SMG News - Summer 2012 by SMG Group

The OfďŹ cial Publication of SMG The National Flooring & Furnishing Group

news Summer 2012 Issue 170

Cormar Carpets launch another superb wool twist, Heather Classics

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Summer 2012 Dear Members, It is amazing to think that the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show was held more than two months ago, please see our report from page 7 onwards. The feedback from those Members and Suppliers attending was amazing and there is no doubt that this event is gathering momentum. There is no other show that offers the same number of quality manufacturers in such a convenient location and SMG will continue to encourage more of our Members to attend next year. We created a package of offers for the Show which has proved successful, including an Annual Membership Prize Draw. My congratulations to Bourne Carpets who were the lucky winners of this prize, you can read about Dawn Bourne and her business in our Member Focus on pages 58 and 59. This edition of SMG News sees the start of a new regular feature ‘Question time with...’ We put questions to the leading figures in the Flooring and Furnishing industry to find out more about them and their opinions on the industry. First in the spotlight is the Executive Chairman of SMG, Chris Moffat. Chris has been at the heart of SMG for 38 years and I have had the pleasure of working closely with him in the last 12 months as he has passed over the daily operations to me. Having the advantage of seeing Chris’ responses some time ago I was interested to see that his answers directly reflect some of the editorial comments made by JoBeth Phillips in July’s edition of CFR in response to market research findings from Plimsoll. One of the attractions in joining SMG in July last year was the opportunity to work with a team committed to delivering the best possible service to retailers. In the last 12 months, the continued drive for improvement in the strength of our Retailer Support Package has been made by listening to and working with Group Members and Approved Suppliers. As a result, SMG has been awarded the honour of ‘Best Flooring Buying Group’ for 2012 as voted for by readers of Interiors Monthly, turn to page 4 for more details. This is a fantastic achievement, but the work continues and we are always listening and looking for opportunities to improve. Best regards

on the cover Cormar Carpets has recently launched another superb wool twist product with the introduction of Heather Classics. Read more about the range, that is manufactured at Cormar’s Lancashire mills, on page 15.

Contact Details SMG The National Flooring & Furnishing Group 9 The Markham Centre, Station Road, Theale, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4PE

Voted ‘Best Floo Mike Symonds ring Buying G roup’ Head of Group Operations SMG The National Flooring & Furnishing Group

This Issue Another great show at Solihull

Both Manufacturers and Members who attended the show at Solihull in May agreed what a fantastic event it was. Turn to page 7 to read about the show highlights.

T 0118 932 3832 F 0118 930 4515 E info@smg-group.co.uk W www.smg-group.co.uk Published by: SMG The National Flooring & Furnishing Group. Printed by: Lamport Gilbert Limited 3 Darwin Close, Reading, Berkshire RG2 0TB.

Question time with...

This issue a new feature puts questions to an industry ﬁgure to ﬁnd out a little more about the person behind the name and their views on the industry. This issue Chris Moffat SMG’s Executive Chairman answers our questions.

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Another great show at Solihull

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Newsupdate

SMG wins ‘Best Flooring Buying Group’ “SMG The National Flooring & Furnishing Group is again delighted to receive recognition from the readers of Interiors Monthly. Having received the award for Best Business Support in 2011 the goal for SMG in 2012 was to ‘raise the bar’ and give Members of the Group even more. The award of Best Flooring Buying Group for 2012 underlines our efforts but it simply could not have been achieved without the help and support of the Group’s Members and Approved Suppliers and their willingness to develop the business with us” says Mike Symonds, SMG Head of Group Operations.

entrepreneurial opportunities. To supplement this SMG has an ongoing promotional calendar with suppliers, advertised in its Monthly Update magazine, that if used will bring signiﬁcant extra margin opportunities. In addition, the Group also has a number of Supplier rebate schemes that can offer signiﬁcant returns throughout the year.

Voted ‘Best Flo o

Business costs are also high on the SMG agenda and in 2012 the Group power of over 370 retail outlets has

“The award of Best Flooring Buying Group for 2012 underlines our efforts but it simply could not have been achieved without the help and support of the Group’s Members and Approved Suppliers and their willingness to develop the business with us” Increased profitability for Members is at the heart of the SMG Membership package. SMG’s competitive Group price lists with the Industry’s leading manufacturers benefit retailers large and small, but do not stifle

lead to renegotiated prices with Barclaycard for card payments and with Gamma for the cost of business communications. With energy costs constantly rising, SMG has also added an energy broker into the Group

ring Buying G

roup’

supplier portfolio who can offer up to 70% savings on their energy bills. “Central purchasing using SMG Orderlink is a fantastic opportunity to increase proﬁtability,” comments Symonds. “Checking Orderlink price and availability should be your ﬁrst call for any product that you may consider buying from wholesale. Orderlink provides SMG Members with access to all Approved Supplier products and is unique to the Flooring and Furnishing Industries. With wholesale beating prices and a rebate scheme Orderlink is the jewel in the SMG crown and the choice of savvy retailers across the Group,” he adds.

Olympic torch relay goes past SMG Head Office For two hours on Wednesday the 11th July, Theale High Street, minutes from the SMG head office was gripped by Olympic fever. Although many had anticipated the congestion the road closures would inevitably bring, no one had imagined the hundreds, possibly thousands of people that lined the streets waving miniature Union Jack flags to watch the ‘once in a lifetime’ spectacle.

able to do the practical tasks which are so normal in primary education. However, at sixteen he began going to the gym and then took up kick boxing and has now risen to a Brown Belt. He also runs half marathons and always competes in the London 10K Road Race for the Dyspraxia Foundation. He is an inspiration for children and adults with dyspraxia through his ‘never give up’ attitude.

Kieran Wassell, a 24 year old from nearby Wokingham had the honour of being the torchbearer through Theale. Kieran has dyspraxia and in his early school days he suffered from not being

The event certainly brought out a patriotic side to the SMG Team, who will be cheering on Team GB this summer.

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Stewart ‘Tugboat’ Martin announces retirement After 22 long and successful years at Axminster Carpets, Stewart “Tugboat” Martin has announced his retirement. Fondly known by many in the trade as “Tug”, a nickname picked up early in his career thanks to his legendary ability to pull anything that moved (apparently!), Stewart’s silver tongue has certainly made its mark in both social and professional circles during a long and successful career. Before joining Axminster Carpets, Stewart enjoyed a varied and interesting start to his working life, building experience through many ups and downs until eventually finding an industry that would be able to satisfy his career ambitions and play to his strengths. Straight after school, he posed as a genteel hairdresser for two years before his manly side took control. Enrolling as a welding apprentice, Stewart flexed his muscles and made sparks fly for 12 glorious years before finally making his move into the relative normality of the carpet industry. And the rest, as they say, is history. Able to adapt his obvious persuasive way with words to make an impact within the carpet sector, Stewart first managed a furniture and carpet shop in Warwick, cementing his (working!) relationships with many a sales representative across the land. From there, Stewart joined Sanderson

Carpets as sales representative for West Midlands and mid-North Wales, forcing these regions to endure his presence for six whole years. In 1990, Axminster’s Robin Oakes offered Stewart the position of sales representative for East Midlands and Lincolnshire, which he duly accepted. After four years, Stewart became field sales manager and was then promoted through the ranks to Group Accounts Manager. Not only dedicated to his job, Stewart was also committed to charity. Livening up the events of Harrogate some years ago, Stewart shaved off his infamous ‘tache and raised £2,700, making for a very memorable flooring show. The removal of facial hair was a bonus for Stewart having been asked for his autograph by two ladies thinking he

was Bob Carolgees (no idea where they thought ‘Spit’ was hiding!). Stewart was a keen rugby player in his younger days, playing full back for Coventry. He is also an avid golfer, although a certain commentator was heard to say that Stewart is to golf what Robin Oakes is to hang gliding! Following Stewart’s departure, Marc Helliwell and Ian McDermid will combine this role with regional and key account responsibilities. Marc will be responsible for the SMG and BRM buying groups, John Lewis, Carpetright and Home Flooring Solutions, while Ian will also look after ACG, METRO, AIS, Greendale, Allied Carpets, General George and Anglia Home Furnishings. Everyone at SMG would like to wish Stewart all the best for a healthy and happy retirement!

Tessera Direct from Forbo Forbo’s Tessera Direct scheme has been running since 2006 and during that time, tens of thousands of orders have been delivered within 5 days, on time and in full! Contact Forbo today on 0800 0935 846 for more information.

Format

Teviot

Barcode

Mix

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Newsupdate

Prevent colour bleeding with WoolSafe

Cormar hosts Flooring Guild training course

Colour bleeding in patterned wool-rich carpets after cleaning can be a big problem, causing consumers and end-users dissatisfaction with their carpets and carpet cleaners. Now, The WoolSafe Organisation is able to offer up-to-date advice after conducting a comprehensive cleaning experiment as part of their ongoing research.

Leading carpet manufacturer Cormar Carpets has hosted its fourth Flooring Guild training course to give independent carpet retailer’s staff a chance to boost their sales skills.

Concerned by the fact that many carpet cleaners think it is acceptable to use high pH buffered cleaning agents on natural fibres, as long as it is followed by an acid rinse, WoolSafe have investigated the effectiveness of this procedure by using a range of cleaning chemicals and different after-treatments on a number of 80/20 wool/ nylon carpets, some patterned, some plain. WoolSafe’s experiment clearly proved that the buffering capacity of a cleaning chemical is just as important as its pH when used on woollen carpets. When wool carpets are cleaned with a buffered, high pH solution, the carpet pile retains this high pH level so that even an acidic rinse cannot bring the pH back down to a level at which the dyes are stable. This causes colour bleeding and ultimately results in customer dissatisfaction. The safest cleaning solutions for wool carpets were proven to be WoolSafe approved products, and neutral or low pH WoolSafe-approved chemicals did not change the pH of the wool carpet even when extracted with water only. When more aggressive carpet cleaning is needed for heavier stains and spills, high pH WoolSafe approved chemicals can be used, as these are not buffered and therefore allow the carpet to return to its natural pH level after using the acidic rinse.

The three-day ‘Selling Quality Carpets’ event, run by Ray Morgan from the Flooring Guild, has been held every year for the last four years to help retailers train staff that are new to the flooring trade. It is designed to provide basic product knowledge about carpets, selling techniques and how to effectively plan and estimate. Held at Cormar’s Brookhouse Mill site, the carpet training course was attended by 20 carpet retailers from throughout Britain and Ireland. Commenting on the course one retailer said: “I would definitely recommend the course. It allowed me to look at my business from the outside, rather than the day to day running.” David Cormack, marketing director of Cormar Carpets said: “High Street Retailers throughout the UK and Ireland have had a tough time throughout the recession. This course, run in conjunction with the Flooring Guild, is intended to help our independent carpet retail customers with their staff training. Every year we get really good feedback from those retailers that attend the course and I am sure that the training not only helps them in terms of sales, but benefits their customers too, because they get a better service.” The Flooring Guild is a ‘not for profit’ organisation which was founded in 1999 to raise standards in the floorcoverings industry through training and educational programmes. Its aim is to provide a formal induction programme to help people coming into the industry and a motivational skills development programme for those currently employed in it.

Dr Agnes Zsednai, Managing Director of The WoolSafe Organisation comments “With more consumers choosing to keep their existing carpets rather than purchasing new floor coverings, many will recognise the importance of maintaining and caring for their carpet in the best way possible... and that’s where WoolSafe steps in.” For further information on The WoolSafe Organisation and the services offered by them telephone 01943 850817 fax 01943 462127.

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Show review

Another successful show at Solihull! The feedback from Members and Suppliers who attended this year was very positive and there is no doubt that this event is gathering momentum as there is no other show that offers the same number of quality manufacturers in such a convenient location. The lucky winners of the annual membership prize draw were Bourne Carpets, turn to pages 58 and 59 to read more about the winners. SMG would like to thank all of the members who visited the show for their support and the SMG Approved Suppliers who put so much effort into providing such a professional exhibition. If you were unable to attend the show in May the next ďŹ ve pages showcase what you missed!

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Show review

Abingdon Flooring

It will be a busy year for Abingdon with many exciting developments taking place. On display at the show was the new Stainfree Boutique range and the recently launched Triple Crown and Welsh Collections which received a great response from the Members. These three ranges form - as Abingdon say - ‘The Ultimate Collection’ turn to page 13 for more information on these great ranges.

Adam Carpets

Associated Weavers

Adam Carpets took the opportunity at the show to launch their new display units which had a terrific response from Members. The new units have a very modern look, feature room set photography and LED lighting. The new units compliment the new logo introduction and the re-launched website featured on page 17.

The main focus for Members on the Associated Weavers’ stand was the new Woodland Twist range, a wool-like synthetic with a very natural texture. Woodland Twist is available in multi-widths and in 14 colours, please contact your representative for more information.

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Cormar Carpets The Cormar Carpets’ stand had a real buzz about it at the show with two new product launches; Heather Classics and Living Naturals. The highlight however was the preview of a new flagship polypropylene range called Sensation. The range, made with 2 fold yarn, looks set to be a sensation as well, with Members raving about the look and handle of the product. Turn to pages 15 and 23 to read more about Woodland Classics and Living Naturals.

“There is no other show that offers the same number of quality manufacturers in such a convenient location and SMG will continue to encourage more of our Members to attend next year” Mike Symonds, SMG Head of Group Operations.

Axminster Carpets Supporting the British Carpet & Flooring Industry

cal r lo ou 33 t y 35 tac 97 3 con 12 se n 0 lea r o n p inste atio m rm r Ax info ive o ore tat r m en Fo pres re

Having recently been awarded the Royal Warrant from the Royal Household, Axminster showed their support for the Monarchy with a ‘Diamond Jubilee Promotion’ being the main highlight for them at the show. Jubilee themed POS material was available for Members to utilise in their stores.

Ball and Young The National Flooring & Furnishing Group

Diamond Jubilee Celebration

20%

PLUS YOUR PREFER SMG ENTI TERMS AL

The British made Cloud 9 Connoisseur range was the talk of the stand at Ball & Young. The new launch was highly successful and with the new display sets and a distinctly different and better product this will give retailers the confidence to encourage customers to trade up.

OFF

ALL GENUINE WOVEN

AXMINSTERS

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Show review

Cavalier Carpets

Forbo

Cavalier were pleased to announce the launch of a new two-ply stain free range called ‘Spice’. The luxurious cut pile twist proudly displayed Cavaliers’ new ‘Made in Lancashire’ logo. The ten colours in the range come with a ten year wear and stain warranty.

The Forbo stand had a fantastic example of a Marmoleum installation and showed how it can give the designer freedom to create a unique and striking look. This is one of Forbo’s products awarded with Allergy UK’s ‘Seal of Approval’, the other being Flotex.

Gaskell Wool Rich The attraction on the Gaskell stand was the launch of the two fantastic axminster ranges... High Society and Kintyre. Turn to page 47 for a full review on the new ranges.

Regency Carpets The show saw the official unveiling of the new colours for Regency’s ever popular Satisfaction range. This proved a great hit with retailers with many taking the new lectern that is modelled on the Elegance lecterns launched last year. Turn to page 43 for more details.

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Ulster Carpets Ulster are renowned for their product investment and innovation and the show highlighted this with new range Wellington Stripe, part of the Open Spaces collection, taking centre stage. The contemporary range utilises Laneve wool and complements the Auckland and Queenstown ranges beautifully. Turn to pages 26 and 27 for more information on Wellington Stripe and other developments at Ulster Carpets.

Victoria Carpets

Hall’s Floorings

For many Members the show was the ﬁrst opportunity to see the new Options 288 unitary and Victoria’s LVT offering. The new point of sale had a great response.

The Hall’s Floorings’ stand looked fantastic with the new Home Comfort display units on show for the first time. In total there are five new displays finished in a warm walnut colour, showcasing 12 ranges. Each range is placed on a removable cassette for ease of removal and a spare swatch booklet is featured underneath. See page 18 for more information on the new displays.

“I think if more Members realised how worthwhile it is they would make the journey, I would encourage all Members to visit the show, they won’t regret it!” SMG Member Dawn Bourne, Bourne Carpets & Curtains.

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Show review

Asiatic

The show was the ﬁrst time that Members were able to see the superb SMG Branded Rug Basket featuring Asiatic’s popular Opus Shaggy Rugs. Currently SMG Members can access a great offer when placing an order for 50m2 or more of Opus rugs in any of the popular colours Bronze, Caramel, Red and Cream. See you Monthly Update or contact your representative full details.

Red

Bronze

Cream

Caramel

Ryalux

Don’t miss out next year!

As many of you would have noticed in the Monthly Update, Ryalux used the show to launch a fantastic promotional price on their ﬂagship range V&A Twist in ﬁxed widths.

The Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show is gaining momentum each year and is fast becoming the highlight of many Members’ year. Not only is it a great opportunity to see new ranges and display units but there are many promotions available exclusively at the show.

Contact your representative for more information.

The dates for next year will be released soon, make sure you don’t miss out.

Other Approved Suppliers at the show included...

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Foundationfocus

New retail funding structure for The Carpet Foundation as more manufacturers wish to join! The Carpet Foundation is introducing a new funding model for its retail members. The current 1% levy on sales of all carpet made by Carpet Foundation manufacturers is to be replaced by a ﬂat rate fee paid on a monthly basis. A subscription of £35 a month, paid on a standing order basis, will be introduced from the 1st August for those already signed up. Letters notifying retailers of the proposed change have been sent out to all SMG Carpet Foundation members. The change was arrived at following extensive discussions with manufacturers and retailers and on the back of renewed interest from other manufacturers.

“I am delighted that at least three new manufacturers have expressed their desire to join the CF in recent months” The move comes against a backdrop of a challenging economic climate and a changing world. The new system will mean that no retailer is ﬁnancially disadvantaged by selling Carpet Foundation manufacturer products and equally that no manufacturer is potentially disadvantaged by being a member. It will also be a tax deductible business expense for SMG members.

flat retail fee will appeal to those SMG Members who have not, as yet, joined the network of over 850 Carpet Foundation members. Commenting on the proposals, Andrew Stanbridge said: “I am delighted that at least three new manufacturers have expressed their desire to join the CF in recent months. However, under the current levy system, these three new members could have a dramatic effect on how much levy an SMG member could be paying. Some members would see their levy payments increase substantially. The Carpet Foundation is not allowed to know how much each retailer pays as it is collected by an independent third party. However, the new system will create a level playing field as each SMG member will pay the same money for the same benefits. It will also enable us to plan and budget more effectively.” The Carpet Foundation is currently preparing to undertake a digital campaign with IPC Media’s housetohome.co.uk in the autumn as well as playing a prominent role in

“The new system will mean that no retailer is ﬁnancially disadvantaged by selling Carpet Foundation manufacturer products and equally that no manufacturer is potentially disadvantaged by being a member” This is the latest in a number of changes instigated by new CF Chief Executive Andrew Stanbridge who has revitalised the Foundation since his appointment in April 2011. More manufacturers, including Cormar, Abingdon and Brockway, wish to join the Foundation and it is hoped that the

the Campaign for Wool. This, allied to consistent editorial exposure for carpet in the inﬂuential home interest magazines, continues to ensure that carpet and Carpet Foundation members get value for money from their investment in the Foundation.

Don’t forget retailer awards To encourage greater exploitation of Carpet Foundation membership at both retailer and manufacturer level and, ideally, greater discrimination towards the Carpet Foundation supporting manufacturers, the Carpet Foundation Awards were launched in the Spring. The Awards are open to all retail and manufacturing members. The new retailer awards are: •

Best in-store display of the Carpet Foundation.

•

Best promotion of the Carpet Foundation - this could be in advertising, point of sale, online, in local media or somewhere else.

•

Best monitoring results.

Commenting on the awards, Chief Executive Andrew Stanbridge said: “Greater exploitation results in increased consumer awareness which means increased value of membership to our members. The phenomenal success of the Red Carpet awards for journalists got me thinking if we could do something similar for our members.” “While it may take time to embed them, if we can replicate part of the Red Carpet Awards interest, it will be worthwhile. Full details of the awards and how to enter have been sent out separately to each member.”

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Cormar Carpets introduces another classic! Leading UK tufted carpet manufacturer, Cormar Carpets has expanded its portfolio of wool twist products with the introduction of Heather Classics. Made from 80% pure new wool, 15% polypropylene and 5% tuftbound, Heather Classics is an 1/8th gauge twist pile, tufted in both 40oz and 50oz weights. Hardwearing and easy to care for, it is a tailored collection of 12 top-selling neutral heather shades including the most popular beiges, as well as ‘up and coming’ neutrals such as ‘Earl Grey’, and ‘Brown Sugar’. It is available in 4 metre and 5 metre and will retail between £25 - £28 per square metre. David Cormack, marketing director at Cormar Carpets said: “There is still a big market for 80% wool twist. More often it is still the preferred choice to many consumers. Wool has a host of

benefits to carpet buyers. It is practical, comfortable, luxurious underfoot and hard wearing.”

“There is still a big market for 80% wool twist. More often it is still the preferred choice to many consumers”

produced on site at its Lancashire mills and distributed in the UK and Eire via its own delivery fleet.

“However because price points are such an important consideration for consumers these days, we have engineered Heather Classics to retail at very competitive price levels - so it stacks up not only in terms of durability and looks, but also from a price perspective too.”

For further information on the Heather Classics range or any other Cormar Carpet range please contact your local representative, telephone 01204 881200 alternatively visit www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

All Cormar’s wool twist, wool loop and easy clean polypropylene ranges are

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Newsupdate

The Flooring Show is powering ahead! The Flooring Show at Harrogate from 2nd to the 4th September 2012, is for many the AGM of the retail and commercial flooring industry and is very definitely on, notwithstanding tough economic conditions across the board. A new management team, backed by fresh investment and strong exhibitor commitment are reinvigorating this year’s event. For the retail sector an expanded seminar programme will focus on assisting flooring retailers to build their businesses in difficult times. For the commercial sector, a dedicated one day conference programme based on leading case studies will meet the CPD requirements of facilities managers, specifiers and installers. Wendy Adams, Flooring Show Director, said: “We’re absolutely delighted that our core group of exhibitors has remained steadfastly loyal to the show and more than 90% of the available space is now firmly contracted. We’re also seeing a healthy level of new enquiries from first-time exhibitors to the show, which is very encouraging”. The comprehensive retail conference/seminar programme on the 2nd and 3rd September will assist retailers to develop their high street presence into a strong customer offer that promotes floor coverings as the central ingredient of domestic interior design.

“We’re absolutely delighted that our core group of exhibitors has remained steadfastly loyal to the show and more than 90% of the available space is now ﬁrmly contracted” the show’s Marketing Director. “But what is most significant is the emphasis this year’s show will place on the way floor coverings influence other interior design decisions in the retail sector, and the increasingly specialist nature of floor coverings in the commercial sector. Our aim is to make this a ‘not to be missed’ event for both the retail and the commercial flooring industry.” For further information and to register free of charge please visit www.theflooringshow.com

Leading retail expert Clare Rayner – the ‘Retail Champion’ – will give a special keynote presentation on Monday 3rd September on maximising the profit generating potential of a high street presence, while experts from key areas including business finance, training and skills, and specialist support software, will highlight important areas of business improvement that can enhance shop footfall, customer loyalty and repeat business. What’s more, two hugely successful retailers will share their business secrets, while a leading buying group will expound the benefits of joining such groups. The case studies will cover key sectors, new and retrofit, including commercial office; retail; leisure & fitness; and healthcare, and will comprise presentations from the managers of such facilities and the flooring manufacturers. The Flooring Show is the UK’s only national event dedicated to all aspects of the commercial and retail floor covering industry. All areas of the event are free to attend – including the exhibition, the conference and seminar programmes, all demonstrations, and the networking opportunities. “2012 marks the show’s 50th anniversary since its launch in 1962 as the Northern floorcoverings Fair,” said Paul Stott,

Leading retail expert Clare Rayner.

For information on booking exhibition space contact Wendy Adams or Georgia Pick on 01423 779967.

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Adam Carpets launch new website Adam Carpets are delighted to announce the launch of their brand new website, www.adamcarpets.co.uk.

Happy 21st birthday ‘Fine Worcester Twist’ Adam Carpets are proud to be celebrating the 21st Birthday of their iconic Fine Worcester Twist range.

This new website incorporates the new logo and a lot of inspirational images of Adam carpets including room-sets, cameo shots and studio images.

Eamonn Prescott, Sales Director at Adam Carpets: “To get as many retailers involved in the celebrations as possible we offered a great promotion during July which was well received by retailers.”

There are also sections for consumers, retailers and commercial. The retailer section is password protected. This will include technical help, feedback and POS options. The consumers will be able to search by a variety of different ways, such as colour, pattern and style. The Adam Carpets’ new website represents a significant investment into their future, they hope you like it and welcome any feedback from customers.

Fine Worcester

years old. Twist is now 21

For more information please contact your local representative or Adam Carpets on 01562 829966.

Trail blaze into the zone with Mohawk Trail Blazer can also be paired with coordinating colours in the Mountain Plains collection – the other part of the GO2 range – for an interesting and smart look that can be used to divide up the floor into zonal areas. Ideal for Available in four different colourways, public buildings where space needs Trail Blazer features contrasting to be maximised, Trail Blazer can be abstract stripes that add interest and used to demarcate break out zones, depth to commercial floors. With a wide work areas and other specific locations colour spectrum of two different blue without the need for ugly partitions. combinations, a grey version with black stripes and a black and purple design, “Trail Blazer offers contractors high quality carpet at a great price point Trail Blazer definitely has optimum ideal for a range of locations,” explains appeal. Howard Lindsey, Vice President UK, The carpet tiles offer a tufted loop pile Ireland and South Africa. “Commercial and are created from 100% solution locations can mix up their floor died nylon for maximum durability and coverings to create defined zonal areas, superior stain resistance. Ideal for and the fantastic range of colours high-impact areas, Trail Blazer is offered in Trail Blazer will give flooring suitable for class 33 heavy contract areas an attractive looking finish that use. looks expensive.” Part of the new GO2 flooring concept from Mohawk, Trail Blazer offers contractors and specifiers durable and stylish carpet tiles to suit a range of commercial environments, fast.

The GO2 range is available in stock from Mohawk for fast delivery. With nationwide availability, contractors will receive a fantastic support and sample package from Mohawk. For further information contact Mohawk on 01480 479830 or visit www.mohawkinternational.com

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Newsupdate

New carpet displays from Hall’s Floorings Hall’s Floorings have introduced some fantastic new display stands featuring the Home Comfort ranges In total there are five new displays finished in a warm walnut colour, showcasing 12 ranges. Each range is placed on a removable cassette for easy removal and a spare swatch booklet is featured underneath.

A highlight of the new stand is the use of lifestyle room shot photography which really enhances the unit.

For more information please contact your local representative alternatively telephone Hall’s Floorings on 020 8803 1400.

Length: 3.97m Height: 2.28m Depth: 0.33m

New Easy Living Collection Manx have recently launched their Easy Living Collection, consisting of four stain resistant ranges all with up to 10 year stain & wear guarantees. The Easy Living range is made from 2 ply bleach cleanable polypropylene fibres, suitable for heavy domestic use. The Easy Living Collection is available on compact lecterns displaying all four ranges.

For more information please contact your local representative alternatively telephone Manx on 01827 831 434.

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NEW from SMG... Carpet Collection

SMG, in association with Brintons, are delighted to announce the launch of an exclusive new own brand range for SMG Members. Diamond Twist is a classic woven wilton proudly made in the UK, from a blend of 80% wool and 20% nylon, which delivers an extra heavy domestic suitability. Available in 4.57m, 3.66m and 0.91m widths, in a palette of 20 popular colours.

CLASSIC WOVEN WILTON

HARD WEARING

EXTRA

AVY HE

IN LE

VA L U E

AVAILA B

DOM

MULTI

MULTI WIDTHS

Available in 4.57m, 3.66m and 0.91m widths

WIDTHS

Hard wearing 80% wool and 20% nylon

FOR M

QUALIT

80%

URE YP

WOOL

CO M P E T I T I AVAILABVLEE PRICES LEC TERN H FOR OLDERS

POPULAR COLOURS Palette of 20 popular colours

DE MA

UK MADE

SUPPORTING BRITISH MANUFACTURING UK

PROUDLY

NEW

Proudly made in the UK

H IN T

Lectern Dimensions: 520mm (W) 630mm (D) 890mm (H)

For more information please telephone 0118 932 3832 SMG News - Summer 2012.indd 19

20/07/2012 16:12:01

! hly o nt orb Mo F ur rom yo r f ee ffe .. S e o rs. siv be clu em n ex GM ra SM te fo da Up

Forbo’s Tessera Direct scheme has been running since 2006 and during that time, tens of thousands of orders have been delivered within 5 days, on time and in full! In the unlikely event that a Tessera Direct order for Teviot does not meet this 5 day delivery promise, Forbo will credit your account with the value of your Teviot order.*

Teviot

Barcode

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Please contact your local representative or Forbo on 0800 0935 846 for more information Why not try Forbo’s release system for all your carpet tile installations? SMG Members have a fantastic low price on the ‘542 Eurofix Tack Plus’ - Forbo’s solvent-free release system for installation of carpet tiles on smooth subfloors. *This offer applies to all 24 shades of Teviot in the Tessera Direct collection ordered before the 31st December 2012. (Terms and conditions apply)

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Newsupdate

Ulster roll out the carpet at Titanic Belfast One of Ulster Carpets’ most recent projects has become part of a worldwide phenomenon when it opened last month.

Ulster proudly designed and manufactured more than 2300m² of luxury axminster carpet for Titanic Belfast, the iconic building celebrating the story of the world’s most famous ship, the Titanic. Helping to recreate the elegant surroundings of the ﬁrst class lounge in the new Titanic-themed banqueting areas, Ulster based their designs on the original patterns which would have graced the ﬂoors of the luxurious steam liner. A simple geometric design with a limited colour palette depicts the restrictions of carpet design at the turn

of the 19th Century. Today, however, Ulster’s unique PSYLO™ weaving technology offers total design freedom with no restraints on pattern repeat or scale of design from a palette of up to 25 colours. PSYLO™ has revolutionised the carpet industry, transforming ﬂoors into ‘works of art’. Nick Coburn, managing director, commented, “As a company who strives to push the boundaries of design and embrace innovative technology we were honoured to be involved in the Titanic Belfast project and the celebration of engineering brilliance which brought the Titanic to life a century ago.”

retention of high value jobs for the local area.”

“As a company who strives to push the boundaries of design and embrace innovative technology we were honoured to be involved in the Titanic Belfast project and the celebration of engineering brilliance which brought the Titanic to life a century ago”

“We are also extremely proud to have produced this carpet locally, having retained our sole manufacturing base in Northern Ireland ensuring the

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Newsupdate

WoolSafe revamps stamps of approval The WoolSafe Organisation has announced new names for WoolSafe approved carpet cleaners. Going forward, carpet-cleaning companies vetted and approved by WoolSafe will have the status of ‘WoolSafe Approved Service Provider’, and individual technicians within approved service providers that have undergone WoolSafe training will have the title of ‘WoolSafe Approved Fibre Care Specialist’. Responding to demand from carpet care companies for company speciﬁc accreditation, the new status of ‘WoolSafe Approved Service Provider’ allows entire companies to use the WoolSafe Approved Mark. Individuals within approved companies and solo technicians who have trained for and passed the WoolSafe exam are able to use the title of ‘Woolsafe Approved Fibre Care Specialist’ for greater

clariﬁcation that the technician on the job has been trained to clean wool and other natural ﬁbres.

“The change of name reﬂects our desire to continue to maintain excellent working relationships with our approved companies and individuals”, explains Steve Bakker, Marketing Manager, The WoolSafe Organisation. Companies have come to us requesting accreditation in order to convince potential customers that they are the right choice and can offer superior carpet cleaning services. It is the company that is now able to bear WoolSafe’s prestigious mark, providing greater consistency and ultimately reassuring customers that their organisation’s integrity, the skill of their technicians and the safety and effectiveness of the cleaning products they use are endorsed by WoolSafe.”

WoolSafe members should not worry about changing their existing WoolSafe stationary and advertising overnight, however, as this change will be phased in over the coming months. New-style van decals are now available free of charge for all WoolSafe Approved Service Providers who have previously purchased them, reﬂecting the WoolSafe Organisation’s commitment to rolling out this new branding worldwide with minimum disruption to members. For further information on The WOOLSAFE Organisation and the services offered by them telephone 01943 850817 fax 01943 462127 or email info@woolsafe.org.

The John Wilson Memorial Trust pledges funding to AMH The John Wilson Memorial Trust was set up by Ulster Carpets in memory of John Wilson, one of the sons of GW Wilson the founder of Ulster Carpets, following his passing in 2009. The Trust fund is managed by appointed Trustees involved in Ulster Carpets, including two of John Wilson’s sons.

AMH was founded in 1963 and is a leading voluntary sector organisation in Northern Ireland providing services for people with mental health needs and learning disabilities. The funding will be used to help support 2 of AMH’s projects; AMH New Horizons and AMH MensSana.

AMH New Horizons offers a wide variety of activities aimed at adults who wish to improve their skills and gain qualiﬁcations, enhancing their quality of life and prospects of accessing employment while the AMH MensSana project aims to promote positive mental The Trust actively seeks opportunities to and emotional well being amongst support local organisations, particularly local young people through a range of those working in the areas of mental activities. health and depression. The Trust has Colin Loughran, AMH Service Manager recently pledged funding to a local comments, “Everyone in AMH would charity Action Mental Health (AMH). like to thank Ulster Carpets and the Like his father, John always had an enduring passion for the business; particularly the long held establishment of signiﬁcant employment in Portadown in keeping with the company’s place in the community.

Trustees of the John Wilson Memorial Trust for their kind generosity and support of our work. The funding will be used to resource our training suite at Tannaghmore Gardens on the outskirts of Lurgan with modern IT equipment and enable essential poly tunnel repairs to be carried out in addition to refurbishment of the glass house ventilation system. “The Trust has also pledged signiﬁcant funding to AMH MensSana which will secure a full time staff post for the next two years and enable planned and necessary work to continue.” Further information about AMH and its services can be found on their website www.amh.org.uk.

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Natural Living from Cormar Carpets Cormar Carpets has introduced its brand new Living Naturals collection that epitomises the very best in affordable style in loop pile. Designed to offer a natural look, at an ‘entry level’ price point, Living Naturals is made from 50% pure new wool and 50% polypropylene. It is available in three distinctive designs; simple level pinstripe; classic rib and popular basket weave. Plus it comes in 12 ‘easy to live with’ colours. And with a retail price below £20 per square metre, it makes for exceptional value-for-money. “Textured wool carpets are still a popular choice with homeowners throughout the country and the success of our two recent 50% wool launches - Glendale and Forest Hills in twist pile - tells us that price-conscious consumers are looking for the durability of a wool carpet at a budget price. So we believe that Living Naturals will enjoy the same success in the

loop pile market. So far the reaction has been very good,” said David Cormack, marketing director of Cormar. Living Naturals complements Cormar’s existing portfolio of loop pile carpets – Malabar and Avebury, which is available in Plains & Stripes. All Cormar’s wool twist, wool loop and easy clean polypropylene ranges are produced on site at its Lancashire mills and distributed in the UK and Eire via its own delivery ﬂeet.

For further information please contact your local representative, telephone 01204 881200 or visit www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

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my opinion For the second ‘In my opinion’ feature SMG asks Andrew Kidd, editor of Interiors Monthly the following question... “The BFM’s Great British Furniture Month has been widely acclaimed and is now extended all summer. How can British manufacturers in the ﬂooring industry learn from this and work more closely together to secure the strength of the independent retailer?”

“

It was like being given an essay to complete (something I haven’t done for a very long time) when the above question was posed to me by the Director of Marketing at SMG. So with typical student fervour, I thought about it for a bit and then went and did other things. Trade shows, AGMs, meetings, 17,000 Interiors Monthly Awards pages (it felt like it) but the thought resurfaced from time to time. And despite thinking about it from several approaches, I kept coming back to the same answer: just take the idea and follow it, after all something similar already exists in the ﬂooring sector (more of that in a moment). The basis of the British Furniture Manufacturers’ Association scheme was simple: stock products from at least ﬁve BFM members and you can get your hands on various marketing material which will be supported by consumer advertising. Hundreds of stores joined in the campaign, including multiples, so rather than running for the planned June, it is running until the end of summer. (Can we blame it for the rain?) When I say simple, I’m ignoring the fact that 2012 is a summer that will never be repeated in terms of the Jubilee and the Olympic and Paralympic games

and the fact that the BFM has been running its Ask If It Is (British furniture) campaign for the past five years. So it was no quick fix. As I mentioned the flooring industry already has a scheme that has marketing and consumer advertising if retailers stock a number of British carpet manufacturers: the Carpet Foundation.

And of course there is the question of who pays for it. At a time when marketing budgets are under scrutiny like never before it really would need almost every company to be involved, each spending relatively little, before

“The efforts of the BFM and the Carpet Foundation provide an excellent platform on which another campaign could be built, if one were to come about” The Foundation has never put UK manufacturing at the centre of its consumer marketing, instead focussing on messages of quality and carpet but it wouldn’t be difﬁcult to have a campaign that built upon that. The efforts of the BFM and the Carpet Foundation provide an excellent platform on which another campaign could be built, if one were to come about. But the key has to be to get as many companies – from all product sectors if it is to be a ﬂooring, not just carpet campaign – involved. One of the criticisms of Fun on the Floor was retailers (bar Carpetright) weren’t involved enough, so the independent retailer didn’t really get behind it as they didn’t feel part of it.

“The Foundation has never put UK manufacturing at the centre of its consumer marketing, instead focussing on messages of quality and carpet but it wouldn’t be difﬁcult to have a campaign that built upon that”

such a campaign had the critical mass of funds needed. But the ﬂooring industry can work together, as the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show (and Fun on the Floor to a lesser degree) demonstrated, but it would probably need cooperation never seen before. Tell me I’m being too pessimistic.

”

Interiors monthly

first for furniture, flooring and accessories

Interiors Monthly is a design led magazine, incorporating high quality features, news, views, and worldwide exhibition previews and reviews. Delivering quality information, latest products and company proﬁles to inspire, inform and improve UK interiors retailing. Please visit www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk for more information.

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24/07/2012 14:47:55

Latest news from Ulster Carpets In the coming months there are some exciting developments from Ulster Carpets including the introduction of a new range in the Laneve collection plus new colourways and designs for well established ranges. Following the success of their Open Spaces Laneve ranges Auckland and Queenstown, Ulster will be launching Wellington Stripe in the coming months to complement the collection. Wellington Stripe is composed of 100% New Zealand Wool and comes in 5 contemporary colourways which co-ordinate effortlessly with the plain rib of Auckland and the textured two-tone rib of Queenstown. With ‘Linnet’, ‘Reed’ and ‘Marron’ soft neutral tones of cream and beige provide the base colours with highlights of sage green, olive green and chalky pink, while smoky greys and charcoal provide the undertones for the more distinctive colourways of ‘Quay’ and ‘Carbon’ with accents of duck egg blue and purple. Available in 5 colourmatching widths of 5m, 4m, 3m, 2m and 1m it offers unique ﬂexibility and is suitable for heavy residential wear.

New Colourways in Tazmin, Sheriden and Athenia At the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show in May Ulster previewed six new colourways to enhance their highly desirable motif collections: Tazmin, Sheriden and Athenia to be launched in the summer, new colours are on trend earthy, organic tones taken from a ‘heritage’ palette. New colourations will be available in all three designs: cameo/motif, pindot and runner in each of these collections. Composed of 80% wool and 20% nylon, all will be available in 4.57m, 3.66m, 2.74m, 1.83m and 0.91m colourmatching widths with a co-ordinating 0.69m wide runner.

Wellington Stripe in Marron and Reed

Distinguishable by a diamond motif, the Tazmin range is a contemporary interpretation of stylish patterned carpet. Suitable for heavy wear, its practicality and quality has ensured it remains a popular choice for consumers. Further developing this range and increasing the variety of choice for consumers, three new colours have been added to this collection - Kaftan, Shadow and Umber. Sheriden, one of Ulster’s most popular ranges, is an inspirational, classical collection and presents the opportunity to create an interior of simple elegance and luxury. The extensive colour palette, which ranges from soft, contemporary tones to stronger colours, has been enhanced with two new colourways - Downton and Acorn. Athenia effortlessly complements both contemporary and classic living spaces given its innate adaptability and elegance. A dynamic product offered in a sophisticated colour palette, Athenia has been enhanced with the addition of one new colourway - Khaki.

Country House Collection Originally launched in 2009, Country House Kazan, an opulent antique persian, will be complemented with one new colourway - Viceroy Grey. Composed of 80% wool, 20% nylon, the range is available in multi-widths and an extensive variety of colours. Each design is distinctively different but have all been designed from a complementary colour palette resulting in a versatile collection of stand-alone products or co-ordinating designs.

Sheriden Downton

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For more information please contact your local representative alternatively telephone Ulster Carpets on 028 3833 4433.

20/07/2012 16:14:36

Wellington Stripe in Quay

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Newsupdate

New website for Kingstown As part of an on-going programme of investment, Kingstown Furniture, the UK’s leading manufacturer of ready assembled bedroom and lounge furniture, has launched a new easy to navigate, user-friendly website.

Designed to effectively showcase each of Kingstown’s collections and demonstrate what’s on offer to consumers and retailers, the new site is built to the latest web standards and features a wide and ever-increasing choice of stylish and contemporary furniture ranges and products. The site also enables website visitors to get up to date with the latest developments at Kingstown, with a dedicated news and events section. It also features facilities for locating Kingstown stockists and downloading brochures for each range. In celebration of the launch, Kingstown also launched a competition where, after ﬁlling in a short survey, a visitor won a brand new Kindle e-reader.

Geoff Brailsford, Group Sales Director for Kingstown Furniture, said:

“We’re always on the look-out for new ways to continue improving and investing in our business, and this site is the icing on the cake after a very successful start to the year. We’ve created a visitor experience that is clear and intuitive, with products and ranges which in the introduction of a technologically are displayed elegantly and to their best advanced, high-quality, high-capacity advantage. We couldn’t happier with edge processing line from Beisse. the new look and feel of the site. Kingstown has also been working hard “The competition we’ve announced is a to improve the environmental fantastic way for visitors to experience awareness of its staff and reduce the the new site and be in with a chance of amount of waste it produces. So much winning a great prize, and we hope that so that Kingstown now recycles 94% lots of people take the time to enter.” of all its waste and achieved a Gold award from the National Recycling Stars The site re-design is part of an Scheme last year. Kingstown is also on-going programme of investment FSC accredited, in recognition of its fully for Kingstown, which as of this month traceable and sustainable supply chain. included a million pound investment

Alexander Armstrong to host 2012 Bed Show gala awards British comedian, actor and presenter, Alexander Armstrong, will be hosting the third NBF Gala Dinner and awards ceremony, which takes place on the night of 25th September at the Telford International Centre, during the Bed Show. Best known as one half of Armstrong & Miller, writing and starring in the comedy sketch show with fellow actor and university friend, Ben Miller, Alexander is also instantly recognisable as the face of Pimm’s, and as a regular host of Have I Got News For You. Other TV credits include the dramas Life Begins and Mutual Friends. He played the animal-hating vet in Beast, and David Cameron in The Trial of Tony Blair. He has also appeared in Saxondale with Steve Coogan, and checked in as a guest in Hotel Babylon.

Alexander has chaired Channel 4’s The Best of the Worst, and Don’t Call Me Stupid. He frequently pops up on Radio 4 comedies, not least as the scheming, workshy hero of Guy Browning’s Weak at the Top. At this year’s NBF Gala Dinner Alexander will be welcoming and entertaining guests and also presenting this year’s NBF industry awards, which focus on the industry’s best performing companies, as voted for by their customers and/ or suppliers – for Bed Manufacturer, Bed Supplier, Independent Bed Retailer, Multiple Bed Retailer and Bed E-tailer of the Year. The evening will also include some fun and games aimed at raising funds in aid of charity. Full details of the Bed Show Gala Dinner and booking details can be found at www.bedshow.co.uk.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Without doubt, I want to see the Group continue in its long term quest to be the best retail support network in the industryâ&#x20AC;? 30 SMG News - Summer 2012.indd 30

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Question time with Chris Moffat

SMG’s Executive Chairman

It’s a year since Chris relinquished his role as Chief Executive at SMG and was appointed as the Group’s Executive Chairman. We thought it would be interesting to get his perspective on the industry challenges faced by manufacturers and retailers today. SMG “What would you say to Independent Retailers who are ﬁnding it tough at the moment?” CM “I would encourage them to focus their efforts on ensuring that a) their retail environment and product offer is as diverse and presentable as possible, b) limit their support to fewer suppliers and become more meaningful to those chosen, c) develop a professional web site to ensure that they are seen by those consumers who choose to do their initial research online and d) promote their company to the maximum through popular local media facilities.”

online) armed with this information. Furthermore, a quality carpet priced at over £30 per square metre can psychologically appear expensive but in reality, may easily be within a customer’s overall budget on the bottom line. No one would dream of walking into a car showroom and expect the salesman to offer them a separate price for the engine, wheels, body-shell and doors etc. What is offered is a straight forward, easy to understand ‘on the road’ price and that is what I think our industry should be aiming towards.”

SMG “After nearly 38 years in the industry, how has your role changed at SMG?”

SMG “Is there a future for the Independent Retailer?” CM “Most definitely... You only have to consider the problems and lack of growth within the multiple retail sectors and the immense support that many manufacturers and suppliers are currently channelling towards independents, to see how much the focus has changed. Consumers have also realised that some of the massive unrealistic discounts that have been offered by the multiples over the past couple of decades cannot be based on fair and genuine pricing and they are now becoming increasingly aware that service, product knowledge and genuine advice is an important factor during the selection and purchasing process.” SMG “If there was one thing you could ask retailers to change, what would it be?” CM “I would ask all independent retailers, whether they are solely a carpet and flooring specialists or a complete house furnisher with a carpet and flooring department, to stop selling by the square metre and get straight to the point by offering a fully installed price. Most potential customers have a budget in mind and I believe that retailers should avoid giving a detailed breakdown because it makes it easy for consumers to shop around (especially

raw material and operating costs beyond their control. They should not be afraid to explain that the ongoing development and longevity of the manufacturing sector can only be sustained through proﬁtability. Retailers need, and rely on, ﬁnancially stable suppliers to enable them to survive. As long as price increases are equally and fairly shared by all sectors of the industry - multiples, independents and wholesale distributors alike – we should have no problem in rightfully passing increases down the line to the end user... the consumer.”

Chris believes independent retailers should stop selling by the square metre and get straight to the point by offering a fully installed price.

SMG “What are the key challenges faced by manufacturers?” CM “In my view the main challenges have to centre around... a) Maintaining positive cash flow, operating stringent credit control and securing genuine long term Bank support or alternative financial backing. b) The ongoing development of new ranges before existing ranges become ‘tired’. c) Maintaining good professional representation and developing a more flexible approach when considering new retail account opportunities, and... d) Gaining market share, sustained growth and profitability.” SMG “If there was one thing you could ask manufacturers to change, what would it be?” CM “I would respectfully ask them to stop apologising for implementing ‘necessary’ price increases due to rising

CM “I joined SMG in 1975 as their Promotions Executive following a career in newspapers, print, publishing and advertising. I was given a budget and a clear remit to establish a better communication system between the Group Head Office and its Suppliers and Retail Members. My initial contribution was to launch a house magazine, ‘SMG News’, and this was quickly followed with the introduction of a comprehensive ongoing programme of promotions. After nine months in this role, I also took on joint responsibility for membership recruitment The first issue of SMG News. with the Group’s Director of Marketing, Les Reed, and by working closely with him, I gained considerable experience in how independent retailers and manufacturers operated throughout all sectors of the furniture, bedding, carpet and flooring industry. I was then delighted to be offered the opportunity to take on the role of Chief Executive in 1985 following Les’s retirement, and I continued in this capacity until the end of June 2011 when I ...continued smgnews 31

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was appointed to Executive Chairman by SMG’s current Board. I have now relinquished day to day operational responsibility to the Groups’ new Head of Group Operations, Mike Symonds, and now act solely in a supporting role capacity, overseeing company policy on behalf of the non-executive Board, representing SMG within the industry and being involved in industry related initiatives.” SMG “What are your industry highlights?” CM “There are so many individual highlights I could mention (if space allowed). Having been in the privileged and fortunate position over the years to meet and converse on various occasions with some extremely high proﬁle dignitaries including members of the Royal Family, leading Politicians, Cabinet Ministers, Business Leaders and various T.V. personalities and sporting legends etc., these obviously feature highly in my memory. I have also had the pleasure of visiting many retail establishments and manufacturing facilities and have attended numerous trade exhibitions, promotional events and industry functions; all experiences that have helped me considerably during my time with SMG. However, when I think back over the years, the thing I have appreciated most has been the friendship, courtesy, and the genuine acceptance and support that has been afforded to me by so many fantastic people within all sectors of the industry. I have valued this immensely and I cannot express my gratitude enough to all those who have made my career in the industry so memorable, enjoyable and rewarding.”

SMG “What would you like to happen with SMG in the future?” CM “Without doubt, I want to see the Group continue in its long term quest to be the best retail support network in the industry. The industry is constantly changing and each decade seems to bring some kind of major challenge that has unfortunately, always had a negative effect on the U.K. manufacturing sector. The demise of so many prominent brand names in all manufacturing sectors over the past 30 years, caused either by weak management, uncontrolled cheap imports, insufﬁcient investment or the shameful lack of support for British manufacturing by consecutive governments, has resulted in a considerable change in the Groups’ original membership demographic. Furthermore, the closure of many of the U.K’s traditional independent high street located ‘complete house furnishers’ - the backbone of the Group’s initial membership during the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s - seriously weakened the strength of the Groups’ furniture and bedding offering. However, despite these set-backs, SMG has always been able to maintain a strong Approved Supplier portfolio and the current consumer appetite for British manufactured products is working in our favour. It is allowing SMG, with help from its members, to start re-establishing its strength in the furniture, bedding and ancillary markets by enlisting the support of an entirely new generation of approved suppliers who have demonstrated a genuine desire to support the independent sector. The Group will continue to capitalise on all new and existing supplier

Chris recently competed in a endurance quad biking event.

opportunities and the long term aim is to extend the Group’s activities with the introduction of even more equally important general ‘business support’ related services.” SMG “Outside of work, what are your passions?” CM “I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to indulge in many interests over the years. For some strange reason I cannot seem to survive without having some form of project to occupy my mind in my spare time and over the years these have included numerous house renovation and building projects, tinkering with anything involving an engine, light aviation, motor sport and quad biking. Following a lifelong interest in music, I still get the urge to indulge in some 12 bar blues on an old Fender and recently, I have been reliably informed that my grand children believe that I am currently ‘in training’ to become a nuisance, disobedient and grumpy in readiness for a happy and fulﬁlling retirement. Bring it on!” SMG “In your whole life, what makes you most proud?” CM “Foremost... my family, and secondly, playing a small part in helping to steer SMG to where it is today.” SMG “Do you have any regrets?”

‘We have a winner’ a young Chris Moffat assisting the late Les Reed and the Gilt Edge Sales Director, the late Len Wilkes, in drawing a promotion winner.

SMG News - Summer 2012.indd 32

CM “Yes... I really should have listened to my mother and taken serious notice when she warned me of the danger of purchasing a powerful motorbike at an early age!”

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Newsupdate

40 years old and still going strong Charles Wilson Carpets based in Hitchin has come a long way in 40 years. It was started by Charles and Pamela Wilson in 1972, and has been going from strength to strength ever since. From a small lock up to a welcoming shop, a well stocked showroom and fully mobile service – the last 40 years have been very busy! To celebrate this wonderful achievement, Charles Wilson Carpets offered several promotions during June. Customers received £40 discount for every £400 spent for 40 days, plus free entry to their prize draw to win free ﬂooring worth £400! These special offers were launched in style with the Charles Wilson Carpets team and the Hitchin Town Crier meeting shoppers in Hitchin’s market square. “We had a great time and spoke with loads of people about our discounts and free prize draw” said Helen Wilson. “Thanks to the Town Crier, we were deﬁnitely noticed and we certainly brought a smile to shoppers’ faces!”

The next generation of Wilsons are now running the business. Flooring tastes have changed however the family’s tradition of outstanding customer service remains. The team at Charles Wilson Carpets care about finding and fitting the right flooring for their customers. “We offer all types of flooring and can cater for any budget” explains Mark Wilson. “We take great pride in providing quality and a reliable service.” Charles Wilson Carpets has its own team of qualified fitters. “Our specialist team is expert in carpet, hard flooring, wood and vinyl” adds Adam Wilson. “We happily advise our customers so they enjoy the best flooring solution for their requirements.”

Pamela Wilson, Pictured left to right: Mark Wilson, Wilson. Adam and n Wilso n Alan Myatt, Hele

SMG would like to extend a warm congratulations on reaching their 40th Anniversary and wish them all the best on reaching another 40 years!

New website for Flooring Guild apprenticeships A new website dedicated to floor laying apprenticeships has been launched by The Flooring Guild. Members can find detailed information on the training received, the qualification and funding by visiting www.flooring-guildapprenticeships.co.uk. There has never been a better time to take on a floor laying apprentice. With a £1500 wage incentive available to employers taking on an Apprentice and free training available for all 16-18 year olds (and subsidised training for 19+), contact The Flooring Guild via the new website, email apprentice@flooring-guild.co.uk or call 01480 471476.

“There has never been a better time to take on a ﬂoor laying apprentice”

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THE CAREFREE WARRANTY CAREFREE... THE ONLY free WARRANTY Did you know that the Manufacturer’s Warranty offered by Regency Carpets is the only genuine ‘FREE WARRANTY’ in the industry… The Carefree Manufacturer’s Warranty covers your consumer against all household stains, not just food and drink stains. In fact the only stain that we are not prepared to cover is gloss paint. Give your customer peace of mind, otherwise somebody else will!

free CAREFREE WARRANTY THE ONLY WAR R

T AN

GIVE THE

U ’L L E V E R

Y YO

T AN

U ’L L E V E R

THE ONLY WAR R SMG News - Summer 2012.indd 35

Y YO

CAREFREE WARRANTY

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20/07/2012 16:15:44

Newsupdate

Gentleman of the carpet trade passes away Jim Young, co-founder of underlay company Ball & Young, passed away on the 7th July, he was 86.

Jim, along with Martin Ball, set up the company in 1983 making Ball & Young a leader in the world of rubber underlays. After great success the company was sold to British Vita in 1989. “A real gentleman of the carpet trade, Jim Young’s name lives on in Ball & Young” said Ann Shaw, Ball & Young sales director. His funeral took place on 20th July at Randalls Park Crematorium in Leatherhead, Surrey.

New exhibitors for Bed Show 2012 another huge success for us and feedback was very positive with exhibitors being delighted at the quality of visitors and the business done, while visitors liked the focus on the bed market.

The National Bed Federation (NBF) is pleased to announce that there are eight new exhibitors for the third Bed Show, 25th and 26th September 2012, once again at the International Centre in Telford. These are Cheshire based Churchﬁeld Sofabeds, Irish based tickings manufacturer Irwins, foam supplier Latex Wholesale, textile supplier SMK Textiles and the four brands from the Silentnight Group - Layezee, Rest Assured, Sealy and Silentnight. It brings the total number of exhibitors to 70 including Airsprung (plus Gainsborough, and Hush-a-Bye), Breasley Consumer Products, Highgate, Harrisons (plus Somnus), Hypnos, Myers (plus Slumberland, Dunlopillo and Staples), Relyon, Simmons (plus Sleepeezee and Nestledown), Sweet Dreams, Vi-Spring and Vogue.

“It is fantastic that this year we have gained eight new brands to the Bed Show - which conﬁrms that we are deﬁnitely doing something right!”

Sealy and Silentnight are among the brands now exhibiting at the 2012 Bed Show.

“The allocation of stand space is a good mix of both bed manufacturers – all with British manufacturing bases – and component suppliers. The combination is one of the unique elements of the show plus the fact that only NBF members are invited to exhibit at the Bed Show.” The Bed Show is the only bed-speciﬁc exhibition in the UK. Over 1,300 visited the Bed Show last year. Those wishing to attend this year can register online at www.bedshow.co.uk, as well as see the full list of exhibitors.

Other SMG Approved Suppliers exhibiting at the show include...

“It is fantastic that this year we have gained eight new brands to the Bed Show - which conﬁrms that we are deﬁnitely doing something right!” said Jessica Alexander, executive director of the NBF. “Last year’s Bed Show was

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20/07/2012 16:15:51

Sealy Platinum Melrose

Deeper sleeping from Sealy and a new partnership… Bed manufacture has come a long way over the centuries with mattresses being ﬁlled with a variety of materials as both ﬁllings and technology have progressed. Where once straw, horsehair or feather mattresses were standard, 21st century consumers are now spoiled for choice with everything on offer in their bed from water, foam, wool and a variety of types of springs. Over the centuries beds have been developed to give us a comfortable and cosy night’s sleep, but it is only in

the last few decades that health professionals have realised what an impact sleeping on a badly designed bed or an old lumpy mattress or pillow can have on our health and wellbeing. Sealy is the world’s biggest bed company – a Sealy bed is sold somewhere every 3 seconds and they can be found in bedrooms from Antarctica to Africa, and from Hong Kong to Holland. They have the largest R&D facility in the industry, take advice from the renowned Orthopaedic Advisory Board in the USA and are at the forefront of developing the latest and innovative sleep technology.

Sealy and the BCA Neil Robinson, Marketing Director at Sealy explains: “Sealy’s understanding and focus over the past 60 years on our anatomy and physiology, particularly relating to the spinal area, and how important this is when researching and developing new “Posturepedic” beds, is one of the reasons for partnering up with the BCA. We spend a third of our lives asleep and a proper, good night’s sleep is such an important contributor to our general health and wellbeing that educating the public about this is a key ongoing challenge for both organisations.”

Now, in 2012, as part of their new campaign to help us all become DEEPER SLEEPERS, Sealy UK have teamed up with the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) to help spread the message about the importance to everyone of sleeping on a properly supportive bed, mattress and pillow.

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“We are all leading such busy, and sometimes stressful, lives these days and research shows that nearly half of us only get one decent night’s sleep a week. This is also because while we are mentally overactive, we are also physically underactive, and it all contributes to the problem,” he continued.

 With 1 in 4 of the population suffering from asthma or allergies, Sealy “Smart Fibres” are a key weapon in the ﬁght to keep house dust mites, plus other unwanted bacteria and fungi that exacerbate these health problems, at

Sealy/BCA initiatives on their way include new information leaﬂets for consumers with tips on getting a better night’s sleep, what to look for when choosing a new bed and pillows, and various other promotions and support to

Sealy’s unique Posturepedic Zonal Support System helps support and align the spine to its natural shape

“Both organisations are trying, in their own ways, to educate the public and help them to sleep better for a healthier lifestyle and so it seemed an ideal step forward to pool ideas to further this endeavour.” Some of the research that Sealy have shared with the BCA includes:  The spring systems of all new Posturepedic beds, whether you prefer pocket springs or an open coil system, will sense the sleeper’s weight and movement and adjust accordingly throughout the night  The top of the range models contain a system of lumbar bars within the springs to give even greater push back support for the lumbar region

bay to give people a sleep environment that is cool, fresh, dry and hypoallergenic.  Sealy will be launching an exciting, new, innovative range of pillows this coming autumn which will offer sleepers the perfect support for their head and necks to complement the action of their Posturepedic beds and mattresses.

help BCA members give their patients as much information as possible to improve their sleep and therefore their health and wellbeing. As Neil says “Deeper sleep is quality sleep that can make a positive impact on our health and wellbeing. Sealy and the BCA are on a mission to help us all become deeper sleepers.”

 Sealy Edge Guard is a construction around the edge of the mattress which gives the sleeping surface greater stability which allows sleep right up to the edge of the mattress without it buckling. This extends the real sleeping surface by about 6 inches compared to other mattresses. This is now coupled with Sealy’s new Torsion Response divan base which will offer a better sprung edge and a far more responsive and comfortable feel over the whole bed surface. The system works in unison with the mattress, which will extend its life, and offer a whole new, even more pressure relieving feel to the whole sleep area.  Posturepedic beds have pressure relief inlay pads. These contain layers of memory foam and latex which offer different levels of density in zones across the sleeping surface and are able to adapt and conform to the weight and shape of the sleeper. This dissipates the body’s weight across the sleeping surface, minimizing pressure points and keeping the spine straight…all the basic constituents of a great night’s sleep with no tossing and turning.

Neil Robinson, Sealy Marketing Director.

For more information please contact Sealy Beds on 01697 320342 or visit www.sealy.co.uk

www.facebook.com/SealyUK

SMG News - Summer 2012.indd 39

www.twitter.com/sealyUK

smgnews 39 24/07/2012 14:41:57

Newsupdate

Sleep Council ﬂags up a British summertime As Jub’Olympic fever sets in, The Sleep Council has developed a summer-long campaign designed to encourage people to Buy British.

Helping retailers to ﬂag up British made beds is a special version of The Sleep Council logo with a Union Jack face that can be used to instantly identify a bed as being British made.

The artwork is free of charge and is available to download by visiting www.sleepbiz.co.uk . Retailers are encouraged to use the logo on their existing POS – posters, footmats, and display boards - as well as on their websites.

Said Jessica Alexander of The Sleep Council: “There’s been a distinct swing back to buying British made products over the past couple of years. Now, anticipation of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations along with the London Olympics is adding to the patriotic fervour. “We’ve developed this special logo to help consumers quickly pick out a bed that has been made in Britain. We know Buying British is something for which there is a real appetite just now so we want retailers to really get behind this message. We’re doing it to complement and support the British Furniture Manufacturers’ Buy British campaign, too.”

Said Jessica: “There are many reasons for choosing to buy British when buying a bed – from the fact we have a long history of producing the best beds in the world to knowing that buying British is to buy a bed that will unquestionably meet the UK’s stringent ﬁre safety regulations which are among the toughest in the world.”

“We know Buying British is something for which there is a real appetite just now so we want retailers to really get behind this message”

British bed making continues to be a thriving industry with more than a hundred manufacturers making beds across the length and breadth of Britain ranging from hand crafted bespoke products to large scale mass production. Traditional and new technology exist side by side as the industry constantly embraces both new and long-established methods. For a full list of British bed manufacturers, or to do a search for a particular type of bed, visit the National Bed Federation (NBF) website at www.bedfed.org.uk. The NBF has also produced a new book – Bed Times, to celebrate its centenary as a trade association for British bed manufacturers. For more information please contact the NBF on 01756 799950. Plus don’t forget to visit www.sleepbiz.co.uk for the ‘Buy British Beds’ toolkit.

Quality Streets for Jaymart Jaymart’s prestigious ‘Street-Beater’ ribbed rubber/ aluminium entrance matting system has just been speciﬁed for the top-notch Caulder Moore redesigned Rolex Boutique at 28 Old Bond Street in upmarket Mayfair, London. ‘Street-Beater’ has also been recently installed at the famous Churchill War Rooms at King Charles Street, London. Jaymart’s “Grime-Grabber” heavy duty polypropylene-brush/ribbed aluminium entrance matting has been the entrance matting of choice for the top-of-the range luxury brand Hugo Boss store at Regent Street, and is currently being ﬁtted at Footlocker’s Oxford Street branches, as well as stores throughout Europe.

“Street-King” is the entrance to JP Morgan Financial Services at Canary Whart and it is currently being used for the BMX Centre at the Manchester Velodrome. Jaymart’s ‘Street-King’ is an extremely popular internal and external heavy duty contract aluminium entrance matting system. Visit www.jaymart.co.uk for full information on Jaymart’s extensive range of specialist ﬂoorings, mats and mattings.

Another recent installation of Jaymart’s

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20/07/2012 16:22:07

Have you got the right underlay range to meet all of your customers’ needs? Customers have a wide range of underlay needs. Having the right range to meet these needs will maximise your profits. Question...How many underlay products should a retailer stock? Answer: As many as you need to meet the needs of your customers and maximise your opportunity for profit. It’s an interesting question. What is the right number? Some retailers stock up to seven or eight underlays, while some stock only one. Which is correct and, more importantly, how would you know? The answer, according to Interfloor marketing director Steve Woodhead, is clear. “It depends on your customers. Most underlay customers don’t give underlay much thought but that doesn’t meet they don’t have any needs. It’s just that these needs are often unstated. But they still exist. Some simple questioning will get the answers you need. Once you know what their needs are you can come up with an underlay solution that’s not only perfect for them but will also help you to maximise your profit. In this way everybody wins.” So how does this work? Interfloor have defined up to seven different needs for underlay in an average British home, these are featured on the right. “If customers understand that the underlay is specially engineered to meet their needs they will better understand its value and that means they are more likely to pay a premium for it. Some of these underlays do cost a bit more but many of our retailers will price them at up to £7-10 per square metre or more. So spending a little time to understand the customer’s needs could pay real dividends for SMG members,” says Steve Woodhead.

1. Best comfort Premium products where luxurious comfort is needed and foot trafﬁc is high (e.g. living rooms). Recommended underlays include Tredaire Dreamwalk, Sensation, Softwalk and Colours Red.

2. Better comfort Premium products where luxurious comfort is needed and foot trafﬁc is low (e.g. bedrooms). Recommended underlays include Tredaire Zest, Brio and Dynamic.

3. Good comfort Everyday comfort where foot trafﬁc is low or infrequent (e.g. spare bedrooms). Recommended underlays include Tredaire Brio, Omega, Alpha and Willow Green.

4. High trafﬁc/High impact Where foot trafﬁc is really high (such as the hall stairs and landing) or there is a high impact from heavy furniture (typically in the dining room). Underlays with high density and recovery rates are needed for this. Recommended underlays include Duralay System Ten and Treadmore (crumb underlays with 100% recovery) and Tredaire Sensation and Contract 7 (PU underlays with 95-97% recovery).

5. Noise reduction underlays for wood and laminate ﬂooring Extremely high density sponge underlays can reduce in-room noise by up to 30%. Recommended underlays include Duralay Timbermate Excel and Silentﬂoor Gold.

6. Low tog underlays for underfloor heating Specially designed low tog underlays are needed for underfloor heating applications. These will need to have tog ratings of less than 1, and so should be specially adapted sponge rubber. Recommended underlays are Duralay Heatflow Carpet (tog 0.75) and Duralay Heatflow Wood and Laminate (tog 0.33).

7. Wheelchair use, walking aids, natural ﬂoorcoverings or borders Double stick crumb rubber underlays are ideal for this. Recommended underlays include Duralay System Ten and Duraﬁt 500 or 650.

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c i t s a fant

NEW SATISFACTION LECTERN

lusSPECIAL pEXTRA STANDHOLDER PRICES

Please contact your local representative or SMG on 0118 932 3832 for more information SMG News - Summer 2012.indd 43

20/07/2012 16:22:28

New Approved Supplier... Asiatic SMG are pleased to announce the introduction of Asiatic as Approved Suppliers to the Group. Asiatic is a world leader in fashion rugs, renowned for design & innovation, supplying major retailers in the UK and across the globe. The success and growth of Asiatic is a reflection of their commitment to customer relationships, innovation in product & design and a constant drive to deliver quality products at competitive prices. Asiatic was founded in 1960 by Soli Kelaty and for 50 years has been a trusted name in the flooring industry. Today Asiatic is still owned and run by the Kelaty family and is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers, importers and distributors of quality rugs from around the world. They are widely acknowledged to be rug experts, experienced, focused, efficient and reliable in all aspects of managing the supply chain and their team shares a wealth of experience and expertise in the industry. Asiatic are proud to remain a family owned company with a clear mission to be the best in the industry, they have grown organically over the years by consistently reinvesting profits back into the business. Whether it is the placing of large production orders, managing fluctuations of international currency markets, or the holding of back up stocks, customers know that Asiatic have the strength and expertise to handle the volumes that modern

major retailers demand. With the head office in Manor House, North London, and operating from two large warehouses they have over 25,000m2 of space dedicated to the stock holding and distribution of rugs. Asiatic have also invested in their own dedicated sourcing office in China, as well as a fulfillment centre to manage the Chinese operations. In India too they have a sourcing office with specialist staff to manage Indian operations. As such Asiatic have the necessary infrastructure in the key production markets which has established them as the most pioneering, dynamic and innovative force in the development of commercial fashion focused rugs. Asiatic design and produce rugs for all types of homes and their products are ethically sourced with care taken for the environment. With their specialist systems they are able to minimise lead times and ensure efficiency throughout the supply chain. With a focus on deadlines, they constantly review their processes to achieve an optimum level of service for customers. Asiatic’s priority is to meet their customers’ needs. Their expertise, from creative concept, through to product management including quality, ethical and technical assurance provides an unmatched level of service for customers.

Haze

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Harlequin

Mandalay

24/07/2012 14:44:44

Funk

Plush

The current range of products fall into the following categories:

Modern Living Collection Hand tufted acrylic collections from China, including Harlequin, Laya, Osaka, Eden, Frame & kids rugs.

Contemporary Home Collection Hand tufted and hand knotted wool collections from India, China & Pakistan along with quality machine made collections from Belgium. Ranges include Funk, Bellagio, Matrix & Bokhara to name a few.

Textured Collection Shaggy & textured rugs, together with sisal rugs, hides and skins. Ranges include Sparkle, Fusion, Tashen, Rodeo, Roses, Metallica etc.

Ports Of Call Collection Jeff Banks’ designer rug collection. Incorporating acrylic, wool and textured rugs.

Stellar Collection

What can Asiatic offer you? Choice

The widest range of product of any UK based importer. Whether selecting from the range of award winning standard designs or looking for a bespoke product Asiatic can meet your needs. With their infrastructure they are the quickest route to market for new ideas and colours.

Price

Highly competitive prices to customers and products can be engineered to meet retail price points and speciﬁcation.

Service

It is always Asiatic’s aim to offer a fast and efﬁcient delivery service and also to meet the highest in stock targets.

Packaging

All stock can be packed and labelled to meet customer’s demands. All stock lines are bar coded, labelled and packaged to a high standard.

SMG Displays

Machine made collections from Belgium. To name a few, ranges include Electra, Chara & Alya.

SMG Members can receive a branded Opus Shaggy rug basket, pictured on the right, full details can be obtained from SMG on 0118 932 3832.

Outside of these collections, Asiatic have a wide variety of other ranges and qualities in stock.

Displays

For more information or account opportunities please contact Asiatic Carpets on 020 8800 2000.

There are also a number of display options, such as swing arms, baskets or plinths that can be advised upon.

smgnews 45 SMG News - Summer 2012.indd 45

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20/07/2012 16:22:49

New axminster ranges from... Gaskell have recently launched two fantastic axminster ranges... High Society and Kintyre. Both of these new ranges are the same construction, 7 row, 80% wool and 20% nylon available in 4 metre widths. Kintyre is a collection of four well-known tartans and four plaids, High Society is a range of six designs in three colours per design. The design and colour package is more contemporary than a traditional axminster collection, with the range aimed at a younger demographic. The range is presented on a innovative new display featuring a mirror, the consumer can lay the sample on the top of the display and see it reďŹ&#x201A;ected in the mirror to get a better idea of how the design will look on a larger scale.

For more information please contact your local representative or Gaskell on 01827 831525.

smgnews 47 SMG News - Summer 2012.indd 47

20/07/2012 16:22:58

New in-store branding for Campaign for Wool The Carpet Foundation is acting as project manager in the carpet industry for the Campaign for Wool, an initiative spearheaded by HRH Prince Charles designed to promote the use of, and reignite Britain’s love affair with, wool. New and innovative point of sale material, exclusive for the carpet industry, is now available for SMG members irrespective of whether they are Carpet Foundation members or not. There are two components to the point of sale – a visually arresting free standing graphic pod the text panels for which are interchangeable and an A3 poster. Both put a ‘modern twist’ on the traditional beneﬁts of wool and do so in a very striking and eye catching manner. Although subsidised by the Campaign for Wool, participating retailers will have to make a modest contribution. It is intended to install the materials in as many retailers as possible up and down the country. The project is the latest part of the Campaign for Wool’s global campaign to drive consumer interest in wool.

Designed to grab the consumer’s attention when they are at the point of purchase and at the same time to encourage retailers to sell wool and wool rich carpet, it marks a ﬁrst for the carpet industry and is further evidence of the support for the carpet industry from the Campaign for Wool. Andrew Stanbridge, Carpet Foundation Chief Executive said: “We consulted with all sides of the industry and the end result is very impressive. Like all the best ideas, it is simple and the contemporary pod will really stand out in a retail environment. We genuinely want as many SMG Members as possible to participate and bang the drum for wool. It will be the single biggest ever in-store campaign for wool-rich carpet and we at The Carpet

Foundation are delighted to co-ordinate everything on behalf of the industry.

“Like all the best ideas, it is simple and the contemporary pod will really stand out in a retail environment” It has the full support of the Campaign for Wool. Around 75% of all British wool goes into carpet and wool has been used for centuries in carpet manufacturing and is still recognised as the best ﬁbre for use in carpet. Do get behind it in time for Wool Week which runs from 15th - 21st October 2012.”

For more information please contact the Carpet Foundation on 01562 755568.

48 SMG News - Summer 2012.indd 48

24/07/2012 14:51:00

Arun

Arundel TwisT

is now AvAilAble in...

besPoKe

COLOURS To help you promote this fantastic new enhancement to the Arundel Twist range SMG will be providing new header cards, wobblers and window stickers! WINDOW STICKERS...

WObbLERS...

...AND NEW HEADERS!

A Available in 4 & 5 metre A Minimum order size 25m2

Arundel Bespoke Advert.indd 2 49 SMG News - Summer 2012.indd

22/06/2012 20/07/2012 11:13:05 16:23:23

SMG News - Summer 2012.indd 50

20/07/2012 16:23:35

Wools of New Zealand and Laneve continue to flourish New member Classic Floors of Harrogate is the latest SMG member to sign up as a Laneve Premier Partner with Wools of New Zealand. Classic Floors is a brand new business and so is looking for points of differentiation to set it apart from its competitors. It recognised the increasing importance and relevance of provenance and ethically produced products among today’s consumers. The Laneve Collection of 100 per cent ethically produced carpets from Brockway, Ulster and Ryalux, ticks all the boxes. It is the first ever fully traceable carpet collection. Made from 100 per cent ethically produced wool, the carpets are the most sustainable and environmentally friendly on the market and the wool used is fully traceable back to identifiable farmers at source. What is more, the farmers concerned adhere to strict codes of practice covering animal welfare, land management, farming practices and environmental standards, all of which are independently authenticated.

Innovations Manager at Wools of New Zealand, said: “We promote Laneve through an exclusive network of selected high quality independent retailers. Classic Floors ticks all our boxes and we are the perfect match. The store also has a very refreshing attitude to retailing and is a very different proposition to a typical ﬂooring retailer. This is precisely what Laneve is all about – making wool carpet a lifestyle product rather than a commodity and positioning it as a premium product. We look forward to being the centrepiece of this new retail experience.”

In other news, a new name has entered the carpet market. Flock has introduced 12 ranges, a mixture of Tufted and Woven carpets, all made out of 100% pure Laneve wool. Developed in conjunction with Wools of New Zealand, leading edge, innovative design, combines with an ‘on trend’ colour palette and sustainability “Classic Floors of Harrogate has a very refreshing attitude to retailing to produce a collection that is and is a very different proposition to a typical ﬂooring retailer. This is distinctive, beautiful and precisely what Laneve is all about,making wool carpet a lifestyle product completely natural.

rather than a commodity and positioning it as a premium product” Based in the centre of Harrogate, Classic Floors has set its stall out to break away from a traditional ﬂooring retailer in terms of presentation and appearance. The store has a large, windowed, bright showroom on two levels, with carpet on one and wood and smooth ﬂooring on the other. The Laneve collection is the centre piece of their carpet display. Commenting on the new arrangement, Steven Parsons,

The initial product offering is an extensive collection of textured and patterned carpets, targeted at the premium end of the residential market, interior designers and the contract market.

For information on how to become a Premier Partner, please call 01943 603888 or e mail premier@woolsnz.co.uk smgnews 51

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24/07/2012 14:50:17

An all-American all-rounder from Mohawk Characterised by exceptionally hardwearing carpets perfect for busy homes, the American Legacy collection from Mohawk’s EverStrand collection offers beautiful textures in a variety of colourways, so consumers are guaranteed to ﬁnd the perfect match for their interior scheme. Comprised of three different qualities, American Design, American Style and American Trend, consumers will be able to choose the design that suits their lifestyle. Able to alleviate consumer fears about carpet maintenance and care, American Legacy carpets feature the consumer recognised Scotchguard™ Protector Advanced Repel Technology. Offering lifetime stain, soil, pet urine and anti-static warranties, along with 10-year abrasive, texture, fade and defects warranties, American Legacy gives consumers complete peace of mind. Carpet thicknesses range from 18 to 25mm, and feel beautifully luxurious and soft underfoot thanks to EverStrand

XtraSoft® carpet fibre. Eco-friendly too, EverStrand XtraSoft® carpet fibre contributes to the recycling of over 3 billion plastic bottles, tapping into the mind-set of eco-conscious consumers. “American Legacy really does have something for everyone,” explains Howard Lindsay, Vice President UK, Ireland and South Africa. “With a variety of colours and qualities and with strong practical qualities, American Legacy has been created to offer a solution to all flooring needs. This collection is the first available in the UK with the EverStrand XtraSoft® fibre and we hope that customers with eco sensibilities will really identify with the range.”

American Legacy is available on its own dedicated POS unit that displays how the plastic bottle recycling process works and clearly outlines the beneﬁts of the collection, providing retailers with a fantastic focal point sure catch shoppers’ attention.

For further information please contact Mohawk on 01480 479830 alternatively visit their website www.mohawkinternational.com

52 SMG News - Summer 2012.indd 52

20/07/2012 16:23:55

Raglan Oak Rustic Antique Oiled Plan

• Excellent proﬁt margins Harlech Walnut Lacque

red Plank

• FREE 24 hour sampling service • A wide choice of display systems • National advertising programme • Experienced technical support • Reliable 48 hour delivery

Harlech Oak Rustic Pla

For your copy of the Woodpecker Guide to Flooring or for more information please contact Kenton Floors on 02920 888223. SMG News - Summer 2012.indd 53

20/07/2012 16:24:40

Savoy

An update from Dura Beds Following on from the very successful promotion of the Virginia micro quilted Pocket Sprung mattress, Dura Beds have expanded this theme further with the launch of the new Savoy Pocket Sprung divan set. There are over a 1,000 individual pocket springs in a 5’ size. The generous layers of comfort cushioning are crowned with a luxurious cushion top to provide and exceptionally deep sculptured 12” mattress giving firm but comfortable support. The mattress cushion top is generously micro quilted which overcomes objections from those consumers who mistakenly believe that tufts will interfere with their sleeping comfort. The mattress borders are micro quilted in a box quilt pattern featuring piping around the cushion top. The matching base is also micro quilted and finished with chrome corner protectors with matching glides. The construction of this mattress means that there is no need to turn but to rotate only to provide even wear on the fillings. This divan set represents exceptional value for money. This model is available with and without storage. Using the Savoy as its inspiration, Dura Beds have launched a new open coil orthopaedic divan set christened Panache. Again this features exceptionally deep micro quilting on the sleeping surface and has a 12.5 gauge steel framed orthopaedic spring unit at its foundation. The generous layers of comfort cushioning are crowned with a

luxurious cushion top in an attractive heavy weight sculptured knitted fabric. The mattress is further enhanced by the addition of an airflow border to help ventilate the generous layer of fillings and keeping them fresher. The construction of this mattress means that there is no need to turn but to rotate only to provide even wear on the fillings. Complete with matching base and finished with chrome corner protectors with matching glides, this divan set offers exceptional orthopaedic support. This model is available with and without storage. A new addition to Dura Beds’ memory foam collection is the new Memorize divan set. With an eye catching contemporary design fabric, combining with generous layers of visco elastic memory foam (2”) this model became an instant success following its launch at Interiors 2012. Once again at the foundation is an Orthopaedic 12.5 gauge steel framed spring unit with layers of upholstery combining with an airflow cushion top and micro quilted knitted fabric. The airflow border not only provides much needed ventilation to the memory foam, but also visibly highlights the depth of the memory foam to the consumer. The use of memory

foam in this mattress means that there is no need to turn but to rotate only to provide even wear on the fillings. This model is available with and without storage. As an alterative to memory foam Dura Beds are actively promoting their new Latex Supreme. Latex of course is a natural substance as opposed to man made memory foam. Consumers lie on top of Latex as opposed to being enveloped by memory foam. The Latex Supreme features an extra firm 13.5 gauge steel framed spring unit, with layers of generous upholstery topped off with Latex. A very attractive knitted fabric with a contemporary pattern provides the sleeping surface. The use of Latex in this mattress means that there is no need to turn but to rotate only to provide even wear on the fillings. The mattress border is micro quilted for extra edge support and features a complimentary platform top divan base. This model is available with and without storage.

For more information please contact your local representative or Dura Beds on 01924 422537.

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Memorize

For more information please contact your local representative or Dura Beds on 01924 422537. Panache

Latex Supreme

SMG News - Summer 2012.indd 55

smgnews 55 20/07/2012 16:25:43

Newsupdate

British Wool set for Harrogate The British Wool Marketing Board is pleased to be at Harrogate as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations.

“The Flooring Show is a great opportunity to meet a wide range of manufacturers and retailers” says new head of marketing Tony Oakland-Smith, “Even in these tough economic times there is still a great deal of interest in producing British wool products.” The Shepherd’s Crook mark is widely recognised as a sign of British quality and for those interested in using it the Board operates a licensing system. The Board will also present some new point of sale material on behalf of the Campaign for Wool and the Carpet

Foundation which is available to all retailers.

“The Campaign for Wool continues to go from strength to strength with continued support from the Board and HRH The Prince of Wales” says Ian Hartley, CEO of the Board and Executive Director of the Campaign for Wool. “The eye-catching point of sale material will attract attention and create a talking point in-store for consumers.” British Wool will be exhibiting on the British Pavilion stand B22a. For more information please e-mail the “The Flooring Show is a great pressofﬁce@britishwool.org.uk at the opportunity to meet a wide range British Wool Marketing Board.

of manufacturers and retailers”

New from Origin Red...

YORK Origin Red are having great success with their recently launched York dining range in natural and natural and ivory finish. Made from Rubber wood, this quality compact dining table and chairs is extremely hardwearing. For more information please contact Origin Red on 01555 665959.

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20/07/2012 16:25:53

SMG News - Summer 2012.indd 57

20/07/2012 16:25:57

member focus

Dawn Bourne pictured outside their current premises, where they have been since 1997.

SMG Member Focus... Bourne Carpets & Curtains Recently SMG visited Bourne Carpets and Curtains to learn more about their business. Many Members attended the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show in May and all of them placed their name in the draw for the chance to win their annual membership. It was great to see long-standing and supportive Member Bourne Carpets and Curtains’ name being drawn out of the pot “I couldn’t believe I had won the annual membership” said Dawn “I thought the show was brilliant and winning the draw was the cherry on the cake”. After breaking the good news to Dawn, who founded the business along with her husband Sid over 30 years ago, we thought it would be great to learn more about their business and hear her perspective on the current trading environment. When Sid left school he worked as an apprentice in a local carpet store based in Birmingham city centre, after completing his apprenticeship he moved on to work for Allied Carpets and developed a great deal of knowledge and experience. In 1981 Sid became confident that he could establish himself as a successful independent carpet retailer offering quality carpets and expert fitting. Initially Dawn worked a few hours a day while Sid was measuring, however she enjoyed working in the shop and the rest as they say is history. Back in 1988, Sid won a series of National Awards culminating in ‘Flooring Installation UK - Outright Winner’. Following that he dedicated himself to training fitters and was elected President of the National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers. On entering the family run business, in Warley near Birmingham, you can instantly see that it trades to the highest standards, offering a wide selection of high quality British made carpets. They have been in their current premises since

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1997 after a compulsory purchase order on the previous location was issued. Bourne Carpets recognise that in this world of diverse choice not everyone wants carpet and therefore they have an excellent selection of wooden and laminate flooring and hundreds of cushioned vinyls. In addition to this they have a superb range of made to measure curtains and blinds with many being available within seven days. Not surprisingly their son Matthew entered the business as a school leaver in 1995. Trained by his father, he has also proved to be an excellent installer and has captained the British fitting team at the European Championships, held at Domotex, three times. He has recently established his own company ‘Floor Skills’ based nearby in its purpose built training academy. Matthew is completely dedicated to training through his own company and as such has less involvement with the store nowadays. What do you feel is the independent retailer’s strength? “I find one of the main benefits of my business is the individual attention I can give to my customers, they really appreciate it when I remember them. Most of my sales are repeat customers and this service is what they come back for. Independents have the flexibility and the willingness to put themselves out, to make sure the customer is happy - this is something that the multiples struggle to recreate. Another huge strength Bourne Carpets has is the control over the fitting, as all of our fitters are highly skilled and we do not employ contractors. Getting your flooring fitted correctly and to a high standard makes a huge difference.”

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Wool carpets and curtains are displayed on one side of the store and man made products on the other. “This makes it easy to point customers in the right direction and leave them to browse without crowding them and scaring them off” says Dawn.

SMG has a strong policy of supporting British Manufacturers, is this something you support? “Deﬁnitely and luckily many of my customers do too! They actually ask ‘Is this British made?’, although I do feel this is due to the demographic of my customers - I don’t believe too many youngsters are concerned about British manufacturing. However I feel it is vital for the independent retailer that a strong manufacturing base in the UK is maintained.” What are the most common questions you have from customers? “Probably the most common questions is ‘Where is your wool carpet?’ Or as I mentioned before ‘Is this British made?’ I am very fortunate that my customers know what they want - a wool rich carpet preferably made in the UK.” What is the key market challenge today?

What has changed most during your time in the industry? “I have to say the internet. I have a website, not to sell online but to showcase more about the business as I think this is crucial. This is the main point of call for many customers now, it’s deﬁnitely not the Yellow Pages anymore! Another signiﬁcant change is the camaraderie within the industry, supplier functions are few and far between nowadays and that’s why I was pleased to attend the Buying Group show in Solihull recently. I must say I thought the show was brilliant, not only because I won my annual membership! The facilities and hospitality at Cranmore park are superb and the chance to see so many of my main suppliers was great - the date is already in my diary for next year. I think if more Members realised how worthwhile it is they would make the journey, I would encourage all Members to visit the show, they won’t regret it!”

“At the moment... Finding a customer! Currently trading is very difﬁcult, however I am conﬁdent that our product range of curtains, blinds and rugs has enabled us to appeal to several different types of customer. Also if I am going to have fewer customers I want to make sure that I can maximise the sale value with them.”

There is a dedicated area to blinds and rugs in the store.

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