of return for the capital employed.

They have used recycled parachute material wrapped over welded steel frames for the Canopy collection, which comprises three low-set rocking chairs and one screen.

“Gross profit increased to £149.9m (2018: £147.2m), with the gross margin percentage being maintained at 45.0% (2018: 45.0%). Underlying EBITDA increased 3.0% to £19.7m (2018: £19.1m) and underlying profit before tax rose 7.1% to £14.6m (2018: £13.6m).”

”The Canopy Collection has resulted in a truly unique opportunity for both brands to test, learn and ultimately achieve a project that’s as unexpected as it is experimental,” he continued.

He said the business was conscious of the impending Brexit deadline, and the impact this may have on the market, consumer confidence and the wider economy. “However, the group’s financial health has never been as strong and with our resilient, debt-free balance sheet, we are in a good position to manage the ongoing uncertainty, and furthermore seek opportunities which will add value in the longer term. “Our strong and clear value offering has proven successful, and we are confident it will continue to appeal to our customers who want to buy great products at the lowest possible price.” SCS opened a new store in Kircaldy in September.

w www.scs.co.uk

RETAIL

Head office roles to go Around 75 senior management head office roles, from a current total of 225, are to go at John Lewis Partnership. The restructuring, which should save around £100m, comes after the retailer reported a half-year loss for the first time in its history.

”At the core of the Raeburn brand is our Remade in England approach,” said the brand’s creative director, Christopher Raeburn.

”Raeburn shares our passion for sustainable and responsible design,” added Hubert. “Together, we have translated the label’s iconic use of upcycled parachute material into an exciting exploration of form and materiality in furniture.”

w www.layerdesign.com

RETAIL

Augmented reality app updated Swedish furniture giant IKEA has updated its augmented reality app — Place. Users can now place multiple items in their ‘rooms’, rather than just one at a time as before. The update is currently available only on iPhones and iPads, but an Android update is to follow. To use the tool, customers must select the product they are interested in, then point their device at the area in the room they would want it to be. IKEA says the new app is more practical as a home decor tool. Among the new features is the chance for people to map out a room with new furniture to see how it would all look.

The partnership is merging the managements of its High Street department stores and Waitrose grocery chain into a single team.

Gerry Rogers, digital transformation leader at IKEA, said: “Sometimes we all need that little bit of inspiration that sparks new ideas. That’s exactly what we want to achieve with Ikea Place.”

w www.johnlewispartnership.co.uk

w www.ikea.com

November 2019 | 24

aQO “We are still open for business” A furniture store has made an appeal through its local press to tell customers that it is still open for business, despite the prospect of the building being covered by scaffolding for several months. The scaffolding is to allow for work on the building above Annie Mo’s in Aberdeen.

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ITALIAN FURNITURE FIRM SECURES LONDON PROPERTY Italian furniture design business Pianca has acquired an ‘iconic’ Edwardian building in South London. The move expands its UK footprint with the property on Blackfriars Road comprising five floors and 5,296sq ft of office space.

Emily McDonald, sales assistant and daughter of the business owner, Judith, told the Aberdeen Express the scaffolding would remain “over the most important trading time of the year”.

The deal, secured through estate agent KALMARs, is understood to be worth around £4.4m.

Emily told the newspaper: “It’s happening whether we like it or not. Driving past, you can’t see the shop anymore.

Pianca said that it plans to refurbish the property into its new flagship showroom and HQ.

“We are having a big preview event for Christmas.

w www.pianca.com

“Over the festive season we sell a lot of Christmas decorations and our windows draw people in. “We are keen to stress, as an independent store on Union Street, that we are still very much open for business and the footfall of passing customers.” The scaffolding has been erected so that the owners of the building, Langstane Housing Association, can carry out essential pointing repairs.

w www.anniemos.com

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POSITIVITY, DESPITE FALL IN PROFITS AND TURNOVER Whitecroft Lighting, one of the UK’s largest commercial manufacturers, has reported a fall in turnover and profits. The Manchester-based business had a turnover of £53.9m for the year ending 31st December, 2018, compared to £70.8m the previous year. Pre-tax profits were down from £12.4m to £5m. Whitecroft Lighting, which serves the commercial, industrial, healthcare, education and residential sectors, said it had been hit by a downturn in the construction market, uncertainty surrounding Brexit and a long winter period. Managing director Neil McCarroll has been reported as saying: “It’s been a tough trading period for many businesses as across the UK and in the North West we face an uncertain economic climate. ”We have delivered a profitable year made possible through our experience and expertise in our core sectors of healthcare and education. ”We are positive that our continuous investment in product development, services and staff will ensure a sustainable growth in the years to come.”

w www.whitecroftlighting.com

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FURNITURE MANUFACTURER FINED AFTER EMPLOYEE INJURED Furniture manufacturer A and L Furnishings Ltd has been fined after an employee was injured whilst operating unguarded machinery. Preston Magistrates’ Court heard that on 19th March, 2018, the employee had been using a horizontal drilling machine to make parts for a chair at the company site in Leyland when the fingers of his left hand came into contact with unguarded counter-rotating drill bits and became entangled. The incident caused extensive damage to the hand, resulting in the amputation of two fingers. A and L Furnishings Ltd, of Leyland, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 and was fined £14,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5500.85.

w www.hse.gov.uk

DESIGN

Lighting firm to dispute copyright infringement British LED lighting manufacturer Rotolight is taking legal action against Dutch firm Vibesta over a breach of design. Rotolight said it is seeking an interim injunction for design infringement and imitation over its LED portable lights. However, Vibesta claims there are ‘no solid grounds’ and plans to contest the dispute when the case reaches court later this month. The dispute centres on Vibesta’s Peragos Disk product line, which Rotolight believes copies the design of its Neo product range in 2017.

w www.rotolight.com November 2019 | 25

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Independent to open new furniture store in south east

Award nomination in first year

Lucas Furniture (part of the Stokers group) has revealed plans to open a new store in the south east of England. The outlet in Aylesbury, which will cover more than 75,000sq ft over two floors, is reported to be one of the largest in region. It will be sited next to Aylesbury Vale train station and will be one of the largest independent furniture stores in the south east of England. The store will offer contemporary and modern designs from suppliers, such as Ligne Roset, Sits and Fama, as well as more traditional furniture from top-end suppliers, including Duresta, Parker Knoll and G Plan. A bed selection will feature more than 50 different beds from the likes of Vi-Spring, Hypnos, Tempur, Harrison and more. The store will also offer furniture from around the world in addition to UK manufacturers such as Hypnos and Ercol, local brands championed by Lucas. There will be car parking for more than 100 cars and an in-store café.

An independent furniture store has been nominated for a business award in its first year of trading. Sopha, based in Highbridge, has been shortlisted for New Business of the Year at the Somerset Business Awards. It said it sold only quality products from trusted manufacturers to reduce the amount of plastic used. A spokesman added: “We aim to make products as bespoke as possible rather than having the same furniture as every other store. “Sopha creates products that we can be confident in the quality and we’re discovering how to change the industry for the longterm.” Co-founder Matt Scott said: “This is a huge achievement for us as we have not yet been open a year. We have been short-listed for several other awards but being one of the final new businesses in the whole of Somerset is certainly the top accolade given the record-breaking number of entries this year.”

w www.sopha.co.uk

w www.lucas-furniture.co.uk

DESIGN MANUFACTURE

MP’S PRAISE FOR AWARD-WINNING LUXURY FURNITURE COMPANY An MP has visited an award-winning company that makes bespoke luxury furniture. Wrexham MP Ian Lucas was given a tour of Silverlining by its founder and chief executive, Mark Boddington. Silverlining, based in Wrexham, was a winner in the innovation category at the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise this year — 12 months earlier it was successful in the international trade section. Ian Lucas said: “Silverlining is a world-class business and a real success story. “I’m hugely impressed by its growth and its hugely-skilled workforce, many of whom are from Wrexham or the surrounding areas. “It gives me great pleasure to see a firm from Wrexham competing in a global market and I congratulate Mark and his team on their success in the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. “Competition is always fierce, but they were very worthy winners.” Silverlining, which has seen its workforce increase from 13 to over 70 in six years, exports across the world.

w www.silverliningfurniture.co.uk November 2019 | 26

UGC content made for campaign! Online design brand MADE.com has launched a ‘happy’ campaign with user generated content (UGC) from customers and fans of the brand across Europe. The initiative, Design Your Happy Place, will feature the homes of customers. Fans can upload pictures of MADE products in their homes to Instagram with the hashtag #MADEdesign for a chance to appear in the campaign. MADE said the social media platform was well used by interiors fans, sharing tips and style inspiration. MADE’s chief creative officer, Jo Jackson, who led the in-house team in the development of the campaign, said: “We have a huge community of genuine fans who are sharing some amazing content on their channels daily using MADE products. “This campaign is all about celebrating the MADE fans who have helped make the brand a success story. People are much more inspired by authentic advocates of a brand and we want to work with a variety of people, not just ‘influencers’. MADE has an expanding community of fans and customers, especially on Instagram, who share interiors and design inspiration using the hashtag #MADEdesign — and it has a bank of more than 5,000 images collected. The new campaign looks to provide a platform to showcase some of the images and content from customers across Europe.

w www.made.com

aQO RETAIL

NEWS

DESIGN

Revenue grown by 9%; 96 stores opened; customer numbers up Danish furniture business JYSK is going from strength to strength, according to results for JYSK Nordic’s financial year ended 21st August 2019. The company, which operates more than 1,280 stores in 20 countries, said it had grown revenue by 9% €2.35billion over the period. It had also opened 96 new stores and increased the number of its customers by 3.5 million. JYSK chief executive and president, Jan Bøgh, said: “Overall, I am pretty satisfied. Revenue has increased, despite the fact that the currencies have been slightly against us.

From fashion to furniture A designer who created fashion items for Princess Diana is turning his talents to furniture. Paul Costelloe has collaborated with Ventura Design, one of Ireland’s most recognisable brands, for his first bespoke collections. Working closely with Ventura’s creative director, Arlene McIntyre, Paul has created a capsule collection, comprising a distinctive sofa and armchair with a stylish and striking curved detail, called the Chevrolet, alongside a dining table, dining chairs and coffee table. The Chevrolet, launched in London, will be followed by the Wilshire, which will launch in Dublin in January 2020. Using mix weave fabrics and velvets sourced in Italy, the furniture is all handmade bespoke in Ventura’s workshops in Dublin. Paul said: “As someone who’s in the field of fashion, textiles, furniture and art, I Iove the opportunity for a new challenge, so when Juergen and Arlene, of Ventura Design, approached me with the idea of a collaboration it was a dream come true. “The opportunity to design bespoke furniture for the world’s market and to launch it in London’s Design Centre is something to be proud of. “It’s very much West Coast USA-inspired. Both the Chevrolet and Wilshire collections are very Paul Costelloe; large, generous shapes, which are textured and comfortable. The mixture of oak, steel, Italian tweed and German velvet — very EU! “The Chevrolet is art deco in mood while the Wilshire is America at large and generous for a Sunday afternoon watching the NFL. This is just the beginning of a great collaboration.” Costelloe grew from a small Irish womenswear design and production house 40 years ago to one of fashion’s most recognisable names. Today it boasts womenswear, menswear, bags, accessories, jewellery and eyewear. “We could not have been more pleased to work with Paul who had always wanted to turn his hand to furniture design. The result is a creative collection of furniture which will appeal to customers looking for something with true flair and originality,” said Arlene McIntyre.

w https://ventura.ie.com

“At the same time, we have shown that we are still able to attract lots of new customers both in our stores and online,” Online sales now account for 7% of total sales and, according to Jan Bøgh, JYSK’s ability to develop both the physical stores and the online business is a decisive reason for the success. “We have invested and continue to invest heavily in making it easy for customers to switch between physical stores and online,” he added. “We have come a long way, but there is still much more to be done, and we will continue to do so in the new financial year, where it plays a major role in our strategy.” The business will also focus on the new merger between the two business units, JYSK Nordic and Dänisches Bettenlager, which together have formed JYSK Group. Jan Bøgh, chief executive and president of the combined company, added: “It is always a big task to merge two units with different workflows, IT systems and so on. “On the other hand, we have very talented employees and everyone has been positive about the task. Therefore, I also have no doubt that the result will be a stronger JYSK.” The total revenue and the results for the entire JYSK business will be published in November.

w www.jysk.com

DESIGN

Launch of Altrock collection London-based designer Robin Grasby has launched a collection of tables made from Altrock. The new material is a type of terrazzo made up of 87 per cent recycled materials from luxury marble workshops. His first furniture collection made from the material was shown at the London Design Fair. It aims to show how Altrock’s fabrication method can lead to a wide range of colours through the use of different resins and stones. The collection includes three main elements — a coffee table, a console and dining table.

w www.altrocksurfaces.com November 2019 | 27

NEWS NEWS

RETAIL

Consumer confidence improves slightly in UK

Investment in renewable energy accelerates at IKEA

Consumer confidence increased by two points in September.

Ingka Group, owner of IKEA, has invested close to €2.5billion in onsite and offsite wind and solar power as part of its ambition to become climate positive by 2030.

According to GfK’s latest data, the Consumer Confidence Index increased two points to –12 in September as all five measures increased this month. The Personal Financial Situation index increased by three points this month to +2, the General Economic Situation increased two points this month to -32, the Major Purchase Index increased two points to +3 and the Savings Index increased two points to +23. Joe Staton, client strategy director at GfK, said: “More mixed signals this month as consumers continue to feel less than positive about the state of their personal finances and the general economy. While all sub measures are higher, they are anaemic in the case of our purchase intentions and how we view our wallets — and the results on the wider economy are still depressed. “Since the Brexit referendum we have witnessed a long succession of negative Overall Index scores with the overall trend downwards. This month, British consumers appear to be treading water during this wait-and-see run-up to October 31st. “Confidence is an important indicator which typically increases as the economy expands and decreases when the economy contracts and so far, consumer confidence is holding up. “We certainly have a long way to go to match the record low Index score of -39 witnessed during the early days of the last recession. But will it stay that way? You can almost sense people are keeping their fingers crossed.”

w www.gfk.com

MANUFACTURE

WREN KITCHENS TO OPEN SHOWROOM; DREAMS TO SWITCH UNITS Planners have given the green light for Wren Kitchens’ plans to open a new showroom. The kitchen retailer will open the outlet in Mansfield, creating up to 25 jobs. It had submitted plans to Mansfield District Council to take over a retail unit at Portland Retail Park on Portland Street. Wren will now move into unit three, which is currently occupied by beds business Dreams. Dreams is due to move into unit 11A, which was previously occupied by Maplin. The planning application says it will include mezzanine floors in unit three and Unit 11A on the retail park. The proposals states that 11 full-time jobs and 14 part-time jobs will be created.

w www.wrenkitchens.com w www.dreams.co.uk November 2019 | 28

Recent investments will enable the company to generate more renewable energy than it consumes across its operations in 30 countries, exceeding the 2020 target. “We are facing a climate crisis and global warming is no longer a distant threat, but a visible reality. It is affecting the lives of many millions of people around the world and we all need to act, now. At IKEA we are guided by a simple yet powerful vision — to create a better everyday life for the many people. As a business we have a big responsibility — and an opportunity — to take action, and together change the direction,” says Jesper Brodin, chief executive of Ingka Group. Recent investments in two solar parks in the US and a windfarm in Romania will enable Ingka Group to generate more renewable energy than it consumes across its operations in 2020. The company’s total ownership and commitments now include 920,000 solar modules on its sites and 534 wind turbines in 14 countries, in addition to more than 700,000 solar panels currently under construction in the US. “We believe the future of energy is renewable. We have invested heavily in wind and solar over the past decade because it makes our business stronger. We are excited that our actions have resulted in us exceeding an important milestone on the IKEA journey to become climate positive. We hope to send a clear message that renewable energy is a great investment today, and that what is good for business is also good for the planet,” added Jesper. IKEA has an ambition to become climate positive, reducing more greenhouse gas emissions than the IKEA value chain emits and supports the new Exponential Climate Action Roadmap to halve GHG emissions in absolute terms by 2030. At Ingka Group, the largest retailer within the IKEA franchise system, becoming climate positive includes consuming 100% renewable electricity and heating and cooling, while increasing energy efficiency. The company is now working to ensure its business is fully run on renewable energy with the aim to consume 100% renewable electricity in its retail operations by 2025 and to phase out fossil fuel based heating and cooling by 2030. “Using renewable energy across our operations is a significant part of delivering on our science-based targets and commitment to the Paris Agreement. Exceeding our goal of renewable energy generation is an important step and we are now working to secure 100% renewable electricity consumption across our operations by 2025. We have come a long way but we now need to accelerate a global transition to renewable energy.” said Pia Heidenmark Cook, chief sustainability officer, Ingka Group. “We are also going beyond our own operations to inspire and enable the many people to take climate action at home. We want to empower millions of customers to produce and use renewable energy. Our home solar service is today available in seven countries and we continue investing heavily to develop our home energy service offering with the aim to make it available across all our 30 markets by 2025.”

w www.ikea.com

Visit us at the January Furniture Show Hall 5 Stand B45 Entire Modular Range on Display

Urban Modular Customise Your Own Space

Power Reclining Optional | USB Charging | 3 Colours

HOUSE

www.sofa-house.co.uk

UK: andrew@sofa-house.co.uk | 0044(0)121 448 3690 IRE: sales@sofahouse.ie | 00353(0)42 935 1950

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Leicestershire farm launches vintage furniture showroom

MANUFACTURE

NEW RECRUIT SUPPORTS GROWING BFM OFFER British Furniture Manufacturers has appointed an events and administration specialist to support its growing calendar of activities across the sector.

Leicestershire based online vintage and industrial furniture retailer, Very Vintage, has launched a customer viewing barn at Cote Hill Farm, Husbands Bosworth. The grand opening was supported by local business owners, friends, family and fellow farmers. Formerly a tractor shed, the 2,000sq ft the barn has been completely transformed into a stylish, bright and spacious showroom for customers keen to find rare gems or unique pieces for their home or business. It will be open every Sunday, from 10am to 1pm, and by appointment from Monday to Saturday, to complement Very Vintage’s already successful online business. Specialising in old and new vintage furniture, VeryVintage.co was launched by local entrepreneur Carolyne Buxton in 2016. Initially the business sold items sourced at auction or from a range of suppliers online via eBay and Shpock. Earlier this year the business underwent a rebrand and website launch and this new showroom is the next step in its growth. Very Vintage founder and mum-of-two, soon to be three, Carolyne Buxton has worked solidly with her partner for the past few months, giving the barn a full makeover — concreting, redecorating, cleaning, sourcing and preparing furniture. On the opening Carolyne, commented: “It’s been fantastic to see so many of our friends and family come out and support us. We’ve worked so hard to get it all to come together and we’re really pleased with how it’s turned out. It’s a great space for people to come and have a browse and a cuppa on a Sunday morning. We’re aiming to showcase more of our furniture and complement our online offer.” Cote Hill Farm, will continue to operate as a working farm, while also providing a perfect rural setting for Very Vintage to show special pieces and invite customers to view and collect online purchases.

w veryvintage.com

MANUFACTURE

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHES FOR AT THE HELM AT THE HELM has announced the launch of its maiden voyage of a discovery website, www.atthehelm.com

Niki Rodhouse (left) has joined the association with a remit to look after event organisation, starting with a particular focus on BFM Fabric Show London. She will be working closely with Mary Merrills, who oversees the marketing of BFM London Fabric Show, which returns to the West Stand of Chelsea FC at Stamford Bridge, Fulham, on Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th, February. Niki will also support BFM with new member applications and paperwork for membership renewals — and deliver improvements to the efficiency and process of the association’s administration overall. Niki said: “The appeal of working with BFM is to support the highly knowledgeable team and increase my knowledge of the industry. “It is a really exciting sector and I’m keen to get involved and grow the offerings and support of BFM to its members.” Nick Garratt, BFM managing director, said: “Niki joins at an exciting time for the association. “BFM is the voice of our industry, providing effective representation and a range of appropriate services that embrace the needs and add value for our members. “Within this framework we are moving forward with a bold new strategy to make BFM more relevant than ever to members. “Part of that approach will include enhancing and extending the annual events schedule. “This process has started with the 2020 BFM Fabric Show London, which has had a change of name from The London Fabric Show.

It said it was a style statement with luxury at its heart, released in conjunction with a quality focused, new advertising campaign.

“This is to ally the show more closely with BFM and to enable the event to expand, with the potential for more fabric shows elsewhere in the UK.

It added the artistic team had deliberated ideas to create a beautiful lifestyle-led website, showcasing opulent photography featuring signature collections in modern classic environments.

“We are also planning a variety of other events and initiatives, coupled with the existing strong membership benefits, to move BFM forward.

The brand said on the launch: “Luxury comes from the heart and AT THE HELM’s attention to detail and craftsmanship are showcased within a beautiful library of lifestyle images that can be used as adverts, brochures and web campaigns.”

“This includes a new website, PR activity and activities to encourage new recruits to the sector.

www.atthehelm.com

“As an association, we are stronger together and we hope as many members as possible will take advantage of, and support, the new initiatives joining the successful, established core of BFM’s service.”

w www.bfm.org.uk November 2019 | 30

An award for excellence in British design Judging Panel – Furniture Joanna Biggs – GA Design Sarah Bryan – Sheppard Robson Elliot Koehler – Layer Design Jeremy Myerson – Royal College of Art Thomas Pearce – Farrah & Pearce Campbell Thompson – The Conran Shop Terence Woodgate – Terence Woodgate

NEW Judging Panel – Lighting Design

Simon Alderson – twentytwentyone Tim Rundle – Tim Rundle Studio Simon Terry – Anglepoise John Tree – Jasper Morrison Sebastian Wrong – Established & Sons

Judging Panel – Textiles, Wall coverings, Surfaces, Carpets and Floor coverings Linzi Coppick – Forme UK Daniel Hopwood – Hopwood Design Studios Professor Clare Johnston – Royal College of Art Natasha Marshall – Natasha Marshall Interiors Ltd Corinne Pringle – tp bennett Peter Thwaites – Rapture & Wright

Now accepting applications for: - Furniture - Textiles, Wall coverings, Surfaces, Carpets and Floor coverings - Lighting Design Submissions deadlines: Early bird: 28th November 2019 Final: 23rd January 2020 Apply now: www.designguildmark.org.uk DesignGuildMark DesignGuildMark DesignGuildMark The Furniture Makers Company

DGM 225 “WW Armchair CS3” Designed by Alejandro Villareal for Hayche

NEWS NEWS

MANUFACTURE

ARPER RECEIVES FSC FURNITURE AWARD FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), an authoritative international organisation committed to the protection of forests and plantations, has organised the first edition of the Italy Furniture Awards, a competition that rewards furniture companies committed to sustainability. Arper received the Special Environmental Sustainability Award, an important recognition of the environmental path that the company has been following for years. The FSC Italia Furniture Awards celebrated Italian companies that choose to use wood coming from forests or plantations managed in compliance with strict social and economic environmental standards. The ultimate aim of the initiative is to shed light on the origin of wood as a raw material, stimulating architects, designers and industries to design and produce FSCcertified wooden items. To assign the Special Environmental Sustainability Award, judges took into consideration a company’s environmental commitment, particularly evaluating the practices verified through the hold of third-party certifications. They said of Arper: “The award is given to a company that has particularly distinguished itself in terms of sustainable development thanks to a growing commitment over time, increasingly integrating sustainability into its production and design processes.

RETAIL

Brexit uncertainty continues to impact retail sales Retail sales were down in September as the month remained difficult. According to the latest BRC-KPMG Retail Sales Monitor for the month, total sales fell -1.3% with like-for-like sales down -1.7%. Non-food sales were also down -3.2% whilst online sales increased by a modest 0.7%. Helen Dickinson OBE, chief executive, BRC, said: “With the spectre of a no-deal weighing increasingly on consumer purchasing decisions, it is no surprise that sales growth has once again fallen into the red. Many consumers held off from non-essential purchases, or shopped around for the bigger discounts, while the new autumn clothing ranges suffered from the warmer September weather. “The longer-term prospect continues to be bleak, with the 12-month average once again plumbing new depths at a mere 0.2 per cent. Online non-food sales growth was the lowest on record, though still compared favourably to the decline in growth at physical stores. “With four months of negative sales growth since March, the ongoing political gridlock surrounding Brexit is harming both consumers and retailers. Clarity is needed over our future trading relationship with our closest neighbours, and it is vitally important that Britain does not leave the EU without a deal.”

“In addition to having obtained the FSC certification, it is the first company in Italy and the second in Europe to have obtained the ‘EPD environmental process certification’ for the product category Seating and Furnishings, based on the Swedish certification system. These actions have enabled the company improve its environmental impact also through the partial use of recycled materials in the products produced.

w brc.org.uk

“Finally, the company has demonstrated a strong commitment in the field of research and development, particularly focusing on the use of alternative polymeric materials of bio and / or recycled resources, in order to limit the production of plastic from fossil sources.”

COUNCIL OFFERS SUPPORT TO REDUNDANT WORKERS

w www.fcs.org.uk

MANUFACTURE

Carpet manufacturer Axminster Carpets is in talks with staff regarding voluntary redundancies. The business previously announced that it had asked its employees to consider voluntary redundancy in light of market uncertainties due to Brexit.

RETAIL

Laura Ashley appoints new CFO Fashion and home furnishings business Laura Ashley has confirmed that Seán Anglim has resigned as an executive director of the company. He has also resigned as the finance director and joint chief operating officer and will remain with the company until the end of the year. Laura Ashley has confirmed that Sagar Mavani has been appointed as chief financial officer as Seán’s successor.

w www.lauraashley.com November 2019 | 32

Now, East Devon Council is offering support to affected employees, including a range of support services giving information on universal credit and benefits, council tax, options for retraining and skills development, finding alternative work and support for self-employment. Cllr Kevin Blakey, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for economy, said: “We were deeply saddened by the news of these redundancies at one of East Devon’s most established and renowned companies. “This service will connect those affected with the right information and advice to help them find alternative roles, to upskill, retrain or think about self-employment, as well as ensuring they understand about benefits and support available.”

w www.axminster-carpets.co.uk

aQO DESIGN

BIID announce 2019 Annual Conference programme The British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) annual conference is returning on Thursday, 7th November to 30 Euston Square, London. The conference will feature a line-up of inspiring speakers and session themes that will form this year’s programme, entitled Inside Knowledge 2019: What is an Interior Designer Worth? Houzz presents 2019 Interior Design Fees Research

Independent opens in Warrington Independent furniture business Ethan & Grace’s Designs has opened a new showroom in Warrington. The business, founded by Natalie Berryman, has relocated from London to Crown Street. Ethan & Grace’s Designs specialises in upcycled and painted furniture projects, which are sourced from all over the UK. Commenting on the new location, Natalie told local media: “I have lived in London for 15 years but, when the archway space became available in Warrington, I decided it was time to move back. “It has been a bit crazy moving the business, house and being pregnant, but it is worth it.”

www.ethanandgraces.com

MANUFACTURE

LEGAL ADVICE EASIER FOR BFM MEMBERS The British Furniture Manufacturers has updated its legal advice service, offering members access to industry-leading support geared up to the specific needs of the sector. The BFM Commercial Legal Helpline has been revised to ensure the service offered remains of significance and value to members. Company law, commercial agency, contracts, consumer rights, partnerships, IP, property and matters under the Law of Tort are all included, along with information on the Data Protection, Freedom of Information and Equality Acts. Nick Garratt, managing director of BFM, said: “This is an important benefit for those in BFM membership. “The commercial legal helpline puts members in contact with a team of legal advisers through a phone call. “Unfortunately, it is only when things go wrong that the real importance of this service becomes invaluable, but it is there to solve problems before they become an issue.”

w www.bfm.org.uk

The BIID has been working with Houzz to conduct in-depth research on how designers price their services. The findings from the survey will be revealed at the conference, including statistics on how interior designers charge for their work, sourcing and supplying of FF&E, as well as when they are charging for these services. Hosted by Lisa McCrudden from Houzz, expect to find out compelling industry insights. The Big Fee Discussion Continuing with the topic of fees, this panel discussion will see BIID Members share their views on fee transparency and whether there is a ‘right’ way to price your design services. Chaired by BIID past president Charles Leon, the discussion will cover fee proposals and different ways of pricing, fee transparency, procurement and the thorny issue of ‘kickbacks.’ BIID member Kia Stanford, of Kia Designs, joins the discussion as well as BIID member Brian Woulfe, of Designed by Woulfe, who will provide a range of perspectives in this lively panel discussion. In Conversation with Katharine Pooley This year, the BIID annual conference will see award-winning British interior designer Katharine Pooley take to the stage in this keynote conversation. Recently announced as Designer of the Decade at The International Design and Architecture Awards, Katharine will share her interior design background, career trajectory, design inspiration, challenges and career highlights with attendees. Knowing Your Worth – Inspiring yourself and everyone else Knowing your worth as an interior designer stems from believing in your worth as an individual. Hosted by leadership coach and founder of Convergent Consulting, Heeral Gudka, this session will focus on how to lead yourself as well as others. From holding your ground when pricing your services, saying no to “opportunities”, to having the right people around you, this talk will take attendees on a journey to a place where you don’t sell yourself short; where you connect with the why which sits beneath everything you do; and where you learn how to maintain your drive in the face of inevitable challenges. Harriet Forde, president of the BIID, comments: “Each year the BIID strives to provide an engaging, insightful programme of talks and this year’s theme is sure to guarantee that. “We want attendees to leave with practical advice to support them in their careers, as well as providing a platform for interior designers to share their honest views and experiences when it comes to design fees. With some exciting speakers and sessions already announced, I’m looking forward to the event in November.”

w biid.org.uk November 2019 | 33

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Kitchen retailer gets go ahead for new factory Kitchen retailer Wren Kitchens has seen its plans to build a new manufacturing facility approved. The plans stated Wren wants to build a 999,000sqft manufacturing site near its existing factory on the Barton-uponHumber estate. Wren aims to invest around £120m into the project, making it the company’s single largest investment. Detailed in the plans, Wren added that it would be a major boost to the local area, creating new jobs across a number of positions. North Lincolnshire Council has approved the proposal as Wren moves on to the next stage of the project.

MADE.com announces new COO appointment Furniture brand MADE.com has appointed Nicola Thompson as chief operating officer (COO). This is a new role, which will be responsible for the merchandising, logistics and supply chain, customer service and customer experience functions. Her appointment comes as part of MADE’s ambition to continue to grow and strengthen the business worldwide, and develop the product offering. The brand currently has a presence in 11 markets across the UK and Europe. So far in 2019, MADE has launched in Denmark, and Sweden. Nicola joined MADE after more than five years with online fashion retailer ASOS, where she most recently served as global customer development director. In this role, she was responsible for driving the development and execution of ASOS’ commercial strategy across the business globally. Philippe Chainieux, chief executive of MADE.com, said: “Nicola’s wealth of experience and insight in leading business development across global markets will be instrumental in helping us to continue to expand our footprint in new and existing markets. “We have some exciting developments coming across the business that she will be at the forefront of. I look forward to working with her and am excited to welcome her to the MADE family.” Nicola added: “I’m very much looking forward to working for an industry leader like MADE that’s setting trends instead of following them. “At a time when global retail trends are changing so rapidly, I believe MADE is leading from the front with its uncompromising design-led model, delivering fresh and interesting furniture to consumers at an affordable price.”

w www.made.com November 2019 | 34

w www.wrenkitchens.com

MANUFACTURE

FURNITURE MANUFACTURER ENTERS ADMINISTRATION Office furniture manufacturer Triumph Furniture has entered into administration. The business has ceased to trade with 239 staff made redundant — 13 employees were retained to assist the administrators with their duties. Huw Powell, Katrina Orum and Paul Wood, of business recovery firm, Begbies Traynor, were appointed joint administrators on 8th October. In a statement from administrators, Triumph Furniture Limited was unable to reduce its operating costs following an unprecedented fall in sales in the course of the last 10 weeks. Commenting on the news, Huw Powell, partner at Begbies Traynor in Cardiff, said: “Attempts were made to secure major customer backing and additional funding to support a restructure or to sell the business as a going concern, but due to the speed at which order levels reduced, these efforts ultimately proved unsuccessful before funding ran out. We are now working with all staff affected to help them access support from Careers Wales via the Welsh Government’s ReAct programme.” Andrew Jackson, chief executive of Triumph Furniture, added: “The family is devastated by this appalling outcome and are extremely concerned for the welfare of all Triumph employees and their families at this terrible time. The business has suffered a rapid and catastrophic collapse in orders since the middle of July, which has been impossible to recover from, despite every effort. “Triumph has enjoyed incredible loyalty and support from the committed people of Merthyr and the surrounding valleys, which has been a key element of our success and longevity. All connected with the business over these years should be very proud of what has been achieved.”

w www.triumphfurniture.com

aQO FIRA PUBLISHES NEW STANDARD FOR BARIATRIC BEDS The Furniture Industry Research Association has followed the 2017 publication of standard FS 058: 2017 Seating Performance and dimensional requirement for bariatric seating with a new standard for bariatric beds, FS 060: 2019 Beds – performance and dimensional requirement for bariatric beds. This new standard specifies test methods and requirements for safety, strength and durability performance requirements for the structural safety and stability of all types of bariatric beds and bed bases for contract and domestic use, by persons weighing between 150kg to 250 kg (23.5 to 40 stone). It also recommends dimensional requirements for bariatric beds. Speaking on the publication of the standard, Phil Reynolds, COO of the Furniture Industry Research Association, said: “Designing bariatric products can pose issues for designers and manufacturers, as it is not just the case of taking a ‘standard’ product and increasing dimensions. There is so much more which needs to be taken into account, including how weight mass needs to be distributed, and our team worked with bariatric models to establish what happens in real life. This is why we wanted to support the industry in the challenges they face from changing demographics through the development of this new standard.” Sections within the bariatric bed standard include: · Scope · Test equipment, general test conditions and test reports · Tolerances · General safety requirements for shear and squeeze points including when setting up and folding, under the influence of a powered mechanism and during use · Stability, strength and durability requirements · Dimensional requirements · Design considerations · Standard rationale for loads, cycles, loading points and dimensions The Bariatric Bed Standard is available to all members of the Furniture Industry Research Association via www.fira.co.uk/ bariatricbed. Non-members can purchase a copy for £125 via https:// bookshop.trada.co.uk/bookshop/view/760BE263-98A8-4BBDA0BA-212A070FF45F/

w www.fira.co.uk

RETAIL

Footfall down in September Footfall declined in September with only retail parks showing some growth. According to the latest BRC-Springboard Footfall and Vacancies monitor for September 2019, total footfall fell by 1.7%.

RETAIL

Retailers join together to launch mental health support In a UK industry-first, seven leading retailers have joined together in an effort to improve the mental wellbeing of staff, with the help of Samaritans. On World Mental Health Day, a group of retailers have joined together to launch a new online training guide designed to help the mental health and wellbeing of retail workers. Funded by the John Lewis Partnership, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASOS, the Co-op, M&S and Next and developed with the expertise of Samaritans, Wellbeing in Retail aims to aid the 2.9 million people that work in retail. The online guide will help workers look after their own mental health, give advice on how to support others who may be struggling, and signpost where to go for extra help. Retail is the largest private sector employer in the UK and the development of this online guide was inspired by joint research from the John Lewis Partnership, M&S, the Co-op and Next, which revealed that more than 50% of the 2,000 retail workers questioned could not recognise the signs of someone needing emotional support — and around 25% would not feel confident approaching an upset colleague. The Wellbeing in Retail online guide features practical information and suggestions, activities and resources that can be accessed whenever and however workers need it — and it is accessible via desktop, phone or tablet. Tools such as breathing techniques, the Samaritans listening wheel, mood barometer, films from mental health experts and case studies are available. Workers can use the guide as often as they like to help them to build their own emotional resilience and to give them the courage and confidence to support someone else when they are struggling. Sir Cary Cooper CBE, who specialises in organisational psychology and health and is supporting the guide’s launch, said: “We spend a third of our lives at work, so it’s inevitable that it can impact our overall health and wellbeing. In my opinion you can never provide enough mental health support at work so I welcome the launch of this guide as it could benefit so many retail workers.” Sir Charlie Mayfield, chairman of the John Lewis Partnership, added: “Mental health issues can affect us all — and stigmas and barriers that once prevented people talking about the issues are starting to erode. The world of work, and retail in particular, is fast paced and constantly changing, and we want employees to feel supported. I hope this guide is a stepping stone to creating further conversations on mental health and gives workers the confidence to use it when they may need it.” Ruth Sutherland, chief executive of the Samaritans, said: “It’s so encouraging to see retailers come together like this for the first time in the interest of improving their staff’s mental health. Over recent years, we have seen a real step change in the attitudes and behaviours of employers as they actively seek to address how they can improve wellbeing in the workplace. We are proud to be part of making this transition happen.”

High Street footfall declined by 1.8%, as did shopping centres, which were down by 3.2%. Retail parks saw modest growth of 0.1%.

The launch of the Wellbeing in Retail tool complements Samaritans’ Wellbeing in the Workplace online learning programme, which was launched in 2018, initially for city workers with the help of The Lord Mayor’s Appeal, and has been successfully rolled out to more than 800 organisations.

w brc.org.uk

w www.samaritans.org November 2019 | 35

NEWS

MANUFACTURE

NEWS NEWS

RETAIL

MANUFACTURE

Bathroom and kitchen conference a success

FURNISHINGS GROUP CONTINUES TO MAKE STRATEGY PROGRESS

The 2019 Bathroom & Kitchen Business Conference was hailed a resounding success by delegates, who gathered at the Carden Park Hotel, Cheshire.

Interior furnishings group Walker Greenbank has reported a growth in half-year sales and profits.

The sell-out conference featured a programme of speakers on a range of topics, all aimed at providing valuable information about how to achieve business success during the challenging and uncertain times that prevail. Tom Reynolds, BMA chief executive, said: “It was a supercharged day with something for everyone. All the major issues that impact on the bathroom industry were covered, including compliance, global markets, design influences, trends and a fascinating insight into what the future of trade may look like post Brexit. “The brilliant Ellis Watson set the standard for the day with an energetic and outstanding motivational speech about how to be brave, manage change and bring passion into business.” Alan Dodds, president of the BMA, added, “It was one of the best conferences I have attended. With so many inspirational and informative speakers, our delegates were able to take away a wealth of information that will make a meaningful difference to their businesses.” Trends specialist Cate Trotter looked at the changing face of retail and then hosted a design influence and trends panel. The conference concluded with a gala dinner and party to celebrate the retirement of former BMA chief executive Yvonne Orgill.

w bathroom-association.org.uk

According to its interim results for the six months ended 31st July, 2019, total sales rose 2.2% to £55.9m compared to £54.7m in 2018. Pre-tax profit increased 14% to £4.9m compared to £4.3m, whilst like-for-like international brand sales were down 1.3% in constant currency. Total manufacturing sales, including group sales, were up 5.1% in reportable currency. Total third-party manufacturing sales were down 4.7%, driven by lower UK sales but offset in part by strong overseas manufacturing sales, which were up 16.6% The group secured new five-year bank facilities to 2024, comprising £12.5m rolling credit facility and £5m accordion. Dianne Thompson, non-executive chairman of Walker Greenbank, said: “Trading in the first half of the year was in line with the Board’s expectations and continues to reflect the challenges affecting the consumer sector both in the UK and internationally. “We have made significant progress with our strategy review and have begun taking steps to increase the focus of the business going forwards to drive sales and increase efficiency. At this stage of the year, as we enter the autumn selling period, we continue to expect the full year out-turn to meet the Board’s expectations.”

w www.walkergreenbank.com

MANUFACTURE

NEW FIRA GOLD CERTIFICATION FOR CLAREMONT CENTRE Designers and manufacturers of office furniture, Claremont Centre, have attained a new FIRA Gold Certification for their Brae Sit Stand Desk. As part of the FIRA Gold Certification process the desks were subject to vigorous testing to BS EN 527-1:2011 Office furniture. Work tables and desks. Dimensions and also BS EN 5272:2016+A1:2019 Office furniture. Work tables. Safety, strength and durability requirements. Speaking on the new certification for their Brae Sit Stand Desk, John Fulton, managing director at Claremont Centre, said: “FIRA Gold is very important to our organisation. Designing and building durable furniture to an exceptional standards is at the core of everything we do here at Claremont Centre. “Competitors may strive to meet our standards but FIRA Gold demonstrates that we’ve gone further though additional product testing and third party auditing of our manufacturing process by the experts at FIRA International. Through FIRA Gold, Claremont Centre customers receive peace of mind that our products will meet the needs of the most demanding workplace environments.”

w www.claremont-centre.com November 2019 | 36

RETAIL

Furniture buyback scheme launches in Australia Swedish furniture giant IKEA has announced the launch of a buyback scheme in Australia. The concept allows Australian shoppers to return old furniture in exchange for store vouchers and forms part of its sustainability drive. IKEA expects the move to reduce 15,000 pieces of furniture going to landfill. IKEA first trialled the ‘As Is’ scheme last year at Sydney’s Tempe store, where 1,600 furniture items were brought back. IKEA said that the reaction has been very positive, leading to the national rollout. As for the rest of world, including the UK, IKEA is yet to confirm if the concept will be expanded outside Australia, and when this may happen. The scheme is part of IKEA’s goal to have 100% climate positive operations by 2030.

w www.ikea.com

DESIGN Upholsterer Vicky McAlwane has opened her first designer furniture shop.

MANUFACTURE Andrew Hall, from Woodstock Furniture, features in our People Behind The Products Series.

RETAIL Upholstery retailer DFS is reflecting on a year of major developments.

Wireless charging furniture led to a career change | Page 44-46 November 2019 | 37

UPHOLSTERY AND CABINET

Upholstery and Cabinet

UPHOLSTERY AND CABINET NEWS UPHOLSTERY AND CABINET

MANUFACTURE

RETAIL

Senior appointments Upholstery retailer DFS has confirmed the appointment of Mike Schmidt as its new chief financial officer and Board director to succeed Nicola Bancroft. DFS added that a number of other senior management changes have been made to strengthen the team. This includes the appointment of Alison Hutchinson as its new senior independent director with immediate effect. The appointment follows the decision of Luke Mayhew not to seek re-election at the company’s 2019 AGM. In a statement, DFS said: “Alison has been an independent non-executive director of the company since April 2018 and is a member of the nomination committee, the audit committee and is chair of the remuneration committee.”

URGING PEOPLE TO TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT FURNITURE DESTINED FOR THE DUMP Sharon O’Connor (above), owner at Vintique Upholstery and upholstery expert on BBC One’s Money For Nothing programme, has urged home and business owners to revisit the potential of existing furniture — from armchairs to sofas — before consigning them to the dump. The female business entrepreneur retrained with the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers, and studied at Sir John Cass School of Art, Architecture and Design at London Metropolitan University, after a business career in fashion. She has since been successfully running her own upholstery business, Vintique Upholstery, for six years in south west London. On BBC One’s Money For Nothing programme, Sharon selects a piece of furniture and devises a renovation plan for it. She rebuilds the piece, highlighting any challenges it might present along the way, sourcing the fabric and colour scheme. The piece is then put up for sale on social media, and the profit is given back to the original owner of the furniture in return. So far, each of Sharon’s renovated pieces have been sold. She said: “We specialise in working with customers to provide a luxury, bold and colourful re-imagination of a piece — and our expertise includes the renovation, as well as advising on fabric, colour schemes and cost. Plus, we can turn pieces around very quickly — often within a week. “Home and business owners who are thinking of buying new furniture or updating their home or office ‘look’ might think their existing furniture can’t be rescued or given a new lease of life. Nothing could be further from the truth! “With expert help and advice, there are lots of things that can be done to bring them back to life and make them a centrepiece of a residential or business space. “There are huge benefits to renovating, restoring and reviving existing furniture — particularly in the eco-friendlier world in which we now live. The end result, and cost involved, will, in my view, more than justify the means to an end.”

w www.vintiqueupholstery.com

w www.dfs.co.uk

DESIGN

Workshop and store in one place for self-taught upholsterer A self-taught upholsterer has opened her first designer furniture shop. Former midwife Vicky McAlwane, 29, set up Auburn Fox as a web-only store a year ago alongside her refurbishment business. Now she is using the 1,000sq ft space in Nene Court Shopping Village, Wellingborough, as her workshop — refurbishing chairs, sofas and cushions — as well as a showroom for her designer furniture. Vicky said: “The new shop will be an open studio mixed with a showroom, with room sets laid out in a urban apartment style. We source our furniture from all over the world, bringing quality, affordable and sustainable products into homes. “It’s important for us to have a positive impact on the world and we make our own small contribution by working with responsible fair trade suppliers. Everything we stock is handpicked by me. It has to be a little bit different and quirky but it all also has to co-ordinate.”

w www.auburnfox.co.uk

RETAIL

Sofa retailer partners with PR firm Specialist sofa brand, Sofology, has unveiled its latest collection of home furniture. From sofas, accent chairs, snugglers, footstools and more, it is the first launch following its new company partnership with interiors PR agency, PR First. “With PR First now on board, we look forward to reaching out to new customers and showcasing our amazing collections to a wider audience,” said Sally Hopson, Sofology chief executive.

w www.sofology.co.uk November 2019 | 38

F E A T U R E |PEOPLE BEHIND THE PRODUCTS /WOODSTOCK FURNITURE

Name... Andrew Hall and design director Job role... Managing k Furniture Company... Woodstoc Email... iture.co.uk andrew@woodstockfurn

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Andrew Hall, managing and design director at Woodstock Furniture, features in our People Behind The Products series, and reveals how his talented father set him on a career in art and design. Â»

UPHOLSTERY AND CABINET

Meet Andrew

November 2019 | 39

F E A T U R E |PEOPLE BEHIND THE PRODUCTS /WOODSTOCK FURNITURE â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE COMPANY HAS ALWAYS REMAINED SMALL SO THAT WE CAN OFFER A

PERSONAL SERVICE TO ALL

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Dedicated wine storage and tasting room

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How long have you been in your current role? I have worked within the company since 1996 then have owned the company for the past 16 years.

Can you give a brief background on yourself? I studied furniture and product design at Kingston Polytechnic (now university). I then started working in 1987 in various jobs, such as model making, designing American Express cash card machines throughout Europe, designing office furniture and then moving to Woodstock Furniture to design kitchens and fitted furniture.

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Can you describe your current job role and responsibilities? Managing the company, designing and overseeing quality control to make sure we always aim for the highest quality.

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Media/display cabinet with sliding picture panel to reveal TV

and was incredibly talented. He could produce beautiful silverware and enamel, make furniture, rebuild a car and build an extension on a house. In fact, he could do almost anything he turned his hand too. A small part of his talent has rubbed off on me and the art and design world was always my destiny.

What is the best thing about your role? I love working with a client to turn their dreams into reality. We are a truly bespoke manufacturer so no project is ever the same. This means that every project is stimulating and exciting. We never do mediocre.

Can you share something that your coworkers may not know about you? I love the escape and feeling of relaxation I get from painting a picture.

What is the most challenging thing about your role? Coordinating builders to make sure a space is ready for our cabinetry installation.

Classic English kitchen with copper worktop

Can you describe your typical working day? What I love is that no day is typical; some days are spent meeting clients in their stunning homes (I love houses) to create a brief and take site measurings. Other days are office-based, designing and coordinating projects. The best days are visiting clients when our installations are all complete and making sure we have achieved the highest quality. What would you say pulled you into wanting a career in the furnishing industry? My father was the head of the design and technology department at Bedford School November 2019 | 40

OUR CLIENTS â&#x20AC;?

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

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What could be improved to make the industry better in your opinion? Being even more environmentally aware, the reusing of materials and, therefore, less wastage.

What are your future ambitions? Woodstock Furniture was established in 1978 and has been delivering quality design and manufacture since then. The company has always remained small so that we can offer a personal service to all our clients, and give clients as much time and effort as their individual project requires. We aim to continue in this vein.

What industry trends are you seeing at the moment? I’ve noticed a move towards the use of more natural materials and to greener, more sustainable initiatives, as well as the popularity of trends such as recycling and upcycling continuing to grow. Can you predict any future trends that may emerge? More smart technology being incorporated into homes, the creation of new materials resulting from more sustainable working, more combined living and working spaces.

Do you have any furnishing industry icons you admire? Charles and Ray Eames, Mies Van de Rohe and most of the Danish designers

Walk-in pantry with walnut shelving and sliding ladder

What do you love about the furnishing industry? I like the fact that it is still one of the thriving manufacturing industries in Great Britain.

If you weren’t working in the industry, what would you be doing? I would love to own a country house hotel with the aid of my wife and four sons. The eldest would be head gardener, the second the talented chef, the third would do the graphic design and the fourth would look after finance. I would hopefully relax in the grounds! And finally, if you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Passionate, patient and practical.

w www.woodstockfurniture.co.uk If you would like to feature your staff members in our People Behind The Products features, please email our editor Dan Squires — 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.

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What is your favourite piece of furniture you own? And why? We have eight Charles Eames aluminium group dining chairs, which are still the most comfortable chairs for a social dinner party.

Did you know that Cabinet Maker has been established since 1880? How long have you been reading the magazine? My father used to read the magazine so when I was a young boy it was always in the house.

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Do you have any career highlights that spring to mind? We have worked in some amazing properties over the years. A stunning apartment overlooking Tower Bridge, Mayfair and country houses in Yorkshire and Hampshire. We have also spent some time producing galley kitchens on some of our clients’ super yachts and kitchens in their houses abroad.

November 2019 | 41

UPHOLSTERY AND CABINET

What are your favourite things in life? Spending time with family and friends, and visiting historic buildings within idyllic gardens.

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

Looking to DFS is looking back on a good 12 months of trading and also looking to the future in a milestone year for the upholstery retailer.

The Future Chief executive Tim Stacey

Furniture retailer DFS has revealed a “good trading performance,” despite a backdrop of what it calls political and economic uncertainty.

come. DFS says a shared use of logistics, manufacturing and property assets is under way, and that “further opportunities” are being pursued.

And, in fact, it says it is well-positioned to take on the challenges that the future will bring, citing in particular online sales growth.

It’s a three-pronged approach — driving the DFS brand itself, maximising efficiency and unlocking channels for growth. And it makes perfect sense for DFS to do this, as trading conditions are challenging, reflected in the number of people through the door — an issue openly acknowledged by Tim.

DFS announced all brands and channels were “achieving like-for-like gross sales growth”, and that its underlying profit before tax (excluding brand amortisation) for the proforma 52 weeks to 30th June, 2019, was up 31.1 per cent on the 52-week period to 28th July, 2018. Tim Stacey, group chief executive officer, commented: “Our trading performance for the last financial year was good overall, as we continue to execute our new strategy to lead sofa retailing in the digital age. “Like-for-like growth across all brands and all channels, especially online and in Sofology, has enabled us to grow our market share and as we celebrate DFS’s 50th anniversary, we believe that our group is well positioned for the long-term.” DFS, already one of the leading retailers of upholstered furniture, reported that it had made what it calls “good progress” following the launch of a new strategy to what Tim referred to as leading “sofa retailing in the digital age”. This is evidenced in a line in the financial report that says a highlight was a return to like-for-like growth in DFS, which has been driven by 16.2 per cent growth in online sales. Online growth has been supported, says DFS, by both technology and product innovation. Digital reputation plays a key part for DFS, and its report noted that all four group retail brands rated excellent on the independent customer review and ratings website Trustpilot. But it isn’t just online where change has November 2019 | 42

He adds: “Recent trading conditions have reflected the increasingly uncertain political and economic backdrop and we have seen reduced levels of footfall across our brands, which we attribute to lower levels of consumer confidence and housing transactions, the two key drivers of the upholstery market. “Although we have had some success in driving conversion to mitigate this trend, we note that over the first 12 weeks of the financial year order intake levels have been subdued.” That uncertainty will continue to affect the market as a whole, but Tim is confident that DFS is well-placed for the future. He said: “Our financial performance in the year ahead will inevitably be dependent on broader political and economic developments and at this stage it is difficult to predict what will happen specifically within the upholstery market.

uncertain consumer market, but he echoed Tim Stacey’s views. Ian said: “However, whilst DFS is not immune to the impact of the continuing political uncertainty, the Board considers that the group is well placed to manage short-term market uncertainties and remains confidently committed to developing the group. “The group has developed a unique position at the heart of British homemaking over the past 50 years. “As the UK’s largest upholstery retailer and manufacturer, we are confident that the strength, depth and diversity across our brands will see us through the challenges ahead and allow us to take advantage of opportunities to deliver on the expectations of customers and shareholders and continue to provide a rewarding place for our employees to work.” One thing to watch might be the physical presence of group brands. It acknowledges that consumers want to touch and feel furniture, and therefore stores are valuable. But, reducing costs is a focus, and the group has renegotiated rent levels on a number of properties, and says that “there are clear opportunities to reduce our rental costs by co-locating brands adjacent to existing premises”.

“However, we remain focused on those variables that we can control and on executing our strategy, which we believe puts us in a strong position in the market over the long-term.”

Its target is to secure “£6-8m of annualised rent savings from around 42 leases that expire between 2019 and 2023 through renegotiating lease terms, downsizing showrooms (or closing a small number where appropriate to do so) and co-locating new Sofology showrooms with other group brand showrooms where appropriate”.

Perhaps a sign of this growing strength was the 14.4 per cent pro-forma sales growth at Sofology and significant year-on-year profit improvement.

It remains tough times for retailers, but DFS is certainly focused on its future, knows what it needs to do to get there, and is looking well beyond its 50th anniversary.

Looking ahead, chair of the Board, Ian Durant, commented that the group faced an

w www.dfs.co.uk

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FEATURE|PEOPLE BEHIND THE PRODUCTS/FRANK OLSEN FURNITURE

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Can you describe your current job role and responsibilities? Processing orders, booking transport â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we use various couriers, depending on what the order is; we offer an assembly service for an additional cost, these products are then delivered by a dedicated two-man team.

communication amongst our team is key to deliver a great customer experience.

I also manage the sales email account, responding to any customer or retailer queries â&#x20AC;&#x201D; this could be by phone or email.

Can you give a brief background on yourself? I have worked in customer service roles for more than 20 years now and over 10 of those were spent in the travel industry, both in a retail shop and in the sky!

I check deliveries have taken place on the required date, monitor stock levels and update our retailers accordingly. Good November 2019 | 44

Julia Fulford, customer service manager at Frank Olsen Furniture, reveals how the concept of wireless charging furniture led to her diving into the furniture industry!

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Meet Julia

How long have you been in your current role? Just over one year.

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

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Wireless charging furniture from Frank Olsen Furniture

“I WAS INTRIGUED BY WIRELESS

CHARGING FURNITURE . THE THOUGHT OF A TV UNIT CHARGING MY IPHONE WAS RIGHT UP MY STREET.”

I took some time out when I had my two children but, once they were both back at school, I knew it was time for me to get back out in the world of work. What is the best thing about your role? My colleagues are fantastic. We have a great work environment; it is never a chore to come in. I also love getting great feedback from our end consumers. What is the most challenging? Managing the various delivery channels to deliver to the consumer. Can you describe your typical working day? Downloading orders, sending acknowledgements and getting the orders to the warehouse team for picking. I then book all the necessary transport. Once orders have been sent over, I deal with any email queries or issues and answer the phone, and dispatch any mail, which could be

anything from a wireless charging card to a door hinge! I check in with our retailers on a regular basis to ensure they are aware if we are getting low on any products and check product pricings. What would you say pulled you into wanting a career in the furnishing industry? When I was looking for my new challenge, I was intrigued by the concept of wireless charging furniture. I’m very much into technology and the thought of a TV unit charging my iPhone was right up my street. Within a couple of weeks of working, I had ordered my very own unit and never looked back. We have a fantastic range of products

November 2019 | 45

FEATURE|PEOPLE BEHIND THE PRODUCTS/FRANK OLSEN FURNITURE UPHOLSTERY AND CABINET

Julia Fulford is customer service manager at Frank Olsen Furniture

What do you love about the furnishing industry? The fact that retro and modern pieces can sit side by side and look great together.

Do you have any furnishing industry icons you admire? Made.com — As a retailer they have done an excellent job in embracing ecommerce.

w www.frankolsenfurniture.co.uk 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.

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And finally, if you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Conscientious, determined and ambitious.

What is your favourite piece of furniture you own? My Frank Olsen lamp table of course! It fits in beautifully next to my sofa, offers great storage — and charges my phone.

If you weren’t working in the industry, what would you be doing? I’d love to further my diving qualifications. My ultimate dream would be to work as a diving instructor in the Maldives or Australia.

What are your future ambitions? To continue to work with the rest of the team and help develop and grow the business. It has been fantastic to see the changes that have taken place already since the start of this year alone. In my personal life, I’d like to go back to Australia with my family.

What industry trends are you seeing at the moment? Customers want fast delivery of their product.

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What are your favourite things in life? My pet rabbits and my family. I also enjoy going to the gym and spending time outdoors.

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Can you share something that your co-workers may not know about you? I’m a qualified open water diver – PADI certified.

What could be improved to make the industry better in your opinion? Although I understand that it is a huge challenge, delivery is an area that has scope to change to meet the ever-changing demands of today’s customer.

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and we often receive great feedback from both consumers and retailers. Over the past 12 months I have become very passionate about the brand and product set up, much to the annoyance of my partner as I am ever critical about door alignment in our kitchen at home!

DESIGN Mammoth is on a mission to make our sleep better and healthier.

MANUFACTURE Vita Talalay and Hypnos talk about how they have taken their sustainable offering to the next level.

RETAIL Jessica Alexander, executive director of the NBF, talks about the NBF Bed Show. BEDS

Beds November 2019

Breasley celebrates a decade of Salus | Page 72 November 2019 | 47

BEDS NEWS BEDS

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MANUFACTURE

Official North America launch for bed-in-a-box brand Bed-in-a-box brand Emma Mattress has officially announced the launch of its North American branch. After expanding into 14 countries across Europe, and eight countries inter-continentally, Emma is expanding operations into the competitive North American markets. In July Emma Mattress reported its largest ever revenue for the first half of 2019 in the UK, and it said its core product, the Emma mattress, has earned the title of the most awarded mattress in Europe. Emma US co-founder Amir Bolouryazad (above) said: “We’ve done extremely well in Europe and the same strategies have worked fairly uniformly throughout the various European markets. “But the North American markets definitely presents us with distinct challenges that we haven’t encountered in other countries. “We are working hard to bring the idea of the ‘European Sleep Experience’ to the continent, a concept that can revolutionise the way Americans sleep. “Bed-in-a-box is nothing new in North America, but we have a unique design and perspective that we believe can differentiate us and bring something new to the table.” In 2018, Emma’s revenue growth reached a staggering 14,315%. It says its cooling mattress promises to regulate sleepers’ temperatures, no matter the climate, while minimising motion transfer and providing optimal support.

w www.emma-mattress.co.uk

MANUFACTURE

NEW WEBSITES PLANNED THIS MONTH Three brands at Steinhoff UK Beds — Slumberland, Relyon and Dunlopillo — will be showcasing new websites in November. They will offer customers the chance to buy online via a partner or try a model in-store. A new sleep quiz will help customers looking to find the right mattress, suggesting a selection of beds that match their sleep choices. Social media and digital content will also play a key role in the digital drive.

w https://slumberland.co.uk w https://relyon.co.uk w https://dunlopillo.co.uk November 2019 | 48

BREASLEY LAUNCHES NEW-LOOK SALUS RANGE Bedmaker Breasley’s new look Salus range has been hailed a hit after its successful launch at the NBF Bed Show 2019. The luxury brand was refreshed and updated to mark 10 years since the first Salus mattress was crafted by the East Midlandsbased family company. As well as an eyecatching rebrand, there were further improvements to specification, which were revealed at the bed industry’s premier trade event. Head of marketing Clare Taylor said: “It is safe to say that the new Salus branding was really well received by our retailers, who were impressed with the collection and the stand itself received many compliments.” Breasley reported strong sales across Salus and its Uno bedin-a-box range, Brook + Wilde Elite, which Breasley produces exclusively, also performed well at the show. New look Salus features the most comfortable and stylish beds to be included in the range. The mattresses combine two of Breasley’s unique technologies, Viscoool and ‘Salus Comfort’ layer, and make use of natural fibres. Viscoool is Breasley’s luxurious, pressure relieving, breathable, next generation memory foam made from sustainable and natural soybean oil. The 4cm deep ‘Salus Comfort’ layer brings increased softness and comfort. To maintain a hygienic and safer sleep environment, all eight mattresses in the Salus range are also treated with Breasley ProGuard to help regulate body temperature, fight bacteria and inhibit house dust mites. Top of the range is Samphire (pictured), combining Viscoool, ‘Salus Comfort’ layer and a 3,900 dual layer pocket spring system, deep quilted pillow top cover. The sleep surface features integral natural fibres of lambswool, bamboo, alpaca and Pashmina to complete the luxurious feel of the bed. All models are available on a range of Breasley base options including the innovative ottoman, which hinges at the head end to create maximum storage. Salus is available in 16 colour and fabric choices. All mattresses are no-turn and come with 10-year guarantees. The whole range is fitted with RFID tags allowing full traceability. Mattresses are wrapped in regranulated polythene, reducing the product’s carbon footprint.

w www.breasley.co.uk

BEDS NEWS BEDS

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Dreams launches Sleep Action Plan Work-related sleep issues are creating a nation of unproductive “insombies,” according to new research by bed retailer Dreams. It found three in four employees suffer from persistently poor sleep, causing weaker employee performance, lower output and more frequent sick days at a time when Britain’s productivity remains in the doldrums. The report, titled Ending Sleep Stigma in the Workplace, from Loughborough University and commissioned by bed retailer Dreams, reveals the scale of Britain’s sleep deficit and its impact on British business. In addition to three quarters of the working population suffering persistently poor sleep, more than half (54%) are unable to stay awake in the day. At a time when UK productivity is at just a quarter of the level before the financial crisis, the research lays bare how poor sleep is reducing employee outputs: a quarter (25%) say their sleep problems mean they are not able to complete work they had planned because it makes it difficult for them to work fast and maintain the quality of their work. At the same time, employees are, on average, taking two sick days a year to catch up on sleep. Despite work-related stress being the single biggest cause of poor sleep and the detrimental business impact of sleepdeprived employees, companies do not see sleep as a priority. Almost two thirds of business leaders (63%) say sleep is the sole responsibility of the individual and more than a third (39%) agree there is nothing they can do to help their employees’ sleep health. Just 3% of companies have a sleep policy in place, despite guidance released from Public Health England last year that businesses need to do more to improve their employees’ sleep. The problem is being further exacerbated as employees feel unable to raise their sleep difficulties with their bosses. Almost three quarters (70%) have never spoken about it to their employers for fear it would hold them back in their careers or increase scrutiny of their work. A quarter (26%) say they think their boss wouldn’t do anything about it, and just as many are worried colleagues wouldn’t understand the problem. Despite the concerning status quo, the report identifies a clear opportunity for businesses to prioritise sleep health for the benefit of their employees’ wellbeing and their bottom-line. Mike Logue, chief executive of Dreams, added: “This report shows that Britain has a chronic sleep deficit and it is exacerbating our productivity crisis. Sleep is an opportunity to improve employee wellbeing and boost business, yet it is not being taken seriously. We need to put an end to workplace sleep stigma so more people and businesses can thrive.” Dr Pixie McKenna, GP and sleep expert for Dreams, said: “Sleep is fundamental to good physical health and wellbeing — yet the significant majority of people simply aren’t getting adequate sleep. With people in Britain spending more time at work than any other European nation, it’s no wonder our work experiences and places are having such a huge impact on our sleep health. It’s time for all of us in our personal and professional lives to prioritise getting better sleep.” In response to the report’s findings, Dreams has launched its Sleep Action Plan to help support its 2,000 employees across the UK to sleep better.

w www.dreams.co.uk November 2019 | 50

NEW FAMILY-OWNED BEDS BUSINESS LAUNCHES INTO THE MARKETPLACE Hugel, a new family-owned business specialising in the design and manufacture of advanced electric beds, has launched into the market. The Hull-based business has unveiled a new premium range of luxury adjustable beds, mattresses and pillows that offer the ‘ultimate sleep and relaxation experience’ with ‘transformative health and lifestyle benefits’. Hugel has been founded by experts in electric beds for the healthcare sector and combines their specialist knowledge in orthopaedics and health technology with timeless craft and design. As direct descendants of Thomas Chippendale, one of the greatest British furniture makers of all time, Hugel abides by its ancestor’s commitment to only using the highest quality materials and methods. Jed Lant, business development manager at Hugel said: “The quality of a good night’s sleep and the benefits you get from that sleep all depend on the quality of your bed. We’ve combined our experience in the design and manufacture of electric beds with our passion for high-end furniture making to create our most advanced bed yet. ”Hugel beds feature zero-gravity technology to simulate complete weightlessness and you can adjust your bed using the wireless controller or the dedicated Hugel app, making it easy to find the perfect position, whether you’re reading, sleeping or relaxing. ”Hugel beds don’t just look great — they help you feel great, too. Thanks to adjustable technology, Hugel beds offer a variety of health and lifestyle benefits and are able to relieve tension on pressure points, improve circulation and even reduce snoring. A Hugel bed is one of the most worthwhile investments you can make.” Hugel beds are fully customisable and available in a range of sizes and design options. Made-to-order and manufactured in the UK, Hugel Beds are produced, delivered and installed by the Hugel team within five to six weeks. The beds also come with a 30-night trial period.

w hugelbeds.com

aQO RETAIL

Cessation of mattress brands merger talks announced

Emma appoints Sleep Expert boss

Boxed mattress brand eve Sleep has announced that the earlystage merger talks with Simba Sleep Ltd, first announced in August following media speculation, have ended. The board of eve has decided that now is not the right time to pursue the potential merger and that it is more appropriate to focus on the eve rebuild plan, as previously communicated to investors in the Company’s 2018 results announcement in March. The board will continue to seek further acquisitive growth opportunities, in addition to its focus on driving organic growth, in order to support its focus on a path to profitability. Commenting on its latest trading update, eve said: “The board is pleased to a report a 50 per cent improvement in brand awareness from 10 per cent at the start of the year. On-going new product extensions, such as the premium hybrid mattress launch, is going well in the UK and initiatives such as the implementation of an ERP system has led to an improved operational effectiveness for the company.

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Boxed mattress brand Emma Mattress has announced the appointment of Dr Verena Senn as its head of its Sleep Expert Taskforce. The taskforce is a new sleep-science specialist division introduced within Emma’s research and development team. Senn has a PhD in neurobiology from the University of Basel and has spent nearly 15 years working on brain and psychological behaviour research. Manuel Müller, chief entrepreneurship officer and co-founder of Emma, said in a press statement: “Emma is the result of more than 75 years’ world-leading health and scientific experts combined forces towards unravelling, developing, and promoting innovation in foam mattress sleep technology — and we’re not stopping now. “The announcement of our Sleep Expert Taskforce signals our continued investment in our locally-made, globally awardwinning Original Mattress and accessories range.”

w www.emma-mattress.co.uk

“However overall trading has been more challenging than previously anticipated owing to the uncertain economic outlook and continuing low levels of consumer confidence.”

w www.evesleep.co.uk

MANUFACTURE

COMPONENT SUPPLIER ACQUIRES SITE FOR NEW FACTORY Latex foam component supplier Latexco has announced the acquisition of the Seyntex site in Tielt, Belgium. Latexco is transitioning from a traditional latex supplier to a ‘one stop shop of comfort’ for the bedding industry, offering also PU foam and pocket spring components to its customer base. To be able to house these fast-expanding activities, Latexco was already partially renting the Seyntex site, located close to its other sites in Tielt, because Latexco cannot extend nor costeffectively move its existing sites. The business said as it was becoming clear that its new activities are a cornerstone of its future strategy and growth, the board of directors decided to purchase the Seyntex site. Currently a plan is being worked out to come to an optimal layout across all its Tielt sites. The goal is that all Seyntex activities will be removed and that the site will be vacated by Q1, 2020. Lieven Vandendriessche said: “As Latexco management we want to thank the board of directors for its continued trust in the company and for offering us this unique opportunity. This strategic investment will allow Latexco to build the factory of the future for its new activities. We will produce innovating and differentiating products in a competitive way, which will fuel our future growth.”

w www.latexco.com

TAILLOK XXE

Taillok XXE is our latest innovation to offer a ventilating natural filling layer with Horse Tail fibres for quilted mattresses. The Taillok Extra Extra Elastic (XXE) has unique properties. The product has a natural latex and selected horse and cattle tail fibres mix and due to the high latex content the product is extremely flexible and elastic. In fact, it can serve as an alternative to conventional latex sheets. Enkev products are made purely from natural fibres and natural latex. Nature constantly replenishes these materials, which have unsurpassed resilience and durability. Unlike petroleum-based products, the raw materials for this product are not in limited supply and are a disposable by-product of different processes. Enkev simple reuse these materials and give them a new purpose in life. Enkev products are, therefore, both perfectly recycled, and recyclable. At the end of the life cycle they can be composted to feed the biological chain they are derived from.

For further information call 016973 32600 or email sales@enkev.co.uk

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Continuing to forge partnerships Boxed mattress brand eve Sleep has reported a decline in sales but did manage to narrow its losses. According to its latest half year trading update ended 30 June 2019, total sales fell 8% to £12.9m from £14.1m against the same period last year. Pre-tax losses improved from its loss of £12m to a loss of £6.7m. Stated within its report, eve said that non-mattress products now contribute to 24% of total sales, growing from 21% in 2018, whilst its customer repeat rate has increased to 19% from 16%. Furthermore, eve said that its previously agreed retail partnerships with Argos, Dunelm and Homebase are now live with the latter going live ‘imminently’, whilst it has singed a deal with British Rowing to be its official sleep partner.

w www.evesleep.co.uk

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Bed sales volume holding up Sales volume is holding up, but value is down, according to the National Bed Federation (NBF) when it revealed the latest results from its State of Trade report. Sales data from the second quarter of the year (April to June 2019) is gathered independently from NBF members to gain insight into the bed market. Comparing quarter two 2019 versus the same period in 2018, the report shows that like-for-like volume was level (based on 43 members who submitted in both periods) but that value fell by 2.5%. Like-for-like bed sets volume was up by 7% but value dropped by 5.5% with the average selling price down from £215 to £189 (across all sizes). Mattresses sold separately were slightly down on a like-for-like basis by just over 1% on volume and value. Jessica Alexander, executive director of the NBF, said: “While it’s great to see that sales volume is holding up, revenue is down, which suggests that there is a squeeze on selling prices and a further squeeze on profit margins, so our members will be feeling the pinch. “Some encouraging news can be found in that while only 15% of members were positive about the state of trade (substantially lower than the 29% who felt optimistic in the same period in 2018) it is at the same level as the first quarter of this year — so at least things haven’t got any worse since April!” Other findings from the report included 13% of members reporting a decrease in selling prices, which is nearly double compared to quarter one (7%). However, 26% had increased their prices with a small number increasing prices by more than 5%. Worryingly, 41% reported a drop in profit margins in this quarter, compared with just 7% declaring an increase — a sign of the tightening economy.

w www.www.bedfed.org.uk November 2019 | 52

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MAMMOTH PARTNERS WITH BENSON FOR BEDS FOR NEW RANGE Mammoth has launched its bHealthy Kids range exclusively with Bensons for Beds. Mammoth said this innovative new range is specifically designed to support children’s physical, mental and social development. It said every child deserves the best start in life and Mammoth believes that everyone, no matter how young or old, should have access to all of the health and longerlife benefits that a great night’s sleep provide. The bHealthy Kids range by Mammoth features its medical grade™ sleep technologies, to help children get to sleep faster, sleep for longer and leave them fully refreshed for the adventures of the day ahead. John Tuton, founder and chief executive of Mammoth, said: “Our bHealthy Kids range is for happy and healthy growing kids. As a dad with a young family myself, I know just how important it is for my kids to get a good night’s sleep — the whole family benefits. “Sleep plays an important role in children’s development and research and has shown that children who enjoy plenty of good quality sleep are happier and healthier. That’s why we wanted to use our expertise to develop a range for children. “We believe people of all ages should be able to access our coveted sleep technologies to enable everyone to benefit from better health and wellness through sleep. “It’s fantastic that with Bensons for Beds we can play a role in helping children’s development by promoting growth, boosting learning and increasing happiness through better sleep.” Every bHealthy mattress contains Mammoth’s naturally cooling Medical Grade™ foam — scientifically tested and shown to improve sleep. Pam Johnson, head buyer at Bensons for Beds added: “Children are still growing whilst they sleep, so the correct mattress is fundamental to their spinal alignment. Their muscles relax around their spines during sleep, so they heavily rely on their mattress to provide them with the necessary support. “At Bensons for Beds, we are committed to offering Sleep Wellness™ to the nation through our expertise and high-quality products, and the new Mammoth bHealthy Kids range aligns perfectly with this. Its superior qualities ensure that children can get the best nights’ sleep possible.”

w www.mammothcomfort.com w bensonforbeds.co.uk

THE NEW FOREST HAMPSHIRE OUR HOME OUR HERITAGE OUR INSPIRATION #perfectsleep

HAMPSHIRE WOOL

FINE ENGLISH COTTON

CHEMICAL FREE

NATURAL FABRICS AND FILLINGS

For over 70 years our home on the edge of the New Forest National Park has been influential in the development of our luxuriously comfortable, handmade mattresses. It’s the combination of beautiful natural materials combined with expert craftsmanship which make our products special. That’s why we use local Hampshire wool and sustainably sourced English Fine Cotton in the creation of our chemical free beds The key ingredients for perfect sleep.

For further information call 023 80 86611 millbrook-beds.co.uk

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11/10/2019 10:07

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Rob Gallie (left), assistant store manager at Fairway Furniture, Newton Abbot, with Patrick and Jackie Hooper

Furniture retailer gives away Hypnos bed in prize draw Furniture retailer Fairway Furniture has given away an £1800 Hypnos bed as part of celebrations for its 163rd birthday.

Linthorpe Beds ‘thrilled’ with award win

During its Birthday Sale, the company partnered with bed brand Hypnos to offer one lucky customer the chance to win an £1,800 king size divan and headboard in a prize draw.

North East based Linthorpe Beds has been crowned Independent Retailer of the Year, at NBF Bed Show awards ceremony.

From the almost 500 entries, Patrick and Jackie Hooper, of Kingsteignton, Devon were drawn as the winners. “We’re absolutely delighted as we were looking to get a new bed, so this is fantastic news!” said Patrick.

Keith Humble who owns Linthorpe Beds with his wife Sandra (both pictured) said to local press following the award win: “We’re thrilled with this award and that the effort of every one of our staff has been recognised and we have been judged the best independent retailers in the country.

The couple can be seen here with Newton Abbot assistant store manager Rob Gallie choosing their Hypnos divan. Founded in Plymouth in 1856, Fairway Furniture is a sixth generation family business with stores across Devon & Cornwall and an online presence, all of which offer nationwide delivery.

w www.fairwayfurniture.co.uk w www.hypnosbeds.com

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SOPHIE ALLPORT EXTENDS BEDDING COLLECTION After the successful launch of her first bedding collection in March 2019, homewares brand Sophie Allport has announced that she has extended her bedding collection to include new designs.

“Obviously, we couldn’t have done this without the amazing team. It’s a tremendous boost to win, especially when looking at the quality of the other entrants. It makes all of the investment of time and money worthwhile. “This is the first award we have ever entered, and we won! we also celebrated the birth of our first grandchild in the same week, so it was a double celebration!” The awards are organised by The National Bed Federation and well-known writer broadcaster and performer Gyles Brandreth hosted the event. The NBF added: “Linthorpe Beds showed an impressive sales increase in the qualifying period, with like-for-like sales at 17%, which stemmed from investment in marketing, the website and strong add on sales. It took a bold, brave move to refurbish their flagship store, as well as a second store and committing to a new van fleet to defy the notion that traditional retailing is dead.”

Inspired by the quintessential British countryside, Sophie’s designs are stylish and modern while flaunting a charming and fun element, which makes her collections ideal for any modern country home.

Keith continued: “We’re going to use the award to its maximum advantage and try to build our brand further. It’s great for the people of the North East to know that they have another fantastic business on their doorstep where they can shop and get the best products and service that will match anywhere else in the country.

Sophie’s Peacocks and Sheep designs are the newest addition to her bedding range, which also includes Sophie’s popular Flamingos, Bees, Hare, Woof and Safari.

“I’m sure that the award will enhance the trust that both local and national customers have in us and will drive the business to even better things in the coming year.”

w www.sophieallport.com

w wwww.linthorpebeds.co.uk

November 2019 | 54

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JYSK’s new sleep doctor begins sleep challenge JYSK sleep doctor, academic Dr John Shaw, is undertaking a personal sleep challenge. John, a self-confessed disrupted sleeper, thanks to most of his work being undertaken at night — watching others sleep — is following a sleep fitness plan, and will share the results. As a warm up to working with the global Scandinavian Sleeping & Living brand, which champions ‘Good Night’ in the UK, the group furnished its new science-of-sleep partner with the perfect sleeping environment. John was given a ‘partner-proof’ mattress and temperatureregulating bedding to cool-touch pillows. Under advice from JYSK’s bedding experts, he and his partner also chose pillows to suit their individual preferences. As he prepared himself for a step-change in his sleeping habits, John said: “If you ever really sit down and actively think about sleep, you begin to realise how weird it is. I had this moment 10 years ago and even now, after 10 years of studying it, it still fascinates me. “We are meant to be sleeping on average seven to eight hours per night. If you live to be 90 that equates to roughly 30 years of slumber. If we assume the 10,000 hour rule to master a skill is right, we should become experts in just under three and a half years.” Sleep deprivation costs the UK 200,000 working days and the UK economy £40bn a year. John added: “For us in the UK, as a result, sleep deprivation in society is rampant and it adds up. Estimations have sleep deprivation as costing the UK 200,000 working days, and the UK economy £40bn a year. For individuals, those who sleep fewer than six hours per night are at a 35% increased chance of dying than those who get seven to nine hours. “And what’s scary about this is how it can happen so discreetly. If you lose one hour per night, over the space of a week that’s the equivalent of one night of sleep lost. Over time we, not just as a nation but as a species, are building up a sleep debt that cannot be paid back.” Over the next few months, in partnership with JYSK, Scandinavian Sleeping & Living, John is sharing his journey towards better sleep. He is starting with: • No caffeine after 4pm, only water • No electronics one hour before bed • Have a set defined routine for waking up at the same time every day • Recording sleep, time of going to bed, time woken up, any waking up during the night, • And he has a new bed, JYSK GOLD S120 DREAMZONE mattress and bedding from JYSK — so he has improved his sleep environment too. Country manager for JYSK David Ashton said: “JYSK takes sleep really seriously. The benefits of good quality sleep are immeasurable.”

w jysk.co.uk

MILLBROOK BEDS ENJOYS BUSY NBF BED SHOW Millbrook Beds enjoyed a very busy stand and a successful NBF Bed Show this year with excellent feedback from visiting retail partners. Four new ranges of chemical-free, hand-made mattresses were unveiled at the show — Grandeur, Majestic, Ortho and Pillow-top, featuring higher spring counts of up to 14000 pocket springs, and greater sustainability credentials. The new range of motion adjustable beds, available in a variety of six feels and spring counts, completed the line-up of Millbrook Bed’s new collections. Sales director Mark Hughes commented: “The atmosphere at the show was incredible and the customers who came on to our stand were clearly impressed with the additions to the collections, particularly the Majestic and Grandeur ranges, producing a whopping 236% increase against last year’s ranges.” In addition, at the show the company launched Millbrook Fasttrak, a new service offering a 48-hour home delivery service on six beds across the main range as well as on the complete range of Motion Adjustable beds. This service has been introduced in response to the demands of the consumer, giving them a handmade product in a record delivery time. Mark Hughes explains: “We have also entered into the motion beds and mattress market in a big way, which is not entirely new to Millbrook Beds, we felt there was an opportunity in this sector, which was absolutely proven during the show, with extensive ranges secured. Competitive price points, along with a 48hr DHD FastTrack service, enhance the appeal of the collection. “Overall the show was a great success, acquiring significant numbers of additional floor models, which will ensure a strong back end to the year and a great January sales period for all.” The show ended on a high for London and south east area manager Jason Hillier, who was awarded the Millbrook Beds Salesperson of the Year 2019 accolade by managing director Mark Croll.

w www.millbrook-beds.co.uk November 2019 | 56

www.salusbeds.co.uk

LIVE IN LUXURY. SLEEP IN STYLE.

ILEX

Indulgently finished with a deep quilted pillow top cover featuring natural fibres

Celebrating 10 years of comfort and innovation

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LUXURY BEDMAKER LAUNCHES EXCLUSIVE MATTRESS RANGE WITH RURAL TV PRESENTER New mindful mattress launches in the UK Designed in response to a growing wellness trend sweeping Britain, the idyll mattress, a new in-the-box creation set, has been launched. idyll said the innovative ‘mindful mattress’ offers a perfect balance of memory foam with both pocket and micro springs — the combination of which is not only a first in the boxed mattress arena, but one that’s designed to bring mindfulness into the bedroom through unrivalled levels of comfort. Carefully crafted, with six individual layers of sumptuousness, 1000 14cm-high pocket springs provide essential firmness and edge-to-edge support, while an additional 1000 3cm-high micro springs cradle the body, offering cosiness and added lumbar support. “One spring without the other just wouldn’t provide the same feel,” says idyll co-founder Adam Slingsby. “Simplicity at its best, we’ve expertly engineered this one and only design to help each and every person achieve a universally comfortable level of support. It’s perfect for letting go of the day’s stresses and tensions.” A recent UK stress survey found that 74 per cent of adults felt so stressed they described feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope (Mental Health Foundation, 2018). From mindful snacking and CBD oil, to digital detoxes and more time spent amidst nature, Britons are constantly searching for ways to destress. However, Adam says one of the best things you can do for your mind and body is to improve your sleep. “Mindful sleep is all about improving your mental focus and moment-to-moment awareness of thoughts and experiences. Although it can vastly improve our mental and physical wellbeing, it’s a feat that becomes almost impossible in an uncomfortable or unsupportive bed,” he explains. In its new report, Pinterest 100: The top trends for 2019, Pinterest highlighted sleep optimisation as a growing search term, up by 116 per cent. “We’re happy to see the trend for valuing, prioritising and optimising sleep quality bloom in the UK. We hope to see idyll become a key part of improved bedtime set-ups, which as well as a supportive mattress, include season-appropriate bedding, natural lighting and healthy sleep routines. It’s all part of giving sleep the respect it deserves,” Adam adds.

w idyllsleep.com November 2019 | 58

Fifth-generation bed manufacturer Harrison Spinks and rural TV presenter, Cotswold Farm Park owner and farmer Adam Henson, are launching a range of four mattresses, which will champion Cotswold rare breed wool, British farming heritage and sustainability. The Adam Henson by Harrison Spinks Collection features supreme, carefully-selected wool chosen by Adam from rare and indigenous breeds, including the Cotswold’s Golden Fleece, Romney and White-Faced Dartmoor sheep. Naturally soft, absorbent and anti-bacterial, the wool is layered around Harrison Spinks’ Cortec™ springs and other natural fillings to deliver a comfortable, supportive and hygienic sleeping environment. The Cortec™ spring system is the latest sustainable comfort innovation from Harrison Spinks and demonstrates the company’s commitment to a glue and foam free future. The springs are ultra-responsive and form the supportive core of every mattress in the Adam Henson range. They work together with layers of HD and Microlution springs to reduce pressure points and roll together to improve the quality of sleep. The spring unit is manufactured using heat instead of glue, meaning that the mattress can be recycled at the end of its life. Simon Spinks, managing director at Harrison Spinks, said: “It’s a privilege for us to work with one of the UK’s best-loved farmers. Like us, Adam has a passion for British farming heritage and the use of his rare breed Cotswold wool adds an extra layer of luxury to the mattresses in the range. “We’re pleased that the collection also showcases our new, sustainable spring system, Cortec™. Since 1840, Harrison Spinks has married traditional craftmanship with sustainability and innovation to build our beautiful beds. This collection encapsulates all of our core values” Adam Henson said: “Working with Harrison Spinks to create this range has been a great chance for me to learn how a bed manufacturer operates. It’s been fascinating to see the wool from my sheep and the components from Harrison Spinks being made into a luxury mattress all under one roof. “I’m incredibly passionate about British farming, particularly in the Cotswold region, and it fills me with pride and happiness to see the local farmers supported through the launch of this collection.” The Adam Henson by Harrison Spinks collection includes the models Burford, Fairford, Snowshill and Campden.

w www.harrisonspinks.co.uk

, s r e p ee l s r o f , s r e m a For dre e N o y R e V e R Fo

The new natural backcare collection has arrived. Naturally comfortable and always supportive, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s everything you could wish for from a pocket sprung mattress.

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Graffiti vandals target bed shop Independent bed retailer Brighton Bed Centre has been the victim of a graffiti attack. CCTV footage revealed a man and a woman spraying the front of the store’s windows that had a family pictured. They sprayed the eyes of the family in a (Image credit: The Argus) ‘demonic’ gesture. The business, which is based on Portland Road, reported the incident to the police, who have launched an investigation following the damage. Owner Stuart Morris told local press that its store is opposite a school with pupils exposed to the graffiti that was causing a wrong impression of being a ‘devil worshiper’. The CCTV footage clearly identifies the person spraying, who also casually looks at the camera and smiles. The business added that the graffiti could potentially cause damage to its reputation as well as having to pay for clean-up costs. The incident happened in September. Sussex Police are encouraging anyone with any information to come forward, quoting the crime reference number: DP26424-19-4747-00. Established in 1967, the Brighton Bed Centre is an independently-run, family business serving the people of Brighton, Hove and beyond for more than 50 years.

w brighton-beds.co.uk

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KITCHEN AND BEDROOM SHOWROOM OPENS Kitchen and bedroom business Colourhill has announced the opening of its new showroom in West Bridgford. Situated on Melton Road, the new showroom is the third store for the business, adding to its existing outlets in Wollaton Road, Beeston, and in Boughton, Nottinghamshire. In a statement, owner Steve Keene said the location was ‘an obvious choice’ due to supplying services around the local area for a good number of years. “It can be difficult to know where in the market retailers sit and what sort of service you will get. Having worked in this sector and area for a number of years, I believe we offer mid to high-end kitchens and bedrooms with an excellent service. Our testimonials and products speak for themselves,” Steve added.

w colourhill.co.uk November 2019 | 60

HYPNOS SUPPORTS WOOL WEEK Hypnos placed its support behind Wool Week in October by championing the sustainable benefits of wool with an exclusive range, the Origins Collection, in partnership with Red Tractor, which places new levels of wool traceability at its heart. As one of the first bed makers to support the long-standing Wool Week initiative, which is run by The Campaign for Wool and its global patron, HRH The Prince of Wales, the company created the pioneering and fully traceable Origins Collection in partnership with Red Tractor as a show of its ongoing commitment to wool. This range of mattresses has been carefully created using the most responsibly sourced materials possible, including 100% British wool that’s traceable right back to Red Tractor assured farms. Consumers were invited to ‘Make a Difference’ and to ‘Check its Wool’ before they buy it in a drive to reduce plastic and highlight the sustainability of wool as a better alternative to man-made fibres. Hypnos said it has been on an extensive wool sourcing journey. With a long-standing drive to ethically source its materials, the company has always pushed to understand where its wool is coming from, if it’s been grown responsibly on land that’s well managed, and with animals that are looked after. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Red Tractor, the UK’s biggest farm and food standards scheme, now provides Hypnos with a recognisable industry standard for traceable wool, by which farmers can be benchmarked and paid a premium price for. Richard Naylor, sustainable development director at Hypnos, said: “We are excited to once again support Wool Week and shine a light on the incredibly important part wool plays in our society for so many different products. Wool is a truly special material, being naturally renewable and biodegradable as well as a natural insulator — making it ideal for beds. “No company has done more than Hypnos to champion sustainable wool in mattresses over the last few years. This latest collection is part of our ongoing commitment to using this fantastic fibre and to the wider environment. We’re proud to lead the way in responsible, comfort-based innovations, pushing the boundaries of design wherever we can to deliver comfort with real integrity.”

w www.hypnosbeds.com

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SHERBORNE ADJUSTABLE BEDS For exceptionally strong Adjustable Beds with a 5 Year Guarantee and a unique and easy two-part assembly, look no further than the Sherborne range shown here.

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Choose from the Dorchester with two memory positions and a sturdy drawer, the Hampton on chrome-plated legs and the lower-priced Regency. Sherborne Upholstery Ltd Tel: 01274 882633 Email: sales@sherborne-uph.co.uk w www.sherborneupholstery.co.uk

Regency November 2019 | 61

B E D S F E A T U R E |B E D S H O W BEDS

“It’s very much a meeting place,” says Jessica Alexander (right), talking about the Bed Show, which has just celebrated its 10th successful two-day event at the Telford International Centre.

Doing things a bit

Different As executive director of the National Bed Federation (NBF) —the organisers behind the Bed Show — Jessica Alexander believes that while selling continues to be an essential element of the show, there’s another evolving aspect that’s equally important. “Shows have changed over the years. The days when people used to come by and say, ‘I’ll order three container loads of that for stock’ have long gone,” she said.

November 2019 | 62

“Nobody really does that anymore. Now, it’s almost more about networking and displaying your wares, making contacts and having conversations.” To facilitate that movement of people and ideas, the Bed Show’s floor space takes advantage of annual location changes, and different floor plans. “We want to create an element of surprise about the show every year. So, for example,

you never know who’s going to have a stand at the front or where the coffee shop’s going to be next.” She adds that most regular visitors are aware of those sorts of things, and maybe look forward to it. “So people wonder who’s going to be where each year. Everybody has a chance in the limelight, and by the main entrance. We want people to get a return on their investment,

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and have nice stands but not go too extravagant, so they don’t turn round and say the show’s too expensive, when actually the bit that’s expensive is what they’re doing, not what we’re doing,” Jessica continued. “At other shows, an exhibitor will reserve a space and then just repeat that reservation year after year. So people know to go and find X company in Y halls, and they’re always in the same place... it’s perfectly valid, but we just do things a bit different.” That different approach was also apparent at this year’s Bed Industry Awards (featured in last month’s Cabinet Maker), as Jessica explains: “It just felt right to have a change, and after looking at the feedback from last year’s show, we took a fresh look at what might be useful and valuable. For instance, having the product awards related to the show rather than the Manufacturer of the Year award.” Creating a specific product award, and pre-announcing the finalists, were two new changes that were well received. More than 20 bed manufacturers, suppliers and retailers made it on to the finalist list to compete for the top awards. “It’s always very difficult shortlisting and

NBF Bed Show 2019 picking winners, and it’s a decision not taken lightly,” comments Jessica. “The judging team spent considerable time reading through all the entries and supporting documents. “To be a finalist is a tremendous achievement. I think it worked well, because there can only be one winner, but at least people got some limelight by being finalists.” »

“WE WANT TO CREATE AN ELEMENT OF SURPRISE ABOUT THE SHOW EVERY YEAR. IT’S A KEY PART OF THE CALENDAR IN THE BED INDUSTRY.” — Jessica Alexander, executive director of the National Bed Federation November 2019 | 63

B E D S F E A T U R E |B E D S H O W BEDS

Another change at this year’s show was the format of the gala dinner. “It’s come a long way since our first event in terms of presentation,” says Jessica. “This was our tenth anniversary, so we did a bit of a mix, going back with our favourite host in Gyles Brandreth, who was there for the fourth time. “He really makes you feel like he’s made the effort to do some things specifically for you. Having a band instead of a DJ in the corner was also a new thing. Some people found them very loud... although that was sort of the point. We did get good feedback and people enjoyed the evening.” At the gala, members raised more than £3,000 for the industry’s main charity. Ultimately, as Jessica comments, the Bed Show is a membership show. “People still need to meet people and look each other eye to eye and touch and feel the goods, so from that point November 2019 | 64

of view they’re still very valuable,“ she says. “Getting the right balance between cost and that personal networking is really important. Because we have smaller and larger member companies, our approach allows some members with smaller budgets to not be overshadowed. It’s important to us to make the show as democratic as possible.” Jessica believes the 10th anniversary show achieved that democratic, membership-driven approach. “Everybody’s display was nice, and they weren’t necessarily very elaborate. They

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NBF Bed Show 2019 were quite straightforward and simple, but everybody liked them. And nobody looked like the poor relation. I really felt we’d achieved that. “Everybody was putting their best foot forward, but in a reasonable controlled manner in keeping with the nature of the show.”

use the show as their launch platform for new concepts and ranges for the months and years to come. It’s a key part of the calendar in the bed industry now. So, all in all, we were very pleased with the event!”

w www.bedshow.co.uk

She concludes: “I think many of the leading manufacturers now

Bed Show award winners

This year’s winners were J. Mars hall 4 by Vispring for Bed of the Year ; Vitafoam with FReefoam for Inno vation of the Year; Cortec by Harrison Spinks for Component of the Year; Dre ams for National Bed Retailer of the Year ; Mattress Online for Pure Online Bed Retailer of the Year and North East -based Linthorpe Beds for Independent Bed Retailer of the Year.

Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth hosted the Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony, while Queen tribute act Flash entertained guests November 2019 | 65

B E D S F E A T U R E |M A M M O T H BEDS

Move collection

HEALTHY SLEEP Mammoth is on a mission to make our sleep better and healthier, with innovative technologies increasingly attainable. In just 10 years, Mammoth has developed a trusted brand, with its products now on hundreds of shop floors around the country, including Furniture Village, Barker and Stonehouse, and Bensons for Beds. “Our sleep and comfort technologies have influenced the market enormously,” comments John Tuton, Mammoth founder and chief executive. “There is a huge appetite for what Mammoth does with our trade customers. Our next-generation mattresses, featuring our pioneering sleep and comfort technologies, mean our customers benefit from products specifically designed to do you good.” November 2019 | 66

Innovation and the scientific testing is integral to Mammoth, as John explains: “Our Medical Grade foam and PostureCell technologies were designed specifically to improve comfort, health and wellbeing, and, ultimately, help people enjoy better sleep. “For us, it was important to have the scientific evidence to back up our claims and Mammoth was the first company to test a mattress in relation to sleep, over and above the statutory requirements around fire retardancy and longevity. We worked with some of the country’s finest sleep experts at Northumbria University’s Centre for Sleep Research to carry out a rigorous ‘Better Sleep’ Analysis.”

The study was intended to determine whether sleeping on Mammoth’s Medical Grade foam and PostureCell mattress increased sleep performance compared to a typical night of sleep at home. The independent researchers looked at three factors: sleep onset latency (how quickly it took to get off to sleep), sleep efficiency (how efficient sleep was) and the number of awakenings (how many times the individual woke up). John says: “The results showed that sleep efficiency was significantly better and participants in the study reported more enjoyable sleep on a Mammoth mattress compared to their typical night’s sleep.”

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SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE TO BACK

John adds: “Our wind-down routine is very personal to each of us and there is a growing trend for people choosing an adjustable bed to relax in bed, read and unwind as part of the whole slumber process.

The new Mammoth range includes adjustable settings available for greater comfort and support, and options such as an infrared wireless handset and a massage system, and the bed has a range of contemporary fabrics and handcrafted upholstered headboard options. The company’s 2020 retail bricks and mortar collection is now complete, with Move set to be on shop floors at the back end of this year. As John concludes: “The introduction of the full collection has simplified the buying process for people, strengthened our consumer proposition and made our leading technologies available at a broader range of price points. We’re in an exciting period of growth, thanks to a strengthened team, resource and capacity.

UP OUR CLAIMS AND MAMMOTH WAS THE

Above and below: Move adjustable bed

FIRST COMPANY

TO TEST A MATTRESS IN RELATION TO SLEEP,

OVER AND ABOVE

THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS AROUND FIRE RETARDANCY AND LONGEVITY.” Move collection

“We have plans to grow Mammoth internationally as there is a big appetite for what we do overseas. We have had early success in Asia and the United Arab Emirates, which is organic, and we plan to build on our strategy in the coming months and execute next year.”

w mammothcomfort.com November 2019 | 67

BEDS

“IT WAS IMPORTANT TO HAVE THE

In addition, the Move range helps alleviate aches and pains, and enables older people or people with mobility issues to be more independent, comfortable and enjoy ample rest. Indeed, further testing with SATRA showed that Mammoth’s Medical Grade foam delivered 46% greater pressure relief than standard memory foam, with 33% faster cooling than standard memory foam.

“With Move, Mammoth recognises we all have busy lives and, for many people, our pre-slumber routine is incredibly important and part of our leisure and relaxation time, helping to calm us before we go to sleep. Rather than stuffing pillows behind our heads and trying in vain to get comfortable, the ergonomics of the Move bed intuitively adjusts to our bodies and physical make-up.”

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B E D S 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 / H A R R I S O N S P I N K S BEDS

Meet Richard Richard Essery, from Harrison Spinks, features in our People Behind The Products series and says recyclability is the future!

November 2019 | 68

also our external sales of springs and fillings. Can you give a brief background on yourself? I have a metallurgical background. Most of my career has been spent in wire production or related products of some kind. Before joining Simon at Harrison Spinks I was managing

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How long have you been in your current role? I’ve worked at Harrison Spinks for approximately six and a half years. The first six months of my employment I spent within the development team, working on micro coil developments. After a very short period of time I took the role of managing director of our components business — looking after everything that makes our luxury beds and

sery Name... Richard Es Director Job role... Managing Spinks Product Company... Harrison and Group Operations

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Can you describe your current role and responsibilities? I’m managing director of Harrison Spinks Products and Group Operations. So basically, I look after all component manufacture (from the farm to spring and machine manufacture) and also bed assembly operations. I also sit on the main board and, therefore, direct strategy.

director of Leggett and Platt UK. Whilst working at Leggett I built two large wire mills, one in Croatia and one in the UK. This stood me in good stead for my first big project for Harrison Spinks.

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I would also say the variability of what I do. We are the most vertically integrated bed/ mattress manufacturer in the world, so I can go from farming to heavy industry in a single morning. What is the most challenging? Due to the extent of vertical integration at Harrison Spinks I must have a pretty good knowledge of all parts and processes in the business. I can honestly say I never thought I would be running a farm or weaving tick before joining the company. It’s been a pretty steep learning curve and we do things and make decisions at quite a pace. Most bed manufacturers are purely assembly plants, buying in components and assembling on a production line. We are very different — a comment we get back regularly after conducting tours is how complex our processes and logistics are; it’s like visiting several plants in one. Can you describe your typical working day? Obviously with my role I’m mainly focused on the direction and strategy we take. I also

spend a lot of my time on spring innovation and have my name on several patents. I get involved with customers and suppliers on a regular basis. Being a global supplier of springs and fillings can mean a fair bit of travel. I spend about half a day a week at our farm; growing hemp has become a bit of an obsession. We also have a wire plant on the British Steel site in Scunthorpe, which I visit several times a month. I’m not sure any of my days would be classed as “typical” really. What would you say pulled you into wanting a career in the furnishing industry? In my previous job I was a components supplier to the industry. It was probably more to do with meeting Simons Spinks that was the draw, not the industry itself. We both have a fascination with innovation, but also where we think the industry should be focused. Can you share something your coworkers may not know about you? Everyone knows I’m a very proud Welshman, but they might not know that my great grandfather was actually a Yorkshireman. Or that when I was a lot younger I was also a pretty good artist and won quite a few awards (a lot of my family are artistic too)! What are your favourite things in life? I love to cook and, living in North Yorkshire, cycling is something I really enjoy. Obviously also spending time with my son — and combining all three. »

Caption

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BEDS

“I’VE STILL GOT QUITE A FEW YEARS LEFT IN THE INDUSTRY BUT, BEFORE I FINALLY FINISH, I WOULD LIKE TO LEAVE SOMETHING POSITIVE THAT IMPROVES COMFORT/ HEALTH AND ISN’T A DRAIN ON OUR ENVIRONMENT.”

What is the best thing about your role? Several things, most importantly the people I work with. We have a great team at Harrison Spinks and are very close. Being a family business, the management style is quite different. I’m given a pretty free rein to run the business as I see fit, which is very different from a large corporation.

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Do you have any career highlights that spring to mind? SPRING to mind! Well yes. As I stated earlier, November 2019 | 70

s testament to my team really, not just me.

What are your future ambitions? I’ve still got quite a few years left in the industry before I retire but, before I finally finish, I would like to leave something positive that improves comfort/health and isn’t a drain on our environment. Pocket Springs were invented a long time ago and still make the best mattress and comfort solution. Our intention is to reinvent the mattress/furniture comfort core with something completely recyclable. Do you have any furnishing industry icons you admire? If I just look at our industry, I would have to say Simon Spinks. Harrison Spinks’ products really do stand out in the industry and we are certainly leading the way in terms of recyclability. We’re also recognised globally for spring innovation; we are certainly world leaders. It’s really Simon’s obsession that’s led to this.

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B ple eh

since joining Harrison Spinks I/we have been very proactive and registered several patents for spring products and spring making equipment, which I’m very proud of. In previous roles I also built some pretty big wire installations. Looking back to when I started in the industry, I never thought I would lead such large technical projects with such large investments. To this day it still really amazes me that I’m trusted to spend such large amounts of money, but I think that’s

What is your favourite piece of furniture and why? I can’t really say that I have a favourite piece of furniture. I’m a bit of a neat freak, bordering on obsessive, so I like clean lines. I guess if I was pushed, I would probably say my kitchen, which I designed and fitted myself. What do you love about the furniture industry? It’s fantastic to work in an industry that makes such beautiful handmade products, especially as my background is really pretty heavy industry. It’s also rewarding to be giving the public a bit of luxury that has positive health benefits. The

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w www.harrisonspinks.co.uk

The same can be said of my current role — I’m not really a typical managing director, I really enjoy taking the lead on technical innovation rather than employing someone to do it.

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.

There is also quite a push to reduce foam in beds and upholstery. We recently launched our Cortec™ spring product in our mattresses and, at some point, will sell to the market once we have capacity. It also makes a fantastic seat cushion, with no loss of loft,

If you weren’t working in the industry, what would you be doing? Being perfectly honest I have no clue; I fell into the wire industry at a very young age by pure accident. I’m really a bit of a techy so it suited me.

And finally, if you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Driven, obsessive, optimistic.

What industry trends are you seeing at the moment? And what future trends do you see coming? We are seeing more environmentally-friendly fire-retardant treatments. There are a few different options — we have our own version, which we launched a few years ago. This is very positive.

Did you know Cabinet Maker has been established since 1880? How long have you been reading the magazine? Yes, I did, I’ve probably been reading it for at least 15 years.

If I was not employed at Harrison Spinks now, I would probably go into property development or maybe become a cook!

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What could be improved to make the industry better in your opinion? Tighter control —- we don’t all work to the same standards. I also think we all need to be focused on end of life. We should all be doing our part to continually improve recycling and reduce packaging.

and is completely recyclable. Recyclability is the future.

Peo

benefits of a good night’s sleep have been very well publicised of late. I’m lucky enough to get development beds on a regular basis — and I still get excited. But that can be said for any quality piece of furniture. They tend to be fairly big-ticket items and a long-term investment you get attached to.

November 2019 | 71

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

Autumn

DECADE of

Find out why the 2019 NBF Bed Show was a special one for renowned bedmaker Breasley. East Midlands-based, family-run firm Breasley went to the annual showcase for the bed industry, the NBF Bed Show, with a landmark to celebrate and a new look for a favourite range to unveil. Said Breasley’s head of marketing, Clare Taylor: “This year marked a decade since Breasley launched its Salus range. This was a big deal for the company back in 2009 — up until then we had been largely known November 2019 | 72

for manufacturing white label mattresses, producing pillows and as a foam converter. “Salus represented Breasley’s entry into the bed market with its own brand and quickly became a firm favourite with customers. Aimed at independents, retailers loved the brand as it offered a top-quality bed at an accessible price. Ten years on and Breasley felt it was time

to give Salus an update while retaining the quality and value principles of the original collection. Clare continued: “In 2019 we decided it was time to move Salus on to the next level. We wanted to show and develop Salus’s indisputable high-end credentials and to reflect the luxury of the line, which our customers know and expect. To mark the 10th birthday of Salus, we went for

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Cypress

Samphire

a total rebrand and used the opportunity to refresh the range to incorporate advances in comfort and style. We created the most stylish and comfortable Salus beds ever with new branding to match.”

The new-look collection features two of Breasley’s unique technologies, Viscoool and the ‘Salus Comfort’ layer, and makes use of natural fibres to offer the best in deep harmonious sleep.

New-look Salus was launched at the Bed Show in Telford to great acclaim. A publicity campaign ahead of the show ensured there was plenty of interest in the stand and the beds on it.

Viscoool is Breasley’s luxurious, pressure relieving, breathable, next generation memory foam made from sustainable and natural soybean oil. The ‘Salus Comfort’ layer brings increased softness and indulgence.

Clare said: “I think it is safe to say that the new Salus branding was really well received by our retailers, who were impressed with the collection, and the stand itself received many compliments.

To maintain a hygienic sleep environment all eight mattresses in the Salus range are also treated with Breasley ProGuard to help regulate body temperature, fight bacteria and inhibit house dust mites.

“We were proud to present the range. A great deal of thought and love went into the rebrand and our feedback from the show points to a bright future for Salus.

Top of the new-look Salus range is Samphire, combining Viscoool, ‘Salus Comfort’ layer, a 3,900 dual layer pocket spring system and deep quilted pillow top cover. The sleep surface features integral natural fibres of lambswool, bamboo, alpaca and pashmina to complete the luxurious feel of the bed.

“At a time of economic uncertainty where many manufacturers are taking a more cautious approach, Breasley’s investment in its flagship brand is good news for the sector.”

Other models are Ilex, Topaz, Autumn, Tawny, Iris, Fern and Cypress. All are available on a range of Breasley base options, including the

innovative ottoman, which hinges at the head end to create maximum storage. The refreshed branding evokes Salus, the Roman goddess of wellbeing and the inspiration behind the eye-catching new logo. Its attractive, softer pastel branding reflects a product that appeals to a younger target demographic. Salus is available in 16 inspiring, contemporary colour and fabric choices. The mattresses in the range come in four sizes. All mattresses are fitted with electronic RFID tags, allowing full manufacturing traceability. To finish, mattresses are wrapped in regranulated polythene, reducing the product’s carbon footprint. All Salus mattresses come with a 10-year guarantee and are backed by the expertise and reputation for quality and customer care, which Breasley has developed throughout 44 years in business. As well as reporting strong sales across the Salus collection, Breasley’s Uno bed-in-a-box range was a popular bedfellow to the premier brand on the stand. Uno was one of the first in its sector as Breasley was a UK pioneer in the boxed and rolled market. Clare said: “Uno was the first and is still the best. Breasley is constantly at the forefront of innovation to improve the quality of the rolled and boxed mattresses that we produce.” Brook + Wilde Elite, which Breasley produces exclusively, also performed well with strong interest from visitors to the show. Both Uno and Brook + Wilde offer exceptional quality and luxury and are market leaders.

w www.breasley.co.uk Topaz November 2019 | 73

B E D S F E A T U R E |V I T A T A L A L A Y BEDS

Victor Garcia, responsible at Vita Talalay for the UK market, reveals its recent Bed Show success.

James Keen, pictured together with Victor Garcia from Vita Talalay, discuss the non-toxic off-gassing

SUSTAINABLE Sustainability and traceability are becoming key factors when consumers are making their decision to buy. A more eco-savvy shopper means that businesses across all industries need to be open in being completely transparent. None more so than the beds industry. They say people spend around one third of one’s life in bed. To put that into some context, if you live to 75 years, that’s 25 years asleep — if you’re lucky enough to achieve the average eight hours of sleep a night. In other terms, that’s more than 9,000 days asleep — health and wellbeing. Not only is being a sustainable bed business good for the environment, but it is also good for the person sleeping too. Vita Talalay and Hypnos have taken their sustainable offering to the next level and proudly displayed the result at the recent November 2019 | 74

NBF Bed Show. As part of Hypnos’ new line, Wool Origins, Vita Talalay latex forms part of sustainable natural fillings that make up the mattress. Victor Garcia, responsible at Vita Talalay for the UK market, explained: “Health and wellbeing is very important to us and for Hypnos, which is why the partnership is perfect. “The demand for safe, responsibly-made products is high on the agenda for Hypnos and with their new line they sourced traceable wool, and other sustainable natural fillings, without the need for synthetic flame retardants.” The reaction at the show was, as you can probably guess, ‘extremely positive’, with the Origins Collection highlighting the groundwork that has gone into the product, offering superior levels of being able to prove sustainable practices and, of course, comfort.

Furthermore, Hypnos has taken the next step in its commitment to sustainability by partnering with Red Tractor Food and Farming standards in an industry first that helped the brand create the Origins Collection. What this means is that the mattresses use the most responsibly-sourced materials possible, including 100% British wool that’s traceable right back to Red Tractor-assured farms. This is an equal benefit to Vita Talalay as the story of sustainability across all materials is backed up. With the wool taken care of, how does Vita Talalay’s Natural Cradle to Cradle® philosophy actually work? Victor reveals: “One of the highlights so far has been the patented recipe for Natural Vita Talalay, which was developed in 2012 and ruled out any possible highly problematic substances.”

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Vita Talalay was on show at the Bed Show within Smeaton Brothers and Hypnos new collections The sentiment was echoed by Richard Naylor, newly-appointed sustainable development director at Hypnos, who said: “We are committed to using environmentallyfriendly materials of the highest quality. It requires suppliers who can deliver the best materials that are also very sustainable. They include wool, cotton and latex. Vita Talalay latex was chosen because it provides superb comfort, and is made with pure natural latex and natural fire-retardants that meet the most stringent legislation and third party certifications. “For instance, their patented recipe meets Cradle to Cradle Gold requirements and avoids all the types of bad toxins that could be damaging to humans or the environment. Their Eco-Institut certification testifies there is zero toxicity. This also means there is nothing harmful off-gassing when you sleep on their latex.” The technology behind Vita Talalay is soft yet supportive, natural, clean of toxins and highly breathable that will only benefit the consumer. Smeaton Brothers were also in positive voice and presented several mattresses with Vita Talalay latex inside during the Bed Show. Smeaton Brothers said that due to the Vita Talalay latex being 100% chemical free, it proved a real success at last month’s event. Steve Congreve, sales director at Smeaton Brothers, added: “We have worked together with Vita Talalay for more than 20 years and this includes a number of products. Talalay has good resilience and it creates a luxurious feel. “With Smeaton Brothers beds we use natural fabrics and fillings, which includes Natural Talalay. Customers are asking for chemicalfree products so we have responded to this demand. A couple of years ago we changed our fabric to a chemical free one, and now

use Natural Vita Talalay as it is made with natural latex and natural graphite. “We also use Talalay latex for our pillows that are a big success. Here it is essential that the pillows are chemical free too.” Smeaton Brothers said that stores feel strongly about not selling something that can cause harmful off-gassing and that Vita Talalay adds an additional benefit to the mattress. Not only that, but the brand is offering all the tools to help sell the benefits and, more importantly, to help businesses ‘keep winning’ against other sustainable claims that cannot be backed up. With Vita Talalay latex offering a traceable, sustainable and eco-alternative, it comes as no shock that the innovation is proving to be ‘very popular’. In a parting statement, Victor reaffirmed its position and said that Vita Talalay wants to be ‘a selling argument’ for each mattress or pillow that helps and educates the consumer on its natural properties. Having such a clear USP will no doubt help drive its philosophy into the homes of customers, but also do its bit to help save the planet.

w www.vitatalalay.com w www.hypnosbeds.com w www.smeatonbrothers.co.uk

“THE DEMAND FOR SAFE,

RESPONSIBLY-MADE

PRODUCTS IS HIGH ON THE AGENDA FOR HYPNOS AND WITH THEIR NEW LINE THEY SOURCED TRACEABLE WOOL, AND OTHER

SUSTAINABLE NATURAL FILLINGS , WITHOUT THE NEED FOR SYNTHETIC FLAME RETARDANTS.”

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NOT run of

the mill! Cabinet Maker looks back on the successful Long Eaton Guild Autumn Long Point exhibition at Harrington Mills in Long Eaton

When Cabinet Maker attended the Autumn Long Point Show, it was the day the High Court was due to rule on whether or not the Government had acted illegally on the Brexitrelated (or not) proroguing of Parliament. A grey day of uncertainty, with rain lashing down, people in Long Eaton were dashing about, brollies and coats in action on an Autumnal day. But, stepping inside the premises of those taking part in Long Point, and the focus was firmly on doing business. A tell-tale sign of how busy it was came in

Autumn Long Point the car park at Harrington Mills — there was hardly a space left. Furthermore, as you made your way around the various showrooms, meetings were being held. Paperwork was out. Deals and further meetings were being set up. Conversations were taking place. The welcoming reception was a place to collect a map and set about on a tour of several of the businesses. Long Point, organised by The Long Eaton Guild, is an opportunity to work together as a community of furniture-related businesses

(some in competition with each other) to promote the area’s unrivalled expertise in furniture making. From talking to different businesses, this ethos was evident. People in the industry are rightly proud of what the area has achieved, and plans to continue to achieve. But businesses were there also to do business and build relationships with existing customers and potential new ones, and to showcase their products. So, how did they get on? Gascoigne Designs had their best ever

F E A T U R E |A U T U M N L O N G P O I N T FEATURES

“THIS LONG POINT WAS A VERY SPECIAL SHOW FOR US AS WE USED IT TO LAUNCH OUR CHANGE OF NAME ... WE ARE EXCITED FOR THE NEXT PHASE OF OUR DEVELOPMENT.” — Hunter Knight

The mill is a superb setting for Long Point.

Long Point Exhibition. David Gascoigne told Cabinet Maker: “It really was the best for Gascoigne Designs, and amazingly we have continued the interest over the following weeks to gain many more additional orders —

Autumn Long Point and hopefully I’m not finished at this point. “I’m still awaiting several orders but significantly they could be two of the largest single orders taken. Whilst I know they are after Long Point, they are orders with their interest placed during the show.” And he added: “The exhibition has provided so much and I hope to continue the success into January on the back of what we have already achieved. The interest has been amazing and I am confident of this continuing into the January Furniture Show. “We continue to work extensively to achieve and this appears to have been noticed. I’m really excited and looking forward to a rewarding 2020, where I feel we can potentially double our turnover, analysing over several areas of the business.” It was also a special Long Point for Hunter Knight, formerly The David Knight Collection. The company told Cabinet Maker: “This Long Point was a very special show for us as we used it to launch our change of name and formally welcome Ben Hunter, who has joined us as a new director. “We are very excited for the next phase of our development as a company.

November 2019 | 78

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Andrew Mitchell talking to Cabinet Maker during Long Point

Carlton Furniture, a mix of styles

event, alongside well-established Burr Walnut collections.

“To this end, we showed some new, bespoke pieces, which generated a large amount of interest from our visitors, and we look forward to developing some new projects arising from this.”

Passionate about bringing their creative vision to life, G Plan was delighted to exhibit at Long Point, in tandem with their Baslow show this year.

And they added: “A successful show was rounded off by one of our existing customers winning the (Long Point prize) stay at the Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.”

Continuing their design innovation, three new models each offer the perfect blend of style and function. The contemporary lines of Seattle are complemented by contrast top-stitched leather and USB charging options, while the indulgent comfort of Hatton offers a unique combination of power footrest with a choice of cushion or pillow-back.

Award-winning bedroom manufacturer Wiemann also reported a successful few days at the Autumn Long Point exhibition. Wiemann’s permanent showroom on the first floor had a display of its collections, ranging from entry level to top-quality VIP and semi-solid wood.

Complementing the range, the stylish Flint accent chair is available in a wide range of beautiful fabrics and an optional swivel base, with power footrest for the ultimate in relaxation.

Simon Hewitt, managing director of Wiemann’s UK agent, Litmus Furniture, reported: “We had an excellent Autumn Long Point. The show was very busy with a great number of interested buyers.

popular option for many retailers.”

“We had a number of enquiries for both our Loft and Berlin (slider) ranges in on-trend pebble grey. Monaco also proved to be a

Iain James Furniture showcased several new pieces of Rosewood, including a striking new Credenza with Ebony inlays at this year’s

Westbridge Furniture Designs said Long Point is “always a great opportunity to spend a little extra time with customers, reviewing new and existing models in the beautiful surroundings of Harrington Mill.” » November 2019 | 79

F E A T U R E |A U T U M N L O N G P O I N T FEATURES

Pictured are Rob Walker, of Orbital Vision; Iain Mitchell, of Iain James Furniture; David Gascoigne, of Gascoigne’ Designs; Clive KenyonBrown, of Duresta; Paul Gundry, of David Gundry; Maggie Throup MP; Andrew Mitchell, of Artistic Upholstery and chairman of Long Eaton Guild; and Suzanne O’Flynn, of Sankey Furniture

The Parker Knoll display was a highlight for many, as it proudly boasted its heritage and its latest designs November 2019 | 80

“AS EXPECTED, THE EXHIBITION ATTRACTED

HIGH-END BUYERS FROM ACROSS THE UK, AND PLANS ARE IN PLACE TO EXTEND THE RANGE ON OFFER AT FUTURE EVENTS.”

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Westbridge told us: “This year we had great success with the new Solace model, a voluptuous, grand scale corner group. A Long Point special fabric and price teamed with incredible comfort made it hard to resist. It’s all about vibrant colours and the multicoloured swatch doesn’t disappoint. “We are now gearing up for a fantastic NEC show with some exciting new launches, and our order book is still open for pre-Christmas orders, so it’s all go go go at Westbridge.” Andrew Mitchell, of Artistic Upholstery, and also chairman of The Long Eaton

Autumn Long Point Guild, commented: “Visitors to Long Point was brisk, with many exhibitors reporting exceptional orders. As expected, the exhibition attracted high-end buyers from across the UK, and plans are in place to extend the range on offer at future events.” He also said that he was pleased to announce that Parker Knoll, Collins and Hayes, and Siren Furniture had now joined the guild as Associate Members.

At the dinner for the event, the winner of the Long Point prize (for overnight accommodation and dinner at Raymond Blanc’s Belmond Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons Hotel and Restaurant) was Sue Calvert, of Calverts Furniture, of Taunton and Penzance. The lucky dip was drawn by Maggie Throup MP, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group.

w www.longeatonguild.co.uk

The contemporary lines of Seattle, from G Plan

Iain James showcased several new pieces of Rosewood, including a striking new Cred enza with Ebony inlays, alongside well-established Burr Walnut collections November 2019 | 81

JANUARY FURNITURE SHOW

FEATURES

16th November November 20192018 | 82| 22

F E A T U R E |J A N U A R Y F U R N I T U R E S H O W

The

BEST of

A look ahead at the upcoming January Furniture Show where British brands remain on point for 2020.

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“WE HAVE A FULL COMPLEMENT OF

PRESTIGIOUS BRITISH COMPANIES

Furmanac

January Furniture Show, 2020 An essential component of the UK’s economy, furniture, bed and furnishings manufacturing in the UK is worth £17.5billion per annum and collectively employs 338,000 people throughout the UK.

“Synonymous with quality, style, outstanding design and craftsmanship, British Furniture is held in high esteem throughout the world,” says Cleere Scamell, January Furniture Show event director.

January Furniture Show is the UK’s premier furniture and interiors event and is the best place to see the greatest concentration of the ‘Best of British’.

“The mix of designs and inventiveness on show from British companies is second to none.

Birmingham’s NEC — will once again host JFS in 2020, with the four-day trade show running from 19th-22nd January.

“We have a full complement of prestigious British companies in upholstery, beds, cabinet and accessories showing at JFS in 2020 and we are proud to provide the optimum arena for them to display their »

IN UPHOLSTERY, BEDS, CABINET AND ACCESSORIES SHOWING AT JFS IN 2020 AND WE ARE PROUD TO PROVIDE THE OPTIMUM ARENA FOR THEM TO DISPLAY THEIR INGENUITY, CREATIVITY AND DESIRABLE FURNITURE.”

ercol November 2019 | 83

F E A T U R E |J A N U A R Y F U R N I T U R E S H O W FEATURES

G Plan Upholstery ingenuity, creativity and desirable furniture.â&#x20AC;? Partnering January Furniture Show, the BFM (British Furniture Manufacturers Association) will promote and represent their members at JFS â&#x20AC;&#x201D; many of whom are household names with Ashley Manor, Buoyant, Duresta, G Plan Upholstery, Gallery Direct, ercol, Furmanac, Highgrove Beds, Lebus, Parker Knoll, Silentnight, Sherborne, Tetrad, Westbridge and Whitemeadow being just some of the big names among them.

January Furniture Show, 2020 expertise in making traditional British designs look brand new with their Heritage, Harris Tweed and Signature collections. For more than 50 years they have pushed the boundaries with form and fabric choices. Equally at ease with producing traditional shapes dressed in tweed, they also produce ultra-modern styles in vibrant colours as they smoothly blend textures and materials.

Sherborne Upholstery has nearly 90 years of British furniture manufacturing tradition behind them. Holding their destination spot in Hall 5, they will present their considerable collection of cleverly-engineered practical seating and beds, designed with relaxation in mind. Recliner chairs, settees, fireside chairs and stylish adjustable beds will all be on show.

Regular exhibitors Tetrad have huge

Whitemeadow November 2019 | 84

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Sherborne Upholstery Family business Furmanac has a 50-year history and a passion for creating high-quality beds and chairs, designed to provide superior levels of comfort. The UK’s largest adjustable bed manufacturer and an industry leader in ‘lift and recline’ chairs, Furmanac is another destination stand in Hall 5, where visitors will be able to see the latest models in their Hestia, MiChair and MiBed collections. ercol are one of the most recognisable names in British furniture manufacturing and celebrate their centenary in 2020. Combining function with beauty and expert craftmanship, their cabinet collections stay not only current but desireable too. Their stand in Hall 1 will be curated with precision and full of modern designs with a traditional echo. British manufacturing talent and expertise will be on display throughout the five halls of January Furniture Show — particularly in beds, mattresses and upholstery. Many of our long-established companies continually develop and invest in new technology, delivering refined and high calibre furniture. To register and see the full exhibitor list for JFS 2020 please go to:

w www.januaryfurnitureshow.com

Save the date

January Furniture Show is the UK’s mustattend furniture and interiors event. This is where serious buyers and exhibitors come together to do business in the heart of the UK. When? 19th-22nd January, 2020 Where? NEC, Birmingham Contact? Email info@ januaryfurnitureshow.com or call +44 (0)20 7384 8211 How to get there? By car — Follow the signs from all major routes including the M42, M40 and M6 motorways. Postcode: B40 1NT. Parking is free for visitors and exhibitors, and there are more than 16,500 parking spaces. Free shuttle buses will drop you to the nearest entrance, or you can follow the signposted footpaths. By train — The NEC is just minutes’ walk from Birmingham International train station, connected by a covered bridgelink. By plane — The NEC is connected to Birmingham International Airport by a free and fast air-rail link to Birmingham International train station.

Tetrad

“BRITISH MANUFACTURING

TALENT AND EXPERTISE WILL BE ON DISPLAY THROUGHOUT THE FIVE HALLS OF JANUARY

FURNITURE SHOW — PARTICULARLY IN BEDS,

MATTRESSES AND UPHOLSTERY .”

November 2019 | 85

F E A T U R E |T H E A U T U M N F U R N I T U R E S H O W FEATURES

HTL managing director Mark Flint

Under

1 roof

Cabinet Maker looks back on its visit to The Autumn Furniture Show as it celebrated its sixth year

Ask the people behind The Autumn Furniture Show what they hoped to achieve with their event, and they will tell you that it was all about getting exhibitors and retailers talking to each other under one roof. This they achieved at the most recent event, which took place at Stoneleigh Park Exhibition Centre, near Kenilworth on 1st and 2nd October. Organised and managed by Minerva Furniture Group Limited, the idea is to create an environment in which meaningful conversations can take place. In an industry that has a number of shows November 2019 | 86

though, Minerva rightly realised they needed to do more to attract the right numbers of the right people to its Autumn show. So it gave the show its own website, and specific marketing and branding, and opened up to people who were not members of the Minerva group. But, as they say, the proof is in the pudding; did it work? According to Roy Beagent, group business manager, it’s a resounding yes. “We have seen an increase in footfall, and buyers from other companies have been registered to attend,” says Roy.

“I’m happy with how the exhibition went, and we got a lot of very favourable feedback afterwards too. We’ve certainly made it a firm favourite on the industry calendar. “We’ve had a number of international visitors, manufacturers from overseas, and people wanting to work with Minerva in the future.” Roy and his team are clearly confident as they have already signed up for the next three years at the exhibition centre. And it’s easy to see why. It’s certainly a good venue; from the welcoming car park attendants, to the welcome desk itself and the café, the venue is a winner. And you get

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FIRM FAVOURITE ON THE INDUSTRY CALENDAR.”

— Roy Beagent, Minerva Furniture Group business manager

iture Adam Green, from Carlton Furn

FEATURES

“I’M HAPPY WITH HOW THE EXHIBITION WENT, AND WE GOT A LOT OF VERY FAVOURABLE FEEDBACK . WE’VE CERTAINLY MADE IT A

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a token for lunch too. It’s only a small thing, but it’s welcome. Tim Morgan, a director at Hafren Furnishers Ltd, travelled from Wales for the show, together with Paul Morgan. Established in 1965, Hafren Furnishers claims to now be Wales’ largest furniture store. Tim told Cabinet Maker: “It’s a good opportunity to see a large number of suppliers under one roof, and we can network and exchange ideas with fellow buyers.” Over on the HTL stand, managing director Mark Flint was enjoying the show, and said that all of the stock models had been sold. Wayne Hollis, managing director at Nottinghamshire-based Celebrity Motion Furniture Ltd, was on his company’s stand. He said that Celebrity had undergone significant changes over the past 12 months.

Wayne Hunt, of OCR Recycling Equipment

This show, he added, was an opportunity to talk with retailers, and have those “good conversations”. He said: “We’re a business that listens, so it’s good to talk with retailers and get feedback.” And Wayne then hinted that Celebrity had a number of new products coming up, so it will be a case of watch this space. »

Angela Shenton highlighted Hypnos Beds’ Royal Warrant and its partnership with the Red Tractor Scheme November 2019 | 87

F E A T U R E |T H E A U T U M N F U R N I T U R E S H O W FEATURES

LEFT: Eco was proud to be showcasing its eye-catching designs ABOVE: Maarten Van Eden, from Corndell Furniture

particularly good one, and he was proud to show off some of the new adjustable beds and an Ottoman.

Angela Shenton, national retail sales manager at Hypnos Beds, was deep in discussion with people visiting the Hypnos stand. She spoke about the heritage of the brand, and the family business ethos of the company, with Peter Keen at the helm (despite his business card saying ‘Soon to be retired chairman’. Particularly proud of the British brand, Angela also highlighted the Royal Warrant, and the fact that the company was working in partnership with the Red Tractor scheme, showing the true commitment to industry. Oxfordshire-based Corndell Quality Furniture showcased St James, a relatively new range that allows people to “mix things up”.

representing OCR Recycling Equipment. He was putting his waste balers, compactors and recycling equipment in front of manufacturers and independent retailers. Furmanac displayed some of the products from “the UK’s largest adjustable bed manufacturer and industry leader of lift and recline chairs”. Philip George, national sales manager, told Cabinet Maker that the show had been a

Carlton Furniture, fresh from the Long Point event in Long Eaton, was showcasing its take on furniture. Adam Green, customer experience manager, reported that it had been a busy show, a successful one. He said: “From conversations, it’s been massively beneficial for us to be have been at the show.” In particular, catching the eye was the new Tambour range, a contemporary twist on designs, with the coffee table and lamp table

The company also showed its Woodstock range. An interesting aspect of this is that the range is designed especially for smaller homes. Maarten Van Eden, a director at the company, said: “We like this show, although it is not as busy as Birmingham there’s always a certain loyalty about it and we always do business.” Sharif Ahmad, sales director at Wembleybased Eco Furniture, said that the show was a great way for his business to showcase its range of mirrored furniture and accessories. When asked about why he attends, he replied: “It gives us exposure to Minerva Group members.” As a reflection of the varied range of exhibitors, Wayne Hunt had a stand, November 2019 | 88

The Harrison Spinks stand told the history of the brand

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FEATURES

“WE HAD A NUMBER OF INTERNATIONAL VISITORS, MANUFACTURERS FROM OVERSEAS, AND PEOPLE WANTING

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Peter Keen, chairman of Hypnos Beds, with Susan Burnett, from Now To Bed, a major stockist of Hypnos

TO WORK WITH MINERVA IN THE FUTURE.”

— Roy Beagent, Minerva Furniture Group business manager

For a trade show to be successful, it has to have the new products and the innovations, but it also has to have the right people talking to the right people, building relationships and taking things forward. The Autumn Furniture Show — which will be held on 6th and 7th October in 2020 —

proving popular. Additionally, the new Liberty bedroom range was being showcased, and reportedly “doing very well”.

seemed to have all of this in abundance and is a firm favourite on the calendar, particularly as it is clearly more than just about Minerva Group members.

w www.theautumnfurnitureshow.co.uk Facebook @Theautumnfurnitureshow Twitter @a_furnitureshow

Philip George, from Furmanac, proudly shows the company’s innovative products

The Harrison Spinks stand was about telling the history of the brand, looking back at when it first started. But there are new chapters in its history all the time, shown by the range developed in conjunction with Adam Henson, the popular farmer and TV presenter. Going forward is about doing new things and also making things even better than they were before. Steve Brougham, sales director at Harrison Spinks showed off the spring technology in mattresses, which, because of the way it is manufactured, also helps reduce impact on the environment. All in all, the Autumn Furniture Show was deemed to be a success, with people already looking forward to future events. November 2019 | 89

F E A T U R E |E S P R I T M U E B L E FEATURE

Power Paris of

The esprit Mueble show in Paris has an international flavour as well, of course, as a French feeling.

In a busy calendar of furniture events, why should the esprit Meuble in Paris in December, from 6th to 10th, be of particular note? After all, there are a lot of furniture shows, and December is a particularly busy time of year. So why go over to Paris for a show? Well, if you ask the organisers, they will immediately give you a number of good reasons — five to be precise, but a couple of those are about hospitality matters (which are actually quite good reasons to be fair!) Firstly, the show boasts more than 300 French and international brands waiting for you at the Porte de Versailles, covering everything from sofas to living rooms, and from bedding and accessories to decorations and services. It offers the chance to take a look at a whole range of sectors in the furniture industry. Secondly, say organisers, it’s where the latest trends and collections will be on display, offering a chance to “discover, exchange, compare and enrich your range of products and services”. It’s a mixed bag then — the chance to look at what people are doing, an opportunity to grow your knowledge of what’s planned for the year ahead, and look at what you could doing in your own business. And that’s the key thing for this show. Organisers firmly state that the fact that the show is in December presents the industry with a firm footing on which to start to make 2020 a success. November 2019 | 90

It might actually be, of course, that forwardthinking businesses are already well ahead of planning for making 2020 a success, particularly given uncertainties around politics and the economy, not just across the UK, but in Europe too. So, what’s the aim of the show? What’s the ethos? As the people behind the event say, it’s “exclusively reserved for professionals in the furniture sector”, including distributors, buyers, architects, decorators, journalists, students in design schools, engineers or businesses. As such, the aim is to allow all French and international players in the furniture sector to meet every year in a premium and friendly setting to exchange ideas, develop their business, and promote or discover the latest innovations, trends and collections in the field of furniture. furniture, sofas, living rooms, bedding and decorations. That’s actually quite a big aim, but as we all know, business can be a numbers game. So what are the key numbers for this event? There will be 40,000 sq metres of display space, with 147 French brands, and 153 international brands. The 2018 show had more than 10,000 visitors, with 82 per cent of those, perhaps somewhat obviously, from France.

In Bedding, there will be Hilding Anders, Technilat, Adova, Tempur, and Duvivier. Meanwhile, furniture manufacturers Celio, Minet and Resistub will be there. There is also the category “Para-Literie” for laundry, with exhibitors like Releazz, Tradition des Vosges, Belnou and Dodo. To name just a few, Agora SRL, from Italy, will be joined by Cacio, from Portugal, and NIJWIE, from The Netherlands, in the Dining Room category. VARAM, of Belgium, and Poland’s TK Lighting are just two in the Seats section, illustrating the international nature of the show. German company Lalee will be in the Decoration category, as will Spain’s Herdasa; MA SALGUEIRO, from Portugal; and Obsession, from Germany. XSENSOR Technology Corporation, from Canada, adds yet more of an international connection in the Services category. If you are planning to attend, you should obtain your badge by logging in to www. espritmeuble.com, and clicking on the Visitor Registration tab. In fact, the website does well to promote what’s going on, and the social media accounts across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are awash with previewing what people are planning to display.

w www.espritmueble.com

F U R N I T U R E

sales@iainjamesfurniture.co.uk

0115 9734481

www.iainjamesfurniture.co.uk

F E A T U R E |I N T E L L E C T U A L P R O P E R T Y FEATURES

Simon Haslam of Abel & Imray (UK and European patent attorneys) explains, on behalf of the Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA), how your business can avoid pitfalls associated with the ownership of intellectual property (IP).

Getting IP ownership

RIGHT

Why is it important? It is becoming increasingly important for many home furnishing businesses to be able to enforce their IP rights to stop third parties from “ripping off” their ideas. These IP rights include copyright, unregistered and registered design rights, trade marks and patents. Copyright protects drawings, paintings, company logos, website content and works of artistic craftsmanship (such as iconic furniture designs, like the Eames DSW chair). Unregistered and registered design rights can protect the outward appearance of a product. Patents can protect technical inventions, and registered and unregistered trade marks protect your brands. November 2019 | 92

If your business does not own its IP then it cannot sell or license the IP, or stop others from unauthorised use of the IP. You should be mindful that your company may potentially infringe the rights of third parties who own the IP. When do ownership issues arise? Ownership issues of IP often rear their heads when least expected or wanted. When you are trying to sell a business, a due diligence exercise will typically take place which will find out who owns the IP. You will have to demonstrate who owns the IP when trying to assert IP against third parties. Unsurprisingly, IP ownership disputes often arise when IP becomes valuable, and they are then often difficult to resolve.

Here are some IP ownership scenarios, which highlight some possible pitfalls. “We developed a chair ages ago. Do we own the IP?” For any IP right, you first need to identify all of the people who made some intellectual input to the IP (the designer(s), creator(s) of the copyright work or the inventor(s)). Each of those people will be the first owner of the IP, unless the IP was generated during the course of their employment, in which case the first owner will automatically be that person’s employer. It is, therefore, vital that you identify who made what contribution to the IP. Once the contributors have been identified,

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Your patent attorney or trade mark attorney will be able to advise you on how best to protect your IP outside the UK and what routes you might take to achieve that and on how to ensure that IP ownership issues are dealt with properly before they cause problems for your business.

If the company does not own the IP, then additional agreements may need to be signed. It is vital that good records are kept as to who made what contribution and who owns each of those contributions. It is advisable to have IP ownership agreements in place before work starts. Contractors, directors and consultants may well not be employees and, therefore, you cannot rely on the IP employment provisions. Appropriate agreements should be put in place with those people. “I’ve paid for a designer to design my logo and website. Surely I own the rights?” If there’s no other agreement in place, any rights (such as copyright and unregistered design right) in the logo and the website will be owned by the designer (or their employer, if the designer created the logo and website content during the course of their employment). You may have an implied licence to use the logo and website by virtue of the commissioning of the design of the logo and website, but you would not own the rights. “The company cleaner has developed a great looking cabinet in his spare time. We’re looking to make it” Assuming that the cabinet was not designed during the course of the cleaner’s employment, it is likely that the cleaner will own the rights in the cabinet. They could stop

If you would like further information on any of the points discussed, or have a query on any intellectual property matter, Simon would be happy to assist you. Email him at simon. haslam@abelimray.com you making and selling the cabinet without their permission. Maybe you should come to some sort of agreement with them? “As a one-off, we jointly designed a new high-end kitchen unit with the assistance of a local kitchen business we were in touch with. We’re a small company, but one of our UK contacts is now interested in mass producing the units for export to Europe and wants to buy the relevant rights off us. We are keen to sell the design of the kitchen unit on to them as it’s not part of our core business. However, the local kitchen business has now been taken over by one of the big players and we’ve been unable to get them to engage with us on the matter. What should I do?” Unless there is an agreement to the contrary both your company and the local kitchen business (or possibly the business that bought them out) will jointly own the rights in the kitchen unit (unregistered design rights). You cannot sell the rights in the unit without permission from the co-owner of the relevant rights.

A patent attorney local to you can be found via CIPA’s website at

www.cipa.org.uk/find-a-patentattorney

Top tips for avoiding IP ownership problems

1. Keep good records of how new designs or other copyright-protectable work s are created. 2. Ensure that any agreement on IP ownership is in writing and preferab ly signed before any IP is generated . 3. Ensure that you have agreeme nts with employees, contractors, designer s and directors, and anyone else gene rating IP. 4. Take advantage of the advice of your patent attorney or trade mark attor ney.

Make sure you avoid IP ownership issues by following the advice from CIPA November 2019 | 93

FEATURES

you need to assess the relationship of each contributor with the person or company that wants to own the IP, and any agreement in place between the contributor and the person who wants to own the IP.

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F E A T U R E |A N D Y T H O R N T O N L T D FEATURES

Jerry Hodkinson is marketing manager at Andy Thornton Ltd

SHINING

A LIGHT

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise to anyone in business that trading conditions for many are a challenge; whether it is the economic or the political decisions being made, times are tough. High streets are battling to continue to be the great British High Street, and the news in print and on TV has been seemingly inundated with stories of well-known brands going under. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an issue that particularly affects the contract furniture sector, so Cabinet Maker spoke with Jerry Hodkinson, marketing manager at Andy Thornton Ltd. November 2019 | 94

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A member of both FIRA (Furniture Industry Research Association) and LIA (Lighting Industry Association), Andy Thornton has been going for almost 45 years, and has vast experience in supplying furniture, lighting and architectural metalwork to the hospitality and retail sectors. It’s website proudly lists client names such as Nandos, Hugo Boss, University of Oxford, Calderdale Council, Morrisons and Warner Leisure Hotels, and an insightful video demonstrates its extensive product range and a team of bespoke designers. So, how has the past year been for the company? Jerry said: “This has been a tough year for everyone in the contract hospitality, workplace and retail design market. A number of major high street bar and restaurant groups have either closed, such as Jamie Olivers, or have consolidated their estate by simply closing units or entering voluntary CVAs.” But what does Jerry believes has led to this? “A number of factors have combined at the same time,” he says, “turning what were once profitable and viable bar and restaurant brand concepts into unsustainable business models. “High commercial property prices and rents, a sharp rise in world food and commodity prices, adverse currency exchange rates and the recent rises in the UK National Minimum Wage have all contributed to this negative situation. “Also, social trends have had a big impact on the hospitality sector, with people less

for a coffee rather than a beer or glass of wine,” Jerry tells Cabinet Maker.

“THERE IS STILL A GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF NEW COFFEE SHOP OPENINGS.” likely to visit pubs, bars and restaurants; they would rather stay at home with takeaways, streamed films and box sets on widescreen TVs. “This has had a negative impact on alcohol sales and a reduction in the numbers of people dining in restaurants and pubs.” He says that as the company supplies furniture, lighting and accessories to hospitality venues, it has seen an impact on sales in recent years. But, he confirms, it is not all doom and gloom; indeed, far from it. “There is still a growth in the number of new coffee shop openings as the trend is to meet

“There is also growth in the number of in-store cafés in supermarkets and retail stores and catering at transport hubs, such as airports and railway stations, is a growth area.” Jerry adds that in the retail sector in particular, the rise in proportion of online sales has meant stores, especially in small towns and cities, have lost footfall and sales, so there has been a consolidation with the weaker retailers going out of business or closing stores. Additionally, over the past 12 months Andy Thornton has invested a considerable amount of time and money on the back-end development and the customer-facing front end of its eCommerce website. And it is paying off. Online sales continue to grow and the company has concentrated on expanding the range of furniture lines it now offers. But it’s not just the way people operate that has changed. From a design point of view, there have also been changes. Andy Thornton has seen a big move away from greys and earthy neutrals for all surface finishes. Wallpaper has made a return and is back in fashion, with bright florals and geometric patterns to the fore. Jerry says: “A lot of our furniture is supplied with bespoke upholstery, and we are seeing a demand for colourful velvets in mustard, teal, deep blue and burnt orange to create dramatic interiors. Leathers and suedes continue to be popular, especially in distressed finishes. “Metal finishes, especially polished brass and copper, are popular at the moment, especially for lighting, hardware and leg and arm detail on dining and lounge chairs. “Our tin tiles, which are used on ceilings, feature walls and for cladding counters, panelling etc are still hugely popular and our new custom finishes, such as distressed white, rust and pewter are big hits.” It seems that the industry is evolving rather than changing, and will continue to do so, but there are also opportunities there for companies like Andy Thornton Ltd that have the heritage, the skills and experience, to take advantage of them.

w www.andythornton.com November 2019 | 95

FEATURES

Andy Thornton Ltd has a showroom in Greetland, near Halifax, just a short distance from Junction 24 of the M62 and equidistant from Manchester and Leeds.

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F E A T U R E |H E I M T E X T I L FEATURES

Trend Space - Towards Utopia

Designs on a

Sparkling International trade fair Heimtextil will be celebrating a big milestone in Frankfurt am Main in January. Cabinet Maker takes a look at what will be on offer.

50th

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all eyes on Heimtextil in January, which meets for the 50th time, in Frankfurt am Main. Taking place between 7th and 10th January, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tagged as the place to be for the global home textiles industry wanting to present trend-setting innovations. Organisers say that exhibitor numbers have increased year on year over the course of the past decade, from 2,469 in 2010 to 3,012 at the most recent edition earlier this year. Looking at the statistics, this growth has largely come from outside of Germany. In 2010, 2,125 companies from abroad attended, while in January 2019, this figure had increased to 2,714. It is hoped that January 2020 will see that figure surpass the 3,000 mark. November 2019 | 96

Heritage Lux - Drift sofa by Fernando Mastrangelo

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ABOVE: Textile designs - Verbeek Designs RIGHT: Sander

Olaf Schmidt, vice-president textiles and textile technologies at organisers Messe Frankfurt, said: “As before, we are seeing growth from other countries in Europe and overseas. “International manufacturers rely on Heimtextil as an attractive platform for export business and as a trendsetting launch event where they can present their new season products at the start of the year.” For the 50th edition of Heimtextil, the international trade fair for home and contract textiles will “sparkle with the world’s largest product range for textile interiors and globally

Heimtextil 2020 unique presentation of trends”. There will be individual product areas and a whole range of segments in which it is internationally leading. Organisers are celebrating the 50th anniversary with a party that will be a showcase to present “design classics from the past few decades, along with an anniversary film and other activities. And it will be a time for reflection, as Digital printing - Mimaki

Heimtextil will look at what it has achieved over the past 50 years, since 1971. Detlef Braun, chief executive of Messe Frankfurt, commented: “50 editions over the course of the past five decades are a rarely experienced phenomenon in the fast-moving global trade fair industry and are practically an eternity. “Like no other trade fair, Heimtextil stands for product variety, international clout and undisputed market leadership in the textile sector.” And he adds: “As a design show, it constantly reinvents itself, continues to present stateof-the-art home trends as it has always done and makes the furnishing trends of tomorrow tangible.” On Wednesday, 8th January, invited exhibitors and visitors will celebrate in Hall 11.1, with music and film to look back on. In Hall 9.0, Heimtextil says it will present “design classics from the past 50 years in a special showcase area”. It’s here that people will be able to take a journey through time and a tour of discovery through five decades of Heimtextil history. Interestingly, the presentation will be based on editorials from interior magazines. A series of four rooms will feature the colours, shapes, furniture and design objects from the past 50 years. A key theme for January’s show will be Textile Technologies. Organisers say that from “Big Data to Big Business, Heimtextil will demonstrate how new technologies are changing the industry.” »

November 2019 | 97

F E A T U R E |H E I M T E X T I L FEATURES

Trend Space

An insight into the future of home, healthcare and hospitality textiles will be the subject of the Textile Technology Talks. These will look at what new technology is available and what new products are being developed.

Meanwhile, Hall 4 features furnishing and upholstery fabrics. Hall 8.0 will be the first point of contact for interior designers and the international furnishing industry. The area Beautiful Living awaits with strong brands and private labels from both the international and national context. Buyers will find trendy lifestyle products such as decorative cushions, blankets and bedspreads, table and kitchen linen, coated table coverings, doormats and other home accessories in Hall 9.0.

Like many industries, Industry 4.0 is about how digital technology and automisation is being harnessed and what for. As new tech changes everyday personal and working lives, just how does this affect the textile industry, and what opportunities might there be for the forward-thinking business? Textile Technologies is the new name of the machinery area in Hall 3.0. In the Digital Print Technology and Textile Processing areas, the home textile and healthcare and hospitality trade show’s expanded technology offer will include digital printing machines and software as well as textile processing machines. Additionally, Heimtextil will expand the textile processing area with new exhibitors such as Demsan Tekstil Makine, from Turkey; Joos sewing machines from the USA; and Monti Antonio from Italy. German embroidery machine specialist ZSK Stickmaschinen says it is responding to the individualisation and personalisation trend and will be showcasing machines that have more needles. The company says this will allow for a more effective workflow. With Wall Decoration in Hall 3.1, Heimtextil will present what it says is the world’s largest range of wallpapers and wall coverings. International highlights in Hall 3.1 include the Grandeco Wallfashion Group from Belgium

Trend Space

November 2019 | 98

Hall 12 will be home to a host of illustrious names from the fashion and home sectors.

Heimtextil 2020 and Eijffinger from the Netherlands. Hall 3.0 also offers a leading global platform: in addition to the Trends Space, around 250 international textile designers will also present their wares here. Under the banner of “Textile Technologies”, manufacturers of machines for digital printing and textile processing will present their innovations in the immediate vicinity.

Level 12.1 will function as a platform for the private label business and thus be the point of contact for large-volume buyers and industry representatives. Portuguese and Turkish manufacturers, in particular, will be strongly represented here. There is so much planned for the event, that it might prove to be difficult to see everything, but it is certainly one for the diary.

w https://heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com

Safeco home textiles

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November 2019 | 99

F E A T U R E |Y O U N G F U R N I T U R E M A K E R S FEATURES

Young Furniture Makers Design Award winner Nina Naveršnik for the Lucy Light

Around 1,000 people came out to meet the future of design at the 2019 Young Furniture Makers exhibition, in what proved to be the event’s most successful edition to date.

The Young Furniture Makers exhibition was set up by The Furniture Makers’ Company more than 10 years ago for schoolchildren, students and graduates to showcase their work to the design community and connect with potential employers.

be included in a special room set installation at the 2020 January Furniture Show, giving the winners the opportunity to have their work viewed by 22,000-plus visitors and the opportunity to build high level contacts. Dids Macdonald OBE said: “Each year, The Young Furniture Makers exhibition surpasses design standards through excellence and this year’s event was no exception.

Around 150 of the UK’s freshest designers exhibited cutting edge furniture and lighting at Furniture Makers’ Hall and the Dutch Church in Austin Friars, London. The one-day event was sponsored by Axminster Tools & Machinery and supported by Anti Copying in Design, Blum, Celtheath Contract Furniture, the January Furniture Show and The Furniture Ombudsman. The exhibition opened at noon with visitors filling the two venues to see this year’s talent. Alex Crofts, training and education chairman at The Furniture Makers’ Company, and Dids Macdonald OBE, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, later welcomed guests at 7pm. The evening then concluded with the annual Young Furniture Makers Awards ceremony, which recognises and rewards the creativity of the exhibitors, with special guest furniture designer-maker Sebastian Cox presenting the awards. The winners of the awards were: • Young Furniture Makers Bespoke Award: Matthew Hensby for the Kent Stick Chair November 2019 | 100

Dids Macdonald OBE, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, with guest Sebastian Cox

• Young Furniture Makers Design Award: Nina Naveršnik for the Lucy Light • Young Furniture Makers Innovation Award: Huw Evans for the Concertina Collection • National School Design Prize: Millie Harper for the Egg Cot • Blum Best in Show Prize: Huw Evans for the Concertina Collection Ten outstanding pieces were also selected to

“New designers had a unique opportunity to access and speak to key influencers within the sector in one-to-one dialogue and there was a tangible buzz of excitement. For new designers, Furniture Makers’ Hall is fast becoming the ‘it place’ for networking and connecting with other young, creative designer-makers who are looking to make an impact on the sector.” Sebastian Cox added: “The Young Furniture Makers exhibition is an important platform for designer-makers at the start of their career. The exhibition provided a great opportunity for these incredibly talented makers to demonstrate their passion to key people within the UK design community. “It was a real pleasure to see the exhibitors’ work, hear their enthusiasm and reward some truly outstanding designs.” Paul von der Heyde, chairman at exhibition sponsor Axminster Tools & Machinery, said: “The show presented a wonderful picture

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

Amy Buchanan, one of the 10 winners of the January Furniture Show prize

FEATURES

of the creativity and talent of the next generation of furniture makers. The enormous attendance and energy at the awards session was inspirational. It was a thrill to be associated with such a vibrant and inspiring event.”

aQO

Cleere Scamell, January Furniture Show event director, added: “The Young Furniture Makers exhibition was a huge inspiration this year, as always, and we are proud that the January Furniture Show could be a part of it for the first time. “Supporting such an important event for emerging talent is a way for the show to give back, and to help champion those who will form the future of our industry.” Award winner Huw Evans concluded: “I want to say a huge thank you to The Furniture Makers’ Company for granting me the opportunity to exhibit alongside such a pool of talent. I’m honoured to have received such a positive response from both my peers and the visitors at the exhibition. It’s always exciting meeting individuals who are already established within the industry.”

w www.furnituremakers.org.uk

CLASSIFIED

TO ADVERTISE A JOB PLEASE CONTACT SHARON RICKERSEY Q 01623 372213 m SHARON@CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK

The Furniture Makers’ Company the furnishing industry’s charity

WE CAN HELP YOU

Things don’t always follow the design

Life

There may be times you need

have in mind

often throw some curve balls

We will always be there for

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

This advertising space was generously donated by Cabinet Maker magazine in support of The Furniture Makers’ Company’s welfare campaign. The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers’ Charitable Funds incorporating the Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association is a registered charity in England and Wales (no. 1015519) and a registered company (no. 02759359) in England and Wales

Welfare FX half page.indd 1

12/10/2017 15:12

A L P H A A D S |C O N N E C T I N G BUYERS A N D S E L L E R S BIID

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

/_bodyease

0800 0469901 www.bodyease.co.uk

SMART M AT I C

A By Andre

0207 6280255

/bodyease1

The Next Generation of Smart MotionTech Beds

www.abyandre.com

ACID

Malvern, WR14 1GP www.acid.uk.com

iTEK

0845 6443617

ADVANSA

Hamm (Germany), 59071 www.advansa.com

+49 23888402207

AHF

Boss Design Group

Dudley, DY2 8SZ www.bossdesign.com RIO

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

01733 336200

01225 754411

HALL 5 Stands D48-D49 & E50

Alpha Designs Upholstery Bilston, WV14 7HZ

C O L L E C T I O N

BRC

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

01206 733300

AMA Research

01242 235724

Aquaclean Fabrics www.aquaclean.com

07779 597040

Arc Lighting & Design

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

01793 612660

Archers Sleepcentre

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

0141 892 0308

Ashley Manor

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

01384 486800

Association of Independent Stores Solihull, B90 4LF www.aistores.co.uk

Bodyease-FP-Jan-11-2019.indd 1

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

0905 873 8509

10/12/2018 22:38:42

+90 (212) 549 20 60

Connah’s Quay, CH5 4DP www.brownsfurniture.co Melbourne (Australia) www.bunnings.com.au

Calia Trade SPA

Matera (Italy) www.caliaitalia.com

Carpenter Ltd

01457 861141

Carpetright

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

020 7823 3612

Charltons Furniture

01609 776 667

Cleland McIver

Bazaar

Dewsbury, WF13 3RD www.thefurniturebazaar.com

(03) 8831 9777

Leicester, LE3 1TH www.cimchome.com

Barkers Home

Northallerton, DL7 8UB www.barkershome.co.uk

01244 812628

Bunnings

0330 333 3444

Ceramic Import and Manufacturing Company

Baker Furniture

London, SW10 0XE www.bakerfurniture.com

01629 823680

Browns

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

Aydin Tekstil Ticaret

0333 7721242

Belfield Furnishings

01159 071700

Bensons for Beds

0333 222 6800

Betta Living

0800 083 1127

BFM

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

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

Breasley

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

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

+90 352 322 05 88 www.boyteks.com OSB. 8. Cad. No: 60, 38070, Kayseri, Turkey

01902 492937

Alstons Upholstery

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

ANNABELLE

With customizable features you can create the perfect essence of modern living, with options for feet, grab rails, contols and even slatted massage systems.

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

Ilkeston, DE7 5EP www.thebelfieldgroup.com

01384 455570

C O M P L I M E N T S

Airsprung

Istanbul (Turkey) www.aydintekstil.com

SAVANNAH

0800 0469901 www.bodyease.co.uk

01332 321 827

BFM Fabric Show - London

Banbury, OX15 4FF www.londonfabricshow.co.uk 01295 724202

Midsomer Norton, BA3 4BS www.charltonsfurniture.co.uk Rochdale, OL16 4NG www.clelandmciver.co.uk

0116 287 5288

020 3058 2751

01706 374431

Colefax

London, W1K 3QD www.colefax.com

020 8874 6484

Cookes Furniture

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

0121 2505050

D Daniel Stores

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

01753 801000

Decorative Panels

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

01484 658341

Decorex International London www.decorex.com

020 7921 8275

EVERY DAY

TO ADVERTISE ON THESE PAGES AND ONLINE CALL 01623 372213 OR GO TO: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK

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

020 7562 8520

Housing Units

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

DFS

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

Wellington, TA21 8NN www.dunlopillo.co.uk

0800 652 5090

Dura Beds

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

01924 422 537

Duvalay

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

01274 877200

Dwell

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

0345 675 9090

Hyder Beds

Schlangen, Germany www.mygermania.com +447950 379823

Dewsbury, WF13 1EN www.hyderbedsltd.com

Hypnos

Princes Risborough, HP27 9RS www.hypnosbeds.com

Gillies

01382 477281

Glasswells

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

01908 968228

01844 348200

01284 752804

Global Furniture Alliance Chepstow, NP16 6UN www.gfa.uk.com

01291 645080

Grampian Furnishers

Elgin, IV30 8QN www.grampianfurnishers.com

Quality products from Natural Fibres www.enkev.com 01697 33 62 00 Princes Risborough, HP27 9PX www.ercol.com

Habitat

03451 203 603

FIRA International 01438 777 700

Forte Furniture

Warsaw ww2.forte.com.pl

+48 29 64 42 222

Furmanac

Kingswinford, DY6 7FF www.furmanac.com

01384 408844

Furnico

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

0800 035 0070

Furniture Link

Telford, TF1 7AD www.furniturelinkuk.co.uk 01952 604960 Furniture Makers

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

Ikea International

www.ikea.com/gb/en

Indus Valley Furniture Ltd

ISM Networks Furniture Leigh, WN7 2RR www.ism.furniture 0344 499 4686

Hammonds www.hammonds-uk.com

0800 021 4363

0300 030 9915

J January Furniture Show

0113 205 5200

Harry Corry

Belfast, BT17 9GX www.harrycorry.com

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

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

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

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

Iconography

London, SW6 3JW januaryfurnitureshow.com

020 7384 8211

Jarrold & Son 028 9060 6801

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

01603 660661

Harvey Norman

www.harveynorman.com

Harveys

www.harveysfurniture.co.uk

0344 372 1000

Headlam 020 3348 9829

Furniture Choice

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

Call 01565 650101 Today

0800 808 5766

Findel Education Ltd

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

Britain’s Leading Experts in Retail Sales Promotion

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

GREENWOOD RETAIL LTD

01844 271800

Eve Sleep

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

01343 813271

www.greenwoodretail.com

ercol

Birmingham, B46 1LW www.headlam.com

01675 433000

JJOplc

Health Beds

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

01709 559977

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

02380 517067

Furniture Village

0800 804 8879

Furniture World

01209 210080

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

01268 745421

069 7575-0

Heritage Furniture

Blackburn, BB1 1TJ www.heritagefurnitureuk.com

01254 660777

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

03300 883818

K Dublin www.kaymed.co.uk

+353 45 484 300

KBSA 0845 226 9776

Highgrove

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

01706 877877

Kaymed

Herman Miller

Melksham, SN12 6GN www.hermanmiller.com

Bacup, OL13 0EA www.jjoplc.com

JYSK

Heico

Heimtextil 020 72565558

Furniture to Go

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

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

01795 439159

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

01924 486902

Hydeline Furniture

GERMANIA

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

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

www.hslchairs.com www.gallerydirect.co.uk

01823 668200

Dreams

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

HSL

01302 573 200

Dunlopillo

0161 681 5678

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

01623 818808

Kelston House 01924 406600

Foxrock www.kelstonhouse.com

353 404 80068

November 2019 | 103

AND FINALLY

Design Guild Mark

A L P H A A D S |CONNECTING BUYERS B U Y E R S AND A N D SELLERS SELLERS K Kettle Interiors

Corby, NN17 4JN www.kettleinteriorsagencies.com

01536 444960

Kobe UK

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

01344 771653

Millbrook Beds

Lanzet

01254 265883

Laura Ashley

Newtown, SY16 1DZ www.lauraashley.com

Metro Wardrobes and Kitchens

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

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

Rossendale, Lancashire BB4 9PX 07891 506241 / 07929 905392 / +(44)1282 479922 www.mattresstek.co.uk

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

03332 008 009

An independent buying group for the independent retailer

www.minervafurnituregroup.co.uk MPT Group

Bacup, OL13 9RW www.mptgroup.com

Lebus Upholstery

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

01724 281381

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

0333 222 4120

N Brown Group

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

LIA

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

Wensley, DL8 4HS www.nathanfurniture.co.uk 020 7739 5561

London Fabric Show

Long Eaton, NG10 4QD www.londonfabricshow.uk

0161 236 8256

Nathan Furniture Group

London Design Fair

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

01480 442244

Leekes

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

Myers

Huntingdon, PE29 7EF www.myersbeds.co.uk

Lectra

01706 878 558

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

01332 321827

01756 799 950

Long Eaton Guild Luxury Furniture Manufacturers www.longeatonguild.co.uk

Natuzzi

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

07974 209761 www.lynchsales.co.uk

Nolte Mรถebel

Bury, BL9 8RN www.nolte-mobel.co.uk

M London, WC2H 0JG www.made.com www.maisonsdumonde.com

0161 767 8244

Made.com

Maisons du Monde

0161 873 8333

Oak Furniture Land 0808 234 21 72

Mammoth

Wallsend, NE28 9NZ www.mammothcomfort.com

www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk

Oldrids and Downtown Scunthorpe, DN15 6SU www.oldrids.co.uk

Oliver & Sons

www.oliverandsonsuk.com

Oliver Bonas

Award winning mattress protection mattressgard.co.uk | 01244 888 658

0800 440 2254

www.oliverbonas.com

01724 281888 0800 083 0683 020 8974 3332

EVERY DAY

TO ADVERTISE ON THESE PAGES AND ONLINE CALL 01623 372213 OR GO TO: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK

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

Paragon Interiors

Nottingham, NG8 6PX www.paragonplc.com

0115 951 9512

Park Lane Bedding

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

The Good Sleep Company

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

01274 882633 www.sherborneupholstery.co.uk

Shire Beds

0121 389 4262

Perfect Home

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

01623 441886

01924 439898 www.shirebeds.co.uk

Pickworth Furnishings

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

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

020 8731 0020

Simmons Bedding Group

Radium Foam (see Vita Talalay)

www.simmons.com

RJ Binnie

01225 792429

Timeless Chesterfields

01204 368413

0116 284 9063

Denmark www.skovby.com

Bishop Wilton, York

Somercotes, DE55 4RD www.recticel.com

017738 38800

Relyon

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

pjrex@hotmail.co.uk

01823 668200

ROM Sofas

Huntingdon, PE29 7EF www.slumberland.co.uk

45 87 54 55 00

+32 87 59 59 59

Rowico

Bolton, BL3 2NZ www.sofasbysaxon.com

0121 773 6669

01480 442244

01249 821 748

Royams Upholstery

Godalming, GU7 1EY www.sofaworkshop.com

Sofa.com

Lancashire, BB1 5JJ www.royams.net

01254 665228

www.sofa.com/gb

Mansfield Woodhouse, NG19 9AL www.unitedcarpetsandbeds.com 01623 428481

V Vi Spring

01204 368413

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

01752 366311

Victoria Plc

Sofa Workshop

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

U United Carpets

Sofa by Saxon

Belgium www.romsofas.co.uk

07711 743531

0177 0512 7700

Slumberland

Wellington, TA21 8NN www.relyon.co.uk

Peter Rex

0333 123 0892

Slumberdream

Recticel

01845 522770

Turnaround

Skovby Mobelfabrik A/S

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

0808 159 9679

Kidderminster, DY10 1JR www.victoriaplc.com

01562 749610

VIDA Living 0345 400 2222

Stockport, SK3 0XT www.vidaliving.com

0161 495 7990

Sofahouse Importers Ltd

Co. Louth, Ireland www.sofahouse.ie

Sareer

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

0800 14 13 786

0115 943 8980

www.satra.com

01536 410000

+353 42 935 1950

Sopha

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

01278 557755

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

01244 888658

Sassy Home ad_Layout 1 28/10/2019 14:43 Page CM directory Staingard Cwmtillery, Abertillery, NP13 1LZ

vitatalalay.com

Vitsoe

Sweet Dreams

Burnley, BB10 1SH www.sweetdreamsuk.com 01282 830033

London, W1U 3ED www.vitsoe.com

T Tapi Carpets

Savoir

0208 8384838

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

01689 886888 01352 746269 www.westbridgefurniture.com

TCS Imports

SCS

0115 943 8980

Louth, BT35 8PX www.tcsimports.com

00353 42 935 1351

Lexington (USA) www.tempursealy.com

Wood Strutts 01772 792936

The Cotswold Company 0800 789 789

Norwich, NR1 3PA www.cotswoldco.com

01405 762131

800.805.3635

Tetrad

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

Mathias Wiemann GmbH & Co KG Germany www.wiemanuk.co.uk

Tempur Sealy

www.sharps.co.uk

www.theloungeco.com

Silentnight

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

Sharps

The Lounge Co

Thirsk, YO7 4LX www.treske.co.uk

01945 461361

Protect-A-Bed

Nottingham, NG2 3GZ www.scs.co.uk

Cheltenham, GL52 6NZ www.thegreatchaircompany.com

Treske

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

London, NW10 6UD www.savoirbeds.com

The Great Chair Company

Bolton, BL3 2NZ www.timelesschesterfields.com

01509 235236

Pike Textiles

www.sassyhome.co.uk

0333 241 3209

0333 200 1725

24”, 30”, 32”, 36” or any size made to measure www.worldcomponents.co.uk November 2019 | 105

AND FINALLY

LAST WORD JESSICA ALEXANDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL BED FEDERATION If you’re a member of a trade association you’ve probably already discovered that there is much more to it than you first assumed. Many businesses join an association for one specific reason, only to find that there are many more benefits and opportunities. In fact, joining an association and getting actively involved can provide members with a real competitive advantage because they become engaged and informed operators within their industry. And, of course, many come to depend on their association to brief them on important industry trends, new legislative rulings, advances in technology and best practice.

We were the first

According to the Chartered Institute of Building’s report, Britain’s professional bodies are of huge benefit to society as a whole because they promote trust and create value in ways that score high on the political agenda, such as productivity, governance and ethics. For more than 110 years, the NBF has been protecting the interests of its members, the UK’s mattress and bed manufacturers — who account for around 70% of the UK beds turnover (by value) — and their key component suppliers. Be part of us When you join the NBF you become part of one of the most respected trade associations in the furnishing sector — and the only one specifically for the UK bed industry. We represent the industry with government, regulators and standard makers — both in the UK and Europe. We raise standards through professional support, expert advice, training and education, research and promotion. And we

JFS preview Whitemeadow milestone Brussels review La-Z-Boy November 2019 | 106

offer a range of other services to members — among these is the opportunity to exhibit at the highly successful annual Bed Show, held in Telford towards the end of September. Our annual networking forum in the spring is also popular.

Launching our Code of Practice in 2013 was a milestone for our industry and over the ensuing years has promoted a much deeper understanding of, and compliance with, the comprehensive range of regulatory requirements relating to our members’ products. The Code has since been reviewed and awarded Assured Advice Status by the NBF’s Primary Authority, West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service. We are now raising the bar further with a social and ethical audit programme that will cover employment (eligibility to work, national minimum wage etc); health and safety; and business structure, policy and tax. The initial aim is to audit all manufacturer members by the end of 2020. We are also taking the lead on sustainability. To date this work has included: developing an NBF policy on the use of used mattresses and components; announcing a target of 75% diversion from landfill of end-of-life mattresses by 2028; and establishing a Register of Approved Mattress Recyclers (RAMR). We have also been successfully engaging with devolved governments to ensure the industry’s voice is represented right from the start as EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) schemes for mattresses are developed.

first in the industry to shout about sleep and beds. With our public face, The Sleep Council, launched 25 years ago, we have become a major educator on sleep and how beds play a role in achieving a good night’s sleep, as well as campaigning for higher priority to be given to sleep and sleep quality in health education programmes. We are the bed industry’s conscience To reflect our increasingly pro-active focus on the things that matter to our members, a new look and voice is coming for the NBF. After an extensive period of research and insights, we are hurtling into the next chapter with a brand new vision. We are setting the standard by driving ethics, transparency and responsibility. And it’s about creating a level playing field that’s fair for everyone. We will never rest and we’re always working towards that goal. At the heart of everything we do is a simple idea — making sure that, as an industry, we always do the right thing. Let’s make it right.

w www.bedfed.org.uk

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Last, but by no means least, we were the

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