Interiors Monthly May 2015

monthly

May 2015

Interiors first for flooring, furniture and accessories

Carpet

What next for wool?

Rho inspired The best of Milan

New Opulence

Setting new standards in luxury carpet

T H E F U R LO N G F LO O R I N G P O R T F O L I O

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

Andrew Kidd EDITOR

Family connections After six decades of family ownership, Alstons is now owned by a Thai family which made its fortune in the flooring market At first glance the deal to buy Alstons for £24.5m (and then sell 24% of the company to Alstons’ management for £240,000) makes little sense for Thailand Carpet Manufacturing (see p6).

TCM has been making rugs and carpets since 1967 and its previous diversification was a Japanese supplier of textiles and carpets for cars, so there are no synergies there. However, the deal will ‘expand the distribution channel for the carpet and interior decoration products in order to export more by using the existing customer database and/or the existing distribution channel of Alstons,’ says TCM. Add to that both the Alston and Srivikorn (owners of TCM) families have been stressing the cultural fit between family run

monthly

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

May 2015

Interiors

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

first for flooring, furniture and accessories

Carpet

What next for wool?

Rho inspired

The best of Milan

New Opulence

Setting new standards in luxury carpet

T H E F U R LO N G F LO O R I N G P O R T F O L I O

Wool Collection

companies. And not to mention that Alstons has increased profits almost tenfold in the past three years.

Elsewhere among companies the flow of upbeat news has continued, with Victoria and Carpetright anticipating higher profits, and Habitat seeing increased demand as owner Home Retail Group rolls out more Homebase concessions.

And it appears that the anticipated disruption to the housing market from the general election campaign hasn’t happened, with house prices returning to growth in April, according to Nationwide. ‘The housing market is now starting to firm after weakening appreciably through the second half of 2014. We expect house prices to rise by around 5% over 2015,’ says Howard Archer, Nationwide economist. But will it if we have protracted coalition talks?

While confirmation of the Alstons deal came in time for this month’s deadline, as I write this, news of a major flooring marketing initiative is still a few weeks off. Several well known names are likely to be involved in promoting wool-rich carpets. Ahead of that you can see many views on the future of wool in carpets on page 22 onwards.

New Opulence is setting new standards in luxury carpets Visit: www.furlongflooring.co.uk

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

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

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

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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CONTENTS

GUARANTEE YOUR SALES SUCCESS IN 2015...

“A Whole Quarter of Annual Turnover in 3 Weekends!”

Mathew Sheard, Hunter’s of Derby.

“4 Months Business in 17 Days Has to be Seen to be Believed!”

Chris Southon, M.D. Southon’s of Salisbury

“A Staggering 118% of last year’s Turnover in 3 weeks.”

John Davis, M.D. The Bedroom Centre, Malvern & Worcester

INTERIORS MONTHLY MAY 2015

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS

“If You Embace the ‘GREENWOOD WAY’, You Get the Results.”

6

Alstons bought by TCM

8

Barker & Stonehouse opens flagship store

James Pike, M.D. Cookes of Erdington & Christchurch

12

Carpetright expects higher profits

“It’s a No-Brainer. Our 5th Greenwood Sale Smashed the Last One!”

FEATURES

David Carroll, M.D. Abey Furnishing Co. Grimsby

“We Surpassed Our Last Big Sale with 3 Months Business in Just 2 Weeks!”

David Morrison, Planet Furniture, Glenrothes.

20

Good fillings

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Find out more. Call today on 01565 650101 to talk to the world’s most experienced and successful HighImpact Retail Sales Promotion specialists, for British and Irish independents, during a free no-obligation discussion, about the exciting strategies for sales success that we can offer you.

Carpet The future for wool carpet

37

Beds and bedroom Avoiding pain, keeping cool, luxury options, soft

“Don’t Hire a Sales Company Until You Have Spoken to Greenwood” Allow us the opportunity to explain how Greenwood is your number one choice to optimise your next big sales event. Learn why Greenwood has for years, worked with more quality Uk & Irish retailers just like you, on more sales events, than any other company of its kind, in the world.

Upholstery

furnishings, boost in bedding sales, the latest products and The Bed Show

54

LVT Creating simple or intricate designs

56

Living and dining Stylish and functional offerings

58

Service Furniture logistics firm Andrew Porter keeps on growing

60

Reviews IFFS, MIFF, IFEX, iSalone, and Greendale

84

Preview May Design Series and Spring Long Point

BOOKING NOW FROM JUNE 2015 CALL TODAY 01565 650101

REGULARS 16

Warranties

17

New products

NEXT ISSUE BGNFS review

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

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Interiors exhibition guide Manchester Furniture Show preview www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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NEWS

Thailand company to buy Alstons for £24.5m David and John Alston have agreed to sell upholstery manufacturer Alstons to Thailand Carpet Manufacturing for £24.5m.

TCM, owner of the Tai Ping and Royal Thai brands, has agreed to sell 24% of the company to Alstons’ management team of Philip Grindrod, Terry Cramphorn and Andrew Kennaugh for £240,000.

David Alston will remain involved with the business as an adviser focusing particularly on design while John Alston is looking at pursuing new opportunities.

‘We have had a number of approaches for our business, but it was very clear that the combination of the existing management team and Thailand Carpet Manufacturing was the best way forward in so many ways. The culture, commercial knowledge and investment into the company will benefit Alstons immensely. As owners of a family business, with a long history in Colchester, the decision to sell wasn’t an easy one. But we both felt that the time was right to explore other opportunities and we are confident that Alstons will further prosper under its new owners,’ they say.

Grindrod, who becomes md, says the change of ownership marks the start of a new phase in the company’s future. ‘We all appreciate the significant contribution made

by David and John in building a successful business. We will now build upon that as we take Alstons forward with a highly skilled, dedicated and committed workforce.’

Although Alstons Furniture Group has yet to file its accounts, the Alstons Upholstery subsidiary had a pre-tax profit of £3.327m from sales of £27.99m in the year to the end of March 2015, according to management accounts. As

Alstons Upholstery made a pre-tax profit of £3.327m in year to the end of March 2015

recently as 2012, Alstons generated a pre-tax profit of £397,000 from sales of £19.6m.

The move into upholstery by TCM reflects the company’s strategy of diversification. ‘We are delighted to be investors in a prestigious company such as Alstons and look forward to helping the business grow further. We appreciate the culture of the firm and its values that resonate greatly with ours as a business. This is an exciting time to be involved with Alstons, helping to further realise its great potential,’ says Pimol Srivikorn, TCM chairman.

The Srivikorn family are major shareholders in the company, and the deal will be approved by TCM shareholders on 12 June.

Victoria profits set to beat City expectations

Acquisitions have benefitted Victoria’s results

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Carpet group Victoria has said that its full year profits will be higher than City forecasts and the current financial year got off to a good start.

‘Profit before tax and exceptional items are likely to be ahead of current market expectations for the full year to 28 March 2015. The group’s performance has benefitted especially from operational synergies that have resulted from the recent acquisitions, which have started to benefit gross profit

margins and overheads in the last quarter of the financial year’ says the group.

The first few weeks of the new financial year have also started well, and the board expects to see a continuation of the benefits from operational synergies throughout the year.

The group has also updated its borrowing facility with its bankers Barclays and HSBC, providing ‘substantial headroom for future growth’.

29. 8 – 1. 9. 2015

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NEWS

More than 3,600 shoppers attended the opening of Barker & Stonehouse’s £4.5m flagship store on the Teesside Retail Park, Stockton. The 48,270sqft three-storey store was officially opened by Mary Berry.

The store, inspired by designs from stores in New York and Paris, marks a return to the company’s roots: its first store was opened in Stockton in 1946.

‘The opening of our new store and head office is truly exciting for us, and we were delighted to welcome along so many people to our day of celebration. Having Mary Berry to perform our official opening really put the icing on the cake – so to speak – and added to the enjoyment of everyone who paid us a visit,’ says James Barker, Barker & Stonehouse md.

‘The opening of the store is the culmination of years of planning and months of building – and we couldn’t be more pleased with the results. We wanted to create a beautiful store to take retail in the region into a completely new

PHOTO: BEC HUGHES/THE HOUSE OF HUES

Great British opening for Barker & Stonehouse store

James Barker and Mary Berry

league, and we feel we’re achieved all that and more.

‘To see so many people here on our opening day was a real testament to our passion for creating an outstanding experience for our customers,’ he adds.

Sales are up for Habitat in Homebase

Furniture ups and downs Argos has seen a ‘small decline’ in furniture sales in the past year, while Habitat has seen sales climb.

Argos, with 755 stores, saw like for like sales rise by 0.6% in the year to 28 February, with total sales up 1.1% to £4.096bn. Operating margin grew from 2.8% to 3.2%.

Online sales now account for 46% of sales and smartphone and tablet sales make up more than half of this, worth £1bn.

Meanwhile, Habitat sales through Homebase stores increased by more than 30%. There are now 35 Habitat concessions at Homebase, with a further 50 planned in the coming year.

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

The chain has also seen success in kitchens. Homebase’s premium Odina kitchen range has been rolled out to 73 stores, up from 49 stores at the end of 2014/2015. The Schreiber kitchen range is now available in all stores, with the Schreiber bedroom range in 233 stores. In addition, the Kitchen Essentials range offers customers more choice on kitchens and continues to be successful, delivering strong sales growth versus 2014/2015.

Like for like sales rose by 2.3%, with total sales down 0.7% to £1.48bn. Operating margin was flat at 1.3%.

Talent initiative The Furniture Makers’ Company is to launch the Young Professionals’ course, aimed at giving the best young talent in the industry an opportunity to learn about the sector.

People are nominated by their employers and are interviewed by senior members of the FMC. The three-week course covers multiple aspects of the industry, from components and raw materials to the complexity of manufacturing, testing, buying criteria, pricing, marketing, merchandising, customer service, consumer law and aftersales. After a trial of the scheme last year, up to seven people will take part this year with The January Furniture Show as the main sponsor.

‘It is thanks to our network of contacts that we are able to provide a unique and intensive training programme during which the candidates are tasked with considering the challenges which will be faced by the industry in the future,’ says Jonny Westbrooke, FMC ceo.

‘The course is a unique opportunity for the industry’s potential future leaders to gain an unrivalled insight into the furnishings sector. The programme has been designed for aspiring young professionals and graduates who are progressing well through early employment – and we are delighted to play our part in helping them on their way,’ says Theresa Raymond, The January Furniture Show co-director.

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Look for the Buttery

Even more Saxony success If you are already looking for success with a Saxony in today’s competitive market, Associated Weavers have got it sorted ! StainGuard Saxony from Associated Weavers is already a top seller in this key market sector with sales increasing every year since its launch onto the market.

With its ‘go anywhere’ 20 year StainAway warranty and 20 year wear guarantee – plus multi widths from 2m to 5m StainGuard Saxony has had continued success with Associated Weavers customers. Now we have built onto that confidence with smart new colours including

trendy greys and updated neutral colours.

Included in the latest range of 12 colourways are four fashionable new options to ensure that this StainGuard Saxony maintains it appeal and continues to sell at an even faster pace this season.

A soft deep pile feel, makes StainGuard Saxony a favourite for retailers and consumers at a price that does not hurt the pocket. Ask your Associated Weavers Sales Manager for samples today.

iSense and Sensuality

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Soft is this year’s strongest retail story in carpet and the unprecedented sales phenomenon that is iSense continues to out-perform the market. The unique soft-touch technology of our iSense fibre makes a real difference which delights consumers and has made the launch of the Sensuality collection one of our best ever. Associated Weavers is building on this strength with new ranges throughout 2015 so it’s essential you get your Sensuality display stands lined up to take advantage of the soft side of sales growth. Ask your AW sales manager for details.

Multi-Width Helping the consumer Save Money Associated Weavers have now introduced more Multi-Width ranges for 2015. 90% of all our ranges now include extra wide width 5 metres, giving more choice to the consumer and also helping to avoid those unsightly seams.

StainGuard Saxony

“

Stainguard Saxony is an established seller now with new

trendy colours. Another success for the Butterfly Brand.

Jonathan Davies Sales Manager Associated Weavers

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NEWS

Profits boost for Carpetright Carpetright says it expects full-year profits to be £3m higher than forecast.

Analysts had forecast underlying pre-tax profits to be between £10m-£11m for the year to 2 May, but the chain now expects to achieve £13m thanks to a better performance at its European operations.

The Netherlands, Belgium and the Republic of Ireland saw euro like for like sales rise by 2.4% but fall by 0.7% in total in the quarter to 18 April. But, when converted, sales dropped by 12.6%. Gross margins are expected to be 250 basis points ahead of last year.

In the UK, like for like sales were up 10.5% with total sales increasing by 9.9%. But margin will be down 130

basis points, as it had previously warned.

‘I am pleased to report that the group’s encouraging trading momentum is being maintained during the final quarter of our financial year,’ says Wilf Walsh, Carpetright chief executive.

‘In the UK our continued focus on effective promotional activity and the introduction of an interest free credit offer has supported solid like for like sales growth of 10.5%. Sales in the rest of Europe have also continued to improve, building on the progress made in the third quarter.’

It will announce its full-year results on 30 June.

Record number of visitors: Malaysian show Export Furniture Exhibition generated $670m worth of orders at the 4-7 March event. It attracted 8,300 visitors from a record 128 countries. ‘EFE continues to draw new buyers and visitors to source for its furniture. EFE has delivered yet again despite the global economic uncertainties. This underscores the continuing appeal of EFE and how it remains relevant in the global furniture market. Another significant appeal is it is getting more high quality buyers from all over the world,’ says organiser Malaysian Furniture Council. This year’s show included a pavilion featuring only products made for the UK market.

Parker Knoll increased sales

SBI sales rise Upholstery group Sofa Brands International enjoyed higher sales last year but profits were static.

The owner of G Plan, Parker Knoll and Duresta saw sales rise by 5.6% to £79.8m in the year to 30 June 2014. Pre-tax and interest profits remained at £5.7m.

Positive cashflow of £2.1m increased net cash to £3.1m.

‘The group remains on course to deliver the substantial improvement in sales and operating performance that we set out to achieve from spring 2014 onwards. Operating costs rose in the second half of the year as we built capacity in anticipation of the growth in sales we enjoyed in the first half of 2014/15,’ says Scott Malvenan, SBI ceo.

Sales in midmarket brands, G Plan and Parker Knoll continued to grow and Malvenan says ‘the transformation of Parker Knoll and its increasing contribution to group performance is particularly pleasing’.

Duresta’s sales fell by 1%, reflecting slightly lower export activity resulting in a small underlying reduction in profit.

Royal seal of approval for interiors firms Interiors companies have been rewarded for their innovation, sustainability and exports with Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.

Varilight brand owner Doyle & Tratt won a Queen’s Innovation Award for creating the world’s first universal energy-saving dimmer-switch for LED lighting.

Benchmark Furniture received its second Queen’s Sustainable Development Award, thanks to its long-established focus on craftsmanship, design and sustainability and an exemplary approach to transparency and accountability.

Furniture designer Lee Broom, floor protection mat producer Floortex Europe, carpet manufacturer Hartley and Tissier, and fabric coating firm Nanoflam have shared Queen’s Awards for International Trade thanks to strong export sales.

Hartley and Tissier

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Love CHAIRS, what a PAIR Alexander

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The footfall on the first day of our Lynch event was the highest I have seen in my 40 years as a furniture retailer. The sales target was exceeded by a third in just 18 trading days.

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WARRANTIES

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

Q

A customer has a leather sofa that is badly marked/ scratched which they have tried to repair using a kit supplied when they bought the sofa. To put it frankly they’ve made a pig’s ear of it and made things worse. Are they still covered?

Many protection plan providers offer kits to be sold alongside their plans and this is seen as a way of adding value to the customer’s purchase. Generally, a consumer should not be disadvantaged for using the products provided, however that does depend on whether they have used them in the correct way.

Care should be taken to read the instructions and check that the product is suitable for their particular type of furniture, this is especially important with leather due to the many types of leather available. Guardsman kits also advise that the care products should be tested in an inconspicuous area first to ensure they are suitable for the material type. If your customer has done all this, they should still be covered.

A

Q

About two years after buying a rather expensive wardrobe, with a protection plan, a customer has complained that one of the doors no longer hangs properly. Obviously we had a look at it and found that part of the door mechanism has cracked and isn’t supporting the door as it should. The problem is that the manufacturer closed down about 18 months ago and I don’t know where to get the replacement part to fix it. What can the customer expect?

The objective of a protection plan is to keep the furniture in use and in the home, so to do this the Guardsman technicians carry a variety of equipment in their vans. In addition, they have access to numerous parts suppliers so they can identify the item required and source it directly themselves, without necessarily having to go back to the original manufacturer. If however, a part can’t be replaced or a repair made, the customer would then be invited to reselect a similar item.

A

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

NEW PRODUCTS

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1 Marset has expanded its Ginger lamp collection with two standing versions boasting a striking appearance with a movable arm, a larger table lamp, a larger pendant lamp, an unobtrusive wall lamp and two wall versions with movable arms.

Visit: www.marset.com 2 The Rich Walnut 2504 shade of Polyflor’s SimpLay loose lay vinyl floor tiles helped add the finishing touches to a refurbished Vodafone store in Birmingham city centre recently. Suitable for retail and commercial environments, SimpLay tiles and planks have been developed for loose lay installation without the use of adhesive, so they can be fitted quickly with minimal downtime.

Visit: www.polyflor.com 3 Available in white, gold and pink, and two sizes, Vertigo Bird’s Treelight LED lamp is easily combined into collective configurations creating large chandeliers, or used as single lamps. The sizing is

suited for both home and office use, as well as for bars and hotel lighting.

Visit: www.vertigo-bird.com 4 Balta introduced the first Stainsafe saxony carpets with the original Noble Saxony. The Noble Collection is an update of this classic and original carpet.

With 12 on-trend and timeless colours matched to four stylish coordinated stripes all in the welcome familiarity of saxony, The Noble Collection will be presented in 22in x 18in sample books.

Tel: 0032 5662 2211 5 Kährs’ interactive website combines a wealth of wood-floor related resources, along with a virtual showroom, where Kährs’ designs can be laid within decorated roomsets, to aid in selection and specification. With a simplified structure and easy navigation, the website provides an inspiration hub for retailers, designers and specifiers, and homeowners.

Visit: www.kahrs.com

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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NEW PRODUCTS

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6 Made from 100% StainSafe polypropylene in a soft and resilient two-ply yarn, Balta Broadloom’s Urban Legend will bring sophistication to any setting. It is bleach cleanable with impressive performance in 4m and 5m and nine on-trend shades.

Tel: 0032 5662 22111

Sun 9.30am-5pm Mon 9am-5pm Tue 9am-5pm

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7 With its 6.75mm rubber crumb construction and Ultra High Density Plus density, Endura underlay is the latest evolution in a long line of rubber crumb underlays from Floorwise, heralding the best in materials and construction to deliver all-round performance. Endura is double-

stick and stretch-fit compatible.

Tel: 01509 673 974 8 From the neon shades of Alphabet (pictured) and bright acid block colours of Uni to the Morocco inspired Sagres, the reworked traditional diamond of York and the

NEW PRODUCTS

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hexagonal graphic mosaic of Cortile, Avenue Floor’s reinvigorated Bubblegum & Liquorice collection proves the power of cushion flooring to reflect the latest trends.

Tel: 0800 032 3970 9 Granorte’s latest POS display showcases

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the diversity and natural beauty of the Granorte wall and flooring collection, including an array of cork, leather, wood and stone effect vinyl and linoleum finishes.

Each range is featured on a large sample board.

Tel: 01785 711 131

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10 With the Quick-Step Master Installer scheme, Academy for Excellence in Flooring installers benefit from the brand association with one of the biggest names in flooring, including a listing on www.quick-step.co.uk and a Quick-Step backed warranty on work.

Visit: www.quick-step-academy.co.uk

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UPHOLSTERY

Filling a need Demand for its cushions is creating jobs at Fibreline Fibreline is bringing sewn case manufacturing back in-house as it looks to double capacity in the face of increasing demand for its Encore cushions. It is also investing to double its internal cutting and sewing capacity.

By the end of June it will have spent ÂŁ270,000 refurbishing part of its Keighley, West Yorkshire, factory and installing new feather cushion filling equipment capable of processing 16tonnes of feathers per shift per week.

This project has been supported by the Textile Growth Fund and so far has resulted in the creation of 20 jobs.

Encore has been a success since its launch in 2010 and now has two variants: fibre and feather. Cushions have the look and feel of fibre or feather with the recovery of foam.

Encore-Fibre has been awarded the FIRA Gold certification seal of approval, with it outperforming all other fibre cushions in FIRA tests at the time.

The Encore cushion range retains the casual look, and with a four-year guarantee against sagging gives retailers confidence in the performance of fibre and feather in seat cushions. Its secret is a core of high performance seating foam that allows the cushion to spring back to its original shape again and again.

Encore has the added advantage of being lighter than a similar sized fibre or feather cushion. It is therefore easier to pick up and plump. Less frequent plumping is required as the simple action of regularly turning the cushion is enough to maintain its performance.

Since its foundation in 1982, Fibreline has continually invested to keep it at the leading edge of fillings manufacturing. It was one of the first companies to manufacture carded fibre cushions for use in the UK upholstery market. Over the years Fibreline has grown to be a leading supplier of not only polyester fibre, but also feather and foam cushions.

As a manufacturer of all three fillings it has been at the leading edge of developing a range of combination fillings for designers trying to offer something different to the norm.

Visit: www.encorecushion.co.uk

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Fibreline offers feather, fibre and foam cushions

Feathers are at the heart of Fibreline’s latest investment

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CARPET

Wool in a spin Is the future manmade, or is there still room in the market for wool? We asked manufacturers for answers

Ryalux’s Desert Tones

With wool prices stabilising, what is the future for wool carpets?

Martin West, Kingsmead general manager: ‘Wool remains the best fibre from which to make a carpet and we will continue to launch and strongly promote wool carpets in all mixes and blends. We do see a generational gap in demand where the older generation still appreciates the longevity of the good looks and natural sustainability of the fibre, the younger generation less so. We have a responsibility to educate this new generation to the benefits of the fibre to show that there is more to a carpet than the ability to clean it with bleach.’

Mike Dobson, Gaskell Wool Rich general manager: ‘There is no doubt that wool has lost share over the recent past to manmade fibres, in particular in the twist category. However, there are signs that loop pile is once again gaining in popularity, and I for one believe wool is still the fibre of choice for most consumers looking for a loop pile carpet.’

Jeremy Wilson, Ulster Carpets residential sales director: ‘All our Axminster and Wilton carpets are 80% wool or more. As a fibre it has many characteristics that work particularly well in our main markets. We think it is the best fibre type and have no plans to change what we make.’

Lano’s Mayfair Velvet Supreme

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Darren Longden, Ryalux commercial director: ‘The future for wool we believe is positive, and opportunistic. The industry has struggled to sell the benefits and values of a quality wool to its

CARPET

Brockway’s Carnaby

retailers, and in turn its customers, and this needs to change. All wools are not the same, and we need to, in an easy to understand consumer-centric way, explain the difference, so that people can understand, as they do in other items they purchase, the difference between the wools that are used. The proliferation of cheap wool carpets, where 50oz carpets are sold for less than £8 per sqm, and with ScS previously offering free carpets, means that there is a real issue with how people perceive the value of a carpet.’

Eamonn Prescott, Adam Carpets sales director: ‘The wool price is still quite volatile and although the price has fallen, we are still quite a way from the levels that preceded the spike in 2010/2011. That said, the future is still quite bright. There are still a lot of consumers looking for a better quality which can only be found in wool and not in manmade.’

David Cormack, Cormar Carpets marketing director: ‘There will always be a market for good quality, hard wearing wool.

Wool twist has always been big business for Cormar and UK retailers in general, and with the economy appearing to have turned a corner, there has been an increase in demand for premium priced carpets.’

Will prices force further changes to product offers?

Birger Karlsson, Lano Carpets UK sales director: ‘We continue to offer 100% wool carpets through our luxury

Smart and natural way ‘We hear from more and more people who are frustrated with the decline in the quality of wool they can source so are looking to us to deliver wool that is grown specifically for their product needs,’ says Steven Parsons, Wools of New Zealand market development and innovation manager.

‘We have large retail chains supporting Laneve to protect their wool carpet business for the future. The penny has dropped that the current way of delivering wool below the cost of production means that farmers simply stop growing good quality wool. At the same time, legislation is putting pressure on industry to create recyclable products. Landfill costs will only increase. Demand for sustainable materials is also only getting stronger. Mixing manmade fibres with wool is a problem that will be stopped. There has been a dark age in the carpet industry, the world has evolved but we are still producing carpet specifications that are 50 years out of date.

‘In the future carpets will be 100% natural or 100% synthetic. We are experiencing a high level of demand for cradle to cradle solutions. Wool does not need to recover market share: all the wool grown is sold. What will happen is that wool will have a higher value placed on it. Industry consolidation, smarter product design and smarter marketing will deliver better returns to farmers who grow the best fibre. New Zealand wool is less than 0.2% of global fibre so we have no intention of giving it away as if it were a common old plastic fibre.’

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

New directions Furlong take real wood flooring, vinyl flooring and carpet to new levels Furlong Flooring are renown for the quality of their Carefree bleach cleanable carpets.

Offering stain resistance, contemporary styles & colours, plus free wear & stain warranties – all across multiple ranges of twist and saxony Carefree carpets.

The latest addition to their Carefree Prestige collection is Trident.

Available in wooden lecterns with stylish, acrylic graphics, this elegant range boasts three grades - Heathers, Highlights and Pastelle. With each available in 12 tones, the stands are designed to stylishly fit together, creating a display that’s certain to bring retailers financial success.

To complement this extensive range of carpet flooring, Furlong also offer vinyl and real wood flooring.

The Natural Solutions collection of real wood flooring is stunning to say the least.

Comprising of ten ranges, each available in multiple tones or finishes – designed to satisfy the most choosy of customers with extensive features and warranties.

Ranges include Virginia – a solid rustic oak wood floor in 6 grades, through to Mont Blanc – a classic 6mm hardwood veneer on a multiply base in 8 grades.

Aftercare products are available in addition to a whole range of wood accessories.

Design Elements is Furlong Flooring’s portfolio of high quality, vinyl flooring.

With four collections, and three ranges in each collection, there’s plenty of reasons to get excited.

The collections are Arboria (wood styles), Graphica (traditional tiles), Infinity (repeat patterns) and Luxuria (felt back) and all come with attractive wear & stain warranties.

With these collections readily available across Furlong’s national distribution network, there’s never been a better time to find out more. www.furlongflooring.co.uk

Above: Design Elements adds four new collections to its high quality vinyl flooring portfolio Below: The new Trident 3 bay POS display features Heathers, Highlights and Pastelle ranges Bottom: Natural Solutions solid wood and real wood veneer flooring

Prestige Opulence Our lavish & indulgent saxony just got an upgrade.

At Furlong Flooring we’re constantly striving to improve our product offer to customers.

Keeping up with modern trends and styles is of paramount importance, and with that in mind we’ve elevated Opulence to our Prestige Collection.

Resampled in a range of 20 stylish neutral tones with a sumptuous red option.

Opulence boasts a host of contemporary features, delivered in a lavish & deeply luxurious package.

Manufactured with our own Carefree Prestige fibre, Opulence is stain resistant, bleach cleanable and available in both 4m & 5m widths.

To take advantage of this great range, contact us today or visit our website.

www.furlongflooring.co.uk

T H E F U R LO N G F LO O R I N G P O R T F O L I O

Wool Collection

www.furlongflooring.co.uk

I

Sales: Preston - 01772 696 787

I

Dartford - 01322 628 707

I

Gloucester - 0845 520 0800

CARPET

Left: Balta Broadloom’s Lothian Wool Berber Below: Gaskell Wool Rich’s Bayswater

Ultimo brand. Collections such as Oasis and Mayfair Velvet appeal to the grey pound purchaser as they look for carpets that offer them a classic look and a long-lasting investment. We are certainly committed to creating niche products that serve this market, realising that younger audiences are after something quite different.’

Shaun Lewis, Brockway sales director: ‘We will continue with 80/20s and 100% wool products, certainly for the time being.

We are currently launching six wool products, recolouring two older wool products, and finalising another three or four woolbased products. One of the problems is that retailers think a 50/50 will be half the price of 80/20s but obviously that is not the case, the price reduction is actually very small and not 50%, as some think.’

Wilson: ‘At the value end of the market some suppliers will want to engineer products to price points and by changing the blend you can do that. It is not being done to improve the carpet, it is being done to make it cheaper. Our focus is on making it look and perform well long-term and an 80/20 wool/nylon is the optimal blend for Axminster and cut pile Wilton constructions.’

Prescott: ‘We are committed to maintaining an 80/20 wool/nylon blend where possible. We would still recommend 100% wool in any loop products. Over the years 80/20 has proved to be the best carpet blend and we won’t compromise on the quality of our carpets to chase a price point.’

Geert Vanden Bossche, Balta Broadloom marketing director: ‘We are sticking to 100% or 80/20 wool-rich products, as 50/50 blends are sold at much lower price points and sacrifice too much in quality.’

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

What is the future of 100% wool carpets?

Longden: ‘A high quality wool carpet has a significant amount of benefits and features, from its vibrancy and clarity of colour, to how it looks and feels. We feel there is real scope to develop sales of wool more as there are signs of customers being prepared to pay again for quality items generally. We need to make sure this happens with their carpets more. There is, and will always be, as far as we can see, a place for wool-rich and 100% wool carpets, as they offer something other products do not. Customers are buying this now, and we believe we can increase this further, so these blends of carpet will remain those that we invest in.’

Prescott: ‘In our view 100% wool suits loop pile carpets. Any other carpet that has 100% wool pile will not perform to

The New Leader in Today’s Flooring

Millennium Twist To find out more about our products, please contact us on the information below: Industriepark Klein Frankrijkstraat 38 9600 Ronse – Belgium email: ga@millenniumweavers.eu tel: +32 (0) 55 50 90 50

CARPET

Ulster’s Boho

Cormar’s Home Counties

the level of a similar quality 80/20. Our in-house testing has shown this and that is why we are committed to 80/20.’

market from the manmades, especially at the lower end. They also offer an alternative in a bedroom or low use area. However, I still cannot see manmades making their way on to the higher end wool market. At that price the customer definitely prefers the touch and feel of wool, its durability and ultimately the choice of colour you can get.’

Karlsson: ‘They will certainly remain, but for us as a luxury product for a particular type of buyer. Wool no longer enjoys dominance right across consumer profiles, with younger buyers looking towards the ease of collections such as Easy Care and SmartStrand.’

Vanden Bossche: ‘Wool will undoubtedly remain an important niche category for people wanting carpets that are natural, renewable and sustainable. Wool twists in different weights and berber loops will be the core products of this category.’

Cormack: ‘100% wool carpets will continue to have a niche in the market. We tend to use this only in our premium loop pile ranges such as Avebury and Malabar Textures. Sales have always remained constant for these – even during the tough economic climate.’

Wilson: ‘100% Wool is mainly used in loop pile carpets. If 20% nylon was added then pilling would be a major issue, so again it is down to engineering the product to perform optimally.

Where the main focus is on the environment, again 100% wool is a great choice and will biodegrade quickly at end of life.’

Can wool rich carpets recover sales lost to manmade fibres?

Prescott: ‘I don’t think that wool-rich carpets can recover the

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Cormack: ‘Polypropylene has come a long way and the quality has improved so much that many consumers are willing to opt for this type of fibre. They have really carved out a place in the market due to their bleach cleanable, stain-resistant properties.’

Wilson: ‘Easy care fibres have some benefits in busy households where significant amounts of spillages and soiling occur. It still requires maintenance and cleaning, but probably less than an equivalent wool. So again, it is the right product for some consumers. It is also the popular style of the moment.

Wool has suffered as a result but ultimately it is the right product in many situations and so will remain an important fibre in the future.’

Lewis: ‘As the market gets slightly better, the wool marketplace will grow accordingly. There will always be the consumer who wants good wool carpets and the retailers that are capable of upselling good wool carpets.’

Karlsson: ‘The easy to live with nature of “easy clean” carpets appeals to buyers of all ages and as fibres and yarns improve to become softer and more wool-like in appearance, they will remain a significant force.’

Introducing 12 NEW colours to our Simply Natural range.

Simply Natural Stunning textured carpets produced using our unique cabled yarn to produce hard wearing carpets that retain all the luxury of pure new wool.

NEW COLOURS available now

Simply Natural Ribgrass Stipple Breccia/Eggshell - 45113

made in GREAT BRITAIN

To see the full range or request a free sample please visit: www.axminster-carpets.co.uk or call us: 01297 33533 / 32244

www.axminster-carpets.co.uk

ONLY THE BEST COMES FROM BALTA Welcome a new rendition of an original with The Noble Collection by Balta.

With 12 on-trend and timeless colours matched to four stylish coordinated stripes all in the welcome familiarity of saxony, The Noble Collection is a carpet in-tune with the needs and wants of today’s homeowners.

This new rendition will be seen in sample books and dedicated lecterns from this June.

BALTA BROADLOOM T. +32 (0)56 62 22 11 • F. +32 (0)56 62 23 55 BROADLOOM@BALTAGROUP.COM WWW.BALTAGROUP.COM

CARPET Contacts www.adamcarpets.com www.baltabroadloom.com www.brockway.co.uk www.cormarcarpets.co.uk www.gaskellwoolrich.co.uk www.kingsmeadcarpets.co.uk www.lano.com www.ryalux.com www.ulstercarpets.com www.wools-nz.co.uk

Left: Kingsmead’s Artwork Below: Adam Carpets’ Castlemead Twist

Longden: ‘Wool carpets will never recover the market share they have lost and the introduction and proliferation of manmade fibres has changed the marketplace forever, and I believe synthetic products will continue to dominate sales.

However, there is scope for – and I believe it will happen – some recovery in wool sales. This will enable those manufacturers who have weathered the financial crisis storm to remain in business for the long-term, allow them to reinvest, and start to innovate again in wool products, which is something that has been lacking over the past few years.’

How can sales of wool-rich carpets increase?

Dobson: ‘The wool manufacturers have to do a better job at promoting the features and benefits of the fibre to both the trade and the consumer. Wool has great natural properties and is easy to maintain.

‘The introduction of the WOW warranty programme last year provides added reassurance to the consumer that, should they stain the carpet, there is a free spray available to help remove the stain, backed up by local professional advice and support.’

Longden: ‘We plan to tackle this head on with training aides for our salesforce, as well as consumer focused brochures.’

West: ‘We also need to continue to work with our retail customers to show them how in most cases, they can make more cash margin on sales of wool carpets, rather than simply chasing volume. Indeed, we are working with several customers to do just this, and they are already seeing sales which they would have automatically pushed to a synthetic product, for example bedrooms, switch to wool, improving their profitability.

‘There is growth to be found by education and innovation and we at Kingsmead will be leading the charge in that sustainable quest.’

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Introducing 5 NEW colours to our Devonia range.

Devonia Collection A collection of opulently rich high-wool-content carpets available in an extensive range of solid colours that enhances any interior.

NEW COLOURS available now

Devonia Eggshell Blue 1306/76000

made in GREAT BRITAIN

To see the full range or request a free sample please visit: www.axminster-carpets.co.uk or call us: 01297 33533 / 32244

www.axminster-carpets.co.uk

CARPET

Natural is best British wool has many practical attributes ‘Design, colour, style... talking “look and lifestyle” is always top of the list when influencing consumers to buy products for the home. There is a lot to be said for impressing with image and today’s consumer certainly expects to see products that look great. But practical issues remain the most important aspect of functional purchases and British wool with its natural bounce-back and relentless durability offers the very best in terms of wool carpet,’ says Tim Booth, British Wool Marketing Board marketing manager.

‘It is wool that can resist the pressure of a busy family home and will maintain its appearance despite the pram in the hall, the party on Friday and the regular spills and thrills of family life.’

Booth says appearance retention is a number one priority for carpet. ‘There are many fibres in the carpet market at the moment – and there always will be – and as there is a limited amount of wool in the world, we actually do need alternatives. Some of these manmade carpets look absolutely great and have a super soft touch but the reality is that

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Axminster Carpets, Cavalier Carpets and Brockway are all users of British wool

they cannot do the job as well as real wool as they flatten and become a little unappealing as they age.’

British wool grown on sheep breeds in the UK is acknowledged to be the strongest quality carpet fibre in the world: the breeding, the climatic conditions and the buoyant crimp of the fleece make this exceptional wool for carpet.

‘Our wool is chosen by the best brands, the best designers and architects all over the world. The reason is simple, British wool performs better for longer and we are very proud of that,’ he explains.

‘The current trend for bleach clean is not something the average carpeted home requires: most spills in the home

are minor anyway and with wool a prompt blot up of the liquid will usually deal with most things. And let’s not forget bleach is a toxic cleaning agent.

Bleach is unbelievably strong and is a contaminant in many ways so it’s not ideal for a family home to have it on a carpet in their living room.

‘Historically British wool is a proven fibre. It has stood the test of time because it is a very, very reliable purchase in carpet. Additionally, it is a totally home-grown natural resource that will, like other natural fabrics, breathe with the room. In my view, if you are going to share your personal space with something, natural is always best,’ adds Booth.

Visit: www.britishwool.org.uk

BritishFromWool wild landscapes to wonderful,

strong wool...

...and beautiful floors Wool from sheep that graze the wild hills of Britain offers the strongest and most durable natural carpet wool in the world. British Wool has a robust structure that will not be crushed and it will perform day in and day out for years whilst keeping good appearance.

Fully sustainable and carbon efficient, it is a fibre that really makes a major difference... not just to the product but the planet too.

www.britishwool.org.uk www.britishwoollearning.com

LIGHTING

1

4

2

3

Go with the glow The latest designs shine for everyone 5

Innermost has expanded its Circus collection with single and double wall lights, a new grey outer finish and matt white inner.

Visit: www.innermost.net

1

Innolux’s Modern Art is a re-edition of the table lamp designed by Yki Nummi and launched in 1955, a timeless classic and a pearl of Finnish design.

Visit: www.innolux.fi/en

2

AxolIght’s Melting Pot is a collection of pendant and wall-mounted lights made up of lampshades with different shapes and decorations assembled to create a contemporary Tower of Babel.

Visit: www.axolight.it

3

Designed for a classic living room with a modern touch, Delightfull’s 1.65m Matheny floor lamp is formed from a circle of gold plated brass tubes and uses six bulbs.

Visit: www.delightfull.eu

4

The blown-glass spheres attached to the central structure of Barovier & Toso’s Lincoln are made with the balotòn method and feature an embossed criss-cross effect: an interweaving that filters the internal LEDs. The central aluminium body, with a rose gold finish, contains LEDs that project the light downwards.

Visit: www.barovier.com

5

Slide’s Pret-a-Porter table lamp has an integral handle, allowing it to be easily moved or hung.

Visit: www.slidedesign.it

6 6

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Beds and bedroom

Sealy’s Napoli 1200 is accredited with Which?

Best Buy for pocket sprung mattresses‌again

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Pain-free zone Sealy’s Profile collection has specific areas of support A bed needs to be a place of comfort rather than a source of pain and discomfort. Whether buying for the first time or replacing an old mattress, Sealy Posturepedic and the British Chiropractic Association share a common goal in their ambition to encourage the British public to make the right choices when buying a bed in an effort to improve back health and help make them deeper sleepers.

The latest development to come from Sealy’s commitment to this objective is the Profile range. Ergonomic in concept, these mattresses are based on various anthropometric studies which detail and profile the proportions of the human anatomy.

Directional and variable zoning along its length from head to toe means the Profile mattress doesn’t ever have to be turned. It pays special attention to offering exactly the right kind of support to the head, shoulders and hips – the key

pressure points that cause tossing and turning.

In addition, and the key to the whole concept, there are two areas of increased support to ensure the neck and spine are kept at exactly the right alignment throughout the night.

On a Profile bed, there is a slightly convex zone sitting laterally across the mattress that is designed to support the spine, whether lying on your side or your back. Sealy says this is a boon to anyone who wants more support as they sleep, or anyone who occasionally or permanently suffers from back problems,

or wants to prevent one from deteriorating.

In addition, although not quite as pronounced as the convex torso zone, the subtly convex head area is designed so that only one good pillow is needed to support the head. This is a better arrangement for the neck as it helps keep it better aligned with the spine, meaning not waking up with back or neck ache. The convex zones are not instantly visible unless you look for them, but once lying down, the body can feel the difference.

Visit: www.sealy.co.uk

Contour Reflexion is part of the Profile range

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Left: Napoli 1200 Below: Neil Robinson

Good support, no sag and breathable Which? has again endorsed the Napoli 1200 Sealy’s Napoli 1200 is still the highest scoring product in the pocket spring mattress category in Which? magazine’s review in 2015 and therefore has retained its coveted Which? Best Buy accolade which it first won in 2013.

In 2013 the magazine said this mattress stood out from the competition as it was the most durable of the pocket sprung mattresses it tested. Which? reported it wouldn’t move when people turned over in the night, and that it provided good body and back support for most sleepers. Although it wasn’t the cheapest of the beds tested, it was the most durable.

In 2014 Which? said it still provided good support and would continue to do so after several years of use. It also commented that the mattress wouldn’t get harder or softer over time, or sag so much compared with the other pocket sprung mattresses on test. Overall, it concluded it was the top choice for

people looking for a pocket sprung mattress.

The current conclusion is that Napoli provides good support for most, doesn’t sag and is breathable, so won’t get damp with sweat.

‘The Sealy Napoli is a great example of the company’s proactive development of the product sector. Sealy is renowned as being a leader in sleep technology so this bed is very much the modern face of pocket sprung mattresses with its zonal construction, Smart Fibres and the exhaustive testing programme for everything from flammability to pressure point management and spinal support,’ says Neil Robinson, Sealy marketing director.

The Napoli 1200 contains seven zones of specially designed motion and weight responsive pocket springs for total spinal alignment by differentiating the firmness of the springs along the length of the bed.

Around the perimeter and underneath, the springs are surrounded by the patented Unicase System with EdgeGuard: ensuring the sleeper receives proper support with no sagging right up to the edge of the mattress. It also benefits from Sealy’s Smart Fibres containing Tencel and Purotex to help keep the mattress materials cool, fresh, dry and hypoallergenic. Smart Fibres are endorsed by Allergy UK to deal with house dust mites in mattresses, a major problem for sufferers of asthma or allergies.

‘A Which? accreditation is trusted by consumers as objective, trustworthy and hugely important when it comes to making major buying decisions. So, if you haven’t already done so, make an astute buying decision yourself and order some today so your customers can join the ranks of Sealy’s Deeper Sleepers,’ adds Robinson.

Visit: www.sealy.co.uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

39

NO NEED TO ROTATE

Our Profile mattresses feature Adaptive technology.

Adaptive is a ‘dynamic response’ textile that reacts to temperature and moisture.

Hydro-functional polymers change shape, boosting evaporation, helping to maintain a constant temperature.

E

All sleep is good for you, but quality of sleep All sleep is good for you, but quality of sleep is as important as is asfirst important asthat’s quantity.

The mattress shaped to fit your body. quantity.

A poor night’s sleep, where you continually toss and turn, wake up and

Ergonomic Sealy’s Profile mattresses are based drift in and outinofconcept, sleep, willthe leave you poorly rested and un-refreshed. on various anthropometric studies which detail and ‘profile’ the proportions of the human anatomy - and as such it is the first sleeping environment, we can promise you a better sleep experience. mattress that’s shaped to fit your body.

Because Sealy invest so much in the Science of Sleep and the total

Directional and variable zoning along its length from head to toe means the mattress doesn’t have to be rotated, any way, ever. The mattress pays special attention to offering exactly the right kind of support to shoulders and hips, which are the key pressure points that cause tossing and turning.

In addition, is anhave area been of increased Sealy Smartthere Fibres devellumbarto support ensure thedry spine is hyoped keep to you cool, and

poallergenic dust mites are kept at exactly(house the correct alignment eliminated), and our throughout the night. zonally

con-

structed

mat-

tresses

minimise

pressure points, properly align the spine and provide the right level of support where it is needed most, allowing the body to reach the deeper levels of sleep and to stay there longer.

Quality of sleep, as opposed to quantity.

For more information about the ground-breaking new Profile range, contact our Sales Hotline on

Get to sleep quicker. Stay asleep longer 016973 20342. www.sealy.co.uk

www.sealy.co.uk

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Keep your cool Kaymed has developed materials that regulate sleep surface temperature Sleeping during hotter evenings can be a problem, but Kaymed has some solutions.

It has several new materials developed, manufactured by and exclusive to it, including the latest advances in gel and viscoelastic technologies, all designed to combine comfort, industry leading pressure relief and sleep surface temperature regulation.

Kaymed has more than a century’s expertise at the forefront of sleep technology and is a leading innovator in gel and viscoelastic memory foam.

It is the only foam manufacturer in Ireland and can quickly develop bedding and components using cutting edge technology.

Its Therma-Phase is a significant step forward as it combines a high density viscoelastic with an infusion of unique phase-change gel crystals. The gel works constantly to absorb, store and release body heat to maintain the ideal sleep

surface temperature of 30°C-32°C. The result is an innovative material that provides the body with the optimum level of comfort, support and pressure relief. Therma-Phase is available with a choice of pocket springs or as solid block with optional base tensions, colours, sizes and drawer choices.

K3Gel is a therapeutic sleep system patented by Kaymed that provides superior comfort and disperses pressure through its unique three-dimensional cell structure. Manufactured using natural mineral oils, K3Gel responds to embrace the sleeper’s shape instantly, helping to relieve aches and pains. K3Gel cells create airpockets that enhance air circulation, regulating body temperature for sleeping comfort.

Kaymed offers three K3Gel bed models in its standard range with a choice of specifications, contemporary waterfall mattress design, choice of base colours, a 10-year warranty and all available in

standard sizes with storage options.

Available as a solid block or on pocket springs, the V85 is a superior grade viscoelastic that offers a level of comfort usually expected on a premium priced bed. The high density gives a combination of support and pressure relief regardless of temperature. While some materials require heat for them to function, making them susceptible to environmental conditions, V85 remains consistently comfortable throughout the year.

The V85 carries a 10-year warranty and is available with a choice of pocket springs or as solid block with optional base tensions, base colours, sizes and drawer choices.

Mighty Bed is ultra-durable with a reinforced spring system and extrastrong divan base. There are seven base colours, a choice of sizes and drawers, and a 15-year warranty.

Visit: www.kaymed.co.uk

V85 Inspire X

Therma-Phase Diamond X

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Mighty Bed Summit

A plan to grow sales that’s not a fairy tale

Sell happily ever after From Therma-Phase™ to Mighty Bed™, V85™ visco elastic to K3Gel®, Kaymed’s patented technologies have every base covered. We lead the way in the development of pressure relieving and temperature regulating materials, all created and manufactured in house. This allows Kaymed stockists to enjoy the benefits of being first to market with groundbreaking technologies, giving them the edge over their competition.

If you want to increase sales and realise the return on investment of innovation over imitation, contact us now via the ‘Become a Stockist’ link on www.kaymed.co.uk, and sell happily ever after.

BEDS AND BEDROOM Pocket 2000

Levels of luxury Mammoth has responded to retailers’ needs Designed for comfort, Mammoth Technologies’ latest product, the Pocket 2000, has proved a huge success since its launch at The Bed Show in 2014.

The Pocket 2000 comes on the back of the company’s bestselling mattress, the Pocket Hybrid 1000. As the only mattresses in the industry clinically proven to improve sleep by Northumbria University’s Centre for Sleep Research, Mammoth has expanded its Pocket Hybrid collection to accommodate retailers’ needs for a high-end mattress while catering for various price points.

The Pocket Hybrid 1000 comes in at entry level, is 22cm deep and features 7cm medical grade foam. Pocket 2000 is designed for luxurious comfort at 30cm deep with 9cm medical grade foam exclusive to Mammoth offering advanced circulation and pressure relieving benefits.

Each product has integrated washable mattress protectors, a Tencel cooling cover, edge-to-edge support and a 10year guarantee. The range comes in five sizes from single up to superking.

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

‘The main aim of our business is to provide the best possible night’s sleep, so we’re huge believers in innovation, research and testing. Having listened carefully to what our retailers need, we realised there was a gap in the market for a highend mattress. The UK has a love of springs, so we’ve taken our pocket hybrid collection to the next level, and the 2000 model really delivers an amazing level of comfort,’ says John Tuton, Mammoth Technologies founder and md.

All Mammoth products are Class 1 registered medical devices with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.

Alongside its advanced product mix, Mammoth understands the importance of retailer relationships, investing in a dedicated retailer marketing support service and website with integrated store

Mammoth combines springs and medical grade foam

locator. The marketing support service offers a comprehensive suite of POS materials, local advertising campaign development backed with its own national campaigns, employee training video and materials, incentive schemes, social media marketing, affiliate scheme and lead generating competitions – all developed to drive footfall into stores.

All manufacturing facilities for Mammoth mattresses are located in the UK. Visit: www.mammothmattress.co.uk

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Cover many options Gallery Direct offers beds and soft furnishings for a plethora of looks Annecy bed with Kilburn & Scott’s Harris quilt cover set

Gallery Direct’s Frank Hudson catalogue includes 10 bedroom collections that have been designed to reflect different lifestyles and interiors, with beds to suit all tastes and styles of room.

‘The catalogue really does offer a fantastic choice of products, so there’s sure to be something to appeal to everyone: from the Hartwick, a modern take on a classic-four post bed, to the contemporary Annecy to the classic Louis XV. Couple this with Frank Hudson’s usual high quality standards and we have a range we are incredibly proud of,’ says James Hudson, Gallery Direct business development director – furniture.

To complement the beds, Gallery Direct offers soft furnishings, including quilt cover sets, cushions and throws.

‘We designed our range of soft furnishings using only the finest quality fabrics and impeccable attention to detail, ensuring the collection is produced to the highest standards. Our three inspiring brands each have a different look, to add the perfect finishing touch to any bedroom,’ says Jayne Zalega, Gallery Direct business development director – textiles.

Offering a natural, rustic feel is the Kilburn & Scott range that features a selection of luxurious tactile fabrics. The Parisian House brand comprises a range of timeless classics in a soft and elegant colour palette. For more modern designs and vibrant colours, the Gallery Home brand provides on-trend statement pieces.

Visit: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Hartwick bed with Chelsea quilt cover set

Louis XV Charcoal bed with Strada quilt cover set

Awarded Best Memory Foam mattress 2015.

MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS

Visit www.silentnight.co.uk

BEDS AND BEDROOM

True conversion Haskins Furniture has seen an upturn in bedding sales Somerset’s largest furniture store, Haskins Furniture, has enjoyed a major upturn in sales in its bedding department.

The Shepton Mallet retailer has been selling Protect-A-Bed’s mattress protection products since 2011 with consistently high conversion rates, but during this year’s winter sale Protect-ABed sales hit a record high.

‘Protect-A-Bed is renowned for its unrivalled commitment to working with its partners to drive sales and conversion

rates, where a Protect-A-Bed is sold with a bed or mattress,’ says Nigel Hillier, Protect-A-Bed sales agent.

‘Together with Haskins, we created a bespoke promotion designed to reward and motivate the Haskins team and to drive them on to not just good performances, but outstanding performances.’

This was launched with a refresher training session to make sure the whole team felt confident that they had the skills necessary to grow sales.

Hazel Sanger and Dave Banwell

Left to right: Simon Zamet, Protect-A-Bed ceo, Tiffany Wiltshire, Hazel Sanger, Nigel Hillier and Sue Dawson

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

‘With total buy in across the team, management support and Protect-A-Bed field sales support, there has been a tremendous buzz and energy on the floor at Haskins with some quite extraordinary results,’ says Hillier.

During the promotion period, Hazel Sanger, Haskins sales adviser, peaked at an 83% conversion rate.

‘The overall store performance across the period was excellent at close to 60% conversion rate, a figure which has grown by 20% in the past 18 months,’ says Hillier. ‘Not only has Hazel dazzled but Sue Dawson and Tiffany Wiltshire, who is new to the team, have all increased and maintained conversion rates of more than 50% through and beyond the promotion.’

‘We have been working together for many years now and have built a strong sales performance together. However the recent refocusing has pushed sales to new heights,’ says Dave Banwell, Haskins general manager.

‘Lots of credit has to be given to Sue, Tiffany and Hazel, individually and collectively, for their performances in terms of conversion rates, which are among some of the best in the country.

‘Hazel’s and the team’s performance has been nothing short of superb.

Protect-A-Bed has been a fantastic partner and has not been content to allow the sales performance to plateau. It has driven us to continue to improve.’

Visit: www.protectabed.co.uk

BEDS AND BEDROOM

1

3

2

4

5

1 The Pocket Spring Bed Company’s National Trust Collection is aimed at affluent baby boomers. Each pocket spring mattress comes in two comfort options – medium/soft and medium. The handcrafted divan bases and headboards are in a traditional design and available in three fabric colours inspired

by National Trust gardens and grounds.

Visit: www.pocketspringbed.co.uk 2 The upholstery of Bonaldo’s Cuff headboard can have leather or fabric covers, with visible leather inserts both on the headboard and on the bed surround, while

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

the feet are made of painted metal, in colours including white, anthracite grey, dove-grey, amaranth, black or silver. There is also a non-storage version.

Visit: www.bonaldo.it 3 Rest Assured is proud of its luxurious Heritage Collection, bringing traditional styling and affordable luxury to the bedroom. The beds and mattresses in the Heritage Collection have been created using traditional pocket springs with premium fillings to provide the ultimate in comfort.

Visit: www.rest-assured.co.uk

4 An extreme softness that you can sense at first glance – when you look at the headboard of Natuzzi’s Piuma bed it’s easy to imagine two pillows side by side offering absolute comfort. The bed of your dreams, a place to keep dreaming.

Tel: 01322 312 588 5 SMA’s Butterfly bed features a prominent headboard with vertical wenge and painted ash wood decoration and white soft and smooth eco-leather capitonné upholstery with Swarovski crystal buttoning.

Visit: www.smamobili.it/en/

SIESTA BEDS COMFORT & QUALITY ASSURED Est 1986

The Bed Show West Midlands

BEDS AND BEDROOM

The show is a cost-effective no frills event

Best of British NBF members show off their wares Now firmly established in the trade calendar as the UK’s biggest bed exhibition, The Bed Show will return for its sixth event this autumn.

It will open from 9am-5.30pm on Tuesday 22 September and 9am-4pm on Wednesday 23 September at the Telford International Centre.

‘We’ve been delighted with the fantastic level of interest for Bed Show 2015. There’s a good mix of both bed manufacturers – all with British manufacturing plants – and component suppliers. It’s this combination that gives

the show its unique quality,’ says Jessica Alexander, NBF executive director.

This year’s exhibition features four new exhibitors: Duvalay, Global Components, Kozee Sleep Midlands and MA Living.

‘The continuing support we receive from the industry – from both exhibitors and visitors – is overwhelming. Over the past six years we’ve listened to feedback and increased space to accommodate more exhibitors and larger stands which has resulted in our visitor numbers increasing year-on-year. Whatever changes we’ve made we’ve always kept

Shine and dine The NBF Bed Show Gala Dinner and Awards night will again be held on the Tuesday evening of the show, with Gyles Brandreth returning as host. For the fifth year running there will be five Best in Class Awards: Multiple Bed Retailer of the Year (won by Furniture Village in 2014); Independent Bed Retailer of the Year (Surrey Beds); Bed E-Tailer of the Year (Loaf); Bed Manufacturer of the Year (Hypnos) and Bed Component Supplier of the Year (J De Walleg).

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

true to the original concept which is to provide a cost-effective, focused, no frills event dedicated to British made beds – and it works,’ says Alexander.

The show is deliberately reserved for NBF members and since the introduction of the independently audited Code of Practice, Alexander says buyers can be confident that all the exhibitors meet their legal obligations and supply products that are safe, clean and honest.

There will again be free entry, parking and refreshment vouchers.

Visit: www.bedshow.co.uk

22-23 SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL CENTRE TELFORD Register now at www.bedshow.co.uk

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LVT

Versatility guaranteed Simple or intricate designs can be created with Polyflor’s offerings Polyflor At Home has a trio of collections for homeowners to create their own style.

Suitable for any room, Camaro, Colonia and Secura flooring collections combine the beauty of natural materials with a product that is easy to maintain with a simple cleaning regime and has surface embossing for added realism.

The Camaro and Colonia LVT ranges can be straight laid or used for more ambitious and intricate installations. For example, a combination of designs or a mixture of wood and stone effects can be used together and planks or tiles can be cut and laid into brickwork designs, chequerboard effects or herringbone patterns, to name a few.

LVT can also be laid around the edges of a room to create borders and around features such as kitchen islands or fireplaces to highlight these areas.

Decorative patterned borders and corners can be also be made to order.

The company also offers inlay accessory products in complementary and contrasting shades that can further enhance a floor design. Marquetry strips are designed to be used with woodeffect LVT to accentuate plank lengths.

Grouting strips can create eye-catching stone effect floor designs, for example using the Ice white grouting strip as a contrast against Colonia Imperial Black Marble tiles.

Solid colour feature strips add a more dramatic effect to planks and tiles. A naval plank design that replicates the look of ships’ decking can be created by using a rustic-looking wood design such as Camaro Vintage Timber with a dark brown feature strip between each plank width.

For those who want a statement floor with a quicker installation time, Polyflor’s Secura range of sheet vinyl includes wood and stone decoration with the effect of patterns and accessories inbuilt into the design. This range includes the Antique Herringbone parquet effect design and the Black Slate design which features white grouting strips.

Visit: www.polyflorathome.com

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Camaro Warwick Oak 2235 in herringbone design with Natural Oak and Classic Oak triple marquetry strip

Above: Colonia Imperial Black Marble 4515 with Ice grouting strip Right: Colonia Golden Koa 4403 with brown feature strip to create a naval plank design

Polyflor at Home has been developed to inspire you by offering exciting and authentic design ideas to suit any style of home interior.

Introduce yourself to the Colonia, Camaro and Secura flooring collections.

Visit polyflorathome.com to create and save your own image moodboard, view and download idea-packed brochures, order FREE product samples and more than anything get the inspiration you’ve been looking for. Also visit blog.polyflorathome.com for further exciting hints and tips.

COLONIA Nordic White Oak

POLYFLOR LTD. PO BOX 3 RADCLIFFE NEW RD WHITEFIELD MANCHESTER M45 7NR TEL: 0161 767 1122 FAX: 0161 767 1128 E-MAIL: INFO@POLYFLOR.COM WWW.POLYFLOR.COM

LIVING AND DINING

Silver service Three more choices are on the menu from Gautier Gautier’s latest collections offer practicality and styles that team with most interiors.

Artigo is available in two finishes: smoked walnut and natural oak. With the range of columns and low units among the 28-strong range, the many combinations means shoppers can create an interior unique to them.

Setis blends creativity and practicality for the living and/or dining room with rectangular and round tables, chairs, coffee tables, console tables and complementary units available.

Go minimal with the Adulis collection in an airy, elegant design in three finishes: Graphite Oak or White Lacquer for an ultra-trendy spirit and Sierra Oak for a natural ambience. With its clean lines, the living room collection can be arranged in multiple ways to integrate with any interior style.

Visit: www.gautier.co.uk Artigo

Setis

Adulis

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

ARTIGO Collection

FRENCH MANUFACTURER

Be inspired by our stylish range of kids, adult, living and dining room furniture at www.gautier.co.uk

GAUTIER UK - Unit 9, Park Industrial Estate St ALBANS - AL2 2 DR Tel. 01727-875114 / Email: uksales@gautier.fr 100 STORES WORLDWIDE

DUBAÏ

PARIS

DELHI

GENEVA

MOSCOW

LONDON

TORONTO

RIYADH

CASABLANCA

SERVICE

Tim Aspey says real-time delivery and tracking information will soon be available

First class deliveries Andrew Porter is preparing to increase its service for new and existing clients Specialist furniture logistics firm Andrew Porter celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, but it is not complacent.

Based in Chorley, Lancashire, the business has made significant investments to ensure the highest levels of customer service, and this commitment is paying off. From customer service protocols to high quality staff training and facilities, plus the introduction of a range of added value services, Andrew Porter’s investments have resulted in extended contracts and new business wins.

The firm has seen 15% growth from last year and is preparing to welcome a number of new clients to the fold. During the next two months Andrew Porter will see weekly direct home deliveries increase by 250 and weekly retail deliveries by 175.

And by July, a multi-million pound deal will have been signed

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

SERVICE

‘It’s instantly clear that we treat all products with care’

A new routeing system will speed up deliveries

with a national retailer for the provision of a full warehousing and logistics service.

Tim Aspey, Andrew Porter md, takes it as a huge compliment that most of the new contracts are a result of recommendations from current clients. ‘We take pride in maintaining really high standards and that’s reflected immediately when we invite companies to take a look around our premises. Customers naturally want their products to be stored somewhere safe, clean and dry, and to be handled securely. It’s instantly clear that we treat all products with care and we take the time to assess the individual needs of each of our customers on a case by case basis,’ he explains.

‘It sounds obvious, but by continually striving to improve and make sure all aspects of our service provision are the best they can be, we keep customers happy. Our staff work proactively to identify any areas for improvement and to gain feedback from clients. If we learn that something could be made better, we work to change it.’

As well as winning new customers, the company is receiving a large amount of additional work from existing clients.

‘Our furniture logistics clients are doing really well at the moment, particularly those who we provide a full warehousing, DHD and retail delivery service for. We have several customers who have opened a host of new stores, with some continuing to open a new branch every month. We’ve been able to assist them with delivery and assembly of products for the new stores, as well as providing a range of added value services to

help with the smooth expansion of their businesses,’ he says.

The company has made a number of investments recently to bolster its offering. A £200,000 warehouse refurbishment is midway through its second phase. Six months of improvement works on the 6,000 pallet bay warehouse will include the installation of new lighting, the relaying and repainting of floors, plus installation of new dock levellers. The first phase was completed in 2014 at the purpose-built warehouse facility.

It is also finalising the implementation of a dynamic routeing system, set to introduce a range of benefits for customers. The fully-automated system will ensure the most efficient, customer-focused planning of deliveries, making the process even faster as well as minimising any unnecessary mileage.

‘We introduced our current bespoke routeing system two years ago, which had a huge impact on efficiency and forward planning. But this new program takes things to a higher level.

For example, it can plan routes around low bridges or store opening times, which eliminates the possibility of human error.

It also links with our crews’ handheld PDAs, so that customers can receive real-time delivery and tracking information online. It gives customers more options and flexibility than ever before.

‘We’ve made a £50,000 investment in the new software and are currently finalising the installation and staff training. Our 20th anniversary year seemed like the perfect time to launch a system which will have such a positive impact for all our customers,’ adds Aspey.

Visit: www.andrewporterltd.co.uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

59

Inernational Furniture Fair Singapore

REVIEW Clockwise from top: Les Jardins; India Covers; Woven+

Gateway IFFS again gathered a global audience The International Furniture Fair Singapore showed its global appeal by attracting exhibitors from a record 39 countries from 13-16 March. Of the 487 exhibitors, more than 150 took part in sister event The Decor Show, now in its fifth year.

‘In the last decade, we’ve seen a steady growth in the soft furnishings and home accessories segment within our show.

This development has benefitted exhibitors as well as buyers, and it also confirms The Decor Show’s unique identity next to IFFS,’ says Ernie Koh, IFFS chairman.

EU Business Avenues, the business support programme for EU small and

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

medium-sized firms, hosted 39 interior design companies in a debut trade mission to South East Asia. ‘European companies have always been at the forefront of modern interior decoration.

Their reputation as trendsetters is based on excellent craftsmanship and innovative ideas. We have chosen to showcase some of the best small and medium enterprises the EU has to offer in this sector at IFFS,’ says Michael Pulch, EU ambassador to Singapore.

‘Our experience on this mission trip by EU Business Avenues has been a positive one. The business matching service allowed us to meet with the right people.

While we export to over 20 countries,

this is our first trip to Asia. It’s given us good business leads and we’ll seriously consider returning as an independent exhibitor,’ says Peter Bastiaensen, export manager of Belgian firm Linea Verdace.

Other exhibitors and visitors were equally upbeat. ‘IFFS is a powerful platform for us to meet new customers, reach out to our existing clientele, and also to further increase brand awareness in the region. We received a high volume of leads, which comprises a wide variety of people. We strongly believe that our participation will translate into direct sales opportunities,’ says Khadidja Thys, export manager of debut exhibitor Umbrosa.

DESIGNED FOR BUSINESS

London ExCeL 17–19 May 2015 Be part of it now maydesignseries.com/im Trade only. No children

The May Design Series is the UK’s definitive interiors event. Architects and interior designers will meet British and international suppliers across five show sectors: Furniture | KBB | Lighting | Decor | DX The May Design Series welcomes previously unseen international suppliers from 26 countries, alongside the best of new British talent. No other UK event provides such a diverse and evenly split floorplan.

Organised by

Inernational Furniture Fair Singapore

REVIEW

Clockwise from top left: Elmo; Elmy Interiors; Kare Design; The French pavilion

Tripasai was among the companies taking part in the Asian Star showcase.

‘The showcase gives me the opportunity to present a complete concept, as opposed to singular pieces of furniture, to my clients and visitors. Being here also allows me to gather feedback from potential clients, as well as meet and interact with designers from other parts of the world,’ says founder Pich Tripasai.

‘IFFS is the most international of all the industry’s regional fairs. The quality of the stands is excellent, and I come mainly to gather ideas and inspiration for my company’s retail outlets,’ says Jan Karlsson, product manager of Swedish retailer Mio.

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

The shows attracted 18,836 visitors from 102 countries.

Next year’s event will receive a major boost when the biannual woodworking, furniture and panel production industries show furniPRO Asia moves from November to run alongside IFFS. ‘This move strengthens the collective offering that IFFS provides to the furniture fraternity, providing IFFS exhibitors with a more holistic experience and greater value in one convenient location,’ says Phua Boon Huat, IFFS show advisory panel chairman.

Next year’s Furniture Design Award competition will have a new format, with one category and no set theme.

And in a collaboration between the show’s organiser and the American Hardwood Export Council, IFFS 2016 has been selected as the showcase platform for Design Artisans – The Charms of Asia, a sustainable campaign to promote furniture design and business in skilled manufacturing.

This project aims to unite regional talents to promote and reinvent a contemporary language in furniture design through the use of American hardwood. AHEC will commission a group of acclaimed designers, architects, and artists from Asia to create a bespoke collection of 10 furniture pieces.

Visit: www.iffs.com.sg

Malaysian International Furniture Fair Kuala Lumpur

REVIEW

High order There were fewer visitors than last year, but they were in a buying mood

Sern Kou

Despite concerns about the value of the US dollar and low oil prices, the Malaysian International Furniture Fair (3-7 March) achieved its second highest sales in its 20-year history. Last year the almost 20,000 visitors spent US$892m, and this year 18,000 visitors spent US$865m. A third of visitors were new to the show while the number of buyers from Russia, Ukraine and West Africa fell.

Exhibitors were upbeat. ‘Buyers from over 50 countries visited us and over 80% were new customers. We also had quite good response from our regulars as well, although some were unable to come due to budget reasons. In fact, our sales were

Sung Yong

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Elk Furniture

Not just a wonderful sleeping experience but a combination of intelligent components designed and developed to provide luxurious and healthy support for you to enjoy night after night. Style and well-being, crafted together with over 60 years of true Belgian passion.

Experience Velda at London Excel 17th - 19th May 2015 Stand D100 For further information please contact: adrian.eyre@veldeman.com Tel. 07714 340141 Or contact your new Regional Sales Agents: Scotland and North East Michael Brown 07831 572601

Midlands Tony DiVito 07775 998105

South West Simon Rexworthy 07855 299719

East Anglia Richard Piercey 07714 272082

VELDA is a registered trade mark of VELDEMAN GROUP – BELGIUM Veldeman Bedding n.v. Industrieweg-Nord 1155 B-3660 Opglabbeek Belgium Tel: +32 (0)89 366606 Fax: +32 (0)89854536

www.velda-multisense.co.uk www.velda.net

Malaysian International Furniture Fair Kuala Lumpur

REVIEW

Hottrax Furniture Inset: Home Upholstery

better than 2014 – we sold a lot to buyers from the US and African and South American countries,’ says Tey Lay Hui, Home Best md.

For Eric Lee, Deep Living md, there were a lot of foreign buyers and enquiries. ‘MIFF is the first choice for us to get into the export market.’

‘MIFF is an amazing experience and the most important for me because it has been so easy to find the right buyers from Africa, the Middle East, India and South East Asian countries,’ says Weon Ki Yun, Hansung representative.

The Shunde Furniture Association brought more than 20

Deep Living

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Chinese exhibitors to MIFF for the first time and sealed 50% of orders on the opening day, saying all participants ‘received a great response and definitely will come back again next year.’

Karen Goi, MIFF general manager, says: ‘It was really encouraging to see the high diversity and quality of international buyers despite the challenging global economic climate. Clearly, MIFF has again demonstrated its resilience and relevance as an effective global furniture platform and the top industry event in South East Asia.’

Next year’s show takes place from 1-5 March.

Visit: www.miff.com.my

IFEX Jakarta

REVIEW Vivere

Revving up exports IFEX showcased the best of the Indonesian furniture industry The Indonesia International Furniture Expo attracted 470 Indonesian companies and 41 international exhibitors to Jakarta from 12-15 March. Some 8,596 visitors from 108 countries saw what the Indonesian furniture industry had to offer, including 50 from the UK. The show was officially opened by Joko Widodo, president of Indonesia who said the government had set a target of US$5bn of furniture and craft exports in the next four years.

Rachmat Gobel, minister of trade, stressed the importance of exhibitions to the Indonesian furniture industry and promised to give support to boost exports within a year.

Visit: http://ifexindonesia.com

Seken

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Belvaley

The show again hosted a furniture and craft design competition

REVIEW

IFEX Jakarta

Sky Line

Hasta Karya Mandiri

Tanjaya

ProDesign

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

69

iSalone Milan

REVIEW Baxter drew inspiration from the minimalist aesthetics promoted by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando.

Pictured is the modular Panama Bold

Rho inspired Flou expanded Olivier, including new marbletopped tables

More than 310,000 visitors descended on the Rho showgrounds, including more from the UK. Here are some of the highlights. Visit: www.salonemilano.it

Calligaris’ Sipario appears to float on its metal feet

The concave backrest of Flexform Mood’s Ermione chair offers solidity and softness

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Desiree’s Savoye sofa has brushed aluminium or leather covered feet and removable fabric or leather cover

Giorgetti’s Swing chair with a walnut frame and leather seat

REVIEW

iSalone Milan

Bonaldo’s TL, named after the shape of the letters formed by its central leg, has several base finish options, five wood and glass table top options, three fixed sizes and two expanding sizes

Diesel Living expanded into wood flooring with partner Berti, and debuted its first outdoor range with Moroso

Arketipo’s Morrison features light piping around the edge of the slightly inclined back and sides

Zalf’s Dabliu bookcase uses welded metal rods to support the four shelves

Kartell’s Dream’Air combines a black or white chair frame with a transparent seat

Domitalia added two chairs to its Leaf dining range

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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iSalone Milan

REVIEW Kristalia’s 1085 has a tie-rod device on the back of the chair to keep the leather tight as it softens over the years

The conspicuous wheel on Magis’ Trotter steel-framed chair is designed to encourage children to move it

Koinor’s modular Patch sofa combines simplicity and clean lines

Moroso’s modular Teo has a filigree metal base

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Natuzzi’s Fenice sports large headboard cushions with the headboard at a slight angle for a comfortable reading position. It is available in leather or fabric

Molteni & C reissued 1954’s D.154.2 chair as part of its Ponti collection

REVIEW

iSalone Milan

Poliform’s modular Sydney has a coordinating range of tables

Cappellini’s Bison offers contrasting leathers and fabrics between the back and the seat and pouffe

Modus’ Edge is available in six configurations for the dining room/home office/office

Arco’s Drawer table conceals six drawers without compromising on leg room

Fashion and product design combine for MDF Italia’s Thea

Plank’s Remo is available with metal and plywood legs in stackable and non-stackable

versions

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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iSalone Milan

REVIEW

Alias’ Saen has a concrete base, in grey or white, and top in concrete, oak or glass Thonet continued its tradition of steam-bent designs with Targa

Artifort’s Kalm is intended to offer a relaxing refuge

Marking its 150th anniversary, Walter Knoll reissued the 1975 Berlin chair, designed for the VIP lounge of Berlin’s Tegel Airport

The cover of Arper’s Steeve is stretched to fit the frame

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Normann Copenhagen added a square and rectangular table to Form

REVIEW

iSalone Milan

Zanotta added chair units and a table-shelf to William

Swedese’s Happy now comes with beech or oak feet

Inno’s Taivu is just as at home in a hotel lobby as it is in a living room

Sancal’s Tiptoe has a host of modular options and feet in copper or anthracite finishes

Poltrona Frau’s Scarlett has a steel and leather strap back and rotates through 360deg Cattelan Italia’s River, one of 59 launches, has a walnut or oak top with a glass insert and embossed lacquered steel base

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

75

Greendale Coventry

REVIEW

Thomas Witter had a 100% take-up from Greendale members. Decadence is a limited edition three-ply British wool plain and stripe range, with new colours including charcoal and silver grey.

Visit: www.thomaswitter.com

Axminster Carpets showcased a number of new ranges including the Woven Axminster and Wilton Collections launching in the autumn. ‘Listening to stockists is central to ensuring that Axminster Carpets remains focused on the needs of our stockists,’ says Josh Dutfield, Axminster commercial director.

Visit: www.axminster-carpets.co.uk

Supply and demand Fifty suppliers attended the buying group’s annual show at the Ricoh Arena in March.

Visit: www.greendalecarpets.co.uk

Hall’s Floorings’ has five new display units available with 10 ranges for its Home Comfort brand and four vinyl lecterns that can accommodate nine books and three sets on each stand.

Tel: 0208 803 1400

Associated Weavers had its supersoft Serenity on display, available in 14 colours. It also showed off Seduction and Splendour, both in 14 colours.

Visit: www.carpetyourlife.com

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Ulster Carpets’ debuts included its latest plaid range, Braeburn. The five colourways are reminiscent of British coastlines, rugged landscapes and wild hedgerows. It also previewed the six additions to the York Wilton range: Cotswold, Pavilion, Squirrel, Gainsborough, Flannel and Cuckoo.

Visit: www. ulstercarpets.com

Jonathan Thomas worked for a successful Greendale member for a number of years so when the chance came to set up his own store in Worcester with a partner specialising in high end furniture, Greendale was the obvious port of call for his flooring requirements.

Working with John we designed a fully bespoke instore display tailored to the store dimensions and layout, and his individual branding requirements.

The result is an interior which fully complements the upmarket feel of the store and the local area.

In a matter of weeks John had a beautiful yet functional display stocked with samples of Greendale ranges, selected and sourced from all the leading UK and continental suppliers and fully own labelled down to colour level.

John also knows that Greendale operate a policy of exclusive areas to enable him to market Greendale products with confidence. They are also never sold on the internet as we believe that members shops are the best place to see, touch and learn about Greendale’s quality carpets.

All these ranges are stocked in Greendale’s own 2000 roll warehouse exclusively for members use. And because Greendale is a “not for profit” cooperative, we pass on all savings to members giving them industry beating prices. All backed by our own “One Stop Shop” dedicated service centre at our head office.

As John says

“Greendale has a fabulous range of products at great prices and everything is tailored to my requirements. I could never get such a great package on my own. I fully recommend any retailer to look at what they can do for their business”

If you want to see what Greendale can do for your business contact Rob Harding the Chief Executive on 01432 852000 or rharding@greendalecarpets.co.uk

Top:

Interior Furnishers Worcester Middle: Huge Range In Store Bottom: Greendale Carpets Warehouse

www.greendalecarpets.co.uk

Greendale Coventry

REVIEW

The British Independent Retailers Association offers Greendale members legal services, pensions, a deposit and loan service for independent retailers and lower cost HSBC banking.

Visit: www.bira.co.uk

Abingdon showed off Aqua Pro-Tec and gave demonstrations of how the carpet, available in 20 colours, three weights and five widths, repels liquid.

Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

Crucial Trading highlighted Mississippi in seven colours and a 4m width; Storm, in seven colours and 4m and 5m widths; Oasis in eight colours and 4m and 5m widths and its Grand Herringbone in a 4m width.

Visit: www.crucial-trading.com

Mayne showed its Mayne Mosaic Mobile software for retailers, that runs on tablets, iPads and iPhones, giving the retailer the ability to raise estimates and orders in the showroom or the customers’ home. Many Greendale members took up the offer of a free trial.

Visit: www.maynetechnology.co.uk

Ball and Young had its latest Charleston underlay on display, available in 9mm and 11mm thicknesses.

Visit: underlay.co.uk James Latham showed the first of three engineered wood Bausen floors with 10 designs. Supplied in boards of 15mm x 190mm x 1900mm, the range includes a brushed and smooth finish as well as UV oiled, lacquered and hardwax coating options.

Tel: 0800 917 70560

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Hugh Mackay had 10 new designs to accompany its bestselling tartan collection. Hassle Free Sensuous is a new addition to the Hassle Free range and is available in 10 colours.

Visit: www.hughmackay.co.uk

REVIEW

Greendale Coventry Gaskell Wool Rich showed Faroe, with a three-ply from 100% Wools of New Zealand wool. It comes in three designs – Tonal Design, Zigzag Herringbone and Plain Rib, with three colours in each.

Visit: www.gaskellwoolrich.co.uk Ryalux Carpets displayed several of its recent launches, including V&A Twist with 15 new colours and stunning new graphics; Ultimate Twist, with its 104 standard colour palette; Ryasilk (pictured) with 12 new colours; the refreshed Period Velvet with 30 colours; and Desert Tones, featuring six new colours.

Visit: www.ryalux.com

Wools of New Zealand has relaunched its Woolclean kit in response to demand from consumers and retailers. It contains all the essentials needed for tackling spots and spills on carpeting as soon as they happen. The products contain no solvents, alcohol, phosphates, bleaching or optical brighteners and are not tested on animals. The kit is ecofriendly and recommended for use with Laneve branded carpets.

Visit: www.wools-nz.co.uk

Regency promoted its Trident Highlights and Trident Pastelle collections, while Satisfaction and Opulence have been recoloured.

Visit: www.regencycarefree.co.uk

Interfloor’s improved range of Tredaire premium PU underlays include Softwalk, Dreamwalk and Sensation. The Textronbacked products have been upgraded, free of charge, to offer more vibrant colours and brighter and stronger packaging. The backing is now a brilliant white with bolder, red Tredaire branding.

Visit: www.interfloor.com

Brockway showed its latest display units alongside new plain wool twist, velvet and loop pile ranges, while the Lakeland Herdwick and Cavendish collections have been revamped.

Visit: www.brockway.co.uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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May Design Series London 17-19 May

PREVIEW

Individuality from Cyprus Four Cypriot companies will be taking part in May Design Series this month Cyprus continues to strengthen its position as a recognised centre of excellence in furniture production. Modern concepts coexist with the traditional approach of paying attention to detail and quality, resulting in interesting effects sought by the buyers from many countries.

The British market is traditionally the largest export destination of Cypriot furniture as the companies are

enthusiastic about incorporating bespoke features for their clients.

Four manufacturers will be taking part at May Design Series, supported by the Cyprus High Commission Trade Centre.

Visit: www.cyprustrade.com www.maydesignseries.com

Commitment to quality With a love of quality design and solid hand-crafted furniture that spans three generations, Hemonides Applied Arts launched its newest studio in 2008.

Its aim is to combine its skill sets and channel its creativity into products and services that resonate with its style and preferred techniques.

The company focuses on developing creative furniture design ideas that withstand the test of time and remain contemporary and relevant.

Each item shows its commitment to excellent structuring and production workflow producing one-off pieces based on the fundamental values: functionality, usability, quality and design. Those looking for individual

styles form a large part of its client base.

The passion for stylised furniture production is adamantly obvious in its results; and the stubbornly high

standards, attention to detail and confidence is a promise it aims to keep for all present and future clients.

Visit: www.hemonides.eu

Bespoke vision For more than 45 years Tomazou Furnishings has been creating personal and professional places tailored to customers needs. Its vision is to create spaces worth living by designing and offering furniture that satisfies personal needs with the highest craftsmanship. A selection of bedroom, dining, wall systems and sofas are offered along with exclusive collections from well-known European brands.

Tomazou’s design and production is carried out in a modern factory in Nicosia, operating to British Standards and flammability regulations.

The company only uses natural raw materials. Through the combination of sound craftsmanship and state of the art technology, Tomazou produces furniture that lasts.

Needs and preferences of customers are of the utmost importance as the company’s furniture is customised to

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their individual space, designs, dimensions colours and upholstery.

Its high quality standards are important principles that help it to act as a link between nature, industry and the consumer.

Visit: www.tomazou-furnishings.com

CYPRIOT COMPANIES ARRIVE AT

May Design Series

Tomazou Furnishings

H & H Furnishings

www.tomazou-furnishings.com Stand D140

www.hhfurnishing.com Stand A304

London ExCeL • 17 – 19 May 2015

emmeMi by ekma

Hemonides Applied Arts

www.emmemi.com Stand D150

www.hemonides.eu Stand D140

CYPRUS HIGH COMMISSION TRADE CENTRE 13 St. James's Square, London SW1Y 4LB Tel: 020 7321 4145 • Fax: 020 7321 4169 • Email: info@cyprustrade.co.uk Web: www.cyprustrade.com

May Design Series London 17-19 May

PREVIEW

High tech investment

Passion for design The focus of Ekma Furnishings’ emmeMi brand is on providing its customers with turnkey solutions for both small and large projects.

Since the company opened 35 years ago, it has showcased and delivered style, quality and service to a long list of discerning clients.

It is passionate about contemporary design and luxury living and knows that this is also shared by its clients.

This passion, together with its attention to delivering exactly what the client requires, has contributed to the company’s international rise and reputation.

After pinpointing the fact

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that an increasing number of clients were looking for bespoke solutions, geared to specific needs, Ekma opened its own factory in 1980 giving it complete control of the design and production process.

All custom-made craft work is made in its Cyprus premises. With the use of a five-axis CNC mill centre and Alphacom software it can produce what a client requests.

Its specialist digital production areas include architectural millwork, wood, joinery and acrylics.

It can produce prototypes and one-off pieces commissioned through full 3D CAD drawings.

Visit: www.emmemi.com

H&H Furnishings was founded in 1967 as HouseHold Furnishings, with the aim of playing a leading role in the Cypriot furniture industry, and in its early years its main production was home furniture.

It created its first kitchen range with the brand Prima Kitchens in 1981.

Production was based on European systems and standards and sales grew exponentially.

In 1983 H&H Furnishings became the first Cypriot company to export kitchens to Saudi Arabia.

Its first project was to manufacture 700 kitchens within six months and many other projects followed.

When Cyprus entered the European Union in 2004 many things changed in the market. With the liberalisation of the local market the Cypriot furniture industry was faced with significant opportunities. Imported kitchen furniture entered

the market, leading to intense competition.

To keep up with competing brands, H&H Furnishings invested heavily to create a modern and technologically upgraded factory, offering customers better quality and variety. At the same time the company boosted its design and technology departments.

After completion of the upgrade H&H Furnishings says it became one of the most efficient companies in Cyprus, with management and staff determined to move the company to the next level.

Its use of technology, in both administrative and production procedures, helps it reduce production costs while enhancing the quality of its products. The investment has also allowed the company to manufacture other products such as custommade wardrobes and doors.

Visit: www.hhfurnishing.com

Technical & Quality Control Manager Neptune is a lifestyle concept that creates everything needed to set the scene for a subtle, stylish and calm way of living. Our quality, value and service, are shaped by our philosophy towards business. Our passion for our products and appreciation of our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We design modern classics and a whole home concept that gives our customers a lifestyle choice for every room in the house.

We are experiencing phenomenal growth, both expanding the number of Neptune stores across the UK and Europe, as well as continuing to support our existing retail partner network. Our turnover is increasing significantly year on year as is the range of products. We have superb creative direction, brand development and a highly customer centric philosophy.

Our aim is to improve the customer service in everything we do. As the Neptune Technical & Quality Control Manager your focus would be the management of all UK Quality Control both inbound and outbound within the Wiltshire distribution centre.

Your key areas of responsibility will include: • Ensure the furniture and accessories customers receive are to the brand standards • Manage the UK QC team of 6 ensuring targets are met and develop and coach team members to increase their skills and technical knowledge • Liaise with the Neptune factories in the Far East on production issues • Check all production and customisation activities are completed in Wiltshire • Provide technical guidance on product improvements and investigate workable solutions • Report on a weekly basis all QC activities and validate data • Develop efficient systems of work using the Kaizen methodology delivering change and improvements in the team’s performance • Co-ordinate the inspections of containers arriving direct to high profile key accounts off site • Complete QC inspections from European manufacturing partners Our ideal candidate will possess: • A minimum of 5 years management experience within operations, production, or quality control • Experience of working within the wooden furniture industry and wood manufacturing • A degree or equivalent in engineering or quality management • An engineering approach to resolving problems and finding a workable solution • High level organizational skills with great attention to detail • Excellent computer skills with a good understanding of Excel • Knowledge and exposure to the Far East supply chain At Neptune, we offer a collaborative and positive environment and as we're experiencing rapid growth we can offer genuine career development with the business. We offer a highly competitive salary and benefits package.

If you feel you meet the criteria and can really contribute to our business, please email your CV, covering letter and current salary details to julian.forbes@neptune.com You can discover more about us at www.neptune.com and follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/neptunehome Neptune ... improving the customer experience.

Spring Long Point Long Eaton 11-13 May

PREVIEW Left: Steed’s Cromwell Below: Gainsborough’s Mulberry Bottom: Peter Guild’s Fulham

Viewing at home Exhibitors all now have permanent space at Long Eaton Carlton Furniture will be showcasing its latest products from Carlton, Ease By Carlton and Vintage Sofa Company.

Carlton Furniture is adding to its dining collection; Ease by Carlton will build on its launch at The

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

Sales Agents Wanted!

As it continues to take the UK carpet industry by storm, Crown Floors is looking for Sales Agents with style for the South of England.

Wholly owned by Balta Industries, Europe’s largest carpet manufacturer, this is a rare chance to be part of one of the brightest brands in flooring. As one of an expanding UK-wide network of enthusiastic and committed agents, you will be responsible for ensuring that Crown Floors continues to enjoy its phenomenal success and keeping the brand a jewel in the crown for retailers across the land.

This is a fantastic opportunity for experienced and motivated Sales Agents keen to leave a lasting impression and to become part of one of flooring’s biggest recent success stories.

Contact James Caldwell james.caldwell@crownfloors.co.uk 07899 074509

Area Sales Manager Wanted!

(XURSH¡V ODUJHVW FDUSHW PDQXIDFWXUHU LV ORRNLQJ IRU D QHZ VDOHV PDQDJHU LQ WKH 6RXWK RI (QJODQG 5IJT JT B SBSF DIBODF UP CF QBSU PG POF PG UIF CSJHIUFTU CSBOET JO nPPSJOH Working with our UK-wide network of enthusiastic and committed representatives, you will be responsible for ensuring that Balta Broadloom continues to deliver the very best for retailers and distributors across the 4PVUI PG &OHMBOE This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and motivated Sales Manager keen to leave a lasting impression and to become part of one of nPPSJOH T CJHHFTU CSBOET &RPSHWLWLYH VDODU\ DQG EHQHÀWV SDFNDJH DYDLODEOH IRU WKH ULJKW FDQGLGDWH 'XQFDQ %XFKDQDQ 07836 231153 GXQFDQ EXFKDQDQ#EDOWDJURXS FRP

Spring Long Point Long Eaton 11-13 May

PREVIEW Left: David Gundry’s Dorchester Below: Wade’s Barnaby Bottom: Vintage Beds is launching into the UK market

January Furniture Show with the debut of the solid European oak Sirrio range.

Vintage Sofa Company debuts its collection of Harris Tweed ranges, and additions to wools and fabrics. This will be coupled with Vintage Beds launching on to the UK market, offering a bespoke bed collection with its full fabric range available.

Gainsborough Beds makes its show debut alongside sister companies Cavendish and Collins & Hayes at Airpsrung Group’s permanent showroom.

Henderson Russell’s debuts include a club-style sofa with a gently curved back and a wing chair with a contemporary twist. The new products complement the current range of models, and highlight the company’s latest fabric collection of tactile velvets and plaids.

Wade Upholstery will continue the theme it began at The January Furniture Show with new models and fabrics combined in striking combinations.

For the first time, all Wade’s chairs will

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Interiors Monthly May 2015

be presented together in a gallery showing the diversity of the collection.

Henry is a buttoned back and seat model with a flared scroll arm. Available in a large sofa, small sofa, chair and snuggler, this will be shown in a casual linen and with the option of contrast buttoning.

Ruby is a classically shaped compact cutaway scroll arm model and will be displayed in a multicolour stripe.

Buzby, Wade’s most contemporary design, is a contemporary bench style sofa on high ‘scandi’ style legs. It will be shown in a lime green and charcoal wool.

Rafferty is a contemporary styled highbacked wing chair with deep buttoned back, available with optional contrast buttoning; and Fraser is a button-topped stool designed to sit across most ranges.

Visit: www.longeatonguild.co.uk

CARPET

VINYL

WOOD

RUGS

LVT

UNDERLAY

THE PLACE TO BE THIS MAY! Tuesday 12th May, 9:00 - 17:30 Wednesday 13th May, 9:00 - 17:00

“The Buying Group Show is second only to Domotex Hannover and is most certainly the best UK flooring show a must to visit for all retailers” Peter Pithie, Godiva Carpet.

Cranmore Park, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 4LF

“Location, Location, Location... Professional show with the right suppliers, we look forward to this show every year” Simon Manley, Michael John Flooring.

“The Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show held at Cranmore Park in Solihull, is the ideal opportunity for Buying Group Members to meet all their approved suppliers mid-way through the year and get up to date with all the new carpet collections and in-store displays.” David Cormack, Cormar Carpets

To register visit www.bgnfs.co.uk