READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS

WINNING WORDS

Furniture News revealed the winners of its inaugural Reader’s Choice Awards last month – several NBF members among them …

When Furniture News asked the trade to nominate its top suppliers this summer, it did not expect such a phenomenal response – yet the sheer number of votes helped shape an inspiring, revealing and credible roll-call of the businesses that truly excelled in the past year.

Few need reminding how difficult the past year and a half has been for the industry. But, despite the obstacles before them, many of the trade’s manufacturers, suppliers and service providers have performed admirably – and some have truly shone, distinguishing themselves as among the best in the business …

BEST BED/MATTRESS SUPPLIER: SLEEPEEZEE “We’ve been focusing on key areas such as new product development – including the expanded Jessica Range, in partnership with brand ambassador Jessica Ennis-Hill, whereby we support The Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity with a donation for every bed sold,” says MD Steve Warren. “Just recently we introduced solar panels to our factory site as part of our sustainability plan to reduce our carbon footprint, and we have launched a brand-new website to provide an even better online experience for our customers. We are very excited about the future of Sleepeezee.”

BEST FABRIC/COMPONENT SUPPLIER: LEGGETT & PLATT “It’s no easy feat receiving recognition for being the best fabric/component supplier,” says UK sales director, David Nuttall. “To achieve this status, it takes long-term commitment through significant investment, out-of-the-box thinking and unwavering commitment to our craft. By offering a full range of innovative products that are reliably delivered in a matter of days from our extensive stock, we can appeal to customers and give them what they need, exactly when they need it.” BEST UK MANUFACTURER: MILLBROOK BEDS (MBCO) “Last year, we completely rearranged our factory and employed new skilled workers to help support the NHS with their demand for PPE – in total, we produced over 600,000 gowns,” says operations director, Ross Thurston. “With the hard work and dedication of our fantastic team, we’ve been able not just to continue to manufacture sumptuous handmade mattresses, but also really push the innovation of new mattresses and brands. Right now, there are some very exciting things happening at Millbrook Bed Co.”

BEST FOR SUSTAINABLE THINKING: HYPNOS “It is great to see sustainability in our industry as an important focus point,” says sustainable development director, Richard Naylor. “At Hypnos, we’re committed to constantly refining every aspect of our business to make sure it’s as ethical and as sustainable as it can possibly be, and the last year has been no exception. We have continued to pioneer industry firsts, through partnerships with like-minded organisations like Red Tractor Food and Farming Standards and the Better

When the pandemic hit, Millbrook pivoted its operations to produce PPE for the NHS

Hypnos’ Richard Naylor

Cotton Initiative, through to our new eco-packaging. Going forward, we plan to pursue our sustainability journey by continuing to reflect on our business and developing new and innovative ways that can help the environment. Sustainability is at the core of everything we do.”

The Furniture News Readers’ Choice Awards will return in 2022.

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