Interiors Monthly August 2014 by Interiors Monthly

August 2014

Interiors monthly

first for furniture, flooring and accessories

Awards 2014 The winners revealed

The Flooring Show Preview

FURNITURE

FLOORING

BEDS

CARPET

RUGS

ACCESSORIES

CLASSIC BEAUTY CONTEMPORARY DESIGN Upholstery Dining Bedroom

LEADING THE WAY FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH INDEPENDENT RETAILERS AWARDS

tcsimports.com

AWARDS 2011 WINNER 2014 WINNER

Voted Best Customer Service 2014

TCS - Solely Committed to Serving Independent Retailers

UK: 00353 42 9 351 351 Ireland: 042 9 351 351

SERVICE QUALITY VALUE

EDITOR’S COMMENT

Andrew Kidd EDITOR

Encouraging signs While there are indications that consumers have been returning to stores, the summer sunshine may yet play a role in the overall performance There have been some encouraging sales figures from major retailers recently which suggest that consumers are once again spending on their homes. Admittedly, some of the figures are against weak comparisons because last summer’s weather saw people heading to the beach or lake rather than the retail park, but it’s still encouraging – even if consumers do need a promotion of some sort to convince them. While GfK's UK Consumer Confidence Index dropped back into negative territory in July, after being positive for the first time in almost a decade in June, it too offered encouragement. The survey of more than 2,000 people found that those thinking it

Interiors

August 2014

Editor: Andrew Kidd

monthly

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

Furniture advertising (South): Tim Boden T: 01732 441 130 E: tboden@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

first for furniture, flooring and accessories

Awards 2014 The winners revealed

The Flooring Show Preview

was a good time to make a big ticket purchase such as furniture or white goods was 18 points higher than a year ago. As consumers and voters we hear mixed messages on how far economic recovery has spread and a worry is that 2013 will repeat itself, albeit a little later in the summer, if the recent fine weather that most of us have enjoyed recently continues into August. Will it deter people from following through on those purchase plans? After all, a trip to the seaside or park is a lot cheaper. Anyone for some rain? Congratulations to the winners of the Interiors Monthly Awards 2014. Their details are revealed from page 25 onwards. These retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, buying groups and others are your winners (with a few new awards this year chosen by me). My thanks again to everyone who voted. Well done to all of those involved in supporting the 58th Kidderminster Carpet Manufacturers National Golf Tournament, sponsored by Mr Tomkinson for the first time. The event raised £8,000 for charity, which was split evenly between The Furniture Makers’ Company and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Furniture advertising (North): Jarrod Bird Sealy: the world’s number one bed brand. Visit: www.sealy.co.uk

T: 01565 631 397 E: jbird@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Carpet, flooring, lighting and accessories advertising: Joanne Paull T: 01732 441 130 E: jpaull@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Published by Interiors Media Limited Minerva House, Kinnings Row, Bordyke, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1NP T: 01732 441 130 F: 01732 362 919 E: enquiries@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Registered in England no. 6397722 Print: Knockout Print Design by TSS DIGITAL © Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236 FURNITURE

FLOORING

BEDS

CARPET

RUGS

ACCESSORIES

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

CONTENTS

The sexiest underlay you will never see

INTERIORS MONTHLY AUGUST 2014

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS 6

Corndell bought but WBH seeks buyer

United Carpets sees sales soften after growth

Cavendish production move

FEATURES 22

Retail Why online isn’t the route to a fast buck

Interiors Monthly Awards 2014 The winners are revealed

Sonic Gold Excel wood and laminate floor underlay

EXCEPTIONAL SOUND REDUCTION EXCELLENT IMPACT RESISTANCE EVENS OUT UNEVEN FLOORS Part of the Novostrat range of polyethylene underlays to suit every application and pocket. From store to floor - there’s no better solution

Sonic range Comfort range HIGH PERFORMANCE UNDERLAYS

Rugs The global influences on Limited Edition

104 Beds and bedroom A different look for iron and a new brand

112 Protection Why service matters

120 Preview The Flooring Show

129 Review Manchester Furniture Show

REGULARS 15

Warranties

New products

NEXT ISSUE

TEL: 00353 61-339287 www.novostrat.com info@novostrat.com

Bed Show preview The Flooring Show guide Living and dining focus www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

NEWS

Corndell saved but search goes on for WBH buyer The search for a buyer for failed cabinet company Woodberry Brothers & Haines is continuing while rival Corndell Furniture has been bought out of administration. Corndell has been bought by Corndell Quality Furniture, a company backed by two of Corndell’s largest suppliers and formed six days before Corndell entered administration. The Witney, Oxfordshire, company had run out of cash and credit. Administrators FRP Advisory made 31 of Corndell’s 115 staff redundant but was able to retain the rest of the employees as it traded the firm during the sale Caxton’s London bedroom process. It was approached by 30 interested parties and sent information to a dozen of them. ‘We proceeded with an offer from Corndell Quality which is backed by two of the largest suppliers to Corndell. While the suppliers in question suffered their own losses due to the failure of Corndell Furniture, they recognise the underlying value in the business and were keen to invest to take the ongoing business forward. We are aware that key customers and suppliers are supportive of the acquisition which sees the long-term future of Corndell secured,’ says Geoff Rowley, FRP Advisory partner. Steve Jackson, Corndell Quality director, says: ‘The past weeks have been challenging but thanks to our loyal staff and supportive retail partners we continue to trade as normal, fulfilling our strong order book. Under new ownership we now have the financial strength and stability to build a stronger and more profitable business.’ Corndell Quality’s board is made up of Jackson and Cyril Fogel, both former directors of Corndell Furniture, and David Hudson.

Brand new director G Plan Upholstery has recruited Stephanie Hildon as its first brand director. Hildon has spent her career mainly in the fast moving consumer goods industry,

working on brands including Johnson & Johnson, Cadbury, Colgate, Allianz and Bupa. Ian Oliver, G Plan and Parker Knoll chief executive, says: ‘Stephanie has a wealth of experience that G Plan will benefit from immensely.’

Interiors Monthly August 2014

Administrators for Woodberry Brothers & Haines say they have received ‘numerous’ expressions of interest but had yet to secure a buyer for the cabinet company. The owner of the Caxton, Bath Cabinets and Woodberry Bathrooms brands appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers as administrator on 2 July after failing to find a buyer or secure investment. WBH made a pre-tax loss of £986,385 from sales of £12.18m in the year to 31 December 2012, according to its most recent accounts. This compares with a loss of £1.66m from sales of £13m the previous year. It finished 2012 with just £267 in the bank and bank loans and overdrafts of more than £2.18m. All but 12 of its 175 employees were made redundant. ‘Since appointment the administrators have worked hard with the support of certain key customers and suppliers to fulfil some outstanding orders from finished goods stock using the few remaining employees. This has been done to enable discussions to take place with parties who have expressed an interest in acquiring the business and assets, which have been numerous. So far, despite interest shown, no investment into, or sale of the business, has been concluded,’ says a PricewaterhouseCoopers spokesman. Meanwhile, the administrator of Paul Simon has hired Metis Partners to sell the failed chain’s brand and other intellectual property after being unable to find a buyer. Metis has previously been involved with the IP assets of Allders, Ortak, Land of Leather, Johnson & Johnson and MFI. IP assets in the Paul Simon sale include a broad range of domain names, goodwill in the brand and reputation and the ecommerce website content.

Upswing for Carpetright Carpetright saw ‘small but steady improvements’ in UK sales growth in May and June, ‘with this trend accelerating significantly during July, assisted by weak comparatives in 2013,’ says the company. Like for like sales were up

6.1% and total sales rose by 5.2% in the 13 weeks to 26 July. ‘Implementing marketbeating promotions’ meant gross profit margins fell by 2.6%. This will see full year margins drop by between 0.5% and 1%.

NEWS

United optimistic despite seeing spring sales soften Sales have softened in the past quarter for United Carpets following a major increase in profits. The chain saw like for like flooring sales fall by 2.2% in the 16 weeks to 17 July and bed sales by 3.6%, with an overall drop of 2.3%. This compares with a rise of 2.2% in the year to 31 March. During that year pre-tax profits were £940,000, compared to £250,000 in the six months to 31 March 2013 because of United’s change of year end. Sales were £55.7m. United continued to close weak branches during the period, with numbers reducing from 64 to 59. Two more have closed since March and a further five which are underperforming or where agreement cannot be reached with the landlord, are likely to close within nine months. Peter Cowgill, chairman, says the chain ‘is no longer held

back by a significant tail of weaker stores which historically have impacted heavily on profit margins and demanded a disproportionate amount of management time.’ Lease renegotiations saw rent reductions, improved break clauses or the elimination of significant, potential, historic dilapidation commitments, or from a combination of all of these on 52 of the stores. The chain is also looking to trial a smaller store format. ‘Our base is stronger. We have removed the majority of the weaker stores from our portfolio, we have no debt and an improving balance sheet. Trading has been a little patchy but we believe the overall picture is generally moving forward, underpinned by higher levels of employment and a more active housing market,’ Cowgill adds.

Five for January Furniture Show

ColourMatch bentwood chair

Mix and match range for Argos Argos has a new interiors brand – Heart of Home – launched with its latest seasonal catalogue. It offers more than 1,200 products so shoppers can coordinate across the home. The exclusive ColourMatch range offers more than 700 products available for all rooms in the house in a choice of 16 shades across pastels, neutrals and brights, plus spots and stripes. Habitat remains a major brand for the chain in its 50th anniversary year, with 1,300 products. Some 10,000 prices have been reduced or held in the latest catalogue.

Interiors Monthly August 2014

The January Furniture Show will have a fifth hall, the organiser has confirmed, after the event sold out halls 1, 2, 3 and 3A at the NEC. As Interiors Monthly reported in March, organiser Furniture Fairs will expand the 13-15 January show into the Pavilion hall to accommodate manufacturers and suppliers on the show’s waiting list. Halls 4 and 5 of the NEC are unavailable. The show is to be officially opened by Stephen McPartland MP, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group. The 2016 event will revert to a weekend opening, with the possibility of The Lighting Show returning. Sister event, the Manchester Furniture Show, is to opt for a three-day schedule next year, running from Sunday to Tuesday. The intention is to concentrate visitor footfall across the three days rather than the current four, which has

low visitor numbers on the final day. Meanwhile, buying group AIS has confirmed that its January furniture event will overlap the January Furniture Show next year. There had been rumours circulating that the NEC event’s decision to move to a mid-week schedule to avoid clashing with IMM Cologne meant that AIS’s Cranmore Park exhibition venue was already booked. But, David Standing, AIS commercial director told Interiors Monthly that The Furniture Show would run alongside the NEC event, as it has done in previous years. ‘It is sensible for us to overlap as many visitors will want to do the shows at the same time and ours has some exclusive exhibitors,’ he says. Monday 12 January will be for AIS members only and 13-14 January for members and non-members.

Trade website for Green Tree Flooring distributor Green Tree Distribution has launched a trade commerce website, as part of its expansion plans. www.greentreedistribution.co.uk will allow customers to access exclusive products and prices.

‘The launch of the new trade website is another development in reaching out to our customers, providing them with 24/7 access to our products and services, as well as company news and developments ’ says Kevin Lapthorn, Green Tree md.

Look for the Buttery

Top marks with DISTINCTION This luxuriously textured yet affordable carpet, offers unparalleled comfort and softness underfoot. Distinction means you can pass the consumer test with flying colours as this brand new range offers the first chance to sample an exciting new palette of colours that will be the centre of future ranges. Building on the success of the established Santorini collection, Distinction offers a heavier weight tradeup opportunity with a smart 50oz, 2 ply Stainaway polypropylene carpet in four and five metre widths. This cut pile carpet will enhance any home and even

inspire the consumers décor planning around the floor. Combining top performance backed by a 20 year stainaway warranty and a 20 year wear guarantee. Seven of the fourteen colour options are brand new to Associated Weavers and make Distinction distinctively different in choice and consumer appeal. Be one of the first to make your mark with Distinction ask your Associated Weavers sales manager for samples today.

New colours. New Sales.

Associated Weavers Sales: 01422 431100 Email: salesuk@awe.be

Fashion trends are ever evolving and each year we see new fashion colours that often do not transfer to the floor. Associated Weavers like to give its best selling core ranges a ‘fashion update’ every two years. Not only do we introduce the new exciting colour trends of the day but also dispense with the colours of yesterday. It also gives us the opportunity to refresh tired hard worked sampling to give that new and exciting come and buy me look and feel. Look out for the new Associated Weavers fashion updates so far this year. Tuftex Twist, Everest Twist , Santorini and Temptation have all had the fashion make over and are now available to buy. As well as the colour trends of 2015 these ranges are all part of our Stainaway warranty programme giving more reasons to be the choice of todays fashion conscious buyer.

Next Day Sampling Service Available on all ranges for Associated Weavers direct accounts With total room make-overs becoming more and more popular our next day sampling service is being used by even more Associated Weavers retailers. • Next day delivery by 1 st class post on all orders received by 2.00pm. • Up to four 10cm x 10cm samples are labelled with your range name and colour. • Details of your store are sent with the samples for the customer to return and make a purchase. • Helping your customer select their carpet and match fabrics, paint and wall coverings. Please use the following contact details: Email: samplesbypost@associatedweavers.co.uk Fax: 01422 431107

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NEWS

Cavendish Upholstery is moving production of its independent sector models to sister company Collins and Hayes. The switch is part of a plan for Cavendish to concentrate on its multiple and online markets. Production of some of the company’s bestselling models, such as Pandora and Carlo, has already switched from Chorley, Lancashire to St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, with the aim of all of the independents’ models coming from the Collins and Hayes factory by September. The products will retain the Cavendish name and will cater to exactly the same area of the market as currently. Collins and Hayes’ offer will remain unchanged. Martin Huggins, Collins and Hayes md, says the move signifies a renewed focus on design, delivery and service. ‘Collins and Hayes has a reputation for the highest quality and service which we are delighted to bring to the

Cavendish’s Amethyst

Interiors Monthly August 2014

Cavendish brand. Over the coming months Cavendish customers will see exciting new designs developed and we hope they will be impressed by our commitment to outstanding delivery and service,’ he says. Mark McCann, Cavendish md, says: ‘We are delighted that Collins and Hayes has taken on our long-standing independent customers and will continue to provide the level of quality and service required in this important sector.’ He says the move has freed up resources in design and development, production capacity and relationship management within Cavendish to ensure the digital and multiple customers it supplies are provided with the highest levels of service and quality they have come to expect. ‘This strategic move will give Cavendish the platform to help secure its long term future and strengthen the growth of UK upholstery manufacture,’ he adds.

PHOTOGRAPHS: JAMES CHAMPION

Cavendish in production move Kit Shadbalt with his Ease design

Douglas Pulman with his Brace design

Young talent Two young furniture designers have won awards at this year’s New Designers show. Kit Shadbalt from Bucks New University’s contemporary furniture design course, won the John Lewis award for Design Excellence and Innovation for his Ease Trestle, a table designed to be changed and adapted to save space. It was praised by the judges as ‘a beautiful and innovative interpretation of a traditional trestle design, well-resolved and ready to manufacture. Kit is a clearly very talented designer.’ He won £1,000 and a meeting with John Lewis. Douglas Pulman, from Plymouth University’s 3D design course, won the 100% Design award for his Brace furniture range. ‘The focus for this range is in the use of design engineering to create the bracket mechanism. We also felt that the use of contrasting materials led this product to be visually appealing and commercially compelling,’ said the judges. ‘I use a design process that starts with the development of the bracket or brace before naturally developing the furniture piece from there. I use the properties of the materials to their full and am pleased that people can appreciate my approach and relate to the work despite its simplistic style, says Pulman. He won stand space at 100% Design’s Emerging Brands section.

Charles Occasional Items in Oak Effect Veneer with Walnut Trim

Tempo Two Seater Dark Brown Fabric

Corona

Charles Occasional

Prado 4’6” Bed in Dark Brown Fabric Shown with Regent Bedroom Items

Panama

Lollipop

www.seconique.co.uk For further information or to request a catalogue contact us on 0121 506 4888, sales@seconique.co.uk or vist our extensive showroom in Wednesbury. We are open Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm (4:30pm Cash & Carry) COMPREHENSIVE PRODUCT RANGE - FIRST CLASS SERVICE - OUTSTANDING VALUE

We now provide a SAMPLE CUTTING SERVICE Contact: 01827 831434 to order

www.manxcarpets.co.uk Natural shades & pinstripe is a refined tailored low level loop with an elegant understated appearance with colourations inspired by the earth itself. Natural Shades has the ability to enhance the decor of any room creating a modern or classic setting. There is also the potential to mix & match with Natural Plain Twist to create special areas of interest.

Watch our amazing film showing EasyLiving and a food stain simply wiping away.

CARNABY

Let your imagination run wild with Multi Width Stripe 1m, 4m & 5m an ideal choice that is cost effective and a more economic option for those narrow areas. With 10 stunning colours from Light Creams to Seductive Reds, the Carnaby range is sure to suit any dĂŠcor.

Come and have a look on our stand (Hall C stand C10) at the National Flooring Show this September. G ra h a m Harris - G eneral Mana g e r To m M a ck ie N o r t he rn - S a l e s M a na g e r TERRI TORY MAN AGERS & S AL ES AGEN TS TERRITORY MANAGER

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CONTACT NUMBER

Simon Hastings

SL, WD, EN, CM, N, HA, NW, UB, E, IG, RM, SS, CO, HP, LU, MK, SG, CB, IP, NR.

07799 772992

simon.hastings@manxcarpets.co.uk

Rob Shergold

SW, SE, EC, TW, DA, BR, KT, SM, CR, TN, GU, RH, BN, CT, ME, PO, SO.

07974 310952

rob.shergold@manxcarpets.co.uk

Paul Brown

WR, DY, WV, B, WS, CV, NN, LE, PE.

07973 783532

paul.brown@manxcarpets.co.uk

John Binnie

TD, DG, KA, ML, EH, PA, G, FK, KY, PH, DD, AB, IV, KW, ZE, HS.

07976 844792

john.binnie@manxcarpets.co.uk

Martin Yates

SY, TF, LL, ST, CW, SK, CH, WA, L, M, WN, BL, OL, PR, BB, IM, FY.

07778 260763

martin.yates@manxcarpets.co.uk

Gordon Ballantyne

RG, SN, OX, GL, BS, BA, BH, DT, HR, NP, CF, LD, SA.

07976 641368

gordon.ballantyne@manxcarpets.co.uk

TBA

LS, HX, HD, WF, DN, HU, S, DE, NG, LN.

07793 944160

John Pringle

BD, HG, YO, LA, CA, DH, TS, SR, NE, DL.

07779 140781

Tony Owen (agent)

TR, PL, TQ, GY, JE, EX, TA.

07971 362087

Norman Gray (agent)

BT.

07860 495649 home and fax 02890 794667

john.pringle@manxcarpets.co.uk

WARRANTIES

Your questions answered Helen Kershaw, Guardsman head of marketing, answers your questions on product protection

One of my best customers is distraught at the damage that has been done to her home while she was away. The family was on a six week holiday and had arranged for what they thought were trustworthy people to house sit for them. However, when they arrived back home they found that the house had been trashed. It’s obvious that the house-sitters had a very large party and there are wine stains, beer stains, cigarette burns, paint, food stains, excrement stains, broken glass, and scratches on the carpets, upholstery, beds, curtains and furniture. According to the neighbours, who complained about the noise, the party was held soon after the family went away and they think the house-sitters left after that. Based on this, and the dates of the post, we think the stains have been untreated for about five weeks. My customer is covered by household insurance but some of the items have sentimental value. Is there anything that can be done after this length of time?

Oh dear, this really does sound like your worst nightmare. The key issue in these situations is not the length of time that has elapsed, but whether any attempt has already been made by the householders to try to deal with the damage themselves. This is particularly the case with staining as general cleaning solutions might mix with the stains or spread them around further and people often rub the fabric rather than blotting which can damage the fibres. Left in the hands of experts such as the Guardsman Furniture Technicians and Safeclean Cleaning Specialists this should be a redeemable situation. This is achieved either by individual stain removal, expert overall cleaning, smart cosmetic repairs, replacement parts or workshop repairs. These are all areas within our expertise and knowing how distressing this situation must be, Guardsman would be happy to provide some of our technicians to take a look at your customer’s treasured items and see what we can do to help.

OPTIMISE YOUR NEXT BIG SALES EVENT… “Fabulous sales of 27% of total turnover during the three week event. Your people were very efficient and did a great job. If you embrace the Greenwood way, you get the results!” James Pike, MD. Cookes Furnishings, Birmingham and Christchurch 2014 “We took 4 months business in 3 weeks! The margins came out well, we cleared all the rubbish and the cash was useful too. Your rep worked very hard and must be exhausted.” Tony Bourgaise, MD. Scope Furnishings Jersey and Guernsey 2014 “We were sceptical… but wrong! The queue was huge. We even had a traffic jam. The event manager was tremendously motivational, he worked tirelessly and kept us going.” Martin Fairbairn, MD. Fairbairn’s Berwick upon Tweed, 2014 Don’t wait for business to walk in the door. Do something to bring in crowds of eager customers. Trust Greenwood to help you realise the optimum potential of your next big sales event. Greenwood Sales continue to generate recordbreaking results for all kinds of quality retailers, all over the UK and Ireland. Take a look at our website or call us now on 01565 650101, or, send an e-mail enquiry and we’ll gladly call you back to discuss the exciting possibilities and options we can offer you. Don’t hire a sales company until you’ve spoken to Greenwood. Greenwood has far more experience in UK and Irish retail sales events than any other sales company of its kind. We are now booking events right across the UK & Ireland for the rest of 2014 and early 2015 on a first come – first served basis. Book early to guarantee exclusive territory for your business.

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NEW PRODUCTS

1 Avenue’s fast and simple sample facility is a great way for retailers to show they can offer fantastic levels of service. With up to three samples sent free of charge to a customer’s home, a rapport can be built, safe in the knowledge that you will be the first point of call when their decision is made. Visit: www.avenue floors.co.uk

2 Available in four styles, Balta Broadloom’s Big Hit is presented in a powerful folder that punches well above its weight. In a striking yellow with bold graphics, the Big Hit folder can be hung next to the rolls for maximum impact. Tel: 00 32 5662 2211

3 T&R Floor Covering Distributors’ Fusion Flooring range has 11 wood plank designs, spanning from Royal White Oak to deep-toned Willow Brown Oak and four stone tile designs. All feature a bevel effect on all four sides, which adds depth and detail to the finished look. To add further definition, Fusion Grouting, Marquetry or Feature Strips can be laid. Tel: 0115 925 7711

4 Leoline has introduced a free sample service on its website, allowing retailers to offer service to customers while maintaining displays and sample books. The company is building sample stocks and up to three samples can be ordered each time. Visit: www.leoline.co.uk 5 Already a major supplier to the domestic market, UK Flooring Direct has launched a range of offers and services exclusively for trade customers to meet growing demand from the industry. Services include a faster delivery service: now down to less than 24 hours, and access to an unlimited free sample service. Tel: 0844 327 0000

Interiors Monthly August 2014

Kingsmead Carpets Relay Park, Relay Drive Tamworth, B77 5PR. UK

Incorporating

Tel: +44 1827 831424 Fax: +44 1827 831425 info@kingsmead-sales.co.uk www.kingsmeadcarpets.co.uk

Come and visit our stand C13/27 to see the latest Wool and Clean Easy Offers as well as the 'Cave' offering discounts off regular and discontinued roll ends

NEW PRODUCTS

9 6 Kersaint Cobb’s Silk Touch is made from bamboo fibres and is divinely soft to the touch. Bamboo fibre is prized for its hypoallergenic qualities and humidity regulating properties. With its silky look and luxurious underfoot comfort, it adds a touch of elegance to any bedroom. Tel: 01675 430 430

10 18

Interiors Monthly August 2014

7 Started in 2001 by Rosario Parrinello, Made a Mano is based in Caltagirone, Italy specialising in working and processing clay and lava stones. Lava stone doesn’t change shape or deform with a change in temperature. It doesn’t retain impurities nor is it damaged by the use of acids or abrasive substances. It doesn’t stain and has a high thermal performance. Visit: www.madeamano.it

8 Sandringham Carpets has added the long pile Palm Beach to its Inspiration collection. It is available in 2m, 3m, 4m, and 5m widths and 12 shades, including Rob Roy (pictured). Tel: 020 8800 8880 9 Team 7 has updated its classic Mobile range of childrens’ bedroom furniture with more finishes. Mobile’s chemical free natural wood products have been a source of trust, safety and fun in children’s bedrooms for more than 30 years. Visit: www.team7.at 10 Arketipo’s Miss Malice chair is characterised by thin metal legs and has a vintage look, especially when covered in leather. The roundness of the padded seat and back gives a soft and cosy line to the chair. Visit: Arketipo.com

100 Years of International Trade Fair for Producers of Upholstery, Window & Wall Coverings Moving to the gorgeous Hall 5, the Patio and Hall 8

moodbrussels.com facebook.com/moodbrussels twitter.com/moodbrussels

The Finest Fabric Show is in Brussels, September 9 -10 -11, 2014

Results and Profits!

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The total sales for the event was ÂŁ200k over what was budgeted for, and this was achieved thanks to the hard work of your sales co-ordinator, Mr. Ray Lewis, who again was outstanding and tireless in his efforts to achieve a successful event.â&#x20AC;? Robert Chrystie Chrysties Furnishing Centre, 30th May 2014

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is the third event that you have managed for us, and indeed, we have used the competition in the same industry. We will certainly be knocking on yours and Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doors when we are ready for the next event.â&#x20AC;? Andy Burgess Furniture & Bedding Superstore, 30th May 2014 MoOD is organised by Textirama vzw, Poortakkerstraat 90, BE-9051 Gent, Belgium Phone +32 9 24 38 450 - fax +32 9 24 38 455 email: info@moodbrussels.com

! /

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would like to thank you and your team for the superb job that you did in managing our closing down sale. The sale achieved results substantially above my expectations and it was â&#x20AC;&#x153;mission accomplishedâ&#x20AC;?. This success was largely due to the endeavors of your sale co-ordinator, Kevin Boast.â&#x20AC;? Alex Wyllie Wyllie & Mar,, 29th May y y 2014

Contact us for details and receive a special, 100th anniversary commemorative gift. Plus, if you hold a Lynch Sale during 2014 youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll become eligible for our Grand Prize of a trip for two to Ireland!

! " # $ $ % $ !! $ ! $ # & $ ! ' " ( ) * * ++ ,- , . ! $ !

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NEW PRODUCTS

11 Axil’s Mythos bed combines round lines of the headboard and the simplicity of the base. The padded headboard and frame give a soft and visual use. Leg finishes include ash, wenge, grey, white or beige open-pore stained. Visit: www.axil.it 12 Emporium’s polypropylene Drum floorlamp is pearly white with a choice of red or blue decoration. Visit: www.emporium.it 13 Softhouse’s wide Tobia sofa has enveloping and seductive lines covered with dove-grey velvet, with the shaped back increasing the feeling of welcome and comfort. Visit: www.softhouse.pisa.it

14 Seams is a collection of five large ceramic containers designed by Benjamin Hubert for Bitossi Ceramiche. Slip casting allows it to create massproduced products with one-off details without a secondary decorating process. Visit: www.bitossiceramiche.it 15 Influenced by the 1950s, Munna’s Sophia sofa has a wingback design and cone-shaped feet available in brass, nickel or copper. In fabric or leather, the collection includes a coordinating armchair. Visit: www.munnadesign.com

Interiors Monthly August 2014

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!

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RETAIL

Above: UK Furniture Direct sends out thousands of samples a month Left: Country Oak

No fast buck Online retailing requires significant investment 22

Interiors Monthly August 2014

‘There is a common misconception that online selling is an easy way to make a fast buck, but the reality is quite different. Retailing online is full of complexities, regulations and difficulties that mean entering it must be seriously considered, weighed up and analysed,’ says Josh Ashby, UK Flooring Direct commercial director. The first thing to consider is the website itself. The complex nature of flooring, where there are many different selling options for one SKU, means that popular template-driven platforms aren’t really useful and so a bespoke ecommerce environment needs to be created. This requires significant investment, developing a platform and

systems to deliver the experience the customer requires is hugely expensive. Ashby says one of the biggest obstacles to overcome is the tactility of flooring as purchase. Consumers like to be able to see, touch and explore the actual product. Photographs are not adequate as a decision maker for most purchasers. Therefore, sampling is a necessity. The per unit cost of this is surprisingly high, particularly given that free sampling is part of the service consumers expect and that squares of wood or vinyl are not that cheap to post. ‘At UK Flooring Direct we offer each customer three free samples, multiply that by several thousand requests a month and it becomes a sizeable operational overhead, but a completely necessary one to the success of the website,’ he explains. The Internet is a highly competitive marketplace and it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a prominent position on search results. Google is now too powerful for the simple tag workarounds of old and significant investment is required to keep websites towards the top of the rankings, says Ashby. Search Engine Optimisation now involves multi-media, social media, blogging, working with other websites and more. It requires full-time staffing and a dedicated strategy with firm goals in mind. Plus, there are the costs of online advertising and digital marketing. There is no natural pull from a high street

RETAIL

Above: Holding stock is vital for the retailer Right: Galleria Heritage

‘We have to be very aware of how we present to and treat our customers throughout the entire purchase process’ or out of town retail development location: each customer has to be earned and hard fought. ‘Delivery too is fraught with complexities and with our straight from stock business model, which facilitates fast UK-wide delivery, we hold huge amounts of flooring at our Coventry warehouse and headquarters. It is absolutely necessary for us to hold our flooring in stock, where a high street retailer can still give a good customer experience with very little, if any, stock at all,’ he says. He stresses that delivery partners must be reliable. Unlike smaller packages, which can be left with a neighbour or redelivered, flooring requires someone to

be in. A purchaser may well take a day off work, so a failed delivery must be avoided. ‘Working closely with delivery partners and looking at areas that can be improved is a continual part of our business strategy,’ says Ashby. He reckons that regulations for online retailing are far tougher than for its physical counterpart. The Distance Selling Regulations enforce a minimum seven-day coolingoff period for any purchaser. The goods do not have to be faulty to be returned, consumers can just change their mind and the company is obliged to take the flooring back and refund them the cost of their purchase.

‘How often does this happen in a high street or out of town store?’ he asks. ‘We are also closely monitored in terms of how we present and advertise pricing, sales and more. In short, we have to be very aware of how we present to and treat our customers throughout the entire purchase process. ‘While we have become one of the UK’s fastest growing companies, it has not been just because we entered online retailing and have ridden the wave. It is because, like any successful business, we have invested heavily in our operations and are committed to reinvestment and development to keep us at the forefront of Internet flooring retailing,’ adds Ashby. Visit: www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Axminster Carpets™ feel for any interior décor.

Sealy Hybrid Pocket Ultima 2800

AWARDS

After months of voting, the winners of the Interiors Monthly Awards 2014 have been decided. The companies listed below are among the finest retailers, manufacturers and suppliers in the interiors industry. Over the following pages you can read more about the category winners chosen by you, and some new Editor’s Choice awards. Covering all aspects of the industry, they are united by their desire for excellence. Congratulations to all the 2014 winners. Best Furniture Retailer (1-2 stores): Ponsford Best Flooring Retailer (1-2 stores): Milners Best Furniture Retailer (3 plus stores): Glasswells Best Flooring Retailer (3 plus stores): Martin Phillips Best Online Retailer: Loaf Best UK Furniture Manufacturer: Westbridge Furniture Best UK Flooring Manufacturer: Furlong Flooring Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer: Wiemann Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer: Balta Broadloom Best Customer Service (Furniture): TCS Imports Best Customer Service (Flooring): Ulster Carpets Best Carpet Manufacturer: Cormar Carpets Best Leather Upholstery Manufacturer: Natuzzi Best Laminate Manufacturer: Quick-Step Best Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer: Ashley Manor Best Rug Supplier: Think Rugs Best Recliner Manufacturer: Ekornes Best Underlay Manufacturer: Ball & Young Best Bed Manufacturer: Sealy UK Best Solid/Engineered Wood Manufacturer: Kährs (UK) Best Luxury Vinyl Supplier: Karndean Designflooring Best Children’s Furniture: Gautier UK Best Vinyl Manufacturer: IVC Best Accessory Supplier: Gallery Direct Best Accessory Supplier (Flooring): Interfloor Best Fabric/Soft Furnishings Manufacturer: Prestigious Textiles Best Bedroom Manufacturer: Rauch Best Home Entertainment: Jual Furnishings

Interiors Monthly August 2014

Best Living Room Manufacturer: G Plan Cabinets Best Dining Room Manufacturer: Willis & Gambier Best Furniture Buying Group: AIS Best Flooring Buying Group: SMG Best Furniture Wholesaler: Julian Bowen Best Flooring Wholesaler: Floorwise Group Best Marketing Support (Furniture): Silentnight Best Marketing Support (Flooring): Wools of New Zealand (UK) Best Furniture Exhibition: IMM Cologne Best Flooring Exhibition: The Flooring Show Best Furniture Website: Silentnight Best Flooring Website: Balterio Best Software Supplier: RetailSystem.com Best Finance Provider: Creation Best Supply Chain/Logistics Company: CEVA Logistics Best Business Support (Furniture): Vale-Bridgecraft Best Business Support (Flooring): Flooring One Best New Supplier: Arkana Innovation of the Year: Wool Owners Warranty EDITOR’S CHOICE Innovation In Furniture: Re-Vive Recliner, Natuzzi Innovation In Flooring: iSense, Associated Weavers Flooring Brand 2014: Brintons Furniture Brand 2014: Ercol Furniture Sustainability (Flooring): Moduleo Sustainability (Furniture): Hypnos Outstanding Performance: Adam Carpets Best Furniture Export Support: Polish Foreign Trade

AWARDS

Glasswells Best Furniture Retailer (3 plus stores)

Since Jerry Glasswell and his son Leslie opened the first Glasswells store in Bury St Edmunds in 1946, the Glasswells’ philosophy has been to provide quality furniture through an amazing service, a service that stands out from the crowd and one that is true and trusted. Its flagship 100,000sqft Bury St Edmunds store is the largest home furnishings store in East Anglia and it has a large store in Ipswich and smaller stores in Haverhill and Saffron Walden. Glasswells’ brands read like a Who’s Who of the furniture, flooring and homewares sectors and the company remains at the heart of the communities it serves by supporting local charities such as East Anglian Air Ambulance and St Nicholas Hospice. The company has installed almost 1,000 solar panels on the roof of the Bury

St Edmunds store in one of the largest rooftop solar PV installations in East Anglia. ‘The panels should significantly reduce the amount of electricity we consume from the national grid. We have another large store in Ipswich and a 76,000sqft warehouse on the east side of town, which could both be considered for the same sort of thing in the future,’ says Paul Glasswell, Glasswells md. ‘This is a large investment for the company, however, the long term benefits to the environment and the reduction in our carbon footprint over the next 30 years are certainly worth the initial outlay. This venture identifies Glasswells as a forward thinking, progressive and environmentally responsible organisation within East Anglia,’ he adds. Visit: www.glasswells.co.uk

Since Harry Ponsford opened a shop in the front room of his house in the Sheffield suburb of Heeley in 1893, the company has been family-owned. ‘Business is going from strength to strength – the days of furniture stores are not numbered in the face of online competition,’ says Adrian Ponsford, Ponsford md and Harry’s grandson. ‘We own our premises and are financially sound.’ Ponsford covers 60,000sqft and has tens of thousands of products on display. Adrian is particularly proud of the care taken with deliveries. All

products are unpacked and inspected – regardless of how good the packaging is – and then repacked in Ponsford’s own packaging. ‘I don’t want any complaints. I want customers to come away with a good feeling,’ he says. Visit: www.ponsford.co.uk

Glasswells through the ages

Ponsford Best Furniture Retailer (1-2 stores)

Ponsford covers 60,000sqft in two buildings

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

AWARDS

Martin Phillips Best Flooring Retailer (3 plus stores) Value is the central message in Martin Phillips’ marketing

Milners Best Flooring Retailer (1-2 stores)

Milners’ Ashtead store

Loaf Best Online Retailer

Souffle sofa

Interiors Monthly August 2014

In 1981 the late Martin Phillips opened his first carpet store in Newtownards, County Down. There are now seven Martin Phillips stores making it the largest independent flooring retailer in Northern Ireland. In 2007 it opened a dedicated wood flooring and rug store in Newtownards to complement the carpets and vinyls already sold there and also increased the wood flooring products in the other six stores, which now also stock rugs.

Although Phillips passed away in 2006, his vision and commitment to customer service continues. ‘Thanks to our staff we were still able to implement the processes he created. We have been able to grow and develop the brand year-on-year because we have recognised what our customers want and have reacted to it,’ says Donald Mercer, Martin Phillips md. Visit: www.martinphillipscarpets.co.uk

Milners began selling from a van in 1991 before opening a small store in the affluent village of Ashtead, Surrey. The company now sells curtains from that store with flooring and waterbeds sold from the larger premises across the road. Last year the company marked the 10th anniversary of it joining the Greendale buying group, and Garry Milner, Milners md, remains as convinced of the benefits of membership as he was when he joined. ‘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. 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. ‘Greendale is our largest supplier. We do well over £100,000 a year with Greendale, it’s grown every year since we joined,’ he adds. Visit: www.milners.com

‘Following on from our enormous success in the online market, we now want to establish a physical presence to complement our etail offer. While Loaf has experienced rapid sales growth year on year since our 2008 start-up, we want our customers to be able to interact with our growing range of products, while retaining our unique approach to retailing,’ says Charlie Marshall, Loaf founder. Online furniture and homewares retailer Loaf is to target showrooms of 4,000sqft – 12,000sqft as it looks for 10 outlets in London and the South East. The retailer wants to open five branches in ‘prominent south-west

London locations’ in the next three years and five more in the South East by the end of 2017. It wants to uphold its reputation for non-conformist retailing by setting up Loaf Shacks, breaking from the traditional formal setting by launching large, informal showrooms. ‘The Loaf Shacks will operate in a manner that reflects our products: relaxed and easygoing, but without ever compromising on the high quality standards that define Loaf as a brand,’ he adds. Marshall sold a minority stake in Loaf to Monsoon founder Peter Simon in January. Visit: www.loaf.com

AWARDS

Furlong Flooring Best UK Flooring Manufacturer

Right and below: Dolce Moda Bottom: Stonehouse distribution centre

‘We’d like to extend our gratitude to the readers of Interiors Monthly for voting Furlong Flooring the Best UK Flooring Manufacturer for 2014. This award reflects the support from our customers and the determination of all the staff at Furlong, which has hugely contributed to what has been a major change in the strategy of this business and without whom we could not have achieved what we set out to,’ says Peter Sharpe, Furlong md. Furlong was already regarded as a good service provider with good value products, so the forefront of this change has been in the Regency product development and the marketing and POS package it has created to underpin the product. Bleach cleanable carpet has become the driving force of the marketing of the Regency Carefree brand; its popularity and demand increasing as polypropylene carpet becomes more acceptable, even within traditional wool retailers. ‘We believe our success rate directly relates to us ticking all the boxes and being the supplier of choice. Our products are best in class ranging from entry level to top drawer, our delivery

service is next day, maximum 48 hours, and our complaint factor is the lowest known. We are clearly meeting our key objective of combining the benefits of a low cost manufacturing base with a distributor’s level of service. The support from the customers has been phenomenal, without which the above would not have been achievable,’ says Sharpe. With double-digit volume increases, the challenge is to maintain the standard in terms of service. Furlong is 96% in stock across the ranges, meaning it needs to have more than three million sqm of finished product in its distribution centres. ‘Driven people that we are, we have set ourselves a target of 98%,’ says Sharpe. To do this, and manage its growth requirements, the company is investing heavily in yarn storage at the Regency manufacturing site. Later this year it will open a distribution site at Stonehouse, Gloucestershire. This is expected to increase stock by two million sqm, ensuring that all ranges and colours are kept at an excellent level. The site will aim to build on what it considers already outstanding customer service levels, by dramatically increasing the speed of the cutting and packing process with new, state of the art facilities. Supporting this, delivery timescales across all regions with be shortened with an expanded delivery fleet. ‘Recognising that product development is the future of our business, we have invested in creating a superb development facility at our factory. The dedicated research and development team is already evolving a very exciting product launch plan of some great looking ranges with key differential advantages,’ he says. ‘We’re currently launching Dolce Moda – a luxurious, soft-touch range that will slot perfectly into our Carefree Prestige product range – alongside our successful Elegance and Opulence carpet ranges. With stylish and modern POS displays, this fantastic range is sure to be a winner,’ adds Sharpe. Furlong, tel: 01322 628 700

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

AWARDS

Westbridge Furniture Best UK Furniture Manufacturer Below: Westbridge’s Maxwell Bottom: Flexsteel’s Arlington Bottom right: Spirit’s Hendrick

Interiors Monthly August 2014

‘We are delighted to have won this Interiors Monthly award, even more so because our recent hard work to deliver quality, value and service to our customers has been recognised,’ says Nichola Bell, Westbridge Furniture sales director. The company is a relatively new supplier to the independent market, only launching into the sector in 2010 with the introduction of its high end Spirit range. ‘This was an ambitious undertaking considering the climate at the time, but we were overjoyed with the response from customers and were pleased that they appreciated well-made coil-sprung British upholstery of a traditional style but with a modern twist. ‘Following the success of the Spirit launch we introduced our Westbridge range in 2011. This enabled our existing customers to benefit from great value,

family friendly models and enticed new customers to join the Westbridge family,’ she says. Last year the Flexsteel collection was introduced after securing exclusive rights to the unique US Flexsteel spring interior. This range offers smaller dimensions and a choice of seating options. ‘Having built up a great portfolio we can now offer our customers a one-stop shop on all price points and style options, allowing them to reduce their supplier base, something they tell us they are keen to pursue,’ says Bell. But it hasn’t forgotten the importance of behind the scenes activity, she explains. Each year it strives to improve service levels and has invested heavily in a dedicated service team solely concentrating on independent customers, headed by Shona VanceLousada, service manager. The team has improved call response times, communication to retailers and the quality of overall service. ‘We are passionate about our continuous improvements on all levels,’ she says. ‘With the introduction of our own transport department in January 2014 we are confident that we now offer the delivery service one would expect from a quality British manufacturer. We are extremely proud that all of our independent sector products are made in our three factories in North Wales, and employing over 750 people keeps us on our toes in terms of keenly sourcing materials to enable us to maintain this. ‘But in the main, our success is due to our loyal customer base, and we will continue to strive to provide the service quality and product that their loyalty deserves,’ she adds. Visit: www.westbridgefurniture.com

AWARDS

Wiemann Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer

Top: The Loft range is a winner for quality, style, flexibility and finish choice Above: Hollywood, now into its fourth generation, has been a winner in the sliding wardrobe category Below: The Avore collection combines semisolid oak with Mocca finish trim

Interiors Monthly August 2014

‘Winning the Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer award for the second year in a row is a massive boost for everyone at Wiemann,’ says Peter Hewitt, md of Litmus Furniture, sole agent in the UK and Republic of Ireland for the German bedroom furniture manufacturer. ‘I can’t thank enough all those who voted for us. We are thrilled and delighted to know that so many of our customers continue to have confidence in the products and services we offer.’ He says the company has been working hard over the past year because it recognises that it not only has to offer a choice of good products at the right price points but also service.

Demand for its national delivery and installation service is growing fast which Hewitt says is not surprising because it takes the hassles from the retailer of delivery, installation and even aftersales service away – plus it reduces the need for customers’ own warehousing costs. ‘It’s all down to the hard work and dedication of a whole team of people, from the skills and relationships of our UK sales force, through to the understanding and cooperation of the production and administration teams back in Germany,’ he says. ‘Wiemann’s export sales manager Kai Schwenke, who has just returned to his former role after six months away from the industry, has pledged to keep up the good work and continue working with myself, my son Simon, and the rest of the team here in the UK to improve the overall package we offer even further. ‘We recognise business remains challenging for retailers, even if the overall economy is showing signs of improving, and we’ll do our best to provide the level of support that makes the difference,’ he adds. Visit: www.wiemann.co.uk

Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer 2014 For the second year running! Once again, a massive thank you to all our customers for your continued support

Fall in love with your bedroom...

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01482 635283 enquiries@wiemannuk.co.uk www.wiemannuk.co.uk

AWARDS

Balta Broadloom Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer

Big Hit is Balta’s latest collection

Interiors Monthly August 2014

With readers that demand quality and excellent service, the Interiors Monthly Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer award has become a coveted trophy for European manufacturers and Balta Broadloom says it is delighted to have once again been bestowed with the honour. As Europe’s largest textile flooring manufacturer, Balta Broadloom has secured the award several times, underlining a commitment to reliability and product offer. It has been another busy year for the company with the launches in the enduring StainSafe collection, as well as the

hardwearing X-Tron and ultra-soft Sensit fibres. The brand’s latest innovation is the Big Hit collection that demonstrates how a pared back collection can achieve big impact. With four designs in five colourways, Big Hit makes a huge impression thanks to its striking red and yellow presenter and great value carpet. Preparations are already under way to ensure the manufacturer continues to provide retailers with excellent products throughout 2015, with new collections and developments set to be revealed for the first time at the roadshow planned for mid-October in Birmingham. Balta Broadloom continues to provide high quality carpet that delivers exceptional value, backed with the service and reliability that has made it the favourite of retailers across the UK. The team at Balta Broadloom would like to thank the readers of Interiors Monthly for voting it the Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer. Balta Broadloom, tel: 00 32 5662 2211

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AWARDS

Cormar Carpets Best Carpet Manufacturer

Below: Home Counties Heathers in Nougat Right: The expanded Holme Mill Bottom right: Sensation Twist in Charcoal

Interiors Monthly August 2014

Cormar Carpets has been flying the flag for British-made carpet for more than 55 years and winning the Interiors Monthly Best Carpet Manufacturer award cements its position as one of the leading independent carpet makers. ‘Receiving this award for the second year running is a great achievement and it’s down to the hard work and dedication of all the team at Cormar,’ says David Cormack, Cormar Carpets marketing director. ‘We’re delighted to celebrate another successful year supplying affordable, quality tufted carpets and to be positioned as the best carpet manufacturer, especially from those within the industry.’ One of the success stories of the British carpet industry, Cormar continues to produce all its carpet ranges from two production sites near Bury, Lancashire. It also has its own fleet of 55 distribution vehicles to ensure a top class delivery service to customers, as well as its own team of 23 sales representatives

throughout Britain and the Republic of Ireland. ‘Our reputation is built on reliability, service and quality, and it’s essential that we continue to invest in all these areas for success,’ says Cormack. ‘Over the past 12 months we’ve been busy with investments in new ranges like Apollo Plus, a sister collection to Apollo but with a finer, denser pile, an increased pile weight and an extended stain warranty from five to 10 years, as well as the relaunch of top quality wool twist, Home Counties Plains and Heathers. This coupled with the ongoing improvements to our delivery service, such as the Northampton Cross Dock operation and the warehouse extension to our Home Mill site to further improve stock availability and service to customers, has helped us retain the award.’ Cormar Carpets is one of the UK’s most successful independent carpet producers with some one million people a year buying a Cormar carpet. Visit: www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Thank you Interiors Monthly readers for voting Cormar Carpets Best British Carpet Manufacturer 2014 Cormar Carpets are proud of the fine manufacturing traditions and service to customers that have been and always will remain the cornerstones of our business. Stand A17 at the HARROGATE FLOORING SHOW.

www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

AWARDS

Natuzzi Best Leather Upholstery Manufacturer

Right: The B758 sofa Below: The flagship B895 modular sofa

Interiors Monthly August 2014

The Natuzzi Editions branding was updated from Leather Editions earlier this year, a decision that stemmed from the desire to reinforce the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DNA and make clear its affiliation with the world of Natuzzi. Natuzzi Editions was conceived and designed in Italy at the Natuzzi Style Centre. The collection consists of a wide array of sofas and armchairs, offered in a variety of upholstery, including microfibre, available in numerous colours. The flagship product is the B895, a modular sofa that features special quilting on the seat and backrest cushions. The other important development is the introduction of a series of tables and

rugs that enrich the new collection and is destined for worldwide distribution. These are items that easily adapt to both classic and modern environments and have been named after some of the most famous wines in the world: Chianti, which includes a coffee table, a corner table, a side table and a console table; and the Brachetto and Merlot coffee tables. The collection is completed by the introduction of three rugs inspired by the Trulli, antique stone constructions of prehistoric origins with a conical roof, that are a symbol of Apulia, the region in which the groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headquarters is located. Visit: www.natuzzi.co.uk

Discover our new collections.

3 HALL seater sofa in FURNITURE FAIR MILANO, 8 - STAND 100leather

3 seater sofa in leather

AWARDS

Quick-Step Best Laminate Manufacturer

Impressive Ultra can be used throughout the home

Interiors Monthly August 2014

‘We are very proud to have been awarded the Best Laminate Manufacturer for 2014 by the readers of Interiors Monthly,’ enthuses Philiep Caryn, Quick-Step international communications and sponsoring manager. ‘And with the launch of the Impressive Ultra laminate floor collection this summer, we look forward to remaining the best and most innovative laminate brand in the UK,’ he says. The launch of Impressive Ultra marks a major turning point for the laminate industry, with improved surface textures and a joint that not only follows the exact texture and structure of the floor, but also seals against moisture meaning the floor is now warranted for use in the bathroom: a major step forward for laminate flooring. ‘Laminate flooring has never looked so natural or been as water-resistant as Quick-Step Impressive,’ continues Caryn. ‘With Impressive Ultra homeowners can finally benefit from the fast and simple fitting, low maintenance and

exceptional durability of laminate flooring, with incredible realism and a surface that can be used anywhere in the home without worry.’ Impressive Ultra joins an already diverse portfolio of laminate flooring that has seen the manufacturer remain as the market leader in laminate flooring. The originator of innovations such as Uniclic and with a history of investment and development that has seen it become one of the most recognised consumer flooring brands in the UK, Quick-Step remains the benchmark in laminate flooring, adds Caryn. Visit: www.quick-step.co.uk

IMPRESSIVE ULTRA DISCOVER A LAMINATE THAT’S WATER RESISTANT AND MORE AUTHENTIC THAN EVER BEFORE. Impressive Ultra is the first laminate floor with a unique protective water-repelling layer; Hydroseal. Thanks to this layer, water can’t penetrate the joints, remaining on the surface. Hydroseal makes Quick-Step Impressive Ultra the most water-resistant floors on the market and warranted for bathroom use. What’s more, the joints of Quick-Step Impressive Ultra run exactly level with the structure of the laminate surface and perfectly replicate the design and colour too. This completely new technology sees the grain run perfectly into the joint, on both long and short sides, giving incredible levels of realism. Quick-Step Impressive Ultra is available in 16 new designs, including a stunning Scandinavian influenced Natural Pine and the charred character of Burned Planks adding new depth to interiors.

www.quick-step.co.uk

Alexis/ from Ashley Manor Deep sumptuous seats and chunky wooden legs give Alexis a contemporary yet inviting feel. The generous scale provides plenty of room for stretching out and relaxing.

We would like to say a huge Thank You to our customers and the IM readers for voting Ashley Manor the Best Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer in the 2014 Interiors Monthly Awards.

AWARDS

AWARDS 2011 WINNER 2014 WINNER

www.ashleymanor.co.uk | 01384 486800 | info@ashleymanor.co.uk

AWARDS

Think Rugs Best Rug Supplier Below: Money Tree by Fiona Howard Bottom: Flow by Adam Daily Bottom right: Atlas by Inaluxe

Interiors Monthly August 2014

‘The development and launch of our new brand and company name was an exciting time and has created a very busy and successful start to the year for us all at Think Rugs (formerly Oriental Carpets and Rugs),’ says Sam Tippett, Think Rugs buying and design manager. ‘We are incredibly happy to have been awarded Best Rug Supplier for the second year running, knowing that the new branding has been well received and is working in the desired fashion. ‘We have not only worked hard over the past 18 months on the new brand but also new systems to create a quicker and easier buying experience for customers. ‘Our new website was one of our major developments and has become the primary buying and selling tool for many of our existing customers. With intuitive search tools, multiple images of each product including lifestyle, flat and detailed shots and live stock information, retailers should find it quick and easy to create purchase orders online. ‘For retailers requiring products

to be dispatched directly to consumers we are developing a new online direct dispatch order form enabling easy ordering and tracking of drop shipped orders.’ As well as working on systems and services, the company is also working hard on products. ‘Our most exciting addition to our current ranges is the imminent launch of our new Think Rugs Designer ranges,’ says Tippett. It has been working with three artists and designers to create a collection of 12 stylish and unique pieces. Adam Daily, an artist based in New York, has been creating contemporary geometric artwork using a combination of digital and hand-made processes to produce new and unique work. British textile designer Fiona Howard, has crafted exceptional pieces by meticulously colouring handmade Japanese papers to create her distinctive colour palette. The Inaluxe design duo of Kristina Sostarko and Jason Odd share a desire to evoke something positive and powerful from their distinctly organic and timeless artwork. ‘These as well as other launches this September means that everybody at Think Rugs is extremely excited about the coming months and hope to have an incredibly busy winter ahead of us,’ adds Tippett. Visit: www.thinkrugs.co.uk

AWARDS

Ekornes Best Recliner Manufacturer

Right: UK bestsellers – Windsor Sofa with Stressless Mayfair recliner Below: City Bottom: Metro

Interiors Monthly August 2014

While many recliner companies have long relied on Far East production, for Ekornes manufacturing in Norway remains a vital element of its make-up. ‘Manufacturing in Norway is a core part of the brand. The Stressless brand is indelibly linked to being made in Norway,’ says James Tate, Ekornes UK director.

The latest products to arrive from Norway – Metro and City – are just coming into the UK market but are already generating a high rate of enquiries from consumers, according to Tate. Giving a different look from its existing models, Tate expects the pair to broaden Ekornes’ style and appeal. ‘It’s been a challenging year; it’s a very competitive market, both within the furniture sector and other things shoppers can spend their money on. Consumers are savvy, knowing when to buy. I’m happy with the performance of the core collection and looking forward to new products later in the year,’ he says. Tate says the company has more product development coming in the next two years than it has had in the past few years. ‘The number one thing we have to do is to listen to what consumers want and to retailers in developing our marketing and offer. ‘The new products will appeal to a wider audience and we will keep investing in the brand as we have always done. More people than ever before are visiting the website to find out about Stressless chairs,’ he says. ‘We want to ensure that the product is readily available to consumers. We have a very strong network with our retail partners, which is core to us – 50% of customers are either previous customers or have been recommended by friends or family. ‘Stressless has been the brand leader for this style of product in the UK and in Europe. Because we invest heavily in marketing and in raising awareness of the sector while some choose not to, we see the strength of the brand again and again,’ adds Tate. Visit: www.ekornes.co.uk

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AWARDS

Sealy UK Best Bed Manufacturer

Top: Pocket Ultima Above left: Neil Robinson Above right: Steve Freeman

Interiors Monthly August 2014

‘When we won the Which? Best Buy Award for the Best Pocket Sprung Mattress last year, the magazine said our mattresses “stood out from the competition” and I believe that just about sums up Sealy’s beds perfectly,’ says Neil Robinson, Sealy UK marketing director, ‘and we’ve just retained the award for the second year running which is very pleasing. But now, winning the prestigious award from Interiors Monthly readers for Best Bed Manufacturer for the fifth year running, is really the icing on the cake for us. We definitely must be doing something right, both as far as retailers and consumers are concerned. ‘Although the UK bed market is seeing signs of modest recovery of around 2%, in line with the improvement in the economy generally, it’s still a challenging environment, but Sealy has been going from strength to strength and leaving its competitors behind.’ ‘We posted double digit year on year growth in our results earlier this year,’ says Steve Freeman, Sealy UK md. He feels a lot of this is due to Sealy’s latest product ranges which have been a hit with consumers, especially the launch of the Sealy Posturepedic Hybrids which include the innovative Geltex and Adaptive technologies. ‘It’s really satisfying for us to win this award,’ says Robinson, ‘because it reflects the thoughts and opinions of our customers and retailing partners. We

have made a big effort to develop closer relationships with them over the past couple of years and improve our standards of service, and we really do listen to their opinions because, at the end of the day, they are at the sharp end and know what their customers want. If we can help them improve their business then we profit from that as well – it’s a win win situation. ‘As Steve has said, the launch of our innovative Hybrid range has been a huge success for us over the past year, bringing 21st century technology to the bed market, and it’s become the favourite of everyone who’s tried it, especially a number of high profile sports people who really need the benefit of a supportive bed and a good night’s sleep.’ The company plans to launch more innovations at the The Bed Show in Telford in September, while its latest bedding range provides an opportunity for retailers to up-sell. ‘Why not offer a customer buying a Hybrid bed with Geltex and Adaptive a couple of Sealy Cooltech pillows with their innovative gel inserts to go with it? Perfect for keeping a cool head at night to help people be even deeper sleepers… Sealy’s ultimate mission for everyone,’ adds Robinson. Visit: www.sealy.co.uk

AWARDS

Kährs (UK) Best Solid/ Engineered Wood Manufacturer

Right: Oak Saw White Below: Oak Nouveau Greige Below right: Oak Nouveau Tar

‘We’re delighted to have received the Best Solid/Engineered Wood Manufacturer Award once again and thank the readers of Interiors Monthly for their votes. We believe that our success is based on exceptional brand quality and variety, and we’re looking forward to launching more designs during the coming months,’ says Harvey Booth, Kährs UK and Republic of Ireland country manager. Launches planned for later this year and early 2015 include a retro-style two-layer product, in Chevron and Herringbone designs. Kährs’ wood flooring range offers a wealth of design opportunities to suit all specifications. From traditional, rustic designs to distressed-look urban trendsetters, there are options in numerous wood species and patterns, with many featuring on-trend coloured finishes and stunning surface treatments. All floors feature Kährs’ awardwinning multilayered construction, based on the original engineered parquet design invented and patented by Kährs in 1941. As well as providing greater stability, the construction method also uses sustainable resources. During installation, Kährs’ glueless Woodloc

joint promotes speed and accuracy, and eliminates gapping throughout the lifetime of the floor. Recent introductions include additions to Kährs’ Classic Nouveau and Artisan Collections, in white shades, grey tones and deep-toned chocolate hues. All floors feature a variety of handcrafted finishing treatments – including handscraping, brushing, sawing and bevelled edges – which create a tactile, individual look. Floors throughout Kährs’ ranges are offered with accessories, from skirting boards and handmade stairnoses, to underlays and membranes. Installation, maintenance and repair products are also available, as well as stock and bespoke display systems and marketing materials. Comprehensive sales and product training workshops and CPD programmes are also available. Visit: www.kahrs.co.uk

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AWARDS

Karndean Designflooring Best Luxury Vinyl Supplier

Right: Art Select Travertine, Gallatin LM19 Below: LooseLay Series Two, Texas LLT207 Bottom right: Art Select Parquet, Morning Oak AP06

Interiors Monthly August 2014

‘We’re delighted to receive this award, especially as we continue to mark our 40th anniversary at the forefront of the industry,’ says Scott Cochrane, Karndean Designflooring UK retail sales director. ‘Likewise, the fact that the trade, our customers, have voted for us to win this award makes it extra special to our business.’ Founded in 1973 by entrepreneur Mike Walker, Karndean is celebrating its milestone by focusing on giving back with its ‘40 Free Floors for 40 Good Causes’ appeal. ‘It has been important for us to demonstrate how we’re able to make a difference by giving back to the communities in which we operate. We’ve received some truly inspirational nominations and we’ve been able to supply and fit new Karndean floors for some very worthy individuals and organisations,’ says Cochrane. ‘Our customers have played a massive role in supporting our appeal and it’s thanks to them we’ve been able to award

charities such as Isabel Hospice, Safe@Last and New Hope. ‘We’ve had a successful and busy year to date introducing our new LooseLay Series Two collection and bringing our updated premium Art Select Stones and Woods to market. Supporting our customers will always remain at the top of our agenda, and by introducing updated POS units we’ve been able to keep our customers ahead of our new launches,’ he says. Quick to respond to customer demands, Karndean Designflooring has also revolutionised the way flooring is seen in residential spaces by introducing the industry’s first Augmented Reality app. This allows retailers to demonstrate digitally how any Karndean floor will look instore or in their customer’s space. ‘We will continue to champion the independent retail trade into 2015 and beyond, while staying true to our commitment to our flooring partners throughout the UK,’ Cochrane adds. Visit: www.karndean.com

KARNDEAN TALKS: RETAIL FLOORING A store’s layout is only limited by the imagination of the designer. Karndean Designﬂooring gives you realistic wood and stone designs, ﬂexible layout options and durability to help create and maintain an environment in which customers will want to buy.

Why not incorporate your client’s logo or a design feature into their ﬂoor. This is a great way to add interest to large reception areas or hallways.

Karndean is so ﬂexible, you can create different zones using sweeping curves, rug effects or borders around key displays.

Even when walked on by thousands of customers each day Karndean stays looking great without any of the draw backs of natural materials.

<< If you are looking for a product that’s quick and easy to install, look no further than Karndean LooseLay. Our new format LVT features a friction grip backing that holds the product in place. No clicking. No Locking. It’s also suitable for raised access ﬂooring and is easy to repair.

>> If you’re out on site with a customer why not use our new augmented reality app to demonstrate what their ﬂoor could look like right there and then. The app lets you select and view different ﬂoors in the space of your choice and take images to share and compare. See www.karndean. com/app for more details.

For more retail ﬂooring ideas visit us online at www.karndean.com/retail

KarndeanBrandRetail_IntMonth_210x297.indd 1

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AWARDS

IVC Best Vinyl Manufacturer

Right: Avenue’s Ultimate Timber Calais Below: Leoline’s SuperComforts Bellaggio Bottom right: Avenue’s Bubblegum Liquorice Dots

Interiors Monthly August 2014

IVC Group is thrilled to be awarded Best Vinyl Manufacturer by the readers of Interiors Monthly. With the cushion vinyl brands of Avenue and Leoline, as well as the Moduleo premium luxury vinyl tile marque, IVC Group is Europe’s leading vinyl flooring manufacturer. Within the past six years, group turnover has risen from €130m to €600m as it has continued to expand its operations into new continents and markets, with the world’s most advanced LVT plant in the USA, and the acquisition of the Balterio laminate flooring brand. Thanks to heavy investment in

renewable energy that includes a wind farm at the company’s Avelgem production facility, as well as constant research and development into the performance and make-up of vinyl flooring, IVC Group is at the forefront of innovation within the sector. The Avenue and Leoline brands have developed into sector leaders, providing homes across the UK with stylish cushioned flooring offering comfort, performance and value. With independent retailers in the UK seeing increasing demand for low maintenance and durable flooring, Avenue and Leoline provide the solution. With POS that captures the imagination, great designs and performance attributes that make cushion flooring a great all-round flooring choice, Avenue and Leoline help realise a new revenue stream. For 2015, IVC says retailers on board with the Avenue, Leoline and Moduleo brands can be assured of continued high levels of service, as well as great new products from Europe’s leading vinyl flooring supplier as it looks towards becoming an even stronger force in the flooring market. Visit: www.ivcgroup.com

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AWARDS

Gallery Direct Best Accessory Supplier Right: Catkin Plaid cushion, Sienna Twill cushion, Pebble throw and Colby footstool Below: Beachamp hurricane vases, Landelles candle holders and Chapelle tealight holders Bottom: Savoy House showing an assortment of accessories

Interiors Monthly August 2014

Gallery Direct started as a family business more than 40 years ago and has developed into a leading British-based designer, manufacturer and worldwide distributor of home decor to the interiors industry. In 2014, its product portfolio was expanded to include more accessories and furniture to offer ‘the complete look’ in response to clients’ requests. The latest accessories offer an eclectic range to add style and personality to the home and include textiles, glassware, artwork and lamps. ‘We are delighted to have won Best Accessory Supplier this year,’ comments Peter Delaney, Gallery Direct md. ‘Our design team worked tremendously hard to develop our new range for this year and it is fantastic that this has been recognised by Interiors Monthly’s readers.

I would like to thank everyone who voted for us. ‘It has been an exciting year for us with the launch of our extensive new range at the beginning of the year, followed by the purchase of Frank Hudson in May. We have also appointed textile expert Jayne Zalega who has over 20 years’ experience in the industry. ‘With Jayne’s knowledge and expertise, we are extending our textile offering and have committed to a £1.5m investment in the range which will see 200 items added to our catalogue. This will include a much wider selection of cushions and throws, as well as draft excluders and high quality Egyptian cotton bedlinen. This exciting collection of new products will be launched at the Autumn Gift Fair in September,’ Delaney adds. Visit: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

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AWARDS

Interfloor Best Accessory Supplier (Flooring)

Right: Stikatak Deluxe Clip System Below: The catalogue is now in its sixth edition Below right: POS for Stikatak edgings has been improved

Interiors Monthly August 2014

‘The whole Interfloor team is delighted to win this award from Interiors Monthly readers,’ says Steve Woodhead, Interfloor marketing director. ‘We’re working hard to provide our customers with the best solution in terms of product choice, brands and customer service. We’re honoured to get such an endorsement.’ Over the past 12 months, the company has experienced strong sales growth in accessories. ‘This is due to a combination of new product development, good customer service and improved POS,’ says Woodhead. Interfloor’s popular Flooring Accessories catalogue is in its sixth issue and is proving the most popular so far with customers. It features the new Stikatak Clip System for fitting any kind of floorcovering up to 28mm in depth. The Clip System now comes with a selfadhesive base and a choice of small, medium and large clips which allow a wide range of floors of different levels to be bridged.

Also, a collection of stick-down metals has been added to the Stikatak range. Available in Angle Edge, Euro Coverstrip and Nosings, they have an integral selfadhesive strip along the base of the profile allowing the user to simply peel away the protective film and stick the profile into position on the subfloor. No drilling or screwing is required. The Gripperrods range of premium carpet gripper continues to be popular and the Tackfast and Golden Gripper products outsell the standard Regular Gripper by three to one. Interfloor has also dramatically improved the POS for Stikatak floor edgings and nosings and the new in-store POS boards have proved extremely popular. ‘The demand for our new metals boards has been astonishing. Customers have responded very enthusiastically and this has helped to drive sales to record levels,’ adds Woodhead. Visit: www.interfloor.com

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AWARDS

Julian Bowen Best Furniture Wholesaler

Below: Mayflower Bottom: Stella Far right: Corsica

Interiors Monthly August 2014

‘We are delighted to have been voted the the Best Furniture Wholesaler for the third consecutive year by Interiors Monthly readers. This accolade is a tremendous vote of confidence for the Julian Bowen brand and the result of all the hard work by our staff’, says Julian Bowen md. There have been a number of product launches recently, including the Knightsbridge faux leather bed available in two sizes – 135cm and 150cm – with the option of chocolate brown and its latest contemporary taupe colour. The design features a distinctive upholstered geometric panel, trimmed with a soft roll around the headboard and polished metal feet. The Corsica metal bed is available in three sizes: 90cm, 135cm and 150cm, and has been designed to give a classic wrought iron look in a rustic black finish. Design features include elegant scroll detailing, subtle castings and 1.3m high head-end. Children’s furniture continues to be an important area for Julian Bowen and it has dominated the market with its value

for money innovations. Stella is a compact low sleeper offering shelving space and two deep pullout drawers with the option of pink and white or blue and white colour combinations. The new Slocum is a clean and contemporary 90cm Bed in a Box, available in Stone White or Pine colour finish. Children’s novelty beds are always eye-catching and none more so than the London Bus bunkbed. Finished in a high gloss red, it is designed to take two 90cm mattresses. Its dining range has been extended with the modern Hudson compact dining table available in a matt black painted finish with a black faux leather chair and the Taku dining table in matt white painted finish, designed to fit in the modern contemporary home. The Mayflower living/dining collection of occasional pieces, sideboards and dining table and chairs features 40mm planked tops made from solid reclaimed pine which has a mature character to the grain. An antique stain has been applied to the solid pine, together with a lacquered finish giving the collection a deep luxurious colour. Julian Bowen’s Gold Direct Home Delivery service continues to grow as customer demand increases and this has now been further improved with all products available on a 7-10 day, twoman service to a room of choice for the same price as the current one-man delivery charge. Julian Bowen, tel: 01623 727374

Julian Bowen Limited Corsica Bed in a Rustic Black Finish Available in Single, Double or King Size

Many thanks to all the readers of Interiors Monthly magazine We will continue to offer innovative new commercial products at affordable prices

Julian Bowen Limited, Bentinck House, Park Lane, Kirkby in Ashfield, NG17 9LE Tel: (01623) 727374, Fax: (01623) 754555, e-mail: sales@julian-bowen.co.uk, www.julian-bowen.co.uk All products are available on the Julian Bowen Gold Direct Home Delivery Service

AWARDS

Floorwise Group Best Flooring Wholesaler

Floorwise members offer a wide range of products

Interiors Monthly August 2014

With hard-working independent wholesalers focused on providing the best service to their customers, the Floorwise network is a service-driven alternative to competitors, a fact recognised by the readers of Interiors Monthly, reckons Richard Bailey, Floorwise md. ‘As a truly independent brand, Floorwise is delighted to be awarded Best Flooring Wholesaler,’ he says. ‘This award is a fitting recognition to the hard work of our independent wholesalers across the UK and Republic of Ireland as they aim to deliver retailers the ideal mix of quality, value and service through the Floorwise brand. Rather than just another account in a long list, each flooring retailer is incredibly important to their Floorwise wholesaler and this means that their needs and

expectations are met with a knowledge and understanding that is hard to better.’ The new-look Floorwise brand is exclusively available through the Floorwise network. It works hard to deliver retailers a diverse array of flooring-related products that meet their expectations of value, without forgetting that quality and service are also markers that matter. With each Floorwise distributor free to focus on the products their customers need immediate access to, and with fast access to hundreds more, retailers can be confident of the best service levels and product choice. Floorwise members operate across the UK and Republic of Ireland, meaning that retailers can have access to the exclusive range of products, which covers everything from underlay, adhesives and screeds to matting, tapes, tools, profiles, grippers and more. Visit: www.floorwise.co.uk

AWARDS

AIS Best Furniture Buying Group

Top: The updated Stag and Ducal branding Right: Langham from Primavera

Interiors Monthly August 2014

As well as everything you would expect from a leading furniture buying group, AIS says it can offer its members so much more – a key element of which is exclusive product and brands. AIS has always partnered with leading manufacturers to provide exclusive products exhibited at its biannual buying shows. Products such as the mix and match upholstery proposition from Primavera, gives members a degree of differentiation and the ability to compete with similar offerings from multiples. The almost endless combination of fabric, shapes and component pieces make for a compelling customer proposition. However, this year AIS has gone one step further by acquiring the Stag and Ducal heritage brands exclusively for its furniture members. These have a rich background and resonance with consumers and retailers alike and, as well as having heritage values, are also capable of being updated and relevantly positioned in today’s market. Ducal will be lower priced and more contemporary in its design direction whereas Stag will be higher end and more classical in look and feel. Both brands originated in the cabinet sector but have the potential to extend into upholstery and present a rounded

product offer to the customer. The AIS buying team will work with manufacturers globally to source the right quality products to sit under the brands and benefit from brand equity that is either existing or will be built by accompanying promotion and awareness driven by AIS and its members. AIS believes that, in addition to providing exclusivity, Stag and Ducal will offer improved margins for branded ranges and counter the expansion of multiples into some of the proprietary brands and increasing online competition. The first products under the brands will be shown at the AIS show in September with more to follow at the January event. All will be supported by photography carried out at AIS’s own studio, marketing material and websites. Peter Mallinson, AIS merchandise director for home, has been the prime mover behind this initiative. ‘Our acquisition of these brands is a fantastic opportunity and benefit for our members. We will reinvigorate them, the start of which can be seen already in the refreshed brand logos, with a product proposition that will be attractive to retailers and customers alike.’ Visit: www.aistores.co.uk

great reasons to join AIS - the leading furniture and home buying group

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Benefits of membership You remain independent yet gain multiple benefits

We improve members’ profitability through better buying terms, exclusive ranges, show deals and rebates

Over £200m furniture buying throughput means AIS has considerable influence in the industry with major suppliers Two of the best furniture shows every year are held at our own first class exhibition venue in Solihull Exclusive branded and own brand ranges such as Dreamworld Beds give AIS members differentiation and higher margin opportunities AIS are also very strong in categories such as flooring, linens and housewares to drive additional footfall and give new margin opportunities The AIS procurement division saves members £’000s on non-retail goods and services from insurance to delivery vehicles to utility contracts Our AIS logistics team can help with imports and have beneficial shipping deals We also support members with other services such as marketing, personnel and training

far exceed costs

For more information please contact: Peter Mallinson, Merchandise Director - Home t 0121 711 2200 e peter.mallinson@aistores.co.uk www.aistores.co.uk

AWARDS

SMG Best Flooring Buying Group

Far right:The SMG Stain Control System continues to be a huge success with members Right: SMG’s Business Support Service is popular Bottom right: SMG will collaborate with the Minerva Furnishers Guild to present a Flooring Showcase at the Autumn Furniture Show in Telford

Interiors Monthly August 2014

‘This is a fantastic honour and we are again delighted to be receiving recognition from the readers of Interiors Monthly,’ says Mike Symonds, SMG head of group operations. ‘We would be delighted if this award prompts retailers to talk to us about membership, especially those who have not considered buying groups before.’ SMG has operated for more than 45 years and now represents 300 members with more than 370 stores throughout the UK. A comprehensive support package means SMG membership can work for any flooring retailer, large or small. ‘Our retailers run their businesses as they see fit and benefit from the opportunities that are available when working as part of a larger organisation,’ says Symonds. SMG has developed long-term partnerships with key manufacturers and suppliers to the industry so extra profitability is available however a business is structured. Group price lists, turnover based rebates, promotions, unitary offers and own-label products are all part of the membership package. SMG knows that running a retail business is also an expensive and complicated task so it offers a strong business services package to provide value and support for its members. With offers on items such as credit card

rates, energy pricing, retail finance, commercial vehicles and a free business support helpline, there is even more value to be had by joining. A unique part of the package is SMG’s Orderlink central purchasing scheme. This gives members access to products from the full approved supplier portfolio at wholesale-beating prices. In early October, SMG will be collaborating with the Minerva Furnishers Guild to present a Flooring Showcase at the Autumn Furniture Show in Telford. Symonds is confident of the show’s credentials. ‘This new event in the show calendar has all the elements for success. It opens its doors to the trade on 8 October with an exhibitor list of over 90 key names from the flooring, furniture and bedding industries. The location and its ease of access will suit many retailers choosing to come from the North or South.’ Visit: www.smggroup.co.uk

Need a product? No direct account? Wholesale too expensive?

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Just one of the reasons why SMG won Best Buying Group! Voted ‘Best Floo ring Buying Grou SMG The National Furnishing Group p’ 9 The Markham Centre, Station Road, Theale, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4PE Telephone 0118 932 3832 Fax 0118 930 4515 Email join@smg-group.co.uk Web www.smg-group.co.uk

AWARDS

TCS Imports Best Customer Service (Furniture)

Interiors Monthly August 2014

TCS Imports has been commended for its attention to detail and excellent customer service over the past 12 months. For the second year, readers of Interiors Monthly have voted for TCS to win the Best Customer Service (Furniture) award. ‘This is a wonderful accolade for us as a relatively young company. We have invested greatly in our staff and IT systems in order to provide the best possible service,’ says Thomas Small, TCS md. ‘We are extremely pleased to have won this award and to receive recognition for all the hard work and dedication the team have invested in order to achieve this standard of service. We have really focused our attention on fine-tuning our in-house systems to make them as efficient as possible,’ he says. ‘Our staff receive continuous support

and training to ensure they understand and are up to date with company policy and procedures. We like to encourage them to be adaptable to an ever changing industry, which helps to provide the best possible service. ‘We are continuously growing and developing as a company and I try to motivate the staff to keep an open mind and to grow and develop with the company; it is in everyone’s best interest to work together and embrace change. My aim is that this type of forward thinking is rolled out across the organisation and that our customers feel the benefits of this practice,’ he says. Attending trade shows provides TCS with the perfect platform to meet with its customers to discuss the upgrades and refinement of its service systems. The vital feedback allows it to determine how customers are responding to these advancements. ‘Achieving this award has boosted staff morale and it is wonderful for them to receive the recognition. As a young company we strive to master all aspects of the industry and we look forward to building on this award and to continually focus on improving customer experiences,’ adds Small. Visit: www.tcsimports.com

AWARDS

Ulster Carpets Best Customer Service (Flooring)

Top: Ulsterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s customer service team Below: Boho Hemingway Apple Blossom Right: Glenmoy Robertson

Ulster Carpets is delighted to have won the Interiors Monthly award for Best Customer Service (Flooring) and would like to thank the readers for voting. At Ulster the focus is on producing the finest quality axminster and wilton carpets for the residential market at the County Armagh factory. The fact that all manufacturing takes place within the UK allows for stringent quality control at all stages of the process from buying wool and processing yarn at Ulster Yarns, Dewsbury, to design in Kidderminster and dyeing, weaving and finishing in County Armagh. The result? Only the finest quality axminster and wilton leaves bearing the Ulster name. The commitment to local manufacturing also provides a logistical advantage for its UK and Republic of Ireland customers in the residential market, faster service and shorter lead times. Its tufted products, such as the bestselling Open Spaces Collection, are manufactured in Danfloor, Denmark, an Ulster owned company whose focus on quality and efficient manufacturing is as dedicated as that of Ulster. While producing high quality carpet is

a priority, Ulster has not forgotten the importance of a knowledgeable, friendly and efficient UK-based sales and customer service team. You only have to pop your head through the door of the customer service office to realise what a good relationship the team has with retailers, who are always greeted with a friendly welcome and professional service, with some of the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own brand of Irish humour thrown in. The team of sales representatives has tireless enthusiasm and dedication to providing first class customer service. In the coming months, Ulster Carpets will launch a number of ranges. Boho collection, an eclectic mix of retro inspired axminster designs in ice-cream shades marks a different style for the company. The bestselling Open Spaces Collection will see the addition of three ranges. A plain loop pile, Panama, will coordinate with the high-low loop of Monaco, in a selection of cool greys and natural earthy tones, creating a tonal striped effect. Capri will complete the collection, comprising five colourways, with neutral backgrounds and a contrasting stripe. Ulster has answered the trend for plaids with two new traditional tartans to the Glenmoy range. Robertson and Douglas complement both traditional and modern interior spaces, adding character and a sense of warmth which comes from a wool-rich carpet. Also in the pipeline is a range of plaids, offering a contemporary twist on the traditional tartans. The purples, greys, greens and blues make a statement, while still creating a feeling of welcoming and charm. Ulster Carpets, tel: 028 3833 4433

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

AWARDS

Wools of New Zealand (UK) Best Marketing Support (Flooring) ‘Wools of New Zealand would like to thank the readers of Interiors Monthly for recognising its efforts to support retailers and producers of Laneve and Wools of New Zealand branded products,’ says Stephen Parsons, Wools of New Zealand (UK) market development and innovation manager. ‘We believe that responsibility goes beyond growing the world‘s best fibre for carpets and textiles. It is our mission to create beautiful products that carry authentic fibre to create more stylish and comfortable interiors. After all, it is not our fibre: we merely borrow it from nature to where it can eventually be returned. ‘We are really proud to provide wool

Top: Wools of New Zealand fibre growing in New Zealand Right: Crucial Trading’s Kyoto in Laneve wool

Interiors Monthly August 2014

fibre, which has real integrity. Our team based in Yorkshire works to ensure that the products that begin life on our sheep are market-leading in terms of colour, style and sustainability.’ Parsons says that wool is nature’s miracle fibre offering remarkable benefits to the human habitat. ‘Our Laneve fibre certifies products as being made of wool that is traceable back to farms it is grown on, with all the boxes ticked on animal husbandry, land management and social responsibility,’ he adds. ‘It is our privilege to work with likeminded people who strive to do good things with wool.’ Visit: www.wools-nz.co.uk

AWARDS

Silentnight Best Marketing Support (Furniture) Best Furniture Website

Silentnight’s website and advertising

Interiors Monthly August 2014

Silentnight’s dedicated trade marketing programme and digital support has been recognised by retailers with the Best Marketing Support and Best Website awards. ‘Placing retailers at the heart of marketing activity, Silentnight’s trade marketing programme has been developed to drive strong brand awareness and develop quality sales leads for all of our retailers,’ says Nick Booth, Silentnight Brands marketing director. ‘Our long-standing trade advertising programme keeps the brand front of mind across on and offline channels, while major investment in The Bed Show and regional events ensure our retailers are kept up to date with product innovations and launches. In 2013 and beyond, our new product innovation, with the launch of Geltex featuring unique technology, has given retailers a new story to tell, with a new stand-out product range which is set to revolutionise the industry,’ he explains. The Geltex launch was widely supported with dedicated marketing campaigns, such as the recent With Our Compliments campaign, with exposure across national press, targeted banner adverts, email marketing, and the Silentnight website and social media channels. Wider tailored marketing campaigns to support the refreshed Classics Collection and a Diamond trade-in initiative have also proved a success with retailers, says Booth. The company recognised the importance of digital marketing some time ago and in 2012 invested in an in-

house digital team, he says. With design and development decided in-house, the team can react quickly to product and marketing changes ensuring that the website is always up to date, while supporting retailers with brand shops on their individual websites. ‘Traffic to our website has more than doubled since its relaunch two years ago, and our investment in search engine optimisation is helping to drive traffic to the website for product information and out to our independent, online and national stockists. Significant investment has been placed in our where to buy section with geo-mapping and dedicated local stockist landing pages. Some 30% of all visitors to the website click through to retailers – showing the strength of authentic quality leads that are being created,’ explains Booth. Product focused content has been supported with videos, while dedicated areas showcase product innovations, as well as exclusive ranges developed with customers. ‘Helping to bring to life Silentnight’s sleep expertise, we will soon be relaunching a dedicated Sleep Matters section of the website, utilising the expertise of our sleep therapist, Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, and supporting customers as they research sleep advice. ‘With The Bed Show fast approaching there is a lot more to come from Silentnight, with product launches and marketing support to be unveiled at the show. We look forward to meeting our retailers face-to-face and thanking them for their continued support and these recent accolades,’ adds Booth. Visit: www.silentnight.co.uk

AWARDS

Arkana Best New Supplier

‘We are clearly delighted for the confidence our customers have shown in supporting the project by voting for Arkana as Best New Supplier,’ says Karl Walker, Lebus Upholstery md. ‘Arkana was always intended to offer a unique and theatrical offer while still being very focused on great value. It demonstrates the ability of the business to create innovative and challenging design while combining this

with a commercial structure which offers exceptional price points,’ he explains. ‘The exclusive manner in which the offer has been distributed allows the stockist the opportunity to generate excellent margins and promote exceptional value in a very unique manner. From everyone at the company a very large thank you.’ Arkana, tel: 01724 407 700

Arkana’s Antonio

Arkana Furniture, Queensway Ind Est, Dunlop Way, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, DN16 3RN, United Kingdom

For more information contact:

t. 01724 407700

e. sales@arkanafurniture.com www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

AWARDS

Flooring One Best Business Support (Flooring)

Flooring One provides marketing support and hosts an annual show

Interiors Monthly August 2014

‘We would like to thank all of the Interiors Monthly readers who voted for Flooring One to win the Best Business Support (Flooring) award. It is pleasing to see the Flooring One team recognised for all of its hard work,’ says Glenn Harding, Flooring One controller. ‘From a challenging start in 2003/04 during which we learnt many lessons about the support services we thought our members required and what they actually needed, we have grown and matured as a buying group. Year by year we have improved these services, constantly testing, learning and enhancing our offer. ‘Members and other independent flooring retailers clearly appreciated this. In 2009 we had 119 members trading out of 164 outlets, while today we have 134 members with 193 outlets and plenty of interest in membership. ‘Considering we also lost some stalwart businesses such as Norman’s of

Swindon, David Morgan, Bolingbroke & Wenley and Joplings, due to retirement or sale, this is a terrific achievement,’ says Harding. ‘How do we help our members? Well, what we don’t do is intervene in their business as independence is their greatest strength. We aim to make them more profitable. We can’t sell the flooring for them, but we can give them the tools to do the job.’ He says the biggest benefit is Cenpac, a central payment system with a select portfolio of suppliers, where Flooring One pays the bills on behalf of the member. ‘Suppliers are paid weekly, we guarantee the debt and our members receive above industry settlement terms. Members also receive an annual rebate with many of the suppliers and regular promotional activity,’ explains Harding. ‘The next big benefit is the marketing support that we provide. An annual marketing manual containing roomset photography of 80-plus ranges from our own label collection – portrait, landscape, lifestyle – all ideal for use in brochures and advertising. We also have a fabulous selection of rugs and vinyls and shortly laminate/wood. The manual has a promotional calendar of events throughout the year and support for producing advertising, email campaigns and in-store POS. ‘And that’s not all. Membersnet, supplier cost pricing pages, ticketing, five exclusive commissioned tufted ranges, a consumer website, a member trade show and online training programmes. Flooring One tries to tick all the boxes. Our testimonial? Winning this award.’ Flooring One, tel: 0121 683 1427

Be part of a professional ﬂooring buying group

Join us today If you are interested in ﬁnding out more about Flooring One and all of the services available Please contact: Glenn Harding T: 0121 683 1427 E: glenn.harding@ﬂooringone.co.uk

AWARDS

CEVA Logistics Best Supply Chain/Logistics Company

CEVA offers a range of services

Interiors Monthly August 2014

CEVA Logistics has been recognised by the readers of Interiors Monthly for its work within the interiors sector where it provides one and two-person white glove home delivery services for major retailers and manufacturers – but the breadth of services offered does not stop there. In addition to collecting furniture from distribution centres and manufacturing locations, CEVA delivers to end customers for the online and in-store retail channels of major retailers. The company also operates fulfilment warehousing to receive product from suppliers, store it, and then pick it for despatch. ‘All of our crews are trained in product handling and customer interaction. As we are delivering on behalf of our customers, that final stage where product is delivered by professional, courteous and clean crews is hugely important,’ says Simon Hobbs, CEVA vice president of supply chain development for the UK, Republic of Ireland and Nordics. ‘When dealing with high value, and high quality items which become integral parts of people’s homes, you have to offer that extra special service, and we feel that by doing this it reflects positively on the all-round customer experience.’ The company also has a return logistics

service where it can manage the collection, removal and recycling of unwanted or replaced furniture such as mattresses and divan bases. ‘For retailers, our return logistics and recycling service takes away a hassle that we are happy to manage. Most importantly, we talk directly to end customers to understand their needs and arrange a service to suit them through our national customer service centre,’ says Hobbs. Within the UK’s interiors sector, CEVA has made significant progress in providing direct home delivery services on behalf of drop ship suppliers for retailers. This process sees CEVA working closely with manufacturers to collect finished product as soon as it comes off the production line and deliver it to customers’ homes in a single operation. This means product doesn’t need to be physically transported to a warehouse facility and accumulate storage or handling costs. The service works by having a strong understanding between both parties to share detailed information freely. CEVA’s integrated business model also enables it to offer a range of services right across a given supply chain to include the handling of inbound/ outbound logistics via air, sea, road and rail, in addition to providing customs brokerage services for the smooth and timely movement of cross-border shipments. Visit: www.cevalogistics.com

'HOLYHULQJ FXVWRPHU VDWLVIDFWLRQ CEVA Logistics, one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading supply chain management companies, design and implement industry leading solutions for furniture manufacturers and retailers by providing the following solutions either alone or in combination: Â&#x2021; 'HGLFDWHG RU VKDUHG XVHU ZDUHKRXVLQJ - For managing storage, fulďŹ lment, order collation, and inbound/outbound transportation

Â&#x2021; 2QH DQG WZR SHUVRQ Â´ZKLWH JORYHÂľ KRPH GHOLYHU\ VHUYLFH - Items delivered to room of choice with the option of providing product assembly via our friendly and considerate crews

Â&#x2021; 5HWXUQ ORJLVWLFV DQG SDFNDJLQJ UHPRYDO - Once the new item has been delivered, we can remove and recycle unwanted furniture items and packaging

Â&#x2021; ,PSRUW H[SRUW DQG FXVWRPV VHUYLFHV - Managing the movement of your raw materials and ďŹ nished goods via a range of air and ocean services. We are also a licenced customs broker to ensure the smooth and timely movement of your cross-border shipments

Â&#x2021; 1DWLRQDO &XVWRPHU 6HUYLFH &HQWUH - Our professional staff are on-hand to liaise with manufacturers, retailers and the end customer to arrange activity such as delivery slot bookings.

To ďŹ nd out how CEVA can help your operation, contact: Simon Hobbs / 01530 568 812 / simon.hobbs@cevalogistics.com

www.cevalogistics.com

AWARDS

IMM Cologne Best Furniture Exhibition

Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu also design furniture

Interiors Monthly August 2014

After the unique interpretation by the Danish designer Louise Campbell at IMM Cologne’s Das Haus project in January, characterised by a romantic purism, Shanghai-based architects Lyndon Neri and Rossana Hu will write the next chapter and lend an exciting perspective to the design format of Das Haus – Interiors on Stage for 2015. In Neri and Hu’s work, there is less traditional Eastern flair and more of a pronounced modern and international style. However, their interior design and design objects – mainly furniture and accessories – speak of an aesthetic totally their own, a result of the western principle of reduction being applied to the huge diversity of Chinese form. Neri&Hu Design and Research Office is regarded as the most progressive architecture studio in China and enjoys international success. Founded in 2004, the studio is responsible for the development of hotels (Le Meridian in Zhengzhou, China), private homes (Cluny House in Singapore), museums (Xi’an Westin Museum Hotel) as well as flagship stores (Camper, Shanghai). In 2012, Neri and Hu opened the Design Republik gallery in Shanghai; the studio also designs furniture for high-end European brands such as Classicon, BD Barcelona and De la Espada. The design world’s attention has been drawn by the studio’s original and prize-winning redesign of an industrial-style 1930’s building into the Waterhouse Boutique Hotel. The studio is developing projects in the US and Europe, a global approach in line with the philosophy of the USeducated architects and which is further reflected in their international team.

The first three issues of Das Haus were interpreted by representatives from the UK, Italy and Scandinavia. Their visions bore strong influences from the active design scene within the furnishing world. For 2015, IMM Cologne sought a view from outside Europe and, in Neri&Hu, found a partner that approaches the task from a wholly different perspective. As architects, they are just as interested in spatial relationships as in interior design. But, by their own admission, their work as designers does have an impact on their architecture. Dick Spierenburg, IMM Cologne creative director, values Neri&Hu’s experience as designers of integrated architecture. ‘With Neri&Hu we have found a pair of architects who have long been experimenting with giving the buildings they design their own characteristic inner dimension, by filling it with furniture and fixtures they design themselves,’ he says. ‘And it’s in a way which we find really inspiring: atmospheric and pared down at the same time, with refined details and twists. With Das Haus, they are free to develop their own experience even further and discover new directions.’ The Das Haus installation simulates a residential house at IMM Cologne and every year a new designer is nominated. The furniture, colours, materials, lighting and accessories are also selected by the designers, rendering the finished house an individual configuration of interior design. The integrated concept should not just be future orientated, but also practical, workable and above all authentic. Visit: www.imm-cologne.com

WWW.IMM-COLOGNE.COM

The international kitchen show at imm cologne.

CREATE. FURNISH. LIVE. THE INTERNATIONAL INTERIORS SHOW 19.â&#x20AC;&#x201C;25.01.2015 International Business Media Services Ltd., 42 Christchurch Road, Ringwood BH24 1DN Tel. : +44 1425 48 68 30, Fax : +44 1425 48 68 31, info@koelnmesse.co.uk

AWARDS

The Flooring Show Best Flooring Exhibition

There will be seminars across all three days plus two Demo Zones

Interiors Monthly August 2014

Although recent years have been hard for the industry, the 52nd edition of The Flooring Show – which starts on Sunday 21 September – will feature more than 140 brands representing all areas of floorcoverings and related products and services. This is a strong increase over 2013 and a useful indicator for the health of the flooring business. First staged in Harrogate in 1962, the show has demonstrated terrific staying power, outlasting a number of rival events across the UK including Blackpool, Brighton, Earls Court and Birmingham. Much effort is being made to develop a content-rich event this year, starting with the Trends Hub that will display inspirational examples of cutting edge flooring materials and designs from around the world. The Campaign for Wool and British Wool Marketing Board will put on a major celebration of wool carpet, including a Wool Trends Centre in Hall C, supported by the industry’s leading carpet brands with Adam Carpets, Axminster Carpets, Brintons, Brockway Carpets, Bronte Carpets, Cavalier Carpets and Ulster Carpets all officially participating in the event. The area will also feature inspirational roomsets and a wool education hub. Wool seminars also form an integral part of the Business Enrichment Theatre

seminar programme, and will take place on each day of the show. Other topics include: taking your retail business online; staff engagement; social media as a marketing tool; collaboration between manufacturer and high street; key interior and residential design trends; and big data and independent retail. One of the keynote speakers is Carl Hopkins, of Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire fame, who will give his top 10 PR tips. This year there will be two Demo Zones, spearheaded by CFA, FITA and NICF, running across all three days of the show; this will allow a much greater range of installation issues to be covered. Another first for the show is a Wool Feature, provided by Martin Curtis of Curtis Wool Direct. A large wool installation will be created by artist Angela Wright, whose works have been presented around the world. It is hoped this stunning area will encourage carpet retailers, interior designers and architects to come and see what wool is all about. The exhibition, seminars, demonstrations and networking opportunities are all free of charge to trade participants. Free parking at the venue’s underground car park is open to all visitors, and there will be free Internet access throughout. Visit: www.theflooringshow.com

FLOORING W SHO 21-23 SEPTEMBER 2014 HARROGATE www.theflooringshow.com Proud winner of the Best Flooring Exhibition Award for another year. Our sincere thanks to Interiors Monthly and to its readers for their votes and support.

AWARDS

RetailSystem. com Best Software Supplier

Cloud IT is at the heart of the company’s system

Interiors Monthly August 2014

‘If you watch the Oscars ceremony, you may find it a little tedious when each winner trots out a long list of people they want to thank. So for our sixth year running of winning the Best Software Supplier award, I’ll keep it blissfully short and simple. Thank you,’ says Stephen Smith, RetailSystem.com md. ‘So if you are one of our ever growing list of customers, thank you for your business and for the chance to work with you to keep our system efficient, effective and designed to meet your needs. Thank you for letting us know how we’ve changed your lives for the better. And thank you for proving that we can’t all be wrong, because not only are you happy to use our systems in your day to day business but you also prompt us to keep improving our offering by making suggestions or asking the right questions as we learn from each other. ‘If you’re a retailer who we are talking to right now, or someone considering how their life could be made easier and their business more profitable by using our services, thank you, in advance, for any opportunity you can give us to show you what we could do for you and your

business. And even if you are in the diminishing group who still insists that Cloud IT is not for you, or that you are happy with lots of rather complicated and separate systems that may do more to confuse than to enlighten, thank you for the challenge that gives us to prove to you that the benefits of operating a complete multichannel solution could make a massive difference to your operation.’ Smith says actors win Oscars because they know their craft, know their market and work hard to put their talents and skills to good and creative use. ‘In a way, we’ve won this prestigious award because we do very much the same; working to understand the needs of the market, listening to our customers and using our skills and talent to keep up with the way the market changes so that our customers are always ready to make the most of any opportunities to increase the cost efficiency and profitability of their business,’ he says. ‘And as long as our customers keep on making more and more from the support we can give them…we keep on growing…and hope you will too.’ Visit: www.retailsystem.com

AWARDS

Wool Owners Warranty Innovation of the Year

WOW is supported by several suppliers and consumers receive advice and a free carpet stain remover

Interiors Monthly August 2014

‘On behalf of everyone involved in the Wool Owners Warranty I’d like to thank all the readers of Interiors Monthly who voted for WOW and I am extremely proud that the initiative has caught the imagination of so many retailers,’ says Mike Dobson, Gaskell Wool Rich and Mr Tomkinson general manager. WOW was launched at the start of the year by Clarendon, Crucial Trading, Gaskell Wool Rich, Georgian Carpets, Kersaint Cobb, Kingsmead, Manx, Mr Tomkinson, British Wool, WoolSafe and Wools of New Zealand to persuade consumers that wool carpets are as easy to clean as those made from man-made fibres. The inherent qualities of wool mean that 99% of spills on wool carpets can be simply removed by following some basic spot removal steps. Spills too extensive for cleaning by a novice can be removed by the expertise of carpet care advisers from the WOW programme. WOW is free for 12 months – and can be extended for the lifetime of the carpet – on any wool carpet bought from participating suppliers. Trained by the WoolSafe organisation, the approved service providers can remove tough stains – such as coffee, wine and curry – free of charge as part of the warranty cover; and are an essential part of the aftersales care partnership between WoolSafe and the suppliers. Quality wool carpets, such as those offering WOW have several core advantages over synthetic fibres. They have excellent resilience and appearance retention and superior flame retardancy. Wool does not burn easily, is selfextinguishing and does not emit toxic gases. Wool absorbs excess moisture in humid conditions and releases it when

conditions become drier. A wool carpet also works as a giant filter for the home to help reduce pollutants and allergens in the air, meaning less chance of asthma attacks. Of course, this filter needs to be cleaned and WOW connects owners to a personal cleaning adviser. The warranty brings homeowners peace of mind with a range of services that go the extra mile in ensuring their new wool carpet always looks its best. To make sure care starts off on the right foot, all homeowners receive a bottle of WoolSafe Approved spot treatment and a personal consultation from their dedicated carpet care adviser. Alongside an emergency hotline, WOW registrants are also entitled to a free emergency spot removal service at any time throughout their first year of ownership. ‘Working with leading carpet care experts at WoolSafe we’ve been able to create an ideal aftercare package for our customers investing in a new wool carpet. Arming them with the basic knowledge of how to care for their valuable carpet and also encouraging them to make sure they use the professional services available through WOW, we aim to turn them away from man-made fibres and back to natural, sustainable wool,’ explains Dobson. ‘Together with WoolSafe we have created six fantastic one-minute stain removal videos and a Stain Guide App to make sure that we provide our customers with ready access to the right advice and highly experienced carpet cleaning professionals. The response we have had to the WOW programme proves that we have got the package just right,’ adds Dobson. WoolSafe, tel: 01943 850 817

AWARDS

AWARDS 2011 WINNER 2014 WINNER

www.wowwarranty.com

AWARDS

Editor’s Choice Re-Vive Recliner Natuzzi Innovation in Furniture Re-Vive is inspired by the strength, flexibility, and multi-dimensional movements found in nature

Interiors Monthly August 2014

Developed over a two-year research process, the Re-Vive recliner is inspired by the strength, flexibility, and multidimensional movements found in nature: the tail of a lobster, the branch of a tree, and the human spine. Designed in collaboration with awardwinning New Zealand furniture design company Formway Design, the recliner boasts several unique features, such as Natuzzi’s Responsive Recline – a weight compensating mechanism that allows reclining with perfect balance – dynamic arms, full 360° range of movement in the base, and a tilting ottoman. ‘The Re-Vive recliner combines New Zealand innovation with Italian style and craftsmanship to bring a completely new offering to the home furniture market. This is a truly new movement in comfort within the recliner market that hasn’t

changed in more than 50 years,’ says Pasquale Natuzzi, Natuzzi Group chairman and ceo. Re-Vive introduces patented technology that allows the recliner to move in synchronicity with the body. Uniquely, there are no lever mechanisms: it simply responds to movement intuitively. It has been developed with an intelligent mechanism that allows reclining with perfect balance and complete support. The simple act of leaning backwards causes Re-Vive to flex, delivering a new kind of comfort. It promotes health and wellbeing through unrivalled support within the seated, partial and full recline positions. The world’s first performance recliner from Natuzzi presents unprecedented technological advancement in furniture design. Re-Vive delivers fluid motion to ensure unparalleled comfort. It is available in two sizes, king and queen, three styles and many colours and options (leather and fabric). Premium leather is accented by delicate hand-stitching. Re-Vive was also awarded the prestigious Trophées de l’innovation prize in France in 2013. Visit: www. natuzzirevive.com

020 31314001

AWARDS

Editor’s Choice iSense Associated Weavers Innovation in Flooring

Below: L’Amour Below right: Serenity

Interiors Monthly August 2014

Sensuality is Associated Weavers’ latest collection of super-soft carpet using the exclusive iSense yarn. A typical feature of the Sensuality collection is its extremely soft polyamide yarn that allows the carpet to be strong, resilient and soft at the same time, says Steve Elliott, Associated Weavers UK md. ‘Fibre used in carpets is becoming softer and softer to meet consumer demands and iSense will recover faster and quicker from traffic wear than any other carpet.’ There are six ranges in the Sensuality collection. ‘Seduction has everything to seduce, with irresistible softness in combination with a strong resilience. Splendour is a light frise yarn and Serenity is pure luxury for all the senses allowing consumers to surround themselves in high performance luxury,’ he says.

‘L’Amour’s silky shades offer sheer tactile delight, while Illusions is frivolous and graceful at the same time. ‘Adoration is full of softness, comfort and luxury and is a magnificently versatile carpet. Sensuality adds another dimension to broadloom carpet,’ explains Elliott. All come in 14 colours, apart from L’Amour which has 12. The Sensuality iSense branded carpets are in 4m and 5m widths with the new Fusion Bac backing. ‘This is easy to fit, keeps in the heat better than other backings and is compatible with underfloor heating,’ adds Elliott. Sensuality iSense display stands are being introduced to retailers and a video promoting the range is available online. Visit: www.carpetyourlife.com

AWARDS

Editor’s Choice Brintons Flooring Brand 2014

From left: Majestic in Polished Silver, Padstow in Candy Spot, and Linen Damask from the Timorous Beasties collection

Interiors Monthly August 2014

A specialist British brand for more than 230 years, and Royal Warrant holder since 1958, Brintons maintains its position as the world’s leading manufacturer of high quality woven carpets. Its reputation is built on design innovation, product excellence, technical expertise and customer focus, and is a proud winner of the Interiors Monthly Flooring Brand award. Based in Kidderminster, it employs about 1,500 people across four manufacturing sites – two UK and one each in Portugal and India – and has sales offices in the UK, USA, Australia, Dubai, Singapore, South Africa, Russia, Germany, France, Holland, Canada and Argentina. Brintons has always looked to innovate. Always one step ahead of the game, spotting trends and forecasting future fashions ensures the company has grown and adapted to increasingly demanding consumer and corporate markets. Following an £8m investment in 2013, Brintons has continued to invest to expand its High Definition Weave technology and also to recruit eight apprentices to support an already vibrant apprenticeship scheme. Regardless of whether the client is one of the world’s most prestigious venues or

a residential home, Brintons prides itself on its customer service. In a competitive market, it recognises that customer service is a key element that can differentiate one business from another. In 2014, the company has made further developments to its portfolio with introductions such as Padstow, a collection of 18 modern, geometric designs in a palette of pastels, and the latest collaboration with design house Timorous Beasties, well known for its bold and adventurous creations. The Bell Twist range has also seen 12 more colours. A firm favourite of both consumers and retailers, adding new season colours, including a selection of soft pastels, will add to its appeal. Brintons has also launched a collection in collaboration with Laura Ashley. This successful range has become a benchmark for axminster activity. Based on existing Laura Ashley designs, both teams worked closely to develop ideas that translate beautifully into carpet. New for this year are three delicate florals, a paisley inspired design and two broadloom stripes, all featuring trademark Laura Ashley accent colours. There are also a further six Laura Ashley Bell Twist colours created to coordinate seamlessly with the collection. Visit: www.brintons.co.uk

T I M O R O U S B E A S T I E S <HOORZ 5XVNLQ %XWWHUÂ˝\

AWARDS

AWARDS 2011 WINNER 2014 WINNER

making the world a more beautiful place 0800 505 055

www.brintons.co.uk

Brintons Carpets Ltd, proud to be Flooring Brand of 2014

AWARDS

Editor’s Choice Ercol Furniture Furniture Brand 2014 Ravenna sofa

Ercol has been designing and manufacturing quality furniture since 1920 when the company’s founder Lucian Ercolani started the business. In 2014, the company is still family owned and run by Ercolani’s grandson Edward Tadros, and continues to create furniture designs with collections made from elm, ash, beech, oak and walnut. While designs are predominantly created by its in-house team, Ercol also collaborates with upcoming and established British design talent to ensure the brand remains at the vanguard of great British furniture design. Furniture is made using a combination of modern manufacturing techniques and traditional craft. Ercol is much celebrated for its iconic mid-century furniture and today’s Originals range still boasts signature pieces that were

first launched in that era. In addition, Ercol continues to introduce collections to its core range that suit the demands of modern living and homes. The current portfolio is extensive, offering quality designs for most rooms in the house – sofas, dining, occasional, bedroom and home office furniture – combining visual appeal with functionality while ensuring consistent and uncompromised quality. Visit: www.ercol.com

ercol ENGLAND SINCE 1920

romana Call 01844 271823 • www.ercol.com • sales@ercol.com Ercol Furniture Ltd, Summerleys Road, Princes Risborough, Bucks. HP27 9PX 92

Interiors Monthly August 2014

Furniture for D i n i n g L i v i n g Bedroom Home office

AWARDS

Editor’s Choice Moduleo Sustainability (Flooring) Below: Transform Ocean Slate 36990 Below right: Transform Verdon Oak 24226 Bottom: Impress

David Bigland, Moduleo UK and Republic of Ireland md, says: ‘2014 is fast becoming one of our most memorable years at Moduleo; and winning this award is without question the icing on the cake. ‘Following pent-up demand, we introduced a massive 16 new finishes to our Transform range at the start of the year. More recently, we’ve announced the introduction of our innovative Impress range, which is inspired by the great outdoors, and we have every confidence this will become something of a revolution. ‘This all comes at a time when construction of our robot-operated factory and wind farm at our Belgium headquarters is under way, which further highlights our commitment to sustainability as a whole; which is why the Interiors Monthly win is significant. As a company we pride ourselves on

producing cutting-edge, environmentallyfriendly flooring, and as still relative newcomers to the marketplace, this is an incredible achievement.’ Regardless of flooring requirements – home or commercial – sustainability and durability is often the most imperative consideration and Moduleo says it is proud to be market leaders in that respect. ‘We want to take this opportunity to offer a huge amount of gratitude to all of our customers, retailers and stockists, for investing in Moduleo, and helping us gain that wider recognition and go from strength to strength. And a massive thank you to Interiors Monthly for acknowledging our commitment to sustainability and awarding us this great honour. We have many more fantastic things in the pipeline though,’ adds Bigland. Visit: www.moduleo.co.uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

AWARDS

Editor’s Choice Hypnos Sustainability (Furniture)

Hypnos’ Royal Comfort Collection is its most opulent range

Interiors Monthly August 2014

Hypnos has been hand-crafting bespoke, made-to-measure beds in the UK for more than 100 years, combining traditional skills with constant innovation, and using only the finest natural and sustainable materials. As a business with a rich heritage, Hypnos prides itself on making beautiful beds which have been lovingly and sustainably created by the company’s experienced master craftsmen at its workshops in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire. All of its beds are made using the finest environmentally-friendly upholstery materials and FSC or PEFC certified timbers that have been sourced from managed forests, which means that its beds are 100% recyclable at the end of their life. Hypnos’ wider responsible approach is emphasised by becoming the first carbon neutral bed maker in the country and by passing the Sedex Ethical Trade Audit.

It is this responsible philosophy and focus on sustainable design that has led to the creation of Hypnos’ most opulent range of beds – the Royal Comfort Collection – which has been developed using natural and sustainably sourced materials. Inspired by the designs and specifications from Hypnos’ Royal archives and Royal commissions, the Royal Comfort Collection is a luxurious but ethically made bed which boasts high comfort levels. Like all of Hypnos beds, the Royal Comfort collection features a mattress made from natural materials. Generous layers of natural, breathable fibres such as wool, cashmere, alpaca, mohair, camel hair, silk and silver, are used. As part of Hypnos’ commitment to the environment and to using natural products wherever possible, the company is also a keen supporter of a range of royal initiatives, one of which includes The Campaign for Wool. Hypnos uses wool extensively to help create what it regards as the most comfortable and natural beds in the world. With sustainability and ethical bed production at the core of Hypnos’ values its sustainable credentials also extend to aftercare. The business offers retailers a full disposal service for old beds, with Hypnos’ sister company The Furniture Recycling Company deconstructing beds to create recycled raw materials for re-use in other industries. This responsible approach results in 100% landfill avoidance and offers a green and responsible way of disposing of old mattresses and bedding. Visit: www.hypnosbeds.com

Best of British The pursuit of perfection â&#x20AC;&#x201C; beautiful handcrafted pocket spring beds, with a Royal Seal of Approval and an unrivalled 10 year guarantee. Hypnos provides retailers with exquisitely tailored beds; sublime comfort; a choice of design options; a commitment to sustainability; a strong consumer brand and excellent support. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out, visit us on stand B25 at The Bed Show and try the gorgeous new Regency and Pillow Top Collections today!

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

AWARDS

Editor’s Choice Adam Carpets Outstanding Performance

Below left: La Dolce Vita Below right: Revelation

Interiors Monthly August 2014

The award completes a notable year for Adam Carpets. In the past 12 months it has launched La Dolce Vita and Revelation; its Artistry range picked up the Silver Award for Best Carpet at the 2013 House Beautiful awards and it continued its association with Farrow & Ball with the introduction of roomset posters featuring Fine Worcester Twist. ‘It’s been quite a 12 months,’ says Eamonn Prescott, Adam Carpet sales director. ‘As well as picking up this fantastic award for Outstanding Performance, we have also been recognised by House Beautiful magazine and Flooring One in its Supplier of the Year category.’ Never one to rest, Adam Carpets has enhanced its reputation for innovation with La Dolce Vita and Revelation. ‘With the price of woven carpets continuing to rise, it’s great that we are able to offer a comparable quality alternative at a fraction of the price,’ Prescott explains. ‘Our overtuft continues to be a success

and La Dolce Vita has started selling very strongly. ‘Revelation is also creating a lot of interest and initial sales have been above forecast. A lot of our customers have been waiting for this range for some time and we have been delighted with the feedback that we have received from them.’ So what does the next 12 months hold for Adam Carpets? ‘We are continuing to invest in our ranges and our future. We will be launching a number of new colours into our Fine Worcester Twist range this autumn. We know that Fine Worcester leads the way in colour and it’s great that when we launch the additions, it will get the trade talking,’ says Prescott. Visit: www.adamcarpets.com

www.adamcarpets.co.uk Wall: Farrow & Ball, Elephant’s Breath® No. 229 Carpet: Fine Worcester Twist, Mitton Mouse No. FW103 MADE IN KIDDERMINSTER

RUGS

Globetrotter Limited Edition travels the world with its latest collection Limited Edition has ambitiously drawn from around the world for its 2014 collection, with the Belgian luxury brand taking inspiration from the colours of the Orient and the rich natural materials of New Zealand, blended with its unique take on graphic trends within Belgium. Fusion brings an immediate but subtle and unobtrusive hint of stripes into the home. The pattern playfully breaks with the conventional and the range of colours means there is something for every home â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from light Sahara, through darker Mineral to the subtle hues of Lapis and Topaz. Inspired by the Orient, Elixir gives any room a sense of allure and looks equally at home on antique parquet as on a concrete floor. The colourful fringes along the width of the rug bring the soft, warm Amberglow, Raspberry and Gunmetal colours nicely to the fore. In addition to the splendour of the colours of the East, Limited Edition also contributes a palette of more Above: Vintage Wool in Mink Right: Matrix in Moonbeam

Interiors Monthly August 2014

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RUGS subdued hues, but without losing sight of the important details. These handmade rugs incorporate quirky graphic patterns, ranging from subtle relief to a decidedly retro look. With their soft tufts of exclusive New Zealand wool, they also blend comfort with trendsetting graphic designs. Simple rhythmic patterns give the Alaska, Century and Diamonds collection a quiet elegance. Add to this a soft, subtle relief and relatively monochrome shades and you have a look that fits any room. Alaska is a sober and stylish variation on the V-pattern, while Century and Diamonds explore diamonds as a graphic design. Striking in a light lattĂŠ or silver version, particularly in a white and airy decor, they also combine timeless cosiness and soft comfort. Strongly pronounced graphic designs dominate Maestro. The seductive play of lines of its ranges awaken curiosity along with the alternation of two tufting techniques: a shiny cut pile and a matt loop pile. The range presents an unusual take on rugs while at the same time providing a wonderfully soft feel, due to the highly compact tufting and the properties of New Zealand wool. The luxurious look of the Matrix range comes from its pixel pattern, combining two cool shades of grey and two warmer hues of colour. Cascade opts for simple lines, while Metro has a raised retro pattern harkening back to the 1970s. Timber is a category apart, with a pattern of lines and a rim of colour around the outside. Matrix is available in Moonbeam, Ivory, Taupe and Phantom;

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Above: Fusion in Lapis Left: Elixir in Gunmetal Below: Timber in Gunmetal

FLOORING W SHO 21-23 SEPTEMBER 2014 HARROGATE www.theflooringshow.com

Growing fast! September 2014 will see the biggest edition of the UK’s national flooring show for several years. The whole industry will come together for three intensive days of business activity and networking - don’t miss it!

www.theflooringshow.com

Plan your visit NOW!

RUGS Left: Greystone in Grey Bottom left: Metro in Silver Below: Alaska in Silver

Cascade in Desert and Parchment; Metro in Silver and Timber in Gunmetal. For those who like a touch of daring, Greystone fits perfectly into the company’s tradition of producing handmade rugs from leather. The latex backing stops the rug from slipping. Greystone also has a pronounced geometric design that will appeal to those looking to make a statement. Last year Limited Edition introduced Vintage, made from 100% viscose. This year it is followed by Vintage Wool, a carpet collection with the same antique concept but made from wool. It has a used look – without the sharp edges produced by genuine wear and tear – by combining flat weaving with skilful but uneven shaving techniques. Designer features and cosiness go hand in hand creating a new take on a vintage floorcovering. It is available in Fog, Grey and Mink. Visit: www.le.be

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2014 South West Furniture Show

Tuesday 16th September 9.30am - 7.30pm Wednesday 17th September 9.30am - 9.00pm Thursday 18th September 9.30am - 4.30pm

The 2014 South West Furniture Show (our fifth) is totally organized and run by the members of SWFMARF

The 2014 South West Furniture Show is held at The Sedgemoor Auction Centre Junction 24 Market Way, North Petherton, Somerset, TA6 6DF

www.swfmarf.com

BEDS AND BEDROOM

The Wave

Iron men Peasant furniture and experimentation are at the heart of Barel’s latest collections Think of an iron bed and most of us will create the same mental image. Not so for Italian designers Ugo La Pietra and Elio Garis. They were asked by Barel to develop a bedroom collection and the result was three collections that redefine an iron bed. La Pietra’s Filicudi range has a wall mirror, floor mirror, tables (with stone or wood tops) and a desk alongside the bed. In Filicudi [one of the Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily] the essential furniture in peasants’ houses was made up of two trestles in forged iron. These two elements were used to support a top for different sizes of tables, single beds or double beds, but the height was always the same, says La Pitra. ‘I have remembered these structures used in the house where I spent my summer

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Apollo

Phoenix with Elle base

SIESTA BEDS COMFORT & QUALITY ASSURED Est 1986

A Life Changing Choice Opulence

Latex 2000

New Collection. For the Telford Show. And SWFMARF Show. Super Comfort Natural Collection. Superior Edge pocket Collection.

Kensington

Our Ranges Gel Tech & Cool Tech. Winter Summer Side. Natural Collection. Orthopaedic Airstream memory Fibre. Classic Pocketed Collection.

Sovereign

Viceroy

Mulliners Works 154 Bordesley Green Road,

Regent

Bordesley Green,

Tel: 0121 773 9969

Birmingham

Fax:0121 766 7413

B8 1BY.

Email info@siestabeds.co.uk

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Above: Hydra with Cube base Right: Filicudi

For enquiries and Show Van appointments call Dave Butler on: MIRRORS M: 07715 690 267

E: dbmirrors@gmail.com F: 0161 796 8522

New range of mirrored bedroom furniture

• Mirrors • • Mirror framed artwork • • Art Nouveau mirrors •

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holidays; I have carefully observed the craft techniques in the Barel workshop and have created some ceramic plates using traditional decorative techniques of Mondovì (sponge stamps). Forged iron with craft techniques and enriched with stone and ceramic elements are united by the concept of celebrating the Mediterranean radiant splendour,’ La Pitra explains. Garis’s Lyra collection consists of beds, Apollo and Hermes, with lightness and strong visual impact. The Star collection reverses the role of forged iron in the concept of a bed: it has become a precious artwork. The set of combinations between two wooden bases (Cube and Elle) with three wrought iron headboards (Orion, Hydra and Phoenix), creates six configurations: everyone can create their own personal constellation. Garis has also designed The Wave, which he describes as: an apotheosis of curved and light lines like a breaking wave that contains that sense of deep energy and silent movement that the stormy sea transmits; and the Herbie stool in forged solid iron. ‘Iron is a material I have used a lot in the past few years and that is leading me towards sharp, dynamic and even aggressive lines. I was asked to experiment with materials and I have chosen wood. Wood has been used in the structural form, in order to frame the forged iron elements and to provide the iron itself with new emphasis so as to make it play a leading role,’ says Garis. ‘I do not know if it is correct to talk about serenity of shape, but I think this concept represents the completion of the shape, furthermore it perfectly adapts to the bedroom. ‘The creation of a sculpture or of a sculptural object with a use, such as a bed, is a magic process that creates a tie between the designer and his works. It’s like a spiritual bond,’ Garis adds. Visit: www.barel.it

The Unique

Texas Chameleon Ottoman

Fully Removable Covers

All Metal Frame Huge Storage Capacity

4 Size’s - 6 Colours 3’0 - 4’0 - 4’6 - 5’0 Black - Brown - Ivory - Red - White - Grey TEL - 01785 250888 FAX - 01785 241888 MAIL - sales@metalbedsltd.co.uk

Visiting The Bed Show Telford in September? Why not combine your trip with a visit to our new 5000 sqft showroom just 25 minutes away in Wolverhampton. Come see our extensive range of UK stocked Bedroom, Lounge and Occasional Furniture, plus our legendary clearance deals.

Ideal Products Ltd. 01902 456457 Lower Walsall Street Wolverhampton WV1 2ES info@idealproductsltd.co.uk www.idealproductsltd.co.uk

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Sleep tight in luxury Upmarket range from Dreamland Dreamland Beds has introduced the William Night brand, with its raison d’etre of creating a more luxurious and refined sleeping experience. ‘William Night embraces the latest technology and materials and combines these with traditional skills and master craftsmanship enabling us to produce the perfect bed and mattress. This latest range redefines the luxury bed market and sleep experience,’ says Kiren Kaur, Dreamland marketing manager. ‘Our range reflects the ultimate expression of modern dynamics with comfort, distinctively different and unmistakably unique, offering choice for those who demand lavish design, quality craftsmanship and an uncompromising sleep.’ There are four William Night collections: Platinum – for those who demand craftsmanship combined with premium luxury; Gold – offering definitive comfort and lavish style; Silver – built for uncompromising luxury; and Sports Recovery – targeting athletes and sports enthusiasts or anyone with an energetic lifestyle, says Kaur. There is a choice of storage bases, headboards and mattress toppers, as well as matching headboards. Each collection has a range of different mattresses with different finishes such as natural latex, deep quilted pillow top, and memory foam to meet individual needs. Crescent combines 2,000 independent pocket springs with 70mm of pressure relieving memory foam, soft-touch luxury mattress fabric and is wall-edged for sleep right to the edge. The mattress has a height of 30cm. Solar has 1,000 independent pocket springs, body support performance foam, soft-touch luxury mattress fabric and is walledged for sleep right to the edge. The mattress has a height of 23cm.

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Dusk combines 1,500 independent pocket springs with 20mm of pressure relieving memory foam. The 25cm high mattress is wall-edged and has soft-touch deep quilted fabric. Visit: www.williamnight.co.uk

Left: Crescent and Dusk (below) are part of the Gold collection Bottom: Solar

The finest raw materials, innovative design & attention to detail with a refined collection of beds. William night offers a wide variety of upper class luxury beds including sports and massage recovery, for the perfect night sleep everyone dreams about. W: www.williamnight.co.uk T: 0121 771 3663 Ext 5 E: marketing@dreamlandbeds.co.uk

PROTECTION

A smooth journey My Customer, My Responsibility is Castelan’s policy Castelan was established in July 2011 via a MBO thus retaining its core leadership and experience. This brought several key benefits including: significant operating experience within the furniture sector – more than 50 years at senior management level; the ability to deliver based on unfettered decision making as the

business owners are directly involved in client relationships and service delivery; significant investment in the IT and telephony infrastructure; the field network brand and vehicle fleet; a field training team that works within retailers’ strategies to grow conversion rates in a way to suit their ethos.

Castelan’s Furniture Care Network technicians can carry out repairs in the home

This has created a business with vast experience that ‘puts the customer at the heart of all that we do,’ says Richard Gretton, Castelan commercial director. ‘The principles of Treating Customers Fairly are embedded in the business – adding value at every customer touchpoint from first call to field repair and resolution. “My Customer, My Responsibility” is a statement that appears all around the Castelan business as this reflects how we approach not only our clients but, and more important, their customers. Through the sale of protection programmes and direct instruction work, we view each customer as our own and not as simply one of our client’s customers.’ Castelan offers an ‘end to end’ solution to customer service which means the customer can have a smooth journey from issue to resolution whether that be via the use of a care product, plan or repair, he adds. ‘The furniture care and protection market is one that has grown and changed dramatically in the 18 years I have been involved, whether this has been in changes and

The company has invested heavily in IT and its fleet

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+44(0)800 408 4241

sales@castelangroup.com

Castelan Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority - Registration number 572287.

ÂŠ2011.CastelanGroup Ltd.

PROTECTION improvements in coverage, new product development or the service delivery that lies behind each,’ he explains. ‘For me the most important development and the one where I believe Castelan has the edge is in the entire “customer journey”. That means that the consumer is given a valuable and comprehensive product at the time of purchase of the furniture, one that delivers exactly what it says it will, all the way through to delivering excellent service when a consumer needs to make a claim and finally the excellent delivery of repair services in the home. ‘Owning that customer journey from start to finish is critical to what I believe

The call centre staff at Castelan’s head office follow the principle of My Customer, My Responsibility

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is needed to fulfil the promises that we make to our retail partners. That means having strong commercial and operational knowledge, the correct level of resources in call and claim handling and, perhaps most important, fully employing our Furniture Care Network of technicians so as to ensure consistent repairs at an extremely high standard. ‘All of this while operating in a compliant and customer friendly manner and ensuring that we, as a company, put the customer at the heart of all we do.’ He says this is where the true value of a care plan lies and also in giving the retailer the confidence to sell the product knowing that their customers will not be

let down by service. From this naturally comes the commercial benefits that the retailer can enjoy, backed by the most experienced support team in the sector. ‘Going forward, I believe the customer journey will continue to come to the fore and be the key differentiating factor of those companies that operate in this sector,’ adds Gretton. Visit: www.castelangroup.com

Three in one There are three main parts to Castelan’s products and services: an extensive range of care products that can add value to a business or appeal to furniture sales; Premier Care protection plans that enhance the level of service retailers can offer customers by protecting the investment they have made; and its Furniture Care Network. ‘When you have made the sale and delivered the furniture, you want to make sure that the customer is happy and that the furniture stays in their home,’ says Gretton. Furniture Care Network is the largest network of directly employed furniture technicians in the aftercare market and service first year liabilities to support the Premier Care plans and work directly with consumers.

Independant manufacturers of bench made upholstery from Blackburn, Lancashire, supplying independant & family trade outlets. Specialising in bespoke upholstery and made to measure. Network delivery throughout UK and Ireland

Tel: 01254 661661 Fax: 01254 661802 Email: benjaminadam@btconnect.com Call for our NEW brochure Agents required N. wales, North West , North East, Yorkshire & Ireland

PROTECTION

Branching out Servico is launching in the Republic of Ireland

Above: Servico offers an assembly service Left: Smart Warranty can include a call centre facility Below: The aim is to fix as many faults as possible the first time

Servico now offers its repair services to retailers in the Republic of Ireland. Its flat fee system means retailers will be charged the same regardless of where they are in the country. ‘We will be offering exactly the same service to retailers in the Republic of Ireland as we do in the UK,’ says Pete McDonald, Servico sales director. It has also followed its UK policy of directly employing the technicians to maintain service levels. At the heart of its operations is the Smart Serv System. This is a bespoke service system to allow operators maximum visibility of service claims at all stages of the process. It enables operators to stay in the same screen while tracking appointments, notes, invoices and reports. The parts section on each job will track and record the progress of any part required and allows each party to take ownership of parts. The notes system gives an immediate response to users and is the easiest and fastest method of communicating responses for individual service requests. The system is in live time and open for operators to check service progress. It offers reporting facilities that will detail how call centre staff are responding to service requests, down to full reporting suites showing product performance and fault coding. It is Internet based and activity emails give immediate responses to service levels. ‘We will contact all consumers within 24 hours of receiving a service request.

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Where it is not possible to contact the customer, we will write to them advising them of our intentions. An offer of an appointment will be made within five days,’ says McDonald. Its new telephone system’s text messaging service allows Servico to contact customers 24 hours prior to visit for confirmation purposes and the online booking system is available 24 hours per day to contact centres. This offers a variety of time slots and dates to the customer. This system has proven to provide over 80% of bookings for customers willing to accept the slots available, he says. A detailed report including images and customer signature will be sent to the retailer within 24 hours of a technician’s visit and repair work is guaranteed for 12 months. ‘We will look to achieve the highest

first fix rate possible on all furniture types. This will become more achievable when we better understand our companies’ working parameters. We will also look to develop working relationships with retailers’ suppliers to achieve a greater understanding of the products they sell,’ explains McDonald. Servico’s Smart Warranty is designed to fix the cost to retailers and manufacturers. ‘By underwriting the service contract with major insurers, we are able to cover the cost of service, parts and replacement. Smart Warranty can offer a complete service package including a call centre while clients can retain full visibility of all service issues. It also allows retailers to extend the terms and conditions of their guarantee periods,’ he adds. Visit: www.servicogroup.co.uk

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

SERVICO NOW COVERS ALL IRELAND Good as new The Servico Group is the leading independent furniture repair specialist and offers a full range of repair and assembly of all types of furniture. The Servico Group now works with customers across the whole of Ireland and has a dedicated team on hand to answer calls and queries. Our team of fully trained technicians will report and rectify all problems professionally and promptly.

Nationwide in-home repair service If your customer has a problem with your furniture we can solve it. Our multi-skilled furniture technicians are carefully selected and placed in areas of easy reach for your home and business. We have a flexible approach when selecting appointments and have a number of options that can suit the lifestyle of your customer. We offer timed and sensible bookings around the modern way of life and work commitments. All service requests are logged in our Smartserv service giving live time information for appointments and reports. If you manufacture or Retail furniture in Ireland we are there to help.

Group The Nationwide Repair and Assembly service

www.servicogroup.co.uk E: service@servicogroup.co.uk Tel: +44(0)871 246 0022

PROTECTION

Bacteria barrier Furniture Clinic’s latest treatment tackles germs Furniture items occupying space in clinical environments such as care homes or hospitals require two types of protection; from normal day-to-day damage and from the spread of bacteria. Furniture in areas where germs spread easily are susceptible to a spread of viruses such as MRSA and Ecoli. For care homes, hospitals and all clinical surroundings, there is a constant battle to eliminate these dangerous invaders. Cleanliness in these spaces is a continuing cause for concern and while rigorous hygiene processes have increased, until now there has been little in the way of products or methods to ensure there is no build-up of such bacteria on furniture in waiting or common areas. Furniture Clinic has launched a leather protection cream with added silver that has been laboratory tested and is proven to kill 99.9% of MRSA and Ecoli in 24 hours. As MRSA is resistant to almost all chemical antibiotics, employing silver-embedded protection for furniture is a simple and cost-effective way of protecting leather items. The cream has the same basic qualities as the original formula – it helps to prevent damage and staining to the leather – but once applied to any leather or vinyl surface the

The cream has added silver

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added silver will begin to kill bacteria. The antimicrobial characteristics then remain on the leather’s surface, prohibiting germ growth and offering protection against further contamination. The cream should be applied liberally every three months and any contaminates that form on the surface will be killed and unable to grow on the protective barrier that has formed. Future dirt can be easily wiped clean. Spread of germs isn’t just confined to hospitals though: stores and offices can also be a breeding ground for bacteria to flourish, with the potential to cause sickness in customers and staff. Using furniture care products as a way to help stop the spread of such bacteria is a unique and highly cost-effective method of solving an increasing problem for organisations in various industries. Providing practical products with an additional health benefit, means resellers and service suppliers can offer an all-inclusive package to an array of sectors that benefit from a low cost solution to help prevent the spread of bacteria. Visit: www.furnitureclinic.co.uk

N E MA W JO EV R EN T

THE

AUTUMN F URNI TUR E SHOW 2014

A Minerva Furnishers Guild event featuring a flooring showcase from SMG

Come and see a great selection from the industry! The show is a SELL-OUT with over 90 key exhibitors attending this major event. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this chance to see the very latest in the industry plus a flooring showcase.

PLUSS... A Flooring Sh owcase.

Open Exclusively for Minerva and SMG Members on Tuesday 7th October! All furniture,bedding and carpet retailers welcome on Wednesday8th and Thursday9th October.

DATES & TIMES

LOC ATION

Wednesday 8th October 9:00 - 17:00 Thursday 9th October 9:00 - 16:00

The International Centre, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 4JH

Visit www.theautumnfurnitureshow.co.uk to register your place! Proudly sponsored by An event from

Supported by

The Flooring Show Harrogate 21-23 September

PREVIEW

Lofty ideas For inspiration on everything flooring, Harrogate is the place to go

Top: Kingsmead’s Book of Stripes Above: Lano’s Kamira

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Associated Carpet Group will explain its membership benefits to retailers at the event. Adam Carpets previews the first new colours for Fine Worcester Twist in six years and will show Close Companions alongside Revelation and the undyed Pure Brit. BGP Trading is displaying its four wood flooring brands, including its top end hand-carved Antica Falegnameria Annoni e Perego collection. Carpet Recycling UK offers information on how retailers can benefit from recycling carpets and carpet offcuts as well as providing a seminar: Carpets – Resources for the Circular Economy. Cavalier Carpets is adding Gemini to its Couture Collection and expanding its Stain-less range with Distinctions in three qualities and 11 colours. POS will be enhanced with a slimline Design a Drum tombola unit. Classis introduces Jewel Stripes to coordinate with Jewel and Impression; Emerald, Amber and Sapphire will be extended and a 26-colour wilton collection will be debuted along with Luxury Soft Touch.

Best Flooring Manufacturer

Simply outstanding

Furlong Flooring. Standing out from the crowd. Furlong Flooring offer market leading products, at competitive prices with excellent service levels – add to that most orders are delivered next working day through our national distribution network and you’ve got a compelling proposition. Quality runs deep whether it’s our high-impact display systems or our extensive portfolio of polypropylene carpet, wool carpet, vinyl & wood ﬂooring. www.furlongﬂooring.co.uk

For outstanding solutions that get results contact Furlong Flooring today. T H E F U R LO N G F LO O R I N G P O R T F O L I O

Wool Collection

www.furlongﬂooring.co.uk

Sales: Preston - 01772 696 787

Dartford - 01322 628 707

Newport - 01633 283 959

The Flooring Show Harrogate 21-23 September

PREVIEW

Cormar showcases its latest 100% polypropylene range – Apollo Plus – a sister collection to Apollo with a finer, denser pile, an increased pile weight and an extended stain warranty from five to 10 years. It will also introduce two new qualities and demonstrate additions to its online portal system. CPS Labels will show its range of labels, printed on self-adhesive or heat activated linen, carpet aprons, and POS print. Crown Floors will display its latest compact lecterns, promote its loyalty club, and launch a roll range in five colours. Curtis Wool Direct hosts the Wool the Wonder of Ewe feature, providing information on wool. Gaskell Wool Rich presents its latest wool stripe range, Notting Hill. This is available in 10 colourways, in 1m, 4m and 5m widths. It will also introduce Westminster, a three-ply chunky wool loop pile. From Jewel Blade will be its latest blades, including XL Premium Gold with 1.25% carbon steel and a titanium nitride coating. Kingsmead Carpets launches the Haddington Plains and Heathers 80/20 twist pile range in two weights and 4m and 5m widths. Hockley will have four new colours. The Book of Stripes and 100% wool loop pile Mineral collections will make their

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show debuts. There will be four additions to the Clean Easy range including Grandeur, a three-ply polypropylene multicolour; Virtue, a felt and action back twist; and Dignity in Everlon Supersoft fibre. Lano Carpets shows the new Divine Twist in a 75oz quality as part of the Easy Care collection; the 30oz Forum IB; 30oz Xtra Twist, and the Venice collection. Fairfield Supreme and Fairfield Creations will be reinvigorated with new colours. Leica Geosystems will display its measuring, aligning and levelling equipment.

Top: Cavalier Carpets’ Distinctions Inset: Crown’s lecterns Above: CPS Labels

Tomkinson Twist The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best selling wool twist carpet. Now with new construction and new colours added.

The Flooring Show Harrogate 21-23 September

PREVIEW

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Matparts will demonstrate the Karpet King 812-M three-thread carpet overedging machine and the Karpet King Kompakt overedging machine. Mr Tompkinson premieres Caesar, a twist range in 13 colours, and Cadiz, a 100% wool loop pile available in 4m and 5m widths. The USA’s largest supplier of computer software for the retail carpet industry, RFMS, has joined forces with UK flooring software specialist Gould Hall Computer Services to form RFMS-UK. RFMS has about 20,000 users of its software supporting more than 8,000 stores in the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It will show retail software alongside its Measure and Measure Mobile estimating software. From Stroolmount will be its floor protection products and accessories including the latest wobble wedge door wedge. Ulster Carpets’ plain loop pile Panama and highlow loop Monaco and Capri stripe, part of Open Spaces, make their show debut along with the Glenmoy tartans while the five-design Boho will be previewed. WoolSafe will demonstrate its new website and reveal details of its CleanSeal cleaning product testing programme. It has teamed up with Enco Global Testing Services to develop an environmental testing and certification standard for carpet and upholstery cleaning products. The CleanSeal mark sets out all the important performance requirements that cleaning agents for synthetic carpets and furnishing fabrics must meet prior to submission for environmental testing by EGTS. Visit: www.theflooringshow.com

Interiors Monthly August 2014

Above: Ulster’s Boho Hemingway in Apple Blossom Left: Karpet King 812-M Bottom: Lecia’s 3D Disto

The Flooring Show Harrogate 21-23 September

PREVIEW

Bronte’s Orla

Wool takes centre stage Brintons’ Padstow in Pebble Houndstooth

A celebration of wool carpet will be at the centre of The Flooring Show, staged by the British Wool Marketing Board, The Campaign for Wool and leading manufacturers. At the heart of the activity will be the Wool Trends Centre in hall three, which is supported by the industry’s leading carpet brands, with Adam Carpets, Axminster Carpets, Brockway Carpets, Bronte Carpets, Brintons, Cavalier Carpets and Ulster Carpets participating. Each company will have its own stand and promote their latest wool introductions. BWMB and CfW are keen to make this activity part of a much bigger programme that reaches out to consumers and the design community in an effort to stimulate interest in the benefits of wool flooring. A promotional feature in the October issue of Homes & Gardens will be part of the wool promotion. Participating brands in the supplement will include Adam Carpets, Alternative Flooring, Axminster, Brintons, Crucial Trading, Cormar, Kingsmead, Roger Oates, Ulster, and Whitestone Weavers. The eight-page

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British Wool Marketing Board and The Campaign for Wool have made a major investment in wool promotion Wool Trends feature will be given to visitors at the show. A Homes & Gardens styled Wool Inspirations roomset section will form the centrepiece of the Wool Trends area. ‘We are delighted to bring Homes & Gardens to The Flooring Show as part of our promotion. This area will be a very exciting addition to this show and we hope retailers will be inspired by the creativity on display,’ says Bridgette Kelly, CfW interiors director. BWMB will focus on wool education, offering retailers information on wool and providing POS to assist in promoting and selling wool carpets in-store. ‘Our aim is to provide the UK retailer with the knowledge and tools to promote the assets of real wool and show how it is the best choice on many levels for the home,’ says Tim Booth, BWMB marketing manager. British wool produced from the sheep of British farmers is the BWMB’s raison d’etre. It collects, grades and sells the wool of about 50,000 sheep farmers and it is predominantly used in carpets and rugs.

‘There is so much added value in a British wool carpet; it is reliable, robust, resilient and a consistent performer on all levels. It is perfect for busy areas, halls, stairs, living rooms, as it is excellent at resisting pressure and tracking. We intend to ensure retailers know that. Our full team will be there to answer any questions,’ says Booth. There will also be sheep inside and outside the show so that there is no mistaking the natural origin of the fibre. The BWMB will bring a flock of British sheep to graze at the front of the Harrogate International Centre in association with the National Sheep Association. ‘British sheep farmers are totally dedicated to their role and they provide the funding for all our promotional activities. We want to remind people that real wool is natural and truly sustainable as British sheep provide a fresh supply of locally grown wool every year,’ says Booth. The neon flock of sheep that CfW uses to highlight its activity across the world will also make an appearance at wool

PREVIEW

Axminster’s Windsor Itschner

carpet partners in other areas of the show. ‘Our neon sheep are great and very popular, they usually make people smile, so we are bringing them along too,’ he adds. Wool themed seminars will take place on all three days of the show, with topics including cleaning and care and selling wool benefits to help retailers deal with queries from customers. The Homes & Gardens wool seminar will focus on the magazine’s recent interior trends research and will be hosted by Giles Kime, Homes & Gardens editor in chief. ‘These Wool Trends promotions are about inspiring and educating both trade and consumers and this will be done in partnership with the industry. It is a focused and integrated programme that significantly has the backing of major brands and buying groups. Wool will be at the heart of this long-standing trade show again – this is great news for The Flooring Show and great news for the flooring retailer,’ adds Kelly. Visit: www.britishwool.org.uk www.campaignforwool.org

The Flooring Show Harrogate 21-23 September

Cavalier’s Woodland Heathers

BWMB and CfW are involving Homes & Gardens in the show

Brockway’s Jubilee in Sweet Plum

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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Balterio - Area Sales Representative IVC-group, one of the largest Western European producers of vinyl and laminate floors for residential applications, is currently looking for a successful sales representative to take over the Midlands UK area for its laminate flooring division Balterio. The sales representative will be responsible for all sales activities in assigned accounts and regions. He/she will be reporting to the National Sales manager of Balterio. Balterio is a major producer of innovative, stylish, quality laminate floors. The extensive, luxurious collection closely reflects market requirements and the latest design trends. Vertically integrated production and extensive automation ensure outstanding value for money. Balterio laminate floors are available from the better flooring and decoration stores and from trade specialists and timber merchants. We offer a competitive salary and package as one would expect from a progressive Group as IVC. Please forward your CV in strict confidence to: Ian.shuttleworth@balterio.com. No agencies please. The IVC Group has 1,200 employees and generates a turnover of around €530 million in 110 countries.

Wakkensteenweg 37B – 8710 Sint-Baafs-vijve – Belgium info@balterio.com – www.balterio.com Member of IVC-Group

Agents Required Professional sales agents required We are a newly established wood flooring distributor based in Harlow Essex with manufacturing background in Asia. American Walnut various sizes Herringbone & Mosaic Parquet Budget Oak 3-Ply 3-Strip & 1-Strip 8 products stock Innovative finishes on Solid and Multiply Engineered Oak Sales administrator & Area sales agent recruited.

Tel: 01279 439 660 Mobile:07808088666 Website: maxzara.co.uk Email: info@maxzara.co.uk

Origin Red Furniture is a UK supplier of Quality Dining and Occasional ranges to the UK and Irish market. Our customer base typically comprises AIS and Minerva members, as well as Group and Mail Order businesses. Due to our current growth, we are looking to expand our Area Sales Team in the UK and Ireland and are looking for highly motivated individuals to join our team as agents. You will have excellent contacts in the Independent sector with a particular skill and success in business development. In return you will receive good rates of commission, regular promotional offers, a first class level of back up support and a regular supply of new products. If you feel you have the qualities to help us drive our business forward, please contact: Paul James Origin Red Furniture Unit 10, Harrington Mills Leopold Street Long Eaton NG10 4QE paul.originred@gmail.com

Manchester Furniture Show Global Furniture Alliance Marrakech in crimson

Manchester Furniture Show

REVIEW

G&P’s Michigan

Kettle’s Chateau

The right numbers More than 120 companies took part in the Manchester Furniture Show which attracted more than 4,800 visitors. Here’s a selection of highlights from the event Ashley Manor introduced the Argenta with studded arms and updated its fabric collection. Comfort Zone used the show to introduce its first sofabeds, showing versions of the Ripon, Woburn and Newquay sofas with two-fold action and fibreblock mattress and the new Eternity, Tranquillity and Serenity with a three-fold action and sprung mattress. The Jasper sofa has chrome feet and comes in a two-seater sofa and a wide and deep cuddler chair. Bedale also consists of a two-seater sofa and chair. The chair features a full back, while the sofa has a pillow back. Kingston and Richmond were new corner units with the option being added to Chelsea. G&P debuted the Springfield living and dining collection with three drop-leaf dining tables and coordinating occasional pieces in a light oak finish. Michigan is available in a combined natural wood finish with white paint. Ideal introduced the Toronto club chair in a choice of three stripes, the Rio click-clak bed and Edo children’s storage bed. Julian Bowen’s launches included the Mayflower living and dining range in reclaimed pine with an oak finish; the children’s London Bus bed; the Knightsbridge bedstead with upholstered headboard; and Taku compact dining set with a choice of chairs. Kettle Interiors unveiled the Chateau and Hambleton bedroom ranges in an off-white painted finish.

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Julian Bowen’s London Bus bed

BM introduced the Almalfi sofa

Kingstown’s introductions included the Ocean collection with a wave texture to the waist of the bi-fold door wardrobes and to the tops of the drawers. Colour options include an oak carcase complemented by either oak, white or mussel coloured fronts and a black carcase with white fronts. Hinckley is inspired by a French country cottage style with a modern twist in a cream/ grey painted finish. Vintage-inspired Helena is finished in a classic cream paint featuring a slightly distressed look and chrome cup handles. The classic Aylesbury in white features sculptured doors, profiled edges and ceramic handles.

Living Room Envy...

Old Charmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifestyle offer is being further developed this summer with the launch of a new sofa collection. It comprises three new designs of sofas, loveseats and accent chairs all available in an exciting range of fabrics to complement the Old Charm finishes. Wood Bros (Furniture) Ltd, Marsh Lane, London Rd, Ware, Herts., SG12 9QH

w: www.oldcharm.co.uk

t: 01920 469241

Manchester Furniture Show

REVIEW

Comfort Zone’s Chelsea

Wire Lamps’ Cayan Tower

La-Z-Boy’s Ontario

La-Z-Boy revealed Ava – an addition to its Comfort Studio collection – as well as Charleston and Ontario, which features a heat and massage power recliner. From Lebus was the Faye compact sofa with sloped arms; the Sasha high-back corner unit with accent swivel chair; Wave chaise sofa; Isla corner sofa; Riva featuring short legs and retro styling, and high-back Adriana with large cushion arms. Rowico’s latest design is the Woodsmoke bedroom range. Seconique enhanced the Charles bedroom range with occasional and home office pieces and a walnut finish; added a bunkbed to Corona, while the Regent bedroom range has two wardrobes, three chests of drawers and a bedside unit. Stanton and Bradford are glass and faux leather dining sets. Welbeck House showed the loose cover linen-look Frankie and the low arm Isla. Westbridge Furniture launched 10 designs, including Lily, a compact sofa with slim arms and the option of a love seat; Orson sported tonal piping and base; and Jess has large scroll arms and a tailored look, available in four sofa sizes, loveseat and armchair. Wire Lamps highlighted the Cayan Tower and the WLF3016-8 floor lamps, both 1.5m tall. Cayan has a twisted prism design while the WLF3016-8 features clusters of crystal berries in red, clear, black, green, blue or lilac. Table versions are also available. Visit: www.manchsterfurnitureshow.com

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Kingstown’s Ocean

Wood Bros’ Burnham

Manchester Furniture Show

REVIEW For Stroolmount, the Manchester Furniture Show was the perfect opportunity to demonstrate its substantial range of flooring protection products, including the new wobbly wedge door wedge. Tel: 08454 706 670

Global Furniture Alliance showed-off its extensive collection of fabric recliners, leather recliners, recliner chairs, riser recliners and accent chairs. Tel: 01291 645 080

Browsing A quick look at some of the stands Furniture Origins UK unveiled several bedroom and living and dining collections to keen interest from visitors at the show, adding even more breadth to its product offer. All ranges are available on mixed containers or through its wholesale partner. Tel: 07702 603 971

Staingard used the exhibition to show the collection of mattress protectors, pillow protectors, fitted sheets and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hooded bathrobes and changing mats from Delis, for which it is the UK distributor. Visit: www.staingard.co.uk

Greenapple used the show to introduce Tusk, a range including a coffee table, lamp table, console table and TV unit, available in four finishes: walnut, wenge, oak and charcoal grey. Visit: www.greenapple.co.uk

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Autumn

LONG POINT 15t h-17th S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4

www.longeatonguild.co.uk Te l : 0 7 9 0 2 0 3 2 1 0 1

All Sealy Hybrid beds contain Geltex, a unique, gel-infused foam that is quite simply the most advanced sleeping material available. It has all the pressure relieving properties of traditional memory foam but provides a level of "push back" body support that memory foam lacks. It also has an open cell structure that allows for far greater breathability for the sleeper, allowing body temperature to dissipate quickly and effectively. All Hybrid models also feature Adaptive technology - a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;dynamic responseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; textile that reacts to temperature and moisture. Hydro-functional polymers change shape, boosting evaporation and helping to maintain a constant temperature throughout the night. Hybrid - a unique fusion of Geltex, Adaptive Technology and Springs. How cool is that?

Call our Sales Hotline on 016973 24403 to discuss or request a sales visit.