Interiors Monthly July 2022

JULY 2022

BGNFS Review

Salone Highlights

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

Passing of the baton New leadership at the top bed chains sees questions on how they respond to rivals that have grown rapidly When Mike Logue stepped down as ceo of Dreams in January there was a feeling that change was in the air in the bed retail sector. Now that Mark Jackson has followed suit at Bensons for Beds, there is a definite sense of a change of era.

Both guided the respective chains through post-administration changes and challenges, and the companies have turned to the number two to take on the lead role in Jonathan Hirst and Nick Collard respectively.

Lots of things have changed since Logue began dragging the chain back up, and arguably change has happened even faster since Jackson took over as the post Bensons/Harveys link ended.

Lockdown fundamentally changed how we shop and buy beds: look at the likes of MattressOnline and MattressNextDay and other online players that have seen huge growth and were able to operate – and forge new relationships with suppliers – when traditional operators were closed and having to concentrate on their futures.

The ONS sales figures for May were better than I think many expected, but if anecdotal suggestions are to be believed, the figures for June and July won’t be anywhere near as positive, even if they are still up on 2019.

It was good to see so many retailers attending BGNFS in May (it still seems like the other week but that’s probably the effect of going on holiday with no emails for a whole 10 days – something I highly recommend). It had seemed a long time since TFS to catch up on products first seen at Harrogate, and for some that will be a year since retailers initially clapped eyes on them.

Many thanks to all of you who voted in the Interiors Monthly Awards 2022 (in fact, as I write this, some of you have just voted). I’m very much looking forward to counting up the votes and revealing the winners in the next issue, along with the winner of the hamper (which won’t be heading to Lincolnshire for Tim Shaw – sorry, Tim – for the third year in a row).

INTERIORS MONTHLY JULY 2022

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS 4

Mixed fortunes for sales, but still up on 2019

6

Bensons sees management changes

10

Grampian becomes part of Gillies

FEATURES 12

New products

16

Service

20

Experiences A happier place

24

Sustainability Small things matter too

26

Retail Pillars of strength, colours of the city

38

LVT Biophilia matters, staying down, for every life

46

Product development Finding what you want

48

Beds and bedroom Latest from the sector

62

Buying groups The One Show, celebrations, USP

68

Preview VIFA, Home & Gift

70

Review Polska, BGNFS, Salone

Editor: Andrew Kidd

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

JULY 2022

Furniture advertising (South): Tim Boden

M: 07976 122 150 E: tboden@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

BGNFS Review

It makes more sense to make it Moduleo: the smart choice in luxury vinyl flooring.

Visit: www.moduleo.com

Salone Highlights

Furniture advertising (North): Jarrod Bird T: 01565 631 397 E: jbird@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Carpet, flooring advertising: Joanne Paull M: 07817 624 922 E: jpaull@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Representative in India: Amarjeet Singh Gianni T: 0091 98390 35458 E: as_gianni@yahoo.co.in Published by Interiors Media Limited 167 Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 4LP T: 01732 441 134 E: enquiries@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Registered in England no. 6397722 Print: Knockout Print Design by Truprint Media © Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236

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The smart choice in luxury vinyl flooring MORE DESIGNS

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www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

3

NEWS

Mixed fortunes for furniture and flooring sales The value of furniture and lighting sales in England, Scotland and Wales dropped again in May but was still well ahead of 2019.

Sales were £1.242bn, down £49m (3.8%) on April 2022.

Compared with May 2021, sales were 9.28% lower but were 12.55% higher than May 2019’s £1.1bn.

According to the Office for National Statistics, May was the 36th best month since comparable records began in January 1986. Since then sales have averaged £866.7m a month.

Flooring sales in England, Scotland and Wales saw a major annual increase in May. Sales were £226.09m, up 15.9% on May 2021 but 2% lower than April 2022.

Sales were almost double (up 96.7%) of May 2019’s £114.9m.

May was the 46th best month since comparable records began in January 1986. Since then sales have averaged £176.7m a month.

The figures may be subject to revision.

BoConcept extends Sterling tie-up Danish furniture brand BoConcept has extended its tie-up with retailer Sterling Furniture.

The company has opened a 4,080sqft store within the chain’s Sterling Home store in Aberdeen.

It is the second BoConcept store hosted by the chain, alongside two stand-alone outlets.

It comprises eight room-themed studios, and takes cues from the brand’s collection, using wood, stone and plants for a warm, biophilic-enhanced setting.

Contrasts of steel and concrete are softened by drapery, creating permeable

privacy: zones where consumers can hold styling consultations and discuss requirements.

‘We have seen the popularity of the brand grow in Scotland, with our successful stores in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Tillicoultry and looked to expand further, making BoConcept even more accessible to Danish interior design fans. Opening our store within Sterling Home Aberdeen alongside other premium interiors experts, is the perfect location,’ says Adam Davidson, BoConcept Scotland director.

It is BoConcept’s 22nd UK store.

Flooring inflation slips back despite smooths jump The rate of retail price inflation for flooring slipped back in May, despite higher prices for smooth flooring.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the rate for carpet and other floorcoverings fell from 9% in April to 8.1% in May. In the past year it has averaged 8.17%.

The rate for carpets and rugs dropped from 7.6% to 6.1%, but other flooring saw the rate rise from 15.2% to 21%.

The overall furniture, furnishings and flooring index saw the rate edge downwards from 15% to 14.7%: a year ago it was 6.8%.

Furniture inflation drops again The rate of retail price inflation for furniture dropped for the second consecutive month in May, but remains at an historically high level.

According to ONS, the rate for household furniture dropped from 16.5% in April to 16.4% in May. In March it was 17.2%. In May 2021 it was 6.6% Most furnishing sectors saw a drop in inflation. Garden furniture dropped from 32.8% to 25.5%; lighting fell from 12.4% to 10.5%; and table and bathroom linen dropped from 5.3% to 4%.

However, bed linen rose from 5.5% to 7.2%; furnishing fabrics and curtains rose from 1.9% to 4.5%, and other furniture and furnishings rose from 11.2% to 13.8%.

The overall furniture and furnishings rate dropped from 16.3% to 16.2%.

Castelan strengthens FMC’s corporate membership Castelan Group has become the latest company to join The Furniture Makers’ Company as a corporate member.

The care product and service company will be formally welcomed as a corporate member in October, when Ian Annand, Castelan chairman; Martin Napper, Castelan ceo and

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

Stuart Armstrong, Castelan finance director will be admitted as corporate liverymen and personally welcomed by the Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company in an admissions ceremony.

Corporate membership provides opportunities for businesses from the trade to support the FMC’s

charitable activities, get involved with civic events and network with other members.

The Furniture Makers’ Company is keen to raise awareness within the flooring trade for the welfare support it can offer employees past and present in all furnishing industries.

The bed industry awards are back for 2022... and are bigger than ever!

Enter your company for a prestigious NBF Award today NBF Member Awards

Retailer Awards

Bed Product of the Year

NBF Small Retail Champion of the Year

Component Product of the Year

NBF Large Retail Champion of the Year

Bed Manufacturer of the Year

National Bed Retailer of the Year

Component Supplier of the Year NBF Sales Agent/Rep of the Year

Online Bed Retailer of the Year Best Marketing Campaign Outstanding Bed Store/ Bed Department of the Year

Enter now at bedshow.co.uk/awards @TheBedFed

NEWS

Management reshuffle at Bensons as top two depart Bensons for Beds has reshuffled its management after its ceo and cfo stepped down.

Nick Collard, who joined as chief commercial and digital officer in August 2021, has succeeded Mark Jackson as ceo.

Jackson steered Bensons through 2020’s refinancing and restructuring when it was bought in a pre-pack administration by Alteri Investors.

Gordon Brown, finance director has become cfo, replacing John Sidebothan.

‘Bensons is a business with huge potential. Like many retailers in our sector, we’ve had our share of operational and supply chain issues as the world has recovered from the pandemic, but we are focused on delivering for our customers and on delivering our strategy for growth,’ says Ian Shepherd, Bensons chairman.

‘As we start to look forward to the next phase in our transformation, Mark and John have decided that this is the right time to leave the business. I would like to thank

them for their dedication and commitment as they steered us through extraordinary times.

‘We are delighted to have appointed Nick Collard as ceo.

Nick is a tremendous leader who has already transformed the commercial operations of our business and is well placed to drive the delivery of our strategy and of a transformed customer experience.’

‘Bensons for Beds has undergone major changes over the past two years and navigated difficult conditions arising from the pandemic. We have invested across all aspects of the business, including our stores, distribution, manufacturing, and revamping our website, but there is still much work to do, and our focus is now on giving customers the best standards of service possible,’ says Collard.

Collard has turned to his former employer Holland & Barrett to recruit strategy director Ed Preston to his former role at the bed chain and promoted Frankie Haynes, Bensons retail director to chief customer officer.

Ireland move for Wayfair

In the running

Wayfair, the furnishings etailer, has launched in Ireland with a dedicated .ie website.

‘We are delighted that Irish shoppers can join our 25million-strong active global customer base in accessing the very broadest selection of homewares to suit every home, style and budget,’ says Jens Uwe Intat, head of Wayfair Europe. ‘We pride ourselves on offering a seamless end-to-end customer experience, from first Bringing more choice to Irish consumers click to final delivery.’

The company says it has a ‘delivery network which includes logistics hubs across Ireland for fast and frictionless delivery,’ as well as customer service headquartered in Galway. Delivery is free on purchases over €40.

Wayfair saw non-US sales drop by 31.4% to $500m in the quarter to 31 March and US sales by 13.9% to $2.5bn. Pre-tax losses were $318m.

Mattress etailer MattressNextDay has been recognised by the SME National Business Awards. The company has been nominated in the Business of the Year – Under 50 Employees category.

The award recognises initiative, boldness and imagination as well as sound management practices. Nominees also had to demonstrate sustainable growth and commercial success exceptional for their size of business.

‘Over the past two years we’ve seen the business grow at a much faster rate than we ever expected… If we win this award, it will be the icing on the cake,’ says Martin Seeley, MattressNextDay ceo.

Results will be revealed in December.

FFD to return Flanders Flooring Days is to return next year after the success of the debut event.

Associated Weavers, Balta, Beaulieu International Group, COREtec Floors, ITC, IVC Group, Lano, Modulyss, Ragolle and Unilin welcomed more than 1,000 visitors from over 55 countries to their showrooms from 2-5 May. Thanks to the response, the companies have agreed to repeat the event. However, next year’s show will

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

Springing up in SW1

The inaugural show was a great success

take place later, from 22-25 May, to avoid bank holiday weekends across Europe.

Bed manufacturer Vispring it to open a central London showroom.

The 4,239sqft space will cover three floors and be located on Regent Street, St James’s.

The showroom, which will open in the autumn, is described as ‘an interactive retail experience, offering customers a “factory tour””, and the space will host ‘talks with sleep experts’.

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NEWS

Gillies buys Grampian The show was as lively as ever

Salone ‘beyond expectations’

people

The return of Salone de Mobile last month saw visitor numbers ‘beyond expectations’, despite an almost complete absence of Chinese and Russian visitors.

The Milan event saw 262,608 visitors as it returned for the first time since 2019. This was despite the lack of a Russian and Chinese contingent, which numbered more than 42,000 in 2019.

The show saw a total of 2,175 brands take part, with 73% of them non-Italian. Visitors came from 173 countries.

The 2023 event will take place from 18-23 April.

Mike Scott, Victoria Group cfo is to leave in August after six years.

He will become a non-executive director until the next AGM. The group says his successor, Brian Morgan, has considerable experience in working at multi-national companies and in merger and acquisitions.

‘I'm a 100% believer in Victoria's future and will be remaining a long-term shareholder,’ says Scott, who owns 240,000 shares.

DFS: orders drop back

F Ball has appointed Lizzie Farrimond (top left) and Gabriela Harper as sales representatives to support retailers in the north and south of the country respectively.

Mark Eastwood, MP for Dewsbury, has been appointed chair of the All Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group. He succeeds Mike Wood, who has led the group since it was re-formed in 2020.

10

Gillies has added to its store network in Scotland by buying Grampian Furnishers.

The six-store chain has added the Elgin retailer, filling a geographic gap between its Aberdeen and Inverness branches.

In 2018 Grampian moved from its nearby Lossiemouth store to the £3.5m 30,000sqft unit. It will continue to trade as Grampian Furnishers.

‘It has been without question the most difficult decision of my life, but our long-established family business being taken over by the Philp family and the Gillies brand is a perfect fit. The acquisition now creates the best complete furnishings offering across Scotland,’ says Royce Clark, Grampian Furnishers former owner.

‘The state-of-the art showroom, highly regarded reputation, and location of Grampian Furnishers was very appealing, and will allow us to expand the reach of our exciting range of home furnishings throughout the area of Moray and beyond,’ says Ian Philp, Gillies md.

Interiors Monthly July 2022

DFS has told shareholders that it has seen order volumes drop back by about 2% from the end of March to early June.

The company says that it enjoyed a double-digit increase compared with 2019 in the quarter to 27 March, despite offsetting significant cost inflation through mitigation and retail price increases.

‘While we have increased our weekly production and delivered revenues progressively over the second half, to record levels in the fourth quarter, the ongoing Covid-linked supply-chain disruption, combined with lower order intake since April has led to lower levels of production and deliveries relative to our previous expectations,’ it says.

It says it expects to carry a £30m order book into the 2023 financial year, about 2.5% of sales.

‘Our trading history shows that the group has gained market share during periods of furniture market decline, and we believe that we will remain well-positioned against the market, given our scale, brand strength and our integrated retail strategy.’

Duvalay investor Devey dies Hilary Devey, former Dragons’ Den panellist and mattress investor has died, aged 65.

Devey was on the programme in 2011 when she invested in caravan mattress manufacturer Duvalay, which resulted in it expanding into the mainstream mattress

market and introducing the Hilary Devey Collection.

She founded distribution company Pall-Ex in the 1990s, selling her home and car to finance it when her bank refused her a loan. She sold the company in 2019.

She was awarded a CBE in

2013 for services to business and charity, which included being vice-president of the Carers Trust. She was also a patron of the Stroke Association, having suffered a stroke in 2009.

She married twice and leaves behind a son, Mevlit.

New

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A firm favourite in family homes for over 10 years, Apollo Plus has been re-launched to include 9 new on trend colours.

Stain resistant and bleach cleanable, Apollo Plus is now available in a range of 22 heather and plain shades and is made from 100% Excellon polypropylene.

NEW PRODUCTS

1

3

2

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1 DePadova has introduced a red lacquered version of Paolo Tilche’s Silvia chair, made from rattan and hand-tied with rush bark. Each chair is one of a kind, a precious and cherished piece that will bring a touch of vintage elegance to the living room.

Visit: www.depadova.com 2 Lago’s Pentagram bookshelf dictates the rhythm of interiors. Sleek shelves jut from the back panel, creating a dynamic yet lightweight look. The sense of being suspended is reinforced by the lighting built into the back panels, which are

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

decorated with striking visuals in the XGlass, coloured glass and lacquered finishes.

Visit: www.lago.it 3 Boffi’s Shades handle in light Canaletto walnut is a full-height handle, perfectly integrated into the solid wood Shades door.

It can only be used with hinged doors.

Visit: www.boffi.com 4 BerryAlloc’s Les Iconics captures the timeworn look of vintage parquet in a wood floor made for today’s homes.

Available in Aged and Rustic and featuring traces of traditional craftmanship with

hand-scraping and sawing effects, this new collection makes the charm of aged oak more accessible.

Visit: www. berryalloc.com 5 With the beautiful natural texture of cork, Granorte’s WALLTrend comes in 16 designs ready to transform interiors.

From the classic look of Grain to the vibrant Twist, rustic Country and organic Primus, the collection is full of unique looks that will lift interiors out of the ordinary and bring the magic touch of cork to walls.

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NEW PRODUCTS

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6 The flooring industry has its share of self-taught installers, many of whom have racked up years, if not decades of successful work. However, a course at the Academy for Excellence in Flooring can be a way to unlock even more business and learn to tackle those complicated jobs previously thought out of reach.

Visit: www.quick-step-academy.co.uk 7 With sound-reducing underlays for wood, laminate and LVT, Floorwise makes it easier to create fantastically quiet floors.

The rubber sponge construction of its Acoustica underlays is capable of absorbing airborne as well as impact sound, none more thoroughly than range-topping Acoustica Gold Supreme.

Visit: www.floorwise.co.uk

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8 BerryAlloc’s high-pressure Wall&Water waterproof decorative wall panels are available through International Decorative Surfaces. Wall&Water is the only system offering a quick and easy solution to a tiled look without the need for grouting.

The panels can be glued directly onto a solid wall or, using the unique Interlock system, onto a wooden frame.

Visit: www.berryalloc.com 9 Abingdon Flooring returned to BGNFS, presenting new qualities to keep buying group members in carpets that deliver style, quality and affordability. Featured was a preview of Finesse and Caress from the StainFree family, and Charter Berber Deluxe and Charter Loop from the wool Wilton Royal collection, as well as a chance to see Love Story Velveteer and a sneak peak of Wild Silk.

Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk 10 Showing off improved POS with the new Richelieu display as well as drapes of its latest rug designs including unique flat-woven textures, Bauhaus patterns and the brand’s first circle rugs, the Louis de Poortere stand at BGNFS was a chance to see how the Belgian manufacturer is making waves in the UK flooring scene.

Visit: www.louisdepoortere.com

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

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SERVICE

Richard Renouf

Stick to what you know Diversifying from your core skills can bring trouble I wondered if I was leaving my comfort zone by accepting the instructions to examine the upholstery on a Broadland cruiser. The seat and back cushions of the built-in seating had been sent to a company that offered a re-upholstery service, but the results were apparently not as the boat owner had expected.

It was an hour’s drive to the marina, where the customer was waiting to meet me. Fortunately, he was by the office and was able to guide me through the maze of pontoons to find his pride and joy. He led the way aboard and gestured to the saloon, where pale blue cushions clung to the banquette seats around the dining table, and to the cockpit where matching covers were ‘fitted’ to the captain’s chair.

All of them looked ill-fitting and very shabby. ‘Are these the old ones?’ I asked.

‘No, these are what they gave me back after I’d parted with all that money,’ he said.

The seat cushions did not fit snugly but had gaps between them. The covers had moved around the fillings because there were no liners. Several of the seams had burst open because the sewing allowances were too small and the overlocking had been overlooked.

There were loose ends along every seam. The back cushions were ‘held’ in place by misplaced hook and loop tape, and the studs for fastening the seat cushions had been randomly positioned, including some inserted across the seam where a cheap material used for the cushion bottoms met the cover fabric. The studs on the seat platform were just as random, but in entirely the wrong positions for the studs on the cushions. I began to list and photograph all the problems.

I found a maker’s label. The ‘upholsterers’ were in fact a company of sailmakers. Its sails are superb and

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

I remembered the name from my schooldays when its workmanship adorned the entire fleet of boats in the school sailing club, so it definitely had many years of experience. But clearly not in upholstery.

I looked up the company and found it had diversified into a number of other areas that, whilst still relating to boats, were not exploiting the same skills and expertise that had built its reputation. It would take very little time for its good name to disappear if it did not pursue the same standards in every area of its work.

The new cushion seams had burst open

Studs were randomly positioned, some across seams

Of course, the company is unlikely to read this. It won’t appear in Yachting World or Practical Boat Owner, or any of the boating mags. But it has had sight of my report with its independent assessment of the work.

This story is true, but here it’s simply a parable with a message for all of us.

Continue to be professional in all you do, but don’t stray from your field of expertise, however tempting.

Visit: www.richard-renouf.com Richard Renouf is an independent furnishings consultant

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EXPERIENCES

A much better place Shoppers are continuing to trade up, but that brings its own (familiar) issues, says our correspondent THE RETAILER Fludes Carpets In May I went to the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show. The main topic was relief that everyone could get together and chew the cud about all that had happened over the past two years, and might happen in the next 12 months.

The suppliers I spoke to were all very apologetic about the need to increase prices, and concerned that things might get worse before they get better. A world shortage of ink seems likely as we are making almost daily price changes!

Most of the manufacturers’ stands were reasonably busy, with retailers keen to see what has changed since the last show, and there has been some movement to improve the offering of flooring with good ‘green credentials’. This is something customers bring up more often than in previous years.

Being able to attend this show is one of the many benefits that we enjoy from being in a buying group. We are also able to get exclusive products, and exclusive prices

Cardboard tubes are becoming a problem again

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

on many others. Not everyone likes the thought of being locked into a buying group and some prefer to run their own business in their own way. But if you think you might want to join a buying group, check them all out before you decide.

Back in the stores, we are seeing a much higher level of service from our suppliers than we were pre-Christmas. Look back two years and think about the debacle with distribution companies going out of business and stock issues every day. We are in a much better place now. Rather, the strength of sales levels is now becoming a problem. First, stock levels are patchy, especially of LVT products and ancillaries and second, fitting times are stretching to five to six weeks. There also seems to be a shortage of fitters everywhere. Mind you, it is a nice problem to have.

With high levels of sales, it makes the loads on the lorries bigger. The old problem of cardboard tubes not being picked up

is beginning to create a squeeze on space in the warehouse.

Our customer flow has started to slow down but we are still receiving good-sized orders, and for decent quality of carpet.

LVT sales have continued to grow, and the majority are for designer tiles rather than the plank style. When pricing up, it always seems to be the fitters that earn most on an LVT installation. Customers appear to be clear about what they want and need to be reassured by staff with a good product knowledge. These things seem to be more important to the customer than the overall price for the job.

In all, it does seem that things are settling down and a new normal is showing itself: bigger orders, long lead times for completing the work, regular price changes and customers who are willing to buy on quality of service and product instead of the price. Enjoy your summer holidays!

Andy Laird, Fludes Carpets md

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WATC H TH E FI LM A N D DI SC OV E R O U R AWA R D WINNING D I S P L AY

Invictus LVT Shop-in-Shop double page 202202.indd 1

Always a trailblazer when it comes to branding, Associated Weavers reinvents the in-store display & brings an experience unseen in the flooring business. With traditional samples and an intuitive digital module, Invictus® luxury vinyl flooring invites the customer on a fun-todo purchasing journey.

GREAT FLOORING - INVINCIBLE DISPLAYS SHARE YOUR INVICTUS #invictuscarpetflooring www.invictus.co.uk

A UK brand since 1964

12/05/2022 9:58:55

SUSTAINABILITY Ash dieback meant the tree had to be felled

The ash dieback can be clearly seen

New life

Having to fell an ash tree will lead to new one-off items Sustainability doesn’t always have to be about the large, industrial-scale developments. Sometimes it’s on a personal level.

When Sheridan Coakley, SCP founder discovered that one of the mature ash trees in his garden was suffering from ash dieback and would have to be felled, he had an idea. Rather than chop it down and make it into firewood, why not invite like-minded people to see what they could make out of the tree?

The results of that will be unveiled as the One Tree exhibition, at the London Design Festival in September. Those taking part include Max Bainbridge, Poppy Booth, Oscar Coakley, Sebastian Cox, Matthew Hilton, Peter Marigold, Moe Redish, Wilkinson & Rivera and Faye Toogood.

Participants had the choice of cut boards…

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

On the day of the felling all of the participants came to help cut, select and remove the pieces of wood. Cox used his mobile sawmill to plank branches and stems of the tree with his colleague, Redish. Everyone was given a choice of either taking a whole section of the tree, or selecting and cutting boards for use.

The tree, which was not grown specifically for use as timber, was full of beautiful imperfections, which would have made it undesirable to a commercial sawmill but were quite attractive for this project.

One Tree seeks to create one-off objects of beauty, which will both retain the carbon from the tree and give new material life to something that would otherwise have disappeared.

Ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus)

…or parts of the tree

is a fungus which originated in Asia and it will kill around 80% of ash trees across the UK. At a cost of billions, the effects will be staggering. It will change the landscape forever and threaten many species that rely on ash. It doesn’t cause much damage on its native hosts the Manchurian ash (Fraxinus mandshurica) and Chinese ash (Fraxinus chinensis) in its native range. However, its introduction to Europe about 30 years ago has devastated the European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) because our native species did not evolve with the fungus and this means it has no natural defence against it.

In the UK, ash dieback has had most impact in the south-east of England.

Visit: www.scp.co.uk www.londondesignfestival.com

Four bar Hexham This variant to the established eight bar Hexham spindle aims to give a cleaner, more contemporary look yet remains also able to cross over into traditional. A winner with painters.

Hexham Eight bar Our highly popular eight bar back plain spindle back chair is where modern meets the best of Victorian simple. Equally at home in town or country dining settings. Available in beech or oak.

Hoop back

Windsor Hoop Carver

An enormously popular and stylish hoop back with elegant good looks and features, robust enough even for contract. This is a quality beech chair that fits many bills.

We have taken a classic Georgian style an adapted it for modern living. The ageless lines evoke their traditional background but also harness a more modern edge.

Great as a stand-alone chair in its own right or a carver complement to our hoop or Hexham’s.

IMAGES MATTEO IMBRIANI I

RETAIL

Pillars of strength Flexform has opened its first flagship store in Italy 26

Interiors Monthly July 2022

ACPV Architects is behind the design of the new store, which features Vincenza stone and stretched steel

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RETAIL

As Salone marked its 60th edition in Milan, Flexform was among those to use the occasion to open stores in the city.

The company turned to its main designer Antonio Citterio’s architectural practice ACPV for the store’s design: envisioned as a flexible, reconfigurable

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

display space. The 8,600sqft showroom is the company’s first flagship store in Italy.

‘After nearly 50 years of working with Antonio it was only natural for us to entrust the design of our new Milan showroom in via della Moscova to ACPV Architects,’ says Pietro Galimberti,

Flexform president. ‘The concept that ACPV Architects developed for us seemed absolutely perfect for a display space that encourages an immersive, authentic brand experience.’

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Strength in numbers while remaining independent

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RETAIL

The via della Moscova store is the manufacturer’s first flagship store in Italy

that extend the showroom out into the urban landscape, the store encourages visitors to enjoy a journey among the various Flexform collections.

The store design blends timeless materials, such as large slabs of Vicenza stone sourced from the Laboratorio Morseletto quarries, and wall finishes executed by artisan Matteo Brioni, with

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

the contemporary technical design of the false ceilings in painted stretched steel sheet and LED lighting, adjustable based on time of day or needs.

‘The showroom aims, above all, to inspire an experience. Like in a museum, where visitors come in and enjoy the works of art, our project for Flexform allows clients to fully experience the

furnishings and admire the refinement of their details,’ says Francesca Carlino, ACPV Architects partner in charge of the project.

A backdrop of backlit panels featuring graphic designs by Christoph Radl, Flexform art director complete the flagship store’s decor.

Visit: www.flexform.it

Superior quality for better protection on tiles

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IMAGES: CHIARA CADEDDU

RETAIL

Alive Jaipur’s first European store brings the colours of the city with it 32

Interiors Monthly July 2022

Mattio Cibic

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Stay in touch @floorwisehq

Get F597 at distributors across the UK & Ireland: +44 (0)1509 673974

RETAIL

The store covers two floors and is shared with Delvis

The Via Marco Minghetti store is near the Triennale design museum

Jaipur Rugs’ first European store transports the lights and colours of the city of Jaipur to Milan, and testifies to the eclectic design of the brand and its attention to craftsmanship.

The store, on Via Marco Minghetti near the Triennale design museum, is shared with Italian furniture manufacturer Delvis.

Taking centre stage is the Manchaha collection, a series of unique pieces made entirely by weavers, from conception. In this way the project reveals the hidden creativity of the artisans, who become real artists, storytellers, through their technique.

Through Manchaha Raasta, the showcase has symbolic impact 

Wunderkammer

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

Manchaha

UNLEASH YOUR CREA TIVITY Our London showroom is now open!

Time To Get Inspired!

Visit us at the Business Design Centre, 52 Upper St, London N1 0QH

Keep an eye on our social media channels for the latest news!

Contact us via www.beauflor.com or get in touch with your sales representative to arrange an appointment. We look forward to seeing you very soon!

www.beauflor.com

RETAIL

with the aesthetics of Jaipur: its main pattern, played on thick lines that intersect and colours in strong contrast with the dark background, draws on the theme of travel and reflects the idea of constantly new and diverse experiences.

The interior of the store takes the visitor along a path, the rugs moving

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

between animal motifs and natural designs, an aquatic element enhaced through references to the lotus flower, to movement that mirrors water and earth. Soft colours and inspirations from everyday objects close the circle on a narrative of ancient rural India.

On the lower floor, an environment dominated by warm tones contains

and reflects the inspirations and visions of Manchaha. Here, the major Jaipur Rugs collections include Jaipur Wunderkammer by Matteo Cibic, series of rugs that encapsulate the designer’s aesthetic – images of contemporary India through the lens of Jaipur city.

Visit: www.jaipurrugs.com

LVT

Moduleo LayRed EIR Country Oak Moduleo LayRed York Stone

Biophilia matters Integrating nature into design is becoming more important Biophilia is the love of life and/or living things, and it’s becoming an increasingly popular approach to how we live day to day – and how we design our spaces. We’re increasingly finding our relationship with the natural world diminishing. Biophilic Design aims to counteract this, integrating nature into architecture and interior design through natural materials in order to create environments that promote wellness and positivity.

‘There have been numerous studies that indicate the positive benefits of interaction with nature. Research has shown that nature can improve productivity, lower stress levels, enhance our learning comprehension, and increase recovery rates from illness,’ says Elise Bylo, Moduleo design manager.

There are three categories of Biophilic Design. First, the physical presence of nature, which can be through plant life, water, animals, breezes, sounds and scents. Elements of plant life and natural life are woven into the overall design and aesthetic of a space, while the initial visual aspect – seeing plants, woods and water for example – can also be supported by sounds and smells.

Second are nature’s shapes, forms, patterns and processes – non-living but organic evocations of the natural

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

world. Objects, materials, colours and shapes are manifested as artwork, furniture or textiles, for example wooden furniture. Patterns or textures that occur in nature, as well as materials with a connection to nature (such as wood or stone) are used to create a distinct connotation of the natural world.

Finally, pace and place: fundamental naturally occurring elements that affect the way we experience and enjoy a space. Examples include an unimpeded view over countryside, or a place of refuge where we can withdraw to relax and experience some quiet time. Indoor plants should be located in areas where they will be regularly noticed and interacted with, giving them a fundamental presence and imprinting a natural ambience on the space.

‘It’s estimated that over 56% of the world’s population now live in urban areas, therefore it is no surprise to see an increase in the need for nature around us. Estimates suggest that by 2050, this will rise to 66%. By injecting natural elements into the spaces we inhabit, we can help to counteract some of the greys we often see in major cities,’ says Bylo.

‘Biophilic Design has been found to support cognitive function, and physical and psychological health. Our role when developing our products is to offer a

solution that brings some of the most appealing aspects from the outside world into our homes.

‘Our natural wood and stone-effect LVT flooring solutions are perfect examples of non-living evocations of the natural world. We have a collection of different luxury vinyl designs that can bring the outside in and transform a space. Many Moduleo floors are embossed in register (EIR) too, bringing a new level of realism to a room. The ridges that are pressed into the surface coat of the floor throughout production exactly match the grain of the wood or stone in the photographic layer, giving planks an incredibly realistic finish.’

Visit: www.moduleo.co.uk

Elise Bylo, Moduleo design manager

LVT

Staying down

The fast-drying formulation of Styccobond F58 PLUS enables LVT tiles and planks to be secured in just five minutes

Using the correct adhesive for the situation is vital Given customers’ high expectations for LVT installations, it is worth taking the time to ensure optimum results. This includes selecting the most appropriate adhesive, which usually means one with pressure-sensitive characteristics, affording high initial tack and a long open time.

‘Pressure-sensitive adhesives are ideal for the installation of LVT because they form an instant grab upon contact, so, once positioned, tiles or planks won’t move about as fitters work. They also offer an extended open time, reducing the risk of late placement and making them ideal for installations where more complex designs or patterns are being created. Some pressure-sensitive adhesives are formulated to reduce the incidence of trowel serrations showing through thin vinyl floorcoverings, affecting the appearance of the finished installation,’ says Tim Green, F Ball Centre of Excellence head of training.

‘There are instances where the advantages of other solutions will be important for the longevity of the installation. For example, when installing floorcoverings in areas subject to extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations, it is advisable to use a temperature-tolerant adhesive. High temperatures or extreme fluctuations can cause floorcoverings to expand and

contract significantly, which may lead to unsightly tenting in floorcoverings and gapping at the edges of LVTs over time.

This can be the case in conservatories or rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, which are subject to “solar gain”.

‘Temperature-tolerant adhesives develop the high bond strength required to hold floorcoverings securely in place in such environments, ensuring a long-lasting flooring finish. However, temperature-tolerant adhesives have traditionally been wet-lay, and fitters requiring this type of adhesive have had to forgo pressure-sensitive benefits.

Advancements in hybrid polymer adhesives have enabled development of high-performance vinyl adhesives with revolutionary combinations of properties, including temperature tolerance and pressure-sensitive characteristics.

‘Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS is a waterbased, pressure-sensitive vinyl adhesive that develops the extremely high bond strength and dimensional stability required to hold vinyl floorcoverings firmly in place in areas exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations (from -20degC to +60degC). Whilst providing high initial tack, the adhesive allows fitters to lift and reposition floorcoverings in the initial stages of drying, making it a great choice for installing tiles and

planks, intricate patterns and bespoke designs that need precise alignment.

Styccobond F49 is also resistant to water, meaning it is suitable for use in areas subject to water and high humidity, including kitchens and bathrooms.’

To check the compatibility of particular floorcoverings and adhesives, F Balls’ Recommended Adhesives Guide is available online and as a free app, as well as a printed booklet. The company guarantees the resulting bond performance of its recommendations for the entire lifetime of the flooring installation, as long as the advised subfloor preparation and installation procedures are followed.

The Centre of Excellence hosts free training courses on achieving optimum results when installing LVT. Visit: www.f-ball.com

Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS is used in areas exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

39

LVT

Knight Tile, Dutch Limed Oak

For every life

Knight Tile, Frosted Marble

The right flooring can help everyone live as independently as possible ‘More than ever, our homes are multifunctional spaces that cater for different lifestyles and stages of life, and we look for them to adapt with us as our family changes over the years,’ says Stella Coyle, Karndean Designflooring national sales manager.

‘Whether your family includes individuals with neurodiversity, physical disabilities or older relatives with mobility or memory challenges, how you decorate your home can help everyone live as independently as possible, now and in the future. Designing your home for special needs need not be obvious

Knight Tile, Grey Limed Oak

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

to visitors. By carefully arranging room layouts and selecting the right surfaces, a practical interior that meets the needs of everyone can also be beautiful.

‘It is estimated that around one in seven people in the UK is neurodivergent, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia and anxiety. Of course, everyone’s needs will be different, but creating a space that is soothing and comforting will provide a home where everyone can feel safe.

Consider calm, neutral colour palettes with natural textures, and avoid schemes that over-stimulate.

‘Opting for a flooring with an enhanced

acoustic layer can help reduce noise within the home. Our Korlok, Van Gogh and new Knight Tile rigid core designs all have superior acoustic qualities and reduce noise transfer, making them ideal for upstairs rooms and to install over uneven surfaces.’

For those with physical disabilities or mobility challenges, including wheelchair users, non-slip flooring with a firm hardwearing surface will help them move around confidently.

‘As our relatives age and live with chronic illness and reduced mobility, many families are meeting this challenge and supporting independence with multi-generational living. When it comes to choosing a floor that suits the needs of those less steady on their feet, it’s worth looking for a floor that has good slip resistance and is warm and comfortable underfoot.

‘For those living with dementia, a traditional style that is familiar to them, and visual differentiation to help them identify which room they are in, will help them navigate the home. Using a blend of complementary designs or different laying patterns in different rooms is a useful approach, while adding borders with design strips will help define the edges of a space.’

Visit: www.karndean.com

Theflooringshow.com

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18 – 20 September 2022 Harrogate Convention Centre

Scan the QR code or head to www.theflooringshow.com to register

The Flooring Show 18–20 September 2022 HCC, HARROGATE

Choose from 42 different gluedown designs in wood or stone effects. Combine materials to create zones in open plan spaces or select the same design in different sizes or formats for a room-to-room effect to cater for your subfloor requirement.

Available in a wide range of designs, colours, textures and sizes Can be personalised with design strips and borders No expansion gap required

All 20 rigid core designs have been enhanced with K-Core® technology to allow fast installation over most existing floors, minimising disruption with superior acoustics limiting noise transfer by 19dB. Reduces noise transfer to rooms below by 19dB Quick and easy to install

Hides subfloor imperfections

NEW Knight Tile shown in Honey Limed Oak KP155 KD6858UK_Karndean_ KT Launch_The Stocklists Advert_210x297mm_4pp_booklet.indd 2-3

Introducing the new Knight Tile collection, a versatile range of contemporary stone and wood designs, guaranteed to get noticed and last a lifetime.

KARNDEAN. COM/NEXTMOVE 20/04/2022 16:56

WOOD AND LAMINATE Parador Modular ONE Cross Cut black Iconics

Parador Laminate Hydron 600 Oak Montana limed

Passion and performance Parador has identified trend beacons and boosted water-repellent floors ’Passion meets performance‘ is how the new Parador range is being presented.

Passion for beauty, aesthetics and design meets technical excellence and innovations that demonstrate Parador’s status as a leading flooring brand.

The existing product range structure, with the established Basic, Classic and Trendtime collections, is complemented by the new Hydron range and by specially curated designs with the additional Iconics designation.

The new Iconics label identifies items within the existing product lines that are distinguished by their exceptional design. As trend-oriented beacons they shine out and deserve special attention.

With decors at the cutting edge of design, Iconics underlines Parador’s promise to set relevant trends in flooring design.

The new Hydron range stands for particularly water-repellent floors that can also withstand special challenges.

For laminate Hydron 600, Parador has further optimised proven product components to prevent water penetration: in addition to the waterimpermeable top and bottom surfaces, an extremely low-swelling HDF core board and the highly hydrophobic special bevel lacquer, in combination with a particularly tight-fitting click

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

system, herald a new laminate flooring generation from Parador. A total of nine decors reflect the range of current design trends.

With Modular ONE Hydron, Parador is expanding the range of its successful bestseller. Modular ONE Hydron stands for the combination of innovative technology, best quality and authentic looks. Due to its special structure, the resilient floorcovering is 100% waterproof and very easy to renovate due to its low

Parador Laminate Trendtime 3 Multiplank Mix Iconics

installation height. This means that Modular ONE Hydron can be installed even in rooms with a high moisture load such as bathrooms, and without any time restrictions.

The new waterproof and dimensionally stable polymer core board and the waterproof polymer backing combine outstanding quality and water-repellent properties, and are available in 15 modern decors.

Visit: www.parador.de/en

CARPET

For the times

Free displays will be available in August

A new brand has debuted, aimed at cost-conscious shoppers Headlam has launched a brand aimed at the lower cost retail market.

Everyroom will offer 18 exclusive ranges: 16 carpet along with two vinyl, which will be released by the end of July.

The carpet ranges have an average retail price of about £17 per sqm. This compares with about £34 per sqm for Lifestyle Floors, the group’s previous brand launch.

Brixham

Trade prices for Everyroom are fixed until September and free lecterns will available to retailers from August.

Shoppers will be able to order five samples online.

‘Headlam is delighted to be able to offer our customers a new and competitively priced product collection under the exclusive Everyroom brand,’ says Chris Payne, Headlam ceo.

‘Everyroom will help our customers to secure sales, particularly at a time when consumers are more costconscious,‘ he added.

‘The Everyroom ranges have been launched following extensive market research that ensured we developed the best quality, on-trend ranges at fantastic prices.’

Visit: www.every-room.co.uk

Spartan in Fossil

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45

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

More possibilities UK Agency is expanding its showroom to give buyers greater options Time is required when making buying decisions, along with access to different influences and designs. This is why UK Agency set up a town-centre showroom when lockdown ended in England in 2021.

Now the Brighouse, West Yorkshire showroom is to be expanded from 7,000sqft to 9,150sqft, with scope for further expansion. It already has 45 displays, a fabric gallery – the Design Lab, and a photographic studio – the White Room.

‘Retailers need time to make considered decisions, so we wanted to have a venue where people can spend time to look at products. Unlike at a show, there are no time constraints and no pressure. Buyers might come to look at one range and find another

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

Flam & Luce

Bozza

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

The Design Lab fabric gallery

among the several brands we are responsible for,’ says Brendan Brett, UK Agency founder.

The company handles UK distribution for several European manufacturers across upholstery, beds, lighting and cabinet, including ARC, Bizzarto, Bozza, Flam & Luce, Grafu, Kristensen & Kristensen, Ronfe, Suffa, TKY and x8.

But while it deals with manufacturers’ core products, UK Agency’s USP is not just adapting those designs so they are suitable for the UK market but also developing exclusive designs in conjunction with the retailer and manufacturer. And scouring Europe to find the right manufacturer isn’t enough.

‘Service is key to everything we do.

Great service gives our customers confidence in our products and our communications. A founding principle was to ensure that suppliers have a clear

There are more than 40 displays

understanding of the market and accept that good service and reliability are just as important as fast-repeating commercial products, and that is as true today.’

At the time of writing, Brett is in the middle of several hours of meetings with a major retailer ahead of a trip to eastern

Europe, but the company’s work is not limited to the multiples: regardless of size, if a retailer is looking for reliable, flexible suppliers which will cater to their specific needs, Brett is highly likely to know where to turn to.

Visit: www.theukagency.co.uk

ARC

Bizzarto

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

47

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Sporting summer

Getting the most out of each day means investing in the best quality sleep

A good night’s sleep is vital for success Mammoth is preparing for an actionpacked summer of sport and leisure that has its name written all over it.

After two summers of restrictions and regulations, the UK is looking forward to a season of freedom and fun, made all the more exciting by a bumper schedule of sport, in which Mammoth will be playing a key role behind the scenes.

Birmingham hosts the Commonwealth Games from 28 July – 8 August. As official partner of the British Athletes Commission, the official voice of Britain’s elite athletes, Mammoth will be continuing to support medal hopefuls from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland by helping to maximise rest and recovery when it matters most.

This summer will also see England Rugby head to Australia to face the Wallabies, while Ireland and Wales face New Zealand and South Africa respectively. As official partner and benefits provider to the RPA, RPI and WRPA, dozens of international players across the men’s and women’s games trust their sleep to Mammoth.

There’s more to global sporting events than just the competitors, of course.

According to Mammoth’s official partner the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy,

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

the Commonwealth Games alone will rely on more than 200 volunteer physios to support the able bodied and para athletes over the course of 11 days.

Whether it’s preparing for the biggest day of the sporting calendar or simply feeling fit and healthy, getting the most out of each day means investing in the best quality sleep. Mammoth’s awardwinning range of pressure-relieving mattresses are not only the first choice for many elite athletes, they are suited to anyone who wants to reach their potential.

After the trials and tribulations of the

pandemic, Mammoth is committed to helping people enhance their physical and mental wellbeing through the power of sleep. Mammoth’s Medical Grade foam mattresses deliver pressure relief, postural support and cooling through the night – a benefit that is never more important than during the hottest months of the year. Mammoth is supporting its retail partners with a mattress collection that encourages relaxing, restorative sleep and the very best for customers.

Email: sales@mammothuk.com

The Mammoth Summer Sale: launching 22nd July

Our pedigree Born out of healthcare Grounded in sleep science

Making healthy choices is now even more affordable this summer thanks to the Mammoth Summer Sale, which kicks off on 22nd July.

Patented technologies

Running until the 1st September, Mammoth will be supporting retailers with a healthy discount on the Comfort retail collection. Mammoth will also provide a range of digital and print assets to help raise awareness of the seasonal promotion.

Backed by health professionals

Scientifically shown to improve sleep*

where participants:

Fell asleep 29% quicker

Experienced a 7% increase in sleep efficiency

Reported a 21% more enjoyable sleep

*See mammothcomfort.com for details.

Ready to add a healthy choice to your shop floor, contact us today at sales@mammothuk.com

Innovations in Health award winners

Loved by the sporting elite

Independent testing* resulted in

47% Greater Pressure Relief

69% Faster Cooling

Curated by buyers for buyers

30 AUG - 1 SEPT 2022* Register now: indxshows.co.uk *

30 Aug open to AIS member only

For exhibitor enquiries visit indxshows.co.uk or email info@indxshows.co.uk Cranmore Park Conference and Event Centre, Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, B90 4LF. An AIS trade show.

22042 INDX furniture & Beds for Interiors Monthly.indd All Pages

ly

Curated by buyers for buyers

13-14 SEPT 2022* Register now: indxshows.co.uk 13 Sept open to AIS member only

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For exhibitor enquiries visit indxshows.co.uk or email info@indxshows.co.uk Cranmore Park Conference and Event Centre, Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, B90 4LF. An AIS trade show.

13/06/2022 10:36:25

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Keep cool and sleep

The benefits of copper are being recognised

Mattress protectors can help regulate the body’s temperature during hot nights

The weather is finally waking up to the fact it is summer, with soaring temperatures predicted for the coming months, and while this is great news for sun worshippers, it can be a real challenge for those people who have difficulty sleeping in hot weather.

Sleep is essential to every process in the body, affecting our physical and mental functioning the next day, our ability to fight disease and develop immunity, and our metabolism and chronic disease risk. Healthy sleep also allows your body and mind to recharge, leaving you refreshed and alert when you wake up. Without enough sleep, the brain cannot function properly which can impair your ability to concentrate, think clearly and process memories.

‘Thankfully, Protect-a-Bed has a range of mattress and pillow protectors perfect for these warmer nights, to enable you to sleep cool, and to minimise the restlessness associated with being too warm at night. Our Tencel Cool mattress protector is the perfect solution for hot nights: the Tencel Lyocell surface of this luxury mattress protector helps to regulate the body’s temperature by wicking sweat away from the body, for a cool night’s sleep. Its moisture absorbency is also ideal for sleepers with sensitive skin,’ says Gowsh Shanmugathan, Protect-a-Bed national sales manager.

‘Lyocell is an environmentally friendly semi-synthetic fibre. It’s made of wood cellulose, which is a natural source, so you can sleep sustainably as well as cool.

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

‘The use of copper in the wellness market is becoming more widespread – this is because copper is known to contribute to a healthier immune system, joint relief and relaxation, and it even has anti-ageing properties. The copper’s cooling properties pull the heat away from the skin to keep you cool naturally while you drift off. The combination of copper and cooling nylon creates a high thermal conductivity to pull heat away from the skin. Copper materials feel cooler than cotton at room temperature and this mattress protector is no different. Copper is also anti-microbial and antibacterial, for a healthier sleep.’

Protect-a-Bed’s bestseller, its classic cotton mattress protector is a musthave for year-round cool sleeping, says Shanmugathan. Celebrated for its

comfort and breathability, cotton is soft and versatile but also resilient, making it easy to care for. Cotton is also naturally hypoallergenic and has the added bonus of being easy to clean.

‘In addition to these great cooling properties, all of our mattress protectors use Protect-A-Bed’s unique Miracle Membrane, which is waterproof yet breathable and allows body heat to easily pass through, whilst preventing sweat entering the mattress. The protectors are machine-washable, meaning you can keep your sleep zone healthy and hygienic.

‘Every Protect-A-Bed protector also includes a 10-15-year product guarantee and, when bought with a mattress, a 10-15 year anti-stain guarantee.’

Visit: www.protectabed.co.uk

Mattress protectors can help you sleep in hot temperatures

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A new adult mattress range offering exceptional comfort while helping to protect the future of our planet.

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Weight of plastic described in equivalent number of average sized plastic drinking bottles as of September 2021.

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Above and below: Layla

Head space Eye-catching proportions and a tribute 54

Interiors Monthly July 2022

Design detail

Layla is a bed with eye-catching proportions. The headboard of Carlo Colombo’s design for Flou is generous yet basic and simple. Its strength lies in projecting the idea of an embrace, a haven where we can let ourselves go and relax.

For this reason, the headboard is large and tall, provides an ideal backdrop for two nightstands and defines the most intimate place for rest and relaxation. More importantly, the thick padding provides a comfortable and welcoming support, a sensation exalted by the aesthetics of the extremely soft cover.

The lines of the headboard are balanced by the simplicity of the base, which comes in all the versions available for all of Flou’s classical textile beds.

‘For the interpretation of this specific request, I tried to use language that was coherent with the company’s DNA: to present the aesthetics of a bed that would express the welcome and the softness that the headboard could offer. Layla satisfied this brief – a totally unique project in Flou’s world,’ says Colombo.

Like the base, the completely removable covers are available in fabric or leather. The base is available with the Leonardo mattress support, a storage base, an H25 base with adjustable slats and a base featuring electric movements. 

20 - 21 Sept 2022 | Telford

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Most companies would be horrified if you nodded off reading about their products. We on the other hand would find it quite a compliment.

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For more details about becoming a stockist please contact enquiries@gng-group.co.uk / 01924 950300

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BEDS & BEDROOM

Gaudi

Gaudí now has an option of an ash frame

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‘The design Gaudí can be described as a tribute to the beauty of wood: this material is alive, can be modelled. I have always been passionate about using it in projects,’ says designer Matteo Nunziati.

‘This year we would like to present the bed and the chairs of the collection in ash, a delicate timber that exalts all of the wonderful natural properties of such a precious substance.’

The range of finishes for the Gaudi double-size bed has been extended.

In addition to black or coffee-brown stained oak, now included is natural ash wood, a paler, more delicate coloured timber, in shades that range from pale yellow through pink to pale brown.

The new finish is also available for the indoor versions of the Gaudi sofas and armchairs.

Visit: www.flou.it

The weather is finally hotting up in the UK, with some soaring temperature predictions over the coming months, and while this is great news for sun worshippers, it can be a real challenge for those people who have difficulty sleeping in hot weather.

Sleep is essential to every process in the body, affecting our physical and mental functioning the next day, our ability to fight disease and develop immunity, and our metabolism and chronic disease risk. Healthy sleep also allows your body and mind to recharge, leaving you refreshed and alert when you wake up. Without enough sleep, the brain cannot function properly which can impair your ability to concentrate, think clearly, and process memories.

Thankfully, Protect-a-Bed have a range of mattress and pillow protectors perfect for these warmer nights, to enable you to sleep cool, and to minimise the restlessness associated with being too warm at night.

Tencel Cool Mattress Protector Our Tencel Cool Mattress Protector is the perfect solution for hot nights; the Tencel ™ Lyocell surface of this Luxury Mattress

Protector helps to regulate the body’s temperature for a cool night’s sleep by wicking sweat away from the body. Its moisture absorbency is also ideal for sleepers with sensitive skin.

Lyocell is an environmentally-friendly semi-synthetic fibre. It's made of wood cellulose, which means it is made of a natural source, so you can sleep sustainably as well as cool!

Cotton Mattress Protector

Cooling Copper Mattress Protector The use of copper in the wellness market is becoming more widespread, this is because copper is known to help with having a healthier immune system, joint relief, relaxation, and even has anti-ageing properties. The copper’s cooling properties pull the heat away from the skin to naturally keep you cool while you drift off.

The combination of Copper and Cooling Nylon creates a high thermal conductivity to pull heat away from the skin. Copper materials naturally feels cooler than Cotton at room temperature and this mattress protector is no different. Copper is also anti-microbial and anti-bacterial creating a healthier sleep.

Protect-a-Bed’s best seller, our classic Cotton Mattress Protector is a must-have for year-round cool sleeping. Celebrated for its comfort and breathability, cotton is soft and versatile, but also resilient, making it easy to care for. Cotton is also naturally hypoallergenic and has the added bonus of being easy to clean.

In addition to these great cooling properties, all of our mattress protectors use Protect-A-Bed’s unique Miracle Membrane, which is waterproof yet breathable and allows body heat to easily pass through, whilst preventing sweat entering the mattress. The protectors are machine washable, meaning you can keep your sleep zone healthy and hygienic. Every Protect-ABed protector also includes a 10-15 year product guarantee and when bought with a mattress, a 10-15 year anti-stain guarantee.

Advertising feature: Protect-a-Bed

Beat the Heat with Protect-a-Bed

Gowsh Shanmugathan, National Sales Manager Mobile: 07935 710 054 Office Tel: +44 208 731 0020

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LIVING AND DINING

Dark is good The past 12 months have seen a marked increase in sales of darker finishes for Core Products.

Dunkeld, part of the Highland Home collection, is based on the long-standing Boston design, with a midnight blue semi-matt paint finish and contrasting tops made from solid hardwood frames with ash veneer inserts. The range is finished with a warm antique wax.

To complete the look, brushed steeleffect cup handles are used on the cabinet pieces. An extensive choice of bedsides, chests, dressing table, wardrobe and bookcases is available.

Delivery to store is free on orders over £500, with an option of delivery direct to the customer’s home, with costs based on the weight rather than the size of the product.

Visit: www.coreproducts.co.uk

Dunkeld

Think outside the box.

You sell it, we deliver it, direct to your customers’ door.

2021

BEST FLAT PACKED FURNITURE SUPPLIER

01738 630 555 | sales@coreproducts.co.uk

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

THE

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A classic and sophisticated piece, the Hague electric recliner chair is upholstered in rich leather and sits upon a round Walnut base. Packed with sumptuous cushioning and easily adjustable to help you find the perfect position. Its features include an adjustable headrest, integrated footstool and USB port, making it the ideal choice for living rooms, studies and home offices alike.

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BUYING GROUPS

The One show

Jules Flipo Manaus

Colour was a focus for Flooring One as it presented new ranges and its annual supplier awards

Flooring One welcomed back members to its exhibit at the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show for the first time since 2019. The exclusive members area gave retailers the opportunity to view and give feedback on all the new ranges and initiatives from Flooring One. This year saw a real emphasis on colour.

Kerry Twist, a British-made, exclusive wool-rich twist collection was the main attraction for members, with its keen price points and refreshing palette of delicately heathered colours, with highlights of bestselling greens and classic neutrals and greys, whilst tapping into current homeware trends with offerings in gold and russet tones.

San Remo, a 100% loop carpet, was also a hit with members with its comprehensive offering of plain colours and two-tone stripes, as well as the eye-catching multi stripes which are available in 1m, 4m and 5m widths.

A number of polyester carpets

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Celestial Berber

BUYING GROUPS

Purbeck Hills

Kerry Twist

Adelphi Herringbone

Independent Retailers Hub

introduced to Flooring One’s own label also created a lot of interest and orders, including Luscious Velvet with its vast and opulent palette; Fabulous with its deep, soft Saxony feel in a modern colour bank including an on-trend copper tone; and Celestial Berber, a Berber flecked carpet in 12 rustic shades.

Flooring One’s polypropylene offer also saw an injection of colour, from the entry-level 1/10th gauge Capella Twist, which offers bright and bold colours such as navy blue, ruby red and gold, to the top-end, heavyweight luxury twist, Regal Touch, which has soft pastel shades of blue and green as well as a unique pink heather shade.

Other hits included Adelphi and Purbeck Hills, which both offer striking

herringbone designs. Adelphi is a soft, elegant and contemporary chunky loop pile carpet made using 30% Tencel, while Purbeck Hills uses 100% undyed wool.

Jules Flipo is a luxurious rug collection Flooring One showcased to its members.

With its limited distribution, this was an excellent opportunity to offer a beautiful, contemporary collection of rugs manufactured on Wilton machines to the highest quality whilst also giving better margin opportunities and protection.

The Flooring One members area also provided a designated breakout zone for the team to deliver one-to-one sessions with members to go through the new Independent Retailers Hub. This serves as a 24-hour online portal for members, providing live access to documents,

Jules Flipo Fuji

prices, promotions and updates. It also offers the facility to place orders for own-label ranges, and hosts the Flooring One image bank, which gives members access to hi-res imagery of all products in the Flooring One portfolio, to assist with any marketing and ecommerce needs.

Email: peter.karra@flooringone.co.uk Flooring One presented its annual Supplier of the Year awards as voted by its members at the show. Ulster Carpets won Carpet Supplier for the first time, with Cormar Carpet Company second and Adam Carpets third.

Karndean Designflooring retained its Smooth Flooring award as did Mastercraft Rugs, which was again awarded Rugs Supplier of the Year.

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BUYING GROUPS

Above left: James Bickerdike donated the raffle prize to the two charities Above: Super Troupers

Party time Metro Group members caught up and celebrated More than 125 Metro Group members, suppliers and guests gathered last month to celebrate together for the first time since the buying group celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2019.

The venue was the Forest of Arden Marriott Hotel & Country Club near Birmingham and guests were treated to a drinks reception and dinner before being entertained by ABBA tribute band Super Troupers and a DJ. Guests resisted the offer to “go full on ABBA’” with silver jumpsuits.

Former member Wally Burns was recognised at the dinner for having been a member for 33 years. He sold Tameside Flooring in Manchester during the pandemic before retiring and was invited to the dinner to be able to see fellow members as it was not possible during the pandemic.

‘We had lots of requests to sit at Wally’s table and he got to say a few words,’ says Steve Depport, Metro Group operations manager.

Liverpool lifestyle products retailer Crescent Liverpool donates 10% of its profits to homeless and mental health

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charities and a gift was sourced for all guests from them. Metro Group donated a £500 cash prize for the raffle, which raised £1,600. James Bickerdike, owner of Harrogate retailer Morgans had the winning ticket and donated the prize to the two charities. Metro Group topped

this up with another £500.

‘This brought the total on the night to £2,100, which added to the £500 donation from the group means we will split £2,600 between the two charities – a fantastic outcome,’ says Depport.

Visit: www.carpet1st.co.uk

More than 125 members, suppliers and guests gathered

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Bespoke Marketing Support Metro offer members unique dedicated support with our own marketing department specialising in bespoke solutions for

for new members of the Metro Group with free on-site consultation and advice to help you run your business your way.

independent flooring retailers.

Our own mobile print and merchandising vehicle delivering unique, bespoke materials to your own specification and designs.

Since 1979 The Metro Group has helped retailers like you make more profit.

Call today for more information

BUYING GROUPS

Products can be sold under the Greendale brand

All together Buying stock gives Greendale its USP Greendale Carpets & Flooring is a member-owned cooperative that runs on a not-for-profit basis. It is unique in that it is the only carpet and flooring buying group that actually buys and stocks carpets and flooring.

Greendale can stock more than 2,000 rolls at its warehouse and distribution centre in Hereford. It buys stock from nearly all the UK’s leading manufacturers and from many of the established names overseas.

Solar panels help power the Hereford centre

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‘By buying stock and being “not for profit”, Greendale is able to offer members low prices and quick, reliable delivery. We stock many of the industry’s best-selling ranges, with the option of retailing them under the Greendale brand, which offers members extra protection and allows them to maintain their margin,’ says Eamonn Prescott, Greendale chief executive.

‘We believe that business begins with the membership and that they should

be able to develop their business unencumbered by local competition.

Greendale gives all members an exclusive geographical area, with around a 30-minute drive to the next member.’

Greendale is environmentally aware and has installed solar panels, electric vehicle charging points and carpet/ cardboard balers at its distribution centre. It is also a member of Carpet Recycling UK. Visit: www.greendalecarpets.co.uk

More than 2,000 carpet rolls are stocked

buying group that is a ‘not for profit’ member owned cooperative, which has a goal to achieve the very best deals for its members”

“It’s great to be part of a

For more information please visit www.greendalecarpets.co.uk

Follow our story @

© Image courtesy of Brockway Carpets

VIFA EXPO, 31 August – 3 September, Ho Chi Minh City

PREVIEW

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Welcome back

The show returns for the first time since 2019

VIFA Expo returns after two years of postponements The Vietnam International Furniture & Home Accessories Fair (VIFA EXPO), the most important international furniture fair in Vietnam, has not taken place since 2019 amid strenuous lockdown rules in the country.

Now Vietnam is fully opened to welcome the rest of the world and the show will take place from 31 August to 3 September in Ho Chi Minh City at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC).

This year’s slogan is ‘Discover the Fascination of Vietnamese Furniture & Handicraft’, with exhibitors showing new and diverse products, from cabinet furniture, indoor and outdoor furniture, home decor products, handicraft, gifts and souvenirs, to hardware and fittings, timber and woodworking machinery.

It’s now easy to visit Vietnam: visitors no longer need to quarantine; there is no requirement for medical

Interiors Monthly July 2022

declaration; those that have been vaccinated no longer have to take a Covid test, and UK visitors are exempt from visa requirements.

Next year there will be two editions of the show, the first from 8-11 March and another in August.

Visit: www.vifafair.com

PREVIEW

Home & Gift, 17-20 July, Harrogate The show is 50% larger than in 2021

Expansion

The show has added Furniture Collection to its mix Home & Gift 2022 will be opening at the Harrogate Convention Centre from 17 to 20 July and buyers will be able to explore the new Furniture Collection, which will be taking over Hall Q and the King’s Suite with the latest furniture and home accessories.

Furniture Collection is following in the footsteps of Manchester Furniture Show, which co-located to Home & Gift last year. Visitors were able to discover new home and interiors brands offering the best in innovatively designed furniture and stylish home accessories.

Although Home & Gift built its reputation as a giftware trade show, it offers a truly unique buyer crossover due to the diversity of the brands and products on offer.

Visitors to this year’s show won’t be disappointed as it is already 50% larger than 2021. Offering the very best in design-led gift, home and interiors, food gifts, jewellery and fashion, and giftware – along with the Furniture Collection – buyers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to sourcing new products.

Across all sectors buyers will be able to discover the best products from top brands including By Molly and Izzie, Wrendale Designs, HALILIT, Jellycat,

LIGA, D&X, Spice Kitchen, Joe Davies, ROKA London and Caroline Gardener.

Alongside these sectors buyers will also be able to discover industry-leading brands in both the home and interiors sector and Furniture Collection.

Discover the likes of Kettle Interiors, Gallery Direct, Bronte By Moon, Heyland and Whittle, Tweedmill Textiles, Shankar and Zinc Home.

Home & Gift’s buyer community is known for including some of the biggest retailers in the country, and attendance is already confirmed by top buyers from

Kettle Interiors

Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Dobbies Garden Centre, Hoopers, Stringers, Soho House, Next, Rossiters of Bath, Wilko and Haskins Garden Centre, to name a few.

Retailers not only get to meet with new suppliers but also have the chance to network at the show’s ample calendar of networking events. Buyers and brands enjoy the laid-back, relaxed atmosphere of Home & Gift because it allows for easy networking at the highly popular Gin on the Lawn event each afternoon, along with Sundowners.

Visit: www.homeandgift.co.uk

Gallery Direct

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REVIEW Left: The geometric forms of Black Red White’s Forn collection perfectly reflect the most important features of the modern style, thanks to the decorative motifs that intersect the fronts.

It has LED lighting and the collection includes a chest of drawers, a wardrobe, display cabinets, a shelf and a TV cabinet.

Below: Polypody is Forte’s response to the growing needs of people who want to be surrounded by nature at home. Chests of drawers, shelves, display cabinets, tables and coffee tables allow you to display potted plants without the need to buy additional covers or stands. Each piece has a special place for a pot, with an insert protecting the furniture in case of any watering spillages.

Winners

Exhibitors vied for the Gold Medal prizes at the returning Meble Polska: here are the highlights. Visit: www.meblepolska.pl

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REVIEW Left: Taranko’s Merano allows each modular home office unit to be placed where it best suits the user.

The decorative columns, crowns and tops included in the system give the whole structure coherence and character. The collection includes free-standing furniture such as tables and chests of drawers, as well as two desks with a retractable top that can be arranged as a mini conference table.

Below: Taranko’s Diament living and dining collection is designed to offer maximum storage and practicality There are two colours available, white and graphite, which allows you to create the interior arrangement you want.

Below: Wer-Sal’s Sensi armchair creates a personal relaxation zone, with its high back and wide seat. Set on a swivel base, it is additionally equipped with a rocking function to ensure the perfect rest.

Below right: Wajnert’s modular Misty collection is distinguished by a combination of two extremely practical solutions: an electrically retractable seat, which significantly increases the space to suit individual needs, and comfortable double back cushions with a lifting system that allows you to lean back comfortably.

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REVIEW

Back with a bang

Above left: Caress Above: Wild Silk

The Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show returned after a two-year absence Abingdon Flooring was among more than 60 flooring companies taking part in the show, and with a preview of Finesse and Caress from the StainFree family and Charter Berber Deluxe and Charter Loop from the wool Wilton Royal collection – as well as a chance to see the hyped Love Story Velveteer and a sneak peak of Wild Silk – it went to town to showcase British carpet manufacturing.

‘BGNFS once again proved its importance as an event for the UK retail flooring sector. We used the opportunity to talk visitors through our new collections and show off our latest creations to keep retailers on the trend curve, which continue our mission to be the UK’s most loved flooring manufacturer,’ says Charlotte Coop, Abingdon Flooring head of marketing.

On the trend curve: Abingdon’s stand at the show

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With a rounded palette of perennially popular greys and beige, as well as some fresh and modern shades, Finesse and Caress share colours and a 1/10th gauge construction, using differing pile weights and depths to balance affordability and luxury.

The company also made sure a new generation of homeowners enjoy the natural qualities of wool with the 80/20 wool blend of Charter Berber Deluxe.

Bringing affordability and the unmistakable look and feel of wool, enhanced with meltbond for improved appearance retention, this classic Berber style comes in 20 colours, while the 100% wool Charter Loop has a natural and rustic palette.

As one of Abingdon’s most notable launches over the past year, it was no surprise that Velveteer was something of a magnet for visitors. A heavyweight velvet carpet made from bleachcleanable polyester yarn, Velveteer features the largest ever colour range from Abingdon, with 30 colours.

Abingdon also used BGNFS to tease Wild Silk, another Love Story range, with a unique, rustic speckled colour palette aimed at bringing the practicality and performance of polyester to consumers wanting a more natural look in the home.

Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

REVIEW

Expansion

Retailers were keen to hear of updates

Associated Weavers gave visitors a look of the future Associated Weavers expanded its carpet offer and previewed a made-to-measure rug offer and new branding. Indus and Dorado were relaunched as part of the polyester Gaia collection and recoloured. All four Gaia ranges now have the ECO-Fusion backing made from 100% recycled PET bottles. Using polyester provides high-quality colour fastness and a rich lustre, and the carpet is also bleach-cleanable.

Dorado is the heaviest range with a weight of 1,900g per sqm and is available in 14 shades, including six new ones.

Indus has a weight of 1,400g per sqm and 14 colours, including six new ones.

Next year will see the introduction of Sarno and Mekong.

The Sedna collection saw Oshun introduced in a 2,205g weight and 12 colours.

Invictus saw the addition of Aurelius, a 2,500g weight, and Tiberius, a 1,800g weight, both in 12 colours.

The made-to-measure rug collection will feature a small selection of shapes, choice of carpet and backing, allowing

shoppers to create a design to their taste. Rugs will be delivered direct to the consumer in a handful of weeks.

The Vivendi collection – debuted in 2018 – will have the tagline ‘The best a home can get’, with the full branding

to be introduced at The Flooring Show in September.

Vitality and Karma, at 2,300g per sqm the collection’s heaviest carpets, were shown, while Soul and Vibes have been recoloured, both with four new shades.

Visit: www.carpetyourlife.com

Invictus gained Aurelius and Tiberius

Gaia saw Indus and Dorado added

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REVIEW

All on show Axminster Carpets introduced new display stands while adding to its product offer.

The new double-sided display unit

allows the full Axminster collection to be shown on just two stands.

Cobbleweave is a new 80% wool/ 20% yaks’ wool blend.

Family is key Cavalier Carpets highlighted its family ownership in new branding.

‘As a second-generation British family-owned business, our commitment to quality, product knowledge and building lasting relationships remains key. Families are all about relationships, and today our lineage extends beyond just our owners. Our family values are at the core of our business, and we count our employees and our business partners as valuable members of the Cavalier family,’ it says.

‘We offer a diverse range of quality carpets, featuring environmentally friendly wool-based options.’

The new POS and colour updates will be introduced to retailers in the coming months.

Visit: www.cavaliercarpets.co.uk

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The Velvet Collection features a 65oz velvet in two designs and five colours.

Visit: www.axminster-carpets.co.uk

REVIEW

Options

Essentials was the focus for the COREtec team

Essentials was the star for COREtec For COREtec, the focus was on its latest Essentials collection. Designed to offer a wide range of choices to consumers, Essentials has 16 different sizes across its five plans and tile ranges, and a variety of thickness, V-groove and EIR (embossed in register) options.

The introduction of Essentials is being supported by a showvan tour.

‘The tour is to support the complete

Likewise collection: Naturals, Megastone and, new for 2022, Essentials. We have a new bespoke wall display that shows the entire Essentials collection, which will be stocked in depth at the new Likewise warehouse in Birmingham. We are taking the tour van to all corners of the UK to show stockists and retailers the entire UK stocked collection and POS package,’ says Martin Pass, US Floors COREtec

sales & distribution, UK & Ireland md.

‘It’s so far been a brilliant success, with more than 40 of the new displays sold.

The breadth, style and quality of the collection has resulted in the majority of people that see the display placing an order. If a retailer is interested, they just need to let us know and we’ll bring COREtec to them,’ he added.

Visit: www.coretecfloors.com

The display stands are on a UK tour

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New to our EasiCare family, Ultimate Expressions perfectly compliments the existing Impressions suite with 20 beautiful heathered colours. Still offering the 2 ply, 10th gauge construction synonymous with Victoria quality.

ARRA RW

TY

WIDTHS

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WE

15

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WE A

POS available to order now.

WARRA

To find out more, contact 01562 749300 or email sales@myvictoria.co.uk

Joining First Impressions and Ultimate Impressions in our EasiCare family

ULTIMATE EXPRESSIONS

myvictoria.co.uk

REVIEW

Opportunity for all Furlong continued to widen its offer For Furlong Flooring the show was an opportunity to refine its carpet collection, preview colours and update retailers on environmental progress.

Renaissance is a 40oz, 1/10th gauge twist in a palette of organic tones and is

the lighter version of the 50oz Elegance.

Henley & Marlow is a loop pile in seven colours.

New colours for Inspiration and Trident Heathers were previewed ahead of an Autumn introduction, while a number

of LVT ranges will be recoloured this summer.

The company also revealed that it has plans to introduce a 100% recycled yarn this year.

Visit: www.furlongflooring.com

Visitors were keen to hear about updates

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REVIEW

New POS was on show

New looks

Q Flooring has become Q by Hugh

Branding and POS has been revamped

Hugh Mackay previewed striking branding for its core range and revamped the look of its Q branded offer at the show.

Its Q Flooring brand has become Q by Hugh, after the company decided

that as a stand-alone brand it received no benefits by association with the Hugh Mackay name.

Q by Hugh is being targeted at shoppers who would like to buy a Hugh Mackay carpet but have to look

at a less expensive option, with the hope they opt for Hugh Mackay when they next update their carpet.

The Hugh Mackay brand also saw a revamp as new POS was unveiled.

Visit: www.hughmackay.co.uk

Hugh Mckay branding has been updated

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REVIEW

Premier time

Tredaire was at the heart of Interfloor’s new offer The focus of Interfloor’s presentation was the launch of Tredaire Premier.

The range sees a number of its bestselling PU foam underlays receiving a significant upgrade to provide improved performance.

Made from 100% recycled foam, the new features include a highspecification paper backing, branded in a signature style. Seven products in the range will feature a scrim layer for improved dimensional stability.

Installers and suppliers familiar with Interfloor products will already

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recognise the underlays in the Tredaire Premier range.

Softwalk, one of Interfloor’s flagship products and part of the collection, has already sold more than 1 million rolls alone.

‘Tredaire Premier helps customers find exactly what they need by bringing together our most luxurious underlays,’ says Gary Cowley, Interfloor UK sales director.

‘These are products where you can feel the difference in quality just from handling the samples, and when a

customer is making a decision about home comfort, it is the quality of the underlay that delivers the luxurious comfort underfoot that we all want.’

Interfloor is supporting the release of Tredaire Premier with a selection of in-store POS and sampling.

Stockists will also be featured on Interfloor’s interactive online stockist locator.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the foundation of Interfloor, when Tredaire and Duralay merged.

Visit: www.interfloor.com

REVIEW

Standing to attention

New display stands are on their way to retailers

Invictus is updating its in-store look Given its presence in stores across the country and its sales growth, it may be hard to believe that, as an LVT brand, Invictus is less than three years old – and during a major part of that time, flooring stores were closed under lockdown.

September 2019 saw the brand’s debut and its hasn’t looked back since.

From the start, Invictus has been known for the impact and quality of its display stands, and at the show the focus was on the three 2022 designs.

At 3m the premium wall unit is 1m shorter than the previous stand, and slightly lower, but contains the same products. This was joined by an island unit, and a click and parquet toast rack.

Visit: www.invictus.co.uk

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REVIEW

Pin-up

POS and branding were updated at the show

An easy-to-update display stand was debuted by Westex Westex used the show to debut a new POS display and new-look branding.

The prototype display stand shows the breadth of the Westex colour options, and when colours are added

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or removed, all a retailer has to do is to replace the small magnetic carpet sample, rather than large parts of the display.

The Westex logo was also updated

in a black and white version.

It also introduced the Barrington Loop in 12 colours and five widths, with colour matching available.

Visit: www.westexflooring.com

REVIEW

ADAM CARPETS

AGNELLA

Adam Carpets introduced the Geometric range of modern patterns, with five designs in development for launch later in the year made with British wool.

Visit: www.adamcarpets.com

Agnella, Brintons’ rug brand, has about 500 designs in a variety of shapes and sizes and in five qualities. About 50% are in stock at any one time, with a three-week delivery time for others. There is no minimum order. Agnella also has a runner collection.

Visit: www.agnellarugs.com

BALL & YOUNG

BALTA

As part of the Vita Group, Ball & Young operates a responsible, resourceful and safe business. It is committed to, and invests in, reducing waste, increasing recycling and reuse of raw materials, and conserving natural resources in pursuit of a net zero footprint. It is proud of its achievements and will continue to push forwards.

Vita Group has achieved a silver rating from business sustainability rating provider EcoVadis.

Visit: www.underlay.com

For Balta, the focus was on the solution-dyed nylon Eternity, introducing new colour options and a new sample board with four designs and six colours.

Visit: www.balta-carpets.com

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REVIEW

CARPET RECYCLING UK

CORMAR CARPET COMPANY

Carpet Recycling UK enjoyed more discussions on collaboration with existing and potential new members regarding the way forward on CRUK’s circular economy initiatives. ‘This included a good conversation with British Wool on finding solutions for wool carpets at end of life and how we need to bring in the wider wool sector to help to identify and develop future treatment solutions,’ says Adnan Zeb-Khan, CRUK manager.

Visit: www.carpetrecyclinguk.com

Cormar Carpet Company built upon the popularity of its Sensation ranges with Riva, a two-ply deep-pile carpet.

‘We are living in a time of high inflation, so Riva is perfectly timed for the market. It offers fabulous value in the soft deep-pile sector and has great consumer appeal.

The combination of the firmer handle of our harderwearing easy clean carpets, together with the softness of a multi-filament yarn makes it a real winner,’ says David Cormack, Cormar Carpet Company marketing director.

Visit: ww.cormarcarpets.co.uk

LANO Lano highlighted Smart Strand at the two-day show, while previewing Soft Perfection, which will launch in September, and updating POS for its X collection.

Visit: www.lano.com

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THE FURNITURE MAKERS’ COMPANY

KARNDEAN DESIGNFLOORING

As the charity for the furnishing industry, The Furniture Makers’ Company has been supporting the welfare of people working in the furnishing industry since 1903.

However, it has struggled, partially due to its name, to gain awareness within the flooring trade for the support it can offer employees past and present in all furnishing industries. It attended the show with the intention of increasing awareness for those in need of support and people wishing to fundraise within their own industry.

Visit: www.furnituremakers.org.uk/welfare

Karndean Designflooring highlighted its new Knight Tile range, which includes three new marble designs, from the palest Frosted Marble to the drama of Midnight Marble. With options in full-sized and herringbone tiles, the designs allow customers to express their individuality with a striking bespoke floor that is certan to make a lasting impression.

Visit: www.karndean.com

Interiors Monthly July 2022

REVIEW

F BALL AND CO HALL B STAND B1

FURLONG FLOORING HALL A - STANDS A22/A32

With LOUIS theDE return POORTERE of The Flooring Show, F Ball and Co will realise its most ambitious exhibition stand to date, debuting Showing off its improved POS with the new Richelieu live demonstrations of products to deliver flooring display, as well as drapes its latestasrug designs, installations of ever higher of standards, well as emphasising including flat-woven textures, Bauhaus patterns its ongoingunique commitment to quality as underscored by the and theofbrand’s circle rugs;ofthe Louis de Poortere launch the newfirst F Ball Centre Excellence.

Whatever LANO building, room or customer, Furlong Flooring has the perfect range for you, with an extensive collection of Lano Smart Strand at the two-day carpet,highlighted vinyl, LVT, laminate and wood flooring, all show, at a range while previewing Perfection, which launch service in of price points. PlusSoft all the help, advice, andwill customer September, andyou updating for its collection. you need, when need it.POS It’s easy toXsee why Furlong Visit: www.lano.com Flooring should be the first choice for every room.

stand was a chance see how the Belgian manufacturer Churnetside BusinesstoPark, is making waves in the UK flooring scene.

Station Road, Leek, Visit: www.louisdepoortere.com Staffordshire, ST13 7RS

35 Clipper Boulevard West, Dartford, Kent DA2 6QN Tel: 01322 628 700 Visit: www.furlongflooring.com

Tel: 01538 361 633 Visit: www.f-ball.com

HUGH MACKAY/QFLOORS HALL A – STAND A40/A4 MASTERPIECE SYSTEMS

INTERFLOOR HALL B - STAND B22 PENTHOUSE CARPETS

Hugh Mackay will reveal a revamped flagship Durham Twist, Masterpiece Systems’ latest module seesportal a feature debut Durham Tweed and show its online at the show. requested by retailers thestand ability add Its Qfloors brand will be–on A4 to with itsphotographs carpet and LVT to the information for fitters, such as can damaged orstrong ranges built on the vision that flooring be both awkward spaces.

It is a fitter’s diary that and beautiful, using thedeveloping highest quality materials.

Everyone’s talking about renu. Visit to hear more about For Penthouse Carpets, Stateside was the98% star recycled of the Interfloor’s innovative underlay made from show, as itand highlighted the Goldsboro oneThe of materials 100% recyclable at the endshade, of its life.

18 available 40oz and weights and underlay 4m and 5m most ethicallyinsourced and50oz recyclable carpet it widths with a juteplus backing. has manufactured there’s its Brio makeover with its Visit: www.penthousecarpets.co.uk improved look, feel and performance.

can schedule and automatically take the Parkview Roadappointments East, customer’s TS25 information from the rest of the system. This Hartlepool 1HT will 01429 also function 892555as an estimator’s diary.

Tel: Visit:www.hughmackay.co.uk www.masterpiece-system.com Visit:

Broadway, Haslingden, Rossendale, Lancashire BB4 4LS Tel: 01706 213 131 Visit: www.interfloor.com

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REVIEW

VICTORIA CARPETS & DESIGN FLOORS

WOOLSAFE

Victoria Carpets & Design Floors scooped the show’s award for Best Stand, as buying group management rewarded it for its combination of displays, POS options and space.

Visit: www.myvictoria.co.uk

WoolSafe highlighted the importance of using WoolSafe Approved cleaning products to avoid damage to the carpet fibre, making stains harder to remove. The Wool Owners Warranty (WOW) received a rebranding.

Visit: www.woolsafe.org

RECRUITMENT If you are looking to recruit staff for your furniture or flooring stores, looking for sales staff or reps for your manufacturing outlet, then INTERIORS MONTHLY offers a great package!

Our online package is just £175. Your advert will appear in our jobs section on the website until the position is filled or you ask us to remove.

Our weekly newsletter, which is mailed every Thursday to 7000 industry professionals, also includes a list of these latest jobs.

If you have both online and quarter page recruitment advert in our magazine, the cost will only be £250!

Costs for larger recruitment adverts are available upon request.

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

Please contact Jarrod on E: jbird@interiorsmonthly.co.uk T: 01565 631 397

REVIEW Baxter added to Miami with Miami Soft, with extremely soft leather and moveable backrests

Back to Rho

Salone returned for its 60th edition. Here is the first instalment of the highlights, with more to come next issue. Visit: www.salonemilano.it

Bolzan’s Gabri has a leather shell that looks to envelop you

B-Line added to its Timeless collection dedicated to the great design masters of the past with Joe Colombo’s 1964 Supercomfort

Artifort’s Moon welcomes you in and wants to cocoon you with its high back. It has a swivel disc or steel four-legged base.

Adrenalina’s Hammock is an irregular armchair inspired by the outdoor swing seat, which is evoked in its metal supports, enhancing its clear geometries and contrasting with the softness of the seat 

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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REVIEW

Alias’s 2010 Dehors outdoor collection has come inside, and with a more formal structure has become Indoor

DeCastelli’s Sculpt sees copper and brass hammered into a finish that gives the cabinet the elegance and sheen of silk

ClassiCon added No 6 to the Bow tables. At 37cm it is the tallest (so far) and its metal base has a 1970s feel

DOM Edizioni wants it to be summer every day, using a white bouclé fabric on the curves of Doem

The base of Cattelan Italia’s Atrium table, while giving the appearance of polished beaten metal, is in fact mirrored glass, shaped with an ‘unprecedented technique’ that gives the surface a 3D effect, like quilting on fabric

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

Inspired by ancient Roman cobblestone roads, Carpet Edition’s Sentieri allows the user to arrange the irregular polygons as they wish

REVIEW

Think ‘smart cushion’ for Edra’s Standalto. The backrests and armrests can be shaped as desired with a simple, light pressure while comfortably seated: low, high, at a slant, wrap-around – to the satisfaction of the user.

Punto Croce is one of three designs in Ethimo’s Nodi outdoor rug range

Hide away your home office, TV cabinet, wardrobe or bar with Fratelli Boffi’s maple Surprise

EMU looks to reimagine the director’s chair with Terra

The irregular shapes of the modular elements of Flexform’s Perry seek to break up straight-line configurations

Giorgetti’s Vibe bed is inspired by the 1930s, with a detachable headboard with a leather band outlining its profile

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REVIEW

Flou’s Flocco uses matt burnished painted metal supports to anchor the back and side cushions of the modular collection

Knoll’s Panoramic multi-functional sofa can also be a super chaise longue, an island, a bench and a daybed

The shell of Egoitaliano’s Coconut chair and footstool is made from recycled cellulose

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Interiors Monthly July 2022

Glas Italia’s Mandarin is a series of chests of drawers in transparent coloured laminated glass, with ash drawers and wheeled base

Jan Kath’s Spectrum rug takes its inspiration from the Northern Lights

Kristalia’s Palchetto outdoor seating has a quick coupling and release system

REVIEW

Point’s Long Island has 13 upholstery elements and three aluminium tables as it looks to take the indoors outside

Animal Zero is Lago’s latest use of XGlass, where images are transferred to glass rather than use the genuine material such as marble, wood or metal – or in this case, crocodile and snake skin

Lapalma’s modular Jazz aluminium and wood bookcase

MDF Italia’s Cosy saw new modular elements and a standalone version

Natuzzi’s Adam has a wooden base, large back and seat cushions and adjustable arms and headrests

MyHome’s Bordone has interchangeable swivel armchairs and poufs with  modular elements such as backrests to express your design

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REVIEW

Maruni updated 2008’s Hiroshima with a more spacious cushioned seat

Leolux’s Enna offers the option of headrests and cushions folded around the arms, or to stick with its pared-down simplicity

Living Divani added storage units to Extrasoft

Conceived as a chair in three depths, with or without arms, the design process of Minotti’s Twiggy grew to include a sofa, bench and chaise longue

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The textured profile of Porro’s Sette, with its soft roundness, creates a low bed frame with an inviting bed on top, which then rises to outline the headboard, padded on both sides

Lema’s Ombra is available as a stool in two heights, chair and armchair

TRADE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Follow the pattern Consumers want to shop, regardless of the economic situation ‘I’ve been going round long enough to know that what people say and what they actually do are often different. While most people naturally become cautious and hold back on spending when the economy wobbles – especially on big ticket purchases – they really don’t want to hold back. The truth is that most of us love to buy. Improving our home feels great. Shopping for new furnishings is a form of recreation and like anything else we like to do, if we don’t get enough of it, feelings start to get pent up.

Frustration sets in and builds,’ says Bernard Eaton, Greenwood Retail md.

Since Greenwood’s foundation in 2002 there have been recessions and economic crashes. Eaton says he has observed a reliable pattern of behaviour during these periods. ‘First you see a sudden drop in footfall and sales as people start holding back, but that undeniable pent-up desire to buy builds’, and as we have proved time and again, people will spend during downturns if they are convinced that a sales event is genuine. If you make your sale exciting enough and real, they will come to your event and buy your goods with a vengeance.

‘Our clients can testify to you that their Greenwood sales events generated sales ranging from 25% to 100% of their

annual turnover, depending on the nature of the event and other variable factors, with high margin maintained in just 17 days of trading, even during economic downturns,’ he says.

‘We have found that despite the difficult economy, Greenwood Sales continue to generate the same extraordinary uplift in retail sales as ever before. Surely this is proof that consumers will tolerate price increases, longer lead times, reduced choice and, it seems, fear, provided that the sales initiative is planned, marketed and executed effectively.

‘We utilise the most effective marketing methods and channels, from

traditional to state-of-the-art, including the new Greenwood Digital Marketing Campaign, to ensure your maximum return on budget.

‘After nearly 20 years in the business, and with well over 1,000 Greenwood sales events across the UK and Ireland completed, Greenwood has far more experience of planning and organising retail sales in this marketplace than any other sales company in the world.

This means that no other sales promotion company is better qualified to help independent UK and Irish retailers get the best out of their next big sales event.’

Visit: www.greenwoodretail.com

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TRADE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Take the pledge

Could you be collecting an award in September?

Manufacturers have been urged to start their sustainability journey Sustainability is high on the National Bed Federation’s programme of activities for 2022, and to encourage and support members to tackle climate change, it has launched the industry-wide Pledge for Our Planet.

It has designed the five-point pledge to kick-start the sustainability journey of bed manufacturers and their suppliers.

It provides a roadmap to progress via initial benchmarking, followed by policies and procedures for reduction.

The pledge covers five areas of commitment for each business that signs up: become a more sustainable

NBF members have access to Sales Tracker data

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business; reduce its global warming impact; reduce waste; reduce its products’ impact on the environment, and take responsibility for its actions.

The pledge is divided into specific core, advanced and progressive requirements. In signing, members also pledge to meet core requirements within two years, advanced requirements within five years, and to aim to meet the progressive requirements for carbon reduction within the 2030 and 2050 milestones.

In the meantime, deadlines to enter the Bed Industry Awards are approaching. This year sees 11 awards and they honour the brightest and best in the bed market, providing a perfect opportunity for bed retailers, manufacturers and suppliers to highlight their achievements from the past 12 months. The deadline for the retailer awards, Bed Manufacturer of the Year and Component Supplier of the Year, and nominations for the Sales Agent/Rep of the Year award is

Friday 22 July. Enter and get the recognition you deserve.

The association’s latest quarterly Sales Tracker report, covering January to March, found members are increasingly concerned about the state of trade, with the levels of optimism taking a sharp fall compared to the previous quarter – a stark indication of how quickly the recent global economic and political events are affecting the bed industry.

The Sales Tracker also gauges costs, selling prices and profit margins, among other data. All NBF members get exclusive access to a range of carefully curated marketing intelligence, one of the benefits of being an NBF manufacturer or supplier member..

Visit: www.bedfed.org.uk www.bedshow.co.uk

Sleep comes easy when you buy beds made by an approved NBF member

Our vision for the bed industry in 2022 and beyond is clear – we want to make it right.

How? By setting standards and driving ethics, transparency and responsibility.

By championing excellence in bed-making and selling.

By supporting sustainability through the NBF Pledge for the Planet and an ecodesign framework for mattresses.

And by educating consumers on how to improve their sleep.

To find out more and for a list of NBF Approved members visit BEDFED.ORG.UK

NBF-1341 NBF_Generic Ad Update_A4_D2.indd 1

In other words, we’ll keep on making sure our members do the right thing.

Because when we do, everyone sleeps better at night.

09/02/2022 14:27

TRADE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Ordorite was a winner at the IT Europa Channel Awards

Vital in uncertain times Ordorite’s effort has been recognised Ordorite won the Best SME Solution of the Year award at the recent IT Europa Channel Awards and was nominated for five others. The awards recognise and reward excellence in European software development and IT. ‘For a number of years we were recognised in many different categories, but what made the difference this year was being able to demonstrate a fully digital system across all touch points in a retail furniture business supported by customer testimonials,’ says Stephen Connolly, Ordorite founder and ceo.

‘The solution has helped our clients in many different areas related to their size.

Point of sale is key to all and needs to be easy and powerful for users. Customers have benefited from the warehouse management

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system supported by mobile apps, enabling them to book delivery and pay balances from home. Some of these modules have saved retailers hours each day in customer service and improved efficiency. We have modularised our system over the past few years so that we can support furniture retailers from one independent store up to hundreds of stores.

‘We believe strongly in continued development, and everything we do is based around this. We have a two-year roadmap for furniture and bedding, and invest 40% of resources back into R&D to help us become the go-to system for furniture and bedding internationally.

I believe if we continue to innovate and develop each day we will get one step closer to being the world-leader

in furniture retail technology.

‘There will be more change in the retail technology space in the next few years than at any time before. The pace of digitalisation will continue, and the customer experience in relation to every touch point in organisations will become more and more crucial.

‘We’ve just finalised a £1m round of investment funding to support growth in UK and North America. We will look to grow the UK team this year, in particular customer success and on-boarding. I see challenges in the wider economic space, due to inflation and other metrics; however, we will continue invest in the business, improve the product and service, and grow the team. Technology is vital in uncertain times.’

Visit: www.ordorite.com

Experienced Development Upholsterer

MYVICTORIA.CO.UK

Univ rsal DESIGN FLOORING

Field Sales Manager - North Due to expansion, we are looking for an enthusiastic, results driven individual to strengthen our UK sales force in the North (Sheffield upwards).

Victoria Carpets & Design Floors house an extensive portfolio of both carpet and hard flooring (LVT) solutions spanning over 125 years

There is currently a fantastic opportunity for an experienced development upholsterer to join our team!

Our development department is at the forefront of the business, working with innovative new designs to produce stunning furniture to show our wide range of customers.

The ideal candidate must be able to demonstrate: •

Experience of working within the flooring industry.

•

A managerial background with experience of developing, coaching and motivating a team.

•

Key customer account management.

•

Strong communication, numerical and analytical skills.

•

Great organisational skills and digitally competent.

•

Drive and professionalism to deliver on the targets set for your area.

Benefits of the role include a competitive basic salary, uncapped bonus, company car, phone, tablet and expenses.

Applicants should send a CV and a covering letter to Debbie Turvey at debbie.turvey@myvictoria.co.uk

This is an incredible chance to join a well established company who is constantly launching new and exciting models. Applicants must have previous experience in a similar role and be able to work to strict deadlines.

To apply please send your CV to: gainsworth@buoyant-upholstery.co.uk

WE’RE WE’RE HIRING! HIRING! RECRUITMENT If you are looking to recruit staff for your furniture or flooring stores, looking for sales staff or reps for your manufacturing outlet, then INTERIORS MONTHLY offers a great package!

Our online package is just £175. Your advert will appear in our jobs section on the website until the position is filled or you ask us to remove.

Our weekly newsletter, which is mailed every Thursday to 7000 industry professionals, also includes a list of these latest jobs.

If you have both online and quarter page recruitment advert in our magazine, the cost will only be £250!

Costs for larger recruitment adverts are available upon request.

Please contact Jarrod on E: jbird@interiorsmonthly.co.uk T: 01565 631 397

INTRODUCING

premier

premium comfort underlay... ...with a difference you can feel We’ve launched our new and improved range of luxury PU foam underlay.

High-spec premier printed backing

White lamination film

White scrim layer for improved feel

Lamination film

What makes the difference?

Tredaire Premier underlay is made from an eco-friendly recycled foam, a comfort layer and the highest spec paper backing.

100% recycled foam

Become a Tredaire Premier Stockist today

The Tredaire Premier range includes: Dreamwalk, Softwalk, Sensation, Ambience, Palladium, Chromium, Imperium & Titanium.

Find out more at

interfloor.com/tredaire-premier

22814_Tredaire Premier A4 Trade Ad_Purple_s15.indd 1

Stockists of will be listed on our online stockist locator.

11/05/2022 09:22