Interiors Monthly October by Joanne Paull

October 2013

Upholstery Architectural style

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

Andrew Kidd EDITOR

OFT must act on price rules Claims that interiors multiple retailers have not been following the rules when it comes to sales have left shoppers more cynical. It doesn’t seem that long ago that the Office of Fair Trading overhauled the guidelines on pricing practices and here we are with another investigation (see p6). The OFT is concerned that shoppers are being rushed into buying a sofa or carpet so they don’t miss out on the offer, and that the chains haven’t been really selling the item at the claimed price for long enough. The OFT is right to be doing what it is meant to do, but the reaction from my friends and family matched that seen in the overwhelming majority of online comments: ‘Of course the sales aren’t genuine. Doesn’t everybody know that?’ I’ve mentioned before seeing a sale poster in the window of a store, saying: ‘Must end

Monday’ but never indicating which Monday and being on display for weeks on end. (To be fair, the latest one I’ve seen now says ‘This Monday’.) I’m sure that none of the retailers concerned have broken any laws: their lawyers would have ensured that. But it seems there is little doubt that guidelines have been bent to give the desired impression. All of which just makes shoppers even more cynical about what is a genuine sale offer and what is something designed to get them through the door. Furniture Village’s statement that it is ‘fully supportive of any initiative which ensures that, industry-wide, future pricing policies and practices are fair and accurate,’ should spur the OFT to sort the issue out once and for all. Otherwise hard-pressed retailers are likely to take the view that ‘If A, B and C are doing it, so will I.’ What odds would you give the OFT? Finally, the winner of the 12 month Interiors Monthly subscription prize draw at The Flooring Show was Mark Forsyth of Brookside Carpets & Curtains, Market Harborough, Leicestershire. Thanks to all of you who entered.

October 2013

Editor: Andrew Kidd T: 01273 930 029 E: akidd@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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Upholstery Architectural style

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China sales agent: Jane Dai T: 00 86 755 8292 5229 E: jane@newbuddy.net Published by Interiors Media Limited Unit 11, Riverside Business Centre, Riverside House, Riverlawn Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1EP T: 01732 783 561 F: 01732 783 562 E: enquiries@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Registered in England no. 6397722 Print: Knockout Print Design by TSS DIGITAL © Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236

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CONTENTS

ale-Bridgecraft

Extra Support! INTERIORS MONTHLY OCTOBER 2013

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS 6

Upholstery trio sees SBI profits rise

Montgomery Tomlinson bought by a2e

John Lewis reaches £1bn online target

FEATURES 20

Upholstery A design leader, focus on leather and the latest products

Underlay The latest from the sector

National Advertising Display Discounts Regional Support Show Centres Best Customer/Business Winners 2008-2013 Numerous order referrals Furniture Built to Last

Extended choice

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WINNER WINNER 2008 - 2013 Best customer service Best business support

Home entertainment Storage solutions

Rugs OCR’s inspiration from art and what’s new in the market

Best of British The success of safety, expanded choice, targeting canny shoppers, using technology and reaching consumers

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Beds and bedroom

Retail The importance of joined-up actions

Review Long Point

Review The Flooring Show

REGULARS 15

Opinion

New products

NEXT ISSUE The Bed Show review London Design Festival review Where next for carpet www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

NEWS

SBI sees profits leap as upholstery trio’s sales rise Sofa Brands International lifted pre-tax and interest profits by 48% to £5.2m in the year to 30 June after sales increases at its Parker Knoll, G Plan and Duresta brands. Group sales rose by 8.5% to £75.6m while positive cashflow of £5m transformed net debt of £4m into £1m net cash. ‘G Plan’s sales growth continued to reflect this brand’s leading position in the UK and Parker Knoll’s brand sales grew significantly during the year. Duresta achieved modest growth in luxury markets, with a stronger performance in the UK offsetting lower international demand. Our past year’s results are very pleasing, and we remain focused on continuing to build the performance of each brand in its targeted markets,’ says Scott Malvenan, SBI chief executive. Trading improved in the first half as predicted, as UK sales increased by 5% year on year. Demand for mid-market brands rose in the second half as the investment in new product development, and Parker Knoll’s alignment into classic and lifestyle ranges, supported a 13% increase in sales. ‘Group profit benefited from every area of our business improving year on year performance,’ he says. ‘We have set ourselves tough targets for the year ahead, and I am hugely encouraged that demand for our brands

continues to increase. The retail scene remains patchy and we will continue to focus on internally generated growth Parker Knoll sales rose by 13% initiatives to further improve group performance.’ Malvenan says the balance sheet has been transformed in the past two years, and the company is investing in all its operations to raise standards of service, improve quality and reduce costs. This includes a £2m investment in group enterprise resource planning systems, and £300,000 in Gerber fabric cutting technology in the cover manufacturing plant in Lithuania and frame making machinery in Parker Knoll, following an investment in wood cutting technology in G Plan. SBI is ‘investing in apprentices, graduates and training to raise performance at all levels,’ he adds.

OFT to probe pricing policies

Jubilee: Prestigious Textiles & Wallcoverings has marked its Silver Jubilee by recolouring its logo to silver on grey. ‘It’s an exciting time for us all, both creatively and commercially,’ says Matthew Helliwell, Prestigious md. ‘We thank industry colleagues and friends – and of course all the Prestigious team – for their support over the past 25 years and look forward to continuing to share the excitement with them over the years to come.’ Helliwell, right, is pictured with his father, Trevor, founder and chairman, and sister Nicola Brumfitt, marketing director.

Interiors Monthly October 2013

The Office of Fair Trading is to investigate seven interiors multiple retailers after claiming it had found evidence of price manipulation. The retailers are accused of inflating prices for short periods to mislead shoppers into believing they are getting a bargain during sales. The OFT says just 5% of products were sold at the artificially inflated reference price, while a significant number were found to have never been sold at that price . ‘OFT research has found that reference pricing can mislead consumers into thinking the item they have bought is of higher value and quality,’ says Gaucho Rasmussen, OFT director. ‘We would recommend that consumers ask sales staff when and for how long the reference price was used and also how many sales they achieved at this price. This will help them to determine whether

they are getting a good deal,’ he says. The retailers have been asked to stop the pricing practices and to agree legally enforceable undertakings to stop them being used again. They have been given until the autumn to agree how they are going to change their practices with the OFT. If they fail to do so, the OFT can take legal action, which could lead to maximum fines of up to 30% of turnover. In a statement Carpetright says it: ‘strives to operate fully within all laws and regulations at all times. Carpetright is cooperating fully with the OFT and will respond to the letter in due course.’ ScS confirmed it had been contacted by the OFT. Dreams, DFS, Harveys and Bensons for Beds declined to comment. Furniture Village says it is aware of the investigation but wasn’t prepared to comment until it was completed.

International exhibitors show their extensive collections on impressive stands.

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NEWS

a2e acquires Montgomery Tomlinson Venture capital firm a2e Venture Catalysts has increased its involvement in the interiors industry by buying the assets of failed curtain manufacturer Montgomery Tomlinson. Montgomery Tomlinson went into administration on 20 August after failing to find an investor with 530 employees made redundant across its 123 Amin Amiri department store and retail concessions, and its factory and warehouse facility in Bretton, Flintshire. a2e has offered some of the management team equity in the company and says it hopes to employ as many of the former staff as possible through its Montgomery Furnishings subsidiary. ‘Montgomery has a great position within this niche sector, and is renowned for its unique customer service model and its traditionally biased British designs,’ says Amin Amiri, a2e founder. ‘The core of the existing management has been retained and offered equity as a measure to energise and empower them to embark on an expansion of the business with greater focus on high quality services to an enhanced customer base and to uniquely provide a sought after and convenient service to our customer’s customers,’ he adds.

Interfloor to up capacity Interfloor has begun work on a warehouse extension at its underlay manufacturing centre in Haslingden, Lancashire. The 10,000sqft extension is

due to open later in the autumn and accommodate the planned growth in scrap polyurethane foam that is recycled to manufacture Tredaire PU foam underlay.

Export award for Ulster Ulster Carpets has been named as UK Exporter of the Year at the PwC Private Business Awards. Elaine Patterson, Ulster contract sales director, described the win as a ‘massive achievement for all the staff’ and a reward for significant focus on the growing Middle Eastern market and continued success in more established markets such as the USA and Europe. Exports account for 70% of Ulster Carpets’ sales with prestigious customers including hotels the Burj Arab, Dubai; George V, Paris and the Ritz Carlton,Toronto. Judges recognised not only success in terms of sales figures, but also the quality of Ulster’s offering. More than 700 UK companies were nominated for an award with candidates being whittled down to just five in each category. Hannah Rogers, Ulster field designer and Matthew Weaver, Ulster designer (centre) collect the award from Naga Munchetty, presenter (far left), Charlie Hoffman, HSBC Private Bank UK md, JacquesEmmanuel Blanchet, HSBC Private Bank deputy head of commercial banking Europe and the head of commercial banking UK, and Ruby Parmar, partner, PwC, head of private business

Inspiration in Edinburgh Contemporary furniture, lighting and accessories retailer Moleta Munro, has opened a showroom in Edinburgh’s London Street incorporating furniture and lighting from brands including Carl Hansen, HAY, Another Country, SCP and Muuto. ‘With the move, we were keen to create a space where we can experiment with new products and trends, see how products work within different interiors and provide our customers with plenty of inspiration,’ says Justin Baddon, co-founder and md.

Coventry success for Leekes

Lesley Watts Lesley Watts, Staingard business development manager, has died after a long battle with cancer. She was 51. ‘Lesley was a popular and well-known personality in the furniture trade. She was much loved and respected in the trade and will be missed by all her colleagues and customers,’ says Paul Aiston, Staingard md. Watts is survived by husband Steve, sons Rory and Craig, and daughter Liddy.

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Leekes’ Coventry store has achieved £10m of sales in its first year: five times the amount at the Bedworth store it replaced. The 185,000sqft branch next to the Ricoh Arena on the outskirts of Coventry was a £6m investment for the family-owned company.

‘In the first full year in our new home, we have seen in excess of a fivefold sales increase since the move from Bedworth which we have attributed to our unique proposition of offering “everything for the home, under one roof”,’ says Emma Leeke, Leekes md.

BREM Invite the outdoors in! With its “sawn wood” effect, asymmetrical fronts and bookcase with oblique lines, BREM evokes a certain authenticity and durability, its daring tones and shapes creating a highly personal interior

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in brief

NEWS UK deal for Ikea Ikea has signed a fiveyear production deal with Westbridge Furniture Designs as it looks to source more upholstery from the UK rather than Eastern Europe. The Flintshire manufacturer has increased its workforce by 60 to 650 as a result and hopes to increase this by another 140 over the next 12 months.

Moving on Terry Duddy, chief executive of Argos and Homebase parent Home Retail Group, is to leave next year after 15 years, the last seven as the chief executive. ‘We have achieved a great deal in that time and the positive momentum of the business is now such that I feel the time is right to move on to the next stage in my career,’ says Duddy.

Vitra buys Artek Contemporary furniture company Vitra has bought Finnish producer Artek for an undisclosed sum. The deal will give Artek a greater international presence, says Mirkku Kullberg, Artek ceo. Vitra bought the company from Swedish family-owned investment company Proventus, which took over majority ownership of Artek in 1992.

Home boost Next’s latest Home stores continue to beat internal forecasts as it boosts its dividend by 16%. Home stores opened in the past year saw sales 6% higher than forecast and have a forecast profitability of 19%. Some 800,000sqft of retail space will be devoted to its large format Fashion, Home and Garden stores over the next five years. It has planning permission to increase these from four to 15 and is in talks on a further 18.

John Lewis hits online target one year early John Lewis’ online sales have reached the £1bn milestone a year earlier than forecast. In unveiling the group’s half year results, Sir Charlie Mayfield, John Lewis chairman, revealed almost half of the traffic to johnlewis.com comes from smartphones or tablets. ‘Johnlewis.com passed the significant milestone of £1bn annual online sales on a rolling 52 week basis – a full year ahead of target. In line with our ambition to stay at the forefront of ecommerce, we have made a significant investment in a new web platform that went live during the first half. Over 40% of traffic now comes from mobile phones or tablets. In July we relaunched our transactional mobile app and since then sales via the app have grown quickly and we are preparing for what we anticipate will

be the UK’s first “mobile Christmas”,’ he says. Sir Charlie added that the strong market position of homewares was enhanced with the growth of House which is now its biggest brand in homewares. It recently launched Any Shape, Any Fabric where customers can choose from some 112,000 upholstery combinations. This initiative is led by its Lancashire factory, Herbert Parkinson, and further supports the company’s commitment to increase sales of UK-made products by 15% by 2015. Like for like sales for the chain increased by 5.1% in the six months to 27 July as overall sales rose by 6.6% to £1.7bn. Operating profits fell by £10.9m to £34.7m after £15.4m of restructuring and distribution costs.

Sleep a tonic for brain cells The importance of a good night’s sleep continues to increase with the latest research suggesting it could replenish brain cells. Research by Dr Chiara Cirelli and colleagues at the University of Wisconsin found that the production rate of immature oligodendrocytes, the cells which make the myelin that protects the brain’s circuitry, doubled as mice slept. The increase was most marked during the type of sleep that is associated with dreaming – rapid eye movement sleep – and was driven by genes. In contrast, the genes involved in cell death and stress responses were turned on when the mice were forced to stay awake. ‘For a long time, sleep researchers focused on how the activity of nerve cells differs when animals are awake versus when they are asleep,’ says Dr Cirelli. ‘Now it is clear that the way other supporting cells in the nervous system operate also changes significantly depending on whether the animal is asleep or awake.’

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Desser now produces cushions in-house

Cushion move for Desser Conservatory furniture specialist Desser has expanded operations with a cushion division, creating 10 jobs. The family owned business invested £40,000 to establish the department, allowing it to manufacture its own cushions and create tailored designs. It is the first time in the Manchester company’s 94-year history that cushion production has taken place onsite. The decision was made after its supplier Platt & Hill ended cushion production. Platt & Hill, which had supplied Desser for more than 30 years, will continue to supply raw material fillings. ‘By establishing the division, we’re demonstrating our commitment to securing jobs and investing in the local economy. Once we’re fully up and running we’ll not only be able to manufacture 300 units per day, but create tailored designs for our customers across the country,’ says Mark Stewart, Desser sales director.

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OPINION

Katja Hall CBI chief policy director

Coordinated action is needed for rejuvenation Too many grand regeneration projects of the past have failed to deliver and public money has been wasted. The CBI wants to ensure growth reaches all parts of the UK and that means coordinated action to rejuvenate our towns and cities. Thriving local communities need good amenities on their doorstep, ranging from decent housing, good leisure and public services, and most important – jobs. For businesses to invest, good transport links and modern office space are a must. The high street is the beating heart of our towns and cities but we can’t reinvent them as they once were. That’s why in The next regeneration: unlocking local growth report, developed with consultant EC Harris, we’re calling for action on business rates to ease the pressure on retailers by having a one-year business rates holiday for firms moving into empty property, planning changes to make it easier to convert empty shops into homes, and for cafés and restaurants to introduce temporary outside seating; To kickstart private sector investment we need to see more creative use of public sector balance sheets and surplus land and property being put to good use. All of this will need to be coordinated by a strong visionary leader – whether that’s a council chief executive, Local Enterprise Partnership chief or a directly elected mayor. Empowered local leaders must work strategically, looking at the whole of the local economy, beyond short-term and parochial interests. Flexible and joined-up funding to local areas, such as through the Local Growth Fund must be backed over the long term by political parties. Local growth initiatives must be coordinated, aligned and targeted across the same geographical area. Local authorities should be looking to innovate through merging resources and embedding more commercial strategy in regeneration plans. With one in seven shops in the UK high street empty it is important to recognise that shops will play a smaller role in the developing space of town centres. Planning changes to make it easier to convert shops into homes should be implemented without further delay as well as removing the need for planning consent for temporary seating on high streets. Local and national schemes must be integrated to ensure maximum impact, local support and the completion of plans.

Local and national schemes must be integrated

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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distribution of Vorwerk Carpets’ Scale Living collection. The freeform individual carpet tiles can be chosen and combined in endless ways so that users can create a unique floorcovering. Tel: 01457 850 650 3 The Turin Ottoman bed from Hyder Living is available in a choice of high or low foot end to offer individual style alongside the practicality of easily accessible underbed storage. It

Interiors Monthly October 2013

is upholstered in a soft cream floral print and features a comfortable padded headboard. Tel: 01484 531 000 4 Ambassador marble effect cork flooring from Granorte’s Vinylcork collection makes for a bold and dramatic design statement with the warmth and underfoot feel that only cork can bring. The intense dark colour of Ambassador coupled with a gently marbled effect gives a rich and elegant look to interiors. Tel: 01785 711 131 5 IVC Group has updated one of its most popular collections of cushion vinyl flooring that is to be rolled out across the UK this autumn. With more than 5,000 sample books going to distributors, this updated collection includes some of the manufacturer’s most popular decors that have been given a fresh lease of life with new colourways. Tel: 0800 032 3970

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6 Elitis’ Parade wallpaper is charting the course for walls with its flamboyant baroque style delivering rich brocades, lavish floral decorations and gold and silver interlacing. Visit: www.elitis.fr 7 Using Dunlop’s Tile Adhesive for Green Screed, tradesmen can now tile after just 24 hours on new screeds and seven days on new cement, while saving 35 days when fixing ceramic tiles on to concrete. The adhesive has been designed to combat risks that can occur during tiling, such as differential shrinkage. Tel: 01782 591 160

8 After selling 35m sqm in 20 years, Polyflor has relaunched its Expona LVT with Expona Design PUR incorporating a 3.0mm gauge and 0.7mm wear layer, and Expona Commercial PUR featuring a 2.5mm gauge and a 0.55mm wear layer. Some 83 colours are available along with a 120 page brochure. Tel: 0161 767 1111 9 Gaskell Wool Rich’s three-ply 100% wool Bayswater loop is available in 12 colours and 4m and 5m widths. Tel: 01827 831 472 10 Kai’s Janco collection is where Impressionist inspired fabrics fuse to create a collection that is full of personality and colour. Painterly brush strokes create movement within the cloth and add interest and depth to the weaves. Tel: 01707 635 258

Interiors Monthly October 2013

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UPHOLSTERY

Architect of elegance During last monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s London Design Festival, upholstery company Knoll paid tribute to co-founder Florence Knoll

When Florence Knoll revolutionised private office design by replacing the typical executive desk with a table desk, she needed a place for all the filing and storage that had traditionally lived in desk drawers. Her solution, executed in her typical elegance, was the low Florence Knoll credenza. Perfectly proportioned and immaculately detailed, the iconic design works as well in the dining room as it does in the office.

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Warmed through colour and texture, the Florence Knoll Lounge Collection is a scaled-down translation of the rhythm and proportions of midcentury modern architecture. The collection has a spare, geometric profile that reflects the rational design approach Florence Knoll learned from her mentor, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

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UPHOLSTERY

The Florence Knoll rectangular dining table is available with marble or wood veneer tops The Florence Knoll Bench now stands as a defining example of modern design. Consistent with all of her designs, the bench has a spare, geometric profile.

The Florence Knoll Coffee Table, designed to furnish the new interiors of post-war America, is a scaled-down translation of the lines, gestures and materials of modern architecture. Florence Knoll described her designs as the meat and potatoes, the fill-in pieces which had to be provided. ‘I needed the piece for a job and it wasn’t there, so I designed it,’ she said. While this may have been the motivation for the 1961 Table Desk, the perfectly proportioned and flawlessly detailed result is anything but a fill-in piece.

Born to a baker in 1917, and orphaned at age 12, Florence Schust grew up in Saginaw, Michigan, USA and demonstrated an early interest in architecture. While studying at the Kingswood School for Girls, she befriended architect Eliel Saarinen, whom she would later study under at the Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan. Warmly embraced by the Saarinen family, Florence holidayed with them, enjoyed the company of their friends, and formed a close relationship with Eliel’s son, Eero – who followed in his father’s footsteps as an architect and designed several chairs which Knoll produced, including the Tulip chair. The connections she made and the skills she developed while at Cranbrook were the foundations of her design education and pioneering career. With recommendations from Eliel Saarinen and Alvar Aalto, she went on to study under some of the greatest 20th century architects, including Walter Gropius, Marcel Breuer and

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. In 1941, Florence moved to New York where she met Hans Knoll who was establishing his furniture company. With her design skills and Knoll’s business acumen and salesmanship, the pair, who married in 1946, grew the company into an international arbiter of style and design. Florence also seeded contributions with friends Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, and Mies van der Rohe. In creating the revolutionary Knoll Planning Unit, Florence defined the standard for the modern corporate interiors of post-war America. Drawing on her background in architecture, she introduced modern notions of efficiency, space planning, and comprehensive design to office planning. She ardently maintained that she did not merely decorate space, she created it. The Planning Unit researched and surveyed each client – assessing their needs, defining patterns of use and understanding company hierarchies – before presenting a comprehensive

design, informed by the principles of modernism and executed in signature Knoll style. As a result, Florence and the Planning Unit were responsible for the interiors of some of America’s largest corporations, including IBM, General Motors and CBS. She contributed furniture designs to the Knoll catalogue, referring to them as the ‘meat and potatoes’ filler among the standout pieces of Bertoia, Mies van der Rohe, and Saarinen. But, with her attention to detail, eye for proportion and command of the modern aesthetic, many of her designs have become as celebrated as those of her colleagues. After the death of Hans Knoll in a car accident in 1955, she led the company as president. In 1960, she resigned to focus on directing design and development and, in 1965, after pioneering an industry and defining the landscape and aesthetic of the corporate office, retired, but not before having left a major contribution to the rise of modernism. Visit: www.knoll.com

UPHOLSTERY

Gloucester

Geneva

The real deal GFAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest collection focuses on leather

Hereford

Mars

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Due to increased demand for real leather upholstery, Global Furniture Alliance is launching the Premier Range, a collection of leather recliner chairs in a variety of styles and colourways. Bonded leather has been a popular budgetary choice for upholstered products during the recent economic climate, but with statistics showing a gradual recovery, the market for real leather merchandise is growing rapidly, according to the company. The range includes top-sellers and two new models. Venus is a generously upholstered swivel recliner, available in a choice of chestnut and red wine oil touch leather. It comes with a traditional style cherry finish, round base and matching footstool. Geneva is a contemporary recliner and footstool in black leather, finished with a chrome trim. Mars, another established, high-selling model, is a swivel recliner with a patented mechanism for a smooth recline action. Available in cream, chestnut and chocolate leather, it comes fully assembled with only the arms to fit and also includes a rolling headrest feature for relaxation. The new Hereford is a substantial chair in cream and saddle brown leather, a circular cherry finish base and a cover match insert. It has a detailed padded back and headrest and an easily accessible adjustment knob. Also new is Gloucester with a chocolate grain leather and contemporary cherry frame with 360 degree swivel. The base has shaped cutouts to add to its modern edge. It has a padded headrest and panelled seat back for lumbar support and allows the user to effortlessly recline with its easy to reach recline mechanism and tension knob. GFA, tel: 01291 645 080

Belmont

Hereford

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NEW PRODUCTS

1 Auto-reverse by Arketipo has a two-sided cover, in leather and fabric, in which the softness and warmth of the fabric coexists with the elegance of leather. Visit: www.arketipo.com 2 HTL expanded its upholstery offer at the recent Furniture China exhibition and its Shanghai showrooms with a selection of new models in static, recliner and corner group configurations, as well as leather articles. Tel: 01782 406 666

Interiors Monthly October 2013

3 Sienna is one of the first four models launched under the Welbeck brand, that Wade Upholstery has re-introduced to the market following a seven year absence. Sienna is available with scatterback or formal back options with a selection of covers. Tel: 0115 939 4500 4 Retailers wanting to add further luxury and comfort to the TCS range of upholstery can take advantage of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest offering of thicker Italian leathers available

across its entire range of suites. The company says the latest range of coverings takes Italian leathers to a whole new level. Visit: www.tcsimports.com 5 Sweet Dreamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Tulsa sofabed features a simple fold-out action for ultimate convenience. The seat is foam and the back upholstered, it has chrome feet and comes with two scatter cushions in a wide choice of fabrics. Tulsa is available in two sizes, 90cm and 120cm. Tel: 01282 830 033

Launched at Shanghai Furniture Show, apricot is now available in the UK, with UK showroom opening in November 2013 Visitors were impressed with the quality, design, range and particulary the option of single purchases with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;direct to homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; delivery.

UK Showroom address: One Cranmore Drive, Solihull, West Midlands B90 4RZ Tel 0121 344 2140

apricot is a part of the East West Furniture Group

UNDERLAY

Quiet and comfortable Interfloor concentrates on key consumer needs If Jane Austen had been a flooring retailer it would be a truth universally acknowledged that without a quality underlay, floors will not perform as well as they should. At Interfloor, the company has identified several segments to focus on to help retailers’ drive sales. ‘There is growing demand in key areas: premium comfort, premium durability, heat insulation, sound insulation, wood and laminate and underfloor heating,’ says Steve Woodhead, Interfloor marketing director. He says a growing number of Tredaire underlays are up to almost two-thirds higher than the conventional standard for luxury, BS5808, and provide outstanding comfort. ‘These include Tredaire Sensation, Tredaire Dreamwalk and Tredaire Colours Red. Premium durability applies to those underlays that offer 100% recovery from pressure indentations. Only crumb rubber underlays with densities over 400kg per cum provide this and are ideal for dining rooms and staircases. Duralay System 10, Treadmore and Durafit are tried and tested solutions,’ he says. Heat insulation underlays reflect the increasing interest in products that help to keep living rooms insulated and minimise heating bills. Some of the latest Tredaire PU underlays have tog values between 2.4 and 3.1 – up to 50% better than traditional products, says Woodhead. The highest tog underlays include Tredaire Dreamwalk, Tredaire Sensation and Tredaire Softwalk. The company is also seeing growth in sound insulation underlays, as people try to cut down the noise of hard floors: often a condition if tenants replace a carpeted floor with laminate. Some Tredaire PU and sponge rubber products have decibel ratings of over 40, including Tredaire Dreamwalk, Tredaire Sensation and Tredaire Colours Red. Duralay was the first manufacturer to develop special noise reduction underlays for wood and laminate floors. Offering up to 30% noise reduction, these 700kg per cum high density sponge rubber underlays include Duralay

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Tredaire has a range of underlays to retain heat and consumers can find the best underlay for them online

Silentfloor Gold and Timbermate Excel. When it comes to underfloor heating, low tog values are key for the heat to pass through. ‘Tog values of less than 1.0 are needed and Duralay pioneered this niche with a range of low tog underlays from 0.3 to 0.8. These include Duralay Heatflow Carpet, Duralay Heatflow Wood &

Laminate and Duralay King. ‘It doesn’t take long to find out if one of these segments is of interest to a consumer. If they are, then it’s possible to recommend a product with real added value to them that will provide a great selling and profit opportunity for the retailer,’ he adds. Interfloor, tel: 01706 238 810

Perfect performers and famous for bringing pure luxury, warmth and comfort to the home, Tredaire underlays are designed to keep carpets looking good and feeling fabulous for longer. The Tredaire range features outstanding levels of comfort and performance so every carpet gives that ‘on air’ feeling. That’s why Tredaire is the UK’s biggest selling underlay brand - the market leader!

UK Sales: 01706 238 810 www.interﬂoor.com

love your floor™

UNDERLAY

Undercover professionals Carpenter’s underlay for commercial use Carpenter is celebrating the launch of ProStep, its heavy rated but light weight underlay. ProStep has been developed to compete with the best crumb rubber products on the market. It is an 8mm, 180cum density underlay suitable for double stick applications. ‘ProStep is the ultimate professional’s choice. We’ve designed it with exact requirements for the commercial sector, contractors and fitters in mind. It is a competitively priced, environmentally friendly alternative to crumb rubber and is also the heaviest PU underlay available in the marketplace,’ says Helen Rowberry, Carpenter national sales manager for underlay. ‘Like all PU underlay, ProStep is relatively lightweight making it much easier than rubber to carry – something that is appealing to fitters. It also offers excellent heat insulation, is highly resilient and flame retardant. It is strong enough to weather the most demanding conditions, whether that’s an office building or a retail outlet with a high volume of traffic,’ she says. As with all Carpenter products, ProStep is made from recycled material. The company’s growing commitment to the environment saw the launch of an underlay recycling scheme last year, which currently operates in 22 regions. Carpenter, tel: 01457 892 418

Interiors Monthly October 2013

ProStep is a 180cum density underlay (top) and like all Carpenter underlays, is made from recycled materials

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UNDERLAY

Superior comeback Axminster Carpets has relaunched Axfelt Axminster Carpets’ Axfelt combination underlay is being relaunched with a new brand image and a superior specification to offer consumers a ‘best in market’ product. ‘The product is the result of extensive and rigorous trials over the past few months to manufacture an industry leading underlay which promotes longevity of carpets, provides protection for floors and delivers a superior experience in touch and texture for consumers. The thickness of the product has remained exactly the same as the previous product, however the roll has been shortened to make it lighter and easier to carry,’ says Penny Curtis, Axminster marketing director. Axfelt uses recycled materials including carpets and rubber tyres to help reduce the amount of carpet disposed of in landfill in the UK. The triple layer Axfelt underlay comprises a top layer made from waste 100% wool, a middle layer from waste wool and nylon carpet and edge trimmings, and a base layer manufactured using rubber granules from recycled tyres. The finished underlay provides a tog rating of 2.2 for a high level of warmth and comfort. ‘We’re very excited about being able to bring a superior underlay product back to the market which we know will exceed consumer expectations and deliver enhanced product benefits so that consumers can enjoy their Axminster carpets long into the future,’ says Curtis. Axminster carpets are made entirely in the UK using traditional methods and natural British wool. ‘Our Axfelt product complements our high quality carpets and creates a long lasting base – allowing consumers to enjoy our carpets for years with the added benefits of increased insulation and lower fuel bills,’ she explains. ‘We are proud we have found a way to create a sustainable manufacturing process for underlay and the production of Axfelt at our Axminster factory illustrates our ongoing commitment to product development,’ adds Curtis. Axminster Carpets, tel: 0129 733 533

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Triple layer Axfelt has been rebranded and complements Axminster carpets including Devonia Plains (left)

Contact information

News from

T: +44 (0)1297 33533 E: sales@axminster-carpets.co.uk W: www.axminstercarpets.co.uk

AXFELT

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LIVING AND DINING

Making the most of space Sherwood maximises retailers’ floorspace MK Imports UK has launched its first cabinet range, Sherwood, under its new Klein Haus brand with the intention of making maximum use of stockists’ floorspace. ‘We wanted to give retailers a range with real depth. Klein Haus offers a competitively priced, quality, mass-market product. Other companies may offer lots of ranges, but their depth is limited. Sherwood has 92 items and if all of the pieces are laid out together, they take up about 800sqft,’ says Mark Klein, MK Imports UK ceo. ‘Then there’s the ability to maximise reach from a small display – the range has interchangeable wood and metal handle variants. It’s all been designed flexibly to work well with existing furniture the customers might have.’ He cites the example of one stockist selling £30,000 a month from its 1,2000sqft display. ‘Our operation definitely lends itself well to stores that aren’t able to carry much stock and we have several buying options,

from direct purchases with bundle discount deals to a concessionary partnership scheme including home delivery,’ he explains. Sherwood has a light oak finish with solid and veneered tops and covers the living, dining, bedroom and home office sectors. Choice in the dining range is further expanded with the option of upholstering the chairs in fabrics from UK companies as well as the standard collection. ‘We have strong connections in the Far East. We have years of general goods import knowledge and know-how to source and negotiate direct with factories. Our focus is always quality first and price second – delivered with above industry standard packaging,’ says Klein. Sherwood will soon be joined by Bridge, a modern light oak range with bowed surfaces and the option of stainless steel or wood handles. MK Imports UK, tel: 01773 546 666

There are 92 items in the Sherwood range with the option of metal or wood handles

Interiors Monthly October 2013

• • • • • • • • •

Bedroom Dining Occasional Office Quality Dovetail joints Handmade Free interchangeable handles Adjustable shelving Home delivery available

Sherwood by Klein Haus furniture is beautifully elegant and will look great in any room.The Sherwood range is crafted from a mixture of solid American white oak and oak veneers. Sherwood has natural features such as shading and grain variation, which is part of the natural beauty of this product. It is finished in an easy to maintain hard lacquer. All pieces feature dovetail joints, solid wood drawer bases & backs and interchangeable handles. KLEIN HAUS FURNITURE - Exclusively distributed by MK Imports UK Ltd Cotes Park Lane | Cotes Park Ind. Estate | Alfreton | Derbyshire | DE55 4NJ | T: +44 (0)1773 546 666 | E: info@kleinhausfurniture.com

AGENTS REQUIRED NATIONWIDE - We are looking for successful agents to sell our exclusive range of furniture, to independent, multiple retailers and garden centres. Excellent support and commission given, with large stocks and prompt service. Please email for further enquiries to: mark.klein@blenheimholdings.com

The Metal Collection

The Precious Metals Collection

The Hevea Collection

The Upholstered Collection

The Oak Collection

The Faux Leather Collection

Visit us at:

NEC Birmingham 19-22 January 2014

HALL 5 Stand A38

So much choice. Serene Furnishings offer an unparalleled choice of bedsteads, headboards, sofa beds, daybeds and bunk beds, in a wide variety of materials that include wood, fabric, faux leather and metal. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an extensive, design-led range for 2013 that will bring any shop floor to life, with large levels of stock ensuring fast turnaround on orders and nationwide distribution.

Innovative design and quality manufacturing, all at exceptional value.

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HOME ENTERTAINMENT Baxter’s Industrielle storage unit features white lacquered drilled sheet metal with decorative leather handles. Visit: www.baxter.it

AV Furniture is launching a sales campaign to coincide with the latest Schnepel brochure and Demagio website. The company has invested heavily in promoting its brands via its website and all sales generated from this will trigger payments to retail partners under the Brick and Click scheme. In addition it will offer in-store support and discounts to encourage consumers to visit retailers’ premises and purchase in-store. Some unique colours and textures have been added to the Schnepel range, including the distressed wood Pasadena. The company is relocating to Crewe, Cheshire, which will allow it to increase its stockholding and workforce. AV Furniture, tel: 01604 652 832

Stylish storage A look at some of the latest audio and visual units

Most of the hardwood used to create Little Tree Furniture’s Mary Rose TV unit is from reclaimed fishing boat timbers. It still bears its natural colouring and markings – some of the wood is more than 150 years old and has a distinctive but natural wear and tear look. Little Tree Furniture, tel: 01424 734 191

Rowiko’s Lulworth TV unit with distressed top contains plenty of storage space for DVDs and other media. Tel: 01249 821 748

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Rugs

Hong Kong HK-486 Black

RUGS

Matrix

Aztec

Art on the floor OCR’s latest collections are inspired by paintings and global colour and design trends

Left: Adam Daily’s exhibition and one of the Saw designs due to be launched in January 2014 (above right)

Interiors Monthly October 2013

When Oriental Carpets and Rugs first spotted the Saw Collection by New York based artist and photographer Adam Daily, it knew it wanted to work with him to create one its most standout ranges so far, based on his paintings. OCR will launch four sample designs in January 2014. ‘We can’t wait to launch this new range and are incredibly happy to be working with such a talented artist,’ says Sam Tippett, OCR buying director. Alongside Adam’s range, another collection of four unique designs created by an Australian based design studio is planned to be launched in January 2014. OCR is committed to developing products in line with the latest trends from around the world and during the

RUGS

Above: HK-303 Beige-Blue Below: HK-213 Red-Beige

Coda

summer has worked hard on product development. Its 2014 brochure, to be launched in January, will feature the two ranges and some 80 new products. Some of the design trends for next year include Tribal and Aztec. Starting off in the clothing industry they are becoming key trends in the interiors sector. Incorporating mixed colours and patterns they offer a bold influence and a shot of personality into any living space. The Aztec range will be available before the end of the year. Repeated patterns are also having a strong impression, integrating on-trend colours with simple yet effective patterns creates stylish pieces. OCRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elements and Hong Kong range include new designs and colourways featuring these qualities. The company is also expanding its Geometric ranges with additions including the Hong Kong HK-486 available now and more ranges such as the Indian hand-knotted Sonic collection available from January 2014.

These ranges as well as the Saw collection, all focus on the use of straight lines and orientation of colour to create 3D effects that make the designs look as if they are popping straight out from the rug. As well as design, OCR has also focused on colour trends for 2014. A selection of products will incorporate colour palettes created by Pantone such as Sculpted Simplicity which it describes as: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;A palette of colours that are unassuming and do not take centre stage, they are sophisticated tones with distinctively nuanced undertones that let the design and materials shine throughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Complementing the Tribal trend is the Tribal Threads colour palette that combines a selection of colours as varied as the tribal diversity they represent. Neutrals such as Bleached Sand highlight exotic Arabesque Orange, while Goblin Blue is flavoured by curry colours and a rose-dusted cedar shade is set off by taupe-tone Incense. These colour combinations and more are used in the

latest Hong Kong designs such as HK-303 among others. An addition to the machine made product ranges is the Matrix collection comprising modern designs and colours. Due to the high demand for such designs, OCR has decided to launch Matrix immediately. Starting with two designs available in four colourways each, the Matrix range will eventually incorporate four eyecatching modern designs all of which will be available by the end of this month. The full ranges for 2013 and launches for 2014 can be viewed by appointment at the Stoke-on-Trent showroom. OCR will also be exhibiting at Interiors UK 2014 and Spring Fair 2014. OCR, tel: 01782 747713

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

RUGS

Building on the success of the Vintage rug collection, Louis de Poortere’s latest rug range is Cameo with three designs in Savonnerie, Fedra and Multi. All woven on jacquard wilton looms in a combination of wool and cotton chenille, subtle pastel shades permeate through each rug with hues such as silver birch, Nordic blue and pompadour pink. Available in five sizes the rugs feature an anti-slip backing. Pictured is Savonnerie in artichoke. Tel: 01505 615 663 Hanna Korvela has added grey paper yarn to its Encore rug range. The sister of the Duetto rug, Encore combines paper yarn and cotton in a minimalist rug of a lighter character than Duetto. The paper yarn range also includes natural, white and black. Visit: www.hannakorvela.fi Brintons’ Matisse collection includes Mimosa, inspired by a design in its archive commissioned and created by the artist Matisse in 1951. He said of the design: ‘I want to recapture the freshness of vision which is characteristic of extreme youth; when all the world is new.’ It is available in mauve and red. There are 28 designs in Brintons’ rug collection, including those by Zuzunaga and Timorous Beasties. Visit: www.rugs-bybrintons.co.uk

Baxter’s Fringes rugs are made on wooden looms in 100% natural silk finished with vegetable and mineral pigments. They are available as an azure rug with blue fringes, blue with azure fringes, green with brown fringes, beige with bordeaux fringes and grey with onion fringes. Visit: www.baxter.it Arketipo has completed its Marea collection with the aubergine and sage green abstract watercolour design. Made from hemp, it is available in 350cm x 240cm and 400cm x 300cm sizes and is hand finished. Visit: www.arketipo.com

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Where next is now! 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11. 1. 2014

Experience how textile interior design reinvents itself. Meet more big names, up-and-coming companies and creative individuals than anywhere else in the world. And gain direct access to a dynamic start to the season. For information and tickets at advance sale prices visit: heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com info@uk.messefrankfurt.com, Tel. +44 (0) 17 84 41 59 50

RUGS

Consumers can create their own rugs with Heuga’s option of choosing from three basic designs in Chequer (featuring colours from the Lazy Lounge and Puzzle Pieces collection), Uni (with 10 colours from the Funky Feet range) and Zones (three colours from the Country Contemporary range) or they can create their own look by combining different colours and textures from high and cut pile finishes. The online rug builder lets consumers mix and match colours until they find the perfect combinations, even choosing from 155 standard shades to recolour the walls to help the inspiration. Heuga rugs can be easily installed using Heuga TacTiles, small clear plastic adhesive squares placed under the corners of each carpet tile fixing them firmly to each other. Visit: www.heuga.com Oriental Weavers’ Samarkand is part of its traditional range and is machine made with a faux silk effect. Tel: 0113 380 5330

Plantation Rug Company’s 100% wool Benni brings together a subtle African design with deep pile. It is available in three sizes: 120cm x 180cm, 150cm x 240cm and 180cm x 270cm. Tel: 0800 012 1511

Asiatic’s contemporary Matrix range has more than 40 different options in five sizes, from simple yet elegant to bold and vibrant. Every design is hand-tufted with a soft and thick 100% wool pile. Various techniques are used – embossed areas, varied pile heights, viscose accents and hand carving – across the range for added appeal. Tel: 020 8800 2000

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Cybergold has been making rug anti-slip products since 1997. Its Rug Control underlay is suitable for all floors and allows rugs to be lifted for vacuuming. The underlay can be washed and reused up to three times before renewing. It is available in packs of 50cm x 100cm, 50cm x 200cm and 100cm x 200cm and two roll sizes. Rug Control spray is available in Standard and Super Strength and is effective for two to three years. Tel: 01494 761 814

Join n th he Ca ampaiign n fo or Wool in n cele ebratin ng th he beauty y, prac ctic cality y and d en ndle esss versa atiliity y off real wool withiin ors by y participattin ng in th hiss ne ew, promotio on. We want interio to build a virrtu uall ONEWOOL galle ery of the very y best ite ems he wo ooll in nte erio orss in ndustrry to oday and th hen we will choosse in th and cu ura ate e a re eal ONEWOOL galle ery!

About ONEWOOL… OneWool is a unique promotion designed to build the proﬁle of great interior wool products and their unique story. Rugs, carpets, fabrics, furnishings or art can be nominated in the OneWool promotion.

An Inv vittatiion… The Campaign wants to bring the many wool stories, skills and successes of our industry to the world – let’s work together and put wool interiors on the map!

Get In nvolved… Simply choose one wool product, item or range and nominate it as your chosen OneWool product.

Lett us know… E-mail us a picture of your chosen wool product and your reason for choosing it (50-100 words) to onewool@campaignforwool.org

Add socia al media… Post it yourself on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and use our hashtag - #onewool - the OneWool digital icons are available and downloadable at http://www.campaignforwool.org/event-item/onewool-2/

Pas ss it on… Distribute your OneWool nomination to your business and customer network and show your support of the Campaign for Wool. Please use our OneWool supporters message to accompany this, which can be embedded within your networking email and then you simply attach your image and nomination description. Downloads available at http://www.campaignforwool.org/event-item/onewool-2/

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BEST OF BRITISH

Safety first Making lift and recline chairs safer has boosted sales for Nottingham firm Sitting Pretty Jim Henderson, Sitting Pretty md, allows himself a brief smile as he explains the company’s recent strong performance, helped in no small part by his decision to develop anti-entrapment barriers to its lift and recline models. It is a feature he admits he often wondered if he was wasting his time on. The safety device on Sitting Pretty’s chairs has become so popular that production has doubled in the past year. ‘We are averaging weekly figures of about 100-130 lift and recline chairs, with approximately a third having the antientrapment feature. That is truly humbling,’ he says. ‘I’m delighted to see the brand grow and in particular the safety device going out of the factory on so many orders. Initially when I designed the device back in 2009 I was wondering whether I was wasting valuable time: I was certainly questioning whether I should be concentrating on other things regarding our business. But I kept on with the idea having the mindset of one day it may be a popular signature feature of our chairs and at least Sitting Pretty as a manufacturer of lift and recline chairs would have a different option as to offering some kind of anti-entrapment safety feature.’ The company showed the design to regulatory authorities in 2010 and decided to file for a European patent, which was granted in 2011. ‘After producing more and more chairs with the safety design fitted it became easier to fine-tune the manufacturing process and it is as easy today to fit a chair with the barriers as it was back in 2010 to not fit them,’ he explains. The County collection has limited sizes and options available compared to the company’s more familiar made to measure ranges, but it has the integral safety barriers fitted as standard. Originally it was thought it would be just a safety option but it became apparent that it made the aesthetics of a lift and recline chair more pleasing on the eye. ‘The direction we have taken was a little brave for a small company like ours,‘ reckons Henderson. ‘We studied our markets and decided that with the product we supply and the strengths we have as manufacturers we should target not just the mobility sector but independent furniture retailers. This was purely based on the product receiving such good comments from all our retailers regarding our quality and finish and, of course, the safety barrier design. ‘I now can safely say given the weekly production figures that my time developing it was well spent.’ Visit: www.spchairs.co.uk

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Wollaton (above) and Southwell (below) are part of the County collection

BEST OF BRITISH

Reinvigorated ranges Sweet Dreams has added models and given existing ones a makeover

Diva 2000

Sweet Dreams has revamped a range of divans and mattresses: all manufactured at the Primrose Mill site in Burnley. Its pocket sprung divans have been updated and brought into one collection, Pocket Spring, for ease of recognition, but sub-divided into three ranges: Showcase, for top end beds, several with fillings such as latex or CoolGel; Memory for pocket spring beds containing memory foam and featuring covers with health-promoting qualities; and Traditional pocket spring beds. Among the Showcase beds is Diva Latex 2000, with a premier spring count and latex. In five sizes, Diva boasts a tufted damask top, new style border, four handles and eight vents. The toe hole base, available in platform top, sprung edge or ottoman, is lined and comes with chrome accessories. The Sleepzone, Ortho and Comfort divan ranges have also been refreshed with many new models. Sweet Dreams, tel: 01282 830 033

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

BEST OF BRITISH

Dynamic duo Caxton has introduced modular and entry level bedrooms ‘It doesn’t take me to point out that in spite of stories that things are improving in retail and manufacturing, and of optimistic economic indicators generally, customers are still wary of spending, and when they do they are still incredibly price conscious,’ says David Evans, WBH brand manager. ‘Which makes it tough for retailers and manufacturers alike to gauge how they can best encourage growth from such a reluctant and hesitant public.’ It is with this in mind that Caxton has unveiled two collections, aimed at providing the best value for money around. ‘An incredibly versatile collection, Eclipse 400 is an exciting new modular 400mm furniture system that offers the building blocks for creating a totally individual bedroom – at a much lower price than you’d expect,’ says Evans. Customers can choose from five finishes: black, grey, white, aubergine gloss and light oak for their door and drawer fronts, to produce their own personalised look. There is a wide range of interconnecting units, including wardrobes of various heights with top boxes, an over-bed surround and matching chests. The second range is Essentials. ‘Designed solely with price in mind, Essentials is an attractive, compact, entry-level bedroom collection that is sure to become a hit with today’s cost conscious buyer, making it a must for any showroom. Built to the same high quality and specification Caxton’s budget Essentials

Caxton’s modular Eclipse

Interiors Monthly October 2013

as all other Caxton bedrooms, Essentials’ elegant proportions, fine metal handles and extensive range of wardrobe and chest options make it a practical and affordable option for any size British bedroom, whether main bedroom or spare room,’ he says. Essentials is available in four finishes: white, grey ash, mid and light oak. ‘As well as offering a great product at an affordable price, customers these days also need to be reassured that their purchase will be supported by swift delivery and first class customer support. And who better to provide this than one of Britain’s leading manufacturers,’ says Evans. ‘At times like these, when many retailers are finding it increasingly costly and challenging to buy from abroad, and while a number of other UK manufacturers are reducing their offering, we by contrast are able to offer more and more, in terms of product range, commercial pricing and a flexible service that you can really rely on,’ he adds. Visit: www.caxtonfurnitureonline.com

Essentials 2 Door / 2 Drawer Combi Robe

Eclipse 400 Narrow and Wide Chests

Essentials 3 Door Robe and Tall Narrow Chest

Eclipse 400 Low, Medium and Tall Wardrobes

The latest ‘hot cakes’, fresh from the factory. Essentials Wardrobe

Eclipse 400 Overbed Surround

Welcome to this pre-launch glimpse of Caxton’s latest bedroom collections. Designed and manufactured in the UK, the entry-level Essentials and modular Eclipse 400 bedroom collections were specially created to offer the best value for money around. Available in a wide choice of attractive finishes, and comprehensive choice of bedroom units, we’re predicting these 2 exciting new collections are destined to become bestsellers. To find out more, call 08700 600 555 today.

The H O M E of G R E AT B R I T I S H FURNITURE

Eclipse 400 Wardrobe Top Box and Wide Chest

Essentials 2 and 6 Drawer Chests

BEST OF BRITISH

Flexible friend Silentnight’s latest collection combines gel and air-permeable foam Silentnight is passionate about giving consumers the best sleep experience possible and believes product innovation plays a vital part in this objective. ‘The new Geltex Ultimate Collection marries our 60 years’ experience with cutting edge innovation developed by Recticel and available exclusively in the UK and Republic of Ireland through the Silentnight Group,’ says Steve Freeman, Silentnight md. He says combining extremely elastic gel and air-permeable foam provides the three core principles that aid a great

night’s sleep: breathability, pressure relief and body support. Its open cell structure allows air to pass easily through the mattress preventing the body from overheating in summer, while keeping warm in winter. The elasticity allows the mattress to respond to the individual contours of the body providing spinal alignment and support. The flexible properties distribute weight evenly preventing pressure points from building up, helping ease the discomfort of aching joints and reducing circulatory problems. Six mattress options combine Silentnight’s Mirapocket spring system with a Geltex comfort layer and Geltex branded knitted mattress cover.

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Geltex is combined with the Mirapocket spring system and adjustable bases are available

New base options include a contemporary slender leg, and standard and low level adjustable bases. Divan and ottoman bases are also available. A handupholstered five panel padded headboard complements the collection. Headboards and bases come in pale grey, malt, fennel, aubergine and millstone. The launch is being supported by POS with the slogan ‘Sleep has never felt so good,’ including dual-branded backboard, floor vinyls, footmats and printed display panel with integrated monitor hosting a Geltex video. ‘We know that sleep is such a crucial part of everyday life and makes a huge difference to our health, happiness and wellbeing. As such customers are demanding more and more from their bed to help support healthy sleep patterns and create maximum comfort,’ says Freeman. Visit: www.silentnight.co.uk/Geltex

Geltex Ultimate 2800

For timeless bed comfort choose a Classic

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Ottoman

Our long-established Classics collection has just been upgraded with a new range of pocket-sprung mattresses to meet growing demand in the market. To complement the new mattresses, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve upgraded our sprung divan bases and introduced the clever ottoman storage solution. To ďŹ nd out more about the new Classics collection please contact your local area manager or our dedicated customer contact centre on 01282 851111.

BEST OF BRITISH

Backing the over 45s Rest Assured has launched its first major consumer advertising campaign British bed maker Rest Assured has invested in its first major national consumer marketing campaign to support the launch of its Heritage Collection of four pocket sprung beds. The campaign will include full-page advertisements in key consumer home and lifestyle titles to communicate the Heritage Collection’s traditional, affordable luxury message to its core 45-plus age demographic. Titles include a range of monthly and weekly magazines, including Period Living, Good Housekeeping, Prima and Woman’s Weekly, in issues on sale from October. The print advertising campaign is being supported with digital display advertising across home and lifestyle online titles. The digital display campaign includes behavioural retargeting so customers who have shown an interest in the brand are tempted back as they search the Internet. All traffic is directed via the Rest Assured website to their nearest retailer. Unveiled to retailers at The Bed Show last month, the Heritage Collection will be showcased to consumer home and lifestyle writers at a media briefing event in central London to maximise a consumer PR drive supporting the launch. The briefing day will give consumer journalists the chance to touch and try the new collection. The Heritage Collection features four handmade pocket sprung beds – the Farnham Silk 800, Helmsley Cashmere 1400, Portland Memory 2000 and the Sherbourne Latex 2000. The classic British range includes four upholstered headboards and an extensive collection of bases are available in a choice of natural coloured linens. Tailor-made bases include electronic adjustables; sprung bases for added luxury and mattress performance, as well as an extensive selection of storage options including the new Ottoman drawer. Hand-made in Britain, using tried and tested techniques, the collection has been designed to allow for easy movement and optimum back support. A careful balance of supportive pocket springs and comfortable fillings provides the right environment for the fluids in the spine to help it recover from aches and pains to ensure you wake up relaxed and refreshed. Alongside the consumer marketing investment, retailers are being supported with high impact POS to maximise standout in store and communicate the collection’s key

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Advertisements will appear in several magazines

message ‘Rest assured it’s the bed your back would choose’. ‘The Heritage Collection perfectly captures what the Rest Assured brand stands for: traditional, affordable luxury, with beds built on 115 years of bed making expertise,’ says Graham Butterfield, Rest Assured sales director. ‘We know that the back support is a key driver for the over-45 age group and this messaging is key to our national marketing campaign, as well as in-store POS. The collection has been developed, specifically with this age group in mind to offer them the perfect sleep solution with a bed that meets their health and lifestyle needs, in a traditional and luxurious colour palette,’ he adds. Visit: www.rest-assured.co.uk

Rest assured it’s the bed your back would choose

New from Rest Assured our new traditional pocket spring collection • it’s designed for optimum back support • it’s hand crafted in Great Britain • it’s the ultimate in affordable luxury • it’s exclusively for you For more information: Phone: 01282 851 111 Email: enquiries@rest-assured.co.uk www.rest-assured.co.uk

RETAIL

Multichannel power Online or offline is no longer the question as true multichannel operations are vital if retailers are to challenge pure etailers Dave Thompson, Swan Retail director, argues that bricks and mortar retailers need true multichannel operations to compete with pure etailers. He says there are four types of furniture retailers: physical store but no transactional website; online only; retailers who sell in multiple channels (but lack a coherent system linking across all channels); and true multichannel retailers. There has been a lot of talk recently in the media about the growth of multichannel retailing, the driver for which has been the consumer taking advantage of technology. Use of smart phones, tablets and laptops in conjunction with store visits and phone calls to carry out product research, purchases, collections and returns has resulted in many big ticket retailers losing market share to more agile competitors. A true multichannel system enables ecommerce websites and stores to work in unison and share common data across all customer touch-points. The benefits to retailers compared with multiple channel systems are numerous. The most

Interiors Monthly October 2013

obvious benefit is that the website becomes an effective, up-to-date selling tool providing customers with comprehensive and convenient information when researching online, which will in turn drive sales conversions. With online and store working in unison, retailers can offer customers further options such as click and collect: a service for retailers with a strong geographical heritage. A further benefit, particularly applicable to bigger ticket items, is the ability of store-based staff to engage with customers and if unable to close the sale in-store, to provide a tailored quote that can be retrieved online and converted into a sale. This is a valuable service for destination retailers to provide, especially as customers may travel some distance to visit the store. It also enables in-store sales staff to be recognised for their efforts if the customer later decides to buy via the website. A multichannel system will enable retailers to manage online orders that are brought back to the store for refund or exchange as the customer order data is visible via store based systems. A recent

survey found 69% of consumers who had bought online had used a store to make a return rather than post an item back due to the convenience and reassurance this offers. True multichannel offers many operational benefits for furniture retailers as well as the customer facing benefits. This includes inventory savings as the system shares stock information across channels enabling a view of stock holding across the whole business. Other operational benefits include: collating sales from online and store to provide accurate realtime trading information to inform replenishment and discounting decision making; automation of product content; publishing and distribution; and the collation of customer and order data in a single place delivering efficiency savings and consistency across the business. Consumers value the convenience of shopping online, so a quality online experience, coupled with an established and trusted retail presence is a powerful combination and clear point of difference with online only competitors. Swan Retail, tel: 02392 248 569

Your good name is on your sale advertising, ours is behind it. As a family-owned company, Lynch Sales Company’s integrity has kept us at the forefront of the sales specialist industry we created. After nearly 100 years, we’ve learned that the most effective sale advertising features honest price reductions. +igh Tuality, truthful advertising that reÁects your store’s reputation for honesty and value is a key element in a Lynch Sales Event. To learn more, call the Lynch Sales Company today for a complete outline, including a copy of our easy-to-understand, one-page contract, or visit www.LynchSales.co.uk. Mark Valiant, Senior Coordinator

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Control stock online, in branch and in the warehouse dŽ ůĞĂƌŶ ŚŽǁ Ă ĨƵůůǇ ŝŶƚĞŐƌĂƚĞĚ͕ ŵƵůƟͲĐŚĂŶŶĞů ƐŽůƵƟŽŶ ǁŝůů ƐĂǀĞ ǇŽƵ ƟŵĞ ĂŶĚ ŵŽŶĞǇ Visit our website www.retailfusion.co.uk Telephone 02392 248 569 or Email sales@retailfusion.co.uk

Happy Customers &

Increased Sales

LVT

Imaginative and sustainable The LVT market continues to develop features a 2.5mm gauge and a 0.55mm wear layer. The design options within the combined range of 83 colours have been enhanced with a collection of creative inlay accessories to emphasise or accentuate the natural floor design. ‘Considerable research, development and investment has been made in the new Expona collections and the design possibilities are beautifully presented in a 120 page brochure and comprehensive new presenter,’ says Tom Rollo, Polyflor marketing manager. ‘The ranges are set out in a logical sequence in these support tools, offering a measured approach to the Exotic Wood Red from Tarkett’s iD Inspiration 70 selection process while leaving scope for interpretation and imagination.’ Moduleo’s Transform range recently featured on a Channel 4 programme. ‘The great thing about this particular couple on Double Your House For Half The Money is that they really wanted hard-wearing flooring throughout it is suitable for laying LVT, is faster to apply than traditional adhesives and being water based is environment friendly. ‘Hard-wearing durability has been matched with stylish, on-trend designs to offer a product that not only looks fantastic but will last, while offering users a sustainable choice,’ says John Devine, Tarkett UK sales director. Polyflor has relaunched its Expona LVT brand. The latest offer comprises two design collections across two specifications: Expona Design PUR has a 3.0mm gauge and 0.7mm wear layer, Moduleo’s Wenge Transform whereas Expona Commercial PUR Tarkett’s latest LVT is iD Inspiration 70, joining the iD Selection 40 collection. Both have commercial specifications and are designed for the smaller room sizes and aesthetics of homes. Both ranges are 100% recyclable, include a minimum of 48% recycled content and are manufactured in Europe. Inspiration 70 has a 0.70mm wear layer and iD Selection 40 a 0.40mm layer. iD Inspiration 70 features 21 wood effect planks and nine mineral and stone effect tiles, while iD Selection 40 has 12 wood effect planks and seven stone and metal tiles. Planks are 16.6cm x 100cm and tiles 50cm x 50cm. Both have a 15year guarantee. Tarkett has also developed Tarkospray – what it claims to be first water-based adhesive in an aerosol. The company says

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Expona Beige Weathered Spruce is a large scale plank featuring bevelled edges

their home, and this was the perfect way to spread the word about our products and the message of sustainability,’ says David Bigland, Moduleo UK and Republic of Ireland md. ‘Sustainability is a crucial consideration when decorating or redecorating any home, as you are effectively ensuring minimal future expenses will come into play. The best element of LVT flooring is that it’s not only unrivalled in sustainability and durability, but it’s timeless. As the episode demonstrated, this kind of LVT finish can be applied across the home, ensuring each room has hard-wearing protection.’ For those looking to create the illusion of greater space, Moduleo recently introduced larger planks which accentuate this. Moduleo, tel: 01332 851 500 Polyflor, tel: 0161 767 1111 Tarkett, tel: 01622 854040

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CARPET

The three brands will continue for some time

Kaleidoscope

Combined force Last month saw the merger of Kingsmead Carpets and Georgian Carpets. What can retailers expect to gain? ‘While Kingsmead had re-established a solid base in the marketplace over the past 10 years, we felt that to take the businesses forward we needed an enlarged sales and marketing structure,’ says newly appointed md Martin West. ‘Rather than create this from scratch we sought a business that would blend suitably with a view to merging. Georgian Carpets was an ideal partner with a similar position in the marketplace and a complementary product portfolio and experienced sales team. ‘The merger will be a far more efficient deployment of our joint sales and marketing resource, particularly with regard to sales representatives having smaller but more concentrated geographical areas, and much greater presence through increased retail POS, principally display stands.’ West says the merger has so far gone very much to plan. The combined company has 14 sales representatives and two field based regional managers – Clint Carver and Ian Shopland – who were promoted from the sales teams. ‘The team has combined well. Figures for the first month are very encouraging and retailers that were only dealing with one of the businesses are excited at gaining access to the extra products,’ West adds. ‘The path ahead of us is to rebrand the existing POS in the marketplace and work hard on new product development, the first signs of which visitors saw at The Flooring Show.’ West is quick to point out that the Georgian and Stoddard brands will continue for some time to come, with large quantities of samples and POS remaining in stores. ‘The switchover will be managed very carefully. It is a longterm plan that could take up to five years,’ says West. ‘There is no

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Highland Fleece is among Kingsmead’s latest ranges

need for retailers to dispose of any samples or POS. ‘Retailers will gain from better service from the sales team as they are now covering smaller geographic areas. We can also offer a wider product range and reduce paperwork for our customers as they can order all the ranges from one company. We will also see a more focused product development strategy. ‘Our end goal is to become a bigger and more relevant supplier to our existing customer base,’ he adds. Visit: www.kingsmeadcarpets.co.uk

BUYING GROUPS

United and independent Two retailers explain the benefits of being a member of a buying group

Milners sells soft furnishings, waterbeds and lighting as well as flooring

‘I go to all the regional meetings – everybody seems to share similar views and it’s good to get other people’s views on things’ Next month Milners of Ashtead, Surrey will celebrate the 10th anniversary of being a member of the Greendale buying group. ‘We looked at all the buying groups at the time and felt it was the best one. All the staff are geared up to sell Greendale. You can’t go wrong really, it’s a debranded buying group and we’ve only got one other member close to us so it makes sense as we get a better margin,’ says Garry Milner, Milners md. ‘I would definitely recommend anyone who wants to join a buying group to join Greendale. We choose to have quite a lot of Greendale products but there are a lot we don’t take if we don’t think it fits with the store. We are a mid to top end retailer, we’re not budget end. We start at £12.99 for our carpets and sell lots at over £50 a sqm. It’s quite an affluent area here.’ Milner says the group is proactive in sourcing new products and tends to get the sort of products Milners needs. ‘And if you are a retailer who can’t get an account with certain manufacturers, that’s an inroad,’ he says. ‘Greendale is our largest supplier. We do well over £100,000 a year with Greendale, it’s grown every year since we joined. I go to all the regional meetings – everybody seems to share similar views and it’s good to get other people’s views on things,’ he reckons. Milner has seen sales improve in recent weeks. ‘June, July and August were quiet, but we’ve really noticed it picking up in the past two weeks with bigger orders around. We had quite a few orders over £4,000-£5,000, we had two over £10,000 – we haven’t had those for a while. If you needed to

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Garry Milner

Greendale is the store’s largest supplier

replace your carpet two or three years ago and put it off, it’s now desperate to be done – it’s got to take off again. People think, I’ve got a bit of money we should have done that, so let’s get that carpet done.’

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AWARDS 2011

WINNER 2013 WINNER

BUYING GROUPS

‘That’s what a buying group does for you, it’s the little memo in the back of your head’ Fludes, the south east of England flooring chain, is in the relatively unusual position of being a member of two buying groups: Greendale and BRM. It became a Greendale member in 2006 after it bought Carpetland in Hastings, which was owned by the then Greendale chairman David Burgess, who encouraged it to join. ‘It has brought benefits with ranges we wished to have and there other things like membership of the British Independent Retailers Association. And as retailers, including ourselves, have widened their product offer to keep up with the market, Greendale has certainly helped us,’ says Andy Laird, Fludes md. ‘Being able to talk to a lot of other retailers and see what the buying group was doing made us think we could tidy up our offer. We had four products very similar to our bestselling carpet, and Greendale only had two. We’d picked up ranges along the line that didn’t warrant the space. It also made us look much harder at products. It helps you get more commercial and you have more information rather than just your opinion,’ he explains. With Greendale having stock and twice weekly deliveries works very well, he says. And it has opened up possibilities he hadn’t considered: ‘That’s what a buying group does for you, it’s the little memo in the back of your head.’ Products bought through Greendale, both Greendale and non-Greendale, accounts for about a fifth of sales and is

Greendale is Fludes’ largest supplier

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Andy Laird

twice the size of the chain’s second largest supplier. ‘The group tries to put everything on a plate for you to choose what you want. Being in a buying group is much better than not being in a buying group. The members aren’t competitors really. The group provides you with a menu and you can choose from that what you want. You’ve gone in their restaurant and you can buy the meal off the menu, or just have a coffee and a cake,’ Laird explains. ‘The group is around you supporting you when you want it and when you don’t want it, it isn’t. If you worked out a five-year business plan to see if you were better off being in a group or not being in a group, I bet it would pay any business to be in a buying group.’ Visit: www.greendalecarpets.co.uk

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Long Point Long Eaton

REVIEW

Rowicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lulworth

A taste of the fine life Quality was out in force at Long Point Long Eaton Guild members and guest exhibitors again gathered for the annual show in Derbyshire. Atlantic Homes made its show debut with an expanded range of New England influenced cabinet. Celebrity revealed it has switched leather sourcing from Thailand to the UK, buying from Yarwood Leather. Previously covers were cut and sewn in Thailand and upholstered in the UK, but the company says increasing prices combined with mainly UK hides producing softer leather and delivery within three weeks prompted the switch. The company has brought sewing in-house and updated its soft cover options. It has also developed POS describing leather in consumer friendly terms of Corrected, Semi-natural and Natural.

Interiors Monthly October 2013

It was the first time for Atlantic Homes at Long Point

Pocketed Beds New Healthcare Beds Traditional Collection.

Phone for a Catalogue. Mulliners Works 154 Bordesley Green Road Bordesley Green Birmingham B8 1BY

Tailor Made Sizes Available

Tel: 0121 773 9969 Fax: 0121 766 7413 Email: info@siestabeds.co.uk

Long Point Long Eaton

REVIEW

Julian Bowen’s Scorpion Racer bed

Celio introduced Color as an entrylevel collection offering two carcases and seven accent colours. From Cintique was the compact Malvern upholstery set. The high back design offers two and three-seater sofas each with one recliner, standard chair, and recliner. Julian Bowen made its show debut and launched the oak Marlborough bedroom range featuring dovetail joints and a mix of solid wood and veneers. The Scorpion Racer children’s bed was joined by the Kimbo cabin bed. It expanded its dining offer with the compact Ascot and Lucy sets while the Boston coffee table combines glass and metal. Origin Red showed Ascot, a small dining table with two chairs, available in natural, natural and white, and maple finishes. Parker Knoll unveiled fabrics with midnight and oyster themes, including quilted fabrics for its Etienne and Isabelle models. The full motion Seattle, available in soft cover and leather and a choice of power and manual motion, was added to the Lifestyle collection. Richard Stamp Agencies showed oak, cherry and walnut dining from Klose and modern coloured glass tables from Helderr. Rowico’s Lulworth collection was expanded to include several

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Celebrity is now sourcing leather from the UK

DreamLand Funishings

www.dreamlandfurnishings.co.uk E mail orders@dreamlandbeds.co.uk 0121 771 3663

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Long Point Long Eaton

REVIEW

Welbeck’s Eleanor

storage units while Factory offered a contemporary twist combining a black metal frame with a distressed finish. Skano made its UK debut at the show with a modular bookcase system that uses the original Globe Wernicke designs from the 1880s. It comes in 12 finishes with a choice of feet and plinth options allowing for both traditional and contemporary looks. From Vincent Sheppard was the Papillon compact chair with butterfly curved back. Wade Upholstery reintroduced the former Welbeck House brand as Welbeck as it sought to target a more volume sector of the market, with large sofas retailing at under £1,000. To differentiate it from Wade, Welbeck will not have matching fabrics or sprung edges and will have a platform lining cloth. Each of the four designs will offer specific fabric options in contrast to Wade’s policy of all fabrics being available on all designs. There are four tiers of fabrics. Welbeck frames are guaranteed for 10 years. One model is available in leather, which is being cut and sewn in Wales. Four more designs will be introduced in January, with a maximum of 10 models at any time. While Wade Upholstery is looking to reinforce its upmarket presence with in-store studios, Welbeck stockists will only be required have to have one floor model. Wade also introduced the fixed back, semi-contemporary Dillon with scoop arms. Visit: www.longeatonguild.co.uk

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Wade’s Dillon

Parker Knoll updated its fabric offer

Skano’s modular bookcase system

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The Flooring Show Harrogate

REVIEW

More please COMMENT Harrogate was successful once again, but it is time the industry fully supported the show and stopped the speculation For those of you who were at The Flooring Show at Harrogate last month, how was it for you? And for those of you who weren’t there, why not? For the past few years Harrogate has not been Harrogate without speculation about whether there will be another show, and this year was no exception. The UK flooring industry needs a dedicated trade exhibition and if it can’t sustain one, the industry should be collectively ashamed. It is time to end this constant speculation and get behind the show. Organisers Wendy Adams Associates and Media Generation Group have done a fantastic job since they took over the event and should be congratulated for this year’s show. This year saw just under 120 exhibiting brands from 12 countries, occupying around 3,000sqm of floorspace in four halls. Some 2,300 trade visitors from 17 countries attended, including approximately 1,300 flooring retailers and distributors – broadly similar to 2012’s footfall. As Wendy Adams, event director, said: ‘Although not an increase on the 2012 figures, many exhibitors said the overall visitor quality had improved, and real business was certainly being done all around the floor. On the opening day there was a tremendous buzz.’ Paul Stott, Media Generation Group md, said: ‘We took over a failing event in the depths of the recession, but a sustained programme of investment, strong management and new content – plus some long overdue economic optimism – have stabilised things. With the support of an important group of

Interiors Monthly October 2013

loyal exhibitors, who all want the show to continue, we’re confident we now have a great platform to rebuild the show to a size and stature appropriate to this important industry. Our team is very excited about the show’s prospects.’ This doesn’t disguise the fact that performance was mixed over the three days: Sunday was up about 10%, Monday was a good day, but Tuesday was quiet. Suppliers always rate the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show as its small stands aren’t expensive, and the quality of visitors is good. Yet the penny doesn’t seem to have dropped about adopting a similar approach for Harrogate.

There is no need for stand envy (mine’s bigger than yours) and the days of having a smaller stand leading to suggestions that a company is in trouble are surely over. Retailers’ decisions to visit a show is not based on how big a company’s stand is. It is the mix and number of suppliers they want. If those companies who missed this year’s show return with small stands, more retailers should attend in 2014, exhibitors would be happy with their investment and it could get into a virtuous circle where exhibitors, visitors and organisers all benefit. The industry needs a successful show. Show roundup

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The Flooring Show Harrogate

REVIEW

Above: Hadfieldsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Geneva Right: Anboâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Emperor

Abingdon Flooring introduced the Wilton Royal wool range in four-ply with 52 options. Stainfree Appeal, Encore and Regal were debuted as it expanded its saxonies to a more value price. Stainfree with an impervious gel back was introduced for the contract market. Adore Floors launched a recycled underlay with adhesive to

Interiors Monthly October 2013

speed up installation. It is also suitable for underfloor heating. Anbo added a 4m x 0.4m plank to Emperor Elite in three decors alongside engineered board Emperor Essential and solid board Emperor Click, both with a click system and five decors. From Cavalier Carpets was the Strata loop stripe in six designs and Spacestyle, a contrasting striped pattern in 10

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The Flooring Show Harrogate

REVIEW

Left: Ideal’s Moods’ sample book Below: Karndean’s LooseLay Country Oak

colours. Confetti has been recoloured. The velvet twist Veltwist has a semistriped pattern and 12 colours. The fine twist Ultimate is available in 65oz and 75oz weights. Four colours were added to the Country Collection and alabaster white was added to Cartouche after a £40,000 investment in machinery to produce the shade. Criterion was recoloured and its revamped website is due to be launched in October. Cormar expanded its Sensations range with Sensations Twist, including six shades of silver. It is available in 4m and 5m widths. Distinctive Flooring introduced grey and white shades for a more authentic look to Lifetile and introduced Classics, a modern update of traditional designs with 25 decors. EarthWerks debuted the 2.5mm gluedown Tempo LVT in 10 decors, the 2mm Classic LVT in seven wood and three tile designs, Chic in 10 decors with a click system and the LooseLay LVT in 10 decors. Fair Underlay launched White Bird which has a moisture barrier and Wam Silver Sand, suitable for underfloor heating. Gaskell Wool Rich showed off its Bayswater in three-ply 100% wool with 12 colours in 4m and 5m widths. Hadfields introduced the Geneva shaggy in a 4m width. Ideal introduced Charisma, a polypropylene heather saxony in

Interiors Monthly October 2013

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The Flooring Show Harrogate

REVIEW 12 colours; Moods, a stripe and plains collection; and Embrace, a stain resistant Saxony as it looked to move its products more upmarket. On the Karndean stand were seven new wood plank and four stone tile decors for Loose Lay. Kersaint Cobb officially launched its display stands where products are arranged by colour rather than type. There are three displays: Natural Tones, Stripes and Naturals. Also new was a wood stand and sample book stand – Caribbean Days and Caribbean Night. Lifestyle Floors upgraded its display stands with lectern shelves and the ability to hang sample books below while the stair display is now illuminated. It introduced value PP ranges Champion Twist, City Twist, Windsor and York Saxony and the Gloucester (100% wool) and Malvern Twist and Stripes. Manx gave its show debut to Ecostyle, made from 90% recycled PET. It is available in five colours with coordinating stripes in a 4m width and 4m and 5m widths for the plains. Ecodesigns is 50% PET with three ply yarn in seven shades and 4m and 5m widths. Sensuous Touch is available in three weights, 4m width and 10 colours. Mr Tomkinson relaunched Gemstone with Jet and Coral. Both polyester ranges have 12 colours. Oriental Weavers unveiled 11 collections. Urban has six contemporary designs aimed at younger consumers/teens and students. The company also highlighted Nina in 24 designs; Native that comprises five handmade wool designs; Opus with two shaggy designs; traditional collection Orient; Royal Classic, a traditional wool machine-made collection; and new designs were added to Gabbeh. Plantation Rugs’ introductions included the Bubbles, Oceans, Undertones and Benni designs. Regency Carpets showed Fairway, part of the Easycare collection, using an HD single ply yarn in 10 colours and 4m width. Harewood was recoloured with 16 colours. Visit: www.theflooringshow.com Above: Plantation’s Oceans Left: Oriental Weavers’ Grand Tour

Interiors Monthly October 2013

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The Flooring Show Harrogate

REVIEW Abingdon again proved to be one of the main attractions at the show, introducing the Wilton Royal wool range in four ply with 52 options as it prepared to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its MBO. Tel: 01274 655 694

Stroolmount again returned to Harrogate to show its extensive range of flooring and furniture protection products, repair kits and Move It pads for moving heavy furniture and appliances. Tel: 08454 706 670

Stand proud How exhibitors displayed their wares

Ann Shaw, Ball & Young sales director, and the sales team were delighted to once again be part of The Flooring Show and offered visitors a warm welcome as they discussed retailers’ underlay and accessory requirements. Tel: 01536 200 502

Manx once again proved to be a major draw at the show, introducing a second Eco range, Eco Designs. It also showcased its in-store retail displays including the Easy Living four-bay lectern that highlights four carpet ranges on a double-sided lectern. Its prize draw for tickets to see Manchester United at Old Trafford were won by Ralph Hall, Carpet Mart Warehouse manager in Consett, County Durham. Tel: 01827 831 434

Interiors Monthly October 2013

Cormar Carpets enjoyed another great and busy event. At The Flooring Show it unveiled the latest member of its Sensation carpet family – Sensation Twist – that is made using the same soft, lustrous Luxelle polypropylene yarn. The iPad mini draw winners were: Rodney Gowans of Gowans Flooring, Castle Douglas; Paul Telfer of Tony Roberts Carpets, Whitehaven; and Teresa Bennett of Carpetwise, Stratford upon Avon. Visit: www. cormarcarpets.co.uk

Lano’s Startwist Elite, designed to celebrate the carpet’s 20th anniversary, was welcomed as the latest premium addition to the collection featuring the current Edition and Supreme qualities. Visitors seeking the latest in carpet innovation were impressed by both the relaunched Startwist collection, featuring an improved two-ply Lanoset polypropylene fibre construction, and the revamped Pembridge polypropylene twist carpet. Tel: 00 800 5266 5266

REVIEW

British Wool used the exhibition to tell retailers of plans for this month’s Wool Week (14-20 October) and the benefits of using British wool in carpets. Visit: www. britishwool.org.uk

The Flooring Show Harrogate

Buying group Metro returned to Harrogate giving potential members information on its services, including marketing, buying and support. Tel: 01675 433 064

Kersaint Cobb, experts in natural floorcoverings, launched branding, displays and collections. Standing out from the crowd with vibrant pink and green branding, the product display spanned two walls and was organised by colour, clearly demonstrating the breadth of the flooring portfolio. The show also saw the introduction of three carpet units and a wood stand under the heading Oak Collection by Kersaint Cobb. Tel: 01675 430 430

For the third year running, Crown Floors returned to the halls of Harrogate with its on-trend carpet creations and the benefits and rewards offered through the Crown Floors Loyalty Club. Retailers at the show discovered the new Penrose and Roseland collections available from October. Tel: 0800 077 3301 After 2012’s Turkish dancers, Hadfields turned to a town crier to highlight its presence to visitors at this year’s show. Tel: 0161 430 1400

Visitors seeking the latest information and developments in the floor fitting industry were keen to learn about the new Livyn Foundation and Master Installer courses setting a benchmark of excellence in luxury vinyl floor fitting available at the Quick-Step Academy. Tel: 0161 877 6955

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

The Flooring Show Harrogate

REVIEW Building on the success of the Vintage rug collection, Louis de Poortere introduced two rug ranges: Cameo and Fading World. Both woven on jacquard wilton looms in a combination of wool and cotton, they provide stunning takes of the used/distressed theme so popular in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interior trends. Tel: 01505 615 663

Mayne Technology was delighted with the interest shown in its Mosaic system for retailers, distributors and manufacturers. In particular the new easy to use point of sale screen for retailers received a positive reception. Tel: 01782 562 522

EarthWerks says strength, performance, luxury and style are built into all the flooring products under the EarthWerks brand name. Every product has been designed to give the feel of its natural counterpart. If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then hardwood flooring, metal and natural stone tiles have never been more complimented. Visit: www.earthwerks.eu.com Glenshee is a flagship product from Kingsmead Carpets launched at the show. It features a new blend of wool called Highland Fleece. The Highland Fleece wool is sourced exclusively from Scottish farms and blends wool from a variety of breeds of sheep to maximise the resilience and appearance retention of the fibre. According to Kingsmead it is possibly the most suitable blend for carpets ever created. Visit: www. kingsmeadcarpets. co.uk

Interiors Monthly October 2013

The WoolSafe Organisation once again enjoyed success at the show where the new Carpet Stain Cleaning Guide App gained praise and recognition among retailers and manufacturers alike as one of the most innovative and useful new resources for expert carpet care advice. Tel: 01943 850 817

Canadia Flooring, specialising in all things wood flooring, has a large selection of diverse flooring collections, sourced worldwide. It stocks more than 100 laminates and 80 real wood floors along with accessories. With its large inventory, it services the UK and Irish markets and is part of a company that was founded in 1928. Tel: 00 353 1461 0997

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Inhome Furniture Assemblers. Based: various locations throughout UK. Job Overview Due to rapid expansion of our new Furniture Assembly company, we require semi skilled workers across all regions of the UK. Reliable and efficient applicants will be rewarded with an industry leading pay and benefits package. Duties and Responsibilities Assemblers to build furniture in customers’ homes and commercial premises. To be able to follow basic assembly instructions and present themselves in a professional manner. Skills/Qualifications/Experience Required Applicants will require a full UK driving licence, basic DIY skills are essential, also customer facing skills will be required. A background knowledge of furniture will be useful although not essential as full training will be given. Contact For further information please call Pete McDonald 07595 851517 or email: pete@servico-ind.com www.servico-ind.com Closing Date 1st November

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Choose the one Nominations are needed for the best wool products The Campaign for Wool is to launch an interiors promotion to encourage retailers, manufacturers, retailers, designers and consumers to nominate their OneWool product of choice to celebrate during the 14-20 October Wool Week. OneWool is designed to harness the skills, design talent and energy of all those who work with the fibre to create fabrics, art, furnishings and flooring and celebrate the beauty, diversity and practicality of real wool in home decor. This new promotion follows on from the success of Wool House – the major interiors and lifestyle showcase that was held in March 2013 at Somerset House, London – where the Campaign for Wool saw a huge wealth of products from wool interior businesses across the world. The Campaign for Wool is now keen to see more wool products together by launching a social media and showroom promotion. Nominations of OneWool products can be made by sending an image and 50-100 words explaining the product details and why it has been selected to OneWool@campaignforwool.org. Businesses are also encouraged to feature their nomination in store displays and email them to their business networks to show how they are participating in Wool Week and the longer running OneWool promotion. A OneWool supporter message and the social media icons are available at http://www.campaignforwool.org/event-item/onewool-2/.

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Interiors Monthly October 2013

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