Furniture News #332

This month: Highlights of the Bed Show Dwell's new lifestyle store concept The Furniture Awards to return next year

The essential guide to the UK domestic furniture and furnishings trade

November 2016

www.furniturenews.net

Handmade Arabella bedframe with new VR mattress, Furmanac

Furniture News 332.indd 1

26/10/2016 13:27

TCS Furniture News nov Advert.qxp_Layout 1 12/10/2016 11:55 Page 1

REMEMBER, REMEMBER YOU CAN STILL SELL STOCK UP TO THE 12TH DECEMBER WE WOULD LIKE TO REMIND ALL OUR UK AND IRELAND CUSTOMERS

All stocked orders of our 400 plus products requiring Pre-Christmas delivery need to be received by Monday 12th December.

SUN 22 - WEDS 25 2017

HALL 4 - STAND B20 Telephone: 00353 429 351 351 info@tcsimports.com | www.tcsimports.com TCS - Solely Committed to Serving Independent Retailers

T’s & C’s Apply

the complete service

SERVICE QUALITY VALUE The Complete Service

Furniture News 332.indd 2

The Carpet Specialists

upholstery dining bedroom carpets

26/10/2016 13:27

R

K

"Listening to the concerns of the next generation is an ideal way to bring about the changes the industry needs to keep moving forward"

Comment This month, it is refreshing to have a young interviewee new to the industry under the spotlight in our Last Word feature. With the spot usually reserved for well-established figures of the trade, in this issue, Lorna Cox from palletised freight distribution company Palletline subverts the trend, offering a pertinent perspective on the issue of attracting young people to different sectors of the industry.

“Logistics and transport isn’t something that many young people first think of when it comes to careers, and I think this is a real shame as it is a brilliant industry for young, enthusiastic and driven people – there’s a lot of opportunity,” she says.

This sentiment can be applied to other facets of the industry, including manufacturing in particular. In this month's interview with Collins and Hayes (p22), MD Matt O'Flynn echoes this concern, citing low pay and the "unglamorous reputation" of furniture manufacturing as reasons for young people deciding against this career path.

Organisations such as The Furniture Makers’ Company work to foster young people with flair in this arena through various initiatives, competitions and events – like last month's Young Furniture Makers Exhibition, for example – something which other businesses can and should draw inspiration from in order to secure

the industry’s future.

Lorna also makes a valid point about the necessity of succession planning, especially due to the fact that a high proportion of businesses in the industry are family companies which have been passed down through the generations: “It is becoming common that younger family members no longer want to take over the family business, making it difficult to plan the future of the business.”

Even more reason, then, for the industry to place a larger emphasis on – as Lorna states – “investing in attracting, recruiting and retaining young talent”. Listening to the concerns of the next generation is an ideal way to bring about the changes the industry needs to keep moving forward.

Victoria Noakes Victoria Noakes, deputy editor T 01424 776105 E victoria@gearingmediagroup.com Twitter @Victoria_FNmag

ts

Furniture News 332.indd 3

26/10/2016 15:06

4

|

CONTENTS

7 Partner Comment

INFORMATION This month: Highlights of the Bed Show Dwell's new lifestyle store concept The Furniture Awards to return next year

The essential guide to the UK domestic furniture and furnishings trade

November 2016

www.furniturenews.net

The NBF’s Simon Williams discusses the importance of keeping up to date with market and product knowledge

14 News Handmade Arabella bedframe with new VR mattress, Furmanac

Furniture News 332.indd 1

26/10/2016 12:27

The handmade Arabella bedframe with new VR mattress, by Furmanac (www.furmanac.com) Editor Paul Farley 01424 776101 paul@gearingmediagroup.com Twitter @FurnitureNewsED Deputy editor Victoria Noakes 01424 776105 victoria@gearingmediagroup.com Twitter @Victoria_FNmag Advertising manager Sam Horscroft 01424 776100 sam@gearingmediagroup.com Twitter @FurnitureNewsAD Deputy advertising manager Trisha Fletcher 01424 776100 trisha@gearingmediagroup.com Production manager James Ash 01424 775304 james@gearingmediagroup.com Deputy production manager Katie Bate katie@gearingmediagroup.com Production assistant Stephanie Reading stephanie@gearingmediagroup.com Copy administrator Steve Merrick 01424 776108 production@gearingmediagroup.com Proofreader Keith Fitz-Hugh Editorial director John Legg 01424 776104 john@gearingmediagroup.com Publisher Nigel Gearing Accounts Wendy Williams 01424 774982 wendy@gearingmediagroup.com Subscriptions subscriptions@gearingmediagroup.com Annual Subscription Rates UK-£65 Europe-£85 RoW-£95 Repro, print and distribution Acorn Web Offset Ltd

Gearing Media Group Ltd

4 Red Barn Mews, High Street

Battle, East Sussex TN33 0AG

ISSN No: 1475 - 3731

© Gearing Media Group Ltd 2016 General information No part of this publication may be reproduced without the specific prior written agreement of the Publisher and may not be stored on any type of retrieval system. Furniture News/ Gearing Media Group Ltd accepts no responsibility for variations in colour reproduction. Special colours (Pantone etc) can be catered for with prior arrangement. Some elements of the editorial content in this publication are submitted by the trade, however, all efforts are made to ensure that the editorial remains true to fact and unbiased.

Monies may have been accepted to offset the costs of colour reproduction. Gearing Media Group Ltd reserves the right to alter without prior notice any content other than customers’ advertisements. No correspondence will be entered into regarding altered or adjusted editorial content. The editor’s decision is final. All material submitted for inclusion in Furniture News is done so entirely at the owner’s risk and no responsibility is accepted for the safekeeping or return thereof.

Furniture News 332.indd 4

22 Interviews

Collins and Hayes’ responds to derogatory comments made against the business by the Home Secretary, plus insight into Dwell’s new in-store lifestyle concept, and Harley & Lola features in this month’s Clickthrough Q&A

30 Events

Dwell (24)

32 Resources

Fortegra’s Jim MacKay discusses how to use data to your customers’ advantage

34 Profiles

Updates from Crest Leather and Heritage

40 Bed Show Review 82 Out & About

This month’s gallery celebrates the Bed Show, the bed sector’s key event

86 Autumn Furniture Show Review

Lorna Cox (128)

100 Living Room 114 Beds & Bedroom 120 Dining Room 124 Trade Services 126 Designer

Jake Hubbard stars in this month’s In Design article

128 Last Word

Palletline’s Lorna Cox answers Furniture News’ questions on her career history and work and life philosophy

Silentnight (52)

26/10/2016 14:37

15—17 January 2017 Olympia, London

S/S 17 EDITION

ADVENTURES IN

HOME Surround yourself with the finest homeware brands, expertly chosen to inspire your buying experience.

Release your inner style scout and explore the exclusively curated world of HOME at Top Drawer.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE Register now at topdrawer.co.uk

Furniture News 332.indd 5

26/10/2016 13:28

27th and 28th - February Chelsea FC, Stamford Bridge, LONDON

Over 30 exhibitors from Belgium, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the UK, showing a wide variety of fabrics for upholstery, beds and soft furnishings including, jacquards, wools, tweeds, silks, velvets, chenilles, cottons and linens, as well as backing fabrics and FR coatings.

Furniture News2017 332.indd 6 London Fabric Show 297mmx225mm-v1b.indd 1

For information and to register your attendance to: www.bfm.org.uk/londonfabric contact Mike Dimond by email to: mikedimond@bfm.org.uk

26/10/2016 13:28 20/06/2016 11:26:41

016 11:26:41

PARTNER COMMENT

Media Partners

Furniture News enjoys partnerships with a wide range of key global and national institutions and exhibitions, and invites a spokesperson from each to share their views each month …

EXCLUSIVE UK MEMBER

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER

MEDIA PARTNER

Furniture News supports the aims and objectives of ACID (Anti Copying In Design) which is committed to fighting intellectual property theft

|

7

Class act “Regardless of your role within a company, gaining knowledge about your market and the products will help you in your day-to-day dealings with your colleagues, customers or suppliers” The National Bed Federation (NBF) is perfectly placed to provide specific, relevant training and education to its members and to the wider bed industry.

Going back to basics, the NBF has just launched a further, standalone course to its successful online Sleep Council Sales Academy (SCSA) programme, with its new, pioneering Introduction to Beds course providing the ultimate backgrounder for anyone and everyone joining the industry.

Officially launched at the annual Bed Show in Telford at the end of September, we developed Introduction to Beds for anyone fresh on the bed scene, either in retail or manufacturing, working in sales, buying, customer services or production – in fact, any role within an organisation involved in the bed industry.

Regardless of your role within a company, gaining knowledge about your market and the products will help you in your day-to-day dealings with your colleagues, customers or suppliers. It will give you the confidence to engage more effectively and productively, and can improve career prospects.

Some businesses in the bed industry have formal, structured induction programmes for new joins, but unfortunately, many don’t. We firmly believe that this new course should be an integral part of all business’ training for those new starters. It really is a great, fast-track way to get up to speed, potentially saving the business money along the way.

To demonstrate our commitment to raising standards in our industry, the course is completely free of charge to everyone until the end of the year, and will remain free to all NBF members beyond that date. From 1st January 2017, non-NBF members will pay just £25 – a small investment in employees’ professional development.

The course sits alongside the existing Sleep Council Sales Academy (SCSA) programme which was introduced by the NBF in 2014 as a way of promoting excellence and raising standards within our industry. The SCSA provides a benefit mainly to retailers in terms of improving selling skills, conversion rates and average sale values.

It focuses on providing sleep knowledge rather than product knowledge, and shows staff at all levels how to use that knowledge effectively with customers to build trust.

Consisting of four, 30-minute online modules, the SCSA Sleep Sales Course has now been taken up by almost 1500 users.

At the NBF, we’re looking forward to ending 2016 on a high – this year we’ve enjoyed the most successful Bed Show and awards gala dinner to date, recognising the best in the bed business. We have also seen membership reach 100, welcoming newest members Dreams’ manufacturing division and more recently, Dreamworks Beds, to the NBF. More specifically, we’ve successfully raised the profile of the importance of quality training and knowledge sharing throughout the whole bed industry through innovative online training – which continues to promote excellence and raise standards within our industry.

Simon Williams, marketing manager at the National Bed Federation (NBF) has more than 32 years’ experience in the bed industry, working with Dunlopillo, Slumberland and Bensons for Beds. For more information and to register, visit www.intro2beds. com.

Furniture News 332.indd 7

26/10/2016 13:28

www.crestleather.com

Furniture News 332.indd 8 Crest.indd 1 HI63_pages.8.indd 3

sales.uk@crestleather.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1706 643 121

Fax:: +44 1706 643 133

26/10/2016 13:28 19/05/2016 14:05 14:46216x29 29/01/2016

WWW.IMM-COLOGNE.COM

THE INTERNATIONAL INTERIORS SHOW

16.–22.01.2017

Setting the course: imm cologne generates decisive momentum for the start of a successful year. It is only here that the international furniture business will encounter such a range of furniture, accessories and interior design, unique anywhere in the world – and perfectly rounded off by LivingKitchen, presenting the latest trends and innovations for the heart of the home, the kitchen. Discover the global furniture market in one place, at one time, live in Cologne!

imm cologne co-located with: International Business Media Services Ltd., 42 Christchurch Road, Ringwood BH24 1DN Tel. : +44 1425 48 68 30, Fax : +44 1425 48 68 31, info@koelnmesse.co.uk

Furniture News 332.indd 9 /05/2016 14:05 14:46216x297_IMM17_Furniture_News_GB.indd 1 /01/2016

26/10/2016 13:28 01.09.16 11:14

Furniture News 332.indd 10

26/10/2016 13:28

Furniture News 332.indd 11

26/10/2016 13:28

DU: 05.09.2016

GB

Telling Textile Stories SETTING Frankfurt am Main, Exhibition Centre. Over 2,850 exhibitors from all over the world with new ideas for textile interior design.

63378-003_HT_Allgemein_Furinture_News_222x303_GB • FOGRA 39 • CMYK • mr: 19.09.2016

PLOT A unique opportunity to discover, feel and order home and contract textiles, and to find out at first hand where the industry is heading.

YOUR ROLE Writing your personal success story at Heimtextil. Discussing the latest industry themes with other experts. Going on a voyage of discovery at the Heimtextil Theme Park EXPLORATIONS and investigating fascinating textures and patterns. Be inspired by our exhibitors and the trends 2017/2018.

For further details and tickets visit heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com info@uk.messefrankfurt.com, Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83

10 – 13. 1. 2017 Tuesday – Friday

Furniture News 332.indd 12

26/10/2016 13:28

Santorini Bedroom Range

The Santorini bedroom range is a comprehensive range of furniture that offers a striking finish. A solid pine collection, which is hand painted in a stone colour finish with sun dried ash colour tops. Brass cup handles compliment the hand painted finish.

With a vast selection of dressers, chests and wardrobes, Santorini also offers a standard and compact nightstand which can be alternated should space be at a premium in the bedroom.

63378-003_HT_Allgemein_Furinture_News_222x303_GB • FOGRA 39 • CMYK • mr: 19.09.2016

DU: 05.09.2016

GB

Introducing the...

Call us on 028 3885 1269 sales@annaghmore-agencies.com annaghmore-agencies.com

Furniture News 332.indd 13

26/10/2016 13:28

14

|

NEWS

Home returns with curated offer

Home returns to Top Drawer at London Olympia from 15-17th January, presenting a curated selection of tableware, furniture, fabrics, lighting and outdoor living products.

Alessi, Black + Blum, BlissHome, Bloomingville, Bluebellgray, Bronte, Burton McCall, Coach House, Creative Tops, Eva Solo, Forma House, Garden Trading, Grand Illusions, Joseph Joseph, LSA International, Maxwell Williams, Make International, Newgate, Orla Kiely Home, Pad Home, PR Home, Skandium, Stelton Thornback & Peel, and Umbra are amongst the brands that will present new products.

The Spring/Summer 2017 edition of Top Drawer will present over 1000 exhibitors across the Home, Gift, Fashion and Craft sectors.

NBF updates Code of Practice The National Bed Federation has launched version two of its Code of Practice, which includes new audit procedures and additional legal requirements. Implemented in 2013, the Code of Practice aims to encourage good practice in the industry and reassure trade buyers and consumers.

Following a full review, the code now includes legal requirements for imported and bought-in products, a new approach to surveillance and sanctions for noncompliance, plus compliance with textile composition and labelling requirements, awareness of EU timber legislation, REACH regulations and EU Biocides legislation.

DFS founder launches new retail operation On 15th October, DFS founder Lord Kirkham’s new retail brand, Fabb Sofas, opened its first store – on Southampton’s Hedge End Retail Park – as well as launching its new website.According to the Fabb Sofas website, others will follow, in Croydon, Watford, Orpington, Nottingham and Edinburgh.The Fabb Projects Ltd board comprises a number of executives who formerly worked with Lord Kirkham at DFS.

John Cotton staff complete charity ride Six John Cotton employees and friends have completed a 761-mile charity bike ride from Poland to Mirfield. Friends and family of the team were joined by Welcome to Yorkshire’s Sir Gary Verity, Tour de France veteran Brian Robinson, the Cotton family, Sam Wood and Tom Symonds from the Huddersfield Giants and charity representatives to welcome the cyclists home.

The riders raised £9888, which, when added to the rest of the fundraising activities carried out through the company’s centenary year, brought the total to £120,000 for its six chosen charities, which include Macmillan, Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice, Kirkwood Hospice, Yorkshire Air & Ambulance, Yorkshire Cancer Centre Appeal and

Derian House. David Page, sales and marketing director at John Cotton, was one of the riders who took part in the ride.

He says: “The team has done so well. The hot weather was something we couldn’t anticipate or train for, however the fitness across the group helped get us through the more challenging moments. it has been tough, but we are so pleased we made it through without any major issues.

I’m so glad to be back home and reunited with my wonderful family who have been supporting me and keeping me going during the ride. Thank you to everyone who donated and supported us throughout this. It is definitely going to be an experience I will never forget.”

Furniture Makers cyclists raise £57,000

Simba secures second investment round

Twenty-two members and supporters of The Furniture Makers’ Company have raised £57,000 for the industry’s charity after completing a 450-plus mile cycle ride from London to Bordeaux.

The event was organised by Ben Burbidge, master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, who says: “The money raised will go a long way to helping The Furniture Makers’ Company achieve its aims of educating young talent for the future, driving excellence and helping people who have fallen on tough times.”

The companies sponsoring the team cycling jersey included Axminster Tools & Machinery, B&Q, Blum, the BFM, Burbidge Kitchens, CD UK, Cabinet Maker, Celtheath Contract Furniture, Designer Contracts, Ercol, Furniture Village, KI, Knoll, Lectra, Rotadex, Silentnight and Tangent Furniture.

London-based bed-in-a-box mattress retailer Simba has closed a £5m investment round from Spark Ventures and The Garage Soho, alongside a group of angel investors.

The new investment will be used to grow sales internationally, now the company’s approach has been successfully tested in the UK, France, Germany and the Netherlands. The money will also be used to strengthen the company’s market presence in the UK. This is the second round of funding for the business, which was founded in August 2015 by serial startup investor James Cox, the founder of Tribesports.com Steve Reid, and mattress veterans the McClements family.

Simba – a one-type-fits-all, next-day delivery, bed-in-a-box solution – initially secured backing from a series of UK investors including Richard Reed, the co-founder of Innocent Drinks. Its investors now include a growing list of business leaders including: Tom Teichman (made.com, lastminute.com, notonthehighstreet.com); Nigel Wray (formerly Domino’s Pizza, Saracens, Prestbury Investment Holdings, Franchise Brands Plc); Richard Reed, Adam Balon and Jon Wright (Innocent Drinks); and the Jatania Family (formerly cosmetics giant Lornamead – Vosene, Yardley).

According to Simba, its is now the market leader in the bed-in-a-box sector, 20% ahead of rivals Eve and US brand Casper.

Komfi returns with bricks-andmortar-only mattress proposition A return to the market for mattress brand Komfi is planned, with a revised approach and product offer, after its owner the GNG Group closed its mattress retail business, Memory Foam Warehouse, last year as part of a CVA. Tracy O’Hara, head of the mattress division at Komfi, says: “Staying the same is dangerous. The fundamental need to be different is evident – our customers are more brand-savvy, design-led, and lifestyle-driven than ever before.

“We withdrew from the market to analyse what our customers – the retailers – and the end consumer really wanted. Not just continue feeding them the same, frankly, boring products.”

Komfi will be committed to supplying bricks-and-mortar retailers only.

ScS nears 100th store milestone ScS will open three new stores on Boxing Day, taking its UK estate to 100.An investment in the region of £1m is being made at each of the three stores, which are opening in Straiton (Edinburgh), Plymouth and Thanet (Kent). The Plymouth store will be the retailer’s first in the South-west of England.

ScS recently revealed healthy growth – a 4.5% rise in gross sales, and a rise in revenue of 14.7% to £317.3m, in its preliminary results for the 53 weeks to 30 July 2016. LFL order intake was up 14.8%.

CEO David Knight comments: “Our sales order intake is the highest ever and is up 14.8% on a LFL basis. These results demonstrate that the group has made significant progress in developing ScS into a strong national brand with three very clear retail offers – upholstered furniture, flooring and our House of Fraser concessions, all supported by an online platform that has seen continued investment.”

Sign up to receive the Furniture News E-newsletter at www.furniturenews.net to keep abreast of the latest news, analysis and events

Furniture News 332.indd 14

26/10/2016 13:28

Kelston

We look forward to seeing you at the January Furniture Show, hall 3, stand K20

Furniture NewsAdvert.indd 332.indd 151 Kelston House

26/10/2016 13/10/2016 13:28 16:52

16

|

NEWS

Young Furniture Makers presents The next generation of furniture designers and makers was celebrated at The Furniture Makers’ Company’s annual Young Furniture Makers Exhibition last month, which saw more than 40 designs were displayed at Furniture Makers’ Hall.

Now in its 10th year, this year’s exhibition presents pieces from GCSE and A Level students through to BA and MA graduates from around the UK. Ben Burbidge, master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, welcomed guests from across the furnishing and design sector to the prize-giving ceremony. Winners included Jan Waterston, Philipp Stummer, William Keenlyside, Ella Lemaire and Sebastian Banwell.

Alpha Designs appoints sales director Family-run upholstery manufacturer Alpha Designs Upholstery has appointed Barry Webb to the position of sales director. Previously a sales manager for Furniture Origins, Sofa Brands International and Christie Tyler, Barry says: “I’m over the moon to be returning to the upholstery industry, and I’m excited to be working with a young, growing family business.” Alpha Designs creates comfortable yet fashionable contemporary upholstery.

BFM appoints sales and marketing manager The BFM has appointed Trevor Richards as its sales and marketing manager. Trevor has over 30 years’ experience in the retail finance industry and 12 years’ experience in the consumer bed industry. Trevor will work to further raise the profile of the BFM, and will be responsible for member retention and recruitment.

Classic Furniture prepares for at-home show A selection of Classic Furniture’s new products will be on display at its at-home show, which will take place in the company’s freshly-extended Binbrook showrooms from 8-10th November.

The showroom development reflects wider expansion at the wholesaler’s headquarters, which have incorporated a 50,000ft2 facility which will

principally be used as a warehouse, as well as a home for its marketing and product development offices.

“We’ve spent much of this year laying the groundwork for expansion,” reveals director Andy Rippin, “and we can’t wait for everything to fall into place.”

DFS announces record results

True Capital acquires The Cotswold Company

DFS Furniture has announced its preliminary results for the 52 weeks ended 30 July 2016. Gross were sales up 7.4%, and revenue up 7.1%. Underlying EBITDA was up 5.8%, with a profit of £64.5m.

This growth is attributed to several initiatives and developments. DFS reports 35% growth in branded upholstery orders, and its in-store Sofa Workshop ranges are performing well. Three new 10-15,000ft² DFS stores opened in the UK and the ROI, and Burnley saw the opening of a small store trial opening, with a store in Crawley to open soon.

Eleven CDCs were in operation at year end, and the 12 co-located Dwell stores are performing well – according to the retailer, there is “potential for over 40 Dwell stores in total”.

Online, the retailer saw continued doubledigit growth in sales, profits and site traffic, plus continued increases in customer satisfaction scores, with a positive response to the partnership with Team GB from customers and employees.

True Capital has announced the majority acquisition of Blackbird Retail Holdings, owner of one of the UK’s largest online furniture retailers, The Cotswold Company.

The firm will partner with the existing management team to lead the company through its next stage of growth, using its sector-specialist expertise to accelerate online growth, expand product and category ranges and increase The Cotswold Company’s showroom footprint.

Founded in 1996, The Cotswold Company was acquired by Blackbird Retail Holdings in a purchase led by Kevin Johnson and James Birtwhistle in 2009. The company generating annual revenues in excess of £35m.

Gordon Segal, founder of the US-based furniture retailer Crate&Barrel, whose family office, Prairie Management Group, is a significant investor in the True Capital fund, will play an active role in the company following the transaction.

Bed and butter New research from Made.com reveals that as urban living spaces shrink, the bed is being used for more than just sleeping in. The average one-bedroom home in the UK is 4m2 smaller than the recommended minimum, which equates to the footprint of a large sofa, desk and chair – which is changing the way people are living. The survey of 2000 people was carried out by OnePoll on behalf of Made.com in August.

Ning Li, CEO and founder of Made.com, says: “Our research shows that people are increasingly living their lives from their beds due to a lack of alternative living space. Here at Made.com we are passionate about modern designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but help to solve customer problems. Space saving and multi-function have been and continue to be a major focus for Made.com.”

Infographic created by wholesaler Manchester Furniture Supplies (www.manchesterfurnituresupplies.co.uk)

Furniture News 332.indd 16

26/10/2016 13:28

Furniture News 332.indd 17

26/10/2016 13:28

18

|

NEWS The Furniture Awards

The Furniture Awards return in January to recognise and celebrate the industry’s champion suppliers. The awards – developed by Furniture News in partnership with the January Furniture Show – offer the event’s exhibitors the opportunity to put the best of their new products before a panel of expert judges. Furniture News looks at how the 2017 edition is shaping up …

Recognising the industry’s champions

From left: Paul Farley; Theresa Raymond; Brett Silver, head of buying for 2016 awards sponsor Dreams; and Laraine Janes

“The exciting and diverse range of products on view at the January Furniture Show is in itself a celebration of the British furniture industry,” comments January Furniture Show director Theresa Raymond. “The Furniture Awards takes the best of these products, from all levels of the marketplace, and lifts them above the rest.”

The awards scheme, which is now approaching its third year, aims to identify and reward the best new products launched at the January exhibition, the principal launch platform for new models and ranges into the UK market.

Each exhibitor is permitted to submit an entry within one of the four product categories – Bedroom, Dining, Living or Decor – which will be evaluated based on criteria such as value, quality and marketability. The most promising entries will be shortlisted and inspected on site, before the suppliers of the winning entries are recognised and revealed on the first day of the show (Sunday 22nd January).

The awards are co-ordinated and chaired

by Paul Farley, editor of Furniture News magazine, and the 2017 judging panel comprises a mix of new and returning judges: Malcolm Walker, director of buying for Furniture Village; Diana Celella, awardwinning interior designer and president elect of SBID; Rob Scarlett, furniture designer; and Royce Clark, MD of Grampian Furnishers.

The winners will be able to employ The Furniture Awards branding across their marketing and retail PoS, and will benefit from promotional items throughout the year.

“The Furniture Awards grow in stature and popularity each year,” says Paul. “We expect the changes made for this edition to encourage even greater participation, and

Furniture News 332.indd 18

Show director Laraine Janes presents Nicoletti Home’s Eustachio Nicoletti and Domenico Scarola with their award at the 2016 event to grant the winners – and their stockists – leverage for greater promotional activity.”

Previous winners include Think Rugs, Bentley Designs, Nicoletti Home, Gallery Direct and Henderson Russell.

Sam Tippett, buying and design manager at Think Rugs, comments: “The Furniture Awards 2016 were fantastic for business.

The exposure that the awards provided – especially to top buyers from large retailers – directly generated sales for the rest of the year. I hope we can benefit as much from the 2017 edition!”

Nicoletti Home’s sales manager, Domenico Scarola, was just as enthused, saying: “After the NEC 2016, we launched the model at the Milan show – it was sold to customers from 42 different countries.

"Since than, between display orders and repeats, it has become our third best-selling

model worldwide. We will certainly put another model forward for the 2017 edition.”

Ray Davies, design manager for Bentley Designs, adds: “Our hope is that we’ll have another worthy entry to be part of The Furniture Awards again. The great thing about the awards is that they are something extra to work towards as a designer and add a bit of competition, which is definitely a good thing!”

The deadline for entries is Friday 9th December. “I would encourage every exhibitor to enter a product – if only for the promotional opportunities available to winners and the prestige that comes with an award of this stature,” concludes Theresa.

The online entry form – and competition guidelines – can be accessed at: W januaryfurnitureshow.com/the-furnitureawards/

26/10/2016 13:28

The Furniture Awards NEWS

|

19

Diana Celella

Rob Scarlett

International award-winning designer Diana Celella is the founding director of The Drawing Room Interiors, an independent design consultancy based in the West Midlands. After completing her Interior Design degree in 1987, she has worked continually in the industry, as well as lecturing in interior design. Her work includes the residential, hospitality and retirement living sectors.

Diana designs extensively for the commercial sector, specialising in healthcare projects including care homes, dental practices, assisted living and retirement villages. She is recognised as an expert in retirement living design and implementation of evidencebased design.

Diana was the Midlands regional director of the Society of British and International Design (SBID) from 2010-2012, after which she was appointed chair of regional directors. Diana has also been chair of the SBID Healthcare Design Advisory Council since its inception in 2013.

Over a 13-year career producing commercial furniture designs for the high street, middle-market designer and developer Rob Scarlett, who returns to the panel after judging the inaugural awards in 2015, has worked with the likes of John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Wills & Gambier, Heal's and Yinihome.

Scarlett Design was established in early 2010 by British designer Rob Scarlett, who began his career when he was named the 2003 Young Designer of the Year.

Subsequently, Rob has played a key role in the design teams of some of the best-known brands and businesses in the UK furniture industry, including Willis & Gambier, Nathan Furniture, Mark Webster and Yinihome. He has also enjoyed success with ranges launched through UK retailers such as Heal’s, Marks & Spencer, Furniture Village and John Lewis.

More recently, he has created new ranges for high-end retailer And So To Bed, and Estonian manufacturer Skano.

Malcolm Walker

Royce Clark

After judging the 2016 edition, Furniture Village’s director of buying returns to the panel. For the last 44 years, Malcolm’s career has revolved around retail, and chiefly the home furnishing market.

In his current position, Malcolm is responsible for the product direction and sourcing of suppliers, product categories, styles and price architecture for Furniture Village, in addition to ensuring the most commercial layout, presentation and relativity of its store showrooms.

“I have been with Furniture Village for 18 years, and have experienced and been part of the exciting growth story, from 12 stores to our current levels,” says Malcolm.

Prior to this, Malcolm spent over 20 years with the Maple, Waring & Gillow group.

He says: “My early years were spent in a family-owned department store, Newhouses in Middlesbrough, in warehousing, distribution, display and sales … until I got the furniture bug!”

The MD of family furniture store Grampian Furnishers, located in the village of Lossiemouth in Scotland, Royce started working at the store on Saturdays and school holidays when he was 15. After studying business administration, Royce returned to the family business at the age of 19, and at the age of 22 took over from his father.

Grampian Furnishers was founded in 1975, and moved to its current 10,000ft2 town centre premises – which was previously a cinema – in 1981. Now a £2m-plus operation, Grampian also sells its products across the nation via a transactional website. Plans are currently being submitted for a new flagship 30,000ft² store.

“Furniture is in my blood, and I love my job,” says Royce. “This furniture show will be my 20th in a row – it really is the mustattend event in the furniture calendar, and it’s great to be able to promote the work of the numerous exciting companies and designers present – many of whom go unnoticed.”

Furniture News 332.indd 19

26/10/2016 13:28

NEW Autumn/Winter

2016

The TT Collection.

Our brand new dining and occasional collection brings a choice of white or grey paint finish, topped with gently lime-washed oak and finished with chrome cup handles.

With a choice of 35 items, this collection defines classic style and is all set to become a winner in any store.

Large Bookcase with Wicker Baskets

All items available in white or grey paint finish

Console Table with Wicker Baskets

£79.99

£135.00

Cross Extending Tables from

£299.99

Cross Bench from

Cross Back Chair Wooden Seat

£85.00

£42.50

Order, manage your account and pay online in a secure environment on our new website www.kettleinteriorsagencies.com Container

Furniture News 332.indd 20

01536 444960

Stockist

sales@kettleinteriorsagencies.com Wholesale

26/10/2016 13:28

NEW

The TT Collection

Autumn/Winter

2016

Classic style in a choice of white & grey paint

NOW IN STOCK Large Sideboard with Wicker Baskets

£159.99

WHITE & GREY PAINT I 35 ITEMS FOR LIVING & DINING I IN STOCK & READY FOR FAST DELIVERY SHOP FLOOR DISPLAY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE ON THIS AUTUMN/WINTER 2016 INTRODUCTION

Order, manage your account and pay online in a secure environment on our new website www.kettleinteriorsagencies.com Container

Furniture News 332.indd 21

01536 444960

Stockist

sales@kettleinteriorsagencies.com Wholesale

26/10/2016 13:28

22

|

INTERVIEW Matt O'Flynn, Collins and Hayes

Handmade by humans Collins and Hayes hit the national headlines last month when MD Matt O’Flynn hit back against comments made by the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd. Furniture News paid the factory a visit to discover how a conflict over immigration masks a deeper wound in the UK furniture manufacturing sector …

Amber Rudd talking to a (British) sewing machinist during last year’s visit. Although Amber has not issued a response to Matt’s assertions, she has entered into discussion with the sewing supervisor

The banner above the entrance to Collins and Hayes’ Hastings showroom reads Handmade by humans. No, it’s not a herald of a robot uprising – whilst automation is fast making many areas of manual labour redundant, we’re not in the realms of science fiction just yet – but a rebuttal to comments made by the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, on BBC Radio 4’s Today show on 5th October.

Discussing proposals to force businesses to reveal the complement of foreign workers they employ as the prospect of Brexit looms, Amber stated: “I went and visited a factory quite recently, where they recruit almost exclusively from Romania and Poland, where they have people who have experience in factories building these sofas that they have. They didn’t even consider training locally – there was a local college they could have worked with, but they choose to recruit outside the UK.” It didn’t take a genius to identify the manufacturer in question – in her role as the Conservative MP for Hastings and Rye, Amber visited upholstery manufacturer Collins and Hayes in July 2015, its factory a stone’s-throw away from Amber’s constituency office.

Furniture News magazine was present when the MP (then the climate secretary) took up an invitation from MD Matt O’Flynn to tour her neighbour’s operation – an offer which was, ironically, intended to drum up local recruits.

On the face of it, Amber’s comments seemed strangely out of sync with her experience. Was this a simple mistake, or a politician putting her office ahead of her constituents’ feelings?

Upon hearing of the criticism, a bemused Matt O’Flynn was contacted by various media, whereupon he took the opportunity to “set the record straight”.

“She couldn’t have picked a worse example to drive her point home,” says the MD, who asserts that rather than “exclusively” foreign labour, around 75% of Collins and Hayes’ 98-strong workforce are local, and that the much smaller contingent of EUsourced labourers comprises skilled workers that are simply not available in the area.

Furniture News 332.indd 22

“It’s not that we don’t recruit locally,” continues Matt. “We have long used a local recruitment specialist to source our staff – and have even twice taken part in Amber Rudd’s own job fairs – but you just can’t find skilled sewing machinists without going further afield.

"And I’m not sure if there have been implications that we’re doing this to line our pockets, but, crucially, when we do employ foreign workers for their skills, they are paid the same as the rest of the factory floor staff.”

Many of Collins and Hayes’ competitors have already taken to manufacturing abroad, but Matt is proud that his sofas are 100% made in Britain. Indeed, the company received two industry awards this year in recognition of its products’ quality and provenance.

The scale of the minister’s error is compounded by just how integral Matt is to the UK furniture manufacturing scene. As the chairman of the British Furniture Manufacturers’ association (BFM) and the Long Eaton Guild of Furniture Manufacturers, he is well aware of the challenges facing the sector, and has long championed the path to industry.

“The BFM was linked to the Government’s Proskills training council before its funding was withdrawn by the Government,” he points out. “Today, Webs Training fulfils an important part of this role, but it’s funded by the industry, not Government.”

That said, the problem runs deeper than a lack of available training. Low rates of pay and an inherently unglamorous reputation makes a career in furniture manufacturing an unlikely prospect for the majority of school leavers. “It’s the underlying attitude to work that’s the issue,” says Matt, who predicts greater numbers turning to manual professions as the cost of tuition fees becomes increasingly prohibitive.

Matt also explains how many career paths are open to those starting out in manufacturing, which may not be apparent at first glance – some of his management team started out on the factory floor, and he describes one employee’s journey from the frame

26/10/2016 13:28

Matt O'Flynn, Collins and Hayes INTERVIEW

|

23

Roughly 70 of Collins and Hayes’ employees stand united for Furniture News’ camera outside the Hastings showroom – across the road from Amber Rudd’s office

shop, to prototyping, to design and development, and then on to shopfitting and factory management roles in London.

Underpinning Matt’s frustration is the wider context of globalisation, recession and Brexit. “She’s chosen to pick on a very fragile industry,” he says. “We’ve lost an astonishingly high amount of business overseas. Yet in 2011 it began to recover, and started to see a repatriation of sorts – as fuel prices went up and the pound got stronger, the price of British-made goods became more competitive.The imports bubble had burst – there was a desire to sell better quality.

“We’ve got an industry that’s just starting to reconnect with the consumer – we should be celebrating rather than criticising it.”

Matt’s belief saw him take to the airwaves that week to defend his company and employees, and to draw attention to the

challenges British manufacturers face. Although the mainstream media seized upon the story’s political ramifications, Matt is more concerned with shedding light on this “often-misrepresented” corner of industry.

He fears that any immigration restrictions enforced post-Brexit will only widen the skills gap – given the lack of measures in place to encourage and train skilled workers.

“I take issue with the dehumanisation of my workforce, and the false nature of Amber’s comments, but I would welcome another visit from the Home Secretary, to discuss and continue exploring how we might help solve the problems I‘ve outlined,” says Matt, before smiling, and adding: “We’re still looking for local staff – any available sewing machinists should get in touch!”

W collinsandhayes.co.uk

HALL 3 STAND Q20 EXCITING NEw FURNITURE, LIGHTING & GIFTS IN STOCK NOw!

01253 600 600 Febland Group Ltd Flag House, Ashwor th Rd Blackpool, FY4 4UN

info@febland.co.uk www.febland.co.uk

Showroom open 7 DayS a week Mon to Fri 9am - 5:30pm | Saturday 9am - 5pm | Sunday 10:30am - 4:30pm

Furniture News 332.indd 23

26/10/2016 13:28

24

|

INTERVIEW Ryan Donoghue, je+1

Delivering Dwell’s lifestyle concept Contemporary furniture retailer Dwell is rapidly extending its reach across the UK. In May alone, it opened stores in Chester, Speke, Preston, and Bolton – and followed these up in August with one on Hedge End Retail Park in Southampton. All these new openings share a common design concept, which was delivered by John Evans Interior Architecture and Design. Furniture News hears from the project’s senior designer, Ryan Donoghue …

Dwell CEO and founder Aamir Ahmad is confident in the direction his retail brand has taken since its acquisition by DFS Furniture Group two years ago, reporting “encouraging” strong sales and healthy margins.

Historically, Aamir has taken a creative approach to store design, preferring to give each an individual identity in keeping with its location and structure – for example, Guildford’s store, a cinema turned into a retail space, or the traditional feel of Cardiff’s St David’s.

The new Dwell concept is by no means a one-size-fits-all approach, but

Furniture News 332.indd 24

it does present a unified look and feel, strengthening customers’ perception of the overall brand as more and more stores are rolled out nationwide.

John Evans Interior Architecture and Design specialises in the creation, design and interior architecture of environments for the residential and leisure marketplace.

Its commercial and retail work is carried out under the je+1 brand, which recently delivered the new Bensons for Beds concept, as well as projects for DFS, Topps Tiles and Sofa Workshop.

At the time of writing, Dwell’s UK store count totals 21, and around half of these

have now been refurbished to the new concept. The photographs featured were taken at the Oxford and Glasgow stores early in the concept’s delivery, explains Ryan, who oversaw the Dwell project and is justifiably proud of the results …

What five words would you use to describe the concept?

Young, vibrant, contemporary, flexible, bold.

Had you worked with Dwell before?

We had not worked with Dwell before proposing this concept, but we had

26/10/2016 13:28

Ryan Donoghue, je+1 INTERVIEW worked extensively with their parent company, DFS, designing both their outof-town stores and small-format concept stores.

What role did Aamir play?

Aamir was very much on board with the initial proposal, and follow-up meetings occurred both on-site and off to confirm all specifications. We maintained a constant dialogue with Aamir throughout the process.

Why did Dwell decide upon a new concept, and what elements were at its core?

We were approached to create the new Dwell concept as part of their nationwide expansion plans after DFS became their parent company. Dwell tasked je+1 with creating a young, vibrant design that would offer an immersive shopping experience and be flexible for both standalone stores and smaller concessions.

We responded with a concept based on the idea of the customer travelling through a series of mini apartments, that would contain component features that could be adapted depending on the space available, providing the flexibility required.

Inspired by the Dwell’s store

Furniture News 332.indd 25

|

25

merchandising – mixed product groups of living, bedroom and dining – we emphasised the idea of moving through spaces with wrap-over wall features, finished in on-trend colours.

How was this achieved, exactly?

Texture was fundamental to the design – functional slatted feature walls and build-outs add texture to the store, a charcoal finish concealed behind cool grey slats. These slats allow for the hanging of artwork directly on the wall on custommade brackets, offering the flexibility to easily change the artwork when required.

The interior shell was sprayed in a charcoal band to give the space a contemporary feel, exposing its full height, but also providing a human scale to the interior without distracting from the product offering at eye level, where we wanted the store to become much brighter and vibrant, to contrast with the charcoal.

This allowed us to continue the charcoal band to the floor level in selected areas, contrasting even more intensely with the bright colours and further emphasising the sense of individual space and intensifying the atmosphere.

Feature areas were created by changing the floor finish to encaustic-effect porcelain tiles, and bringing areas of overlapping drop ceilings overhead >>>

26/10/2016 13:28

26

|

INTERVIEW Ryan Donoghue, je+1

– these contain LED strips and stand proud from the dark backdrop to frame the furniture below, emphasising the youthful and contemporary nature of the product.

To further develop atmosphere, it was important that varying light levels were created to help the product stand proud of its setting. Track lighting is used throughout the store to light the product, and has a uniform black finish in order to limit any distractions at the higher level.

When positioned on floating ceilings the lighting track is concealed within troughs that add to the sharp modern lines of the interior.

At floor level we continued the concept of contemporary apartment living with concrete-effect floor tiles, with geometric porcelain tiles used to create smaller structured spaces to enhance an interior’s aspirational qualities.

The lighting set-up sounds complex – what advice did you seek on this matter?

The lighting scheme is very mood-

focused, and to achieve this we had to create varying levels of light throughout the store. We discussed our proposals with lighting manufacturers and suppliers to complete light level calculations that would ensure the end result met with our aims.

Apart from the wall art, how flexible are the roomset areas?

We have tried to make the roomsets as flexible as possible. We wanted to keep the number of walls to a minimum, however – we have used some fixed walls to ensure that the customer journey isn’t lost over time.

Are there any additional features worthy of mention?

The stores feature a click-and-collect station, encouraging customers to shop online and collect their furniture for free from the store, as well as individual till points.

Is the concept uniform across the new stores, or does it vary?

Whilst there is an element of uniformity to the store concept, due to the store shapes the design has to remain flexible to cater to a wide variety of layouts. By creating flexible standard component pieces, such as central features and wrap-over elements that we can alternate between, we are able to adapt the design to suit.

What inspired the concept?

When we were creating the concept for the store we carried out thorough research of contemporary furniture showrooms.

The concept draws inspiration from many sources, including the Made.com showrooms, which combine bold, highcontrast colour schemes with simple but very effective design which allows the product to be the feature – this was an element we wanted to ensure we achieved with our concept.

Have you heard any customer feedback yet?

Not personally – but we do know that the sales have increased substantially, and therefore I can only assume that the new concept is working!

What might you do differently if you had the chance to start again?

As designers, we are always looking for new ways to move on and develop our ideas. Dwell is a fashion business, and furniture trends change, so we need to make sure we’re always moving with these changes.

W dwell.co.uk W johnevansdesign.com

Furniture News 332.indd 26

26/10/2016 13:28

don’t bother with a proper sales process or sales training. The successful ones do! Invest time and money in quality sales know-how. Call Greenwood to arrange an effective sales training course.

27

• COMPETITION – Check your competition to find out what OPTIMISE YOUR NEXT

they are offering. Avoid all-out price wars. Be sure to out-do EVENT… your competitionBIG on theSALES most relevant beneficial USP’s including choice, quality, value and service. Call Greenwood “Again, Sales Surpassed All Expectations!”

Neil Richardson, Director, Hampton & McMurray, to mystery shop your competitors.

the • PROMOTION – Promote your business effectively. Everyrevolution good retailer from Tesco to Harrod’s does. Consider using a ‘Greenwood’ sales promotion to increase sales, turn stock into starts cash and win future market share, while protecting your profit at the same time. Call Greenwood! here...

Glasgow

“Our Refurbishment Sale Was Such a Great Success!”

Charles Summers, M.D., Eyres of Chesterfield

“I have found Greenwood Retail to be a great pleasure to deal with over many years. They have proved to be both reliable and effective.”

Donald Dixon, M.D., Dixons Department Stores

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GREENWOOD SALES…

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GREENWOOD SALES...

Greenwood Retail’s sales event plans help quality retailers, just like you, to generate record breaking sales and profits all over the UK and Ireland. The benefits of holding a ‘Greenwood Sale’ are many.

Take a look at our website orwillcall us now onin 01625 521010, First, your sales event be a financial success itself.

Plus, you’ll generate instant cash flow and clear your or, send an eredundant mail enquiry, and we’ll gladly stock – with good margin maintained.

And, call you to longer term benefits include increased market share due discuss theto the exciting possibilities we can offer you, positive publicity created by the event. Also, staff morale is lifted by the increased activity – your team will without obligation. love to see the business doing so well.

Find Out More About Greenwood Sales. Take a look at We are now booking events across theor, UK our website or call usright now on 01565 650101, send anand Ireland for mail enquiry, we’ll gladly contact you toserved discuss the rest ofe 2013 onand a first come first basis. the exciting possibilities we can offer you, without obligation.

Book your sales event early to guarantee exclusivity BOOKING 2017 SALES RING TODAY 01565 650101 for yourNOWbusiness.

...unzip...

GREENWOOD RETAIL LTD GREENWOOD RETAIL LTD Britain’s Leading Experts in Retail Sales Promotion since 2002

Britain’s Leading Experts inwww.greenwoodretail.com Retail Sales Promotion sales@greenwoodretail.com

Wilmslow House, Grove Way, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AG sales@greenwoodretail.com www.greenwoodretail.com Greenwood Retail 332.indd 1

Furniture News 332.indd 27

hushabyebeds.co.uk

10/10/2016 12:32

26/10/2016 13:28

28

|

INTERVIEW Clickthrough > Harley & Lola This month, the homewares website in the spotlight is www.harleyandlola.co.uk – Furniture News explores the practices and philosophies behind the enterprise …

Clickthrough > Harley & Lola Charlotte Carlsen Abraham, co-founder

Why visit your website?

At Harley & Lola we believe that the most important space in anyone’s life is their home and we aim to help our custmers create a warm and welcoming space. We focus on carefully selecting, environmentally friendly furniture and beautiful home accessories. We also offer carbon neutral delivery on all purchases. Customer service is very important to us and our team are available on the phone and on instant chat for any questions customers may have.

How did you enter this industry?

As owners we have extensive technology, product and marketing experience. We identified a gap in the market for an online retailer that provided good quality, stylish, environmentally friendly furniture. We then set about creating an easily accessible and navigable website offering carefully selected products and personal customer service.

Who is your e-commerce hero?

From a purely technical perspective it would be Amazon for leading the online retail market and their use of data. However, AO is another company who has added to that formula by investing heavily in customer service and understanding customer needs.

Describe a typical working day There is no typical working day in our business, which is partially what makes it so exciting. One minute we are looking for new products and researching next season’s trends, the next we can be dealing with

customer services and suppliers.

As a small team we all get involved in every part of the business. As owners it is important to us to hear customer feedback, so that we can constantly improve our service. It is exciting and constantly changing and challenging.

What part of your job would you prefer to avoid?

There are always some parts of running a business that are more mundane than others, such as dealing with accounts and logistics in general. However, it is such a varied business that it is always exciting.

What are your growth plans for the business?

We are constantly working to grow our business, organically and sustainably. We strive to continue to grow our reputation for quality products at fair prices supported by first class customer service.

What advice would you offer an aspiring e-tailer?

Clearly define your business goals and deliver to expectations

What has been your greatest challenge?

Overcoming an established industry perception that running an internet retailing business is cheaper and easier than running a bricks and mortar business.

How much do you invest in making your site more visible?

As we don’t have natural footfall, marketing is paramount for us to attract customers.

This takes the form of paid advertising, a strong social media presence and creating engaging content for our customers.

Building a strong and trusted brand is vital to our business.

What’s your take on how the relationship between online and physical retail might develop?

We are keen to exploit the obvious synergies between the two forms of retail, both

“Building a strong and trusted brand is vital to our business”

Furniture News 332.indd 28

in terms of marketing and distribution.

Ultimately the consumers will dictate the balance between the two.

Snapshot: Harley & Lola aims to help its customers create warm and welcoming spaces. It offers carefully selected, environmentally-friendly furniture and striking home accessories, as well as great gift ideas.

Launched: 2014 SKUs: 2500 Average monthly visitors: 18,000

26/10/2016 13:28

29

For everything you need to know about

furniture

...flip...

Find out how membership of the Furniture Industry Research Association can benefit your business

www.fira.co.uk/membership T: 01438 777 700 E: info@fira.co.uk

WANTED! Furniture Agents A family owned and managed Chinese furniture factory in Qingdao seeks experienced sales Agents.

If you have good connections with Retailers, E-Retailers or Wholesalers please email Dora Wang with your CV.

...zip.

In support of our UK sales we will be exhibiting at the Birmingham Furniture Show in January 2017 where appointed Agents can introduce their customers to our furniture ranges.

Dora Wang, Overseas Sales Manager email: muronguk@126.com QINGDAO MURONG JINXIU HOME FURNISHINGS CO.LTD

hushabyebeds.co.uk

Sinooak Advert.indd 1 Furniture News 332.indd 29

17/10/2016 11:37 26/10/2016 13:28

?

30

|

EVENTS January Furniture Show

Preview Flying the flag for Britain As the demand for British-made furniture and furnishings remains strong, some of the best in home-grown talent can be found at the UK’s premier furniture and furnishings event, the January Furniture Show.

Celebrating a booming British furniture manufacturing trade – which according to the BFM is worth £6.5b – the January Furniture Show offers visitors an opportunity to see up-and-coming trends in British-made designs.

“There are some great companies producing some amazing products here in Britain. We’re delighted that many of them will be exhibiting with us in 2017 to highlight their products and designs to national and international buyers,” says Laraine Janes, co-director of the January Furniture Show, which runs from 22nd-25th January at Birmingham’s NEC. The exhibitor list includes more than 400 major British and international manufacturers such as Buoyant, Nathan, Celebrity, Cintique, Lebus, Duresta, ercol, Parker Knoll, Westbridge, Tetrad, Ashwood, Collins and Hayes, Ashley Manor, Wade, Whitemeadow, G Plan and Wood Bros.

British furniture designer ercol has been producing quality furniture for 95 years, and for 2017 will bring products that are synonymous with quality and offering timeless, pared-down design combined with functionality.

According to upholstery manufacturer Buoyant, one of the biggest changes in the industry is consumer demands. The company says consumers have increased expectations of better value for money, shorter lead times and more choice. Buoyant

Furniture News 332.indd 30

has also seen a shift in the way consumers buy with more and more of them visiting the high street before surfing the net to find the best deals. Thanks to this, the business has seen a dramatic increase in its online sales.

Accommodating these demands, Buoyant will be presenting its innovative designs at the show in a multitude of sizes and shapes alongside storage, beds and motion. Its fabric offer has become increasingly complex.

As the Parker Knoll brand continues to grow, it remains committed to designing and developing collections in line with the changing marketplace and latest consumer trends – whilst providing the ultimate in comfort. At the 2017 January Furniture Show, it will launch a new collection honing in on its commitment to continuous innovation and market-leading design.

Collins and Hayes was a proud runner-up and highly commended for its Brooke sofa range in the Furniture Awards 2016 Upper-level category at last year’s show. For 2017 it will be introducing new innovative designs with an emphasis on comfort and a natural fibre fabric collection.

Online registration for the January Furniture Show is open and visitors can see the full list of exhibitors for 2017 and secure their free badge by visiting the January Furniture Show website.

W januaryfurnitureshow.com

26/10/2016 13:28

HaB Fu

t

h

n o d e t i r a t t s u l h as o v e r e

1

2

3

easyturn in three easy moves 1. Unzip the easyturn mattress top 2. Flip it over 3. Zip it back up again. Done.

Top quality beds such as ours tend to be more generous with the fillings. This makes for a great sleep but adds to the weight of the mattress, making turnability a real issue for many customers.

The standard answer to this is to make the mattress no-turn, which consequently can affect longevity.

Well, we’ve turned convention on its head with the ingenious easyturn system. This clever design keeps most of the weight in one section, making the layer that actually needs turning much more manageable.

Three models were launched at the Bed Show; we’re sure once you try easyturn you’ll never want to turn back to those pre-revolution days.

new from

Even more innovation

Hush-a-Bye Beds, Canal Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire BA14 8RL T: 01225 779135 W: hushabyebeds.co.uk

Furniture 31 HaB FurnNews News332.indd page AW .indd 1

26/10/2016 11/10/2016 13:28 10:35

32

|

RESOURCES Using data in marketing

THE AUTHOR

Jim MacKay is the marketing director of Fortegra, a single-source insurance services company that, through a network of subsidiaries and preferred partners, offers a range of credit protection, warranty, and specialty underwriting solutions.

W fortegra.com

Using data to your customers’ advantage Solid marketing requires creativity – but to really make a marketing plan work, creative ideas need to be supported by more than just whimsy. Fortegra’s Jim MacKay explains how integrating data into a marketing plan – whilst intimidating for some – is well worth the effort …

Integrating data in a marketing plan, and gathering data to create an improved experience that encourages customer loyalty, can have a huge impact on a business’ success.

Here are a few ways in which you can start to utilise data to better serve your customers …

Identify your target audience Before you can effectively reach your audience, you have to know who they are. By observing buyer trends, retailers can pinpoint who their core audience really is, based on who is actually making purchases.

It’s surprising how many businesses are way off on their target consumer, so any adjustment to reach the people who matter most can make a big difference.

Customise special offers How many times have you deleted an email promotion for an item that wasn’t relevant to

your purchase habits?

Avoid having your customers go straight for the delete key by using data to customise every offer. Rely on purchase history, personal data – like birthdays and anniversaries – and recent product searches to make sure the customer is getting something worthwhile every time.

Sending out special offers and discounts on important days will help your customers feel like you care about them on a personal level, encouraging brand loyalty.

Minimise customer service issues Hey, nobody’s perfect. No matter how solid your service, there are bound to be a few customers with questions or complaints from time to time. And the last thing you want to do is upset them by making it difficult for them to find answers.

Keep track of customer data in an easy-touse CRM system, designed with quick access for your salespeople and customer service

“It’s surprising how many businesses are way off on their target consumer, so any adjustment to reach the people who matter most can make a big difference”

Furniture News 332.indd 32

reps. This way, they’ll be able to draw upon past purchases and service experiences to deliver the best service possible. And, if your customer is really unhappy, past purchase history might provide quick insight into what kind of promotional offer could ease their frustration.

Improve product pricing Determining pricing shouldn’t be a random process, and with purchase data it doesn’t have to be. Does an item sell better when it’s on sale, or are customers more prone to purchase when the regular price is marked down?

Give a few different pricing options a try with each item so you can then go back and look at accompanying sales trends.

Optimise inventory Just like pricing, retailers can use purchase data to see which items are selling best – and which are just collecting dust. Analysing sales trends can even help you forecast the kinds of products customers may want in the future.

By taking note of this data, you’ll be able to stock up on the stuff that sells best and slowly eliminate your poor performer

26/10/2016 13:28

33

DB MIRRORS

New range of mirrored bedroom furniture • Mirrors • • Mirror framed artwork • • Art Nouveau Mirrors •

Contact Dave Butler T: 07715 690267 or contact Dan T: 07770919453 • E: dbmirrors@gmail.com DB Mirrors Advert.indd 1

The sturdy campaign

box, after its many travels, comes to rest at journey’s end. The desk’s hinged front opens to reveal a spacious desktop and compartments for writing paper and implements… awaiting the sojourner’s tale, the journalist’s latest report, and a traveler’s missives. Closed, it maintains a tidy privacy.

Open when inspired…

The romance of distant climes still lingers.

21/07/2016 13:50

AM UK

Phone 01403-734999 AM-UK@authenticmodels.com

authe

nt

m ic

odels.com

MF143

Campaign Cabinet Desk

Furniture News 332.indd 33

26/10/2016 13:28

34

|

PROFILE Crest JMT Leather

Crest’s leather must go through four stages of production

Crest JMT Leather is a global producer of high-quality leathers for contract and domestic upholstery applications. The company owns and operates its own tannery in Vestenanova, Italy, which allows the business to ensure strict quality control at all stages of production, whilst utilising local and traditional skills to make sure its leathers meet the most demanding of requests.

Luxury leather requirements solved

The company’s leathers are suitable for both contract and domestic applications

Crest Leather, with tanneries in Italy, Thailand and Brazil, is a UKbased tanning group with Italian DNA. Its newest plant is in Italy, whilst its largest is in Brazil, and the business is constantly expanding into new markets. Crest keeps up to date with market trends and is enjoying continued growth.

Crest’s cowhide is sourced from reputable slaughterhouses. The leather is a by-product of the meat industry, as the animals are

Furniture News 332.indd 34

Crest offers a bespoke service if required

not reared for leather initially, but for meat. Flexibility is offered to customers, with as little as one cowhide or as many as 1000 available to purchase at one time. The company’s tanneries are regulated and reputable chemicals are used. Arizono is the Italian centre of leathermaking, having been awarded certification for excellent leathermaking. Shipments are straight from Italy, therefore orders can be turned around from processing to bespoke in four weeks.

26/10/2016 13:28

Crest JMT Leather PROFILE

|

35

The leather can be supplied in a range of colours

The company expanded in 2005, with the Brazilian plant opening the same year. Over 700 employees work in Parana, the Brazilian tannery and plant, and they continue to consolidate and build on growth.

There are four different stages involved in the production of high quality leathers – raw hide, wet blue, crust and finished leather. The raw materials are cheaper and more readily available in Brazil, and the Brazilian processing plant takes the raw hide through the wet blue and crust stage. The leather is then transferred to the finishing plant in Thailand.

Crest is committed to improving its environmental stance, and during the past year it has focused a lot of attention on improving its environmental standards. During 2006, the company was awarded ISO 14001 certification for its tannery in Italy, which means it has achieved the highest standard of environmental management.

The business endeavours to continously reduce the environmental impact of all of its activities, and it maintains strictly regulated procedures designed to minimise any potential damage to the environment, which are updated and monitored regularly.

As part of its ongoing commitment to improved environmental responsibility, Crest also signed up to the Leather Working Group, an industry-led initiative being facilitated by the BLC Leather Technology Centre. This initiative brings together many leading retailers, tanners and brands from around the world to promote sustainable and appropriate environmental business practices within the leather industry.

Following guidelines set out by the Carbon Trust, the business is also ensuring that it is doing everything possible to prevent or recycle waste in its offices and warehouses. Crest believes it is not only the big gestures that matter, so it is looking at the impact of everything it does and uses – from the light bulbs in its offices to the transportation methods it uses to deliver its goods.

Maintaining quality is important to Crest, and that is why it tans its leathers in an ISO 9001 environment. However, the company is conscious of the fact that quality products are only a part of what it provides, so Crest works hard to make sure that it also provides a high

Furniture News 332.indd 35

The business owns three tanneries, in Italy, Brazil and Thailand level of customer service.

The business’ sales teams are knowledgeable in all aspects of leather and leather production, and can help with varied professional requirements.

There is a noticeable trend in buyers and manufacturers moving away from vinyl and using leather, due to its longer life expectancy.

Crest Leather is within the top five tannery groups in the world and a leading tannery in the UK. W crestleather.com

26/10/2016 13:28

36

|

PROFILE Heritage Furniture

Renewed and revitalised following extensive reorganisation over the last 18 months, Blackburn’s Heritage Furniture is going from strength to strength. Furniture News caught up with MD Saeed Mohmed to learn about the latest developments …

Cabinet supplier upswing continues

Wardley Oak

Towards the end of 2015, cabinet supplier Heritage Furniture took a bold new direction, embracing new branding, pricing structures and design approaches. Throughout this year, the company has built its stockist base extensively, its characterful product offer proving eminently popular.

Key ranges include Wardley Oak, a Shaker-inspired, wax-finished range that offers pared-down simplicity, and promises to add a touch of retro class to any living space. There is also Burnham Oak, a warm, country-style range with a wax lacquer finish, and the clean, contemporary and comprehensive Earlswood Oak – both of which are featured elsewhere in this issue.

Looking ahead to the 2017 January Furniture Show, Saeed is looking forward to presenting a number of fresh, unique new ranges, backed up by a refined operation.

This year has seen Heritage strengthen its sales network, with most areas now covered by key account managers – although a representative is still sought for the south of England.

Due to the sheer number of inbound sales enquiries, an internal

Furniture News 332.indd 36

sales account manager was also appointed.

“The past six months in particular have seen substantial growth in sales,” says Saeed. “We’re averaging an increase of 60%-plus, month on month.”

Sales are set to be further bolstered thanks to the purchase of a new show van. Heritage had previously outsourced a vehicle with which to show customers its newest products in the flesh, but now the company is looking forward to taking to the road in its own.

In addition, Heritage’s website is undergoing development, to include an easier payment system for customers, as well as being more user-friendly.

The coming year is shaping up to be another strong one for Heritage, which has quickly made great headway in its new guise. “I can’t mention any names, but we’ve brought several major retailers on board this year,” says Saeed, who also hints at further developments in the pipeline.

T 01254 660777 E sales@heritagefurnitureuk.com

26/10/2016 13:28

Living, Bedroom & Dining Collections Heritage Furniture UK Ltd. Prospect Mill, Walter Street, Blackburn BB1 1TJ T 01254 660777 F 01254 694611 E sales@heritagefurnitureuk.com W W W.HERITAGEFURNITUREUK .COM

Furniture News 332.indd 37

26/10/2016 13:28

FURNITURE NEWS NEW DPS OCT 106.qxp_Layout 1 10/10/16 2:50 PM Page 1

NAVERRO 1400

1400 Pocket Springs.

Contains Latex. Hand tufted.

Features Unirail.

ROMANO 1400

1400 Pocket Springs with 7 Zones of soft foam. Contains Memory Foam.

Hand tufted. Features Unirail.

Furniture News 332.indd 38

26/10/2016 13:28

DELPHINA 1400

1400 Pocket Springs. Contains Geltex.

Hand tufted. Features Unirail.

POCKET ORTHO When two esteemed collections come together you get the Sealy Pocket Ortho Collection. Providing all the support of our renowned orthopaedically correct designs, with the luxurious sleeping experience of a pocket spring bed.

For more information, contact our Sales Hotline on 016973 20342 or visit www.sealy.co.uk

Furniture News 332.indd 39

26/10/2016 13:28

40

|

BED SHOW REVIEW

After reporting its highest attendance levels to date, the seventh annual NBF Bed Show at the Telford International Centre was understandably declared a success by its organiser. Furniture News looks at some of the highlights of the UK’s key bed industry event …

No lying down on the job

The event itself took place in the same three-hall, two-day format as always, and whilst a few might call for a longer duration, there’s no questioning the focus and simplicity of the Bed Show.

Here, two days of browsing new mattresses, beds, headboards, components and machinery – punctuated by a gala dinner and the Bed Industry Awards – provide a solid buying and networking occasion for anyone in the business of selling, buying or making beds.

“Once again, our Bed Show was fantastic, and feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike was extremely positive,” says Jessica Alexander, executive director of the show’s organiser, the National Bed Federation (NBF).

“It continues to be an NBF member-only show, which means visitors can be confident that all the companies they see are reputable businesses, complying with the NBF’s Code of Practice.”

Visitor numbers were reportedly up by nearly 10%, reflecting a trade keen to discover the latest developments in this fast-moving sector from the 80-plus brands present.

Natural looks and materials proved a definite trend this year, with woollen fillings and hessian shades dominating many stands.

The hype for boxed mattresses has encouraged several suppliers to address online demand, whilst others led with flexible swatches and technological advancements. In all, the show looked better than

Furniture News 332.indd 40

ever, a great many exhibitors delivering concepts with eminent retail follow-through.

The annual gala dinner, led by a lively turn from comedian Marcus Brigstocke, delivered timely reminders of the work of the NBF and The Furniture Makers’ Company, and saw the winners of the 2016/17 Bed Industry Awards announced. The winners were chosen from a wealth of entries by an independent panel consisting of editors from the industry’s trade journals – including Furniture News’ Paul Farley – plus Bernard Eaton, MD of sales specialist Greenwood Retail.

This year’s Bed Manufacturer of the Year prize went to Kaymed UK, which was praised for its winning strategy of product innovation, substantial marketing investment and impressive sales results across a range of retail customers.

Runner up in this category was the Steinhoff Bedding Group, which was recognised for its investment in new fleet and warehousing, training amongst its employees, and driving sales points upwards.

MD Anthony Joyce comments: “It’s rewarding for the whole business to be recognised in this way. Our three-year investment plan was established earlier this year, and we are well on our way to developing both our sites into world-class manufacturing facilities.”

Winning Bed Component Supplier of the Year was Vitafoam.

Manufacturer testimonials spoke volumes for its Revo concept >>>

26/10/2016 13:28

Kaymed

Furniture News 332.indd Kaymed Advert.indd 1 41

26/10/2016 12/10/2016 13:28 11:48

42

|

BED SHOW REVIEW

– this, plus the company’s sustained investment in plant, made it a worthy winner. Praise was also given to John Cotton Nonwovens Division for taking the lead on sustainable manufacturing, and for the company’s maintained high standards.

Winning Bed Retailer of the Year (over £5m beds turnover) was Mattress Online. Showing demonstrable top- and bottom-line performance with average order values rising, the judges also recognised the high level of customer feedback from the value segment market. Bensons for Beds, which continues to lead the market and shows steady improvement while making significant investment in training, was highly commended.

Competition was strong for the Bed Retailer of the Year (under £5m beds turnover) category, but this year’s award went to the Hailshambased Sussex Beds, which was chosen for its sheer determination in turning around a business that was experiencing falling sales and footfall.

This family-owned company took drastic steps to change its approach and challenge the directors to drive the business forward, and it is now a retailer that is consistently producing great figures, is improving its branding, and is set to expand further. MD Steve Pickering says. “Only two years ago the company was in serious danger of disappearing from the high street forever, and here we are, secure and actively planning our expansion.”

Sound Sleep, based in Diss, Norfolk, came second, for proving how a ‘shop in a field’ can succeed thanks to great marketing initiatives.

The new Judges’ Choice award went to Dreams, in recognition of the company’s multi-million pound Replace Every Eight marketing campaign, which has not only increased LFL performance and changed consumer perception, but has potentially benefited the industry as a whole.

The winners summed up a few of the reasons why the Bed Show is such an important event in the trade’s calendar. Andrew Bright,

Furniture News 332.indd 42

owner of Sound Sleep, calls it “a great show that is organised to a high standard, with all the NBF Approved manufacturers under one roof, boasting huge ranges of products from great exhibitors”.

Steve Adams of Mattress Online adds: “It’s fantastic to see all our suppliers and partners in one place. We were especially impressed by the level of innovation demonstrated by the manufacturers. The displays really are exceptional, and they are getting better every year!”

Ebrahim Patel, president of the NBF, comments: “Once again, the awards demonstrate that the bedding industry has some brilliant companies doing brilliant things – and it’s great to be a part of that.”

Next year’s Bed Show will take place on the 19th and 20th of September. For now, read on to discover some of the best new product unveiled at this year’s event, and a gallery from the drinks reception preceding the gala dinner …

W bedshow.co.uk

26/10/2016 13:28

ACCESSORIES | LIGHTING | TEXTILES | FURNITURE | MIRRORS

NEW AUTUMN WINTER 2016 MIRROR COLLECTION now available online

www.gallerydirect.co.uk | 01795 439159

Furniture News 332.indd 43

26/10/2016 13:28

44

|

BED SHOW REVIEW

Dreamworks’ stand at the Bed Show

Soave, Matza

Carisbrooke in grey, Sweet Dreams

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Duvalay at the Bed Show

Duvalay (www.duvalay.co.uk) enjoyed a successful show at this year’s Bed Show, which saw the company drive sales across its Hilary Devey Collection, as well as developing leads with a network of new bed retailers.

Unveiling a number of new features and products at the show, including the addition of two new premium mattresses – The Diamond-Luxe and Emerald – the Bed Show 2016 was Duvalay’s most successful to date, with orders exceeding projections.

Vintage Chic, Matza’s (01924 458699) latest collection of contemporary upholstered bedframes, turned heads at its launch at the Bed Show. Soave, the design inspired by the British classic wing-backed chair, was one of the pieces drawing attention. The collection is designed to offer striking beds which are compact enough to fit in today’s bedrooms.

MD Asif Ayub, who designed the range, says: “Soave is a play on a stretched wingback chair with contemporary legs to bring the look bang up to date. This was just one of the Vintage Chic beds turning heads at the show.

We are very pleased with the interest in the collection.”

Furniture News 332.indd 44

K

Hampton in wheat, Sweet Dreams

Dreamworks Beds (www.dreamworksbeds. com) exhibited at the Bed Show for the first time this year. The company’s stand and products were well received, in particular the Natural Collection mattresses, including the new Portobello 5000. Featuring three lines of hand side stitching, hand-tufting and a 5000 spring count, along with a Belgian damask cover and natural fillings including Alpaca wool, the Portobello 5000 is a striking high quality mattress.

The It’s All About You campaign also received positive feedback. Dreamworks Beds offers customised labels for its mattresses, at no extra charge. This allows customers to promote their own brand by using their logo and brand identity.

Sweet Dreams (01282 830033) relaunched its Pocket Air collection with eight new models and enjoyed a positive response at the Bed Show. The Pocket Air collection features alternate rows of shortened springs to confer a lighter-than-air sleep sensation and contains spring counts of 3000 and 4000.

The new beds sport a choice of base colour, wheat or nickel, and feature fillings and

luxury fibres such as linen, cashmere, Tencel, silk and viscose.

The bed garnering most sales was Carisbrooke 3000. Featuring British wool in the fillings to both side of the springs, and with a tufted, luxury soft handle viscose cover, this model ticked the boxes as far as buyers were concerned.

The other Pocket Air bed that attracted a lot of interest was the Hampton 4000. This model features a 4000 spring count. Like Carisbrooke, it has British wool as a filling, but Hampton sports a Tencel cover.

This is the first year Sweet Dreams has introduced Tencel, which is highly regarded for its softness and semi-organic composition.

The Hampton cover is tufted and like Carisbrooke has a side stitch border and eight Sweet Dreams branded handles, also a new style for the manufacturer for 2016.

Four of the Pocket Air models such as Bolsover also offer a damask border in two colours to match the base. Pocket Air beds come in three sizes and have the usual full storage options. Chrome castors and piping finish the look

26/10/2016 15:29

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

MY

K

Furniture News 332.indd 45

26/10/2016 13:28

Latex foam bedding products distributor

• Latex Cores • Latex Comfort Sheets • Latex Pillows • Finished Latex Products • No minimum order quantity • Fast delivery • Flexible terms • Competitive prices

• Environmentally friendly • Anti allergenic, anti bacterial • Extremely flexible with perfect body support • Naturally breathable • Biodegradable • Durable and resistant • Even pressure distribution Latex Wholesale Ltd. Unit 18 Hayleys Manor, Upland Road, Epping, Essex CM16 6PQ office@latexwholesale.co.uk | tel: 0207 112 8171 | fax: 0870 123 6089 Furniture News 332.indd 46

26/10/2016 13:28

Furniture News 332.indd 47

26/10/2016 13:28

48

|

BED SHOW REVIEW Stuart Jones

Sussex-based handmade upholstery designer-maker Stuart Jones has developed its most detailfocused approach to product creation and delivery to date, and is working to deliver tailored solutions across an increasing number of projects.

Stuart Jones defines its direction

Stuart Jones’ beds are hand-made to a high quality

Stuart Jones was established 40 years ago, and operates from a design and manufacturing site in Rustington, West Sussex. As well as presenting a comprehensive domestic furniture portfolio, Stuart Jones offers a bespoke design and manufacturing service, including the use of customers’ own materials.

“We understand the competitiveness of the marketplace and work closely with our clients to understand their vision. We aim to create a solution that is unique to them,” says MD Alan Bennett, whose background in architecture includes work for Specialised Banking Furniture International, where he worked on projects in 17 countries, such as the World Trade Center and Canary Wharf.

The company has retained this collaborative approach, developing a flexible manufacturing process to ensure it is able to meet individual demands within competitive timeframes.

“Collaborative local product design is a key element in our future strategy,” says Alan. “We have spent the last six months openly

Furniture News 332.indd 48

discussing potential new design strategies and styles with our top 10 clients, and have engaged the services of a local interior design consultant to add a realistic edge to our new products.

“Effective product design is core to our business – and indeed my own personal approach, having run my own furniture design consultancy for five years before joining Stuart Jones.”

The new product ranges are grouped into traditional, contemporary and classical designs which include principally upholstered beds, headboards, ottomans, feature chairs and stools.

“Our key strengths have always been hand-made, dependable, quality products and service,” says Alan.

“Now we are adding fresh new designs, all at competitive prices – and I am particularly pleased that we have been able to work alongside local Sussex partners to drive these changes within our business.”

W stuartjones.co.uk

26/10/2016 13:28

Millbrook Beds is your best kept secret in the bedroom.

Traditionally handmade in the UK by highly skilled craftsmen for almost 70 years. Every Millbrook bed is made to order using only the finest, locally-sourced, natural materials to offer the ultimate in comfort and sleep luxury.

To find your nearest stockist visit: www.millbrook-beds.co.uk

Furniture News 332.indd 49

26/10/2016 13:28

50

|

BED SHOW REVIEW Sealy

Leading bed brand Sealy recently took the Telford Bed Show by storm when it invited a wellknown sporting celebrity to attend the event.

Celebrity support for Sealy

Hybrid Ultima

Sporting celebrity Phil Tufnell hosted a meet and greet on the Sealy stand, at the Bed Show, promoting the brand’s World of Sport campaign, which raises awareness of the intrinsic link between sleep and sporting performance.

With so much hype around diet, exercise and lifestyle, the importance of a good night’s sleep is sometimes forgotten or overlooked. It is when asleep that the body works to repair and prevent any injuries sustained from physical exertion.

Phil understands the importance of a good night’s rest and notices the difference in his performance if he has a bad night’s sleep. He says: “It (sleep) really does play a major role when you’re training hard and competing in your field. Getting enough rest was always top on my list of priorities because it really did have an impact.”

Phil caused a stir on the Sealy stand, but it was the new beds which were the main attraction on the day. Taking centre stage was the evolution of the revolutionary Hybrid Collection which has been

Furniture News 332.indd 50

Naverro

26/10/2016 13:28

Sealy BED SHOW REVIEW re-imagined for 2016 with pioneering technology and a groundbreaking feature – it requires no turning or rotating to keep it in prime condition.

The collection includes the Ultima 2800 and Regency 3600, both of which contain unique gel-infused foam, Geltex, which provides breathability, pressure relief, comfort and support.

The new Pocket Ortho Collection was also unveiled at the show.

A combination of the award-winning Pocket and Ortho ranges, this brand new model delivers Sealy’s renowned orthopaedically-correct designs, combined with the luxurious sleeping experience of a pocket spring bed.

New mattresses in the collection include Delphina 1400, Naverro 1400 and Romano 1400, all of which feature 1400 pocket springs: Delphina 1400 also boasts Geltex inside to deliver a combination of

Delphina

|

51

pressure relief and support; Romano 1400 contains memory foam to aid a restful night's sleep; and Naverro 1400 contains Unirail, a unique polyethylene system enabling the sleeper to use the entire sleeping surface without fear of rolling off.

This continued commitment to the research and development of its products ensures that the Sealy brand remains at the forefront of the industry, and the use of some of the most technologically advanced materials and processes also helps ensure customers experience an improvement in the quality of their sleep.

Visitors on the day were also invited to trial Sealy’s brand new website, which has been transformed to include a whole host of features and content. The brand also presented its new product videos.

W sealy.co.uk

Romano

Hybrid Regency

Furniture News 332.indd 51

26/10/2016 13:28

52

|

BED SHOW REVIEW Silentnight

2016 sees the launch of Studio by Silentnight, targeted at a style-conscious audience. Style and simplicity combine to offer a new collection of bedframes and mattresses designed with the reassurance of Silentnight, but a fresh, contemporary experience.

Simple style from Silentnight Studio mattress in Ebony

The Studio by Silentnight mattress is available in three comfort choices, softer, firmer or medium, to ensure a mattress that suits different sleep preferences. It is a comfortable mattress with an ideal combination of gel-infused foam, for bounce-back and breathability to prevent overheating, and state-of-the-art memory foam to take the pressure off with contouring.

Incorporating Studio Flex high density foam, the mattress is designed with profiled support for a tailored experience, matched to comfort. It is wrapped in a soft touch, Allergy UK-approved cover for a fresh feeling.

Each mattress is hand made with care in the UK, and although Studio is new, it comes backed up with all the quality and experience of Silentnight. With the customer in mind, this mattress also comes

Furniture News 332.indd 52

cleverly rolled and boxed for convenience.

It is easy for customers to design their own Studio by Silentnight bedframe, with a quick, fun and interactive experience that lets the customer choose style, colour, storage and size options and takes care of the rest. Three bedframe styles and four fabrics are available. “Studio by Silentnight is an exciting new brand concept, appealing to style-conscious consumers. It is all about style and simplicity, offering mattress comfort and bedframe style and colour options.

"The feedback from our recent customer focus groups and trade shows has been nothing but positive,� explains marketing director Nick Booth.

T 01282 851111 W silentnight.co.uk

26/10/2016 13:28

Introducing The British Wool Collection

This stunning new collection of quality pocket spring mattresses from Rest Assured combines the best of quality craftsmanship and the pure comfort of natural British wool. Rest Assured it’s British by nature.

For more information please visit rest-assured.co.uk or call 01282 851 111

Furniture News 332.indd 53

26/10/2016 13:28

Celebrating 70 years of Quality & Innovation To find out more about our exciting new products, including our limited edition Anniversary Collection visit silentnight.co.uk or call us on 01282 851 111

Discover the 2016 Miraform Collection

Furniture News 332.indd 54 SN Anniversary Furniture News dps advert.indd All Pages

26/10/2016 13:28

Awarded for the Silentnight Mirapocket 1200

Style and simplicity Introducing Studio by Silentnight... silentnight.co.uk/studio

Furniture News 332.indd 55

26/10/2016 13:28 14/10/2016 12:06

56

|

BED SHOW REVIEW Breasley

Breasley chose the 2016 Bed Show to display its new Uno collection, presenting the full range on offer.

Breasley brings innovation to the Bed Show

Uno is vacuum packed for convenience Breasley’s Uno up close

At the Bed Show, Breasley clearly defined the next generation of vacuum-packed mattresses replacing the company’s existing rolled mattress range. The event was an eagerly awaited one for both Breasley and its retail partners.

Having spent the last 11 years innovating and developing the vacuum-packed market, Breasley now feels that it has a definitive range of mattresses, honed from extensive manufacturing experience.

The collection of 11 models includes the latest technology in springs and comfort fillings, plus Breasley’s unique ergonomic profiling. Each model also has the added benefit of specialist cover finishes such as Adaptive and Fresche, which is recognised as one of the world’s most advanced non-volatile antimicrobial treatments, providing long-term protection against bacterial and fungal attack.

From the Uno Junior entry level mattress to the Uno Memory Pocket 2000, each model has a USP and quality assured. Breasley is so confident in the collection that it is offering a 10-year guarantee on all models.

Retailers can also take advantage of a free Uno display stand holding nine rolled mattresses, plus a bespoke Uno foot mat and pillows. The collection will also be supported by a new website.

T 01629 821510 5 year guarantee Furniture News 332.indd 56

26/10/2016 13:28

simply the best

The new Uno mattress collection 10 year guarantee

Free mattress stand & POS

Fast track delivery

Great USP on every model

The UK’s ‘numero uno’ for vacuum packed mattresses

MADE IN UK

Made in the UK 5 year guarantee foam No turn 01629Memory 821510 | unomattress.co.uk 5 year guarantee

Pocket springs

Support foam

Memory foam

10

Furniture News 332.indd 57

10 year guarantee

5 year guarantee

Latex

26/10/2016 13:28

58

|

BED SHOW REVIEW Hypnos

For the seventh year running, royal warrant holder and multi award-winning bed manufacturer, Hypnos, brought the art of luxury bed-making to the NBF Bed Show, this year launching its newest collections for the retail market.

Hypnos’ luxury appeal

Hypnos brought its luxury appeal to the Bed Show Hypnos’ Natural Comfort collection comprises four seasonal turn mattresses

Taking centre stage at the Bed Show was Hypnos’ new Natural Comfort collection. Featuring four seasonal turn mattresses, the collection offers a high level of body support, due to an industryfirst 3-zone UltraSens pocket spring system which provides a firmer tensioned spring.

For added comfort, each mattress is thick and cushioned and packed with generous layers of natural, breathable materials, including wool, silk and alpaca wool.

They are also upholstered with Belgian Damask to provide a soft and silky surface for sleep.

Also launched at the show was Hypnos’ new Luxury No Turn collection. Comprising three models, Deluxe, Supreme and Superb, each mattress features a ReActive 6, 7 and 8 pocket spring system respectively, whereby each spring independently senses the contours of the user’s body and weight distribution to provide total spinal and body support.

Like the Hypnos Natural Comfort mattresses, this collection is also upholstered with Belgian damask, encompassing layers of

Furniture News 332.indd 58

Each Natural Comfort collection mattress is filled with natural materials

wool, alpaca, Solotex luxury cushioning and Talalay latex to provide ultimate comfort. Chris Ward, group marketing director at Hypnos, says: “Having been handcrafting the most luxurious and high quality beds for more than 100 years, Hypnos has long established a strong reputation for excellence in the luxury bed market. As a result we have high levels of customer satisfaction, and so naturally, and as with all our products, our latest collections have been created completely with them in mind.

“Designed to offer a practical sleep solution that doesn’t scrimp on comfort, style or quality, customers can also rest easy knowing the materials used to make the mattresses in our collections are all sustainable, ethically sourced and of the highest quality available.

“It was great to be able to speak to our retailers directly as we launched these brand new collections at the show this year.”

The two collections are available with Hypnos’ stylish and signature range of divan bases and headboards, which were also shown at this year’s Bed Show.

W hypnosbeds.com

26/10/2016 13:28

3088 Hy

Best of British The pursuit of perfection – beautiful handcrafted pocket spring beds, with a Royal Seal of Approval and an unrivalled 10 year guarantee. Hypnos provides retailers with exquisitely tailored beds; sublime comfort; a choice of design options; a commitment to sustainability; a strong consumer brand and excellent support.

Don’t miss out try the gorgeous new collections today!

T: +44 (0) 1844 348200 | E: sleep@hypnosbeds.com | www.hypnosbeds.com Hypnos is proud to be Carbon Neutral, complying with PAS 2060.

Furniture News 332.inddNews 59 Ad 216x297 aw.indd 1 3088 Hypnos Furniture

26/10/2016 14/10/2016 13:29 14:03

60

|

BED SHOW REVIEW Mammoth

Leading UK mattress and upholstery brand Mammoth celebrated its best Bed Show to date this year. Founder John Tuton explains the importance of design and how it has positively impacted his award-winning business.

Design integral to Mammoth’s success

On Mammoth’s stand at the Bed Show

How much do you think the design of a bed matters?

For us, design is essential, pervasive, and goes far beyond the aesthetics – we consider consumer needs, technical function and practical requirements. Central to our success is that we consider ourselves to be first and foremost a specialist design, technology and brand house, focused on the ‘science of comfort’.

As a manufacturer, is the design of a bed secondary to its comfort levels?

We originally saw an opportunity to apply better design in the creation of mattresses, but comfort is never compromised. Our goal is to achieve a balance between scientifically considered comfort, aesthetic design and value.

We are always looking forward and are well connected to science and innovation communities. As a business we continue to invest and engage in award-winning research and technology developments. We were the first in the industry to work with qualified academic experts and indeed a professor of sleep science.

Who in the business decides how a bed will look?

Mammoth is an eclectic community of researchers, engineers, marketeers and designers. We always look to our experts on key aspects of product developments.

Our success lies in the Mammoth design process and the gentle blending and application of these skills in a balanced approach to product and proposition developments. It doesn’t make sense for one person, however talented, to make the final decisions. We all contribute – it’s part of our brand ethos. The final design is always a collective decision with the Mammoth team and key stakeholders and, then, validated with customers.

Furniture News 332.indd 60

John Tuton

Tell us about the most design-led bed you presented at the Bed Show The new Performance Pocket 3000 includes a new mattress, bed base and headboard. From dovetail joints on the drawers, beautiful fabrics, and contemporary wood and metal finishes, this product reflects our balanced approach to design and functionality.

To bring a sense of opulence, the depth of the headboard has been doubled and we have carefully selected the Azzurro fabric to reflect light and highlight the rich texture of the materials used in the design.

Internally the bed system delivers great functionality, combining three of Mammoth’s key technologies to create our most comfortable bed to date and it was voted by many of our retailers as ‘bed of the show’ at the NBF Bed Show in September. It offers a fantastic margin and return on floor space on a £3k+ product.

W mammothmattress.co.uk

26/10/2016 14:46

Awarded winning innovators in comfort

Yet another reason to choose Mammoth Visit : www.mammothuk.com | enquiries@mammothuk.com Furniture News 332.indd 61

26/10/2016 13:29

Furniture News 332.indd 62

26/10/2016 13:29

Celebrating our fantastic achievement of receiving the esteemed accolade of

Runner Up Bed Manufacturer of the Year Award.

If you are interested in becoming a stockist of any of the Steinhoff UK Bedding Group stable of brands, please email: marketing@steinhoffukbeds.co.uk

Furniture News 332.indd 63

26/10/2016 13:29

64

|

BED SHOW REVIEW Siesta Beds

Siesta Beds enjoyed a successful time at the Bed Show, following the launch of 10 new models and the improvements in appearance and increase in specification of existing lines.

Siesta concentrates on improvement

Savoy

Many of the beds within Siesta’s range – including Connoisseur, Pashmina, Panache, Emperor and Affinity – have had knitted fabrics added to them to enhance the feel of the memory foam, latex and pocket springs.

At the show, Siesta introduced new flagship model Windermere, with 4500 pocketed springs in the king size mattress along with an upholstery of mohair, pashmina, cashmere, silk, wool and bamboo.

Products such as Harrow, Braemar, Camelot and Chatsworth have enhanced the company’s successful collection of encapsulated pocketed springs, offering a selection of top upholsteries and spring counts of 1000, 1500 and 2000, taking the range to eight in total.

Existing models now incorporate improved borders and top fabrics.

All were received with a positive reception at the show, which puts the company in a good position for 2017 trade.

Siesta Beds' comfort and quality-assured range of beds is recognised for its ethos of quality, value and quick delivery.

W siestabeds.co.uk

Furniture News 332.indd 64

Sandringham

26/10/2016 13:29

Furniture News 332.indd 65

26/10/2016 13:29

66

|

BED SHOW REVIEW Deluxe Beds

At this year’s Bed Show, Deluxe Beds premiered new beds across its four ranges – Hamilton & James, Pennine Beds, Kaye & Stewart and Modern Living. From affordable, everyday offerings to luxury beds, Deluxe Beds’ newly-increased collection covers it all.

Deluxe’s expanded offering Hamilton & James

Kaye & Stewart

Leading Deluxe Beds’ line-up is Serenity, which fits into the Hamilton & James collection of beds incorporating natural materials. Unique to Serenity is its high pocket spring count, with the range starting at 3000 pocket springs upwards to 7000.

Also in the Hamilton & James range is the Classic collection, which combines luxury materials with affordable pricing. From the outside in, the Classic collection is a robust choice, particularly for those who prefer a natural feel. The pillow-soft tufted mattress is enclosed in a damask-printed cover, topped with thick comfort layers and thermal bonded natural cotton.

Pennine Beds, Deluxe’s handcrafted collection, has one new bed to added to the range, Ultra Edge Comfort. As the name suggests, Ultra Edge Comfort combines secure support with a high level of comfort thanks to a foam border surrounding the mattress as well as a double layer of Agro springs.

Kaye & Stewart introduced the Premier Pocket, a pocket-sprung bed made for hoteliers worldwide. Premier Pocket’s 100% cotton cover encases its springs, which are entirely customisable. There is a choice

Furniture News 332.indd 66

Pennine Beds Ultra Edge

between standard open coil, pocket springs and the interactive pocket spring system, featuring two levels of springs on top of each other.

For hotels or establishments with specific needs, two waterproof bed options have been released – Kaye & Stewart’s Waterproof and Aquaguard. Both beds are coated in PVC to keep them clean and protect them from water damage while maintaining a medium-firm level of support and a high level of comfort.

Finally, Taunton and Kempton, two modern and highly-supportive mattresses, have joined the Modern Living collection. Both mattresses offer the support of a 12.5g open coil system, giving a medium-firm support. Taunton offers layers of reflex foam and polyester to provide comfort while Kempton relies on its duo pad spring protection to provide a restful night’s sleep.

With a great assortment of new products, Deluxe Beds is now prepared to pursue even more business and catch the attention of both new clients as well as clients with an established business relationship.

W deluxebedsltd.com

26/10/2016 13:29

Hamilton & James’ Natural Luxury Collection has become even more luxurious. Introducing Serenity - the highest level of luxury we currently have to offer in our premium Hamilton & James bed range.

We ensure that this opulent addition is the ultimate comfort.

Serenity is comprised of thick layers of high quality thermal bonded wool - our largest ever layer of rebound wool. A final layer of needle wool, silk, cashmere and natural fibre fillings finish off the bed for a gorgeous natural feel.

Furniture News 332.indd 67

For more information about Hamilton & James, please contact enquiries@deluxe-beds.co.uk or call 01484 427 373. www.deluxe-beds.co.uk

26/10/2016 13:29

68

|

BED SHOW REVIEW Furmanac

Furmanac is a go-to supplier for handmade, adjustable beds, divans, mattresses, upholstered bedframes and rise and recline chairs.

A busy show for Furmanac

Furmanac’s new bedframes

Over the course of three weeks in September, Furmanac not only managed to exhibit at three trade shows, but also launched a variety of products that will leave retailers spoilt for choice.

The market-leading MiBed brand gained nine new models that have been designed with comfort, feel and durability as the primary focus.

One of the features of these new mattresses is that they have been designed to be the same height. While they offer similar looks on the outside, internally the fillings are completely different, so they can be mixed and matched on the shop floor.

In addition to this, Furmanac has also added some new adjustable surrounds to the range, creating an ideal solution for consumers that prefer the look of a normal divan and would rather the mechanism not be on show.

Moving on to the Hesita brand, Furmanac has created a new collection of luxury memory foam on hand-nested pocket spring mattresses. Foam encapsulated for full edge to edge support, each VR mattress offers varying levels of firmness to meet the unique requirements of customers. They feature a Viscose cover for a softer touch and have been treated with Adaptive for optimum temperature control.

The VR3000 exclusively features the breathable viscoelastic V Cool foam, designed to improve air flow by 95%. The layer of V Cool foam provides a luxury feel and offers a combination that is able to dissipate heat and moisture three times faster than traditional memory foam, while the open-cell structure improves heat flow.

These new product developments also extended to the Hestia Upholstered bedframe collection, and at the NBF show Furmanac launched two new bedframes.

Violet features a buttoned headboard which is mirrored on the footboard, whilst Shrewsbury offers a contemporary look that would make an eye-catching addition to a shop floor. To offer customers the benefits that added storage can bring, Furmanac has added ottoman storage options to its bedframes and divans.

T 01384 408844 W furmanac.com

Furniture News 332.indd 68

MiBed collection

VR range

26/10/2016 13:29

The UK’s largest adjustable bed brand will leave you spoilt for choice with the 9 new additions to the range.

Tel: 01384 408844

Furniture News 332.indd 69

Email: Sales@Furmanac.com

Visit: www.furmanac.com

26/10/2016 13:29

It can only be…

Furniture 332.indd1 70 Highgate News DPSV2.indd

26/10/2016 13:29

Contact us for more details T: 01924 454678 E: enquiries@highgatebeds.com

Furniture News 332.indd 71

26/10/2016 17/10/2016 13:29 16:12

72

|

BED SHOW REVIEW The Shire Bed Company

The Shire Bed Company is celebrating its most successful NBF Bed Show to date after launching a range of striking new products.

Success for Shire

Roll & Rest Carnation

Shire Beds has been exhibiting at the show since it first began in 2009, and triumphed this year with its much-anticipated Roll & Rest collection of vacuum-packed mattresses. Significant investment into expanding its manufacturing facility in Dewsbury, Yorkshire, enabled it to develop this new range.

Ideal for anyone needing a mattress in a hurry, the comprehensive collection features 10 different models, including Daisy, Iris, Carnation, Orchid, Freesia, Azalea, Amaryllis, Lotus, Violet and Jasmine.

The extensive range of open coil, orthopaedic spring, reflex foam and pocket sprung mattresses is available in standard core and memory foam topper options. All the mattresses will return to full size, ready to use two to four hours after opening and can be transported in the back of an average sized car.

Another winner at the show was the company’s new, secondgeneration Active Response collection. The four mattresses with performance-finish covers include Active Fresh, with climate and moisture management at 37˚C, and Active Care, containing a Tencel finish for moisture management.

Active Breeze optimises the body’s natural thermoregulation through smart fibres, and Active Cool has hydrophilic moisture wicking properties.

The company’s limited collection of boutique pocket mattresses attracted attention. The Elegance 1500 and Opulence 3000 are boutique inspired, soft, sumptuous pocket-sprung mattresses with high-quality fillings, including cashmere, silk and wool.

Both mattresses have woollen tufts, air vents and handles as standard and are completed with a soft fabric to complement the

Furniture News 332.indd 72

supportive pocket spring unit.

Fara Butt, sales and marketing director, says: “We are passionate about product quality and work very hard to bring our latest collections to our customers. All the new ranges went down really well, especially the Roll & Rest and the Active. In fact one visitor commented that Active Fresh was the best looking and most comfortable mattress at the show.”

The company’s high quality beds, mattresses and divan bases are supplied nationally and internationally to major retailers and the contract sector, including education, care and hospitality.

W shirebeds.co.uk

Roll & Rest Jasmine

26/10/2016 13:29

78523 V

LONDON - NEW YORK - PARIS - MILAN - BERLIN - MOSCOW - BEIJING - HONG KONG

Furniture 332.inddNews 73 ibiza Ad.indd 1 78523 VSNews 273 Furniture

26/10/2016 14/10/2016 13:29 09:06

74

|

BED SHOW REVIEW The Foam Company

The Foam Company’s new brand, Hellosleep, made its successful debut at this year’s Bed Show. Hellosleep’s new mattress range, Breathe, is made from ground-breaking Vystex foam, incorporating ventilated material for improved airflow.

Hellosleep’s Bed Show debut

Hellosleep received positive feedback at the Bed Show

Manufactured exclusively for The Foam Company, Vystex foam has gone through extensive thermal testing to show that it is able to dissipate heat 47% more quickly than standard memory foam, and is 30% more breathable. 75 kilos in density, it is also higher quality.

Hellopsleep includes BreatheFusion Plus, which provides comfort and support. This 2000 pocket sprung mattress is combined with 7cm of Breathe Vystex, with a comfort layer in the middle.

BreatheFusion is a 1500-pocket spring mattress with 7cm of Breathe Vystex. BreathePure has the feel of a memory foam mattress but without the negatives of heat and lack of breathability.

Hellosleep is actively looking to send footfall back into the stores with a targeted online marketing campaign designed to focus the consumer on spending time in store with the experienced sales consultants to find the ideal Breathe mattress for them.

Mike Nash, MD, says: “The Bed Show was the ideal platform for us to promote our new brands. The stand was really busy and we were extremely pleased with the positive feedback given by visitors. Visitors were impressed with both the quality and comfort of Hellosleep. The brand offers great opportunities for retailers and allows us to tell a simple, three product story across a range of retail price points. It’s exciting times ahead for The Foam Company and Hellosleep.”

T 01235 514240

Furniture News 332.indd 74

Hellosleep’s stand at the Bed Show

26/10/2016 13:29

TM

cooler sleeping

47% cooler

than standard memory foams

Breathable foam

Allows air to flow allowing for cooler, healthier sleeping

Instant pressure relief Does not react to heat enabling consistent support all year round

10 year warranty

Providing confidence and peace of mind.

British Quality

All our beds and mattresses are made in the UK

Introducing the first exciting product range from hellosleep; Breathe Mattresses and Beds. Featuring revolutionary Vystex Breathable material which provides cooler sleeping. Tests prove our material dissipates heat 47% faster than standard memory foams and show its superior advancements in breathability. The results offer ultimate comfort for a great nights sleep.

We are looking for selected stockists to partner with and take advantage of our focused marketing campaign to drive footfall into your store. Excellent in store point of sale is also available. Please contact us to find out more and discuss your requirements.

hello sleep www.hellosleep.uk

Furniture News 332.indd 75

Email - sally@hellosleep.uk

Tel; 01235 529148

26/10/2016 13:29

76

|

BED SHOW REVIEW Highgate Beds

Highgate Beds has significantly expanded with the push of its Healthopaedic and Zero Gravity brands. The business is working to ensure it is at the forefront of bed design while remaining a market leader.

Highgate’s continued growth Puccini 5000 Ascot Coal, Highgate Beds

Puccini 5000 Ascot Denim, Highgate Beds

Highgate launched several new products at the Bed Show, including additions to the Zero Gravity and Classic ranges and Highgate’s mini ottomans. All these new products were met with a positive reception, and the business is already rolling them out to many of its customers.

The Zero Gravity Puccini was a show stopper and was well received by all Highgate’s visitors. Also presented at the NBF show were the company’s Rossini mattresses. New to the Classic range, they are filled with natural fillings. The fresh and exclusive Ascot fabrics also made

Furniture News 332.indd 76

Puccini 5000 Ascot Grey, Highgate Beds

an appearance at the show, in various shades including denim blue, turquoise, greys and brown tones.

For customers that did not get a chance to visit the company at the show, Highgate has now launched a new show van, and welcomes trade visitors to its newly-opened showroom. Healthopaedic is now online too, with a newly-launched website to show the bespoke bed designs available within the Classic and Zero Gravity ranges.

W highgatebeds.com

26/10/2016 13:29

Trad

NEW TO THE BED INDUSTRY?

INTRODUCTION TO BEDS COURSE

SIGN UP

FREE! until 31 / 12 / 2016 *

Fast-track your knowledge with the perfect induction course Ideal for anyone joining the bed industry – whether in retail or manufacturing – in sales, buying, customer services or production – in fact any role in the company.

■ Register now at intro2beds.com ■ Enrol individually or buy team credits ■ Study via PC, laptop or tablet ■ Enjoyable, interactive 45 minute module

Brought to you by

■ Pass knowledge assessment to receive a certificate ■ Use as part of company induction programme ■ FREE until 31/ 12 / 2016 *

*Free offer applies to those starting the course prior to 31/12/2016. From 01/01/2017 a £25 course fee applies.

To find out more and to register for the course visit: intro2beds.com Furniture 332.indd to77Beds_FURNITURE NEWS_Nov.indd 1 Trade News Ad Introduction

26/10/2016 13:29 05/10/2016 10:35

78

|

BED SHOW REVIEW Kaymed

It’s been a year of change and growth for Kaymed – one that culminated in winning the NBF Bed Manufacturer of the Year award at the Bed Show.

Kaymed’s evolution

Mighty Bed

“Since the introduction of new technologies in September 2014, we have already experienced very strong growth,” says UK sales manager Terry Bridger.

“Kaymed’s patented therma-phase technology is the UK’s only temperature regulating product in a market full of ‘cooling’ alternatives. As this sector has grown, we have become the dominant premier player and it has not been unusual for our stockists to have trebled, or even quadrupled their business in a two-year period – often from the same number of products that they’d displayed in previous years.

“Our Mighty Bed and Response Gel products have also performed at similar rates and, as a result, our UK sales grew by 130% in the 12 months up to July 2016.

“However, what is most remarkable is that a significant part of that growth has been achieved through increased turnover from our existing accounts. This is something that we are particularly proud of, as many of our longer term supporters have seen the biggest benefits in terms of their faith in our policy of 100% innovation and 0% imitation.”

Kaymed has also invested heavily in consumer marketing

Furniture News 332.indd 78

campaigns to push footfall to its stockists' doors and next year will be no exception.

“I can confirm that we will be running another TV therma-phase campaign over the winter sales period,” states UK marketing manager, Jeremy Navrady.

“This was enormously successful last year and we have a robust system in place to quickly turn every web enquiry received into orders for our retail partners.

“We are also rolling out PoS to support our recent survey of consumers who’d purchased a Kaymed bed over an 18-month period, which returned a 93% satisfaction rate.

“We see more value in that research compared to the plethora of celebrity bed brand endorsements of our competitors and are 100% convinced that savvy consumers will feel the same way.”

Terry concludes: “Becoming NBF Bed Manufacturer of the Year was a fantastic accolade for our business.

"However, you cannot win anything without a loyal fan base who believe in your company and our sincere thanks go to all of our retail partners.”

W kaymed.co.uk

26/10/2016 13:29

79

West Yorkshire based Global Components UK LTD are a leading and preferred supplier to Bed and Furniture manufacturers throughout the UK and Ireland, offering bed and furniture components, fabrics and packaging products, we are proud to support UK manufacturing by offering a quality service at competitive prices to encourage manufacturing back to the UK.

Please contact Claire Joynson for all enquiries: Tel: 01924 260097 Global Components (UK) Ltd, Greenfield Mills, Warneford Avenue, Ossett, WF5 9NJ Please visit our website

www.gc-uk.com

Stuart Jones Contract Beds half page.qxp_Layout 1 05/09/2016 12:27 Page 1 Global Components.indd 1

22/08/2016 13:53

Stuart Jones Established 1973

Artex Avenue Rustington Trading Estate Rustington West Sussex BN16 3LN

01903 773225 reception@stuartjones.co.uk

headboards, beds and occasional furniture handmade for you in sussex â—?

Furniture News 332.indd 79

26/10/2016 13:29

80

|

BED SHOW REVIEW Steinhoff Bedding Group

Steinhoff Bedding Group, manufacturer of beds and mattresses under the Relyon, Dunlopillo, Staples, Myers and Slumberland brands, was pleased to receive recognition at this year’s Bed Industry Awards ceremony at the Bed Show.

Steinhoff impresses awards judges Steinhoff receiving its award at the Bed Show

Now in their sixth year, the Bed Industry Awards are designed to recognise bed companies considered as ‘best in class’ over the past 12 months. Steinhoff Bedding Group was acknowledged as a runner-up in the Bed Manufacturer of the Year category at this year’s ceremony.

Anthony Joyce, MD of Steinhoff Bedding Group, says: “We are really pleased to be awarded Bed Manufacturer of the Year runner-up. It’s rewarding for the whole business to be recognised in this way. Our three year investment plan was established earlier this year and we are well on our way to developing both our sites into world-class manufacturing facilities.”

With the quality of entries improving year-on-year, the competition this year was stronger than ever and the Steinhoff Bedding Group was commended for placing great emphasis on investment in new fleet, warehousing, training amongst its employees and driving sales points upwards.

Steinhoff Bedding Group has also made considerable marketing investment across its brands in the past 12 months. The independentonly Relyon brand proves testament to this with the investment of a new in-store display stand which was unveiled at this year’s Bed Show.

Paul Little, Steinhoff Bedding Group sales director, says: “The new Relyon display stand has been received really well by our independent customers with over 50 retailers signing up to the new display stand to date.”

All of Steinhoff Bedding Group’s brands are moving from strength to strength. This year, Slumberland’s Serene and Grace mattresses were

Furniture News 332.indd 80

awarded Mumsnet Best 2016, and their new developments continue to focus on creating the healthiest sleep environment possible.

The Myer’s brand has recently launched its Horatio Myer’s collections, epitomising great value for money, and Dunlopillo has retained the Which? Best Buy Award for the Royal Sovereign mattress for the second year in succession.

This recognition from the NBF not only highlights Steinhoff Bedding Group’s lean manufacturing efficiencies in both the Huntingdon and Wellington sites but also its ongoing commitment to its brands and customers.

W steinhoffinternational.com

Relyon’s stand at the Bed Show

26/10/2016 13:29

GAI_63

Luxury without compromise Your customers demand the best quality while looking for the best value; Gainsborough Beds offer both.

We maintain the traditional techniques of hand side stitching every border and hand nesting every one of the individual pocket springs. Each mattress boasts layer upon layer of high quality fillings covered in beautiful fabrics sourced from some of the world’s leading suppliers. All of this ensures the very best that sleep has to offer at a price that won’t cost the earth.

Why compromise when you could be selling handmade Gainsborough beds?

To register an interest in becoming a Gainsborough stockist: T: 01225 779132 W: gainsborough-beds.co.uk

Furniture GAI_6310News Furn 332.indd News page81adAW.indd 1

26/10/2016 12/10/2016 13:29 09:27

82

|

OUT & ABOUT Bed Show

Event: The drinks reception preceding the NBF Bed Show Gala Dinner Location: The foyer of Telford’s International Centre Date: Tuesday 20th September Lowdown: The NBF Bed Show, the bed sector’s key event, takes place over two days each September, and is punctuated by the Gala Dinner on the evening of the first day. A typically lavish affair, the dinner gives manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and others involved in the bed industry the chance to unwind together.

Each year, the winners of the Bed Industry Awards are presented by a celebrity host – comedian Marcus Brigstocke oversaw this edition

Furniture News 332.indd 82

26/10/2016 13:29

Bed Show OUT & ABOUT

Furniture News 332.indd 83

|

83

26/10/2016 13:29

Winner , Mid-lev e Catego l ry

stars

of 2016

Cadell, Bentley Designs Winner, Mid-level Category “It’s distinctive, the dimensions are exciting, and the combinations available mean there is versatility to it”

FURNITURE

THE

Meet one of the

AWARDS

Open to all January Furniture Show 2017 exhibitors – enter your star product now at

www.januaryfurnitureshow.com/the-furniture-awards

Furniture NewsAwards 332.indd 84 2016.indd 4 The Furniture Advert

26/10/2016 25/10/2016 13:29 12:04

Dec Pa

E

S

16 12:04

Furniture News 332.indd 185 Dec Panels Advert.indd

26/10/2016 24/10/2016 13:29 15:03

86

|

AUTUMN FURNITURE SHOW REVIEW

The third Autumn Furniture Show, delivered by Minerva Furnishers Guild last month, was supported by 82 exhibitors boasting striking, creative stands.

Success for Autumn Furniture Show

As in previous years, the Autumn Furniture Show was open to all furniture retailers again this year.

The show extends its thanks to the exhibitors for their support and the considerable effort made in presentation with some exceptional stands.

The exhibitor list featured many well known brand names including a European offer from Germany, Holland, Denmark, Portugal and Italy.

Attendance overall was again up on the previous year, with a strong showing of retailers external to the membership.

All in all this event is going from strength to strength, with the event timing and quality of exhibitor proving to be major factors.

The gala dinner was held in the Ironbridge Suite at The

Furniture News 332.indd 86

International Centre, with a champagne reception. The guest speaker was Dr Phil Hammond who was warmly welcomed.

The Best Stand Award was presented to Kettle Interiors by group chairman Martin Lukehurst. Kettle Interiors, a new supplier to the group, reported a very worthwhile level of orders and interest.

The 2017 Autumn Furniture Show will see a change of venue to the NAEC at Stoneleigh Park near Kenilworth in Warwickshire.

This is a more central location with good proximity to Birmingham International Airport and several linked motorway systems.

The exhibition dates will be Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th September. This will again be an open-to-all event.

W theautumnfurnitureshow.co.uk

26/10/2016 13:29

Scantho

THANK YOU FOR MAKING THE AUTUMN FURNITURE SHOW A SUCCESS! WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE JANUARY FURNITURE SHOW PIAZZA SUITES 5-7

35A Keighley Road, Silsden, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD20 0EB Tel 01535 656002 | Info@scanthor.co.uk Furniture 332.indd 87 Scanthor News UK.indd 1

26/10/2016 21/10/2016 13:29 15:22

88

|

AUTUMN FURNITURE SHOW REVIEW Wiemann’s Multiplus in champagne and havanna

Amica, Wiemann Hetty, Ashley Manor

Grandfather clock, BilliB

Presented to the trade for the first time at the Autumn Furniture Show, Amica is a new semisolid range from German bedroom furniture manufacturer, Wiemann (www.wiemannuk. co.uk). Simon Hewitt, MD of Wiemann’s UK agency Litmus Furniture, says: “It’s a very welcome addition to our semi-solid selections and it’s packed full of some of our favourite features, too.”

Amica combines light oak with white or mirrored glass fronts and features a choice of sliding or bi-fold panorama door wardrobes – the latter full length or combined with wide, spacious drawers. Headboards have bedding box storage and adjustable headrest options, while hanging or freestanding bedside cabinets are complemented by a host of other chests and cupboards.

Space, accessibility, and practicality are just some of the key factors that influence consumers when it comes to choosing bedroom furniture. One of Wiemann’s latest concepts, Multiplus, combines the best of these elements.

The two central doors slide open to reveal a well-lit, bijou dressing area, packed with

Furniture News 332.indd 88

hanging space, shelving and drawers, all in narrow grey and white stripes. The unit is just 110cm deep and comes in three widths (2.5, 3 and 3.3m) and two heights (217 and 236cm).

Behind the outer sliding doors is additional slimline storage which can be fitted out with a choice of accessories, from floor-to-ceiling shoe racks to mirrors, hooks, pull-outs and further shelving. Other extras include LED wardrobe interior lights with motion detector and soft-close mechanisms.

The VIP range also offers a comprehensive collection of bedroom pieces such as night cabinets, chests of drawers, and mirrors. It is available in alpine white, soft champagne or Havanna – and also combinations of these.

Three of Ashley Manor’s (www. ashleymanor.co.uk) sofa collections played a starring role at the Autumn Furniture Show.

Loretta is a British design with a modern twist. Heritage fabric prints are given a fresh spin with a new steel grey colour palette and injections of silvery threads. Decadent design accents add glamour with stud and tassel features.

Hetty is practical, modern and stylish. This sofa collection is available with a generous pillow back or practical standard back design for comfortable living. The ideal combination can be created with Ashley Manor’s versatile sizing options.

Gatsby’s elegant lines and sleek curves create a stylish, unique shape. It is an art heritage-inspired collection made modern with a new fabric mix, ideal for relaxed living.

It is available with comfortable textured plains and chic accent patterns.

“It was good to be back at Minerva and showcase our latest designs. We’ve had a huge welcome back with customers old and new enjoying the new collections,” says Steve Morgan, sales director at Ashley Manor.

BilliB (01202 293352) is a premier UK supplier of quality clocks. BilliB endeavours to keep up with the times with a diverse range of traditional, contemporary and modern clocks with a selection of both quartz crystal or mechanical movements to satisfy most tastes. Its clocks are made by craftsmen, and all BilliB clocks are stocked in the UK to allow for fast delivery. BilliB is a long-standing >>>

26/10/2016 13:29

Alpha D

ALPHA D E S I G N S

ALPHA DESIGNS UPHOLSTERY LIMITED T: 01902 492937 F: 01902 493700 E: sales@alpha-designs.co.uk Unit 1, Stag Industrial Estate, Oxford Street, Bilston, Wolverhampton WV14 7HZ Furniture NewsAdvert.indd 332.indd 891 Alpha Designs

26/10/2016 10/10/2016 13:29 10:57

90

|

AUTUMN FURNITURE SHOW REVIEW

Halley, Alpha Designs

Florence leather sofa, Cintique

Florence fabric sofa, Cintique

Halley snuggler, Alpha Designs

family business that understands what customers want and the service they deserve.

Halley has remained Alpha Designs’ (01902 492937, sales@alpha-designs.co.uk) best-selling model to date this year – a performance which the manufacturer puts down to the model’s comforting allure. The combination of oversized seating, wraparound fibre backs and sumptuous fabrics give it an inviting draw.

The company has seen a definite increase in the popularity of velvets and textured velvets in the past 12-18 months, and Warwick Fabrics’ Dolce and Luxor – which adorn the exhibited range – work well with the design. The ever-popular muted mineral tones give Halley a sophisticated look.

According to Alpha Designs, Halley makes a strong centrepiece, and is best displayed as a corner with a sofa/snuggler and footstool in a combination of the fabrics.

Cintique (www.cintique.co.uk) enjoyed a successful Autumn Furniture Show. Displayed for the first time at the event, the company’s Florence sofas and chairs drew much acclaim.

Furniture News 332.indd 90

Pharmore supplies furniture and accessories

Offering both comfort and style, its ash detail along the outside of the arm and front facing make this a compact yet comfortable suite.

The deep foam seats and detailed wrap over the back cushion concludes this striking new addition. The suite comprises two sofas, a standard chair and a footstool. All are available in premium leather or fabric options in the new Pebble Grey wood finish.

Pharmore (pharmore.co.uk) was established in 2006 and is one of the leading manufacturers, importers and distributors of mirrors, furniture, rugs and home accessories supplying to retailers in Europe and beyond.

It is committed to sourcing, creating and supplying innovative and quality products that are designed and commissioned by its in-house design team.

Its head office, showroom and warehousing facility is situated in the north west of England. There are also offices and quality assurance teams in China, India and Turkey to ensure consistency in the high level of quality products the company offers.

In many cases, Pharmore creates the

handmade products in the UK using skilled craftsmen who are highly creative and innovative. Its unique ranges, protected by design copyright, are exclusive to Pharmore.

The importing team takes pride in understanding retailers’ requirements and offers customers a comprehensive product range throughout Europe. An experienced product development team travels overseas regularly to ensure that new and striking products are sourced and designed to the highest specifications, keeping ranges ever fresh and up-to-date with present trends.

A dedicated and experienced sales team incorporates all UK and Ireland within its remit, providing excellent customer service, working to deliver a personable, efficient service.

Pharmore supplies a wide range of quality and innovative products at competitive prices. British-made bespoke mirrors and home decor accessories are promoted with cutting edge designs. The company works to provide its customers with a great retail sales experience. Client satisfaction and >>>

26/10/2016 14:52

Pharmo

Furniture 332.indd1 91 PharmoreNews Advert.indd

26/10/2016 24/10/2016 13:29 15:12

Furniture News 332.indd 92

26/10/2016 13:29

93

CLASSICALLY STYLED FURNITURE HANDMADE BRITISH PRODUCTS

Bespoke Upholstery would like to extend a huge thank you to all of the customers both existing and new whom took the time to visit our stand at the Autumn Furniture Exhibition and helping make it a great success.

www.bespokeupholsteryuk.com Bespoke Upholstery Ltd, Unit D Emms Court, Meeting Lane Industrial Estate Brierley Hill West Midlands, DY5 3LB

Bespoke Upholstery.indd 1

19/10/2016 12:33

Visit us at the January Furniture show Hall 3A M20 Spring Fair Hall 1 Stand 1D12

Driftwood

Cottonwood

British Vintage

bluebone

Titanic

Unique and Exclusive Designs, Industrial, Retro & Vintage Furniture and Accessories, Bestselling Storm Grey and Cottonwood, Retro Oak UK River Mill II, Park Road, Dukinfield Cheshire SK16 5PD. TEL.: 0161-330 8959, FAX.: 0161-330 8949 E-mail: sales@bluebone.co.uk

Furniture News 332.indd 93

Northern Ireland 3 Main St, Ballynahinch, Co.Down BT24 8DN TEL.: 028 9756 1812, FAX.: 028 9756 4435 E-mail: sales@bluebone.co.uk

RE-engineered

Storm Grey

26/10/2016 13:29

94

|

AUTUMN FURNITURE SHOW REVIEW

The BS200 collection, Jual Furnishings

The Bella Collection, Jual Furnishings loyalty is at the top of Pharmore’s agenda.

Designed to match Jual Furnishings’ (01443 816982, www.jualfurnishings.co.uk) bestselling item, the BS201 bookshelf, the BS200 collection combines eccentric curves with a warm walnut finish and sophisticated clear glass to create a unique look. The polished chrome supports offer stability while breaking up the walnut colour. The

BS200 collection is available for next-workingday delivery.

Then there is Jual’s Bella Collection, designed to suit the modern home and made using only top-quality materials. Available in walnut with high gloss black or walnut with high gloss grey, the range is exclusive to bricks-and-mortar retailers, and is delivered fully assembled on a next-working-day basis

Thank you!

We would like to thank and congratulate all the exhibitors and visitors at the recent Autumn Furniture show in making this such a successful event.

This was the largest show to date, with several new companies finding success in new buyers as well as welcoming established clients.

2017 SHOW DATES The Minerva Members Furniture and Bed Exhibition 16th & 17th May 2017 NAEC, Stoneleigh.Nr Kenilworth, Warwickshire (Minerva members only)

The Autumn Furniture Show 26th & 27th September 2017 Change of venue to NAEC, Stoneleigh, Nr Kenilworth, Warwickshire

OPEN HOUSE TO ALL FURNITURE RETAILERS! please find more details at:- www.theautumnfurnitureshow.co.uk or contact the admin team:

Minerva Head Office, 3 Pickwick Park, Park Lane, Corsham , Wiltshire SN13 0HN Tel. 01249 716195 Fax. 01249 716198 E. admin@minervafurnishers.co.uk

Minerva 1/2 page.indd 1

Furniture News 332.indd 94

24/10/2016 12:35

26/10/2016 13:29

1705 Lebus Deon Advert artwork 297 x 216 (Sofa) Oct 2016 copy.pdf

1

Comfort

06/10/2016

Style

13:29

Sophistication

Lebus Upholstery Ltd, Queensway Ind Est, Dunlop Way, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, DN16 3RN, United Kingdom

For more information contact: Furniture News 332.indd 95

t. 01724 407 751

e. sales@lebus.co.uk 26/10/2016 13:29

96

|

AUTUMN FURNITURE SHOW REVIEW Collins and Hayes

Contemporary upholstery manufacturer Collins and Hayes made the most of its appearance at this year’s Autumn Furniture Show, presenting new models that reflect the brand’s increasingly refined approach …

In pursuit of contemporary elegance Dalston

Semper

Shelby

Matt O’Flynn was appointed MD of Collins and Hayes just over two years ago, and a notably different company has emerged since. With the aim of creating “contemporary elegance”, the company has brought trend-leading design to an already-robust manufacturing process, resulting in an offer that is both unique and commercial.

As well as at Minerva’s event, new products were presented to the trade this season at AIS’ private show, and Long Point. “We’ve broadened our upholstery range, with an ever-greater focus on quality and comfort,” says Matt.

“We’re building our award-winning reputation, and trade shows are crucial to this approach. We’re actually looking to build exports, too, by taking a stand at the Milan furniture show next April. We expect to be top of visitors’ lists at these shows, for those wishing to see something fresh – it’s how exhibitions should be.” The brand’s website is also set to be overhauled, further increasing its exposure.

New models include the Dalston sofa range, which boasts high arms and backs, and generously-filled feather cushions with a foam core.

Then there is Semper, a sleek range featuring a scaled-down matching chair and footstool.

Another is the Copse occasional sofa, which works as a statement piece or alongside the company’s other new sofas. Finally, there is Shelby, a corner unit with modular combinations, available in two depths as standard – a good example of how the company has refined its look to fit comfortably within the contemporary market.

Furniture News 332.indd 96

Bespoke base and fabric elements bring individuality to these flexible models. “All Collins and Hayes models employ close attention to detail in their construction,” says Matt. “The hand-crafted frames are engineered to slot together, then glued and screwed by skilled craftsmen, and come with a lifetime guarantee. The furniture is also bespoke. It can be customised to fit a specific space and tailored to suit requirements, including increasing or decreasing the width and depth of the sofas.”

New PoS material is available to support sales, alongside the carefully-edited natural fibre fabric collections, which are uniquely available non-backcoated and chemical free.

“To achieve all of this fresh development, we’ve advanced the manufacturing side of the business,” says Matt. “Internally, a great deal has changed. We’ve reduced the amount of space we operate out of in order to increase efficiency and to become more customer oriented. We now have a higher capacity, and have been able to focus on reducing costs and making the product even more appealing.

“We have completely refurbished our wood mill with a clean supply of electricity and a new extraction system. We are investing in new machinery, and have also upgraded our IT capability with a new ERP system. This has provided us with a much more robust and modern platform, and has made order processing slicker. It’s all going in the right direction!”

W collinsandhayes.com

26/10/2016 13:29

Furniture News 332.indd 97

26/10/2016 13:29

Dalston - Sofa range This new design has a high arm and high back, acting as a ‘cocoon’, encompassing soft, generously-filled feather cushions.

The seat cushions are feather filled with a foam core, supported by a serpentine sprung seat and base with a sprung front edge.

www.collinsandhayes.com made in England

Furniture NewsAdvert.indd 332.indd 981 Collins&Hayes

26/10/2016 13:29

This sleek, contemporary sofa and unit range offers style with tailored comfort.

A scaled-down matching chair and footstool are also available. Semper’s slender hard wood plinth complements its generously wide, sloping and supportive arm.

Semper - Sofa & unit range

Relentless Elegance View our fabulous range at our showroom in East Sussex, and at our trade showroom in Long Eaton, by appointment www.collinsandhayes.com made in England

Furniture News 332.indd 99

26/10/2016 10/10/2016 13:29 10:41

LIVING ROOM Bluebone

Earlswood Oak, Heritage Furniture

Bizet chair, Open House

The Earlswood Oak range from Heritage Furniture (01254 660777, sales@ heritagefurnitureuk.com) features some specially-designed petite pieces that also satisfy the demand for elegant modern lines combined with homely rustic charm.

Developed by Heritage’s own design team, the 38-piece living and dining collection features a combination of clean, contemporary lines and warm oak tones.

Each piece is finished by hand with a wax lacquer to highlight its unique grain patterns.

The supplier has included a variety of sizes and configurations for most items, including key pieces in petite sizes. Rich with detail that gives it a unique character, the Earlswood Oak range features reassuringly chunky tops, subtle peg detailing, traditional dovetail joinery on the drawers, rounded-off corners and stylish brass-coloured handles.

Furniture News 332.indd 100

Retailers are increasingly looking to Bluebone (0161 330 8959) for individual, creative pieces that enable them to stand out from their competition, yet remain commercial.

Bluebone has recently added to its popular Storm Grey Farmhouse pieces, and a full range of Cottonwood painted dining, bedroom and living room furniture.

Bluebone’s key bestseller Mango Lounge is still performing well, and its re-engineered occasional furniture is an ideal choice to combine with different looks, or to complement Bluebone’s bedroom and dining packages.

Bluebone offers a comprehensive selection of marketing tools, and inspired floor display packages, mixing bestsellers with statement pieces and accessories, to create the best possible impact.

Open House Funiture (01494 445762) offers quality British design, value for money and a great customer service. It believes in its product, and everything is in place to supply large quantities quickly.

Open House offers traditional collections with a contemporary twist. The concept is simple – the customer designs their chair by the addition of arm fittings, fabric combination and wood colour.

Featuring English-made beech frames with a 10-year guarantee, six wood colours and 12 contemporary fabrics, there are three styles of frame and a universal footstool.

Simon Rexworthy, national sales director, says: “The original idea of a soft launch has been impossible as interest has far surpassed our expectations.

"This is partly down to the incredibly competitive price point.” >>>

26/10/2016 13:29

Furniture News 332.indd 101

26/10/2016 13:29

102

|

LIVING ROOM Milo floor cushions, Gallery Direct

Rickman mirror, Gallery Direct

Granorte’s Vita Décor took silver in the House Beautiful Awards Best Flooring category

Campaign cabinet desk, Authentic Models

Gallery Direct (01795 439159, sales@ gallerydirect.co.uk) recently introduced a wide range of products, a small selection of which was previewed at recent shows, with the full collection – featuring mirrors, accessories and textiles – now available on the company’s website.

Over 50 individually-designed mirrors have been added to the catalogue. From burnished metallic and crackled glitz to simple or daring designs, there are mirrors to add personality to any interior – the eye-catching Rickman, for example, features bevelled mirror pieces creatively framing the main mirror.

The new accessories offer a wide choice to suit various tastes. The Flora and Fauna Collection features an extension of Gallery’s popular floral range, along with unique animal life accessories.

A selection based on a natural, earthy theme, with finishes including marble and ceramics, the collection offers a variety of ornaments, vases and bookends.

More cushions, throws and bedding have

Furniture News 332.indd 102

been added to the textile catalogue, including new bed-in-a-bag products in two designs.

These include a quilt cover, two pillowcases and a faux throw and cushion.

A small selection of relaxed seating has also been introduced, including the Milo, a soft cotton velvet floor cushion with a contrast linen blend reverse, which is available in a choice of three colours.

Set in the British Film Institute, London, this year saw the return of the House Beautiful Awards. One of the winners was Portuguese cork specialist, Granorte (01785 711131, www.granorte.co.uk), which was nominated across multiple categories and received a silver award in the Best Flooring category for Vita Décor, launched this year as part of the Cork Goes Digital campaign.

Vita Décor flooring represents the latest in direct-to-substrate digital printing, presenting designs from intricate parquet to tiled looks, with acoustic, thermal and sustainable credentials adding to its appeal.

Granorte’s Paulo Rocha says: “Vita Décor

represents everything that is good about Granorte – design-driven while not forgetting the brand’s roots. We were delighted House Beautiful saw things the same way!”

Nominated in the Best Wall Covering category was Cork Collection_03 from granortedesign, another product stable that saw updates and improvements this year.

Authentic Models (01403 734999, www. authenticmodels.com) is expanding its fun and functional line of campaign furniture further this winter with, among others, the Campaign cabinet desk. Evocative of a trunk that has made its last journey and has been placed on display, the new cabinet/desk combines the functions of both and proves to be much more than another fold-out secretary.

Authentic Models is also known in the industry for its accessories, and enters 2017 with a new range of travel-inspired decor, including a P51 Mustang model, new globes and other accessories set to boost holiday and winter sales. >>>

26/10/2016 13:29

J&T/WW

£179

Three & two

£595

£179

5 piece set

Three & two

£475 or add one £595

£470 Buy 3+ sets £450 Three & two

£795

Three & two

£595

£199

£470 Buy 3+ sets £450 Three & two

WFS Ltd Top quality pieces to suit all tastes!

Worldwide Furniture Source 198-202 Breck Road, Liverpool, L5 6PX T: 0151 263 5392 E: wwfsltd@gmail.com www.wwfsltd.com

£109 Furniture News 332.indd 1103 J&T/WWFS Advert.indd

£109 26/10/2016 13/10/2016 13:29 16:49

104

|

LIVING ROOM York, Sweet Dreams

The Wicker Merchant offers a wide selection of baskets, storage units and furniture

Louis de Poortere’s Tailor Made service facilitates bespoke rug creation

Now the autumn/winter selling season is upon us, The Wicker Merchant (01536 444960, www.thewickermerchant.com) promises retailers a new sales stream as the traditional spring and summer lines lose their appeal.

Offering a wide selection of baskets, including log baskets in all shapes and sizes, as well as storage units and furniture, The Wicker Merchant is well placed to take up seasonal space, and, with a depth of range that includes laundry and pet baskets, as well as trunks, it has great all-year-round potential “With the summer season over, consumers’ thoughts are now turning to getting cosy this winter and our wicker lines are ideal for bringing a little ‘hygge’ to the home,” says says Simon Ainge, sales director.

Established by one of the country’s leading furniture suppliers, Kettle Interiors, The Wicker Merchant is able to capitalise on an existing distribution service on large orders, offering fast and free delivery on orders of £300 or more across the UK. Certain items can also be delivered by parcel services, and

Furniture News 332.indd 104

retailers can enjoy large discounts on bulk purchases.

Currently, the Wicker Merchant is offering 15% off first-time orders.

Following its official launch to the public at Decorex this year, Louis de Poortere’s (info@ depoorterelouis.com, www.louisdepoortere. com) Haute Couture broadloom collection has reportedly received significant interest from designers and retailers, drawn by the attractive designs and the presenter box in which they are displayed.

Haute Couture holds a far-reaching portfolio with a spectrum of design possibilities – as keen followers of the Belgian manufacturer will testify – boasting inspiration from Morocco, Scandinavia and beyond.

Now, the collection can be presented without occupying excess space – ideal for designers and retailers wishing to bring customers a wide choice of flooring without the cumbersome PoS that often comes with it.

The Haute Couture box is split into WW, CP and CW fibres for ease of demonstration, and

holds high-quality samples with marketing material too.

The Haute Couture flatweave range dresses floors in stylish pure wool and cotton blends capable of withstanding castor traffic, while being sound-reducing and suitable for use with underfloor heating.

Sweet Dreams (01282 830033, sales@ sweetdreamsuk.com) is enjoying success with its British-manufactured classic chesterfield, York.

A chesterfield sofabed, with hardwood frame and carded fibre seat cushions, York comes in a three-seater and two-seater sofa options and features a two-fold action sofabed with a tufted, fully-sprung mattress.

Buyers recently admired the model on display at the Bed Show.

As with all models formerly marketed under the Comfort Zone Sofas brand, York is manufactured at Sweet Dreams’ premises in Lancashire, and can be delivered to the home or store within 10 working days. A wide range of Sweet Dreams’ upholstery will be on display at the January Furniture Show. >>>

26/10/2016 13:30

HAMILTON RANGE DINING FURNITURE

Tables available with fixed top, drop leaf & extending - prices from £49.99 Chairs available with wood & padded seats - prices from £24.99 Sideboard, bookcases & occasional furniture available from £59.99

EXPRESS DELIVERY / VAST STOCK HOLDING / NO MINIMUM ORDER www.coreproducts.co.uk | 01738 630555 Furniture News 332.indd 105

26/10/2016 13:30

106

|

LIVING ROOM TT Collection, Kettle Interiors

Athena, Flair Rugs

The new TT Collection from Kettle Interiors (01536 444960. sales@ kettleinteriorsagencies.com), which features a classic style in a choice of grey or white paint finish, is now in stock.

Launched with 35 items for dining and occasional use, TT Collection’s classic looks are enhanced with gently lime-washed oak tops and chrome cup handles, while wicker baskets on selected items add more natural charm.

“We’re really excited about the TT Collection here at Kettle Interiors,” says Simon Ainge, sales director. “Its on trend and packed full of detailing that leaves no doubt it’s a collection that’s serious about style and quality. We’ve worked hard to make sure that TT gives a great first impression in store and are confident it has the perfect mix of quality, style and value to be a winner.”

With an impressive array of items, including cross extending tables that

Furniture News 332.indd 106

Springcore, Fibreline

introduce a traditional design with modern functionality and versatility, the TT Collection is available through wholesale, stockist and container packages. and is already enjoying success since its launch at Kettle Interiors’ sales event.

The latest addition to Flair Rugs’ (01457 850660, sales@flairrugs.com) portfolio is the Athena collection. Much like Flair’s other shaggy success stories, Wisp, Nordic and Sumptuous, Athena is substantial to the touch, creating a calming ambiance in trendy luxe schemes.

This is in large part achieved by its generous 5cm pile height, which offers a denser, more luxurious effect than many of its polypropylene rivals. It is available in seven colourways, from on-trend silver and charcoal to the bolder teal and red.

Gareth Davies, UK sales and marketing director, Flair Rugs, explains: “We are delighted to present Athena to our customers

with its extra dense pile, and can’t wait to see the effect these rugs will have on interiors of both a modern and traditional nature. Like much of the Flair range, Athena also offers easy-clean and stain-resistant credentials, making it a purchase where style and practicality go hand in hand.”

Fibreline (01535 606846, www.fibrelineltd.co.uk) has always been at the forefront of new cushion technology. Its latest cushion innovation is Springcore, in which small pocket springs are inserted into a shaped foam core.

For the first time, a spring foam cushion can now be made in almost any shape or size, without the noise of springs moving against each other.

Springcore has the low, flat profile often requested for some of today’s retro styles. Along with the Encore Feather and Fibre range, it comes with a full four-year guarantee against sagging. >>>

26/10/2016 13:30

107

NATIONWIDE REPAIRS (including Ireland) FULLY LIVERIED VEHICLES INSTANT REPORTS AND UPDATES CUSTOM PANEL REPLACEMENTS FIX YOUR 1ST YEAR SERVICE COSTS WITH OUR INSURED PACKAGES

Onsite Furniture Repairs Repairing furniture, protecting brands, restoring faith

LEATHER | FABRIC | WOOD We manufacture professional repair products and provide training solutions to customers worldwide, so who better to use for all your service upholstery needs?

Nick Allan: 07554 994521 Tel: 0844 879 3691

Furniture News 332.indd 107

26/10/2016 13:30

108

|

LIVING ROOM

Stirling silver accent chair, Serene

Dundee occasional chair, Serene

Serene’s (0121 505 0270) Recliner collection combines stylish design and comfort to present an eclectic range of chairs, tailored to meet the demands of modern living.

Vardo is a luxury padded 360˚ swivel recliner with adjustable recline positions, produced in high-quality bonded leather and available in black, latte and cream, each with a rich mahogany finish base and optional footstool.

The Occasional Chair collection by Serene sees quality manufacturing, stylish design and a striking palette of colours combine to present 13 occasional chairs.

Dundee harnesses aspects of the traditional and contemporary, with curves to the arms

Furniture News 332.indd 108

Vardo swivel recliner, Serene

and base contrasting with the design’s sharp lines. Dundee is upholstered in four neutral tones – Scarlet, Mocha, Latte and Grey.

Vishnu (0091 2931 281 309) manufactures furniture and gift items and has a varied range of hardwood and industrial furniture in sheesham wood. The company opened its trading office in Sheffield to supply its products to the UK, Ireland and Western European countries.

After this, Vishnu started exporting to the US and Australia. The quality and design of its furniture has made the company a top exporter in the global market.

Vishnu tries to make the furniture customer friendly – easy to move, install

Vishnu supplies unique furniture made from sheesham wood

and re-install at locations of the customer’s choice. Vishnu International uses stateof-the-art machinery in order to innovate, meet customers’ individual needs and create striking pieces.

The company aspires to focus on the skills of its craftsmen in all areas of the world. Vishnu researches the marketplace extensively to be the best it can be and make the most of its resources and workforce.

Vishnu believes it stands out from the crowd due to its sponteneity and versatility.

The company makes sure its products are always readily available and quickly delivered.

Vishnu focuses on the introduction of new products on a regular basis

26/10/2016 13:30

109

There’s Strength In Our Numbers.

70% 47% 5.4% £259,311,563 of our business is from Repeat Clients!

of Annual Sales achieved on average in 20 days!

Average cost of marketing during sale!

in sales achieved for the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands & Cyprus!

No one runs a “Lynch Sale” quite like the Lynch Sales Company. For results you can bank on, contact the originators of high impact promotions.

Most People Want To...

ORGANISE

DOUBLE WAREHOUSE SPACE

DISPLAY BETTER

PUSH NOT CARRY

Contact Steely for brochures & prices

0161 702 7002 sales@steelyproducts.co.uk

Contact Gareth Price Tel: 07974 209761 www.LynchSales.co.uk

Ask for leaflets

Designed to work... Built to last.

Copyright 2016 Lynch Brothers Licensing Corporation

Furniture News 332.indd 109

26/10/2016 13:30

110

|

LIVING ROOM The Libra Company

The Libra Company is a designer, importer and wholesaler of one of the largest and most diverse collections of interior design accessories, homewares, giftware, lighting, furniture and wall decor across Europe.

Libra’s on-trend offering Aiming to inspire customers through passion, knowledge and design, Libra continues to innovate with strikingly-crafted, premium products for select retail environments.

Copper, still at the centre of Libra’s trend radar, has been given a fresh face with tones of pink blush, bronze glass and deep nutty woods in the new collection, Copper Rose.

Geometric patterns are key to this collection – web-like shapes give the space around the copper just as much importance as the metal itself – illustrated particularly by the new copper web screen.

Mid-century shapes and atomic-age structures keep this theme directional whilst smaller objects in the collection look to nature to restore balance. Branchlike structures in wall art and delicately sculptured birds sit alongside whitened laser cut hurricanes and handblown glass vases.

A raw and industrial collection, Factory offers the pared back look one might expect to find in a Brooklyn loft apartment. A structured, solid and almost architectural feel, this season Libra offers a softer sub plot – Chandelier Factory.

This collection pairs wrought iron, chunky woods with concrete, automotive ephemera and engine style clocks with refined, delicate and show-stopping chandeliers.

The combination brings a new dimension of softness tactility and lightness to Factory.

Modern Gothic comprises dark turned furniture, opulent velvets and grand chinoiserie pieces paired with distressed, almost derelict surroundings. Lush green

Manoir

Furniture News 332.indd 110

Copper Rose palms contrast with shadowy walls, flashes of beaded blue sateen glimmer in darkened hallways and polished ceramics in blues, whites and deep maroons illuminate cobwebbed corners. The pieces in this collection are classic, solid and carefully made.

Detailed and intricate yet grand, the natural Mindi Wood Manoir collection with gentle, rustic distressing is finished with striking contrasting materials, antiqued mirror, traditional caning, raw aluminiums and dove grey paint.

The range is juxtaposed with Ikat patterns in lamp shades, rugs and upholstery giving it an on-trend feel. Candlelight, mirrors and shimmering crystals add further elegance to the theme. It is an enduring and ageless look which can be used in any space.

W thelibracompany.co.uk

26/10/2016 13:30

Home In

Home Inc. Wholesalers of Premium Indoor Furniture Ranges to the Trade Exclusive designs of assembled quality furniture available in extensive ranges in a variety of colours and styles.

Available for prompt delivery or collection from our new 90,000 sq ft warehouse premises at Riverpark Trading Estate, Riverpark Road, Manchester, M40 2XP. Details of the ranges are available from our website or as a pdf brochure. Please contact us for further details.

Northern Showroom - 696 Oldham Road, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9FB Southern Showroom - East Duck Lees Lane, Enfield EN3 7SR Please contact Alistair on: 0800 772 0807 or info@homeinc.co.uk

www.homeinc.co.uk Furniture News 332.indd 111 Home Inc.indd 1

26/10/2016 13/10/2016 13:30 16:10

KINGS OF CONTRACT

KINGS OF CONTRACT

KINGS OF CONTRACT

KINGS OF CONTR

KINGS OF CONTRACT

All STeel Base

CONMESH Base

KINGS OF CONTRACT

CONMESH - From £39 3’0 - 4’0 - 4’6

KINGS OF CONTRACT

FIRA TESTED DETAILS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

KINGS OF CONTRACT

Laminated Siderails

mesh base available soon

TEL - 01785 250888 FAX - 01785 241888 E - sales@wholesalebeds.co.uk

Furniture News 332.indd 112

26/10/2016 13:30

OF CONTRACT

KINGS OF CONTRACT

KINGS OF CONTRACT

KINGS OF CONTRACT KINGS OF CONTRACT

SKID - From £54.50 3’0 - 4’0 - 4’6

KINGS OF CONTRACT

Splits Into Two Single Beds

Folding Bed + Click-Clack Sofa Bed

KINGS OF CONTRACT

FIRA TESTED DETAILS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

6 Minute Assembley

KINGS OF CONTRACT

Full Steel Construction

TEL - 01785 250888 FAX - 01785 241888 E - sales@wholesalebeds.co.uk

Furniture News 332.indd 113

26/10/2016 13:30

BEDS & BEDR0OM Heritage Furniture’s Burnham Oak

SleepShaper Gold 2000, The Foam Company

Under the new brand The Great British Mattress Company, the SleepShaper Gold range of beds and mattresses from The Foam Company (01235 514240) feature Vystex foam, incorporating V-Max technology for improved airflow. Manufactured exclusively for The Foam Company, this foam has gone through extensive thermal testing to show that Vystex is able to dissipate heat 47% more quickly than standard memory foam. Cooler

than standard memory foam at 70 kilos – compared with most memory foams of 40-50 kilos – Vystex is also of a superior quality.

There are five mattresses in the range: Gold Firm, featuring 7cm Vystex and 13cm high density foam core; Gold Embrace, with a luxurious soft feel; and Gold 1000, 1500 and 2000 pocket sprung mattresses – all have a Vystex sleeping surface and come with divans and co-ordinating contemporary headboards.

Heritage Furniture’s (01254 660777, sales@heritagefurnitureuk.com) Burnham Oak bedroom range comprises everything from luxurious beds to expansive wardrobes, and has been designed to appeal to a wide range of tastes. Details such as antique-style brass-coloured handles, subtle pegging and chunky tops give it a warm, country-style character that is further emphasised by a wax lacquer finish

W Soft Furnishings and Accessories for the Discerning Retailer.

Ambassador Textiles.indd 1

Furniture News 332.indd 114

Katrina Hampton 115 Huddersfield Road, Oldham, OL1 3NY

www.ambassador-textiles.co.uk

19/10/2016 11:24

26/10/2016 13:30

TRADE SALES hotel owner

ONES TO WATCH

interior design

2016

One of the Leading Suppliers of Beds & Mattresses with

FREE FAST DELIVERY ACROSS THE UK We can supply you and your business with; • Mattresses • Bed Frames • Divans • Pillows & more

nt we can supply de nfi co e ar e w s, ze Si l ia ec Sp With Custom & aten! be be t n’ ca at th e ic pr a at ed ne Your Hotel with the beds you

Call Us NOW for our Best Offers,

With FREE Next Day Delivery * no matter how many mattresses or beds you need!

Call: 0800 5677625

View our massive range online at: www.mattressman.co.uk/contract * Orders over £45 qualify for FREE NEXT DAY DELIVERY made before 4pm Monday to Thursday.

Furniture News 332.indd 115

26/10/2016 13:30

116

|

BEDS & BEDROOM Steens

Steens is an established supplier renowned for its bedroom and office furniture.

Steens focuses on development Steens new ranges include French-style Baroque, available in bright white and anthracite, and Sandringham – a classic painted style with oak available in soft white and grey.

In addition, the Norfolk range is a contemporary Shaker style in two-tone design and Milford is a traditional bedroom range available in solid stained lacquered pine and painted white MDF. Steens’ 50 years of constant development and success has been achieved with backup

Sandringham

Milford Steens' new ranges have a French-style appeal

Sandringham

Norfolk

Furniture News 332.indd 116

from qualified and customer-focused employees. From its online tracking service to its logistic partners, Steens ensures that the supply of orders is fast and efficient, supported by prompt, detailed and relevant information.

The business designs its furniture to be commercially successful, stylish and offer great value but always with durability at the forefront. This ensures that whilst looking good and being affordable, each piece of furniture is designed to withstand the rigours and demands of modern-day homes.

As part of this customer-focused approach, rigorous testing to international standards is a fundamental part of Steens’ design and development process, thereby ensuring that all furniture is fit for purpose.

The company believes that by controlling all manufacturing stages at its factory, consistency in product quality is ensured.

This includes production of the wood panels and glueboards that are used to make the main elements of each piece of furniture.

When buying raw materials and components, great efforts are made to locate high quality, cost-effective, environmentallyfriendly items from sustainable sources.

This particularly applies to the company purchasing its timber from Scandinavian forests and MDF from Europe.

The vast majority of furniture Steens produces is done so using FSC-approved raw materials.

W steensfurniture.com

26/10/2016 15:01

Myer Ad

www.myeradams.com sales@myeradams.com

• Weekly deliveries across the U.K • Hotel & contract bed specialists • Trade & wholesale enquiries always welcomed • Shopfloor discounts available • Exclusive areas available • Rollup mattress specialists

Sleepur - pedic www.sleepurpedic.co.uk We provide nationwide next day delivery service

WE’RE HIRING Sales agents required across the UK - For further info please contact taff@myeradams.com

Tel: +44 (0)1924 444463 | Email: sales@myeradams.com

Furniture News 332.indd 117 Myer Adams Advert.indd 1

26/10/2016 25/10/2016 13:30 08:47

Furniture News 332.indd 118

26/10/2016 13:30

Furniture News 332.indd 119

26/10/2016 13:30

DINING ROOM Soho, Home Inc

Frame dining, Wood Bros

Wholesaler Home Inc (info@homeinc.co.uk) recently completed its first year of business.

Supplying ranges of exclusive assembled furniture, in a variety of colours and styles, Home Inc’s products are available for prompt delivery or collection from the company’s new 90,000ft2 warehouse in Manchester.

Home Inc specialises in high gloss finishes, topped by 5mm tempered glass, offering focal pieces that will stand the test of time –

interested parties can provide a store location to enquire about an exclusive trade area.

Wood Bros (01920 469241, www.woodbros. co.uk) offers a variety of dining solutions, from compact kitchen diners to more formal extending tables.

Frame is a farmhouse kitchen-style collection designed for both formal dining and living kitchen spaces, constructed in character oak and in a new waxed finish.

Frame was launched this year, and is made up of a dining group with bench and chair option, and includes an island unit and floating shelves.

Lichfield is another popular dining group, shown in the new Fumed Oak finish which enhances the natural beauty of the grain.

It features a traditional underframe and a fielded top, and is complemented by upholstered wing armchairs. >>>

Christmas Gift Ideas From M&P Chairs

Child’s Rush Seated Chair

Slat Back Rocking Chair Ref. 126

High Back Fiddle Granddad Chair Ref. 123

Hat & Coat Stand

Towel Rail

QUALITY EUROPEAN HARDWOOD (BEECH AND OAK) CHAIRS ALL AVAILABLE FROM STOCK FINISHING SERVICES AVAILABLE LARGE OR SMALL QUANTITIES DISCOUNT FOR COLLECTION EMAIL OR CALL US TO REQUEST A BROCHURE AND PRICE LIST Please come and see us at the January Furniture Show 2017 in Hall 4 on Stand 4E57 Please visit our website to see our full ranges - WWW.MANDPCHAIRS.CO.UK All enquiries to: Mike Hodgson – mikehodgson@gmx.com • Call:

07802 648383 or Paul Hodgson – paul.holroyd.hodgson@gmail.com • Call: 07469 819520

M&P Chairs Advert.indd 1

Furniture News 332.indd 120

13/10/2016 16:45

26/10/2016 13:30

Furniture News 332.indd 121

26/10/2016 13:30

122

|

w

DINING ROOM

Core Products’ flatpack Corona range features dovetail joints

Core Products (01738 630555, www. coreproducts.co.uk) is well known for its Corona pine dining furniture with real dovetail drawers. With so many shops stocking budget-priced furniture where price differential is marginal, it is essential that retailers have a tangible point of difference – dovetail drawers are universally recognised as a true sign of the cabinetmaker’s skill.

As such, they are rarely found on lowcost products. Core Products is proud of its

Barstools, Febland

investment in innovative technology which led to the world-first development of flatpack dovetail drawers. They can be found in many of Core’s ranges, but are particularly beneficial to the Corona collection, where the need to stand out is paramount.

With a comprehensive collection of bedroom, living and dining pieces from which to choose – all available for store or DHD – Core’s Corona offers distinctive Mexican styling, competitive price points and dovetail

joints, giving it a real competitive edge.

Febland (www.febland.co.uk) has been proactive in getting new lines out to its regular clients, and, according to the company, repeats are coming through on a daily basis. Febland has a large and varied selection and offers some ideal promotions.

The company also reports that its manufacturing and upholstery sector is enjoying a busy period, and Febland hopes to keep up this momentum

A n

P

P

E

L

Furniture News 332.indd 122

26/10/2016 13:30

YOTFC

www.yotfc.eu

Seating solutions from Ye Olde Traditional

Harrington Upholstered

Harris Solid Seat

Howard Upholstered

Junior

Delta

New Grandfathers!

Provence Solid

Provence Rush

Provence Leather

Cottage

Churchill

Upholstered Oxford X Back

An extensive range of QUALITY OAK extenders in natural oiled and lacquered finishes. Also available ITW Pictured right: Dijon 90 4/6 Seater

x-back Bistro Rush

X-back Bistro Solid

90 x 90 closed

Extends to 160 x 90

Bretton Rush Seat

Bretton Solid Seat

Farmhouse Slats

We offer: • A fantastic range of paint and polished wood colour finishes • A bespoke range of fabrics, faux leathers and leathers for upholstery Farmhouse Fiddle

Rustica Rush Seat

Stamford

Pictured right: 212 Pedestal Extender Pine Extending to 147cm

Amish Solid Seat

Liége Solid

107cm Round Centre Pedestal table

Shown with Bistro Cross Back chair

Available ITW or Finished

Large selection of sizes and styles of table

Te l e p h o n e : 0 1 6 0 4 8 9 0 9 5 6 YOTFC ltd. 3 Roe Farm, Cogenhoe NN7 1NL Email: md@yotfc.co.uk or brd@yotfc.co.uk

Furniture News 332.indd 123 YOTFC Advert.indd 1

26/10/2016 13:30 10:41

TRADE SERVICES

Pro Auction holds regular auctions throughout Europe in the hospitality, catering and leisure sectors

High-quality felt floor and furniture protection pads from Stroolmount (01942 271271) are a quick, simple and inexpensive solution for items that do not need to be moved very often, like wardrobes and sideboards. They have a strong adhesive that simply sticks on the bottom of the furniture.

Stroolmount is a family-run business with years of experience in the furniture industry.

It offers products to protect floors from

Floor protection from Stroolmount

damage, to protect furniture joints from being fatally weakened and to protect the user’s back when moving weighty furniture.

Pro Auction (01761 414000, info@ proauction.ltd.uk) aims to help clients achieve maximum value for their surplus FF&E/M&E and catering assets.

As one of the leading asset consultants, valuers and auctioneers in Europe, Pro Auction can ensure that surplus or redundant

assets are valued accurately and sold for as much as possible – through private treaty, tender or auction.

Pro Auction offers its clients a full range of services including valuations, auction sales, private treaty sales and tax and heritage advice.

Auctions are conducted on a regular basis throughout Europe in the hospitality, catering and leisure sectors

BOOK NOW INTO THE ESSENTIAL SHOW ISSUE! The essential guid e to the UK dom estic furniture and

furnishings trad e

This month: Behind the desig ns at Heal’s On location at the Loaf Shac k The January Furni ture Show return s

January 2016

www.furniture news.net

Be part of Furniture News’ winning formula • Features extensive exhibitor previews for the January Furniture Show, Spring Fair & AIS Furniture Show • Distributed from our established stand in Hall 4 at the show, and emailed to approximately 14,000 opted in readers • At around 300 pages, the issue is retained all year as a reference tool for the trade – it’s the biggest and most informative platform available There is something for everyone, at EVERY budget!

BOOKING DEADLINE for this prestigious issue - 5th December COPY DEADLINE - 8th Dec Book now to secure your place by contacting: Sam Horscroft: 01424 776100, sam@gearingmediagroup.com or Trisha Fletcher: 01424 776100, trisha@gearingmediagroup.com

www.furniturenews.net FNAdv.indd 1

Furniture News 332.indd 124

Sor rento, Classic 2_Cover.indd

Fur niture

1

14/12/2015

11:37

25/10/2016 14:06

26/10/2016 13:30

ProAuc

Refurbishing? Changing Operator? Change of Use? Pro Auction are the worldwide leaders in the sale of surplus FF&E / M&E and assist hotel owners and operators in the sale of surplus assets.

Contact us today for a confidential no obligation discussion.

Pro Auction Limited - Bath - London - New York Email: info@proauction.ltd.uk Tel: (+44) 01761 414000 Mob: 07903 018 331 Mob: 07946 496 697 Fax: (+44) 0845 280 2492

www.proauction.ltd.uk

Furniture News 332.indd 1 125 ProAuction Advert.indd

26/10/2016 24/10/2016 13:30 16:10

126

|

DESIGNER In Design – Jake Hubbard

Jake Hubbard created The YeYi chair as his final piece at Staffordshire University. The model combines modern geometric and mid-century design.

In Design: The YeYi, Jake Hubbard “My background in art and carpentry enable me to use my hands-on approach to design, and always drove me towards furniture – I have always seen furniture design as art with functionality and purpose”

“Why is it called The Yeyi? Yeyi means ‘three’ in Nahuatl which is the language of the Aztecs, who used a lot of geometrical shaping and triangles in their designs. I felt it was a fitting name which suited the design”

Training: Jake had an interest in art and design from an early age, and was encouraged to explore his creative side at school. He then studied Art & Design at Walsall College, where he completed BTEC and foundation degrees whilst working part-time as a carpenter’s apprentice. The combination of studies and skills gave Jake the opportunity to work with various materials when he went on to study Product Design at Staffordshire University.

Achievements: Jake left university – where he won the Product Designer of the Year accolade in his first and third years – with a first-class honours degree.

T 07805 344903 E jakehubbard001@gmail.com

“The seat is sculptured in triangular polygons to create an interesting three-dimensional shape, and is made of fibreglass, which was used in the mid-20th Century by Charles Eames”

“The shape and style of the oak legs also evoke the mid-century style, whilst the grey suede upholstery adds to the contemporary feel”

“The idea of the shape is to create a shell to surround the occupant with comfort – the armrests are angled downwards to enable the sitter to relax their arms, and the V-shaped back is designed to sit just below the shoulder blades for comfort and enable free movement”

Furniture News 332.indd 126

26/10/2016 13:30

127

SALES REP REQUIRED Interested in working with an ambitious company?

Heritage Furniture is on the lookout for a results-driven Sales Representative with a sense of passion and pride to join its UK Sales Team.

ABOUT HERITAGE FURNITURE Heritage Furniture is an established, reputable design led company serving the Independent Furniture Retailers, with well designed and price led product portfolio of furniture for the Bedroom, Living and Dining room in solid oak, pine and sheehsam wood and operating from a 100,000 sqft distribution warehouse based in Blackburn Lancashire.

For us it’s all about being different and unique in the way we do business, from

our products to our service it’s all about the customer. With phenomenal growth since the inception of new ranges this year, there is now an exciting unique opportunity for the right candidate who is fired up for success in the South of England.

THE ROLE REQUIRES • Management of existing accounts • Building relationships and continuing growth with existing customers

YOUR PROFILE You are a people person with a positive work attitude who can maintain and build strong relationships with customers. You have a charismatic personality and are selfmotivated. You need to have flair for the current trends in furniture design, be good at structuring your work and time and are goal oriented in your approach to sales.

• Attractive Salary

• Seeking out new independent retailers in the UK The Company will provide support with product training, show van and comprehensive marketing including participation in key industry exhibitions.

• Commission and Bonus Scheme • Company Car Please email your CV and covering letter to Heritage UK Sales Manager: email sid@heritagefurnitureuk.com

Heritage Furniture UK Ltd. Prospect Mill, Walter Street, Blackburn BB1 1TJ T 01254 660777 F 01254 694611 E sales@heritagefurnitureuk.com W W W. H E R ITAG E FU RN IT U REU K .CO M

CASA BELLA FURNISHINGS Manufacturers of inspired fabric sofas & chairs

Representatives/agents wanted for mid-range fabric upholstery

TMS Sales Ltd are currently looking for an experienced furniture sales agent for the Liverpool and Manchester areas.

Candidates interested in developing a customer base in these areas and promoting our new ranges can contact Vincent Rogers at the following details:

Areas to cover North West England incl. Cumbria & North Wales / Yorkshire & North East / Northern Ireland & ROI. Please apply by email to: casa.bella@btconnect.com or call 07720073043.

www.tmssales.ie

www.casabellafurnishings.co.uk

Casa Bella 325.indd 1 Furniture News 332.indd 127

P: 00 353 (0)1 8612929 FAX: 00 353 (0)1 8612999 MOB: 00 353 (0)87 8292392 EMAIL: vincent.rogers@tmssales.ie

24/10/2016 TMS SALES.indd 09:14 1

12/10/2016 10:42 26/10/2016 13:30

128

|

FEATURE LAST WORD subLorna heading Cox

Lorna Cox

Marketing executive, Palletline

Palletline is a leading palletised freight distribution company.

Launched in 1992, Palletline has revolutionised the way pallets are transported.

How did you enter the trade?

Around 18 months ago after leaving university I put my CV on all the usual job sites and was inundated with calls but unfortunately none of them were any good.

With the Palletline role, however, it seemed I’d hit the jackpot.

I was over the moon after reading the job description as it was exactly what I had been looking for – a varied marketing role with excellent mentors and support with career development.

I had a telephone conversation with Palletline and arranged for an interview at their HQ in Birmingham. I can genuinely say that I am so pleased to be working in this industry. The logistics and transport industry isn’t something that many young people first think of when it comes to careers and I think this is a real shame as it is a brilliant industry for young, enthusiastic and driven people as there’s a lot of opportunity.

Already in my first 12 months at Palletline I have been involved in many diverse marketing projects, which people in other industries would never get to experience.

Anyone out there who is thinking of joining the industry, I highly recommend it – go for it, you won’t regret it!

Who is your inspiration?

Since joining the industry, Amy Liston, head of commercial development at Palletline has been an inspiration to me. Amy lives and breathes logistics and is extremely passionate about Palletline and its members. Amy is an inspiration to a young budding marketer like me, simply because of her talent and passion for what she does.

It is also fairly unusual to have a young

female in such a senior position, especially in a male-dominated industry like this, so it shows you that it can be done. Also, my inspiration for everything I do will always be my parents.

What has been your career high point so far?

I have already had several high points – firstly gaining a 12 month industrial placement in marketing with Mercedes Benz Buses and Coaches (EvoBus UK) during the second and third year of my degree, then graduating with a First Class Honours Degree in Business Management, then of course being offered the fantastic opportunity with Palletline. ... and the low point?

A low point for me was those couple of months after finishing university where I was desperately trying to find a quality marketing role, which surprisingly proved very difficult. ... and the turning point?

Being contacted by Palletline, and reading the job description and thinking the role was ideal. It’s safe to say I haven’t looked back.

Describe a typical working day It’s hard to describe my typical working day as no day is ever the same here. That is the joy of working in marketing and especially working in the logistics industry – it’s a fast-paced industry, meaning you have to be able to react quickly. You could say it’s a bit of juggling act, which is why I love it!

I can be working on anything from web activity, gathering content for our own magazine, social media, liaising with external suppliers and our members or being involved

“The logistics and transport industry isn’t something that many young people first think of when it comes to careers and I think this is a real shame, as it is a brilliant industry for young, enthusiastic and driven people”

Furniture News 332.indd 128

in the creation of our very own app! There’s a lot of exciting things happening at Palletline in the marketing department at the moment, so it is a really interesting time.

If you had to start over, you’d probably pursue which career?

I am at the beginning of my career and I can honestly say that I love it. I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else, so no regrets so far!

What date on the business calendar do you most look forward to?

The Palletline awards night, which is usually held on the first weekend of February, however that is likely to change next year as it is going to be a big event in 2017 for our 25th anniversary. There’s a lot of work that goes into the evening but it is a fabulous night for our members and employees – many of our members say it’s the night everyone in the network looks forward to, which makes it all worth it.

What is the most important issue affecting your business right now?

The driver shortage is a concern to the business and the industry, not only due to an ageing professional HGV driver workforce but the lack of new entrants into the profession.

Succession planning is also an issue as many of the businesses in the industry are third/ fourth generation family-run businesses and it is becoming common that younger family members no longer want to take over the family business, making it difficult to plan the future of the business.

Also relating to these factors is the need for the industry to invest in attracting, recruiting and retaining young talent – this is something we have addressed this month in our own magazine.

What company do you most look up to?

I admire the likes of McDonalds and

26/10/2016 13:30

Lorna Cox LAST WORD

|

129

Quick fire Coffee or tea?

Tea – you can’t beat it!

City or countryside?

City. As much as I like long walks in the countryside, I don’t think I could live there.

Books or movies?

Books – I love interesting books like psychological thrillers!

Career digest 2013 – Marketing assistant, Mercedes-Benz Buses and Coaches 2015 – Marketing executive, Palletline

Kenco because of their corporate social responsibility and cause-related marketing activity. McDonald's have the Ronald McDonald Charity which supports families with sick children, and Kenco have Coffee V Gangs, which train young people in Honduras, where gangs are a huge threat, to be independent coffee farmers.

Large corporations have enormous

amounts of power and influence, so it’s great to see them supporting society. Over anything else, I think it’s important for a company to offer something constructive, be ethical and remain consistent. So if they do that, then they have my vote!

What would you most like to change about yourself?

“Large corporations have enormous amounts of power and influence, so it’s great to see them supporting society”

Furniture News 332.indd 129

I need to believe in myself a bit more – I sometimes wish I had more confidence in my ability but I’m hoping that will come with age and experience.

What do you enjoy most about working in the trade?

There are many things I enjoy about working in this industry but most importantly it’s the range of projects I have been involved in and working with my wonderful colleagues at Palletline

26/10/2016 13:30

Further Reading On the web this month: The Furniture News website is constantly updated with fresh stories.

Visit www.furniturenews.net to access the latest content, or sign up to the twice-weekly newsletter

Do you have a story to share?

To contribute, call the editorial desk on 01424 776105 or email victoria@gearingmediagroup.com Are you looking to place product before the UK’s buyers?

To advertise or submit product information, call the sales team on 01424 776100, or email sam@gearingmediagroup.com or trisha@gearingmediagroup.com.

Do you wish to receive a copy of the magazine every month?

You can subscribe to receive the magazine monthly by emailing subscriptions@gearingmediagroup.com.

News: Northallerton store wins prestigious award

Keep up to date You can also sign up to receive free access to the digital edition each month, as well as the twice-weekly Furniture News e-newsletter, via the specific links at www.furniturenews.net/magazine – or email sam@gearingmediagroup to be manually signed up for the digital services.

Don’t forget to follow the Furniture News Twitter feeds, @FurnitureNewsED and @Victoria_FNmag, to keep up with the latest news and opinions from the team.

News: Oak Furniture Land rapped by ASA over ad claim

Furniture News is an invaluable resource for those operating in the UK domestic furniture and furnishings sector – but it’s just one of the titles published by Gearing Media Group.

er 2014

British

www.furnit

HOTE

L, RE ST

AURA

Studio

N T, B AR & CLUB

INTER

Design | FEATU Guest room RES design | Surfaci ng Ham Yard pRojEcTS Hotel | Perfecti Grigio | onists' The Blues Cafe Kitchen Shored itch

pRoFILES

B3 Designe

IORS

rs | Bamo

Issue 54

14 16:25 HI54_Pag 29/09/20 esFINAL. 1.indd 1

.indd

FP_252

News: Minister of State for International Trade commends Export Award winner

#252

Octob ts / Produc s W14 Preview News / tions / Trade Service t ion.ne / Installa Lighting ureproduct

1

Explore the

Almana

c Collect

ion by ege

| July

- August

2014

carpets 25/07/201

4 16:25

Those involved in the contract furnishings market should take a look at Hospitality Interiors magazine (www.hospitality-interiors.net), while anyone seeking furniture manufacturing machinery or supplies should check out Furniture Production (www.furnitureproduction.net).

In next month’s issue:

Showtime | Preliminary January Furniture Show Preview Encouraging sales team collaboration | Yearplanner

Furniture News 332.indd 130 1 Further Reading Nov 16.indd

26/10/2016 25/10/2016 13:30 11:58

16 11:58

Furniture News 332.indd 131

26/10/2016 13:30

Furniture News 332.indd 132

26/10/2016 13:30