Sofamaker explores factory consolidation

TCM Living is exploring a strategic proposal to transfer its AMU and Alexander & James production activity from the East Midlands – which includes the production unit in Sutton-in-Ashfield and its wood mill in Alfreton – to Dudley.

The company says the proposed consolidation of the locations of the operational sites “would ensure the brands are best positioned for sustainable and long-term growth, delivering a consistent service proposition for customers across the group”.

The business entered a consultation period with staff in the East Midlands sites late last month. All other TCM Living subsidiaries are unaffected, and “it remains business as usual”, notes a company statement.

CEO Jonathan Fearn comments: “As a group, we must always ensure we are operating optimally across all our businesses, to deliver a top-class proposition to our customers within this competitive marketplace. The proposal to consolidate follows extensive consideration. We are liaising closely with impacted colleagues as we progress this necessary future-proofing step, positioning all our brands for sustainable growth.”

HSL achieves carbon-neutral certification

Manufacturer and retailer HSL has achieved carbonneutral certification from the Carbon Trust, having pledged to decrease its impact on the environment by reducing its carbon footprint and become a carbonneutral organisation by 2025.

The business reached this milestone three years ahead of target, with the support of the Carbon Trust. HSL has implemented a range of initiatives across the business, including replacing lighting across all its showrooms with LED alternatives by the end of 2023, and recruiting an environment and sustainability manager to lead the delivery and execution of Mission Zero, its environmental strategy.HSL has also purchased new company cars to replace legacy vehicles with either fully electric or plug-in hybrid alternatives.

The business says conversations with third-party partners to increase the proportion of renewable materials within its furniture ranges are ongoing. Since achieving carbon-neutral certification, HSL has set out several additional measures that have been or will be implemented in 2023 and beyond, including packaging reuse in its logistics operations.

CEO Guy Critchlow comments: “I am immensely proud to be leading a business dedicated and committed to driving positive change, and here at HSL we will continue to seek opportunities to reduce the company’s carbon emissions, both in our operations and throughout our supply chain. We know that we must continue to make purposeful changes to not only our supply chains, but to every aspect of the business, to make a significant difference. We look forward to continuing this journey throughout 2023 and beyond with great gusto.”

ScS opened two new stores on Boxing Day, one in York at the Clifton Moor Retail Park, and a second in Swindon at the Bridgemead Retail Park. The former is ScS’ first collaboration with Bensons, with both retailers trading from the same unit

The British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM) has launched a new membership category for furniture retailers, to recognise companies committed to selling and promoting Britishmade goods

Leekes Retail & Leisure Group is making a £1.4m investment in solar energy acrossthe business, which will see over 1.9 million kWh/year of energy generated, allowing sites to be up to 45% self-sufficient

DFS reported a good start to the winter sale trading period, with group order intake for the 26 weeks to 25th December up +10.6% compared to the prepandemic FY19 period (but down -4.8% against FY22)

Apex Joinery, part of The First Interiors Group, has appointed Wayne Hines as joinery manager, and Ben Stiff as workshop manager

Dunelm has reported a strong performance in its financial Q2, with sales of £478m (up +18% YoY and +48% higher than FY20), driven by strong growth in stores and online imm cologne will return to its established timeline following this year’s June edition, and is set to run from 14-18th January next year

Vispring has announced the retirement of MD Jim Gerety and operations director Chris Harrison

The National Bed Federation (NBF) is calling on bed manufacturers and retailers to support National Bed Month in March by utilising its free multimedia toolkit

Indian Ocean MD Jamie Hobbs has stepped down after 33 years at the helm of the luxury outdoor furniture supplier. David Mahony has been appointed commercial director, to manage all commercial and operational aspects

No44 Furniture & Fine Things, an established Cobham retailer, ceased trading at the end of 2022, after operating for 56 years, leaving owner Paul Robertson to concentrate on “other business interests”

The Cotswold Company has appointed new management including Jim Sharp as chairman, Matt Pollington as CMO, and Mike Ellis as director of merchandising

Loaf has confirmed that its largest showroom to date (9100ft2) – and its first in Scotland – will open on Straiton Retail Park, Edinburgh, on 9th February