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Keith Hislop, 1927–2020
The death has been announced of former Gimson and Slater designer and chairman Keith Hislop. He was 93.
Norman Keith Hislop (always known as Keith) was born in Holbrook, Derbyshire. He won a scholarship to study Maths at Selwyn College, Cambridge and having been an air cadet at school, he straightaway joined the University Air Squadron and took up his commission to train as a Spitfire pilot.
In 1947 he married fellow Cambridge student Kay, his wife of 72 years.
Having a young family, he felt that he needed a change of career and so studied at Nottingham College of Art, hoping to move into industrial design, while simultaneously joining the 504 Nottingham County Auxiliary Squadron flying Meteor jets as part of the defence against the Interiors etailer Cox & Cox has seen sales leap amid lockdown: sales rose by 59% in the past quarter after rising 75% in the first quarter.
Jeff Slator 1939–2020
The funeral of former Sheffield shop he had 12 mattresses furniture retailer Jeff Slator and was told if he didn’t sell took place on 17 August. He them he could return them. was 81 and was diagnosed Because someone took a with vascular dementia in chance on him, he made sure 2014 and died of pneumonia he helped others out,’ says on 24 July. his daughter Rachael.
He moved from Bradford ‘When former customers to Sheffield in 1968 to manage saw him out and about they’d a furniture store before smile and wave and often he opening his own in 1972: Mr was invited into their houses. Slater’s. He retired in 2012. There will be a lot of people
‘When he first set up his sad to hear he is not with us.’ Russian threat during the Cold War.
In parallel he was recruited by Gimson and Slater to take the company into the post-war design freedom after the restrictions of wartime Utility designs. He travelled widely and was inspired by Scandinavian design. Even his earliest work still has a very modern feel today.
By 1957 his squadron’s role was taken over by ground-toair missile systems and this coincided with a main board directorship with Gimson and Slater, which led through design director to md to chairman by his retirement in 1992.
The changes and challenges within Gimson and Slater ran side by side with interests in the wider furniture world, and saw him working on educational bodies and chairing advisory committees and research groups. He was a founder
Cox & Cox sees sales jump
New ambassador
TV presenter Stacey Solomon has become Bensons for Beds latest brand ambassador.
The move is its first since the chain was bought by owner Alteri Investments in a pre-pack administration deal.
‘Stacey is one of the most popular personalities in Britain. She’s the perfect match for us and we’re thrilled to be working with her as we transform Bensons over the next few years,’ says Joe Wykes, Bensons coo.
The increases were driven by increased sales in outdoor living and furniture. The largest uplifts were in desks, office chairs and shelf units as consumers shifted to creating more permanent home offices. In outdoor living, hanging chairs, both single and double, sold in record numbers.
The company also saw profits rise by 4.6% and by 6% on budget.
‘This is a very strong set of results, and we have
member of the Long Eaton Guild of Furniture Manufacturers. continued to grow share and improve customer performance throughout the quarter,’ says Richard Bell, Cox & Cox ceo.
Sales peaked in May with an increase of 96%. Customer retention has increased 25% over the last quarter, while new customer acquisition has more than doubled.
The increases have sales manager.
continued through the summer with sales 170% higher in August.
Brussels show cancelled
The Brussels Furniture Fair, scheduled for 8-10 November, has been cancelled.
‘The course of the epidemic is unpredictable, and the health risk has become too great,’ says Lieven Van den Heede, general manager.
‘It is apparent that despite a great deal of enthusiasm for allowing the fair to go ahead, there is above all a huge sense of uncertainty. The next edition is therefore planned for 7-10 November 2021. We will use this pause to ensure that Brussels Furniture Fair
People
Spring manufacturer Spinks has promoted Darren Marcangelo from commercial director to md and he joins the Harrison Spinks main board.
Adjustable bed base manufacturer Ergomotion has named Neil Robinson, former Sealy UK sales and marketing director as UK and Ireland 2021 is a truly festive edition.’
After 51 years in furniture retailing, John Findlay, Barker and Stonehouse salesman is to retire this summer.
Findlay, who has most recently been based at the Newcastle store, began his career in furniture retailing in August 1969, joining Barker and Stonehouse in 1997, and was part of the team that opened the Newcastle branch.
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