USF Dec 2019 - Feb 2020

December/January/February 2019-2020

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher

Upholstery Supplies | Sofa Legs and Sofa Feet | Upholstery Nails | Brass Castors

D O

T T

N U O

R E T

R O F

A

E D A

!

Y A

C C A

TR

S I G

RE

NEW THREAD COLOURS & SOFA LEG DESIGNS LAUNCHING AT JANUARY FURNITURE SHOW AT THE NEC, STAND 1-A30 WWW.HEICO-DIRECT.CO.UK

Four Page Pull-out

All Change!

Social Standing

Your essential guide to the UK Flam regs

Special report from the AMUSF 2019 AGM

Sneak peek at what’s being aired and shared

Official journal of the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers

www.upholsterers.co.uk

AMU Full Page 297mm x 210mm.qxp_AMU_297mmx210mm_bleed 24/07/2019 16:53 Page 1

UPHOLSTERY FABRICS

OUTDOOR FABRICS

Over 4,000 ongoing Upholstery Fabrics.

Samples available of ALL our Fabrics.

600+ Outdoor Fabrics with SEARCHABLE online gallery, plus ‘quick-dry’ Outdoor Foam

BRITAIN’S LARGEST CHOICE OF DOMESTIC & CONTRACT WHOLESALE UPHOLSTERY FABRICS TRADE DISTRIBUTORS FOR OVER 30 LEADING FABRIC SUPPLIERS…

NO MINIMUM ORDER FOR ANY OF OUR PRODUCTS OR FABRICS

e 120 pag e brochur

COMBINE WITH OTHER ITEMS TO REACH OUR £100 FREE CARRIAGE LEVEL

S CONTACT U TODAY, FOR YOUR COPY

Block 11, Cater Business Park, Cater Road, Bishopsworth, Bristol, BS13 7TW FREEPHONE: 0800 138 1199 FAX: 0117 946 5322 E-MAIL: info@foamforhome.co.uk

WWW.FOAMFORHOME.CO.UK

RY

E

R

INIM UM

Y D E LI V

O

LK

M

SURCH

GE AR

O

U FOR B

REMEMBER… WE OFFER:

N

Showroom & phone lines open 9.00am-5.00pm Monday to Saturday.

D E R

Upholsterer

& Soft Furnisher

Comment Jan Turner Editor

Heico-Direct will be launching exciting new thread colours and sofa leg designs at JFS 2020, with the company giving away free thread shade cards to visitors. For your free shade card visit Heico on stand A30 in Hall 1.

Upholsterer & Soft Furnis December/January

/February 2019-202

0

her

Upholstery Supp

lies | Sofa Legs and Sofa

Feet | Upholste ry Nails | Bras s Castors

!

AY

T

UN

DE

R

ER

ST

I EG

R FO

A

A TR

O CC

D TO

A

Four Page Pull-ou

All Change!

Special report from the AMUSF 2019 AGM

Official journal of the Association of Mast er Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers

Social Standing Sneak peek at wha t’s being aired and shar ed

www.upholsterers.c o.uk

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher Editor: Jan Turner, AKA PR T: 01756 795374 F: 01756 798789 E: editorial@upholsterers.co.uk Advertising Sales: 01732 441133 Published and Printed by Knockout Print Unit 2 The Coppice, Petteridge Lane, Matfield TN12 7LP Design & Production by Truprint Media, Margate Registered in England no. 07263132

It is why, for many years, U&SF magazine has given members an opportunity to address specific concerns and issues in our regular ‘Ask FIRA’ slot. And why, in this issue, we have taken the unprecedented step of including a special pull-out-and-keep guide to the key things you should know. It has been compiled

by AMUSF director of training Wendy Shorter.

Updated and amended twice since their introduction in 1988, the UK flam regs remain, without doubt, among the most stringent in the world and are credited with having saved many thousands of lives.

A good knowledge of the regulations is vital for everyone working in the trade and providing essential information about them is just one of the ways in which the AMUSF supports its members.

Helping members remains a vital part of the association’s remit and chairman Jerry Appleyard made it clear at this year’s AGM (see the report on pages 20 and 22) that the AMUSF is determined to offer members the best possible value-for-money that it can. To that end, a telephone survey of potential members had been undertaken to establish how membership benefits could be made more attractive.

The association, he said, also needs to actively explore ways of meeting requests for modern courses and continuous professional development (CPD) as a way of increasing membership and promoting the association.

NEW THREAD COL OURS & SOFA LEG DESIGNS LAUNCH JANUARY FURNIT ING AT URE SHOW AT THE NEC, STAND 1-A 30 WWW.HEICO-DIR ECT.CO.UK

t Your essential guid e to the UK Flam regs

Many upholsterers and soft furnishers remain confused about the UK flam regs – possibly not surprising given their breadth and complexity.

Another part of this drive to ‘reach out’ saw the AMUSF attend the first ever Cleaning and Restoration Show at Harrogate in October (see page 7) where live demonstrations showcased the skills of the upholsterer and offered a great opportunity to network with people from a different industry.

It wasn’t the only display of talent this Autumn. At Furniture Makers’ Hall, the work of two AMUSF students was among that shown by some 150 of the UK’s freshest designers exhibiting cutting edge furniture and lighting at the Young Furniture Makers exhibition (page 7). Their two upholstered pieces were among the outstanding 10 exhibits selected to be included in a special room set installation at the 2020 January Furniture Show.

It’s inspiring stuff – and as the association now has more than 300 student members, many of them hold the key to the future of our organisation. Ensuring they transition, in time, to full membership is very much behind the thinking of this issue: from the strategic direction indicated at the AGM, to supporting members with such vital information as that contained in the pull-out guide to the flam regs. We hope you find it useful.

As an association we’re always keen to hear your feedback and ideas on ways in which we can help and support you, so do get in touch with head office if you have a thought to share.

Until the next time…

Jan Turner Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher

3

Showcase 1

BRAND NEW Livedale

2

Product roduct Catalogue - Edition 21

Pre order your copy now Text or

07591 205 598

If you have a new product that you would like to be included in the next edition, just send in a high resolution image, 50 words of text and contact details to advert@upholsterers.co.uk – cost £99

1. The brand new edition 21 Livedale Catalogue will be available early 2020. Featuring over 5,000 quality products from foam, fibre and feather to woodcare, stains and lacquers the full colour catalogue includes images, diagrams and listings from international suppliers and some of the leading names in the foam and upholstery industry. Pre-order your copy now. Text 07591 205598 or Call 01942 825144.

Livedale Foam & Sundries, Unit D Enterprise Court, Seaman Way, Wigan, Lancs WN2 2AG E: info@livedale.co.uk www.livedale.co.uk 2. Merrick & Day. Curtain-making products as used by professionals. In fact, everything, except the fabric, to make professional looking curtains and Roman blinds. Order online or phone for next day delivery.

Free next day cutting service on all Merrick & Day Roman blind headrails. Fibreglass rods and flat bottom bars included when ordered with a headrail. Large or small orders. Trade and retail welcome.

Merrick & Day Ltd Tel:01652 648814 www.merrick-day.com

Langton London_USF_0916.qxp:Langton London_USF_0916 11/08/2016 12:31 Page 1

Upholsterer’s Business Insurance Langton London Insurance Brokers is one of the leading providers of Business Insurance coverage for Upholsterers & Soft Furnishing in the UK. We are proud to be chosen as the Appointed Insurance Broker for the AMUSF. Our Exclusive scheme is underwritten by an A rated Insurer, who we have developed an excellent trading relationship with over the years which allows us to create exactly the right blend of covers to suit your requirements and can include Non Standard covers such as: Teacher Training, Log Cabins, Wood Burners, to name a few.

The volume business we place with them allows our clients to enjoy extremely competitive premiums and demands that in the unfortunate event of a claim we are able to negotiate a settlement promptly and fairly on your behalf. We cater for the small independent (working from home) operators, sole traders, partnerships to the larger companies.

Please contact Tony Gutteridge on: Direct Dial: 01737 305662 Email: tony.gutteridge@langtonlondon.co.uk Website: www.langtonlondoninsurancebrokers.co.uk/schemes/upholsterers Langton London Insurance Brokers Ltd is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

4

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2019-2020

Contents News

AMUSF Contacts Head Office Association General Manager: Manjeet Upple E: manjeet.upple@upholsterers.co.uk Office Manager: Susan Tyler E: admin@upholsterers.co.uk

6&7

AMUSF News Update

8

Industry News

Features 13-16

Your Essential Guide to the UK Flam Regs

17

MyDecozo

18

Member Profile: Frank Geoghegan

20 & 22 AGM Special Report

The Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers Ltd, (AMUSF Ltd), Chancery Court, Lincoln’s Inn, Lincoln Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP12 3RE Tel: 01494 429340 E: enquiries@upholsterers.co.uk Web: www.upholsterers.co.uk

24

Social Standing: A Quick Peek into What’s Being ‘Aired and Shared’

26

In the Hotseat: Danielle Hope

Feather&Fibre_hh_Feather&Fibre_hh 30/05/2012 10:32 Page 1

FILLING YOUR NEEDS

FEATHER AND FIBRE UK LTD

MANUFACTURERS OF QUALITY FEATHER, FIBRE & FOAM CUSHION INNERS TO THE TRADE UNIT 1-3 WINSTANLEY WAY, PIPPS HILL INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, BASILDON, ESSEX SS14 3BP

TEL: 01702 382790 FAX: 01702 382791 Website: www.featherandfibre.com Email: info@featherandfibre.com

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher

5

AMUSF news roundup

SITTING PRETTY AT SOUTHPORT Business is blooming at Plumbs!

The Preston-based reupholstery and soft furnishings company partnered with floral artists, Petal and Twig, to create two feature displays at this year’s Southport Flower Show.

The collaboration between the two family firms stemmed from a friendship between Ann Plumb (daughter-in-law of company founder Tom Plumb) and Ann and Angela Coulton from Petal and Twig.

Plumbs’ upholsterers restored a vintage chair and chaise to the point of new hessian covers. Angela then designed the floral element of the pieces.

Said Plumbs md Sarah Page: “As part of Southport Flower Show’s 90th birthday celebrations, we knew the

Plumbs – completed chaise at Southport Flower Show

stand had to be spectacular – and this collaboration was the result of a shared passion for promoting sustainability and British craftsmanship.

SCHOOL SOAKS UP THE LIMELIGHT The end of year show at the Upholstery Craft Training Centre in Scotland, celebrated a 100% pass rate – despite flash flooding which damaged student work just two days before it was due to be assessed.

The school, at STEP Enterprise Park, Stirling, was badly hit as an ankle deep river of water flowed through corridors into the workrooms. On top of that, more water came in through a leaking glass roof above.

Said manging director and tutor James Keane, who runs the school with company secretary Jackie Keane: “A number of student pieces were damaged as water soaked some of the chairs that had been laid out on the floor for the AMUSF assessor’s visit. Thankfully, we managed to dry everything out and repaired most of the damage in time for the visit to verify our students’ 10 months of hard work – plus we had our Open Day two days later with 71 visitors expected!

“Despite all the flood destruction we were delighted again to get 100% pass rate and distinctions. Sarah Selman was awarded £100 as our highest mark student.”

Parquet flooring in corridors was “left like a skateboarding chicane” according to

6

Upholstery Craft Training Centre Scotland

Jackie who explained: “As our floors were not guaranteed to be ready in time for the start of the new term in September, we had no choice but to subsequently move to another safer space, not affected by flood water, within the same building.

“It took us a month to move all the equipment and stock from the existing three large workrooms in to two, as well as plan out the layout of rooms, office and fit a kitchen!”

The school is now working with Langton London’s ‘Lorega 10’ loss adjuster service to negotiate a claim settlement.

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2019-2020

“I think we were all thrilled with the finished result and visitors to the show certainly seemed to appreciate the skills and artistry involved in creating the stand.”

HEICO HAPPENINGS As the annual Heico Design Competition nears its climax, upholstery students across the country are working hard to complete their designs for the final round of judging in January.

Forty students from six AMUSF approved training centres (London Metropolitan University, Wendy Shorter Interiors, Upholstery Skills Centre, Cornhill Courses, Maria’s Traditional Upholstery and the Bristol Upholstery Collective) submitted design mood boards in May with 14 making it through to the final round of judging.

The competition, held in partnership with the AMUSF and British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM), challenges design inspired upholstery students to create a scaled down chair that incorporates products from Heico’s extensive range of decorative furniture nails, brass castors, crystal buttons and wooden legs.

Finalists will be vying for the 2020 title along with two runners up awards. Also up for grabs is the BFM sponsored ‘Joan Milton Award’ that goes to the design deemed to have the most potential to go into serial production. It is named after the late Joan Milton, a popular

AMUSF news roundup

CLEAN SWEEP An intrepid AMUSF team of three came clean when they swept into Harrogate for the National Carpet Cleaner’s Association (NCCA) first ever Cleaning and Restoration show.

Association manager Manjeet Upple, upholsterer Frank Geoghegan and Paul Marsh of the Upholstery Skills Centre attended the event at Harrogate Convention Centre.

As part of the association’s policy to promote the work of AMUSF members, both Frank and Paul showcased the skills of upholstery with live demonstrations on the stand.

Said Manjeet: “We had been invited to take a stand by NCCA chief executive Dave Wheadon. He was keen for the AMUSF to have a presence at the event to show his members how the NCCA is branching out into other areas and

Team AMUSF - Manjeet Upple, Frank Geoghegan and Paul Marsh

Frank Geohegan at work

also provide them with information about how we can help with training requirements.

“The AMUSF is offering courses to the association to help members do basic repairs to upholstery and leather. The Upholstery Skills centre is offering two courses –a one-day basic repairs course and a one-day leather repair course. The

Paul Marsh at work

Stirling Training Centre has also offered to run courses.

“About 20 people visited the stand where Frank worked on a traditional footstool and Paul showed the kind of work covered on the repair courses. It was a great place to network with people from a different industry and to be able to offer them something of real benefit.”

AMUSF students’ work makes top ten Two AMUSF students showcased their work at the 2019 Young Furniture Makers exhibition, attended by some 1,000 visitors.

Tilly Farmery from the Upholstery Skills Centre and Caroline Pearce from Wendy Shorter Interiors were among 150 of the UK’s freshest designers exhibiting cutting edge furniture and lighting at Furniture Makers’ Hall and the Dutch Church in Austin Friars, London.

Tilly and Caroline’s work was among 10 outstanding pieces selected to be included in a special room set installation at the 2020 January Furniture Show (19-22 January, NEC Birmingham), giving the winners the opportunity to have their work viewed by 22,000 plus visitors and the opportunity to build high level contacts.

The Young Furniture Makers exhibition was set up by The Furniture Makers’ Company more than 10 years ago for school children, students and graduates to showcase their work to the design community and connect with potential employers. former director of the AMUSF who played a much respected role in the competition over the years as chair of the judging panel.

Heico will again host the awards ceremony on its stand at the January Furniture Show at Birmingham NEC (January 19 – 22) as well as launching its new colour ranges of upholstery threads.

Said Heico marketing manager Stuart Elmy: “The standard of entries just keeps getting better and with a record number of training centres and students getting involved, the competition really is going from strength to strength. I’m looking forward to seeing the final designs in January”.

Tilly Farmery from the Upholstery Skills Centre

Wendy Shorter Interiors student – with her Freda Kahlo winged armchair

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher

7

Industry roundup

WINNERS CROWNED AT 2019 BED INDUSTRY AWARDS

Celebrations at ViSpring which scooped the Bed of The Year award at the NBF Bed Show Awards

The National Bed Federation (NBF) 2019 Bed Industry Award winners were named at the annual Bed Show gala dinner.

The six bed industry businesses, chosen from a shortlist of finalists by an independent panel of judges were J. Marshall No.4 by Vispring for Bed of the Year; Vitafoam with FReefoam for Innovation of the Year; Cortec by Harrison Spinks for Component of the Year; Dreams for National Bed Retailer of the Year; Mattress Online for Pure Online Bed Retailer of the Year and North East based Linthorpe Beds for Independent Bed Retailer of the Year.

“The annual awards are a valued opportunity to recognise stand out companies to the bed industry. We congratulate all those who put themselves forward to be judged and, celebrate those who were finalists and award winners,” said Tony Lisanti, president of the NBF.

FIRA HOSTS ANNUAL HOUSE OF LORDS RECEPTION The Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) held its 23rd annual reception at the House of Lords in September hosted, for the third year running, by Baroness Warsi.

More than 200 delegates from across the furniture industry attended the event which also included a behind-the-scenes tour of the Houses of Parliament. There were also plenty of networking opportunities for delegates and their guests.

Speaking at the event, FIRA council member Jonathan Hindle said: “It was a great pleasure to be asked to host the reception at such an iconic venue for what has become a key event in the furniture industry’s calendar.”

Baroness Warsi - right- hosts the FIRA reception at House of Lords 2019

8

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2019-2020

EXHIBITION ROUNDUP Reviews l Decosit (September 10-11, Hall 10 Brussels Expo): Following cancellation of the MoOD trade show, Fedustria, the Belgian federation of textile, wood and furniture industries responded with the launch of a new trade show for upholstery fabrics and interior textiles, bringing back the famous Decosit fair with a return to its former venue. l NBF Bed Show (September 17-18, Telford International Centre): The Bed Show returned for its milestone 10th anniversary. Over two days, the UK bed industry unveiled a host of new products, concepts and marketing initiatives and despite challenging market conditions, the level of innovation and ingenuity was clear to see. The Bed Show will be back in 2020 (September 22-23). l Decorex International (October 6-9, Olympia, London): Europe’s leading event for interior design professionals welcomed a range of high-end international suppliers showcasing a diverse collection of quality products, covering furniture, fabric and wallcoverings, lighting, carpets and rugs, and accessories. 2020 dates are October 11-14.

Previews l Heimtextil (January 7-10, Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany): The season opener for new trends and textile innovations, this is the place to find the very latest patterns, colours and looks, making it a favourite with retailers, wholesalers, designers, furniture and bedding stores, interior decorators, architects and hotel outfitters.

The Interior Business Event (January 13-19, imm, Cologne): The first interiors show of the year offers a global scale insight into the trends that will be shaping the furniture and interiors sector – from the basics all the way to designer items and luxury furnishings.

January Furniture Show (January 19-22, Birmingham NEC): Professionals from every corner of the furniture and interiors industry are set to come together and do business at the show where some 50,000 plus new products and collections will be on display offering a comprehensive mix of classic and contemporary furniture, flooring, lighting and accessories.

RE

GI

ST ER

FO R

A

TR

AD

E

AC

CO

UN

T

TO

DA Y!

Upholstery Supplies | Sofa Legs and Sofa Feet | Upholstery Nails | Brass Castors

COME AND SEE US AT THE JANUARY FURNITURE SHOW, NEC STAND 1-A30 WWW.HEICO-DIRECT.CO.UK

Advertorial

Peter Cook International expands to cope with ever increasing demand Director and GM, Martin Cave said “We have enjoyed a very good year; our financials are positive, the order book is strong and we’ve added some great individuals to our growing team. I do believe that trading conditions are tough, the high street is under pressure and margins are tight. I’d like to think that our reliability, flexibility and consistently deep stock levels have attributed to the surge in demand over the last 18 months” Peter Cook International have been busy in 2019 and there is no sign of them taking their foot off the pedal in 2020. The changes are obvious to see; more people, more stock on the shelves, more calls, more vehicles and clearly more energy.

Delivering double-digit growth in difficult trading conditions, during a Brexit deadlock and still being disappointed shows obvious ambition.

It’s human nature to always want more

but this felt different, Martin Cave, General Manager wasn’t making excuses, he just said ‘next year will be even bigger’.

PCI closed out the 2018/2019 financial year with their best ever results and with even bigger things planned for 2020 things are certainly looking up for the component supplier.

Martin Continued “It’s been a busy year; we’ve opened literally 100’s of new customer accounts, rolled out

“It’s amazing to think that from our head office in Leeds, we actually buy from four continents and sell to five!”

10

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2019-2020

Advertorial a new £100k fully integrated sales & warehouse management system, launched two ranges of fabric, opened a brand new trade counter and moved to a larger warehouse in Long Eaton” The PCI site in Long Eaton has been there for decades serving the manufacturers of Long Eaton and beyond. However, despite bi-weekly deliveries from the Leeds head office, the site wasn’t big enough for the growing demands on the branch.

“The move, nearly 18 months in the making, has solved lots of problems.

The trade counter has product on the shelves, visible to customers, we are getting so many more enquiries. It’s just one of those things, we should have done it sooner and we’ll have to live with that” reflects Sales Manager, Wayne Long. PCI launched two ranges of stain resistent Fibreguard fabric in 2019.

Wayne continues “The launch of our new Fibreguard fabrics has been really well received. We have the fabric on numerous showroom models

From Left: Mark Pickup, Andrew Talbot

“Things have certainly been busier this year; more customers, more van runs and more stock on the shelves; the day certainly goes quick!“ Warehouse Supervisor, Andy Talbot

across the UK & Ireland and we are just starting to get traction. This is just one of the new strings to our bow this year.

Additionally, we are quietly working

on our development centre which will allow designers and developers to generate products from new concepts & ideas driven by our supply partners”.

“We saw fabrics as the next logical step”

PCI Head Office (Leeds) & Trade Counter Aneal Business Centre, Cross Green Approach, Cross Green Industrial Estate, Leeds LS9 0SG Tel: 0113 235 11 11 sales@petercookint.com PCI (Trentside) & Trade Counter Unit 3C, Sheet Stores Industrial Estate, Long Eaton Nottingham NG10 1AU Tel: 01159 460006 trentside@petercookint.com PCI South Tel: 01844 873122 south@petercookint.com

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher

11

Furnital_USF_1219.qxp:Layout 1 27/11/2019 16:55 Page 1

Italian Raw Frames from

Established since 1984, Furnital Ltd have been supplying the trade with predominantly raw-unfinished chair frames ranging from the small independent local upholsterer, interior designers, architects and contract furnishers.

If you are looking for craftsmanship and quality coupled with good price then contact us immediately.

We offer an extensive range of raw un-finished dining chairs, carvers, armchairs, bar stools and tables and all the products are carefully selected and produced to the highest specifications, ensuring that you come to love them as much as we do!

Furnital Limited, Units 6–8 Trinity Centre, Park Farm Estate, Wellingborough, Northants NN8 6ZB

Tel: 01933 400084 e-mail: sales@furnital.com

Visit our website www.furnital.com

SPONSORED BY

December/January/February 2019-20

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher

THE U&SF ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE FLAM REGS Understanding the UK flam regs is a vital part of being an upholsterer or soft furnisher.

First introduced in 1988, they represent some of the most stringent fire safety regulations anywhere in the world – and have been credited with saving thousands and thousands of lives (in the first 12 years alone – by 2000 - it was estimated that they had saved up to 1,860). It’s why, for many years, U&SF magazine has, in conjunction with FIRA, run a regular column, answering members’ queries about flammability issues.

More than 30 years on from their introduction (and subsequent three amendments), the regulations remain confusing to many which is why U&SF is presenting this pull-out-and-keep supplement which offers a comprehensive insight into the need-to-know essentials.

Our thanks go to Passmore (marine upholstery specialists) for their support in producing this guide.

Special pull-out supplement

The U&SF Essential Guide to the Flam Regs The Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 The current Furniture and Furnishings (Fire)(Safety) Regulations have been in force since 1988 having been amended three times in 1989, 1993 and 2010.

Despite this there is still some confusion with regard their implementation The regulations set levels of fire resistance for domestic upholstered furniture, furnishings and other products containing upholstery and apply to the manufacture and re-upholstery of furniture made after 1st January 1950.

All filling materials, cover fabric and upholstery composites used in the re-upholstery of domestic upholstered furniture including children’s furniture, sofa-beds, futons and other convertibles, nursery furniture, garden furniture suitable for use in a dwelling, furniture in new caravans, beds, headboards for beds, mattresses and loose and stretch covers must comply with the requirements of the Regulations.

This means that any upholstery materials, which the p pp upholsterer supplies or adds to the furniture in

the course of refurbishing it, must pass the appropriate test(s) as defined in the regulations. Where, for example, only recovering is requested by the customer, the upholsterer is not obliged to replace any non-conforming filling material that the furniture may contain. However, in such circumstances you are strongly advised to draw the fire risk to the customer’s attention. pp Materials supplied byy the customer are not subject to the regulations, but ag again you should draw their attention to th their suitability and safety, and it is advisa advisable to keep documentary evidence that tthe customer is supplying certain materials. mate

Fillings Fillings must pass the appropriate ignitability tests. If old fillings are reteased and reused (for example non-foam fillings) they do not have to be replaced with new fillings that comply with the regulations. Any filling material, which the upholsterer adds to the existing filling, must meet the relevant requirements and replacement fillings must pass the relevant ignitability test.

There is some confusion about the use of fire retardant calicos, and it should be noted that calico comes in various qualities both non-FR and FR. However, standard FR calico does not meet the requirement of the regulations. In order to be fully compliant, a calico based barrier cloth/interliners has a higher degree of chemical treatment in order to meet Schedule 3. Therefore, you should check that you are using the appropriate FR barrier cloths either calico based or woolsafe. If in doubt you should seek advice from the supplier about their suitability for use in furniture and you should keep documentary evidence.

The regulations also apply to secondhand furniture supplied by a person in the course of his business, including auction houses. Without the appropriate fire labels upholstered furniture cannot be sold through charity shops or at auctions.

SPONSORED BY

Cover Fabrics Any fabric supplied to provide or replace the permanent cover on furniture, must either pass the appropriate match test(s) or, if a fabric contains at least 75% of natural fibres (either cotton, flax, viscose, modal, silk or wool), then it can be offered in non-match-resistant form, provided that the furniture has a fireresistant interliner/barrier cloth which in itself passes the specified test. Upholstery composites must still comply with the cigarette test. The upholsterer must satisfy himself that the fabric and barrier cloth/interliner used comply with the regulations.

Fabrics must, as a minimum, meet the cigarette test Schedule 4 Part 1 (be a natural fibre content of at least 75% by weight of cotton, flax, viscose, modal, silk or wool) then a barrier cloth/interliner must be used, either a calico based or woolsafe. Alternatively, the fabric can be backcoated to Source 1 (Match Resistant) to comply with Schedule 5, Part 1 of the regulations, eliminating the requirement of a barrier cloth.

Please note that when using a FR barrier cloth/interliner that there should be nothing else between this and the

top fabric. Polyester or cotton waddings should be placed under the barrier cloth/interliner.

Loose Covers Where traditional loose covers (removable permanent covers) are made “new” and are supplied with new furniture, a covering material may be used that is cigarette resistant and that is acceptable for use with a Schedule 3 barrier cloth/Interliner. These are materials which contain at least 75% by weight of the following: cotton, flax, viscose, modal, silk and wool as laid down in the Regulations. It should be noted that this list does not include rayon or linen; these should be listed on the fibre contents label as viscose and flax respectively.

You cannot use a barrier cloth/interliner with synthetic materials such as acrylic and polyester.

Labelling of new furniture sold for use with loose covers and upholstered using a Schedule 3 Interliner should comply with the labels relating to the match test.

Loose covers supplied separately must pass the match test. However, if an item is to be re-upholstered and loose covers

supplied as part of the process, the “sub cover” the calico lining must be Schedule 3, provided the final covering contains at least 75% by weight of cotton, flax, viscose, modal, silk or wool.

Loose covers made to cover old upholstered furniture, must be fully compliant i.e. the covering fabric must be both cigarette and match compliant.

Cushions Cushions, which are an integral part of a piece of upholstered furniture, must comply with the regulations applicable to that piece of furniture, including covers. Floor cushions must also comply with these regulations. Scatter cushions must have fillings that comply, but the decorative covers do not. Decorative cushions supplied as part of a suite, must comply, both covers and fillings.

Industry guidance is that a scatter cushion is less than 60cm x 60cm.

Trimmings All braids and trimmings are not required to be resistant to ignition, because in theory they can be ripped off, however self-piping is required to be fire retardant as it is fitted within a seam.

Throws Throws for furniture must also pass the match test, but this does not apply to throws for beds.

SPONSORED BY

manufacturer’s references etc. Records can also include samples of the materials used.

Due Diligence Furniture made prior to 1st January 1950 does not fall within the scope of the regulations, but if non-compliant fillings and materials are used, you are advised to draw the fire risk to the customer’s attention and in order to mitigate the risk you would be advised to use a compliant barrier cloth/interliner.

Test Certificates •

•

•

•

Test Certificates should be renewed every six months and should clearly relate to specific products.

Test Certificates should be from an accredited test house: UKAS if in the UK or accredited under the ISO Memorandum of Understanding if outside the UK. Certificates from non-accredited test houses e.g. suppliers own internal test facilities are only of use for batchto-batch quality control purposes.

Whilst the cigarette test is strictly a composite test of fabric and filling, the Enforcement Authorities will generally accept a “worst case” test over a non-CM foam or a nonretardant non-foam filling, when an actual composite test, such as in the case of a reupholstered product, is not feasible.

Labelling Furniture that has been stripped and re-upholstered for a customer does not have to be labelled. However, if new or second-hand furniture is upholstered and

offered for retail sale, it must comply with the relevant tests and labelling.

Auction houses will also insist that furniture has its appropriate label fitted before offering it for sale. Labels should never be fitted retrospectively unless you can confirm that all cover fabrics and fillings are fully compliant.

Today we see a much greater need to recycle rather than sending to landfill.

Therefore, there is some merit in putting labels on furniture that you have fully reupholstered for a customer, provided that you can confirm that it is fully compliant, because without that label the piece cannot be sold through a shop or auction house or donated to charity.

Records According to the Department of Business Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), records have to be kept for a minimum of five years. Records should include all relevant documentation to ensure traceability of the product and its component parts back through the chain: customer sales invoices, material

The information above is only intended to give general and preliminary guidance. The information should not form the basis upon which the reader makes any decisions or conclusions concerning their own rights or their obligations under the Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations. The Association of Master Upholsterers & Soft Furnishers (AMUSF) and Wendy Shorter strongly recommend that the reader obtains detailed and specific legal advice from their own legal counsel concerning their position. The AMUSF and Wendy Shorter cannot guarantee that the regulations will not be subject to change or how the regulations will be interpreted. The AMUSF and Wendy

Regulations Under Review Government published a response to the 2016 consultation on the 18th July off the back of the Environmental Audit Committee’s enquiry into “Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life”. Details and time-frame are still under review and as such these regulations remain in force until new legislations are passed.

Guides To The Regulations This information relates to domestic furniture and furnishings but there are also regulations relating to the contract and non-domestic sector, which differ.

Therefore, you are advised to check the appropriate guides. The British Furniture Confederation and FIRA International Limited have produced guides to both domestic and non-domestic regulations that may help clarify ambiguities, address misinterpretations and outline the responsibilities of those involved in the supply, manufacture and retailing of upholstered furniture, including reupholstery and soft furnishings. These guides are available as downloads from (Furniture Industry Research Association) FIRA’s website: www.fira.co.uk.

Shorter are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or statements made and are not responsible for any loss, howsoever caused, and whether arising directly or indirectly from reliance upon the information and any recommendations provided by the AMUSF and Wendy Shorter to any reader of this material. Further details can be found in “A Guide to the Furniture & Furnishings (Fire)(Safety) Regulations” which can be downloaded from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy website: www.gov.uk/government/publications. Guides to the regulations for both domestic and contract and non-domestic furniture can also be downloaded from FIRA’s website: www.fira.co.uk.

MyDecozo HELPFUL HINTS FROM

The UK’s largest soft furnishings forum takes a look at hooks.

Someone on the forum asked where to find long pin hooks to help when hanging curtains on a lathe and fascia board.

Researching the answer found all sorts of different curtain hooks for various situations: • Long pin hooks – most workrooms keep stock of ‘standard’ pin hooks but there are also longer versions with either short or long neck lengths. These can add stability to deep buckram headings and also allow you to create a larger upstand at the top of the curtain to cover tracks and facias.

• Sew-in adjustable hooks – these are made of plastic and have a sew-in section with a hook that you can adjust up and down (often listed as microflex adjustable hooks). The sew-in section is a flat piece of plastic which you insert when you stitch the pleats to create the heading. Then you can move the hook up and down a ratchet system to the right drop measurement before fitting. They are available in several lengths for different pleat depths.

• Sew-on hooks – if you are making a hand gathered heading or want an alternative to a pin hook then take a look at brass sew-on hooks. They come in various sizes and are also available with a long stem section to position the hook lower down the curtain heading to create an upstand.

• Split hooks – with two short ‘prongs’ these are used with curtain tape to hold headings like triple and box pleats in place once the cords have been drawn up.

You thread them in to adjacent pockets behind the pleats, flip them over, and they then keep the pleats in place as the curtains are opened and closed. You can also use them on regular pencil pleat tape with woven pockets to create your own pleat arrangements and pleat-to-pattern effects.

• Multi-prong hooks – unlike split hooks, these have multiple long prongs. Used with curtain tape without gathering cords, they create various pleat styles and are available with short and long necks depending on how far down the heading you want the hook to sit. They are popular in Europe and sold by retailers like Ikea for use with their curtains. You create the heading by making pleats in the top of the curtain panel and inserting the prongs through the cord pockets to hold them together.

• Hooks for rings on poles – these plastic hooks come with a prong to be used with tape, or as a sew on style. They are designed with a loop which snaps directly on to the ring which moves along the curtain pole (without needing a screw-in eye or small loop at the bottom for a hook).

Many of these hook types are available from main suppliers, others are stocked by more specialist ones such as Houlès, Hunter & Hyland and Curtain Genius.

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher

17

Member Profile

BOXING

How long have you been a member of the AMUSF and how important has this been to your business?

I joined the AMUSF in 1977 and it has been a constant source of support with friendships made over many years still strong today.

CLEVER Name of business

Owned by

Location Speciality

Number employed

Formerly Beckenham Upholstery and Soft Furnishings Frank Geoghegan (now retired) and Antony Mee Kent Upholstery, curtains, loose covers, blinds 5

How long have you been doing your job?

I’m retired from the business now but started out at 17 having spent two years as an apprentice window dresser where I quickly became disillusioned with the poor pay. I’d had thoughts of a career in the navy but was offered a job at Stevens Upholstery in Deptford and the princely sum of 15 shillings a week more. The rest is history.

How long did it take to really learn the skill?

It depends on the level you are happy to reach. Upholstery consists of several distinct skills: modern and traditional upholstery; cutting; machining; loose covers and trimming. I was well into my thirties before I became reasonably competent in all the skills. Running my own business was the driving force to acquiring the necessary expertise and all these years on, I’m still learning.

Do you consider yourself a craftsperson or tradesperson?

Craftsperson. To be a really good upholsterer you need a good eye for symmetry and proportion. Some are naturals, others have to work at it but, either way, it is a necessity.

What makes up the bulk of your work?

My time in business was spent evenly divided between upholstery and soft furnishing.

Professionally, who or where do you turn to for advice/ a second opinion?

The AMUSF has always been an excellent point of reference. I have been fortunate in having had three business partners over the years who, besides being first class crafts people, often went far beyond the call of duty to help and give me guidance.

Frank Geoghegan

What keeps you motivated?

A desire for the trade, and skills I have enjoyed so much over many years, to continue to flourish for the benefit of future generations.

What aspect of your work do you most enjoy?

I have been lucky that my work always involved traditional upholstery. I still enjoy the opportunity to restore a piece of furniture although, after 60 years of working, my hands slightly protest now!

Professionally, what is your greatest frustration?

The government’s lack of understanding of micro, craft-based business needs. The cost, to a small business, of training an apprentice is prohibitive and the loss of production while training is given cannot be justified. Decent financial support for the trainee over one or two years would make such a difference.

Tell us more about the most challenging project you have ever undertaken?

One of my customers was a very well-known boxer who wanted a pair of armchairs in the shape of a pair of boxing gloves and covered in black and white leather. He thought the result was knockout!

When you talk to a fellow upholsterer/ soft furnisher, the talk always turns to …?

Work is never the starting point but inevitably becomes the main topic – hardly surprising when you consider the amount of interesting challenges we are presented with each day.

How do you keep your skills and techniques updated?

As an AMUSF student verifier I visit training schools around the country. The internet is also an amazing source of information with superb craftspeople from all over the world happy to advise and displaying some stunning work.

What is the single most important piece of advice you would give to someone starting out in this business?

Have a business plan, set a budget, know where you’re going and where you want to be in the future. Know your limitations and don’t be afraid to ask for advice.

Where do you see the future of the industry?

Catering for the growing desire for more bespoke furnishings; and the move towards recyclable, eco-friendly furniture.

Our craft is well placed to serve both.

What has been your proudest professional moment?

Many – most recently to be involved with republishing ‘Practical Upholstering’.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR BUSINESS TO BE FEATURED ON THE MEMBER PROFILE PAGE, CONTACT EDITOR JAN TURNER AT editorial@upholsterers.co.uk

18

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2019-2020

C. S. Osborne & Co

Quality tools for Upholstery & Leatherwork

Supplying the trade since 1902

www.hwebber.co.uk H Webber & Sons Ltd, 58 Dene Street, Dorking, Surrey, RH4 2DP 01306 740 433 - sales@hwebber.co.uk

One Stop Shop For All Your Upholstery Supplies Check out or website on www.J.A.Milton.co.uk or call for advice on 01691 624023

NEW Loyalty discount scheme coming for both Trade and Retail Clients, keep an eye on the website for up dates.

31

YEARS

Total Textile Treatments: Flame Retarding, Water, Soil & Stain Resistant, Antibacterial, Sample Trials & Testing In-House Contact: T: 02392594313 sales@euroflam.co.uk www.euroflam.co.uk Unit G1, Hazleton Interchange Industrial Estate, Lakesmere Rd., Horndean, Hants. PO8 9JU

AGM report

ALL

CHANGE It’s been a year of change at the AMUSF with a new head office manager (Manjeet Upple) and president (former manager Richard Ranklin). As he presented his first report to the 72nd annual general meeting in October, U&SF reports on new chairman Jerry Appleyard’s key messages • The association is looking at new ways of working by increasing its presence on social media – including Instagram – revamping email communications and improving the website. This will also include new procedures for admin, developing new training courses for bespoke parts of the business and engaging with some commercial businesses.

headings: Communications, Training and Qualifications, Management and Governance, Membership Services.

• A well-balanced training programme continues to be delivered to students with an encouraging number of enquiries about setting up training schools now being progressed.

629, made up of 310 students, 237 full members (251 in 2018) and 82 associate members. Although some full members have retired, there are new ‘corporate’ clients.

• A central database is being developed to track all students and members in order to reduce the amount of paperwork going forward. An online payment system is also being explored so students can pay fees without the need for contact from head office.

• The five year strategy reported upon by former chairman Martin Pickard at the 2018 AGM – Representing and Promoting the Bespoke Upholstery and Soft Furnishing Industry – has now been turned into action points under the

• A limited scale telephone survey with potential member companies has been undertaken to establish how membership benefits could be made more attractive.

This was done alongside a review of cost lines to ensure value-for-money in all areas.

• Membership remains relatively static at

Chairman Jerry Appleyard addresses the AGM

“We have a lot to get done this year and we need to be totally focused on the key issues. We have sat on the old cushion for long enough. Martin started pumping it up – now we need to continue that as well as change the cover.” (chairman Jerry Appleyard)

Familiar faces at the AMUSF 2019 AGM

20

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2019-2020

Glover Bros hh_Layout 1 02/11/2012 10:56 Page 1

GLOvER BROS Suppliers to the Upholstery & Soft Furnishing Trades ESTABLISHED 1899 NEXT DAY DELIVERY NATIONWIDE Hundreds of upholstery and soft furnishing lines including foam, leather, trimmings and vinyl Fabrics supplied include Robert Allen, Ross, Wemyss, Jim Dickens & Rioma.

Tracks & Poles by Blacksmith, Decotec, Integra, Riel Chyc, Silent Gliss & Speedy.

Own van delivery throughout the South West, and beyond by carrier.

It's all on our website: www.gloverbros.co.uk PLEASE ASK FOR OUR FREE PRICE LIST Glover Bros Ltd., Broadgauge Business Park, Bishops Lydeard, Somerset TA4 3RU Tel: 01823 431910 Fax: 01823 431920 Email: orders@gloverbros.co.uk Fine quality Feathers_h:fqf 30/11/2016 15:46 Page 1

Trusted by upholsterers for 20 years

• Fibre

• Duck Feather

• Feather & Down/Foam Core • Feather (85%)/Down (15%) • Down (51%)/Feather (49%) • Pure Down

Unit 1 Whitworth Road, Frome, Somerset BA11 4BY Tel: 01373 451415 cushions@finequality.co.uk

AGM report

• Despite increasing difficulty in encouraging young people to join the trade – not helped by the government stance on apprenticeships – the AMUSF continues to champion recognition of AMUSF training.

• The association needs to actively explore ways of meeting requests for modern courses and continuous professional development (CPD) as a way of increasing membership and promoting the association.

• As part of a drive to ‘reach out’, the AMUSF attended the Scottish Interiors Show and the first ever Cleaning and Restoration Show at Harrogate. Going forward, board meetings will also be held at a variety of locations around the country.

Manjeet Upple and Jerry Appleyard at the AGM

• The long awaited Frederick Palmer book, Practical Upholstering, had been reprinted thanks to a legacy from Ralph Martin.

• Board members Louise Boyland, Steve Chapman and Maureen Whitemore were re-elected to serve for a further term.

Financials AMUSF director of finance Peter Hubbard reported on a relatively stable set of results (year ending March 2019). Turnover had been £120,000 (up from £114,000 the previous year), mainly thanks to the bequest legacy from Ralph Martin to the association (£10,000) which was used to reprint the Frederick Palmer book. This meant underlying turnover was down by about £4,000, the main reason for the downturn being a decrease in membership amounting to a loss of around £4,000 in turnover during the year. There were also one-off exceptional costs incurred by the change of management which involved a crossover and handover period, this increased overheads year on year by circa £5,000. Overall profit was £8,500 for the year, this was down on the previous year by £3,000. Profit was distorted by the donation and therefore the underlying loss was -£2,000 (the variance to the previous year therefore being £13,000 down). At FUSS (the trading arm of the association), sales for the year were £39,500 (some £6,500 up on the previous year), fabric sales accounting for £27,000, these sales were up £8,000 year on year. This yielded a profit of £4,000. The combined profit for the year therefore stood at £12,000. Cashflow stood at £63,000 in the bank, relatively unchanged from the previous year (down £1,500).

Finance director Peter Hubbard

22

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2019-2020

#WhereIBelong heimtextil-trends.com

@heimtextil

7. –10.1. 2020 Visit the Trend Space at Heimtextil // Hall 3.0

info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83

70295-014_HT_Trend_Interiors_Monthly_210x297 • FOGRA 39 • CMYK • es: 13.09.2019

DU: 28.10.2019

WHERE I BELONG

England

heimtextil trends 20/21

Digital World

SOCIAL

STANDING For many, social media is a professional as well as private lifeline where triumphs can be shared and problems aired.

So, as more and more upholsterers and soft furnishers take to the ether, U&SF is launching a regular new feature to bring you snippets and snaps from the online world…

September saw social media come alive with posts from students preparing for their return to training courses across the UK. Some were even proudly displaying kits – this one with the all-important cuppa (courtesy of Elisha Hempsted, a student at Shoreditch Design Rooms)…

Look no further than Anglia Upholstery for an example of an upholsterer providing customer service with a very happy outcome. After delivering the finished result, the business shared the following post (Oct 5) on Facebook: “One very happy couple with their new bespoke 10 ft by 6ft headboard”.

Creating something of a social media stir was this amazing cabbage chair, created by Claire Twydle as part of her Diploma course run in conjunction with The Guild of Traditional Upholsterers (run separately to the AMUSF courses by The British School of Upholstered Furniture). In Claire’s own words: “The chair is for a young child…a fun spinning chair that nestles the sitter in the heart of a cabbage. Fun and cosy to sit in, the design is based on a tub / bucket style chair, the original inspiration based on the Beatrix Potter, Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny stories. I wanted to create a really special chair for storytelling. A kind of art form meets upholstery, all hand work. The upholstery is a freeform style where the sculptured shapes of the leaves extend beyond the frame.”

Meanwhile, a pop-up showcase event, organised by Upholsterers United (a group of upholsterers who met while studying together in Battersea) was held at Station Hall, Herne Hill in South London on Sep 29 – and as this image, among those proudly posted on Instagram, suggest it was a well-attended event with organisers reporting: “A really great and successful day with a lot of people coming to see us specifically because they needed an upholsterer for their own furniture.”

…and when you reach stage 3 in your AMUSF diploma, there’s no stopping you! Look at these fab concave mid-century chairs, spotted on FB, and being worked on at the Upholstery Craft Training Centre in Stirling, Scotland.

Finally, it’s clear that not every upholsterer always feels appreciated as this ‘rant’ – also spotted on Facebook – would suggest: “Three times yesterday I had to explain what an upholsterer was. No, I’m not an antiques dealer, no I don’t work in a furniture shop selling sofas, no I don’t work with horses, lay carpet or work on TV. Is it me or is the general public oblivious to what an upholsterer is? The final straw yesterday was when I went to see my new GP. She asked me my profession I told her I was an upholsterer she replied how long have I been a sex worker? I just give up.”

A regular schedule of content is published on the AMUSF’s social media platforms (Facebook: @the.amusf; Instagram: @the_amusf; Twitter:@THE_AMUSF) and members are encouraged to share their own posts and also include the hashtag #AMUSF so content can be repurposed for the association’s social media pages.

24

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2019-2020

INTERIORS

Sell the Room Everything you need: LIVING | DINING

UPHOLSTERY | CABINET | BEDS | INTERIOR ACCESSORIES LIGHTING | FLOORING | FABRICS | SOFT FURNISHINGS

Register now at januaryfurnitureshow.com

Q&A

IN THE HOTSEAT... …With Danielle Hope of Hope & Hargreaves How would classmates at school have described you?

Creative, vivacious, and fun – with a dry wit!

Danielle Hope

And the teachers?

Could talk less, try harder and not get distracted.

How did you get into this business?

Many years ago, I decided on a career change, so I studied interior design at Brighton University. However, I wanted a more ‘down to earth’ industry where I could still be creative and work for myself so spent the next three years gaining an upholstery qualification and was immediately hooked. I later discovered that my grandfather (who I never knew) was an upholsterer.

What would you class as your greatest achievement?

Changing my career and starting the business.

Your greatest regret?

Not doing it sooner.

Is your glass half empty or full?

Usually half full. I’m generally a positive person although sometimes, when life throws various challenges, it’s questionable.

Who has been your greatest inspiration and why?

My mother – her inner strength and work ethic. She always encouraged us to follow our dreams, be independent and self-sufficient. From a design perspective, I have always been creative (making my own clothes as a teenager) and found the surreal work of Dali and Picasso fascinating.

If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you be doing?

Travelling the world – there is so much to explore and so many cultures to discover.

26

What’s the best thing about our industry?

A: The vast range of fantastic fabrics – they really get my creative juices flowing.

B: Customers’ reactions when they see their furniture transformed and being given a new lease of life.

C: Teaching students the trade.

And the worst?

A: The amount of fabrics to choose from – so much choice (I’m like a child in a toy shop!)

B: Overpriced, poorly made, mass produced furniture. It’s frustrating when you strip these pieces, knowing that the customer has paid a lot of money, but then have to deal with the poor quality materials inside.

C: The lack of some clients’ vision, limiting creativity.

What would you change?

I don’t think there is much to change. Why fix what isn’t broken. This industry has been around a long time.

Doer or Talker?

Doer – I just like to get on with it!

Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher December/January/February 2019-2020

What’s in your living room?

I have two traditional wing back Parker Knolls which were bought for £10, years ago, in a charity shop. While one has been recovered twice, the other is still waiting to be done! But they are comfortable. It’s a bit like ‘cobbler’s children’ in my house – I don’t have time to do them and can’t decide on fabrics.

What winds you up?

Where to start!

What gives you the greatest satisfaction?

Customers’ reactions when they see their newly upholstered piece(s) for the first time and are delighted with the transformation. I also like it when my students finish a piece and are pleased with what they have produced, learned and achieved.

Best piece of advice to someone starting out?

Don’t under value your work, your materials or your skills – it’s a trade.

• Over 5,000 sundries & tool ranges in stock • Extensive fibre & feather cushioning range • Increased warehousing & van delivery service • Specification cut memory foam & block foam • Stockists of Ambla Vinyl & Chieftain fabrics • Superfast Nationwide Delivery

P re - o rd e r y o u r New Edition 21 Catalogue Now

FOAM & SUNDRIES

New Order line text or

www.livedale.co.uk

07591 205 598

E: Sales@livedale.co.uk

T: 01942 825144