Furniture News #341

The essential guide to the UK domestic furniture and furnishings trade #341 August 2017 | www.furniturenews.net

Highgate Beds

FN 341 Pages.indd 1

31/07/2017 11:24

TCS Furniture News august Ad.qxp_Layout 1 17/07/2017 12:02 Page 1

THE NEW DESIGNER FABRIC COLLECTION STOCKED FOR IMMEDIATE IMM M EDIAT MM A E DELIVERY AT R RY THE BARNET

THREE SEATER SOFA Single Deliveries from Stock

365.52

£

*

FULLY TURNABLE

THE

VISIT US AT STAND C63

D E S I G N E R COLLECTION 6 MODELS TO CHOOSE FROM

Award Winning Interior Cushions

TCS - Solely Committed to Serving Independent Retailers Telephone: 00353 429 351 351 info@tcsimports.com | www.tcsimports.com * T’s & C’s Apply

the complete service

The Complete Service

FN 341 Pages.indd 2

The Carpet Specialists

SERVICE QUALITY VALUE 31/07/2017 11:24

3

INFORMATION

“The need for British manufacturers and retailers to make bold investments across the board, in order to sufficiently prepare for the future, is vital”

Editor Victoria Noakes 01424 776105 victoria@gearingmediagroup.com Twitter @Victoria_FNmag Advertising manager Sam Horscroft 01424 776100 sam@gearingmediagroup.com Twitter @FurnitureNewsAD Production manager James Ash 01424 775304 james@gearingmediagroup.com Deputy production manager Stephanie Reading stephanie@gearingmediagroup.com Digital production assistant Nathan Khan digital@gearingmediagroup.com

COMMENT

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 2017 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 e�orts are made to ensure that the editorial remains true to fact and unbiased.

Monies may have been accepted to o�set 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.

FN 341 Pages.indd 3

T

he retailer under the spotlight in this month’s issue, Myakka, places its focus on ethical responsibility – a crucial element in modern-day business. With a commitment to supporting small family-run manufacturers and artisans, maintaining a personal connection with its suppliers, making sure its employees benefit and giving back to local – and not so local – communities, Myakka is a prime model of fair trading.

Teamed with the business’ concentration on environmental awareness – by carefully monitoring and managing emissions, waste, carbon footprint and acquiring raw materials from sustainable sources – it is no wonder that Myakka has amassed several business awards over the years, celebrating its corporate social responsibility strategy. Turn to page 20 for a Q&A with joint founder and director Georgie Hopkins.

Elsewhere in the issue, AKA PR director and specialist bed industry correspondent Jan Turner reports on a talk given at the NBF’s recent Spring Forum by visiting professor of forecasting and innovation at London South Bank University, James Woudhuysen.

Providing insight into what the future looks like for the bed industry as well as the wider manufacturing and retail sectors, James covers topics from the possibilities within 3D printing and structural electronics and developments in the Chinese economy, through to the importance of theatre in retail and advancements in robotics.

The need for British manufacturers and retailers to make bold investments across the board in order to sufficiently prepare for the future is made apparent here – a vital consideration in advancing times. Read on to page 62 to discover more.

In addition, you’ll find the usual complement of events, news and products this month – I hope you enjoy the issue!

Victoria Noakes Editor T 01424 776105 E victoria@gearingmediagroup.com Twitter @Victoria_FNmag

31/07/2017 11:24

FN 341 Pages.indd 4 1 Long Point Advert.indd

31/07/2017 15/06/2017 11:24 14:14

17 14:14

5

THIS ISSUE

10

News

20

Interview

24

Events

Georgie Hopkins, joint founder and director of ethically-focused furniture retailer Myakka, talks Furniture News through the business’ history and philosophy

Featuring previews of the upcoming Autumn Fair, the Irish Furniture and Homewares Show and the South West Furniture Show

Duvalay (56)

32

Update

44

Beds & Bedroom

70

Living Room

76

Dining Room

80

Trade Services

Including the latest from CIMC, Bluebone, Devonshire Pine and Corndell

Myakka (20)

A round-up of services and solutions for the trade

ON THE COVER

Diplomat 5000 by Highgate Beds (wwww.highgatebeds.com)

The essential guide to the UK domestic furniture and furnishings trade #341 August 2017 | www.furniturenews.net

TCS (74)

Highgate Beds

FN 341 Pages.indd 1

FN 341 Pages.indd 5

28/07/2017 09:33

31/07/2017 11:24

MIXED CONTAINERS

hand glazed finish FN 341 Pages.indd 6

DISPLAY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

exposed bolts

31/07/2017 11:24

www.globalhomegroup.com Mixed Container Programme Our mixed container programme offers items of twenty collections with no restrictions and no minimum order quantities, which cuts down stock holding requirements and speeds container loading.

fully mixed container programme! competitive pricing price stability

sliding doors

easy online ordering facility fast container loading full UK back up stock for container programmes new and convenient UK showroom Global Home UK

The Old Goods Yard, Rear of Truro Station, Station Road, Truro, TR1 3HH 01872 223523 | info@chfhome.com

Global Home Ireland

Unit 7a Mastertech Business Park, Athlone Road, Longford, Eire 0043 334 9694 | sales@globalhomeireland.com

Global Home London

Unit 136 Clocktower Road Industrial Estate, Isleworth, TW7 6DT 0203 417 7240 | cpdirect@hotmail.com

FN 341 Pages.indd 7

31/07/2017 11:24

NEW

COLLECTION 168

hand glazed finish

FN 341 Pages.indd 8

exposed bolts

31/07/2017 11:24

www.globalhomegroup.com

Global Home UK

sandcast turnbuckle components

The Old Goods Yard, Rear of Truro Station, Station Road, Truro, TR1 3HH 01872 223523 | info@chfhome.com

Global Home Ireland

Unit 7a Mastertech Business Park, Athlone Road, Longford, Eire 0043 334 9694 | sales@globalhomeireland.com

Global Home London

Unit 136 Clocktower Road Industrial Estate, Isleworth, TW7 6DT 0203 417 7240 | cpdirect@hotmail.com

FN 341 Pages.indd 9

31/07/2017 11:24

10 | News

Established and new brands succeed at Manchester Furniture Show The Manchester Furniture Show ended on a high last month, with many exhibitors reporting record days and better than expected sales.

Big name brands received enthusiastic responses to their new launches – James Hudson, business development director at Gallery Direct, said that the company had its best ever Manchester show.

Nichola Bell, sales director at Westbridge Furniture Designs, says: “Our four new launches, two in our Elements and two in our Westbridge collection, went very well and overall our figures were better than last year it was a great show for us, so we are delighted.”

Launching adventurous and completely new designs, Nolte was also pleased with response.

Sales director Michael Tattersall says: “We saw 95% of the buyers we wanted to see and

got off to a great start with a fantastic Sunday.

Our new Cargo and Sunny models went down incredibly well with better than expected sales and we will definitely be back next year.”

New brands including Mason and Pearl, Furninova and Hartmann, which all displayed contemporary models, were also pleased with the reaction to their products and stated that it was great opportunity to meet and spend time with serious and knowledgeable buyers.

Visitor numbers were consistent with previous years at just under 5000 over the three days. The attending buyers included many from large group and major independent stores, who, despite narrating tricky trading conditions, saw Manchester as the ideal forum to select new products for their physical and online stores in readiness for the crucial

Silvera London showroom now open French designer furniture and lifestyle specialist, Silvera, has crossed the Channel to launch its first London showroom on the esteemed King’s Road in Chelsea.

Designed bespoke by architectural design studio, Jouin Manku, the much-anticipated UK flagship joins Silvera’s 10 successful Parisian showrooms, bringing with it a catalogue of over 500 cross-cultural designer brands for the home and office, setting a

benchmark for designer interiors.

Silvera is a family-run business, set up in 1990 by Paul Silvera and his sister Fabienne.

Today’s Silvera is an integrated concept led

by Paul and his wife, also director, Brigitte Silvera.

The pair decided to expand the business overseas as they consider the London design scene one of the strongest on the international market.

Industry charity bolsters northern fundraising team The Furniture Makers’ Company, the furnishing industry’s charity, has made two key appointments to grow the organisation’s presence in the north of England and raise vital funds for the charity.

Mark McCann, MD of Cavendish Upholstery, has been appointed as chairman of the charity’s North West fundraising region committee.

Mark takes over from Jan Turner, director at AKA PR, who has stepped down from the voluntary role after a year.

The charity has also appointed Dave Fergus as North West fundraising assistant, replacing Louise Hicks who leaves after almost four years working at the charity.

Mark and Dave will work with the charity’s

London head office to help organise annual fundraising events in the North West, including a clay pigeon shooting day and golf day.

Mark McCann, North West fundraising region chairman, says: “I’m very excited to be giving something back to our industry’s charity by taking on this role. Jan has done an outstanding job raising the profile of The Furniture Makers’ Company in the North West and I look forward to building upon what she has achieved.”

Mark, who is a freeman of The Furniture Makers’ Company, has been managing director of Cavendish Upholstery, part of the Airsprung Group, for almost four years after 10 years as sales director.

autumn selling period.

Other big names reporting enthusiastic responses to their new launches included Mike Storey from Ashley Manor, Mark Callgahan at Baker Furniture, Steve Lamb at VIDA Living, Mehmood Pirbhai at CIMC, Aubane Pattar at Furmanac and Tom Savidge at Carlton Furniture – who also reported this year as the company’s best Manchester show to date.

Final praise was received from Paul Wesson, sales director at Whitemeadow, saying: “We love the Manchester Furniture Show, it is a firm fixture in our calendar and it gets better every year. We will be back next year.”

The show organisers report that the rebookings for the 2018 event are already high and the show will return to Manchester Central on 15th-17th July 2018.

Dates announced for 2018 London Fabric Show The BFM is pleased to announce the dates for the 2018 London Fabric Show.

Returning to the popular Chelsea F.C. venue, the two-day show will take place on Monday 26th and Tuesday 27th of February 2018.

Featuring over 35 prestigious fabric manufacturers and suppliers from Belgium, Spain, Turkey, Italy, Germany and the UK, the event will provide upholstery, bed and soft furnishing manufacturers with a unique opportunity to see new designs and colourways in a variety of fabrics including wools, velvets and jacquards.

Jackie Bazeley, MD of the BFM, says: “We are delighted to announce the dates for the 2018 London Fabric Show. Momentum for the show is gathering each year with visitor numbers increasing and more and more fabric producers wishing to exhibit.

“Although the show is open to any manufacturer, supplier or buyer of fabrics, we pleased to experience great support for the show from BFM members as it enables them to see a large number of high-end producers under one roof.

We look forward to welcoming all visitors to the show at Chelsea net year.”

Registration for the show will open in the early autumn and more information can be found on the event’s website.

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

FN 341 Pages.indd 10

31/07/2017 11:24

Highgat

It can only be‌

T E

+ 44 (0) 1924 454 678

info@highgatebeds.com

www.highgatebeds.com FN 341 Pages.indd 11 Highgate Beds Advert.indd 1

31/07/2017 12/07/2017 11:24 09:46

12 | News

Carpetright invests in training with Store Manager Academy

Carpetright, one of the UK’s leading floorcoverings and beds retailers, has launched its first ever Store Manager Academy.

The Academy which will see 75 store managers embarking on a year-long course to achieve an Institute of Leadership & Management Diploma Level 3.

The course, which is split into 12 modules, offers a learning and development opportunity and includes topics such as Leadership Styles, Coaching and Operational Planning.

It has been specially-tailored to Carpetright colleagues to ensure they get maximum benefit and that it equips them with additional skills to enhance their performance and further their careers.

Carpetright has partnered with training experts, Remit Group, to develop and deliver the course which includes e-learning on Carpetright’s learning and communications platform Fuse, the creation of e-portfolios, one-on-one support from a dedicated Development Coach, monthly evidence based assessments, quarterly workshops and a final assessment at the end of the course.

The Store Manager Academy launch was marked with an event at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham on Wednesday 21st June, 2017.

The day included guidance on learning skills and styles, an introduction to the e-portfolio site and time to get to know the Development Coaches who will guide them through the programme.

Sue Pittock, CEO of Remit, says: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Carpetright on their first Store Manager Academy.

We’ve been working with their Talent & Development team to produce a bespoke programme aimed at upskilling their people and we’re confident it will be both enjoyable and rewarding.”

Wilf Walsh, CEO of Carpetright, says: “I’m delighted that so many of our Store Managers have signed up to our first academy.

“It’s a great opportunity which will see them learning about everything from data management and analysis, to cross-team working and communication across the course of the next year.

Start-up Emma Mattress UK awarded Which? Best Buy award Emma Mattress has received the coveted Which? Best Buy 2017 endorsement for its “bed in a box” mattress by the largest consumer body in the UK. Which? tests mattresses as a whole category and does not differentiate between different mattress types in the UK. One of the most notable comments from Which? was: “This is one of the most durable mattresses we’ve tested. Even after years of use, it won’t sag, soften or become less supportive. So, if you like the feel of it when new, you can sleep safe in the knowledge that you still will in years to come.”

Only the top-scoring products in the market are recognised as a Which? Best Buy, and Emma Mattress is pleased to be ranked in this prestigious category. The mattress is robust and adaptive but also comfortable.

The British-made mattress is manufactured

in the UK to create innovative foam and spring technology.

Marc-René Simon, head of international, at Emma Mattress says: “I’m delighted and excited to receive this great news that Emma Mattress has been awarded with the coveted ‘Which? Best Buy’ surpassing many of its competitors on overall performance.

“Emma Mattress has received similar awards and endorsements in France and the Netherlands so we are really happy that this is happening in the UK.” Max Laarmann, founder of Emma Mattress, says: “Emma was created because I had a terrible time trying to purchase a mattress and I wanted to make the process simple whilst providing a quality product which does what it says on the label: Improve everyone’s sleep. It’s rewarding to have been acknowledged by Which?.”

Kindred Living strengthens customer and after-sales support teams Kindred Living welcomes John Mallinson as installations manager, Alison Watson as sales and marketing administrator and promotes Jo Skillicorn to new business development administrator. This trio of appointments, which strengthens customer support and after-sales, takes the Kindred team to 12.

With over 30 years of industry experience, John’s background spans roles from timeserved tradesman at advanced craft level to technical surveyor and worksite manager.

Previously working at a well-known, nationwide, highstreet retailer he was responsible for regional recruitment and more recently was regional installation manager across kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.

Alison joins Kindred following 12 years working in kitchen and bedroom retail and brings valuable customer insight and administration experience to the team. Alison takes over the role from Jo Skillicorn, on

her promotion to dedicated new business development for the brand. Jo has extensive industry expertise, gained from 16 years in the KBB sector, in sales and factory management. She has also run her own business, designing and project managing the supply and installation of kitchens and bedrooms.

David Burchnall, director at Kindred Living, says: “Excellence in customer service is at the heart of Kindred Living’s ethos, it is paramount to our brand values and an area in which we will continue to invest. These appointments underpin our commitment to delivering exceptional support to our retailers, and their end consumers, at every step of the process. They will drive our ambition to become the independent sector’s preferred bedroom furniture supplier, with an installation service that aims to be the best in the industry.”

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

FN 341 Pages.indd 12

31/07/2017 11:24

FN 341 Pages.indd 13

31/07/2017 11:24

14 | News

Feather & Black celebrates win at Direct Commerce Awards Luxury bedroom retailer Feather & Black has received the gold standard at the Direct Commerce Awards in the Home including Food & Drink category.

Now in its 19th year, the Direct Commerce Awards recognises business excellence for organisations engaged in direct to customer retailing across traditional and newlyemerging channels. They seek to celebrate the achievements of businesses of all scales and at all stages of development.

Feather & Black were praised on its “exceptional attention to detail across all brand elements” and the “polished work from a clearly passionate and experienced team.”

The judges were “impressed by the creative and how well it sells the range.” The smaller brand was seen as punching above its weight and seen as finding its place in the home furnishings market. Finally, the judges deemed Feather & Black “an aspirational brand worth discovering as it offers good products at an affordable price point.”

Hyde & Sleep awarded a Which? Best Buy UK-based online boxed mattress brand Hyde & Sleep’s Next-Gen Memory Foam mattress has been awarded a Which? Best Buy 2017 in the Mattress Category.

Hyde & Sleep’s Next-Gen Memory Foam mattress is 20cm deep, medium to firm in feel, and combines the most advanced technologies in memory foam to protect the mattress from dust mites and bacteria.

The mattress is wrapped in a luxurious, breathable cover, to ensure no overheating and to add an extra layer of comfort. Its high density polyurethane foam support base also houses multiple ventilation channels to create seven zones of airflow.

This pioneering approach to memory foam mattress technology ensures the user keeps cool and comfortable while they sleep.

As with all Hyde & Sleep mattresses, the Next-Gen Memory Foam mattress is compressed and rolled into neat, agile packaging and delivered direct to the customer’s door.

With a 100 night rest test, if the mattress isn’t right, Hyde & Sleep will collect it and refund the cost.

Laura Jackson, digital marketing manager for Feather & Black, says: “It was amazing to see Feather & Black recognised for the team’s hard work over the last year. We have been pushing the brand in new directions to compete in the rapidly growing and changing marketplace,

to be noticed and awarded for that is a great achievement.”

The awards ceremony saw industry leaders descend onto The Hurlingham Club in Fulham last month for a lavish black tie event and a three course meal.

Bensons for Beds re-opens Thurrock concept store Bensons for Beds has re-opened its concept store in Thurrock - a two floor expansion and spacious retail area, offering a variety of beds, frames and mattresses on the lower floor and a selection of bedroom furniture upstairs.

The store, located at Lakeside Retail Park, is the newest opening for Bensons for Beds and follows recent store openings in Manchester, Bolton and Aintree.

The growing retail footprint supports Bensons for Bed’s dominance as one of Britain’s favourite bed specialists and as one of the UK’s leading authorities in sleep through its partnership with The Sleep School.

The new stores provides an array of services that will continue to establish and build relationships with local customers offering bespoke experiences unlike other retail stores. Alongside the assistant manager, Steve Blackabee, who has been working at Bensons for 17 years, the store opening will create a number of new jobs.

Offering new principles to its usual stores, Bensons for Beds concept stores are a multi-efficient retail space, with in-store ambassadors, working alongside The Sleep

School’s sleep specialist Dr Guy Meadows to offer instore sleep consultations.

The new concept store features Bensons’ exclusive Comfort Station Adaptive – a technological development designed to improve the sleepless epidemic the UK currently suffers from.

Bensons launched the Comfort Station Adaptive in 2015. This ground-breaking piece of technology adjusts to different firmness levels and then uses comfort tracking technology to identify how the user’s body is affected by the way they sleep, and by using pressure sensing surface technology will show where they need support. Comfort Adaptive Station is exclusive to Bensons.

Each new concept store will be offering a larger variety of products compared to regular stores. These include the newly launched bedroom furniture collection, and an exclusive and premium choice of bedframes. The products will sit alongside a range of famous UK brands from Silentnight, iGel, Tempur and Sensaform. With over 20 different styles to choose from, the team’s interior specialists can help co-design the customer’s space and create a bespoke bedroom.

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

FN 341 Pages.indd 14

31/07/2017 11:24

FN 341 Pages.indd 15

31/07/2017 11:24

16 | News

BFC aims to kickstart stalled review on furniture flammability regulations The British Furniture Confederation is hoping to kick start the stalled review of Britain’s flammability regulations with a proposal it believes offers the industry an optimal solution.

In an effort to get the government’s review process - the first in nearly 30 years - back on track, the BFC has put forward its own document proposing updates to the Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, as amended (FFFSR).

These are based on industry wide consultations with the British Contract Furnishing Association (BCFA), British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM), Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA), the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association (LOFA), National Bed Federation (NBF) and Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers

Call for entries for National Charity Golf Day The Furniture Makers’ Company is looking for golfers of all levels to compete in its National Charity Golf Day this September.

The National Charity Golf Day will take place on Wednesday 27th September 2017 at the Oxfordshire Golf Club.

One of the industry’s most high-profile events of the year, the day tees off with bacon rolls and coffee followed by an 18hole Stableford competition with a shotgun start. Competitors will later sit down to a two-course lunch, prize giving ceremony and charity ra�e.

An array of trophies and prizes will be on offer, including awards for the longest drive and nearest the pin. There is a number of sponsorship opportunities available for companies wishing to support.

Dr Tony Smart MBE, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, says: “The National Golf Day has traditionally been among the highlights of our calendar of fundraising events and we’re delighted to be taking it to Oxfordshire Golf Club. It was chosen for its excellent championship course, its central location and the fact it has a hotel on site for anyone wishing to stay the night before.”

Those looking to book a place on the National Golf Day should contact events manager Sally Kent on 020 7256 5558.

(WCFM). It has also taken into account the views of the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF) and retail groups including the British Retail Consortium (BRC).

The proposal document has this week been submitted to the Minister in charge of consumer affairs, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), Margot James, MP. In a letter to the Minister, Jonathan Hindle, chairman of the BFC, says: “In our view the current BEIS proposals would fail to deliver the stated aims of maintaining current safety levels while at the same time minimising the use of fire retardant chemicals on cover fabrics.

“We want a set of regulations that protect consumers from fire, health and environmental

issues and after widespread consultation across the industry believe our proposal will be accepted by most stakeholders as the optimal solution for making progress on a review process that seems to have stalled.”

The BFC has long campaigned for a full revision of the 1988 regulations to reflect modern materials and manufacturing processes and iron out unclear elements in the legislation.

Jonathan says: “Our proposal is supported by manufacturers, importers, retailers and re-upholsterers and we need to get on with these changes and updates. If adopted, we think it can achieve the triple aim of maintaining product safety, reducing the levels of fire retardants in products and also being achievable by industry.”

Herman Miller awarded Manufacturing Guild Mark The Furniture Makers’ Company, the furnishing industry’s charity, has announced that office furniture manufacturer Herman Miller has been awarded the prestigious Manufacturing Guild Mark. Sponsored by Lectra, the Manufacturing Guild Mark has been the mark of excellence, distinguishing Britain’s top furnishing manufacturers, since 1993.

The mark is awarded to companies that demonstrate high standards across all aspects of the business, including manufacturing, design, product quality, marketing, finance, commitment to training, employment conditions and sustainability.

The Manufacturing Guild Mark is only open to companies that manufacture the majority of their products in the UK. Companies undergo an audit every three years by the Furniture Industry Research Association on behalf of The Furniture Makers’ Company to ensure their standards of operation remain high.

Herman Miller is a globally recognised provider of furnishings and related technologies and services. Headquartered in West Michigan, the company has relied on innovative design for over 100 years to solve problems for people wherever they work, live, learn, and heal.

Herman Miller was presented the Manufacturing Guild Mark by Dr Tony Smart MBE, Master of The Furniture Makers’

Company, during a ceremony at Herman Miller’s factory in Melksham, Wiltshire.

Richard Scott, vice president of international operations at Herman Miller, says: “We are delighted to be awarded the Manufacturing Guild Mark. Herman Miller prides itself on designing furniture with people in mind, and manufacturing it to the highest standards possible. It is an honour to have this commitment recognised by The Furniture Makers’ Company.”

The Keyn Chair Group, designed for Herman Miller by British design firm forpeople, was recently awarded a Design Guild Mark, and the Jonathan Hindle Prize for Excellence.

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

FN 341 Pages.indd 16

31/07/2017 11:24

ILLUMINATE YOUR UNWANTED STOCK

END OF LINE SECONDS RETURNS

FN 341 Pages.indd 17

 MFA.BID

EX-DISPLAY OLD STOCK PROTOTYPES

31/07/2017 11:24

FN 341 Pages.indd 18

31/07/2017 11:24

FN 341 Pages.indd 19

31/07/2017 11:24

20 | Interview

Ethical consciousness and customer focus combined Celebrating its 18th anniversary this year, furniture retailer Myakka’s aim is to offer customers a carefully-selected range of quality handmade furniture and home accessories. All items are made and sourced following ethical principles, and are available at an affordable price for UK customers. Joint founder and director Georgie Hopkins provides insight into the roots and philosophy of the business ...

Words: Victoria Noakes

T

ell us about the foundations of Myakka, the inspiration behind it and its modus operandi Myakka was established in 1999 by myself and Simon Whitehead. We started the company on the principle of trading fairly and ethically, with openness and transparency.

Georgie Hopkins

FN 341 Pages.indd 20

We try to support small family-run manufacturers and artisans and we visit them as often as we can to maintain a personal connection. We manage a trip to our main suppliers twice a year.

Myakka is a family-run business with a workforce of over 150 skilled artisans, and we have worked together for over 16 years. Our long-standing relationship with them has enabled both businesses to enjoy substantial growth benefitting sub-contractors, employees and the local community in line with fair trade principles.

It is important that the success of our business also provides success for our employees, suppliers and our communities. An example is our involvement with SKSN, a school for physically-challenged children from rural areas of Rajasthan in India, who ordinarily wouldn’t have access to education.

Closer to home, we have set up a dedicated Myakka Grassroots Fund with both the Somerset Community Foundation and the Community Foundation for Surrey. Through these funds we support carefully-selected community groups and projects.

As a company we are mindful of carbon emissions, packaging and waste recycling and every year we make headway to

reduce our environmental impact even further.

Some examples of this are our diligence in logistics to import by sea and not air, which benefits the planet in terms of emissions but has an impliations for our product supply, and the sheesham replanting programme we are part of in India that helps to ensure sustainability of a key raw material.

Where is Myakka based?

We are based in Wincanton, Somerset, where we have our warehouse and a retail outlet. This shop attracts customers from the both the local area and, with excellent road links, customers also travel from quite far to visit us in person to touch and feel the quality of our products.

How has the business grown over the years?

We have enjoyed organic growth over the 18 years – the ecommerce website was launched in 2004 and the first mail order catalogue was produced in 2006. In 2015 we opened our first dedicated high street retail showroom in Guildford, to extend the opportunity to experience our products first-hand to customers who live in London and the South East.

31/07/2017 11:24

Interview | 21

Myakka full roomset

Tell us about Myakka’s product offering Most of our furniture designs are exclusive to Myakka. We design the furniture in house and then our products are handcrafted using ethically-sourced, sustainable woods by expert craftsmen in India, Thailand and Vietnam.

Our solid wood furniture offers something for every style and taste.

Firstly, there is sheesham – our Indian rosewood – which is a beautifullygrained, rich and dark hardwood.

Also part of our staple collection is mango wood, which is ideal for lighter and painted finishes. This is a truly sustainable hardwood, initially grown for fruit production. Once it reaches maturity and stops producing fruit the tree is felled and the timber used to craft our furniture.

Finally, for our statement pieces such as the Surin Infinity Table and the Surin Standing Elephant, we use monkey pod wood. This boasts an interesting grain with an attractive natural two-tone variation.

We also have two popular ranges

FN 341 Pages.indd 21

crafted from reclaimed pine – Fernley & Milborne. Both collections are dual finished with tops of unpainted natural waxed pine. Fernley is finished in a soft sage green paint and Milborne’s finish is lightly distressed ivory paint.

All our pieces crafted from reclaimed pine retain the nail holes and wood knots from the timber’s previous life. We consider this a key feature of the collections, offering customers individuality in each piece.

What makes Myakka stand out from its competitors?

Our ‘fair shares for all’ ethos. We are committed to providing solid wood furniture and home accessories based on the founding principle of trading fairly and ethically.

Through Myakka, our aim is to demonstrate that customers don’t have to sacrifice style to shop ethically.

The furniture is designed and manufactured exclusively for us with fresh, individual styles that are perfect for modern living. We are able to accommodate customer feedback and

requests resulting in a unique collection including interesting pieces such as side tables for awkward corners and spacesaving cupboards.

What recognition has Myakka received over the years?

We have won several business awards over the years. Myakka has held the Ethical Award since 2009, which puts us in the top third of companies deemed to excel in ethical consumerism with an excellent corporate social responsibility strategy.

We have also had BAFTS recognition as a direct sourcing retail member of the British Association for Fair Trade Shops since 2006. We are proud to have previously won awards for our customer service, and we continue to receive outstanding reviews for both our product and service.

Which products are popular with customers right now?

Mallani continues to be our bestselling furniture range made from sheesham. It has clean, sleek lines

>>>

31/07/2017 11:24

22 | Interview so it is very versatile and has wide appeal. Our recently introduced and exclusive Jasmeen collection which features beautiful hand-carving in solid sheesham has also quickly grown to be a popular choice. Our unique lighting and collection of rugs and kilims are also extremely popular finishing touches.

How is Myakka’s product portfolio developing?

We are currently working on our AW17 collection which includes some really exciting additions to our most popular furniture ranges. We are also introducing more upholstered armchairs, benches and ottomans in vibrant Indian patterns that are certain to be popular with our customers who like to make a statement in their homes.

How does the company address the needs of a changing market?

In terms of product offering, we have two new collections a year – Spring/ Summer and Autumn/Winter. New furniture is introduced at the same time as those pieces past their peak popularity are withdrawn from the collection – this keeps the product offering fresh.

Customer service continues to be an essential part of our business and of increasing importance in today’s marketplace. We enjoy excellent customer feedback and reviews. Peer recommendation through our online product reviews and via social media can be invaluable to anyone making an important purchase decision. This feedback is essential to us and allows us to be responsive to changing needs of customer service.

A recent customer research exercise revealed that customers would appreciate many more product view images than we were displaying online, and we have sought to address this with fresh, multiple view images of as many key pieces as possible. Furthermore, we aim to launch online product videos as soon as we can.

Online sales is still the main driver of growth in general retail terms, but for large furniture items, having a shop where people can see and feel the quality before they buy has been invaluable.

The winners in today’s market will be those retailers who provide customers with a seamless multi-channel shopping

FN 341 Pages.indd 22

experience, whether they are buying online from a desktop or mobile device, over the telephone or in a shop. Clickand-collect is a simple example of how we can accommodate different purchasing methods.

Surin infinity table

What are your thoughts on the current state of the industry and retail in general?

These are obviously very uncertain times and a fall in consumer confidence can have a knock-on effect as they spend less, fearing the future. However, conversely, it makes the home even more of a refuge from the turbulent outside world, and the need to ‘nest’ remains strong. Larger furniture purchases are perhaps more considered – there is less impulse buying.

What trends are you currently experiencing?

As we design our furniture in house, and can take on board customer requests, we are really on the frontline of developments and we are able to respond quickly – whether this is to accommodate the increasing demand for home office furniture as more people work from home, or the need for small pieces that make use of the available space, such as a compact, nesting tables as our homes become smaller.

The non-fitted, mix & match trend works well with our furniture. We have classic designs that form a good foundation for a room, as well as some stunning statement pieces and globally inspired designs.

Mallini contemporary nest of tables in sheesham wood

What challenges are the business facing right now?

We are concentrating on responding positively to the changing patterns of how consumers shop. We need to ensure that we fully integrate our shops, the online site and other channels such as social media, coherently.

What are Myakka’s future plans?

We will continue to expand our exclusive furniture collections and offer our customers more of what we know they love! The evolution in shopping habits is a focus for us right now – we want to be able to offer our customers a seamless shopping experience with us whatever channel they choose to shop from.

W myakka.co.uk

Fernley hallway organiser bench

31/07/2017 11:24

SS0021

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Find the hottest up and coming furniture, lighting and interior accessories trends for your store. So good, your customers won’t want to leave.

Get your free ticket today at autumnfair.com #autumnfair

HOME | CONTEMPORARY GIFT & LIVING | THE LIGHT SHOW | FASHION, JEWELLERY & ACCESSORIES THE SUMMERHOUSE | BODY, BATH & HOME FRAGRANCE | GIFT | CHILDREN’S GIFTS, TOYS & GADGETS | GREETINGS BRANDS OF CHINA | RETAIL SOLUTIONS | VOLUME & HOUSEWARES Copyright of Ascential Events Ltd | Products shown in this image are proprietary to Present Time

FN 341 Pages.indd 23 TIME (HOME) AD 216X297 V2.indd 1 SS002111 AF PRESENT

31/07/2017 15/06/2017 11:24 15:09

24 | Events

PREVIEW

AUTUMN FAIR’S HEIGHTENED OFFERING Louise Young, divisional director of retail at Autumn Fair, explains what to expect from this year’s event – taking place at Birmingham’s NEC from 3rd-6th September – and what makes it stand out from the crowd.

Hanlin

Louise Young

H

ow successful was last year’s edition of Autumn Fair?

Our post-show research revealed that visitor satisfaction had increased to its highest level in five years. It highlighted the strength of the exhibitors, with visitors commenting on the breadth and quality of ranges on show.

Over 26,000 visitors came to the event, making Autumn Fair the most-attended home and gift event of the season. Buyers were seduced by what they saw – 86% of visitors placed or planned to place an order as a direct result of visiting the show.

What are some of the main differences between this year’s edition of Autumn Fair and last year’s?

The range of Home exhibitors has increased by quite a number with new international brands joining for the first time. The choice and style of ranges is strong – from shabby chic and Nordic lifestyle to outdoor living collections.

The span of products includes larger furniture ranges, occasional, home accessories and lighting. The visual presentation from exhibitors is going to be stunning with the show really stepping up as the Home sector emporium.

A really exciting new development for this year is Autumn Fair’s Appointment

FN 341 Pages.indd 24

Planner. This free service allows buyers and exhibitors to pre-arrange meetings in advance of the show, based on matching their online profiles so we can help buyers find the right product and/or supplier.

As well as new products, visitors will be able to pick up brand new skills at the show to take back to their stores. Seminars and workshops this year include sessions with the winner of the BBC series The Great Interior Design Challenge designer Martin Holland and visual merchandiser Debbie Flowerday, bringing retailers tips on how to showcase their top products and maximise sales.

We will also be running Meet The Experts where retailers will be able book sessions for one-on-one advice with an industry expert for practical advice on how to grow their business.

Tell us about some of the new exhibitors and products that will be on display This year from Holland and new to the show is Richmond Interiors by Spieghel, which designs and supplies contemporary style furniture and home decorations.

Other new Dutch home and lifestyle exhibitors include contemporary interior design label Zuiver, Dutch Bone, which creates traditional pieces with a modern twist and Hendricks Deco. Returning

brand Kaemingk will feature at the show with a stunning visual presentation of indoor and outdoor decorative collections.

Of course, other major exhibitors include Coach House, Hill Interiors, Premier Housewares with Fifty Five South, Gallery Direct, Evans and Lichfield, Sifcon, PD Global, Tiger Moth, Voyage Maison, CIMC, Collier & Dobson, Arko, Art Marketing and McGowan & Rutherford.

Hanlin (www.hanlin.co.uk), a major worldwide wholesaler of quality cow hides, reindeer hides, New Zealand, Australian, Icelandic sheepskin rugs and accessories will also be exhibiting. Since starting out in 1975, its family business has become the first choice for many names in the industry.

The business sources fine products from South America to Finland, hand-selecting each hide to guarantee quality and unique pieces. There is over 6000 cow hides to choose from on its UK site. All Hanlin’s products are ethically sourced and available at the competitive prices.

What makes Autumn Fair better than any other similar event?

This is the only place this year that buyers can see and touch such a breadth of new products, across all price points from over 1300 home and gift exhibitors. It’s where, as a buyer, you can meet and build beneficial relationships with potential suppliers many of which have major names that are exclusive to Autumn Fair.

The Summerhouse sector offers a hand-picked collective of the most original UK and international gift, interior, lighting and lifestyle brands.

This is a highly-regarded destination for buyers, which has increased its footprint with more brands added this year.

W autumnfair.com

31/07/2017 11:24

HALL 3 STAND A20

FN 341 Pages.indd 25

31/07/2017 11:24

26 | Events

PREVIEW

IFHS RAISES THE BAR The Irish Furniture & Homewares Show (IFHS) – to be held from 19th-22nd August at the National Show Centre, Dublin – is set to make for a valuable and memorable experience for visitors.

T

he IFHS team is a firm believer in the business mantra that people do business with people – that the most powerful tools in creating success in business are the relationships built with suppliers and retailers. This is why the organisers are dedicated to creating a relaxed, friendly environment for suppliers and retailers to engage and experience new, innovative products.

Exhibitor and visitor feedback from previous years has helped to ensure that the IFHS 2017 will be a worthwhile experience for all. The event will house over 85 exhibitors from across Ireland and the UK in its newly-expanded exhibition halls.

Visitor to IFHS will find an array of furniture on display, as the event will be home to major suppliers of upholstery, dining, bedding, cabinet, flooring and accessories such as art and mirrors.

The event appeals to retailers, interior designers, contract buyers and more,

FN 341 Pages.indd 26

as both major manufacturers and distributors will be present.

As Ireland’s largest trade-only furniture and homeware event, IFHS will play host to the second annual Furniture & Home Awards. The event organisers recognise the importance of supporting the industry in which it operates, and believes the new furniture and homeware trade awards provide an ideal opportunity for UK and Irish furniture and homeware suppliers to present their innovations. The awards will be announced on the Sunday of the show.

The event is free to all trade customers as attendees, and registration is available on the event website. Updates on the event will also be found on the show’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

With a jam-packed venue of returning and new exhibitors displaying their latest and best offerings, there is so much to see and talk about at this year’s show.

W ifhs-tradeshow.ie

31/07/2017 11:25

27

Furniture & Lighting

Showroom

Open 7 Days A Week

Hall 2 Stand 2E03-C04

We are one of the largest wholesale furniture suppliers in Lancashire.

Specialising in modern funky furniture home lighting, wall mirrors, giftware & accessories, dining room furniture mirrored furniture, home bar furniture contract tables & chairs to the retail sector nationwide.

Febland Group Ltd

Flag House, Ashworth Road Blackpool, Lancashire FY4 4UN

Tel: 01253 600 600

Email: info@febland.co.uk

www.febland.co.uk

Britain’s biggest Bed Show is back for 2017!

A must attend event for anyone in the industry Register Now:

www.bedshow.co.uk

@BedShow

19th and 20th September | Telford International Centre

New products | New trends | New exhibitors FN 341 Pages.indd 27

31/07/2017 11:25

Miner

28 | Events

PREVIEW

SPOTLIGHT ON THE SOUTH-WEST The South West Furniture Show – held from 12-14th September in Bridgwater – is run by agents and representatives covering the South-west and Wales regions.

T

he South West Furniture Manufacturers’ Agent and Representatives Federation (SWFMARF) was created in 1992 to promote the sales of quality home furnishings and furniture to trade customers in South-west England and South Wales.

As of today, the federation has over 50 members, some of which also service other areas.

More than 135 manufacturers and other companies – both national and international – are represented across

FN 341 Pages.indd 28

the territory.

The South West Furniture Show is the federation’s main activity, held in the second week of September each year. The event has been held for the last eight years at Sedgemoor Auction Centre in Bridgwater – the central venue allows easy access for all.

This year, a new wesbite has been launched, and show registration is available through Eventbrite, at www. eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-south-westfurniture-show-tickets-33894657834.

W swfmarf.com

31/07/2017 11:25

Minerva A4 Advert_Layout 1 23/07/2017 13:49 Page 1

www.theautumnfurnitureshow.com

SHOW 2017

NEW VENUE NAEC, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire CV8 2LG

l l l

Spectacular 2 day event Over 80 Exhibitors Global portfolio

Open to all retailers

Make a date for September!

Tuesday 26th 9am - 5pm Wednesday 27th 9am - 4.30pm Hosted by Minerva www.minervafurnishers.co.uk

REGISTRATION IS OPEN www.theautumnfurnitureshow.co.uk

PLUS MANY MORE FN 341 Pages.indd 29

31/07/2017 11:25

Complete Cabinet Solution Lundy Painted

Made in North Devon

• Available in 12 different painted colours • Solid oak moulded tops in two finishes • Solid pine carcass • Bedroom, dining & living • Choice of handles • Painted throughout, including backs • Dovetailed drawers • Tongue and groove backs & bases • Manufactured in the UK

l u f ti u a e b y l g n Stunni

Independent and family run since 1992 Como Oak • Dining & living • The character of each piece is unique • Dovetailed drawers • Supplied with both a metal and wooden handle • Oiled oak finish • In stock for quick delivery

Attra distrectively ssed

Caddsdown Industrial Park, Clovelly Road, Bideford, Devon, EX39 3DX T: 01237 471872 E: enquiries@devonshirepine.co.uk FN 341 Pages.indd 30

31/07/2017 11:25

Extensive choice 18 diverse collections New Oak • • • • • •

The original and the best Celebrating 12 years!

Still No.1 best-seller Bedroom, dining & living Natural light oak Comprehensive collection, over 70 items!

• Dovetailed drawers • Tongue and groove backs & bases • In stock for quick delivery

The origin al

UK’s Leading Furniture Manufacturers and Importers

Burford Oak • Great value entry level oak collection • Bedroom, dining & living • Choice of handles • Natural light oak • In stock for quick delivery

h s i l ty s & y r a Contempor

www.devonshirepineandoak.co.uk FN 341 Pages.indd 31

31/07/2017 11:25

32 | Update

Champagne Apollo bedroom

CIMC FOCUSES ON QUALITY DESIGN With over 25 years’ experience in the lighting, furniture and home accessories market, CIMC Home is continually expanding its range of products every season.

CIMC’s impressive new ranges were featured at the Manchester Furniture Show, including wholesale furniture and lighting pieces designed to make statement pieces in any home, as well as other accessories for adding ideal final touches. This year, the company’s stand was increased to 220m2.

CIMC’s latest ranges include the leading edge of contemporary design trends, featuring Evoke, Apollo and Lorentz furniture ranges. Each collection conveys a unique style, so retailers and interior designers can choose the pieces which best fit their customers’ needs and tastes.

Visitors to the Manchester Furniture Show had the opportunity to see first hand the fine details and high quality of the CIMC furniture pieces from other recent furniture ranges,

FN 341 Pages.indd 32

including Gatsby, Marrakech, White Manhattan and Milano.

The company launched a range of luxury upholstery furniture to develop living and dining collections, including soft handmade sofas and chairs upholstered in plush velvet or matt linen fabrics with accent cushions to complement.

CIMC’s impressively-crafted American themed pieces are finished to a high standard and curated with a high-end feel to suit all decorating schemes. The company’s new upholstery ranges include Lauren, Lorraine, Jewel and Canterbury.

The company’s wide range of striking furniture and accompanying homeware seamlessly work together to create interior design looks with style.

W cimchome.com

31/07/2017 11:25

IAFP.in

Go global Are you looking to develop business overseas?

The International Alliance of Furnishing Publications (IAFP) is a 20-yearold association comprising the leading trade publications – based on editorial quality and circulation – from 19 countries worldwide.

Its aim is to assist its members, and their advertisers, to better communicate with foreign markets. When promoting or seeking information from abroad, the IAFP network is the one to trust.

Furniture News has been the UK member publication since 2012, and has since helped its readers and advertisers reach high-quality foreign information, contacts and readership.

Contact Samantha Horscroft on (+44)1424 776100 to find out more.

www.iafpalliance.com

Member publications

FN 341 Pages.indd 33 IAFP.indd 1

31/07/2017 22/08/2016 11:25 15:28

34 | Update

Outdoor hound statues

Bluebone offers a wide variety of styles

Bluebone’s industrial-inspired ranges have proven popular with customers

21 YEARS ON, STILL GOING STRONG Since its inception in 1996, Bluebone has established itself as a go-to for unique designs and quality of manufacture. 21 years later the company has pulled together these elements into complete stories for dining, bedroom and living, to deliver what its customers ask for.

“In recent years we have brought in new design elements in our two key themes, Soft Industrial and Cool Nordik,” says Elaine Anderson, Bluebone’s sales manager.

“While individually these pieces are very well received, our customers have been asking more and more to complement these pieces and develop a more comprehensive display. We have listened and to celebrate our 21 years in business we will be offering some great deals on these displays.”

The Soft Industrial theme offers the raw, pared-down loft look. The theme encompasses four key displays that can be accessorised with any of the many stools, wall racks, wall art and lights. Birdcage offers fine lines with feminine shapes for living and laid-back bar and dining options. Hairpin dining is a distinct nod to mid-century modern design. Hairpin legs with mango wood on top for contrast, means that the range stays true to the style’s honest, retro heritage.

Re-engineered features Parisian café-style table legs, iconic chairs and vintage chests. Lounge uplifts the popular round

FN 341 Pages.indd 34

corners into the current trends with brushed gunmetal legs and open handles.

Cool Nordik offers an understated look in cool greys and soft whites one would find in Scandinavia. Subtle shades of grey bring out the natural grain of the wood, where clean painted furniture bases set the tone.

Storm grey is a new take on the classic farmhouse style, bringing it into city living. Lightly brushed-back tops are sandy coloured, to tone down the grey base. Oslo brings the midcentury tale into this theme. Natural driftwood tables, hide stools and Lumiere lights all complement the look.

Bluebone has also added outdoor hounds, bathing belles and hare statues to its collection.

The company will be exhibiting at the following shows later this year – AIS 2017 Furniture Show; Autumn Fair (hall 2, stand 2F03-E04); Four Oaks Trade Show (stands E222, 223, 226 and 227); and the Independent Hotel Show (stand 125).

W bluebone.co.uk

31/07/2017 11:25

FN 341 Pages.indd 35

31/07/2017 11:25

36 | Update

Como Oak dining

DEVONSHIRE’S CONTINUED EXPANSION Devonshire has launched seven new ranges this year, taking its product portfolio to 18 collections, offering a diverse selection of oak, painted and pine. Not only does the company import and hold an impressive £4m of stock from the Far East, but it also manufactures four ranges in its state-of-the-art factory in North Devon.

Devonshire Pine’s original and bestselling New Oak collection is still the company’s most popular range and is celebrating its 12th anniversary. Alongside New Oak, the company offers an elegant painted collection, Lundy, which is manufactured in its Devon-based factory. Lundy has a painted solid pine unit with a moulded solid oak top and moulded painted plinth, which is complemented by 12 standard painted colours.

Burford Oak is a new entry level oak collection offering competitive prices alongside impressive quality. The collection is made up of bedroom, dining and living ranges, with both a wooden and metal handle for choice. Burford Oak is already proving popular with Devonshire’s retailers.

Como Oak is a distressed oak collection, making the character of each piece unique. The knots and cracks display the natural aesthetics of the timber, which is complemented by the dark oiled finish. Dining and living ranges are available, with a

FN 341 Pages.indd 36

choice of both wooden and metal handles. This collection is fast turning into a best-seller.

The modern, clean and attractive Verona Oak collection is both practical and eye catching. With curved sides, a light lacquer and modern handle, this range offers quirky contemporary items.

These ranges are just a small selection of what Devonshire has to offer. Alongside its 18 ranges, the company also prides itself on its strong customer service, with a dedicated onsite team as well as field sales representatives.

Devonshire has its own fleet of 18t lorries which run alongside a pallet delivery service. Its 240,000ft2 purpose-built factory and warehousing employs over 100 local craftsmen and production operatives. Devonshire is an independent and family-run business, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

W devonshirepineandoak.co.uk

31/07/2017 11:25

FN 341 Pages.indd 37

31/07/2017 11:25

38 | Update

Oak Mill dining table and steel leg chairs

CORNDELL’S NEW DIRECTION Corndell has become renowned for its strikingly-made, hand-finished oak furniture. However, recently things have changed with the introduction of Melanie Mills as design director.

Whilst Corndell’s furniture expertise remains, design director Melanie Mills has developed, during the last couple of seasons, a stronger, more stand-out design aesthetic for the brand, combining the expert sourcing logistics of the Global Home Group, and the local hand finishing expertise in The Cotswolds.

Melanie cites the environment and Corndell quality heritage as key influences in the pieces she is creating, with new ranges and developments to existing lines also being part of the style upgrade.

FN 341 Pages.indd 38

For 2017, Oak Mill leads the way, with its statement dining table and its raw edge feature. Designed also to appeal to the confident interior stylist, the raw edge is attractive to consumers keen to buy into natural materials and the warehouse aesthetic which combines industrial elements like steel, with softer finishes such as oak. The raw edge highlights the solid nature of the wood slab and provides a unique piece for the customer to enjoy.

For those who prefer a more naturalistic piece, the Oak Mill

31/07/2017 11:25

Update | 39

Oak Mill sideboard

table is also available with a solid oak slab leg. Both styles of table are available in 1800, 2100 and an impressive 2400mm size to sit 10-12. Given the strength of the table aesthetic, a stylish chair was required to match.

The E3999 dining chair was designed with a retro look and comfortable sit. In order to complete the Oak Mill look in the dining room and through to the living room, an extensive number of cabinet pieces have also been created. All the pieces match the tables with their choice of either black steel legs or oak slab legs, enabling the customer to select the pieces they prefer.

The range of Oak Mill sideboards, at six pieces, provides plenty of choice from the small at 1400mm wide, medium at 1500mm, through to the large at 1800mm wide, all with a choice of leg styles.

The sideboards feature a sleek, handleless design, a

FN 341 Pages.indd 39

combination of drawers and doors, and capacious storage capacity – suitable for any room size. To allow the customer to carry this bold design look through into the hallway, there is a console table at 1200mm wide with either wooden or steel legs. At a slim 410mm deep the console provides a statement piece that is still practical in a narrow hallway.

To complete the industrial look in the lounge, the Oak Mill range of coffee tables is bold and striking, providing a slab of wood to create a focal point against upholstery.

Many of Corndell’s customers hanker for an urban design direction, and the Oak Mill range – combined with Corndell’s expertise in providing practical and striking furniture – creates a realistic, liveable version. With its wide variety of size options, the range is also ideal for any size or shape home.

W corndell.com

31/07/2017 11:25

Creatively ...

•

FN 341Home/Corndell Pages.indd 40Adverts.indd 1 Global

01993 776545

•

corndell.com

•

31/07/2017 11:25

Oakmill

FN 341 Pages.indd 41

31/07/2017 20/07/2017 11:25 08:59

FN 341 Pages.indd 42

31/07/2017 11:25

Introducing...

Cheltenham. A masterpiece.

Inspired by a gently authentic vintage, Cheltenham, with its beautiful, hand carved details is a truly stunning bedroom. Finished in Oiled Oak or painted in Pewter, Chalk or a soft grey Cotton.

The pale veneer, curving design features and soft, hand painted colour choices create a traditional feel but with a truly contemporary edge.

T: + 44 (0)1993 776545 www.corndell.com

FN 341 Pages.indd 43

31/07/2017 11:25

FN 341 Pages.indd 44

31/07/2017 11:25

The perfect finish...

Annecy Dining is Corndell at its very best, with its exemplary painted finish providing a naturally luxurious look which highlights the crisp detailing of the cabinets.

From its factory in Witney, Oxford, Corndell hand paint Annecy, providing a wide range of colours supplied to order. This locally managed process allows retailers to offer their customers real choice across a range of colour and product options.

The palette includes White, Buttermilk and Cotton, which is currently the most popular finish, a light Taupe, perfect pale blue grey called Haze, a traditional soft, green grey: – Ledum, and a deeper, warm grey: – Fawn. Beautiful limed oak tops and detailing further enhances these lovely pieces.

T: + 44 (0)1993 776545 www.corndell.com

FN 341 Pages.indd 45

31/07/2017 11:25

BEDS & BEDROOM

46

•••

Sealy sponsored the industry’s football event last month

Earlier this month, Sealy (www.sealy.co.uk) sponsored the furniture industry’s premier football event – The Furniture Makers’ Company annual five-a-side tournament. Drawing entrants from around the furnishing industry, competitors took part in the fifth annual event and challenge in order to lift the prestigious Sealy cup.

Eager participants gathered on 2nd July at the Lucozade Powerleague Football Centre, Coventry, where teams played a minimum of three matches before the elimination rounds. They also had the opportunity to play an eight-minute game against ex-professional players, the Burnley FC Vintage Clarets.

Following a strenuous few games, the Whitemeadow Wanderers and Lebus teams battled for victory. A fierce final resulted in Whitemeadow clinching the game with three goals to two.

Holly Housby, Sealy brand marketing manager, says: “The tournament was certainly the best one yet! It’s always a great day and it’s fantastic to see so many people from across the industry getting involved. We’re delighted that the Clarets took part again this year, they definitely had a lot of fun! We’re extremely pleased to support such a worthwhile charity which does a lot for the industry.”

The focal point of any bedroom is the bed and The Shire Bed Company’s (www.shirebeds.co.uk) ecoShire bedbugbanishing mattress features EcoShield technology.

The ecoGrand hand-made mattress has 4000 pocket springs, allowing comfortable sleep across the entire surface of the mattress and providing the support and pressure relief the body needs.

With natural fillings and Tencel in the finish as well as air vents and flagstitched handles as standard, the top of the range ecoShire mattress will be easy on the body as well as the pocket. The range also includes the ecoChampion, ecoCosy, ecoComfy and the ecoRest.

FN 341 Pages.indd 46

Sita, Wiemann

Award-winning German bedroom manufacturer Wiemann’s (www.wiemannuk.co.uk) latest VIP collection, Sita, is proving to be a hit with retailers and consumers thanks to its striking open compartment feature.

Simon Hewitt, MD of Wiemann’s UK agency Litmus Furniture, says: “Sita allows consumers to transform their wardrobes into something more than just storage space and into a stunning bedroom feature. It combines functionality, practicality and design – it is a welcome addition to our collections.”

Sita combines two finishes – subtle champagne and enticing, touchable timber oak. It comes with the choice of bi-fold or sliding doors in widths ranging from 100 to 400cm, with wardrobes available with the option of a stylish open compartment and additional storage.

There is also a wide choice of bedside cabinets, drawers and storage dressers, featuring additional fresh new touches such as the lightweight metal frame in place of conventional legs or feet on chests, or the extra lighting underneath the end of the bed.

As well as strikingly designed, desirable products at competitive prices, Wiemann also offers a national full delivery and installation service to all UK and Ireland stockists.

ecoGrand, The Shire Bed Company

31/07/2017 11:25

NEW OAK FURNITURE COLLECTIONS WITH TREND LED FINISHES

Introducing The LO Collection NOW £149.99

NOW £149.99

20% PRICE DROP Huge savings on our best selling oak carcass

Average saving between 10-20%

NOW £129.99 (FROM)

NOW £45.00

NOW £79.99

NOW £39.99

The LO Collection is brand new for Autumn/Winter 2017, bringing a contemporary almost raw lime-wash finish for a look that’s bang on-trend. Re-engineered from our best-selling Oakham carcass, the LO Collection introduces a price drop of up to 20% and display discounts are available for first time orders.

Container prices illustrated

Mainland UK Orders Kettle Interiors Agencies www.kettleinteriorsagencies.com

Ireland Orders Decor Furniture Ltd info@decorfurnitureltd.com 028 3844 6000 I ROI Dedicated: 01 9014285 www.decorfurnitureltd.com

01536 444960

sales@kettleinteriorsagencies.com Container

FN 341 Pages.indd 47

Stockist

Wholesale

31/07/2017 11:25

48 | Beds & Bedroom

Warhol, from Vogue Beds’ Elan Beds brand

Vogue Beds’ (www.voguebeds.co.uk) latest brand, Elan Beds, offers a range of UK-manufacturerd bedsteads and mattresses along with the latest in fabric and metal bedsteads from its factories in the Far East. Elan Beds was created to produce a range of bedsteads and mattresses exclusively for bricks and mortar stores.

“We felt that too much is available online including a lot of our own products from our other brands. Elan Beds will give exclusivity to customers wanting a selective range not available everywhere, just in retail stores,” says Ebrahim Patel, MD of Vogue Beds Group.

The collection boasts nine new bedsteads and six mattresses is now available, with a new brochure and PoS. Elan Beds is part of the Vogue Beds Group alongside Limelight Beds, Vogue Beds, Hampton Bed Company and Sports Therapy Mattress.

Over the last 15 years Fibreline (01423 734593) has positioned itself as a onestop-shop for upholstery manufacturers, with high-quality foam, fibre and feather cushion products all made on one site and delivered via one vehicle to its customers’ doors. This successful formula has seen Fibreline create and distribute Encore – a range of combined filling cushion products that have proved popular.

With increasing demand for valueadded products such as the Encore cushion range, and ever-shortening lead times, Fibreline believes in-house control of sewn case production is essential for meeting customer demand.

Over the last few years Fibreline has undertaken a major project to increase its in-house cut and sew capacity. This has included the complete refurbishment of an existing building into which the company installed 10,000ft2 of mezzanine flooring to house the existing cutting and sewing facilities. All this was done while maintaining continuous production and keeping customers

FN 341 Pages.indd 48

Lineare, Matza

Quality is key for innovative mattress manufacturer Matza (01924 458699), from design to craftsmanship to service.

Priding itself on its design and finishes, Matza believes that its quality prevails.

With in-house manufacturing facilities, designers and 40 upholsterers, the company is constantly ahead of the game and is able to provide quick, high-level service.

Matza MD Asif Ayub says: “Our frames are overengineered to ensure longevity, resulting in minimal to no returns from customers. This, followed by quality craftsmanship and a wide range of fabrics, gives retailers peace of mind that they’re working with a reliable yet forward-thinking company.”

Matza is dedicated to providing modern luxury all year round and offers an extensive collection of over 30 fabrics.

Fibreline has increased its inhouse cut and sew capacity

supplied.

An additional state-of-the-art CNC cutting machine was installed along with laying-up equipment and extra sewing machines were also purchased, resulting in a doubling of capacity.

To provide more sewing machinists,

Fibreline has established a project, with the aid of the Textile Growth Fund, to set up a Textile Sewing Academy within Keighley College. This has proved successful, giving Fibreline the capacity to meet the ever-increasing demand for its products.

31/07/2017 11:25

Quality

WITHOUT QUESTION

Experience the HD quality for yourself and take an exclusive look at our brand new Rosalia Collection at The Bed Show, Stand C20

For more information visit hilarydeveycollection.co.uk or duvalay.co.uk

FN 341 Pages.indd 49

31/07/2017 11:25

50 | Beds & Bedroom Just like white before it, grey is now the on-trend colour for furniture throughout the home, a trend not missed by Hyder Living (01484 531000) with its Belize wing bed.

Finished in a high-quality dark grey

fabric, the Belize wing bed brings modern styling and simple lines cued to a dramatic winged headboard featuring contrasting buttons and piping.

With real wood feet, Belize offers quality and its sprung slat base aims to

Belize in grey, Hyder Living

Highgrove Beds Group (www. highgrovebeds.co.uk) has appointed Andrew Richards as group sales director.

Head of marketing, Shane Harding, says the company is pleased to have Andrew on board and his appointment

ensure a good night’s sleep, particularly beneath one of Hyder’s mattresses.

Available in 4ft6in and 5ft options, Belize is an ideal addition to any master suite or guest room, where its on-trend styling and luxury fabric sets the tone.

Biny Hyder, director at Hyder Living, says: “We at Hyder pride ourselves on delivering the latest styles for the home, and this addition sets the benchmark with of-the-moment looks backed by quality and performance.

Not only is the dark grey chosen on-trend, it is far more practical than white or light grey options and opens up endless interior design possibilities.

“Such is its tone, homeowners are able to easily combine with bold or muted fabrics in equal measure, creating the bedroom look they crave.

Belize is not only versatile, but incredibly luxurious too, with subtle details such as the contrasting buttons and real wood feet lifting the quality feel.”

The Belize wing bed is also available in brown and is in stock ready for fast despatch across the UK. Hyder operates its own fleet of vehicles allowing 100% control of deliveries with coverage all over United Kingdom and Southern Ireland. Its products are designed and created with each client specification.

C

will help strengthen the sales team as it continues to increase market share of the Highgrove Group brands.

45-year-old Andrew has more than 20 years’ experience in the UK bed industry, having previously worked in senior sales

g

S

u

p

F Andrew Richards has been appointed as Highgrove Beds’ group sales director

positions with Gainsborough and the Silentnight Group.

Andrew says: “The massive investment and long term strategic sales and marketing objectives for the Highgrove Beds Group makes this an exciting opportunity that I’m really looking forward to.”

FN 341 Pages.indd 50

31/07/2017 11:25

FN Full

BE PART OF A WINNING TEAM IN 2017 Reach the trade by advertising with Furniture News, the leading magazine for the UK furniture sector

Comprising a monthly magazine, website and various supplements and digital products, Furniture News offers greater reach than any other brand in the sector – and consequently has the strongest advertiser following.

Since 1986, Furniture News has offered market news, insight and new products, and its international scope is unsurpassed – it is recognised by the International Alliance of Furnishing Publications (IAFP) as the UK’s leading publication.

Furniture News delivers results for every requirement and budget!

To discuss advertising opportunities, contact: Sam Horscroft: T 01424 776100 E sam@gearingmediagroup.com www.furniturenews.net

FN 341 Pages.indd 51 1 Full Page Advert.indd

31/07/2017 27/06/2017 11:25 14:18

52 | Beds & Bedroom

Airsprung’s Hush mattress stands apart from its competition

Mustique bedstead, Gallery Direct

The Mustique bedstead, which was launched at last month’s Manchester Furniture Show, is part of Gallery Direct’s (01795 439159) new Mustique bedroom collection. The accompanying bedroom furniture includes a lingerie chest with a hinged lid with compartments and a mirror inside.

Made to the same high standard with close attention to detail as the current Mustique range, the bedroom collection features Mindy ash solids, striking parquet inlaid veneer work and dovetail jointing. The distinguished finish is achieved using wire brushes to bring out the grain and a matt lacquer to give protection to the timber, as well as to create the dry weathered finish popular in today’s interiors.

CO collection, Kettle Interiors

Airsprung Beds (01225 754411) has been awarded the prestigious Which? Best Buy endorsement for its Hush premium rolled mattress. In a competitive premium boxed market, the Hush mattress stands apart as it features full size pocket springs, as opposed to the micro springs commonly found in this type of mattress.

MD Jim Murphy explains: “We were clear from the beginning that we planned to deliver something special.

It was a challenging process to design a full size pocket spring that could be boxed for next day delivery, but we know from experience that British consumers overwhelmingly prefer a full size pocket spring.”

The full size pocket springs deliver a good sleep experience that does not significantly change over the life of the mattress, as Which? reports: “Unlike some mattresses we test, the support doesn’t deteriorate at all over time. In fact, the mattress is exceptionally durable in general, so you can expect years of sleep on it without it sagging or getting any firmer or softer.”

FN 341 Pages.indd 52

The CO collection is one of four new launches from Kettle Interiors (01536 444960), as the supplier introduces improved finishes on some of its most successful oak carcasses.

Bringing a premium natural finish, the CO collection replaces the best-selling Oakham, with a less-saturated look that brings the range in-line with current consumer tastes.

Featuring a full range of items for dining, occasional and bedroom, the new collection features the same antique brass-effect handles as its predecessor, making it as close to a straight replacement as possible. However, with some clever re-engineering of the carcass, Kettle Interiors has managed to introduce a price drop, with savings of between 10 and 20% on most items within the collection.

Available through wholesale, stockist and container packages, the CO collection delivers great value rusticstyle oak furniture that builds on a highly-successful formula.

31/07/2017 11:25

53

Exclusive for Bricks and Mortars stores

Established since 1990, Our latest new brand ‘Elan Beds’ offers new innovative beds steads and mattresses. Offering a range of UK Manufacturerd bedsteads and mattresses along with the latest in fabric and metal bedsteads from our factories in the Far East.

Elan Beds was created to produce a range of bedsteads and mattresses exclusively for bricks and mortar stores.

The collection boasts 9 new bedsteads and 6 mattresses and will be available from the 1st of July 2017 with a new brochure and brand new point of sale.

Elan Beds, Orbital House, Arthur Street, Barwell, Leicestershire, LE9 8GZ 01455 850150 | sales@elanbeds.co.uk

Vogue Beds Advert.indd 2

14/07/2017 12:19

Your natural sleep choice

r ou r g e in st ! ak che ss e r m an c fo M suc u e yo th a k at ch an ut su Th eb ow d sh

DeepSleep Advert.indd 1

FN 341 Pages.indd 53

T • 01924 274465 F • 01924 278280 deepsleepbedsltd@hotmail.com

Our Modern Living Portfolio of beds and mattresses are designed as contemporary statement pieces offering fashionable furniture in bedroom indulgence.

Designed to offer a perfect nigh of luxurious sleep, the quality and comfort of the Natural Touch range, is hand crafted using natural cotton fillings surrounding a pocket sprung mattress, available in 1000, 1500 and 2000 pocket.

Unit 2, Warneford Avenue, Wakefield, Ossett, WF5 9NJ

Deluxe products enthuse with quality and craftsmanship and support all our customers with product marketing and knowledge from an experienced sales team.

For more information on our range of product or to become a stockist, contact us on +44 1484 427 373, or email: enqurires@deluxe-beds.co.uk or visit our website: www.deluxe-beds.co.uk

24/07/2017 15:51 1 Deluxe Beds.indd

05/05/2017 14:07

31/07/2017 11:25

54 | Beds & Bedroom

Teramo 1400

SEALY RETAINS WHICH? BEST BUY STATUS Prestigious consumer champion Which? has named Sealy’s Posturepedic Pocket Teramo 1400 its Best Buy for the third year running.

Which? has named Sealy’s Posturepedic Pocket Teramo 1400 yet again as its Best Buy, claiming that “more than a year on, we’re still yet to test anything that can match it”.

The continued accolade – first awarded to the Teramo in 2015 and retained by Sealy ever since – is set to make choosing a mattress a whole lot easier, providing consumers with an authoritative stamp of approval.

In achieving Which? Best Buy status, the Teramo 1400 received Best in Test status – the highest score in its category when tested against 28 other products – including a host of other types of mattresses and pocket sprung models.

It has retained this title since 2015, when the mattress was first awarded the accolade, with Which? naming the Teramo as “the best and most durable model it has tested in years”.

The review by the iconic body goes on to state that the Teramo will “still be in great condition and able to support your body well even after years of use. Unlike some mattresses, it

FN 341 Pages.indd 54

doesn’t sag or become less firm over time.”

The mattress was also commended for its softness and the solid support it provides, with the tests also revealing that it is very easy to turn over on, while being stable enough to not disturb a partner. The report also highlighted the model’s breathable materials – Sealy’s Smart Fibres and Eco-friendly Tencel – make for a cool sleep environment.

Neil Robinson, sales and marketing director at Sealy, says: “We’re absolutely delighted that the Teramo 1400 has retained its Which? Best Buy status. It’s certainly a hit with our customers, and its 1400 pocket springs and latex insert make it a comfortable and durable choice.

“One thing’s for sure, the report will certainly make the difficult task of choosing a mattress much easier. It’s fantastic to have this endorsed by the UK’s largest and most trusted consumer body.”

W sealy.co.uk

31/07/2017 11:25

Studio F

Proud to have been awarded Which? Best Buy

It’s one of the best mattresses we’ve tested in years

Awarded for the Medium comfort mattress

This “exceptional” mattress “wont restrict your movement” and prevents overheating though the night, “its breathable enough to allow moisture to pass through”, thanks to our unique Geltex inside comfort layer.

Our Studio mattress is available in three comforts softer, medium or firmer because one comfort doesn’t suit all.

For more information call 01282 851111 or visit silentnight.co.uk/studio

Handmade with care in the UK

FN 341Furniture Pages.indd Studio News55Which?.indd 1

Peace of mind 5 year guarantee

We’re convinced you’ll love your mattress

Brought to you by the UK’s most trusted bed brand

31/07/2017 17/07/2017 11:25 09:43

56 | Beds & Bedroom

Hilary Devey Diamond mattress, Duvalay

DUVALAY SET TO IMPRESS AT THE BED SHOW Yorkshire-based sleep expert Duvalay is set to unveil a new collection at this year’s NBF Bed Show – held in Telford from 19th-20th September – whilst displaying the best-selling Hilary Devey collection.

Duvalay’s new collection, Rosalia, offers retailers an affordable, mid-market collection that sits alongside the Devey premium mattresses. Featuring an initial four mattresses, the Rosalia collection will continue to offer retailers a sense of luxury through Duvalay’s artisan bed-making techniques and use of fine natural materials. Each mattress within the collection will have varying spring counts, along with a number being turnfree in contrast to the Hilary Devey collection.

The new collection will further strengthen Duvalay’s offering to bed retailers as it provides a fresher, contemporary take on traditional bed-making techniques. It will also be supported with inspirational imagery, modern PoS for brand stand out, along with continued efforts on the PR, marketing and social media front.

Also on the stand will be three mattresses from the Hilary Devey collection, the Emerald, Diamond-Luxe and the Diamond, which was recently awarded the Good Housekeeping Institute Approved stamp.

The GHI Approved is an unbiased, independent endorsement that is given only to products that pass the Good Housekeeping Quality Assessment tests. Over the course of a two-month rigorous testing period, conducted by the GHI experts, the Diamond mattress was found to be both comfortable to sleep

FN 341 Pages.indd 56

on, as well as providing a good night’s sleep. Feedback was positive, with the overall score rated as nine out of 10.

The Emerald and Diamond-Luxe are an extension of the Diamond mattress, with innovative features that further enhance the collection. Both the Emerald and Diamond-Luxe feature an innovative natural filling produced using one of nature’s finest materials, lambswool.

Wooltec is made using modern manufacturing techniques to allow air to circulate more readily for substantially-improved temperature control. This sits alongside the other materials already used within the collection, including silk, cashmere and cotton for the ultimate in a luxurious night’s sleep.

They also feature a new pocket spring which offers initial softness while also providing much-needed support as weight is applied. This added feature generates a comfortable night’s sleep for the user and sits alongside other luxury features of the collection.

Buyers and retailers are invited to join Hilary and the team at Duvalay’s stand (C20) at the National Bed Federation Bed Show at Telford’s International Centre, to experience the new Rosalia collection and existing Hilary Devey collection.

W hilarydeveycollection.co.uk W duvalay.co.uk

31/07/2017 11:25

57

HTML

TVS2ML

SBML2A

STML3

D N T A US EL G IR AU IN 2 U 92 YO 1 E S SE IFH AT

KEENCLASSICS

CTML AVAILABLE IN 2 SIZES

NTML

STML1

TEL: 07774 704744 INFO@KEENCLASSICS.COM WWW.KEENCLASSICS.COM

M&P Chairs Limited WWW.MANDPCHAIRS.CO.UK

110 - Slat Side (& High Back) Chair

111 - Spindle Side (& High Back) Chair

112 - Fiddle Side (& High Back) Chair

114 - Slat Low Carver

115 - Spindle Low Carver

116 - Fiddle Low Carver

QUALITY EUROPEAN HARDWOOD (BEECH AND OAK) CHAIRS THIS IS JUST A SMALL SELECTION OF OUR RANGE - PLEASE CONTACT US FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON OUR FULL OFFERING 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 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 340.indd 1

FN 341 Pages.indd 57

13/06/2017 10:20

31/07/2017 11:25

58 | Beds & Bedroom

Mammoth is enjoying continued success

MAMMOTH BUCKS THE DOWNWARD TREND With the National Bed Federation Bed Show around the corner once again, Mammoth has been taking a look back at the past year to see how business has been. The news is positive and the team is optimistic about the future.

Mammoth is celebrating a 25% increase for its year-end sales figures – so what is the company’s secret to success?

There are several reasons, according to Mammoth’s head of marketing, Kris Wood: “At Mammoth, we’re always looking for new ways to move forward, more ways to help our retailers, and better ways to drive footfall to the retail partners which stock our products.”

With a number of fresh initiatives in the pipeline for engaging and educating sales staff and taking the Mammoth brand further and higher, it is no surprise that innovation, health and wellbeing are the main ideas at the heart of the Mammoth ethos.

“We’re incredibly proud of our healthcare roots and carry the lessons learned there with us in everything we do at Mammoth,” continues Kris. “Each and every product we design and launch contains the technology and innovations to help our customers achieve ultimate comfort, thereby helping to improve their health and wellbeing.

“But we don’t just design products which we think will help. Thinking isn’t a good enough goal for us. We have put our products through stringent testing and research, under the watchful eyes of our friends at the world-renowned Northumbria Centre for Sleep Research at Northumbria University, where they have been found to relieve pressure, assist with temperature control and facilitate a greater sense of comfort all round. We call it our ‘Science of Comfort’.”

That’s not the only partnership that Mammoth has entered into to share the team’s knowledge about health

FN 341 Pages.indd 58

and wellbeing. Mammoth is proud of its links with both the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists and the Rugby Players’ Association.

These links have seen Mammoth products being recommended for the use of patients by physiotherapists around the country as well as helping some of England’s top athletes achieve essential restorative sleep, to help with punishing training regimes or recuperation after injury.

“We’ve also had some of the UK’s top flight athletes knocking on our door, asking to buy our products, after having seen first-hand, the benefits that our innovations bring,” explains Kris. “We’re very proud of our growing portfolio of Olympians, world champions and elite athlete ambassadors, who use, benefit from and sing the praises of our Mammoth products and choose Mammoth as a big part of their training and recovery regime.

“Every aspect of the Mammoth marketing programme boils down to one main goal – driving footfall to our retailers’ stores and making their sales teams’ jobs as easy as possible when it comes to selling a Mammoth product.”

Mammoth is working hard to fight against the tide of austerity sweeping not only the furniture industry, but the country as a whole.

“Our year-to-date sales figures point to the fact that we’re managing very nicely to buck the trend this year,” concludes Kris. “We are absolutely delighted and hope to continue the trend, while doing our bit to support the UK’s economy.”

W mammothcomfort.co.uk

31/07/2017 11:25

59

For everything you need to know about

furniture

Getting in to our is child’s play

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

of

“I can manage your Point of Sale, layout and design on time and in budget”

Lowest loading height with maximum payload.

Get it loaded – every time!

For more information on our vehicles, contact our sales office on 01884 33001 opt.1 or email mail@trucksmith.co.uk On the web: www.loloader.co.uk www.kneehi.co.uk www.canniloader.co.uk

Call adp NOW to find out more

FN 341 Pages.indd 59

31/07/2017 11:25

60 | Beds & Bedroom

Diplomat 5000 beige

T

HIGHGATE BOLSTERS HEALTHOPAEDIC BRAND Highgate Beds is currently under way with preparations for September’s NBF Bed Show, held in Telford.

Like every year, there will be newly-developed models, with eye-catching designs, and a little more on offer from the Zero Gravity technology range, which has been the focus of the Healthopaedic range.

Although Highgate’s Zero Gravity technology can stand alone, the heart of Healthopaedic also lies in classic and traditional elements, such as natural fibres. This is why within the latest ranges – which were launched at the January Furniture Show and will see more additions made at the Bed Show – natural and technological aspects are being combined.

Layering such fillings is possible through director Zahid Ayub, and his team of factory workers and staff. Their combined years of experience of the bedding industry helps the brand progress each year. Natural fibres like wool and cashmere are at the heart of the recent projects, plus a range of striking damask fabrics makes for an impressive range of beds.

For the Healthopaedic brand to expand there needed to be a change, which came when in-house developers created Zero Gravity Technology – which fuses the materials used in the

FN 341 Pages.indd 60

typical mattress, and makes the fillings work together.

The most popular of the launches in 2017 has been the Diplomat range, which has a varied pocket count, and is made using classic and modern techniques, and has become particularly popular with customers. The range can be seen in just about every county.

Another addition to the Healthopaedic family is the Medicpaedic range, which is specially developed with those suffering from various ailments in mind. The range incorporates second generation Zero Gravity technology which features an upgraded comfort level.

As 2017 progresses, Highgate Beds is pushing the Healthopaedic name out into the market in order to establish brand focus and make a name within many bed shops around the country and further afield.

W highgatebeds.com

31/07/2017 11:25

NM7508

NEXT DAY DIRECT HOME DELIVERY OPTION

TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT STEENS WE OFFER SO MUCH MORE!

NEXT DAY DIRECT HOME DELIVERY OPTION

P I N E

/

W H I T E

/

C R E A M

/

G R E Y

/

B L A C K

CALL US NOW FOR OUR ALL NEW FREE CATALOGUE T: 01489 778890 B E D R O O M

/

K I D S

/

O F F I C E

/

L I V I N G

UK OFFICE / UK SALESF ORCE

/ UK STOCK / DIRECT FROM OUR FACTO RY

SO MUC H MOR

E AUTUMN W INTER COL LECTIO

www.s teensg

N 2017

roup.c om ORDER HOTLIN E / 01489 778890

UK OFFICE / UK SALESFORCE / UK STOCK / DIRECT FROM OUR FACTORY

www.steensgroup.com

01489 778890 sales@steens.dk

YEARS

DELIVERING QUALITY & VALUE

Unit 5, Berrywood Business Village, Hedge End, Southampton UK

FN 341 Pages.indd NM7508 - Steens 1pp61 Furniture News Advert June.indd 1

31/07/2017 29/06/2017 11:25 14:25

62 | Beds & Bedroom

Specialist bed industry correspondent Jan Turner reports on a spot of ‘future gazing’ as presented to members of the National Bed Federation (NBF) at its recent Spring Forum.

‘Brumping’ along In the topsy turvy world of ‘Brump’ (the Brexit/Trump effect), the job of the ‘future-ologist’ has become even trickier on an already hard-to-gauge global stage.

But it’s this very uncertainty which feeds our appetite and enthusiasm for a spot of future gazing. At the NBF’s recent Spring Forum, James Woudhuysen, visiting professor of forecasting and innovation at London South Bank University, painted an interesting picture of the future as he sees it – from what could lie in store for the bed industry to wider developments in the manufacturing and retail sectors.

Who knew, for example, that there’s a Chinese bed company called ManWah with a £700m turnover? Or that 3D printing has become so advanced you can now print your own personalised sweater in 45 minutes?

How long, then, before you can use that technology to turn out bespoke mattresses? There are, he says, very interesting things happening with the integration of structural electronics and 3D printing which could be applied to making beds/furniture.

Long a country of surprise, fascination and gargantuan growth, James Woudhuysen took some time to look at China for clues to the future of our sleeping habits. China, he says, is no longer a low cost, low wage economy. The population is becoming richer and more sophisticated and Chinese consumers don’t have a lot of debt - even if state-owned enterprises do.

The Chinese economy is less dependent on exports and by 2020 it will have more robots than anywhere else in the world.

Growth may have slowed from the heady days of double digit year-on-years, but the country still racks up a stonking 6% increase in GDP annually – a figure which would have any European nation dancing in the streets right now.

Indeed China is leading the US in all things to do with energy – traditional, nuclear and renewable. And guess what? China is very interested in us here in the UK. So enamoured, in fact, that it has this year sent its first freight train all the way from China to Barking!

According to James, India is moving in the same direction too - so we’re not without friends. And with the US also making overtures in our direction, it may be that Britain has one or two significant allies to sustain us during the feared new age of protectionism.

Far more worrying, says James, are the arbitrary legal measures effectively acting as trade barriers in various countries – such as green measures, safety

FN 341 Pages.indd 62

standards and the ruthless singling out of errant foreign firms for fines. His advice is to cultivate trade specialists in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Outlining advances in 3D and structural electronics (SE), James explained that the aerospace and automotive industries now install structural SE in their goods, including the kind of electronic components that can bear loads, or be built into the skins of products. And as SE can be 3D printed, it may be that in years to come they could well be fitted to beds.

Time, therefore, for British manufacturers to start investing – big style – unlike those in the US where a lot of high-tech companies, including most notoriously Apple, now prefer to sit on huge amounts of low-interest cash than to take a risk on new laboratories and new products.

“Don’t postpone the best type of investment because of uncertainty – you won’t be in the right place to recover,” he told members of the NBF. “Get on with it - buck the trend in the West, make serious capital expenditures. Invest in IT, more mechanisation, research and development skills, higher wages and a good environment for your staff. Your workers need good conditions.”

In retail, the online threat is real, he says. So bed manufacturers need to pressure retailers to keep their game alive with more theatre, such as live music, smells, experiences like cookery lessons, education and events. Experiences that can’t be replicated online.

Then add value through services – make sales more consultative, make finance, delivery, installation and training painless. Maintenance and repair could also be made more attractive, and disposal a breeze.

Then there are our homes themselves. People are getting taller and fatter but flat sizes are becoming smaller - yet it remains the case that more than 90% of Britain’s surface area is not built upon – a subject on which James had one or two interesting, if not controversial, observations to make.

Such as, if we’re so short of housing to meet current demand in the UK and so short of space on which to build them, then perhaps it’s time to wipe out a bit of green belt to solve the problem. After all, flora and fauna have had it all their own way for much too long!

With robot bricklayers capable of working three times faster than humans, it’s easy to imagine the speed with which new homes could go up. If proposals

31/07/2017 11:25

Beds & Bedroom | 63 for 16m2 rooms on a Barnet house development go through (smaller than a Premier Inn room), how long will it be before popular demand insists on a deregulation of Britain’s land, to allow millions of homes to be whipped up?

Back again to China where they’ve built a 3D printed home in just three hours. Designed to last 150 years and be earthquake proof, it’s covered by 22 patents, not made of concrete and is the result of a development in holograms for construction and architecture by Microsoft.

The potential then for an awful lot of homes in a staggeringly short space of time – and all of them presumably needing beds and other furniture and furnishings.

While this is all very encouraging, there were words of caution too as it’s not just technology that is changing and making more things possible much more quickly. Peoples’ attitudes are changing with a clear need for greater transparency evolving as the world becomes more confusing.

Watch out, warns James, for the press attacking the brand, product and price confusions retailers so love to create – such as the recent Australian press exposé on inflated retail prices for mattresses, along with such other scandals as those seen by Volkswagen over its diesel emissions, a looming ‘legitimacy crisis’ could

mean curtains for the cowboys.

Great news for the bed industry, which has been especially plagued by its fair share of shoddy traders, and all the more reason for the sector to really promote the NBF Code of Practice.

We’re also living in a time of health fears and other panics – ADHD, red meat, burnt toast, puddings, phthalates, to name just a few. With that come opportunities - but also potential minefields - when it comes to positioning product.

So while there are certain advantages to the increasing medicalisation of beds - such as building in sensors that can warn older people of impending heart failure by detecting poor blood circulation – the advice is not to go too far and certainly don’t make promises you can’t keep.

Invest instead in R&D and offer genuine solutions for genuine problems – don’t patronise older people and don’t indulge tech-savvy millennials who, in general, are nowhere near as well-read or as good at Googling as their grandparents.

In the never-can-tell world in which we now live, China and a variety of new technologies mean that the bed industry has some new and exciting homework to do. Reassuring stuff for those prepared to put in the time and money needed to hold the Trump card.

W bedfed.org.uk

JAN TURNER Director at AKA PR and specialist bed industry correspondent

“It is time for British manufacturers to start investing big style, unlike those in the US, where a lot of high-tech companies – including most notoriously Apple – now prefer to sit on huge amounts of low-interest cash than to take a risk on new laboratories and new products”

JAMES WOUDHUYSEN Professor of forecasting and innovation at London South Bank University

“Don’t postpone the best type of investment because of uncertainty – you won’t be in the right place to recover”

FN 341 Pages.indd 63

31/07/2017 11:25

Mia wholesale provides industrial style lighting and furniture to retailers and the contract interiors Market. Our range is being constantly tweaked to ensure that it’s on trend. With a range of over 1000 products and delivery throughout the UK and Ireland we look forward to partnering your business.

FN Pages.indd 64 Mia341 Wholesale Advert.indd 1

31/07/2017 11:25

T: 020 8004 5511 E: yasmin@miawholesale.co.uk

www.miawholesale.co.uk

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

FN 341 Pages.indd 65

31/07/2017 28/07/2017 11:25 12:05

NEW

COLLECTION 172

exposed tenon joint

extra chunky top

extra chunky legs FN 341 Pages.indd 66

31/07/2017 11:25

www.globalhomegroup.com

hand waxed finish

Global Home UK

The Old Goods Yard, Rear of Truro Station, Station Road, Truro, TR1 3HH 01872 223523 | info@chfhome.com

Global Home Ireland

Unit 7a Mastertech Business Park, Athlone Road, Longford, Eire 0043 334 9694 | sales@globalhomeireland.com

Global Home London

Unit 136 Clocktower Road Industrial Estate, Isleworth, TW7 6DT 0203 417 7240 | cpdirect@hotmail.com

FN 341 Pages.indd 67

31/07/2017 11:25

Central Furniture Manufacturing Ltd

C

For a Full Colour Brochure please call 0121 766 8110

Vogue Range

V

Mussel & Gloss Noche Marino

M

Mulliner Works, 154 Bordesley Green Road, Birmingham, B8 1BY

M 1 B

Tel Fax Email Web

T F E W

: : : :

0121 766 8110 0121 766 7450 info@centralfurnituremfg.co.uk www.centralfurnituremfg.co.uk

FN 341 Furniture Pages.indd 68 Central Manufacturing/CFM Advert.indd 1

31/07/2017 27/07/2017 11:25 09:43

Central

17 09:43

Central Furniture Manufacturing Ltd For a Full Colour Brochure please call 0121 766 8110

Vogue Range Mussel & Gloss Grey Mulliner Works, 154 Bordesley Green Road, Birmingham, B8 1BY Tel Fax Email Web

: : : :

0121 766 8110 0121 766 7450 info@centralfurnituremfg.co.uk www.centralfurnituremfg.co.uk

Newport Range Mussel

FN 341 Furniture Pages.indd 69 Central Manufacturing/CFM Advert 2.indd 1

Vogue Range

Nova Range

Walnut & Gloss Black

White

31/07/2017 27/07/2017 11:25 09:44

LIVING ROOM

70

•••

Luxury fabric specialist Kobe (www. en.kobe.eu) has introduced Cocoon - a highlight of the Essente collection (www. essente.co.uk) of luxury, easy-to-care for, affordable interiors fabrics.

Furniture is the focal point of any interior so it is important that the design, colour and texture complement the theme. Cocoon is a soft, supple chenille in 100% polyester and finished with an FR domestic back-coat.

Featuring a palette of 36 soft and luxury shades ranging from neutral cream, beige and pale grey, warm blue, brown and rose to vibrant lime, orange and red, Cocoon can be used for both curtains and upholstery.

David Harris, MD of Kobe UK, says: “Cocoon is the perfect partner for any domestic or commercial setting and as part of the Essente collection benefits from the logistical expertise and quality of Kobe, while giving access to a wider customer base through its realistic price points.”

Cocoon complies with the BS5852 part 1, source 0 and 1, passing the cigarette

Elstead Lighting is launching a new catalogue of products this month

Cocoon, from Kobe’s Essente collection

and match test and offers exceptional durability, scoring 100,000 on the Martindale Rub Test.

Kobe’s UK operation is based in Crowthorne, Berkshire.

Elstead Lighting (www.elsteadlighting. com) will release a new supplement catalogue with over 350 new products this month.

There are many new stylish table

Balance, Elstead Lighting

FN 341 Pages.indd 70

Cocoon, from Kobe’s Essente collection

lamps, chandeliers and pendants to add finishing touches to newly-furnished rooms and showroom displays. Also new to the Elstead collection this summer are outdoor chandeliers.

Current with the popular trend of creating a seamless transition between a home’s interior and exterior spaces, these stylish alternatives to outdoor lanterns are ideal to be put over dining tables in gazebos and verandas. There are over 2500 products in the full Elstead range, including traditional, transitional and modern products.

Elstead Lighting MD Jonathan Lucas says: “All Elstead products are fully quality inspected by our staff before distribution, to ensure a quality product is delivered every time. We have a huge amount of stock in our UK and Polish distribution centres so we can dispatch orders within 24 hours – ideal for quick turnaround projects.”

Elstead Lighting’s full poroduct portfolio is on permanent display in the company’s showroom in Alton, Hampshire.

31/07/2017 11:25

Living Room | 71 John Sankey (www.johnsankey.co.uk) is a family-owned business in Derbyshire that creates striking upholstery that stands out from the crowd. Every design is the result of extensive research and development.

“As part of our creative process, we delve into history and literature, allowing styles and characters from around the world to percolate and influence the finished piece,” says Suzanne O’Flynn, MD. Careful manufacturing by a highly-skilled workforce results in the polished detail evident in the finished pieces. This level of finesse cannot be achieved with a production line approach. John Sankey’s furniture is built to last, and the company is so confident in the longevity of its furniture that it offers a FIRA-endorsed lifetime guarantee for its frames.

John Sankey works closely with its retail partners, delivering relevant product supported by a reliable sales service. It has recently appointed Emma Hughes as its senior sales executive for the Midlands, North, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. Emma has a wealth of experience working for some of the UK’s best upholstery companies.

Emma and the team look forward to welcoming new and existing retailers at the John Sankey showrooms in Long Eaton during the Long Point show from 18th-21st September.

Mitford Lounger in Bellini Velvet Nero, John Sankey

Central Furniture provides items for the bedroom and living room

Noche Marino, Central Furniture

Central Furniture Manufacturing (www. centralfurnituremfg.co.uk) is a family-owned and

Mitford Club Chair in Borghese Velvet Stardust

FN 341 Pages.indd 71

operated wholesale furniture-making company based in Birmingham. It is known throughout the furniture industry for its design-led ranges and handcrafted quality.

The company’s affordable, customer-led pieces can be found online at top retailers and in stores and retail outlets across the country. Central Furniture’s aim is to produce furniture that makes its retailers profit and gives the end user years of satisfaction.

Central Furniture designs and manufactures a wide range of quality bedroom and lounge furniture from its factory in the heart of England. From modern contemporary designs to classic styles, Central Furniture offers a style to suit most tastes.

The key to Central Furniture’s ongoing success has been largley due to its ability to rival its competitors in an increasingly challenging market. The company’s readyassembled products are delivered to its customers quickly and efficiently, and Central Furniture prides itself on its customer-focused service.

31/07/2017 11:26

72 | Living Room NorthEdge Capital-backed furniture business, Belfield Group (www. belfieldfurnishings.com), has acquired the entire share capital of Tetrad (www. tetrad.co.uk) to strengthen its offering in the high-end upholstery market.

Belfield Group is a leading UK designer and manufacturer of furniture and home furnishings, including upholstered furniture, mattresses, window coverings and cushions. The Ilkeston-based company is also a major supplier into the holiday home and leisure furnishings market.

Belfield Group, which has experienced strong growth over the last few years, secured funding from private equity firm NorthEdge Capital in a management buyout in July 2016. The group has an annual turnover approaching £200m and currently employs approximately 2000 staff. It operates from seven sites across the UK, with a purpose-built facility in Romania.

The strategic acquisition of Lancashire-based Tetrad will enable the business to strengthen its services in the high end upholstery designer and

Bowmore, Tetrad

Gaffer, Tetrad

manufacturing market. Established 45 years ago, Tetrad specialises in the manufacture of quality sofas, chairs and stools and has annual turnover of £17m.

Tetrad’s products will continue to be manufactured at its Preston facility and will be sold through existing sales channels. Janus Cooper will remain in his role as MD of Tetrad Limited as part of the Belfield Group.

Stephen Hampton, CEO at Belfield Group, says: “Tetrad’s innovative, design-led approach has boosted its

reputation in the market and we’re delighted for the business to become part of the Belfield Group. We now have huge potential to increase market share while continuing to manufacture upholstered pieces of the highest quality.”

Ben Wildsmith, director at NorthEdge Capital, says: “Belfield is now in an excellent position, with clear strategic growth plans and is well placed to explore further acquisitions. We are excited by what can be achieved over the coming years.”

Pearl, Flair Rugs

Maya Retreat, Flair Rugs

Following a successful 2016 show, Flair Rugs (01457 850660) is returning to The Flooring Show, bringing key A/W 2017 launches, as well as news of a new premium line of rugs.

With style and colour updates to its Simplicity and core collections, the three days are set to be busy for Flair Rugs as it welcomes visiting retailers keen to see these developments first hand. Featuring on-trend pastel shades in Simplicity and 12 new designs alone in the core collection, the Flair stand is one worth visiting.

Elsewhere, the brand is also teasing a new range of premium rugs, which will be officially unveiled at this September’s event. Featuring some of Flair’s most luxurious and elegant designs, this

FN 341 Pages.indd 72

collection is looking set to propel the Flair Rugs name to new heights, establishing it as a brand of considerable design weight.

The stand will also be home to demonstrations of the new consumerfocused website and retailers will be able to pick up the A/W 2017 edition of the brochure. Flair Rugs will be on stand C24/50.

Flair is gearing up for the key autumn sales period with the release of an updated Simplicity line-up, as well as a major overhaul of rugs that form the basis of its core offering.

With over 120 styles, most available in size options, the core collection comprises contemporary, shaggy, plain, flat-weave, rugs and runners, traditional,

kids and circle – Flair has introduced new designs across the board. Highlights include two brand new additions to the popular Abstract series, a striking fivestrong Vergoe, the two geometrics of Infinite Scope and three on-trend shades to the shaggy Grand Vista.

The budget-focus of Simplicity has made it increasingly popular, and this collection too sees new introductions for autumn, with on-trend pastels of pink and duck egg blue added to the shaggy Dazzle collection. Comprising over 90 modern designs in multiple sizes, Simplicity gives budget-conscious buyers a large choice.

These additions can be found in the brand’s new brochures and on Flair’s website.

31/07/2017 11:26

Living Room | 73 Global Home (www.globalhomegroup.com) has been manufacturing in Vietnam since 2006, employing an experienced team of international professionals.

Global Home is well positioned to utilise the quality craftsmanship and competitive pricing that Vietnam offers, to bring commercially-superior indoor furniture to the global market.

Global Home is an original design manufacturer, creating ranges for retailers around the world. Quality design and manufacturing has ensured rapid growth, and Global is now one of the largest suppliers of indoor furniture based in Vietnam. Competitive pricing and innovative design is at the core of Global’s philosophy, coupled with a commitment to maintaining and refining quality and service.

In 2010, Global Home Ireland began a wholesale operation based in Longford offering a large number of collections direct to the Irish and UK retail markets.

In September 2013, it opened its new purpose-built showroom focusing on its entire product ranges. This facility is open for all new and existing clients to visit at any time on appointment.

Global Home Ireland offers weekly deliveries throughout Ireland and the UK. This allows independent retailers the ability to purchase without restriction due to large stockholdings of all its successful ranges from its centrally located 71,500ft2 warehouse. Additionally, the company can offer a full container of mixed loads directly from its Vietnam warehouses if required.

Global Home ensures full adherence to client design specifications in the manufacturing process, and has broad experience in working with retailers throughout the design, testing, production and quality control.

Global Home Ireland aims to go beyond a normal wholesaler’s role and continuously liaises with its clients to ensure continued success for all parties, whilst offering logistical services where required.

Jungle theme love chair, Febland

Cuisine small sideboard, Global Home Ireland

Mosaic egg lamp and lovers figurine, Febland

York large coffee table with drawer and shelf, Global Home Ireland

FN 341 Pages.indd 73

Febland (www.febland.co.uk) is optimistic about its new ranges which will arrive during August, consisting of new glass mosaic colours, 3D wall art, collage pictures and leather covered furniture as well as some Febland special parrots and flamingos. The company’s eclectic offering is sure to appeal to a variety of tastes.

31/07/2017 11:26

74 | Living Room

SSG will combine the knowledge of sofa market experts

A PARTNERSHIP BUILT ON STRENGTH AND EXPERTISE County Durham-based Sofa So Good, a manufacturer of fabric sofas, has aligned with one of the UK’s leading furniture wholesalers, TCS, to form a collaboration within the UK fabric sofa market.

The new collaboration, SSG, will be solely committed to independent retailers in the UK and Ireland. With its factory based in County Durham, all sofas from the company are UK manufactured, retaining the skills and professionalism of the current Sofa So Good team of staff.

This new venture brings together the already-established Sofa So Good team with the MD of TCS, Thomas Small, to form the newly-created SSG. SSG will be built on the strengths of the management team, including Gerald Cutherbertson, Scott Latta and Thomas Small.

Gerald Cutherbertson brings his 30 years of design and development experience and business experience from running Sofa So Good from 2009. Gerald has a proven track record within the furniture sector working with clients such as Argos, GUS and Littlewoods. His new role within SSG will be lead designer/director and one of the two main shareholders.

Gerald and the team are joined by new operations director, Scott Latta. Scott has been in the upholstery business for the past 20 years, from manufacturing through to pattern design

FN 341 Pages.indd 74

and gaining business management qualifications.

Scott brings with him a wealth of experience working with large multiples such as Argos, GUS and Tesco.

Thomas Small will be integrating the manufacturing side of SSG with his existing team of logistical experts, warehousing and distribution assets.

SSG will provide independent retailers with a large stock availability of the entire fabric sofa collection on a seven to 14 day delivery schedule.

To complement the range, optional extras such as modular corner groups, sofa bed integration and footstools choices add flexibility to further enhance retailers’ offerings.

Sales of the new collections from SSG can be made through the TCS team on the number or email below. Further information can also be provided on established lines of TCS carpets and flooring collections, the motion sofa collection with Italian leathers and soft touch fabrics, and marketleading Royal Coil mattresses.

T oo353 429 351351 E info@tcsimports.com

31/07/2017 11:26

75

AVAILABLE FOR LEATHER, FABRIC, WOOD & CARPET

Leather Care & Repair Specialists

DOUBLE THE SIZE-500ML BOTTLES HUGE MARK-UP RRP £39.95 Supplied in boxes of 10

£8

Furniture Clinic has re-launched their range of Ultimate Care Kits designed to clean and protect all leather, fabric and wooden items.

TRADE PRICE!

Unit 10, Hobson Industrial Estate, Burnopfield, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE16 6EA

PER KIT

Tel: 0844 879 3691 Francis McDermott Trade Account Manager Direct Dial: 07484 083196 Email: francis.mcdermott@furnitureclinic.co.uk

FN 341 Pages.indd 75

31/07/2017 11:26

76

DINING ROOM •••

LO collection, Kettle Interiors

Bexley chair, Gallery Direct

At last month’s Manchester Furniture Show, Gallery Direct (01795 439159) launched additions to its popular Kielder and Wycombe collections, along with two new dining chairs – Bexley and Finchley.

Bexley features a fully upholstered seat and backrest with a stylish metal and wooden framework for the legs.

Finchley, which is available in three colours, black, grey and white, has colour co-ordinated metal legs and an upholstered seat. Both work well with a wide range of dining tables.

The newly-launched Portland four-seat dining set by Seconique (0121 506 4888) has a solid rubber wood table top with an oak lacquered finish and trestle-style legs and frame which are available in either cream or grey.

The chairs have features such as an attractive cross-shaped back rest and either cream frames, with brown faux leather seat pads, or grey frames with contrasting grey linen fabric seat pads.

The Portland set offers value for money at competitive prices.

FN 341 Pages.indd 76

Portland in cream, Seconique

The LO Collection is one of four new oak ranges from Kettle Interiors (01536 444960), bringing contemporary style to one of its best-selling carcasses.

Based on the highly successful Oakham range, the LO collection delivers the same blend of items across dining, occasional and bedroom use in a striking finish that reflects today’s modern homes.

With an almost-raw lime finish and chrome cup handles, this new collection brings the bestselling lines of its predecessor to a new audience of homeowners. What’s more, with clever re-engineering of the carcass, Kettle Interiors has managed to introduce a price drop for the new range, with savings of between 10 and 20% on most items.

Building on a proven formula, this modern oak furniture collection is now available through wholesale, stockist and container packages. Offering impressive value with some of the most competitive pricing available, the LO Collection is set to make a big impression.

Portland in grey, Seconique

31/07/2017 11:26

77

FN 341 Pages.indd 77

31/07/2017 11:26

78 | Dining Room For M&P Chairs (www.mandpchairs. co.uk) the usual summer season slowdown in sales commenced a few weeks ago and the warm weather period experienced has compounded that trend.

However, M&P is still seeing steady sales of its staple products such as beech and oak Farmhouse, Shaker, Caversham & Carra chairs. Volumes of rocking chair sales are currently quite high, and some customers are stocking up in preparation for the anticipated uptick in business in the latter part of the year.

M&P is also experiencing a high number of Monk’s Bench sales in both unfinished and contrast painted/ lacquered finishes. Table, chair and matching bench sets with similar contrast style finishes also remain popular.

M&P retains high stock levels and will soon be placing further orders for delivery in early September to replenish its stocks in readiness for the run up to Christmas.

M&P is based in East Sussex, carries large stocks of its core products and distributes throughout the UK using its

own delivery vehicles and pallet and courier providers. It prides itself in being able to deliver quality European beech and oak chairs to its customers quickly and efficiently.

At the Manchester Furniture Show Wood Bros (www.woodbros.co.uk) launched a variety of compact occasional designs that epitomise the brand’s quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Occasional has always been a mainstay for the company and this year it has developed the collection even further.

The new designs include a round coffee table, lamp table, rug chest, floor lamp, flip-top table and a console table.

These attractive and practical pieces are ideal for accessorising the 2017 upholstery designs such as the compact Pickering chair and sofa.

Wood Bros is a family business, which has been in business for over 90 years, specialising in the design and

Monk’s Bench in white, M&P Chairs

Monk’s Bench in black, M&P Chairs

manufacture of quality furniture. Wood Bros is located in Ware, Hertfordshire, where it was established in 1952.

Flip-top table, Wood Bros

Round table, Wood Bros

FN 341 Pages.indd 78

31/07/2017 11:26

5 ESSENTIAL WAYS TO MAXIMISE YOUR SALES AND PROFIT

• ADVERTISING – Most advertising does not work, so if

Generate 25%, 50% even 100% • PRODUCTS – Be ruthless with your precious floor space. of Your Annual Sales If a product or collection is not pulling its weight after being Generate Instant given a fair chance to shine, then clear it and replace it with a in Just Days… better performing line. Test17 and measure the selling potential 79

yours isn’t, stop wasting your money now and re-design your advertising campaigns using a benefits-orientated-style. Call Greenwood for effective copywriting know-how.

Sales & Profit for Your Business...

• SELLING SKILLS - Get good at selling. Most retailers

BE PART OF A WINNING TEAM IN 2017

of all your products in a Greenwood Sale.

Will your January 2017 sales be the best month’s total you’re going to see this year?

Reach the trade by advertising with Furniture News, the leading magazine for the UK furniture sector

Comprising a monthly magazine, website and various supplements and digital products, Furniture News offers greater reach than any other brand in the sector – and consequently has the strongest advertiser following.

Since 1986, Furniture News has offered market news, insight and new products, and its international scope is unsurpassed – it is recognised by the International Alliance of Furnishing Publications (IAFP) as the UK’s leading publication.

Furniture News delivers results for every requirement and budget!

To discuss advertising opportunities, contact: Sam Horscroft: T 01424 776100 E sam@gearingmediagroup.com www.furniturenews.net

FN adJA.indd 1

don’t bother with a proper sales process or sales training. The Wouldones you like see sales of and two,money four, sixinorquality even eight successful do! toInvest time sales Greenwood Retail plan and organise times what is normally your best month? know-how. Call Greenwood to arrange an effective sales record-breaking sales events for quality retailers training course.

right across the well UK (and and will Ireland.

As our clients know very tell you), the above sales results are not exceptional for a Greenwood COMPETITION Check your competition to find out what Sale. They are–standard.

YouNext could enjoy such recordOptimise Your Big Sale breaking sales Avoid results all-out too – with high margin they are offering. price wars.

Bemaintained. sure to out-do

•

your competition onDiscover the most the relevant beneficial USP’s Fortune including choice, quality, value and service.

Call Greenwood That Lies Hidden in Your Brand to mystery shop your competitors.

DISCOVER FORTUNE Generate from 25%,THE 50% even 100% of your • PROMOTION – Promote your business annual sales, during a three-week effectively.

GreenwoodEvery THAT LIES HIDDEN IN

Sale, at to good profit does. margin. good retailer from Tesco Harrod’s Consider using a ‘Greenwood’ sales promotion to increase sales, turn stock into cash and win future market share, while protecting your profit at the same time. Call Greenwood!

YOUR BRAND…

DON’T HIRE A SALES Why not call me today on 01565 650101 for a free, confidential, no-obligation business consultation? I can COMPANY UNTIL YOU HAVE outline sales projections and costs over the phone.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GREENWOOD SALES...

SPOKEN TO GREENWOOD

28/03/2017 15:23

Limited bookings for 2017 and 2018 are now being taken

Take aon look at our website or call us now on 01625 521010, a first come first served basis.

The best launch dates always go first. or, send an e mail and we’ll gladly callfor youato To know more,enquiry, call Bernard Eaton today discuss the exciting possibilities we canthe offer you, free, no-obligation discussion about exciting To find out morewithout withoutobligation. obligation, or to book a sale, options and possibilities we can offer you. call now on 01565 650101, or send an e mail and I’ll gladly call you.

We are now booking events across the UK and Ireland for BOOKING 2018right NOW - 01565 650101 the rest of 2013 on a first come first served basis.

Book your sales event early to guarantee exclusivity for your business.

GREENWOOD RETAIL LTD GREENWOOD LTDLTD GREENWOOD RETAIL Britain’s Leading Leading Experts in Retail Sales Promotion Britain’s Promotion since since2002 2002

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

www.greenwoodretail.com www.greenwoodretail.com

1 Wilmslow House, Grove Way, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AG sales@greenwoodretail.com www.greenwoodretail.com Greenwood Retail Advert 336.indd 1

Greenwood Retail Advert 341.indd 1

FN 341 Pages.indd 79

20/02/2017 09:54

13/07/2017 10:27

31/07/2017 11:26

80

TRADE SERVICES •••

British sales promotion company, Greenwood Retail (01565 650101) has reported record enquiries and bookings for 2017.

MD Bernard Eaton says: “The uncertainty of Brexit and the Election has caused a significant downturn in big ticket and non-essential spending.

However, now that Brexit talks are under way and as the mood of the nation settles down, we are experiencing record enquiries.

“We are now almost fully booked for 2017 and are now recruiting more event managers for 2018.”

Greenwood has been at the forefront of professional retail sales promotion in the UK and Ireland since its foundation Crowds queuing to buy during a Greenwood sales promotion

Retailsystem (www.retailsystem.com) is one of the UK’s leading software providers to furniture and bed retailers.

Over 650 outlets now run this multi award-winning Cloud software. With Retailsystem it is simple to control stock, manage margins, customer service, deliveries, promotions, website and accounts - whether the company has one member of staff or 100.

Sales teams are able to check stock availability live from the shop floor or take the order sat with the customer on their furniture using any tablet. The user can access their business from anywhere at any time, with a mobile device and the internet.

Whatever the size of the business, Retailsystem is affordable – there is no initial outlay and the company provides free set up, training and support for life with a straightforward monthly license fee based upon the number of users and no long-term tie-in.

Retailsystem can set up all of the user’s products, stock and existing customer database at the outset.

FN 341 Pages.indd 80

in 2002.

turnover during a three-week Greenwood

By deploying Greenwood’s effective sales strategies along with its powerful copyrighted marketing materials, retailers can expect to generate from 25% to 50% of their normal annual sales

promotional sale.

Booking in advance guarantees exclusivity for the season before and during a customer’s Greenwood sale within their own market territory.

Retailsystem being used in store

31/07/2017 11:26

81

SteelyTrolleys Quality stands and racks from Steely

MUST

STRONBE G n

Suite Stands n Bed Trolleys n Mattress racks n Sofa Trolleys Contact Steely now for brochure Call Steely Rails 0161 702 7002 Email sales@steelyproducts.co.uk Web www.steelyproducts.co.uk

Steely 137mm x 94mm advert.indd 1

12/07/2017 09:35

LET NOW MARKETING APPLY SOME POLISH TO YOUR FURNITURE BUSINESS! ARE YOU ONE OF THOSE FURNITURE BUSINESSES THAT MIGHT BE HIDING SOME OF YOUR BEST TALENTS IN THE CUPBOARD IF SO, IT’S TIME TO LET NOW MARKETING APPLY THE POLISH, WHETHER IT BE; • • • • • • • •

CORPORATE IDENTITY BRAND ENHANCEMENT WEB-SITE DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT ON-LINE CATALOGUES ADVERTISING EMAIL CAMPAIGNS SALES & MARKETING LITERATURE EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

BOOK YOUR

FREE CONSULTATION

now marketing creative web and graphic design agency

BRANDING

ONLINE STORES

***FN-nowmarketing-advert-july17.indd 1

FN 341 Pages.indd 81

EMAIL CAMPAIGNS

t: +44 02380 455187 e: creativity@now-marketing.net w: www.now-marketing.net 28/07/2017 09:17

31/07/2017 11:28

On the web this month The Furniture News website is constantly updated with fresh stories. Browse www.furniturenews.net on your desktop of mobile to access the latest content, or sign up for our newsletter

Further Reading 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

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: Humanscale receives award for ergonomic excellence

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 feed, @FurnitureNewsED, to keep up with the latest news and opinions from the team

News: Kobe joins Decorex International

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.

#278 Dec 2016 Events News / ng g & Finishi Sandin & Panels , Timber Boards ement aste Manag ion & Woodw uction.net reprod Dust Extract furnitu

Hospita Interiorlity s

www.

INTERIO

R DESIGN

FOR HOTELS

Issue 68

, RESTAU

| Novembe

RANTS

r - Decembe

, BARS

r 2016

& CLUBS

the orative dec els pan group

EWtor N lamina NER

YOUR

ECT PART

PERF

NG

COMI

SOON ...with

rence

a diffe

1 65834 (0) 1484 658812 T: +44 co.uk (0) 1484 anels.

F: +44 decorativep co.uk E: info@ ativepanels. www.decor

6 13:18

02/12/201

HI68_page

s.indd

1

GROHE

Grandera bathr

oom fitting

s in Warm

Sunset

dd 1

FP278.in

06/12/201

6 14:45

News: Studio by Silentnight awarded Which? Best Buy

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: Bed Show preview supplement | Manchester Furniture Show review | Long Point and Autumn Furniture Show previews

FN 341 Reading Pages.indd Further Aug 82 17.indd 1

31/07/2017 28/07/2017 11:28 09:29

17 09:29

FN 341 Pages.indd 83

31/07/2017 11:28

DO YOUR CUSTOMERS DESERVE THE BEST?

THE ORIGINAL NUMBER #1 LOW FLOOR VAN MANUFACTURER CALL OUR SALES TEAM DIRECT FOR THE BEST DEAL! We’re here to help you.

ABSOLUTELY. INSIST ON MAXI MOVER VANS. Call 01673 863300 Visit www.maximover.co.uk

FN 341 Pages.indd 84

31/07/2017 11:28