Big Furniture Group Magazine November 2023 by bigfurnituregroup

Number 15, November 2023 www.bigfurnituregroup.com

www.kaymed.co.uk

INTERVIEW SPECIAL

Kaymed; Sweet Dreams; Sleep Geek Part 2; Bridgman; JFS

THE BIG INTERVIEW Nick Williams,

SHOW REVIEWS Bed Show;

Long Point; Autumn Furniture Show

RETAIL FOCUS Flooring Hut

Sales Manager at Sweet Dreams &

Scott Shields,

CEO at Get Laid Beds

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Editorial Dan Squires

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EDITOR´S NOTE

Managing Editor dan@bigfurnituregroup.com 07531 854718 | 01223 298489

Advertising Nick Mizin Sales Manager nick@bigfurnituregroup.com 0207 096 1010

Publisher Stephen Smith

Production Juan Morante GraphiC Design www.bigfurnituregroup.com

Issue No: 15 No part of this publication may be reproduced without the specific prior written consent of the publisher. Big Furniture Group Ltd accepts no responsibility for variations in colour reproduction and cannot be liable for the safe custody or return of any solicited or unsolicited material. We are committed

Welcome to November’s Big Furniture Group Magazine

Dan Squires

Managing Editor

”

This month features a recap of recent industry shows, including the NBF Bed Show, Autumn Furniture Show and Long Point, as well as a first teaser insight into the upcoming January Furniture Show.

Hot off the heels from last month’s sustainability focus, we swapped the office slippers for wellies and travelled to Yorkshire to visit Harrison Spinks’ farm and factory. In a two-part review of the trip, the first focusses on the farm and uncovers just why the bed and mattress maker are cut from a different cloth. In keeping with the eco theme, Sweet Dreams feature their Landmark range, which was unveiled at the Bed Show in September. Nick Williams, Sales Manager at the company, also takes the first of two Big Interview specials, where he talks about his day-to-day role, why he loves the bed industry, what he has high hopes for in terms of product innovation and why his office desk is his pride and joy. As for the second Big Interview, Scott Shields, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at luxury wooden bed makers Get Laid Beds, talks about the role he has held since June this year and why clutter-free is currently on-trend. Our Cover Star this month, Kaymed, explains all behind the warning about their latest product innovations, while DUXIANA detail the benefits of being an official brand partner. Shire Beds, GNG and Protect-A-Bed talk about their respective Bed Show success, while Birlea proudly announces a significant milestone in their journey of excellence, which includes a new brand logo and identity. Meanwhile, Gallery Direct focusses on furniture, Core Products shares why delivery is the key to customer satisfaction and Bridgman reflects on their anniversary year. We take a look inside Loaf’s new, and largest, store in Redbrick, gain an insight into the celebrations at La Residence Interiors, learn who is taking over at MyPad and introduce our new Letter from Vietnam column. As for the other regulars, our Retail Focus interview, Flooring Hut talks about Bitcoin integration, as well as future plans into own brand product development. In the next part of our ongoing sustainable series, we take a deeper look at upholstered furniture retailer DFS and home furnishings retailer Dunelm to see what they are doing in terms of sustainability. The edition also features an update from The Sleep Geek and Mattress Online, who have been busy developing a partnership to improve sleep and wellbeing. We caught up with both parties to find out more.

to producing a true, factual, fair and unbiased publication through the editorial content within and takes appropriate measures to do so. Big Furniture Group Ltd reserves the right to edit any content other than advertisements, with the

To wrap things up, our Big Question this month is focused on Black Friday, while Furniture Sales Solutions talks why attitude is the unsung superhero of sales attributes. The Bed Expert is back asking: What is your USP? And our Letter from China answers the question, should you deal directly with Chinese factories?

editor’s decision being final. All material submitted for inclusion in Big Furniture Group is done so entirely at the owner’s risk. Advertiser information is accepted in good faith and Big Furniture Group accepts no responsibility in in adverts appearing in the magazine, and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s views. Contributors are advised to keep copies of all material submitted.

That’s enough from me, so enjoy our latest magazine. Oh, and if you have any news you want to shout about or if you’re keen to get involved in our Retail Focus and Big Interview features, drop me an email on dan@bigfurnituregroup.com. We’d love to share your story.

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CONTENTS NEWS 06 / 14 16. Big on Social

FEATURES 18. The Big Interview with Nick Williams

54. The Big Interview 2 with Scott Shields

22. The Bed Show Review

58. Autumn Furniture Show in Pictures

26. Warning – Will Cause Drowsiness

60. Long Point Review

28. Benefits of being a DUX partner

62. Delivery is the key to customer satisfaction

32. Landmark. Not Landfill

64. Birlea unveils rebranding with new identity

34. Proud GNG reflects on Bed Show success 36. Farming a sustainable future 40. Shire’s Bed Show Success 42. Sleep Geek Part 2: Connecting products to problems 44. Platinum Club success at Bed Show

BIG INTERVIEW NICK WILLIAMS Sales Manager at bed manufacturer Sweet Dreams, talks about his day-to-day role, why he loves the bed industry, what he has high hopes for in terms of product innovation and why his office desk is his pride and joy.

68. Registration opens for JFS 2024 72. Inside Loaf’s new and largest store 74. Green Retail 76. Bridgman continues the party 78. 10 years and counting

46. Retail Focus with Flooring Hut

82. Letter from Vietnam

50. Gallery’s Furniture Focus

84. Letter from China

52. The Bed Expert

85. The Big Question: Black Friday? 86. New Products

WARNING – WILL CAUSE DROWSINESS With a new and exciting collection of new products for 2024, Kaymed were keen to warn customers that their products should be sold responsibly, due to their “addictive” properties.

BENEFITS OF BEING A DUX PARTNER DUXIANA talks about the benefits of being a partner, from whether you’re a retailer or hotelier, to even a professional athlete.

88. Keeping it in the family 90. Last Word with Furniture Sales Solutions

ON THE COVER Kaymed Warning: Will Cause Drowsiness www.kaymed.co.uk

FARMING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Luxury bed-maker Harrison Spinks opens the farm for Big Furniture Group to wellie up and find out just why they are cut from a different cloth.

NEWS Bed maker presented with King’s Award

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are especially important to us as a British business – we are a company that champions homemade and homegrown materials and supports other manufacturing businesses both in the UK and overseas – they are a reflection of the hard work the team has delivered, ensuring we are constantly championing innovation and high-quality design while keeping the planet in mind.”

Furniture business teams up with college

Fifth-generation family bedmaker, Harrison Spinks, has welcomed the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mr Ed Anderson, to its Leeds headquarters to formally receive its two prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation and International Trade. The King’s representative visited the 183-year-old bed manufacturer’s Innovation Centre in Leeds to present its two King’s Awards to the company, which is headed by Group Chairman, Simon Spinks. The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, is the highest official UK award for British businesses – Harrison Spinks’ latest two awards add to the five it has previously received. The King’s Award for Innovation was granted in recognition of the company’s significant work as an industry leader in innovation and design, including its design and manufacture of revolutionary glue-less fine-wire pocket springs. Harrison Spinks also secured the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade thanks to its continued focus on manufacturing premium, responsibly sourced, handmade beds and spring components in international markets. Simon Spinks, Group Chairman for Harrison Spinks, said: “These awards

has just been installed to help train the budding furniture makers. It is hoped that the course will not only equip apprentices with specialist skills, but with a wide range of skills needed to work in a number of roles within the sector. Steve Plumstead, Head of Faculty for Construction at Kirklees College said: “It has been a pleasure working with HSL to develop the Furniture Making apprenticeship. We hope to generate a lot of interest in the apprenticeship and help kick-start many careers in this thriving local industry.” Steve Radley, HR Business Partner at HSL Furniture has also played a pivotal role in getting the apprenticeship up and running. He added: “HSL are delighted to be enrolling our 2023 intake of apprentices onto courses provided by Kirklees College. It is great there is now a local provider to meet the training requirements for our furniture manufacturing business.”

Yorkshire-based furniture maker and retailer, HSL, has teamed up with Kirklees College to form a brand new apprenticeship scheme. Over the last couple of years, Kirklees College has been working closely with a range of employers in Dewsbury to identify local skills gaps in the furniture manufacturing sector. The result of this consultation project is the college’s new Level 2 Furniture Making apprenticeship with HSL (High Seat Ltd) and the first intake of apprentices are starting this October. The apprenticeship offers two pathways, working towards qualifying as a wood machinist, or modern upholsterer. Both pathways will develop apprentices’ understanding of the furniture manufacturing process and where they fit into it, from selecting the right materials and hand-crafting pieces, through to meeting customer expectations and quality standards. The apprentices will study at Kirklees College’s Brunel Construction Centre during their college hours, where a brand-new specialist CNC machine

Independent retailer to invest £500k in distribution centre Norfolk furniture and home furnishings retailer Aldiss has confirmed plans to invest in its Fakenham distribution centre. The business is pumping in around £500,000 of investment to improve the facilities and efficiencies of its warehouse and distribution operation, which services the company’s two retail stores in Norwich and Fakenham. As part of the project, phase one will see part of the warehouse demolished, while recladding and roofing will feature in phase two. There will also be a new purpose-built warehouse unit constructed to replace shipping containers currently used for storage. The work is being implemented over a 12-month period to minimise any potential disruption and to allow the business to continue to receive and distribute goods. Aldiss said that the investment will bolster both its online and instore growth once complete.

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David Baldry, Group Managing Director, commented: “The Bed Show is always a fantastic industry event, we enjoyed kickstarting our celebrations for 120 years of British bedmaking with our customers. It was great seeing so many people enjoy the new collections and of course ‘The Most Comfortable HelterSkelter’ – our play on circularity and a nod to our British heritage.

Hypnos launches Legacy Collection and new collaboration with Eden Project ahead of 120th anniversary Soon to be 120 years old, Hypnos made its mark at the recent Bed Show, where it kickstarted celebrations for a wealth of key milestones, including the launch of two luxury collections and a new inspiring website with an engaging bed configurator. The British bedmaker has a legacy of creating supremely comfortable beds for the wellbeing of both people and the planet, and in 2024, will celebrate 95 years as a Royal Warrant holder, 13 years of carbon neutrality, and 5 years working with the Eden Project. The new Legacy mattress collection is a testament to Hypnos’ bedmaking excellence, combining expert craftmanship and ethical materials with unparalleled comfort and style. With six different models and two tensions available, retailers can offer a unique sleep experience. Featuring British-farmed RWS wool, each hand side-stitched mattress comes with a soft viscose sleep surface, giving it a beautiful sheen and domed appearance. The most premium Legacy models feature the new 10-turn ReActivePro Duo™ pocket spring system, which provides graduated foundational support for a responsive feel together with a deeper border and plumper mattress.

“Our mission to inspire everyone to sleep more sustainably and comfortably runs through everything we do. In collaboration with the Eden Project, we have created a one-of-a-kind collection, appealing to consumers who are keenly attuned to both luxury and comfort together with sustainability.”

Our mission to inspire everyone to sleep more sustainably and comfortably runs through everything we do.

Demonstrating its bespoke upholstery skills, Hypnos also showcased five new headboard designs and fabric selections, including fabrics from Zoffany, Harlequin, and Linwood. Hypnos were proud to launch their new Eden Project Collection created in collaboration with the Eden Project. This exclusive collection features up to 13 plant-based materials, including banana, orange and pineapple fibres, and a seaweed-infused viscose sleep surface. Hypnos is one of only seven brands to work with the Eden Project, a unique partnership which champions community support, education on sustainable living, and has influenced product design. Concept bed ‘Project Zero 2023’ focused on ‘Zero Waste’ and promoting resource efficiency - designed for longevity, comfort, and circularity, featuring materials that can be replaced, repaired, and recycled, with elements returned to the original manufacturer for repurposing.

www.hypnosbeds.com/uk

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8 NEWS

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“It was fascinating to learn about the background of how beds and mattresses were made, and it was like a new inside view of the whole process, which I thoroughly enjoyed.” Flora, 17, added: “The experience itself was unique and not something that you get to see every day. I was very inquisitive to see how the manufacturing process works and it was fun to try equipment and machinery for each process of how a bed is made. It is evident that the staff they have at Kelcol are highly skilled.”

Furniture product safety issues rise The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has revealed that furniture safety issues increased from 2021 to 2023 by almost double.

Bed maker shares Manufacturing Day success West Yorkshire-based bed manufacturer Kelcol Bed Company Ltd recently opened its doors to students on Manufacturing Day to share an insight into its production processes. Manufacturing Day took place on 6 October 2023 and Kelcol took the opportunity to invite a number of college students to its facility in Mirfield where they got to learn about bed manufacture from concept to the finished product. Amy Wheeler, Managing Director at Kelcol, said: “We opened our doors of the factory for Manufacturing Day to a group of college students to showcase the manufacturing processes from start to finish, to show the reality and future of modern manufacturing.” The day was a big success for Kelcol, with the visiting students expressing how much they enjoyed the opportunity. Patrick, aged 16, said:

Detailed in its annual reports for its Product Safety Database (PSD) for 2021-22 and 2022-23, total furniture product safety issues stood at a combined number of 98 cases. For the period of 2021-22, furniture product safety cases stood at 38, representing 0.9% of total cases. As for 2022-23, furniture product safety cases resulted at 60, representing 1.9% of total cases, while also indicating an increase of 57.8% in the number of furniture safety issues over a comparable period.

Sofas and sofa beds perform well at Dunelm Home furnishings and homewares retailer Dunelm has reported strong sales growth with margin improvement during the first quarter. According to its latest trading update for the 13-week period ended 30 September 2023, total sales rose 9% to £390m, driven by volume, while digital sales represented 35% of revenues. “Growth was broad based across our categories with our new autumn/winter ranges, including new collaborations with Disney and the Natural History Museum, resonating well by offering colour and personality to help customers find joy as they enhance their homes,” Dunelm said. “Our upholstery ranges also performed strongly, with good growth in sofas and sofa beds, where we have added new shapes and colours to our best selling ranges.” Dunelm added that it benefited from a net tailwind from freight and foreign exchange rates. “We delivered growth in sales volume while improving gross margin by 120bps, consistent with our full year guidance for gross margin to increase by c.100bps year-on-year.”

The report highlighted several hazard types, although not stated for each category, the hazard types that are most likely to be attributed to furniture cases would be fire, entrapment and injuries.

The company said that it continued to “strengthen” its customer offer, with five-day lead times on most of its upholstery ranges, improving availability in categories such as cabinet furniture and introducing conscious choice options into its Christmas baubles ranges. The retailer also introduced new lines, such as live plants and personalised products.

For the period of 2021-22, fire hazard cases totalled 156, representing 9.8% of cases, while entrapment stood at 16, (1%), and injuries at 238 (14.9%). As for 202223, fires resulted at 133, representing 9%, while entrapment stood at 27 (1.8%), and injuries at 173 (11.6%).

Dunelm opened one new store during the quarter and a further three stores are expected to open before the end of Q2. “We are on track to achieve our full year target of five to 10 new store openings (including relocations),” the retailer said.

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Joanna Mounty, group visual merchandiser for Leekes, added: “We’ve made great progress in store so far and it’s really starting to take shape. There are more furniture studios still to be introduced including Celebrity, G Plan Upholstery and Italia Living along with new lightboxes that feature some local landmarks, further establishing our love for the Carmarthenshire area.”

Leekes shares update on Cross Hands revamp

Furniture business fined after health and safety breach

Family-owned retailer Leekes has revealed the progress of its Cross Hands store that is currently undergoing a major refurbishment. The overhaul includes a brandnew shopping experience, with new furniture studios from brands like Alexander & James, ercol, and Stressless. The grand relaunch is scheduled for the end of November 2023. “The heart of this refurbishment lies in the creation of cutting-edge furniture studios,” Leekes said. “Alexander & James, ercol, and Stressless are known for their quality craftsmanship and stunning designs, and now, Leekes Cross Hands is set to showcase their collections in dedicated spaces that allow customers to explore the brands’ offerings in detail. The Leekes Cross Hands store refurbishment goes beyond just showcasing furniture; it aims to provide an improved shopping experience.” Leekes is investing in new flooring, room sets to create a ‘lifestyle feel’ to help customers visualise how different pieces of furniture can fit into their own living spaces, as well as a new interior design studio offering bespoke services.

Improvement Notices had been served in relation to the control of wood dust at previous inspections. Wood dust is a hazardous substance and exposure can lead to workers suffering from respiratory diseases such as asthma and sino-nasal cancer. Chris Buckley pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 7(1) and 9(2) of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. He was fined £1,354 and ordered to pay costs of £3,578 at Boston Magistrates’ Court on 9 October 2023. HSE inspector Muir Finlay said: “Chris Buckley could have ensured that his Local Exhaust Ventilation systems were thoroughly examined and tested to ensure that they were working to protect the health of employees. A suitable and sufficient cleaning regime could have been implemented to further reduce the build-up of dust.”

A Lincolnshire-based sole trader has been fined after his employees were exposed to a hazardous substance. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Chris Buckley, trading as The Furniture Chest, after the workplace regulator inspected the firm’s site on Station Road, Heckington, Lincolnshire, on 7 April 2022. HSE inspectors found a significant build-up of wood dust and that Local Exhaust Ventilation systems, provided to capture wood dust and protect employees, had not been thoroughly examined and tested. A subsequent HSE investigation found Chris Buckley had failed to prevent or adequately control employees’ exposure to wood dust and had failed to ensure that Local Exhaust Ventilation systems had been thoroughly examined and tested.

Irish Furniture & Homewares Show set for August return Organisers of the Irish Furniture & Homewares Show has confirmed the dates for the 2024 event. Taking place from 25-27 August 2024 at the National Indoor Arena in Blanchardstown, Dublin, the show has moved back to its original August dates. “From past experience and performance, as well as feedback from both exhibitors and attendees, these August date will complement the industry buying cycle better, in the lead up to Q4,” the organisers said. “This later date will also have a positive effect on footfall as attendees gear up for increased traffic in their retail businesses.”

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12 NEWS Adjustable bed business launches enhanced delivery service

British adjustable bed frames and mattresses manufacturer Adjust-A-Bed has announced the launch of its new express delivery service. Attending the recent Autumn Furniture Show for the first time, Adjust-A-Bed used the platform to launch its new Express DHD service, offering a prompt and professional white glove delivery service, along with new products. The company also launched its new adjustable bed-frames, standard bed frames and ottomans, alongside showcasing its current adjustable bed collection.

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its new state of the art showroom in Whitstable.

brand Calligaris before running an independent furniture agency.

As Emma’s first ever shop-in-shop, customers will be able to browse and experience the entire range of Emma’s sleep products, from mattresses to pillows and bedding accessories. This unique and exciting concept marks a milestone partnership between MattressNextDay and Emma, bringing together two sleep industry brands under one roof.

In his new role, Tristan will be responsible for a team of 15 personnel at La-Z-Boy UK, headquartered in Maidenhead, and in the commercial team at La-Z-Boy Manufacturing UK, based in Colne.

“We are thrilled to be housing Emma’s first ever shop-in-shop at our new purpose-built showroom,” said Martin Seeley, CEO of MattressNextDay. “Emma products have always been very popular on our website and this new shop-in-shop will give customers an opportunity to experience the benefits of Emma sleep products in a new and original way.”

La-Z-Boy UK appoints new managing director

Commenting on the launch of its new delivery service, Ehtesham Nasir, Managing Director, said: “Our new delivery offer is superior in the marketplace and we think we can provide the fastest delivery in the industry. “Adjust-A-Bed continues to grow its market share within the independent retail market thanks in part to the simplicity and reliability of our offer. The recent show was a great experience for us and we enjoyed a very successful event.”

MattressNextDay opens first Emma shop-in-shop Mattress and bed retailer MattressNextDay has announced the opening of an Emma shop-in-shop within

Tristan said: “We have a great team at La-Z-Boy UK, we sell excellent products and give a great service. I am looking forward to building on this strong foundation and putting the processes in place to develop further, in line with our strategic objectives as a global organisation as we work towards our 100th anniversary in 2027.” Vice president of La-Z-Boy International, Mark Draper, commented: “Tristan is a huge asset to the company and I am delighted to see how business will develop with him at the helm. He is already well known to our independent customers and will be meeting with other key stakeholders in the coming weeks. “This is an exciting time for the organisation worldwide as we launch our new brand platform and plan for our centenary year. Tristan will play a central part in ensuring the UK leads by example in showcasing our brand and product strengths.”

Family furniture business expands with sixth store Family run independent furniture and flooring retailer Martins has opened a new store in Watford. Upholstery manufacturer La-Z-Boy UK has announced its former sales director, Tristan Pyke, has been promoted to the role of managing director. Tristan has worked with the company for four years, joining as head of sales and more recently becoming sales director for independents in 2021. Prior to joining La-Z-Boy he worked as sales manager of Italian furniture

Martins Furniture & Flooring, which also trades from its St Albans Road store in the town, has opened a new shop on Queens Road, taking over the former Chamber Hut unit. The new store adds to its other shops, with two being located in Letchworth and one in Hereford and another in Stevenage, bringing its portfolio to six locations.

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14 MattressTek appoints Sewing Machine Engineer

Machinery manufacturer MattressTek has announced the appointment of Scott Jarvis as its new Sewing Machine Engineer, which follows on from their recent growth and expansion. Scott Jarvis has a wealth of experience spanning multiple decades having previously been at The Vita Group and Silentnight. His role sees him spend 3-4 days per week around Dewbury, as well as meeting customers and maintaining relationships and machines, including warranty checks.

Independent shop up for sale

Independent home furnishings and appliances business Barnetts has closed following the death of its owner. The business, which was based on Wellington Road in Rhyl, had been trading for almost 70 years but current owner Simon Cabb sadly passed away in September, leaving the future of the company uncertain. His sister, Nicky Tunnicliff decided not to keep the store open and listed it for sale with a guide price of £50,000 to £70,000 being set on Rightmove.

Sales continue to grow at Sleepeezee

Bed and mattress manufacturer Sleepeezee has reported a growth in turnover as sales climbed towards £40m. According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022, total sales rose 14.3% to £39m from £34.1m in 2021. UK sales rose 14.9% to £36.8m from £32m. Pretax profit resulted at £404,000, up from £354,000 recorded in the previous year.

Snug opens new London Westfield store

Sofa in a box brand Snug has announced the opening of its new store in London Westfield. The new 3,034sq ft space, which is located in between Heal’s and Raft Furniture, features its best-selling snugglers, 2 and 3 seaters, chaise sofas and sofa beds. To celebrate the launch, the brand has featured a range of in-store activations to immerse customers into the world of Snug.

BigBites Wayfair grows UK sales past £80m

The UK division of online furniture retailer Wayfair has reported another growth in sales and profit. According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022, total sales rose 48% to £83.4m from £56.5m in 2021, adding to its growth of 14% from £49.7m in 2020. Pre-tax profit resulted at £2.7m, up 94% from £1.4m recorded the previous year.

Arteriors relocates its European flagship showroom Luxury US interiors brand Arteriors has moved into a larger showroom within the Design Centre in London’s Chelsea Harbour. A specialist amongst interior designers globally for both residential and commercial specifications, clientele will find the new space within the same centre, opening on the 2nd floor of Design Centre East within unit 206. The new 2,000sqft showroom is 50% larger than the previous space.

MADE nears concession launch Furniture brand MADE is set to open a concession at the Next retail store in Sheffield’s Meadowhall shopping centre. Expected to open in December, the new concession is part of wider plans to enhance MADE’s presence both instore and online. It is understood that MADE plans to keep its brand identity separate from parent company Next and has outlined potential expansion routes that include partnerships, an external store and launching back into Europe next year.

ScS agrees to cash offer Upholstered furniture retailer ScS Group PLC has agreed a £99.4m bid approach from Italian furniture retailer Poltronesofà SpA. The offer values each ScS share at 280p, consisting of 270p per share cash and a 10p final dividend. Alan Smith, non-executive chair of ScS, said: “This cash offer, which the ScS board unanimously recommends, comes at an attractive valuation.”

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New carpet shop plans given green light Garden centre Notcutts has confirmed that its plans to expand its services into carpets and flooring have been given the green light. The Norwich-based business recently submitted a planning application to Norwich City Council to change the use of a building it owns from upholstery services to a new carpet and flooring retail shop.

Double agent appointment Beds and mattresses manufacturer Sweet Dreams has announced the double appointment of Nadine Shadwell and Jez Spear as its new agents. Nadine joins as its agent for the West Midlands region and brings a wealth of knowledge on both sides of the furniture industry fence and an amazing can-do attitude. Jez Spear has been appointed as its new South East Agent, who also has a wealth of experience in the industry.

Bespoke furniture supplier completes MBO Cheshire-based business Bluebell Fitted Furniture has completed a management buyout as it looks to move to its next phase of growth. The firm has been acquired by James Ordsmith and Stephen Capel. Continuing on at the business as non-executive directors, founders Alison and Mike Reuben will maintain an active role in overseeing the day-to-day running of the business.

Family business celebrates 75 years Independent family furniture and carpet retailer V R Flowers & Son is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Based in Seaford, East Sussex, the retailer recently held an anniversary celebration at its store on Station Approach that featured refreshments and live music. “This milestone is a testament to our commitment to providing top-notch products and exceptional customer service,” the company said.

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BIG ON SOCIAL

A look at what’s been going on over social media channels. Share your news with us and email

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dan@bigfurnituregroup.com

November

Sterling Home

Pooky Light

That’s a wrap on this year’s Decorex! We’ve had an incredible (and busy!) 4 days meeting lots of lovely customers some that have been with us since the beginning and others that discovered Pooky at the show. Thank you so much to everyone who made the time to come and see us. We hope you loved our showcase of all things Pooky and we hope to catch up with you all soon! ---

Christmas has officially arrived at Sterling Home! Our stores have been transformed into festive wonderlands by our talented teams, and this year, our selection of Christmas gifts, home decor, tableware and trees is more extensive, with a great selection allocated to each of our stores. Tillicoultry, our flagship store, still houses the biggest Christmas department, with the garden centre at the back of the store fully decked out. ---

Fishpools Mattressman

Roaring with excitement to announce our sponsorship of the Thorpe St Andrew FC Under 13 Lions. At Mattressman, we’re all about supporting our local community, just like the Lions support each other on the field. ---

Last month’s Charity Quiz Night was a huge success! Fishpools staff came together for a fun-filled evening raising money for Isabel Hospice and Teens Unite Fighting Cancer. It was heartwarming to see everyone having a great time while supporting such important causes. We raised over £450 in total. ---

Celebrity Motion Furniture

Congratulations Mark for 40 years of service at Celebrity. Thank you for all your loyalty and hard work over the years. What an incredible achievement! Enjoy your well-deserved holiday, from all the Celebrity team. ---

Barker and Stonehouse

We were delighted to be asked to sponsor the Under 9s Teesside Juniors football team by our Web Sales Advisor, Louise. We think you’ll agree the team look very smart in their new Barker and Stonehouse kit! ---

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18 FEATURES

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BIG INTER VIEW WITH

NICK WILLIAMS Nick Williams, Sales Manager at bed manufacturer Sweet Dreams, talks about his day-to-day role, why he loves the bed industry, what he has high hopes for in terms of product innovation and why his office desk is his pride and joy.

Let’s start with you. Can you share a bit about yourself and your background? Been in the industry for over 20 years originally working with American flatpack office furniture manufacturers and importing some of the first home office desking to be sold via a home delivery service. a bit of a pioneer in some ways! I have had various roles in the industry from key management roles, consultancy and agency positions. Prior to the furniture industry I worked in accountancy software. my career started as a trainee manager for Sainsburys in London!

What is your current job role and key responsibilities? I am the national sales manager for Sweet Dreams, responsible for 10 agents covering the whole of the UK & Irelands trade accounts. this involves helping them achieve sales targets and business development. I also manage several national key accounts and am responsible for achieving sales targets, product development, key account management. I joined Sweet Dreams in June 2013. With my marketing hat on, I am a member of the NBF marketing committee which I find rewarding and

interesting having a pulse on the bed industry.

What do you love about your job? Quite simply, it’s the people. the bed industry is all about relationships with your customers, your peers, your agents and yes even your competitors!

What time is your alarm clock set for? I’m coming on 63 now and have not had to set an alarm for over 10 years ! Naturally an early bird i like to clear my email in box (bordering on obsessive) before the start of play which gives me wiggle room to react to the coming day’s events.

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Why did you choose to work in the furnishing industry? Like a lot of people, I fell into the industry after commissioning accountancy systems into a large US manufacturer here in the UK. I helped them out with a sales role for Europe, did ok and the rest is history!

Who do you most admire in the industry and why? I can honestly say it would be the CEO of my company, Riaz Ahmed of Sweet Dreams. His integrity, humility and empathy shine brightly in a very vibrant and competitive marketplace. He always says we must do the right thing.

Have there been any special moments during your career? That’s a tricky one as there have been many and not all business related! I would say the best was having lunch in Gum in Red Square with one my Russian distributors of office furniture- amazing! Also being at ground zero in the October after 9-11. Recently it would be taking up my roles with Sweet Dreams in 2013.

What is your favourite item of furniture you own and why? It would be my 15 foot home office desk! Gives me room to spread out!

What do you think is trending within the industry at present? Clearly the sustainable eco-recycle message is becoming more and more mainstream, all the known brands are working to add this to their ranges. This year we are introducing Landmark, our own sustainable range, which was officially launched at the recent Bed Show in September. We have high hopes for this.

What would you change in the industry?

Not a huge amount to be honest, although I think, as an industry, we could look to ensure there are less “rogue traders”.

Can you share an insight into your future plans? I’m not ready to retire yet! I’m enjoying my role at Sweet Dreams, its challenging and exciting. Much better than gardening or walking the dog!

What do you enjoy most outside of work / free time? For my sins I’m a Wolves season ticket holder so you will see me at Molyneux on a regular basis, I play cricket for Worcestershire over 60’s and I am also chairman of my cricket club.

What might someone not know about you? We own a campervan and we love scooting off some weekends.

If you had a different career, what would it be? I always wanted to be an MP. Seriously!

Finally, if you were an item of furniture, what would it be and why? I would be a Chesterfield arm chair, classic looks, traditional and built to last.

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FUN QS:

If you could hack into any one computer, whose computer would you choose and why? It would have to Boris Johnson – would be the best book ever written.

What fact amazes you every time you think of it? The capability of kindness and forgiveness of the human race.

What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? Bid and won two VIP tickets for over £1000 for Ed Sheeran at Wembley. I don’t like him!

What is the most important object you own and why? My sanity in an increasingly difficult and troubled world.

What did you think was cool when you were young but isn’t cool now?

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The sustainable eco-recycle message is becoming more and more mainstream, all the known brands are working to add this to their ranges. This year we are introducing Landmark.

Crisps- they were a luxury item back in the day but now they’re a no, no!

www.sweetdreamsuk.com

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Best of the Beds 2023 A recap of the recent National Bed Federation (NBF) Bed Show.

The Telford International Centre welcomed back the beds industry for two days of showcasing the latest product innovations, networking and of course to find out who would be crowned as champions in the Bed Industry Awards 2023. Starting with the show itself, the event, which is now in its 13th year took place from 26-27 September, maintained its buzz from the previous year, with high visitor numbers and a general sense of optimism flowing around the stands. There was much focus on sustainability with many suppliers endorsing their own sustainable messages through product and company developments. For Sweet Dreams, this message was evident. “Our focus for this years Bed Show was to promote our new Eco-Friendly Landmark bed range,” said Nick Williams, Sales Manager at Sweet Dreams. “We were really pleased with the results and the concept and bed quality were well received by our visitors.” Nick Booth, Managing Director at Harrison Spinks, echoed this: “We were delighted to have been part of another great Bed Show this year, which resulted in some fantastic conversations and connections with both new and existing customers. All featured products - Harrison Spinks, Somnus and Adam Henson - were very well received; and a real highlight for us was being able to tell our homegrown and handcrafted vertical manufacture story through our new ‘Cut From A Different Cloth’ branding and featured concept bed, which resonated brilliantly with visitors.” Sealy were also thrilled to have been in attendance, displaying their latest innovations, including the launch of the new top-ofthe-range Exquisite collection. Mark Tuley commented: “There was a real buzz in the air when we spoke to retailers about the new Exquisite collection, and to top it off the collection came highly commended by the NBF judges. Sealy was also

a finalist in The Manufacturer of the Year Award, but the real star of the show was our very own Justin Reid, Area Sales Manager. Justin walked away with Sales Rep of the Year - and what a worthy winner! Justin always goes the extra mile to support his customers, and it is fantastic that his hard work and determination has been recognised in this way.” Justin added: “It’s a real honour to be named as Sales Rep of the Year. It’s such a prestigious accolade and I feel incredibly humbled to be crowned the winner. It wouldn’t have been possible without the trust and support of our retailer partners and the incredible Sealy team – both of which I can’t thank enough.” Meanwhile, Richard Gretton, commercial director at GNG Group, praised the event: “It was another phenomenal show - as an exhibitor, we found the organisation impeccable, and the enthusiasm of the attendees created the perfect platform to showcase our innovative Komfi and Sonlevo brands. The response from visitors was overwhelming with many impressed by our unique concepts. Engaging with potential clients and industry peers allowed us to forge valuable connections, leading to promising business prospects. The show was a great opportunity to boost sales and raise brand awareness with its vibrant atmosphere again fuelling our passion and commitment to delivering exceptional products. “We were incredibly proud to round off such a great show with our new KomfiMed range being awarded a place as a finalist in the Product of the Year Category. Its benefits have been recognised by customers old and new with significant orders taken, and products are already being delivered due to our exceptional manufacturing process and lead times.” Terry Bridger, UK Sales Manager at bed innovator and manufacturer Kaymed, shared his thoughts: “The Bed Show was a great opportunity to showcase our new and exciting

23 collection of products for 2024, while we were also keen to warn customers that our products should be sold responsibly, due to their ‘addictive’ nature. Anyone visiting our stand would have struggled to miss the humorous warnings regarding the benefits of sleeping on our products. It was well received and good fun.” Paul Beckett, founder of Bye Bye Beds and creator of Reborn, said: “The show was amazing for us; constantly busy and we came away wowed by the acceptance and agreement that our business model was in fact the only viable and scalable solution to fix both the landfill and industry issues.” Simon Hewitt, Managing Director of Wiemann’s sole agents for the UK and Ireland, Litmus Furniture, said: “We have enjoyed re-engaging with customers after the summer break. Denver is continuing to be a popular choice and Wiemann is growing business, especially with independent retailers. To round things off, the NBF team expressed ‘a big thank you’ to everyone who participated while also a ‘special thank you’ to its official sponsors, who “without them, the Bed Show wouldn’t be the award-winning event it is today”. The NBF continued: “We’ve had very positive feedback from visitors and exhibitors about this year’s show, with some stating it was the best yet! The buzz in the halls was backed up by the numbers, too; visitor attendance increased by 20% compared to the previous year, marking the highest number of visitors since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Most of our exhibitors reported plenty of interest and buying, with sustainability firmly at the forefront of many new product offerings. Any retailers who didn’t come missed out on an ideal opportunity to get an invaluable overview of what’s happening in beds today, so make a date in your diaries for next year’s show: 24 – 25 September 2024. “The annual awards ceremony, hosted by comedian Maisie Adam, who charmed the audience with her sharp wit, was a resounding success. Newcomers to the awards scooped top accolades while previous winners continued their reign. We look forward to opening the doors to the bed trade once again in 2024!” And onto the awards, as Jim Gerety, NBF President, added: “The industry renowned NBF awards are a valued opportunity to recognise the standout companies and individuals in the UK and Irish bed sector. Congratulations to all the worthy winners and finalists and those who put themselves forward to be judged.”

The Winners Jay-Be scooped the trophy for Bed Manufacturer of the Year.

Jay-Be has seen its customer base expand greatly, alongside two Which? Best Buy accolades, while product development focuses on sustainability with the use of recycled materials and more recyclable designs. Judges were impressed by Jay-Be’s

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24 innovative approaches, such as the use of 3D printing and computer robots to produce exciting new concepts, efficiencies and improved customer service. Finalists were Harrison Spinks, Hypnos and Sealy UK. Component Supplier of the Year was awarded to The Vita Group. Taking responsibility is at the heart of The Vita Group’s approach and it is proud of its initiatives to measure and reduce its environmental impact – such as the Orbis range, using polyols from used foam; or its Lifecycle Analysis tool, measuring the environmental impact of its products. The finalists were John Cotton Nonwovens and Spinks.

Sleepeezee was awarded the Bed Product of the Year for

its Centurial 3 mattress, a celebratory launch ahead of the manufacturer’s 100-year birthday. The judges commended the mattress with it being glue free and 100% recyclable at the end of life. Additionally, with each sale, a donation will be made to a homeless charity. The judges highly commended Sealy UK’s Posturepedic Exquisite Indulgence Plush mattress. The finalists were Millbrook Beds for its Opulent Supreme 5000 range and Komfi for its KomfiMed range.

John Cotton Nonwovens took home this year’s Component

Product of the Year trophy for its new ECO₂Blend, a carbonnegative polyester binder fibre. Manufactured from recycled PET and biowaste gases, ECO₂Blend reduces its environmental impact by delivering a negative carbon output and a lowered carbon footprint and is 100% recyclable at the end of life. The judges highly commended The Vita Group’s Orbis™ flexible polyurethane (PU) foam. The finalists were BekaertDeslee for its recycled polyester from textile waste, Nestor Springs for its Harmony Technology, and Spinks for its Micro3D+™.

Justin Read from Sealy UK clinched the NBF Member Sales Agent/Rep of the Year Award, as already highlighted. Justin demonstrated outstanding sales performance over the last 12 months and is hugely respected by his customers and colleagues alike. The finalists were Jason Hillier from Komfi & Shire Beds and Robert Moore from Sleepeezee.

Dreams clinched National Bed Retailer of the Year for the

third year running, having recently celebrated nine years of consecutive profit growth. Judges recognised its passion for customer service and impressive ratings, and strong support of both NBF manufacturer and supplier members. Finalists were Bensons for Beds, DFS, and Furniture Village.

MattressNextDay was crowned Online Bed Retailer of the

Year for the first time. The retailer launched its new website in late 2022, with significant investments in photography, videography, an AI mattress finder tool and comprehensive blog. Eradicating plastic packaging and an impressive upturn in traffic, orders and average transaction value helped to secure the win. Mattress Online was a close runner up.

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What the winners said The Vita Group - “Winning the NBF Component Supplier of the Year award means a great deal to the business. This one celebrates us as a whole, rather than the success of individual teams. To know the work we are putting in as a company is being recognised in the industry makes it all worthwhile. The NBF show and awards are always a year highlight for us, as we know just what it means to the whole industry.” Sleepeezee - “We are thrilled to have achieved the product of the year award win for our new celebratory Centurial 03 mattress. This award is testament to the hard work all the team at Sleepeezee have played in designing and developing a fantastic-looking and high-quality handmade product. To be recognised for this award as we go into our 100-year centenary celebrations is something we are all so incredibly proud of.”

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“The buzz in the halls was backed up by the numbers, too; visitor attendance increased by 20% compared to the previous year.” - NBF Peter Betteridge – Your Bed Expert, a Premier Retail

Champion which stocks entirely NBF approved brands, won Small NBF Retail Champion of the Year. In the past year, the Southwest-based retailer saw a healthy increase in sales volume and an up-tick in margin. They completed a significant extension to one of their showrooms and increased presence of NBF-approved brands. The finalists were Dreamland Bedding, Linthorpe Beds and Now to Bed. Previous winner in the NBF Bed Awards, Sussex Beds, scooped the Large NBF Retail Champion of the Year award. Over the past year, Sussex Beds has achieved record net profit with two new store openings, as well as a full rebrand and new product training video programme for staff. The Bed Post was named as runner up.

Prestige Beds’ online video ad was crowned Ad of the Year.

The Lancashire-based retailer created an engaging video ad, impressing judges by producing it entirely in-house to showcase their wide product offer, excellent service and 60-year family heritage. It delivered an impressive and measurable increase in store traffic and sales. The finalists were MattressMan and Mattress Online. The awards ceremony closed with a special Lifetime Achievement Award for Jessica Alexander, who was executive director of the NBF for 17 years, before stepping down in spring 2023 for Tristine Hargreaves to take the helm.

JAY-BE - “I’d like to thank the National Bed Federation for presenting Jay-Be with the ‘Bed Manufacturer of the Year Award.’ We have a fantastic team culture that continually drives innovation across our entire business – be it in our products, services, and manufacturing processes – to help create a more sustainable and healthier future. This award recognises our team’s continued dedication, and we thank you for this wonderful recognition!” Sussex Beds - “Winning the Large NBF Retail Champion of the Year Award is not just an accolade; it’s a testament to our collective dedication and unwavering commitment. It’s a reminder that together, as a team, we can achieve remarkable heights. This recognition fuels our passion to continue delivering excellence, and we are truly humbled and honoured by this achievement.” Prestige Beds - “We at Prestige Beds are honoured to have been awarded Ad of the Year by the National Bed Federation. We are thrilled that the ad resonated so strongly with customers and drove great results for our stores. This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire organisation, and we thank NBF for recognising our efforts to deliver the very best to our valued customers.” MattressNextDay - “Every single member of the MattressNextDay team is over the moon at this recognition of our hard work and dedication. Winning Online Bed Retailer of the Year wouldn’t be possible without the drive and effort of our entire team, of whom I am immensely proud. Peter Betteridge - “We’re absolutely thrilled to have won this prestigious award, which recognises all the efforts and diligence of our team to excel in their knowledge, service and positive attitude. We’re really proud of all of them and would also like to thank our customers for all their loyalty and repeat customers for over five decades. It means a lot to be recognised by NBF, our peers and the industry we are so proud to be a part of.”

www.bedshow.co.uk

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Warning – Will Cause Drowsiness Big Furniture Group were delighted to see that Kaymed’s “Best Supplier” trophy took pride of place when we visited their very busy stand at the recent NBF Bed Show.

With a new and exciting collection of new products for 2024, Kaymed were also keen to warn customers that their products should be sold responsibly, due to their “addictive” properties. Anyone visiting the Kaymed stand would have struggled to miss the humorous warnings regarding the benefits of sleeping on their products. The tongue in cheek highlights included the fact that Kaymed mattresses are highly addictive and that the recommended daily dose of 7-8 hours per day should not be exceeded. These “Warnings” will be a mainstay of the 2024 marketing campaign, appearing both instore and online on their website throughout the year. This completely different approach to marketing is as unique as the products offered by Kaymed, who relish in their role of being the foam industry’s primary innovator of new technologies.

Silver Collection Medallion 1800

The Kaymed difference Inferior memory and gel foam mattresses are unable to effectively remove the heat produced by your body away from the sleeping surface, because your body weight closes the cells of the foam and traps your body heat beneath you. Consequently, claims of relying on “open cell” technology to dissipate this heat do not bear up to scrutiny, because it is effectively “no cell” technology when the mattress is in use. Kaymed are the only manufacturer of higher end mattress in the British Isles who own a foam making facility. They have access to a myriad of exclusive patents and technologies that allow them to solve this age-old problem via the use of super heat conductors infused into foam to disperse heat away, or infusing foam with phase change crystals to both store and release heat to preset levels.

Silver Collection Kaymed Silver mattresses are infused with highly conductive silver microbeads to disperse away from your body, helping to keep the mattress surface cooler. The material also delivers sublime levels of comfort and support, to help you sleep deeply and soundly all night long.

Therma-phase Ultra Collection – Superfast Climate control Therma-phase Ultra is a unique pressure relieving material infused with patented phase change crystals and hyper conductive copper and precious metal microbeads. The phase change crystals work by constantly absorbing and

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releasing body heat to maintain the ideal sleep surface temperature. The infusion of copper and precious metal microbeads work as a super-fast heat conductor, quickly moving heat to and from the surface as required. Therma-phase Ultra Paradise 2000

Regulatex Regulatex mattresses contain a natural latex layer with highly conductive graphite, which acts as a thermal pathway to distribute excess heat away from the sleeping surface. The combination of latex and pocket springs responds instantly to every micro movement as you sleep, producing the optimum in both pressure relief and comfort.

Regulatex Bali 3500

K3 Gel The cubed construction delivers instant pressure relief and restoration, moulding to your body in all three dimensions. K3Gel’s design enhances air circulation, regulating your body temperature for unsurpassed sleeping comfort.

Mighty Bed The Mighty Bed was inspired by Kaymed’s decades of expertise in developing mattresses for luxury hotels. These models offer a firmer feel and are built to last, using reinforced pocket sprung mattresses complemented by bases designed to survive the rigours of hotel life.

K3 Gel Sublime 2200

To enquire about Kaymed products please contact Terry Bridger – e mail terry.bridger@kaymedworld.com or 07825 667464. www.kaymedworld.com Mighty Bed Wicklow

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Benefits of being a DUX partner Kevin Slade, Head of Next Gen at DUXIANA, talks about the benefits of being a DUX partner, from whether you’re a retailer or hotelier, to even a professional athlete. “The partnership is working really well,” said Kevin. “The products have been really well received as has our concierge style of service. To ensure that the players gain the full effects of sleeping in The DUX Bed, a personalised fitting for each player was carried out to set their Pascal, lumbar support and pillow needs, which is the level of attention to detail we provide to all our DUX users.” Spurs players got to learn about the products DUXIANA provides, as well as the benefits of its unique customisable comfort zone system, called Pascal – more on this later, can help improve sleep. “We see this appointment as more than just to supply our products but one that sees two iconic brands come together that are steeped in history, focussed on health and wellbeing and dedicated to sustainability. Our primary focus is to play our part in helping this great team achieve its goals,” Kevin added.

In recent months, we’ve shared our visit to Swedish bed and furniture manufacturer DUXIANA, as well as exploring a deeper insight into their sustainable practices and product development. This month, the focus shifts to another arm of the business through their ongoing partnerships, identifying just why the DUX Bed is a pioneer within its field. “At DUX we are always looking to build relationships with new business partners,” Kevin Slade, Head of Next Gen, said. “Our collaboration partners are both resellers, hotels, interior designers as well as other successful partner collaborations such as Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, Forbes Travel Guide and many more.” With Tottenham in mind, this particular partnership has been a huge success story, which could be a factor behind the teams turn of form as they sit towards the top of the Premier League (even with the departure of Mr. Kane). Ok, we’re sure new manager, Aussie Ange, has also something to do with it, but with every player kitted out with a DUX Bed, both at home and at the training ground, sleep is an important ingredient when trying to achieve sporting success.

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Away from the football pitch, DUXIANA was keen to promote another key partnership here in the UK, one where you can sleep on a DUX Bed without actually having to own it. You’ll have to spend some cash on a night, or two, away in Scotland to take full advantage though. Where, you ask? The Arran Hotel in St Andrews, Fife. Here you can experience a full DUXIANA stay with each room featuring a DUX Bed. In fact, one room is called the ‘DUX Suite’ and also includes its iconic Jetson Chair. “The Arran Hotel is the first in the UK to feature our products with the full experience. We think that these types of partnerships are great for our brand and also the hotels we partner with,” Kevin said. “Not only do guests at the hotel get the opportunity to stay in a luxury, high-end bed, more often than not we get enquiries to purchase one for their homes too. Due to our beds having such a long lifespan, hotel partnerships are a great option and we’re currently seeking out locations to expand this in the UK further.” As Kevin mentioned, the DUX Bed and its unique spring system has been designed to last many years, and is actually guaranteed against breakage for 20 years, but very often lasts beyond 30 years, which boosts its sustainable credentials too, with it being a renewable design. Kevin explained: “The idea behind the renewable design is that the DUX Bed may be the last bed you’ll ever need. Highest-quality materials coupled with over 90+ years of heritage of Swedish craftsmanship result in a bed made to last. Simply put, the longer it lasts, the fewer beds will end up in landfills.” With the DUX Bed being comprised of customisable components, Pascal is the star of the show. Their patented Cassette System was named in honour of the French physicist and mathematician, Blaise Pascal. A “pascal” is an international unit of measure for pressure, and in DUX’s case, a measure of the precise pressure required by each spring to support a resting body of a particular size, shape and weight. “Our Pascal system of interchangeable spring cassettes allows you to customise your side of the bed individually. Our goal is to ensure the optimal support and comfort without comprises,” Kevin said. “The cassettes are designed to fit body types and body parts, so they do not only accommodate the difference in weight and height, but in shoulder width, hip density, and musculature. While you may need firmer bed support under your lower back, your partner may need more flexibility to achieve proper spinal alignment.” The top layer of The DUX Bed can be unzipped to reveal the Pascal system, comprising of six interchangeable spring cassettes that come in various tensions and therefore firmness; three for each side, which can be arranged based on body size, shape and needs. The unique continuous-coil design of the springs, and the specific type of steel used to make them allows DUXIANIA to produce one of the smallest, thinnest and most

We want to continue to build relationships with new business partners.

”

dynamic springs on the market whilst being incredibly strong. Even the DUX spring line machines are made by the business to maintain their top-secret method of producing this truly unique spring, as well as full control. Back to benefits for hoteliers, Kevin added: “Due to the configuration of the DUX Bed, it is possible to only dress the top pad and due to the fact you never need to turn a DUX mattress, this has the benefit of saving time along with the wear and tear on the housekeeping staff. Due to the unique component based design, it is also possible to replace individually worn or damaged elements rather than the entire bed saving both money and the environment.”

DUXIANA has partnered up with more than 150 prestigious hotels globally and even offers a discount to guests wanting to take the DUX experience home. “The best way to feel the DUX difference is to experience it overnight,” Kevin said. “DUX beds are at many prestigious international hotels around the world. If you book your stay in one of them and then decide to buy a DUX bed for yourself, we will contribute up to £500 towards your one night stay. “We have been advising some of the world’s most prestigious hotels about the importance of a good night’s sleep and we want to continue to build relationships with new business partners.” www.duxiana.co.uk

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Landmark. Not Landfill.

Bed manufacturer Sweet Dreams introduces a responsibly sourced bed range with eco-friendly sustainable material that is recyclable at the end of life, emphasising that its new Landmark Collection is a new era in UK bed making.

An overwhelming number of mattress shoppers would pay more if they knew it would not end up in landfill. Research on behalf of the National Bed Federation of 1,000 consumers who had purchased a mattress between July 2022 and July 2023 found that almost three-quarters would pay more if they knew it had been designed and constructed in such a way as to avoid ending up in landfill at the end of its life. Of those who said they were prepared to pay more, 29% said they would pay up to an extra 5%; 38% said they would be prepared to pay between 6-10% more and 19% said they would pay between 11-15% more. The average extra that they would be prepared to pay was just under 10% more.

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Landmark bases are eco-friendly and have been designed with sustainable materials that are fully recyclable at the end of its life. Fabrics are made from recyclable bottles and the base timber is fully FSC certified. A fully motorised ottoman is also introduced into this range along with standard platform and sprung edge divan bases featuring drawers and standard life ottomans. The Landmark Verdi Mattress Range comprises of six beds featuring foam-free fillings and sleep surfaces made from eco-friendly sustainable fabrics. Eco-Friendly fillings include Platinum™, free from chemicals with sustainability at the forefront and 100% recyclable at the end of life. The mattresses feature a coordinated border manufactured from the same sustainable fabric as the bases affording the bed a luxurious look and feel. Nick added: “The Bed Show has given Landmark a great platform for its launch and we expect great things from the range. The mattresses are super comfy and the divans affords a level of luxury rarely seen in this price range.” Landmark is available to view Sweet Dream’s state of the art show room at their factory in Burnley. “When consumers were informed that around 75% of old mattresses currently end up in landfill sites, but that there are mattresses now available that have been designed so they can be completely deconstructed and fully recycled at their end of life, they were happy to pay more for these types,” says Simon Williams, NBF head of marketing and membership. With this view in mind that consumers would play more if they knew a mattress or bed product would not end up in landfill, Sweet Dreams has launched its Landmark range, which, as Nick Williams, Sales Manager at the company, says will “comfortably fit in to your mid-range portfolio” and would give the retailer a six-model range of beds with a good/better/best offer including Ortho Open Coil, 1000 Pocket and 2000 pocket.

We expect great things from the range.

info@sweetdreamsuk.com www.sweetdreamsuk.com

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Proud GNG reflects on Bed Show success Leading British mattress manufacturer GNG Group has marked a further year of progress, building its brands, growing sales and driving innovation, which has culminated in its presence at the NBF Bed Show where it exhibited its diverse range of products. The GNG stand, which featured the popular Komfi collection, including the new KomfiMed range and KomfiKids Active, along with Sonlevo and Nectar Sleep, was once again a focal point for visitors. Richard Gretton, commercial director at GNG, said: “It was another phenomenal show for us with attendees excited to see our innovative choice of mattresses. For the first time, we showed our unique KomfiMed range which has been developed inhouse using our expertise as an approved supplier to the NHS. An industry-first, it combines medically-proven foam with TrueGel technology as well as giving the environmental benefits of Ecofoam. As a trusted name in this sector, customers can be confident that our product delivers excellent pressure relief while minimising motion transfer and regulating temperature to provide a peaceful night’s sleep.” The Komfi collections include the vacuum-packed Unity range, launched last year, which provides an affordably priced mattress and is proving very popular. Offering excellent value as well as quality and comfort, Unity also delivers the benefits of Ecofoam which is made from 100% recycled and re-engineered foam, and is able to be entirely recycled when it reaches the end of its natural life. In addition, GNG’s Sonlevo brand was also on show. Complete with unique TrueGel grid system technology, the range gives maximum support while minimising pressure and regulating temperature. Richard continues: “We were incredibly proud to round off such a great show with our new KomfiMed range being awarded a place as a finalist in the NBF Awards’ Product of the Year Category. Its benefits have been recognised by customers old and new with significant orders taken, and products are already being delivered due to our exceptional manufacturing process and lead times. “In addition, we were extremely pleased to see the expertise of our team highlighted with one of our great sales agents, Jason Hillier, deservedly named as a finalist in the NBF’s Salesperson of the Year category. A tireless ambassador for GNG Group and our range of innovative mattresses and a talented sales person who understands the market inside out, Jason has played a key role in driving sales, based on his incredible product knowledge.” Richard concludes: “The response from visitors to our range was overwhelming with many impressed by our unique concepts. The show was a fantastic chance to engage with potential clients and industry peers, enabling us to forge valuable connections and leading to promising business prospects. The show was a great opportunity to boost sales and raise brand awareness with its vibrant atmosphere again fuelling our passion and commitment to delivering exceptional products.” If you’d like to find out more about stocking the Komfi or Sonlevo collections, contact GNG on 01924 950 300 or email info@gng-group.co.uk www.gnggroup.co.uk

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We were incredibly proud to round off such a great show with our new KomfiMed range being awarded a place as a finalist in the NBF Awards’ Product of the Year Category.

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Farming

a sustainable future Luxury bed-maker Harrison Spinks opens the farm for Big Furniture Group to wellie up and find out just why they are cut from a different cloth. When it comes to the topic of sustainability, there are so many levels that can be explored. From a product focus point-of-view to an entire eco-system designed to bring full circularity at its core. For Harrison Spinks, being a sustainable-focused business has long been part of their makeup and are seen as bed and mattress industry pioneers, setting the standard in sustainable actions. In fact, as a freshfaced reporter first entering the world of furniture and beds over a decade ago, Harrison Spinks were a notable company scripting their sustainable message. Now, and especially within the beds sector, you see many companies shining a light on their own sustainable efforts and achievements. Not standing still on the benchmark set, Harrison Spinks continue to evolve and develop sustainable innovations, from components to products, to manufacturing processes and everything in between. And it all starts at the farm, which is where our editor’s journey began when visiting the manufacturer up near Leeds. Located at Hornington Manor, just 18 miles away from the factory, the property and surrounding farmland is owned by the Harrison Spinks family and allows for a deep insight into the process of hemp production, farm life and the animals cared for – including Scooby, but we’ll get to him a ‘bite’ later. Farmer Liam was on hand to guide us round, starting with hemp where we were joined by John – a Jedi master of his trade, which we’re sure the reference to Star Wars will be appreciated. John talked us through the benefits of hemp and the operation of production, which sees the company process seven tonnes of hemp a day, with any waste then turned into bio fuel. Grabbing a line, the fibre is incredibly tough, unbreakable by hand, while also extremely moisturising. While John explained how a line of hemp from start to finish takes around 10-15 minutes, rolling a ball of hemp in the palm of our hands resulted in a very soft finish! John also introduced us to a number of machines – some of which are bespoke made from old combine-harvester parts, with one in particular named StrawWalker. Can you guess why? Finally, it was interesting to learn other uses waste hemp can be put to, such as hemp-crete for buildings among other products. There was even a sneak peek at their latest innovation and investment, where the business is in the process of implementing a new re-fiberising line, which aims to recycle natural fillings from within Harrison Spinks mattresses for full circularity. More on this soon.

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Liam continued the tour to a field where the hemp had been cut and was ready for retting. “Halfway through the growing process it will be cut and left to ret in the coming weeks,” he said. “Retting is an important stage in the process where the hemp is left in the field for the weather to loosen the fibres, making it softer so the wood core and fibrous outer layers are easier to separate. The hemp will then be ready for the next stage of the process in preparation for going into our mattresses.”

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If you’ve been or plan to visit, you’ll also notice a ‘green’ border around the edges of the fields for both hemp fibres and linen flax, which is to help support natural and local wildlife. Liam revealed that they actually have an endangered bird, the Curlew, as residents. The farms are ringfenced too, adding another layer of protection, which is an important aspect of the farm. As Liam guided us through the 300 acres of Yorkshire farmland – you’ll definitely get your steps in on this visit, we stopped at a point where a former settlement used to be, which is usually occupied by their sheep – when they’re not trying to cross the river! “With acres of homegrown natural hemp fibres, linen flax and our flock of sheep, it’s here where our story begins,” Liam says. “We produce luxurious and naturally absorbent fibres, to create the most comfortable and responsible fillings for our beds. In fact, we’re the only UK bedmaker to grow our own fillings.” Just over the hill, where stunning views can be had it must be said – including the ‘circle of trees’, the next stage of our tour was ready to start. We were met by three Alpaca’s, one of which, Scooby, was very hungry for the carrots on offer. So much so, he almost spat in the direction of our editor but thankfully missed due to Liam’s wife, Becky, intervening. Becky talked us through the benefits of Alpaca fleece, which is found in the higher end of Harrison Spinks’ models, as well as introducing us to the Angora Goats and award-winning Wensleydale sheep. There were too many names to remember, but Liam’s love of football, and Manchester United, saw most named with former players in mind.

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With acres of homegrown natural hemp fibres, linen flax and our flock of sheep, it’s here where our story begins.

“We rear our happy sheep on our rich untreated pastures. Being passionate members of the British sheep-farming community, it’s important to know where every fleece comes from. So, in addition to wool from our farm we were the first bedmaker to partner with British Wool and use 100% traceable homegrown wool within our mattresses,” Becky said. On flax and hemp, Liam added: “We use the stems of the blue flax flower to make our natural linen. Two or three times stronger than cotton, they create a lustrous, absorbent and breathable linen fibre. Generous layers of hemp fibres provide the perfect natural luxury experience. And while you’re sleeping soundly, the durable fibres are super-efficient at absorbing moisture. Helping you keep cool and dry all night. That’s not all they absorb. Each crop sucks more carbon out of the atmosphere than it takes to grow. Plus, in true Yorkshire style, nothing goes to waste. The parts of the plant that don’t make it into a Harrison Spinks bed are used for animal bedding, biofuel and sustainable building materials. “On our farm we make decisions that benefit the wildlife. We’ve worked closely with the RSPB and Natural England to make sure the ecosystem on our farm doesn’t just survive, it thrives. What’s more, the hemp that we grow on our farm is the perfect environment for increasing the everdecreasing bee population as bees thrive on the nectar from the hemp plants.” Liam added that the business is on the journey for their farms to be fully organic by 2025. With much more development in the pipeline, the farm is just one stage of the sustainable roadmap their products travel. In part two, we’ll explore the factory.

www.harrisonspinks.co.uk

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Shire’s Bed Show Success

Fara Butt, Director at Shire Beds, reflects on a successful Bed Show where the company unveiled a number of products, led by its new COO Stuart Hibbert.

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”

We are truly honoured by the appreciation we received at the NBF Show.

range made of sustainable upcycled eco-friendly materials and fillings. “The EverLife sustainable range saves bottles from going to landfill and polluting the earth’s oceans,” Fara said. “The range combines comfort and sustainability to give a restful night’s sleep. The EverLife soft touch sustainable fabric is made of 76% upcycled plastic bottles and is 95% recyclable at the end of the life of the mattress. It also uses eco clean chemical free FR.

“EverLife complements our biodegradable Heaven 7 range too. EverLife is available in 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 pocket spring models. The comfort layers as well as the insulator pads are also made of recycled materials and are recyclable or reusable at the end of life. Overall, it is one of the most sustainable mattresses on the market. With high specification and attractive pricing, it is gaining floor space quickly with retailers.”

Multi award winning bed manufacturer Shire Beds’ strength comes from its ability to respond with agility in ensuring it puts the retailer and their customer at the forefront of everything it does. This message was reaffirmed during the recent NBF Bed Show in Telford, where its commitment to innovation, quality, and craftsmanship was there to be seen, acknowledged and praised. Shire Beds, recently named ‘Best Bed Supplier (Value Range)’ in the recent Big Furniture Awards, unveiled an array of mattresses that drew the attention of visitors, with a big part of its success down to its elegant hand side stitched mattresses, which feature the highest standard of attention to detail. “The classic and timeless hand side stitched tufted mattresses left a lasting impression on all who visited the stand, Fara said. “The Capri and Ravello ranges with hand side stitched finishes and natural fillings were very popular and emphasized our unwavering commitment to quality, using premium materials. “The Ravello comes in a comfort feel, whilst The Capri is a firm feel. They are both available from 1000 to 9000 pocket spring counts and in a pillow top version, offering a wide choice for a range of retailer and consumer demands.” Furthermore, Shire Beds voiced its own message on sustainability through its EverLife

Meanwhile, the quilted Sona and Zen alongside the sixty inch design led headboards were also all well received, rounding off a successful show for Shire Beds. “We are truly honoured by the appreciation we received at the NBF Show,” Fara added. “It reinforces our commitment to providing exceptional products that elevates sleep. We are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of design and craftsmanship in the bed industry. “We are looking forward to a promising year ahead, building on the momentum from the trade show. Customers are able to visit our stunning show room in Dewsbury for a personalised development consultation too. Please do get in touch.” www.shirebeds.co.uk info@shirebeds.co.uk / 01924 439898

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Connecting products to problems

The Sleep Geek and Mattress Online have been busy developing a partnership to improve sleep and wellbeing. We caught up with both parties to find out more.

Roll back to December last year, online beds and mattress retailer Mattress Online was bedding in a new recruit to the MO team. His name, James Wilson, or as the industry better knows him as, The Sleep Geek.

experience,” Steve Adams, Chief Executive Officer at Mattress Online said.

As part of the initial 12-month partnership, The Sleep Geek’s goal is to improve lives through better sleep by properly connecting products to problems – without traditional sales techniques getting in the way. The brief was to support and educate the Mattress Online team with sound sleep and wellbeing advice – helping them get to grips with the fundamentals of stress reduction, enjoying work to its fullest and providing tailor-made customer service. Furthermore, James has been providing customer-facing staff with the tools required to help customers make the right choices for them.

Drilling down on the detail, Steve shared that James has been a fundamental component in a number of key areas of the business since the partnership began, including content, advice and awareness. “James has helped us to up our game with advice content and blogs, with some really authoritative expertise and reviewed and rubber stamped our existing advice to make sure it’s helping the customer at all times,” Steve said. “We’ve also taken inspiration and guidance from him with our social media videos. He’s also worked with our team across the business to deliver Sleep Awareness sessions which has had a huge impact on staff wellbeing.”

A few months after the partnership was announced, we spoke with both The Sleep Geek and Mattress Online to see how things were ‘bedding in’ for both parties. The early results looked promising. With the partnership coming towards the end of the initial agreement period, we returned to find out just how the partnership has been and what success this has delivered. “The partnership has performed really well and we’ve achieved a lot in the first year, from getting James involved in staff wellbeing; to going on trips together researching new products and a recent event in London with Sleepeezee, and their brand ambassador, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, - it’s all been a fantastic

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One area that was highlighted at the start of the partnership was about researching how staff sleep to help shape the health and wellbeing element, as Steve refers to above. So, what does this actually mean?

the ability to refer to specific blogs and advice content on our website. The boost to staff wellbeing has been brilliant and something you can’t put a price on - the investment therefore reinforces our company values and we can’t thank James enough for that.

“James has been working one to one with some of our team following the Sleep Awareness sessions. He did some research initially before delivering the talks, and was able to identify who needed some help and

“As a by-product, our financial performance has improved too, but it was never our intention for that to happen. Next up is our bespoke retail training - which we strategically delayed as we have some store

term partnership with James, he’s a member of the team.” It’s clear to see the success of the partnership, with The Sleep Geek echoing Steve’s sentiment. James has the final word on what has been an ‘enjoyable’ period for both parties. “I have really enjoyed working with Mattress Online this year, and the work we have done in helping their people sleep better, and delivering quality sleep advice to their customers has made a real difference. We have some exciting projects coming up, involving some new products, and retail training to build on the great customer experience they deliver. “I think we have moved the importance of sleep education up the agenda in the industry as a whole, I have seen lots of mentions of this from other retailers and manufacturers this year, and going forward we will continue to lead the industry in this area, both in staff training and helping Mattress Online’s customers get the right product for them, whilst dispensing sleep knowledge to the wider public, all in the name of taking the stress out of sleep, and demystifying sleep, and particularly sleep products.”

the prominent areas for discussion and advice. Lots of our team had those “lightbulb moments” which was wonderful to see and it helped them to recognise other things they can do to improve their sleep, and those close to them.”

What impact has The Sleep Geek had overall? Steve continued: “Confidence in the team when they talk to customers about sleep needs has grown with the support of James’ knowledge and

expansion news coming soon.” With the physical expansion in full swing, will there be an extension to the partnership moving forward? “As we open more stores James will deliver retail training, and we also have a Sleep Geek endorsed product range in the development stage,” Steve said. “As a partnership, we’re excited about the next stage, and we’re delighted to share that we’ve recently renewed our agreement with James. We see this as a long-

”

I have really enjoyed working with Mattress Online this year, and the work we have done in helping their people sleep better, and delivering quality sleep advice to their customers has made a real difference.

www.mattressonline.co.uk www.thesleepgeek.co.uk

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Platinum Club success at Bed Show Gowsh Shan, National Sales Manager at global mattress protection specialist Protect-A-Bed, reflects on the recent NBF Bed Show, which saw the business expand on its Platinum Club membership.

existing and new partners benefiting from its focused approach. The Bed Show provided another opportunity for Protect-A-Bed to explain just why the Platinum Club is a must for retailers, with many signing up during the exhibition. “The Platinum Club has been designed to build, recognise and reward success with unique promotional and discount opportunities, sponsored incentives, tailored POS solutions as well as membership rewards,” said Gowsh.

The success of their Platinum Club rewards programme has continued to be very positive, as Gowsh added: “The Bed Show was a huge success for us where we opened multiple new accounts, including a growing number of European attendees. Our Platinum Club has grown in membership significantly, which we’re delighted with. Now we must focus on our implementing this and reinforcing our message. “We have the ability to upskill your team and increase your sales revenue by maximising every sales opportunity, which has been well documented. We manage every step of the process for you and build a reward scheme through The Protect-A-Bed Platinum Club.”

The recent NBF Bed Show in Telford was a very positive event for ProtectA-Bed. The company displayed its various mattress protection products as well as details behind its extensive support and exclusive bespoke reward system. Running for consistently for several years now, the Platinum Club has delivered big results, with both

“The Platinum Club has been extremely successful since its creation. We continuously build frameworks that are simple for retailers to implement in order to achieve extremely high sales within the category. We create energy and excitement in a category often overlooked and our ability to turn this into sales growth is phenomenal.”

The Bed Show proved to be another strong platform for the business, adding to its positive year so far, with ProtectA-Bed, which is carried in nearly 15,000 stores worldwide and trusted by millions of people to provide a clean, safe and comfortable sleep environment, continuously seeing success driven by their customer focus approach.

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our mattress protectors use a Miracle Membrane, which is waterproof yet breathable and allows body heat to easily pass through, whilst preventing any sweat to enter the mattress. The protectors are machine washable, meaning you can keep your sleep zone healthy and hygienic.

“With the cost-of-living crisis and the recent obstacle of challenges that impact footfall and spend, consumers are being ever-savvier on their shopping habits. This means the focus has never been more important on each customer who walks through the shop door to maximise every sale opportunity and to also increase the average order value,” Gowsh said.

“Supporting our innovative mattress protectors is our specialist sales training, which is vital to unlock the sales potential. Our Protect-A-Bed team are incredibly adaptive to support this in any retail environment, driving attachment rates to over 70%.

“Protect-A-Bed will have the mattress professionally cleaned to the customer’s satisfaction or buy the customer a new one if it fails and the mattress was bought with the protector. This promise is significantly powerful and is at the core of our philosophy. As we approach the end of the year, we’re excited to announce that we will be launching new ranges of pillow protectors at JFS 2024. We look forward to another year of growth and success.”

”

The Bed Show was a huge success for us where we opened multiple new accounts, including a growing number of European attendees.

To do this, Protect-A-Bed, which has been established for over 40 years and operates across 45 countries, are constantly looking to help drive sales for all of its retail partners through its product innovations and expertise in the mattress protection space. “Product innovation is one small element of how we unlock greater sales for our partners,” Gowsh said. “The Therapeutics range, featuring Copper, Graphene and Charcoal mattress protectors have already been a great success and were, once again, very positive during the Bed Show. All of

product guarantee and when bought with a mattress, a 10-15 year anti-stain guarantee.

“Our specialty is driving in-store performance, so linked mattress and mattress protector sales are extremely high. The customer benefits from a healthy and hygienic sleep zone while the store benefits from increased sales revenue. Every customer who walks through the door, if buying a mattress, needs to buy a mattress protector. It’s in their interest to do so for many reasons.” Looking ahead, Protect-A-Bed will continue to build its membership through the Platinum Club, offer support to customers and work on new product developments, with the latter set for a January Furniture Show unveiling. “Our key message to customers is that there are some significant differences between Protect-A-Bed and other inferior mattress protectors,” Gowsh said. “For example, every Protect-ABed protector includes a 10-15 year

www.protectabed.co.uk

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Retail Focus with

Flooring Hut Paul Brewster, CEO at Flooring Hut, talks about Bitcoin integration, as well as future plans into own brand product development.

Meet Paul Paul Brewster, CEO at Flooring Hut, is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the business, including day-today operations, as well as strategy development and implementation. Recent investments? Flooring Hut reinvests its profits back into its growing business. We have just hired top UK search engine optimisation (SEO) agency, ClickSlice, to work with Flooring Hut from 1st September 2023. We are now targeting the higher online volumes for generic searches i.e., ‘carpets’ and ‘LVT’ to propel our business even higher moving into 2024 and beyond. As part of our mission to differentiate our offering from the competition and offer more choice to our customers we are looking into the possibilities of integrating Bitcoin as a payment option on our platform. One of the main benefits of using

cryptocurrencies for e-commerce transactions is that they can reduce transaction costs and increase efficiency. Unlike traditional payment systems, cryptocurrencies do not require intermediaries, such as banks, payment processors, or third-party platforms, to facilitate transactions. Bitcoin, a decentralised digital currency, has gained significant traction in recent years as a secure and efficient method of conducting transactions. Our commitment to providing the best shopping experience for our customers is key to everything we do. By accepting Bitcoin, we will empower our customers to transact securely and quickly, while also enjoying the advantages and cost savings of lower transaction fees and increased privacy.

As part of this initiative, we remain committed to complying with all relevant regulations and legal requirements, ensuring a transparent and legitimate operation for our retail and commercial customer base. This new integration will be a testament to our dedication to staying at the forefront of e-commerce trends and technologies. By embracing Bitcoin as a payment option, we continue to push boundaries and enhance the shopping experience for our valued customers. Future plans? We are now developing our own brand offering at Flooring Hut. 2024 will be a very exciting break-out year for Flooring Hut as we drive significant increases in unique visitors

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increasingly important. When selecting our own exclusive ranges, we endeavour to always consider factors such as the material’s sustainability, durability, manufacturing process, and indoor air quality. We look for certifications like Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification or FloorScore certification, which ensure sustainable and low-emission products. As a socially responsible company, Flooring Hut supports initiatives that promote education, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.

to the platform and present a new, outstanding range of exclusive Flooring Hut carpets and floors. Our mission is to set a new standard for luxury, sophistication and value. These exquisite flooring choices will cater to discerning customers who seek to transform their spaces into stunning showcases of elegance and style. We’re curating a collection of unparalleled carpet and flooring options, meticulously sourced to offer customers a range of unique and prestigious choices. With a focus on quality, craftsmanship, and aesthetic appeal, these exclusive flooring options are designed to surpass expectations and create

an exceptional environment for any interior. What is your mission? Our mission has always been to provide exceptional flooring solutions with unparalleled convenience and customer service. By deploying a technology-led e-commerce service, we are transforming the traditional flooring purchase experience, offering our valued retail and trade customers a seamless and hassle-free journey from sampling to purchasing online. On sustainability, what is your business doing on this topic? We are conscious that in a world where sustainability is a growing concern, environmentally friendly flooring choices are becoming

How has recent business been? What trends are you noticing? Our business model, remote working structure and the absence of any bricks-and-mortar stores puts us in a very favourable position to not just survive but thrive and prosper during these tough economic times. The heat map shown illustrates our significant penetration into the UK carpets and flooring sector. These are both retail and commercial Flooring Hut customers who now choose to purchase their carpets and floorings online, for convenient delivery or click and collect. Not too long ago this map would barely be covered as the options of where to buy were limited to either the big sheds or local carpet and flooring independents. As the economic outlook remains weak, our position, strength and turnover continue to grow. In the first seven months of 2023 our turnover is up 33% over last year, 2022. Operating on a digital platform we can sell to both retail and trade/commercial customers, offer many categories of flooring and a comprehensive selection of accessories – all under the one Flooring Hut brand. What would you change in the industry? The application of technology in the flooring industry, particularly around logistics is woeful.

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We are now developing our own brand offering at Flooring Hut. 2024 will be a very exciting break-out year.

What challenges do you currently face and how are you overcoming these? At Flooring Hut, we understand that discerning customers seek more than just flooring; they desire an extraordinary experience and outstanding value-for-money. Our exclusive flooring collection will be the culmination of our passion for quality, service, innovation, and timeless design. We are dedicated to delivering flooring solutions that exceed expectations. Why do you think customers choose your business? We are fortunate that there are currently many competitive advantages to a business model

like we have at Flooring Hut. With a diverse range of flooring options, including carpets, vinyl, laminate, hardwood, and luxury vinyl tiles, Flooring Hut empowers customers to explore an extensive collection of high-quality products from the comfort of their own home or workplace. At Flooring Hut, we prioritise customer satisfaction and peace of mind. Our after-sales support includes comprehensive warranties and dedicated assistance for any after sales queries, reinforcing our commitment to delivering excellence at every stage of the customer journey.

www.flooringhut.co.uk

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Gallery’s Furniture Focus James Hudson, Furniture Development Director at Gallery Direct, talks about their new collection and how furniture plays an important part of our everyday life.

Borden Dining Table & Bench

Borden Dining Table close up

Furniture, an integral part of our daily lives, serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. Whether it’s a cozy sofa for unwinding after a long day, a sturdy dining table for family gatherings, or occasional pieces to complete a room, furniture is an essential part of our homes. Gallery Direct already offer an amazing array of furniture, but their team, led by James Hudson, Furniture Development Director, have been working hard over the last few months, designing and developing their SS24 Collection, to expand their offering still further. James told us: “The new collection will offer a fantastic extension to our current furniture catalogue, with around 50% growth in the number of lines. All the new products have been designed in-house by the Gallery team to create exclusive designs. We have spent a lot of time in supplier factories, developing and refining ideas, to bring this exciting collection together, which offers a range of styles to cover all looks and tastes including strong timeless classics, and the all-important Gallery twist to retro vibes.” Many of the finalised designs have already arrived at Gallery with the rest on their way, ready for Gallery’s in-house photography team to work their magic, taking their renowned stunning lifestyle images, as well as cut-outs and closeup detail shots. The new collection will be launched at the January Furniture Show for those who want to see it in person and on their website in January.

”

The new collection will offer a fantastic extension to our current furniture catalogue, with around 50% growth in the number of lines.

Voss Slatted Console Table

wood with a warm natural finish which shows off the beautiful grain of the timber, Borden offers a sturdy yet elegant feel, with its solid wood and curved edges to soften the look. Another range extension is Voss. To accompany the Slatted Console Table, a dining table and occasional pieces are being launched. Crafted from solid mango wood, with a natural finish to show the grain, Voss features a slatted design, to offer unusual stylish pieces. The new ranges are crafted from a variety of materials including wood, in different beautiful finishes, coloured glass, marble, and metal. Pieces include dining tables, chairs & benches, cabinets & sideboards, occasional pieces, sofas & chairs, bedsteads and bedroom furniture.

The SS24 Collection will include some extensions to current ranges, as well as offering exciting new products in a wide variety of styles, from chunky & rustic to sleek & contemporary to sophisticated & elegant. The extensive choice available will ensure there is something to suit all interiors.

To find out more about Gallery’s extensive current furniture collection take a look at their website, www.gallerydirect.co.uk, and pop the dates of the JFS in your diary, 21 to 24 January 2024, ready to go along and see their exciting new collection for yourself.

Borden is one of the current ranges that has been extended with the addition of a round dining table along with occasional pieces. Crafted from solid acacia

www.gallerydirect.co.uk - 01795 439159 sales@gallerydirect.co.uk

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The Bed Expert Vic Smith, owner of independent beds retailer Vic Smith Beds, asks the question: What is your USP?

Have you ever stopped to take a look at your business to see what gives you the edge over your competitors? Every year I take a week out of the business to analyse what we did, what went well, and to see what we can offer that makes us the people to go to! I do it away from the shop to avoid all distractions. Yes, it’s hard to carve out that time, but that one week should sow the seed for the future, so it will pay off. Now I’m not going to sit here and give you all my secrets – but ultimately, it’s that you should have done your job so well, that A, your customer is actually a customer – you scratched your pad, and B, when they walk past your shop on a future occasion, they smile and wave because they are happy with the product you provided, and are still acknowledging they did the right thing in buying with you. Confidence is key – and this is something I instil in all my staff – from sales through to delivery. People are still nervous on big purchase spends, and they have to feel that you are being genuine and giving them a reason as to why they should spend their money with you. Sales staff in between customers should be brushing up on their knowledge, so when a customer asks an awkward question, they can deal with it. The delivery teams start their day by checking the van has spare parts so should there be something short from a manufacturer, we can deal with it there and then. Complacency is a killer! It kills morale, time and profit. Our customers should not think it’s a hassle to buy a new bed – for example we had a customer the other day that rang and thanked us – she’d had nothing but problems with deliveries from other people in the past, and had set

herself up to believe that this would be the same – but instead, it had all gone smoothly – and this then in turn helps with recommendations, as word of mouth is key and priceless. Pricing is important too, but so is good old fashioned customer service. We notice it when we go to a restaurant, so why shouldn’t we notice it in retail? We all have day to day issues – but as I say to my staff, park it at the door! When that customer comes in, they want to have your full undivided attention. So, on your week’s planning – think about the major dates in the year – what promotions can you tailor to these dates? Is there anything you can do in the community? People remember – not straight away – I did say it’s a long-term investment, your urgent isn’t a customer urgent. And don’t write customer’s off after the first visit – some need two or three goes in order to make a decision, especially in this current climate with big ticket items such as beds and mattresses. So, go on, decide what your USP for your business is going to be, and go from there! www.vicsmithbeds.co.uk

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BIGINTERVIEWII

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As a business, Get Laid Beds has two symbiotic sides; the first, we pride ourselves on making and selling beautiful handcrafted beds on demand. The second, we are a highly successful eCommerce business.

WITH

SCOTT SHIELDS Scott Shields, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at luxury wooden bed makers Get Laid Beds, talks about the role he has held since June this year and why clutter-free is currently on-trend.

Let’s start with you. Can you share a bit about yourself and your background? I live in Leicester but I cherish my family’s Scottish heritage, we moved down to the Midlands from Glasgow when I was a young boy. Today, I’m a proud parent myself, constantly kept on my toes by my incredible teenage children. Music has been my lifelong passion, having picked up the guitar at 14, and I still find lots of enjoyment in playing it almost every day. I love the thrill of motorsports, I escape on my Triumph motorbike whenever I get the chance. Cycling is another passion of mine, though I must admit I’m not particularly fond of rainy days or headwinds.

What is your current job role and key responsibilities? CEO of Get Laid Beds. I assumed the role in June 2023, taking on a range of crucial responsibilities. Spearheading our strategic initiatives, I focus on developing and effectively communicating our growth-focused vision. Collaborating closely with our talented team, I ensure prudent financial management to support our company’s stability and progress. Investor relations is also under my purview, as I work to foster strong connections with our smart and passionate founders. Additionally, I prioritise the development of our exceptional senior leadership team, aiming to nurture their talents and maintain high performance. Looking

ahead, I will be making key hires to further strengthen our talent pool in the upcoming period. Together, we are poised for success and growth at Get Laid Beds

What do you love about your job? As part of Get Laid Beds, I find myself in a truly remarkable position. This company boasts an exceptional manufacturing facility, an attentive client services team, and a brilliant web development team. It is a business that is primed for growth, having already established itself as a leader in its industry. With a solid foundation in place, we are ready to embark on an exciting journey of expansion and success. What is not to love?

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Who do you most admire in the industry and why? As I am new to the industry this is an easy one, this accolade goes to our co-founders Jean Lomard and Jonny Haskins. Their journey from making one bed at a time in a garage in Leicester, to a 100 strong workforce that services 97% of the countries on the globe is nothing short of incredible.

Have there been any special moments during your career? When two men called Jean and Jonny asked me to join their team and assume the position of Chief Executive Officer …a pretty special moment.

What is your favourite item of furniture you own and why? Obviously, my bed… There is a fabulous speech on YouTube from Admiral William H McRaven. Where he eloquently shares his views on why

What time is your alarm clock set for? Every morning, my alarm faithfully wakes me up at 6:30 am. I make my bed, a 1hr spin session on most days, a shower, coffee and a bowl of porridge then a short commute to Get Laid Beds HQ in Leicester.

Why did you choose to work in the furnishing industry? As a business, Get Laid Beds has two symbiotic sides; the first, we pride ourselves on making and selling beautiful handcrafted beds on demand. The second, we are a highly successful eCommerce business. It was this technology aspect that drew me to the role and the industry. The dynamic world of ecommerce offers endless opportunities for growth, new markets and innovation, making it an exciting and compelling sector to be a part of.

56 we should all start our day by making our bed. Essentially, it’s a task we can start and complete successfully at the start of our day, which encourages us on to our next task. If you can’t do the little things right, you will never do the big things right. And, if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made — that you made — and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better. If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.

What do you think is trending within the industry at present? Being clutter-Free, it seems minimalism is here to stay, with hidden storage replacing open shelves and neutral materials increasingly in vogue. Modern minimalism is far from cold, with interior fashionistas and influencers continuing to lean into the so-called Japandi trend. It is influenced by the ancient Japanese philosophy of wabisabi, a way of life which values slowliving, contentment and simplicity, as well as the Scandinavian practice of hygge, which embraces comfort, cosiness and wellbeing.

What would you change in the industry? Good question… Whilst eCommerce gives us global reach, online marketing and shopping pages puts hand crafted British beds next to mass produced import sold on the quality of the imagery rather than quality of the product.

Can you share an insight into your future plans? Plans are in place as we prepare the business for its next stage of growth, but that’s all I can say right now!

What do you enjoy most outside of work / free time? When it comes to my top three passions, they revolve around

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spending quality time with my children and partner, socialising with cherished family and friends, and immersing myself in the world of music through both listening and playing guitar. With a diverse taste that spans from AC/DC to Eva Cassidy, filling my home or car with soul-stirring melodies is truly one of my greatest pleasures.

What might someone not know about you? Hailing from the vibrant city of Glasgow, I am a Scotsman filled with immense pride for my Scottish heritage.

If you had a different career, what would it be? Initially drawn to the world of art and pursuing a fine art degree, I soon confronted the practical challenges of sustaining a livelihood as a struggling artist. The realisation that I needed a stable career to ensure a roof over my head and a future family compelled me to explore other avenues. This serendipitously led me to the realm of technology, ultimately finding a fulfilling home at Get Laid Beds.

Finally, if you were an item of furniture, what would it be and why? While I may not excel at role play, if I were to personify myself, I believe I would resemble a toughened glass coffee table. Just like this unique piece of furniture serves as the hub of a conversation, I too enjoy being in the centre of engaging discussions where interested parties gather for updates and decisions. The glass element of the table represents qualities of clarity and resilience, reflecting my commitment to transparency and my ability to withstand challenges.

www.getlaidbeds.co.uk

FUN QS:

If you could hack into any one computer, whose computer would you choose and why? I don’t have these skills nor desire them but if I was to hack anyone. It would be Warren Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway account, to pick up some trading tips based on insightful analytics.

What fact amazes you every time you think of it? Leo Fender is a legend, he perfected the electric guitar, but he couldn’t play the guitar and didn’t like rock’n’roll

What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? Getting a perm…

What is the most important object you own and why? A frame in my office that contains a Scottish £1 note and an American $1 bill. The £1 was a gift from my mother and the dollar was a gift from my Auntie Betty (her sister), Betty had spent the majority of her adult life in America. Sadly, neither of these wonderful ladies are with us anymore, so the sentimental value of the notes is immeasurable to me.

What did you think was cool when you were young but isn’t cool now? …a perm

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Autumn Furniture Show in Pictures

The recent Autumn Furniture Show, organised by Minerva Furniture Group, took place from 3-4 October 2023 at NAEC Stoneleigh Park in Kenilworth. Here are some snaps recapping the event.

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Every sector of the furniture buying industry visits this show, from independent retailers right through to contract buyers, and it was another well-attended event. A big thanks to all that supported the show and we look forward to our next Spring event in May 2024. Jim Orr, Group Chief Executive at Minerva

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Long Point Review

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Bluebone

The Long Eaton Guild’s Long Point Exhibition took place from 18 – 20 September showcased an array of designs covering a wide selection of upholstery, cabinets, bedroom furniture and accessories. Here’s a recap on what was on show when we visited.

TCM Living

Amy by Siren

Steve Morgan, Sales Director at TCM Living, the parent company of Alstons, Ashley Manor, Alexander & James and AMX Designs, said: “I am very pleased to report an excellent return from this year’s September show here at the Mill. All the right buyers were in attendance and all our primary objectives were met beyond expectation, with some serious follow-up to conclude. Stax and Duffy were two of our models that did well. Duffy is an H Frame sofa, modelled on the best-selling Bailey Model. Myself and the team are more than happy.”

Duresta

“Duresta is back and in a grand way! Our Long Point 2023 Show garnered an overwhelming response, making it one of our most successful shows! At the heart of the buzz were our exquisite new fabrics and models. The anticipation was high, and we proudly unveiled a beautiful array of designs that perfectly blend timeless elegance with contemporary charm. Each piece showcased meticulous craftsmanship, reflecting our dedication to quality and innovation. We were thrilled to welcome our retailers at the show and are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to reveal what’s coming soon!”

Parker Knoll

At this year’s September Long Point show, we were proud to introduce our stunning and wide range of new Aquaclean fabrics. The revolutionary technology behind Aquaclean is truly remarkable, it has the ability to resist stains and spills without compromising on style and comfort! The fabrics not only looked exquisite being showcased on our beautiful and most popular collections, but also demonstrated their practicality, a perfect combination for modern living. We are deeply grateful for the enthusiastic response and the opportunity to share our passion for innovative, high-quality furniture.”

Alpha Designs

Nichola Bell, Sales Director at Alpha Designs, said: “As Alpha Designs’ first experience of Longpoint, it couldn’t have been better. It gave us a great opportunity to engage with our existing

Atlas by Alpha Designs

customers and introduce ourselves to some new ones too. We found the mood to be buoyant and the level of business that we did reflected that mood. We introduced three new models at the show and all were positively received, giving those that’s purchased a great opportunity to get new product on their floor in time for the Winter sale. The next opportunity to view these new models will be The January Furniture Show at the NEC, see you all there.”

Wiemann

German bedroom furniture manufacturer Wiemann has enjoyed a busy Autumn of trade exhibitions. At Long Point, the awardwinning Denver collection was on show and owes its popularity to its unique decking door design as well as Wiemann’s usual focus on product flexibility and outstanding value for money. Simon Hewitt, Managing Director of Wiemann’s sole agents for the UK and Ireland, Litmus Furniture, said: “We have enjoyed re-engaging with customers after the summer break. Denver is continuing to be a popular choice and Wiemann is growing business, especially with independent retailers. We are now busy planning new products for 2024 with prototypes already receiving positive reviews in Europe, as seen at the recent MOW Show in Germany.”

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Siren Furniture

Siren Furniture exclusively debuted its new model ‘Ellie’ at Long Point, along with the introduction of its new collection of over 30 vibrant luxury fabric finishes available across all ranges. “Curvaceous and comfortable, Ellie is a new leather + fabric combination, unveiled in a warm chocolate sumptuous leather and mixed linen fabric for a tone-on-tone effect,” Siren said. “Ellie was showcased alongside the recently launched Alice and Amy sofas, presented in new upholstery variations. We also presented the recently redeveloped Freya – a classic design modified with alternative fillings and components sourced with a keen eye on sustainability, without sacrificing comfort and quality. This consciously sourced filling fibre on seating and back cushions is made from 100% recycled bottles, of which 50% is Prevented Ocean Plastic TMTM collected from coastlines at risk of ocean plastic pollution.”

Denver by Wiemann

Couch & Co

John Wilson, Director, said: “This was our second Long Point Exhibition and we are very pleased to say that we were delighted with the response to our latest collections from both our Scandinavian collection, which saw the introduction of some sensational sofa’s to compliment it’s multi-function chairs, and our traditional furniture collection, which saw Frankie as the star of the show – a contemporary style sofa with fresh, clean lines and a stunning wide arm, featuring a sumptuous ‘fish-mouth sprung seat platform for the ultimate in luxury. In addition, our zero gravity ergonomically designed recliner chairs provide the ultimate in physical wellness with their ideal weight distribution which reduces stress on different parts of the body, improving blood circulation, reduced joint inflammation, back pain and spinal cord compression. Whilst we were obviously excited to be launching our new models at this Autumn’s Long Point, we are also thrilled to announce the imminent launch of our website which will see computer generated 3D imagery of each of our models in their best-selling leathers and fabrics, all in the most stunning room settings.”

Duresta

Final thought…

Andrew J Mitchell, Chairman of the Long Eaton Guild and MD of guild member Artistic Upholstery, commented: “Long Point continues to be the UK’s most enjoyable and relaxed Furniture Exhibition. I have received reports of good attendance and orders from many of our members and guests.”

Frankie Collection by Couch & Co

Save the dates:

Spring

Monday 13th to Wednesday 15th May 2024

Autumn

Monday 16th to Wednesday 18th September 2024 www.longeatonguild.co.uk/longpoint Stax by Alexander James

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Delivery is the key to customer satisfaction Stuart Wallace, Director of Core Products, talks about the company’s history of delivering their award winning ranges of flat-packed furniture direct to consumers for their trade customers. As double award winners for “Best Suppler for Delivery Service” and “Best Flat packed Furniture supplier” in the Big Furniture Awards as voted by the furnishings industry, what does it mean to your business? It’s great to be honoured with these awards by your readers, especially as it recognises not only the hard work and dedication of our administration and distribution teams but also the expertise of our logistics partners. How long have Core Products offered a direct home delivery service? Core Products was founded in 1986 supplying the DIY and department stores with shelving and storage products which demanded quick deliveries, so from the very beginning we worked closely with carriers to ensure we could offer a fast, efficient service, a short time later we started to work with mail order companies, the forerunners of today’s e-commerce business by offering to deliver direct to their customers. What importance does information technology play to achieve “Best Delivery Service”? As a company we have always invested heavily in information technology, initially this was a challenge as the software to support our customers being able to integrate into our systems did not exist so in partnership with our longstanding IT professionals the systems were developed especially for us around 20 years ago, when integrated ordering and stock feeds were virtually unheard of. Core seems to be at the forefront of adopting ideas to enhance customer service, are there other notable milestones in this journey? Undoubtedly, seeing the future of e-commerce ahead of many in the trade has had a huge impact, we started offering trade customers a direct home delivery service 12 years ago, right at the advent of online selling, our prominent “we do DHD” signage at the January Furniture Show that year created a huge buzz. The same year saw the birth of several major e-commerce retailers, who shared with us the vision of what was needed to go the extra mile. How does online ordering help deliver an award winning delivery service? Speed is the key; retailers find using our automated stock feed ensures their orders are only taken for items in stock then online ordering or bulk uploads ensure we have all the information we

need to pick items quickly and accurately for dispatch to customer deadlines. Dispatch times are now measured in hours so any automation we can apply to reduce the time from customer order to dispatch is vital to our business. Do you find using carriers constricts your business? Quite the opposite, being able to deliver throughout the UK in such a short time gives us the speed and flexibility we need, of course working this way for nearly 40 years also helps. Do you have issues delivering certain products? Again, early experience has taught us the hard way which is why 20 years ago we chose to concentrate on flat-packed furniture which was easy for the carriers having to deliver to the end customers home. We also design all our products especially to suit box and weight requirements to optimise our delivery service provider preferences, ultimately, we need to make it as easy as possible for the couriers to safely and easily deliver our products. Finally, where do you see the future trends in delivery services? Carrier systems are rapidly evolving as consumers become more demanding of quick and reliable deliveries, tracking systems which consumers can interact with to see their order journey are constantly being evolved which means as a supplier we have to evolve our systems constantly. Warehousing, dispatch and distribution is becoming a key factor influencing the consumers buying decision so we see further growth in the provision of these services both for our own range of products but also for retailers wanting customer variations or exclusives. Even customers own sourced products using our systems and facility as a way to distribute their own products out to their customers. 01738 630555 / sales@coreproducts.co.uk www.coreproducts.co.uk

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Birlea Furniture Unveils Rebranding with New Logo and Company Identity Birlea Furniture, a prominent name in the home furnishing industry, proudly announces a significant milestone in its journey of excellence.

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The company has undergone a captivating rebranding, introducing a fresh and modern logo that pays homage to its heritage while reflecting its commitment to innovation. The new logo captures the essence of Birlea Furniture’s enduring legacy, incorporating a contemporary twist that symbolises the brand’s evolution and dedication to staying at the forefront of design trends. With this rebranding, Birlea Furniture continues to uphold its reputation as a symbol of quality and style in the furniture sector. Alongside the rebranding, Birlea Furniture is thrilled to reveal an impressive expansion of its product offerings. In the past 12 months, the company has launched over 250 new SKUs, catering to a diverse range of tastes and preferences. This includes an exciting partnership with Disney Home, adding a touch of magic to homes through a range of character-themed furniture. The enchanting characters from beloved Disney franchises such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Spiderman, Disney Princesses, and more, are brought to life through our range of products including beds, bedroom furniture, occasional chairs, and gaming chairs and desks.

Amy

In addition to its captivating partnership with Disney Home, Birlea Furniture proudly presents its premium mattress brand SleepSoul. The brand has earned prestigious recognition with three Which? Best Buy endorsements. The SleepSoul Space, SleepSoul Heaven, and SleepSoul Wish mattresses have each garnered this esteemed accolade, solidifying their status as exceptional choices for quality sleep experiences. These endorsements underscore Birlea Furniture’s commitment to providing customers with superior comfort and restful sleep.

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“We are excited to reveal our rebranding and the remarkable expansion of our product range,” said Michael Prime, Marketing Manager of Birlea Furniture. “Our journey has been guided by a fusion of tradition and innovation, allowing us to offer our customers not only a glimpse into our rich history but also a vision of our future.” As the rebranding and product expansion unfold, Birlea Furniture continues to uphold its promise of quality, elegance, and affordability. The company’s dedication to creating living spaces that reflect individuality, comfort, and style remains unwavering. Birlea have also strengthened their senior team with the appointment of Dean Powell as Head of Supply Chain. With an esteemed background in logistics and supply chain management, Dean brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at DHL and Sainsbury’s. His strategic insights and expertise will play a pivotal role in enhancing our supply chain operations and fortifying our senior leadership team as we endeavour to expand our market share. Chris Moore, Commercial and Sales Director at Birlea Furniture, expressed his enthusiasm about Dean Powell joining the team, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Dean Powell as our Head of Supply Chain. His extensive experience and proven track record at industry giants like DHL and Sainsbury’s make him an invaluable asset to our organisation. With Dean on board, we are confident in our ability to navigate the complexities of the market and continue our journey towards unmatched excellence.” In line with its commitment to providing diverse and luxurious options for every home, Birlea Furniture is set to launch the Toulon bedroom range under its Willis & Gambier brand. Inspired by classic French cabinetry, Toulon is a beautifully re-imagined bedroom collection with an understated feminine charm. The honed skills of the artisan can be seen in the effortless

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We are excited to reveal our rebranding and the remarkable expansion of our product range. Our journey has been guided by a fusion of tradition and innovation, allowing us to offer our customers not only a glimpse into our rich history but also a vision of our future. - Michael Prime, Marketing Manager of Birlea Furniture

combination of the refined curve to the legs, the double bead detail, and the handcrafted profiles throughout the range. More information on the Toulon can be found online here: https://willisgambier.co.uk/our-portfolio/toulon. Additionally, Birlea and Willis & Gambier are eagerly preparing to introduce three new ranges at the highly anticipated January Furniture 2024 event. www.birlea.com

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Registration Now Open for the January Furniture Show 2024 The highly-anticipated January Furniture Show (JFS) is back and better than ever! The UK’s biggest furniture show will return to the NEC Birmingham 21st to 24th January 2024 with many exciting additions set to elevate the visitor experience.

Amy

As the UK’s largest and premium event dedicated to the furniture, home, lifestyle accessories and interiors industry, JFS is perfectly timed at the beginning of the year for buyers looking to curate their collections for 2024. It serves as an indispensable networking and sourcing opportunity for industry professionals, providing a first look at the latest furniture pieces and innovative design solutions from Europe’s top manufacturers and designers. Spanning four expansive halls, JFS will immerse visitors in a world of contemporary furniture, cutting-edge design concepts, and an array of homewares tailored to diverse retail and customer tastes. The show will be divided into four sectors: Premium Design, Interiors Accessories and Furniture, Living, Dining, and Bedroom, along with Furniture Upholstery and Beds. With 50,000 products to source from and exclusive launches from over 400 renowned brands, JFS 2024 is an unparalleled opportunity to source the latest products hitting the market from the likes of: Ashwood Designs, ALF, Alpha Designs, Alstons, At The Helm/ Hydeline, Baker Furniture, Birlea, Buoyant, Bontempi, Breasley, Furninova, Global Home, Grand Soleil, Hyder Living, IFD, Jaipur Furniture, Kettle Home, Lassic, La-Z-Boy, Mlily, Qualita, Ross Fabrics, Seconique, Sherborne, Shire Beds, Taylors (Scotland), Tetrad, Vida Living, Vogue Beds, Westbridge, Whitemeadow and many more! JFS prides itself on bringing the furniture industry together and hosting the perfect environment for connections to flourish between buyers, brands and manufacturers. For the 2024 show there will be an international flair running

through the show as the international participation continues to grow, with furniture and interior brands from over 12 countries exhibiting. Buyers will be able to source pieces from not only British and UK based brands but also brands from Australia, China, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and more. Those visitors especially looking to diversify their international product offering will enjoy Hall 4’s multiple pavilions highlighting brands from Romania, Poland, China, Vietnam, and more. Hall 2 will be transformed into the Home & Lifestyle Show which is an aspirational marketplace for a wide breadth of trend-led interior and exterior accessories including eye catching homewares, cosy home comforts, eclectic light fixtures and more.

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Featuring over 10,000 products sourced from across the globe, buyers will be able to effectively build their new collections from the likes of: Blue Bone Imports, Kelston House International, Malini, Premier Housewares, Scatter Box, Think Rugs and many more! The 2024 show is packed with exciting new features including an enhanced VIP experience. VIP visitors will have access to the luxurious VIP Suite, where they can enjoy a complimentary lunch, refreshments throughout the day, a free cloakroom, and Happy Hour on January 23rd. Hall 2 will also host a brand-new Festival Food Hall offering delicious lunch options in a relaxed setting and Hall 1 will feature a beautiful Champagne Bar in the center, providing an ideal space for networking and socialising. Alongside the VIP Suite, visitors will be able to enjoy the return of the Young Furniture Makers Showcase, which gives young designers the opportunity to showcase their award-winning furniture pieces and engage with industry professionals. Plus, the British Furniture Manufacturers will also be showcasing some of their members pieces to show the innovative manufacturing solutions which are coming from British companies. Over the show’s 4 days visitors and exhibitors will have the opportunity to really immerse themselves in the industry with multiple events and learning opportunities available. Visitors and exhibitors can take a break from sourcing and participate in

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The 2024 show promises to be one of our biggest and best yet, featuring exciting new launches, fresh brands, industry insights, and emerging trends. The January Furniture Show and the Home & Lifestyle Show is a perfect platform for brands to showcase their products and gain business success by fostering valuable industry connections. workshops hosted by ACID and FIRA, gaining industry insights and actionable tips. Plus, they will also have the chance to unite and celebrate the industry with the Furniture Awards, presented by show partner Furniture News and the British Furniture Manufacturers Association will be celebrating their members with the Future of Furniture Awards taking place alongside their product showcase.

Alongside the celebrations, the networking will continue with the Women in Furniture Network (WIFN) hosting their 3rd event, the “Speed Networking Spectacle” at the show on the 22nd January. Visitors and exhibitors will be able to join in the fun with WIFN’s speed networking which will take place, boosting visitors opportunities to connect and network with like-minded professionals. WIFN continues to grow as it brings women from across the furniture and design industry together to build connections and opportunities for collaboration. Portfolio Director, Zoe Bonser, expressed excitement about the upcoming event: “The 2024 show promises to be one of our biggest and best yet, featuring exciting new launches, fresh brands, industry insights, and emerging trends. The January Furniture Show and the Home & Lifestyle Show is a perfect platform for brands to showcase their products and gain business success by fostering valuable industry connections.” So don’t miss out on this unparalleled opportunity to join the furniture industry in Birmingham next January. Register now at thefurnitureshow.com.

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Inside Loaf’s new and largest store opening to date Furniture and homeware brand Loaf has announced the official opening of its tenth Shack (its take on a showroom) in Redbrick, near Leeds, West Yorkshire.

Situated in one of the North’s most desirable retail destinations, Redbrick, the new Shack is Loaf’s largest showroom to date (double the size of its Edinburgh Shack that opened in February 2023). The two floor, 15,500sqft, open-plan standalone site is housed in one of the original mill buildings, adjacent to the main shopping complex, situated on Bradford Road in Batley. The Shack houses a mattress testing Amy area, dedicated areas for its modular sofas, sofa beds and beds, plus a large space for homewares.

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We’ve had high customer demand to open another Shack in the North of England and we’re thrilled to be introducing our tenth showroom in the Leeds area. – Loaf

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We believe that their innovative 15,500sqft Loaf Shack will be an impressive and valuable addition to the Redbrick retail complex and reinforces our reputation as the North’s leading interiors destination. – Redbrick

Furthermore, and a first for the brand, the new store features its debut Biscuit Bar. “Situated at the front counter on the ground floor (and just next to a working fireplace), tasty treats from biscuit artisans, The Biscuiteers, will be offered to customers along with a proper cuppa, to keep them fuelled whilst making design decisions and colour conundrums,” the company said. Loaf’s CEO, Sam Perkins, added: “We’ve had high customer demand to open another Shack in the North of England and we’re thrilled to be introducing our tenth showroom in the Leeds area. “Redbrick is one of the UK’s top retail destinations for furniture and interiors, and we know that our largest space to date will be amongst great company.” Redbrick MD, Alastair Bailey, added: “We are very pleased that Loaf, the iconic creative brand has chosen Redbrick as their latest location. “We believe that their innovative 15,500sqft Loaf Shack will be an impressive and valuable addition to the Redbrick retail complex and reinforces our reputation as the North’s leading interiors destination.” www.loaf.com

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Green Retail In the next part of our ongoing sustainable series, we take a deeper look at upholstered furniture retailer DFS and home furnishings retailer Dunelm to see what they are doing in terms of sustainability.

The topic of sustainability continues to be of great importance. From product innovations such as bottle-filled mattresses to greener practices and initiatives, businesses are also adapting new ways of working to make their operations more sustainable. In the next instalment of our series, we explore more of DFS’ and Dunelm’s green credentials following their respective recent results updates.

DFS At the end of September, DFS released its preliminary results for the 52 weeks ended 25 June 2023 and detailed within the report, the company outlined its progress on some sustainable initiatives. “We have a dedicated section in our annual report that covers sustainability in detail,” DFS said. “The key elements we want to highlight here are in relation to: culture and governance; where we are on our net zero journey; and employee development.” The Group is guided by its purpose to bring great design and comfort into every home in an affordable, responsible and sustainable manner and has pledged to achieve net zero by 2040. In the previous financial year DFS completed the model to capture its full carbon footprint. “Like many other businesses, the majority of our carbon footprint sits within our scope 3 emissions (c90%),” the retailer said.

“Throughout this year, a significant amount of progress has been made in developing our carbon reduction roadmap and we are on track to submit science based targets to the SBTI for approval by June 2024. “We have developed a number of policies and targets to help reduce our impact on the environment covering key elements of the materials that make up the sofas we sell, for example leather, textiles and timber. “A sustainability mindset is now fully embedded across the business and our sustainability and responsibility champions have proved to be a real driving force in developing ideas and initiatives, cultivating a diverse and open environment for all our colleagues from the ground up. We have a well-developed and effective governance structure. This helps ensure we have a clear strategy, act with integrity and with transparency and hear a wide range of views with committee members representing all areas of our business.” As for colleague wellbeing and development, this falls as part of its sustainable structure and is “very important to the Group to nurture and retain talent”. One specific example is the Sofa Delivery Company Driver School. DFS explained: “This was launched late in the previous financial year and to date we have had nearly 70 colleagues graduate. The driver school provides career progression and improved pay for our colleagues, principally warehouse operatives and 3.5T drivers by funding their training to become 7.5T HGV drivers whilst addressing a business issue of recruiting this role given the competitive labour market.”

A sustainability mindset is now fully embedded across the business and our sustainability and responsibility champions have proved to be a real driving force in developing ideas and initiatives. DFS

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Like the aforementioned retailer, Dunelm recently posted its preliminary results for the 52 weeks ended 1 July 2023 and also shared its sustainability progress. “We build sustainability into all that we do, embedding a long-term mindset of doing the right thing through our decisions and processes, with a view to delivering for all our stakeholders,” Dunelm said. “We strive to achieve product mastery across our categories, which increasingly involves innovation to make our products more sustainable.

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We build sustainability into all that we do, embedding a long-term mindset of doing the right thing through our decisions and processes. DUNELM

“A fantastic example of this is Conscious Choice, a label we introduced in 2022 to showcase own-brand products that are made from at least 50% (by weight) more sustainable materials than their comparable alternatives. Conscious Choice options now account for c.15% of own-brand products across our categories and we have plans to expand this further. “We are also working in our stores and supply chain to reduce carbon emissions, continuing to replace gas fired heating equipment, putting in place energy management systems, and starting to use vehicles powered by more sustainable fuel, including electricity and compressed natural gas, in our distribution fleet. As a result, we have seen a further reduction in Scope 1 carbon intensity, ahead of our targets. “As we learn more about how to reduce our impact on the planet, progress on our Pathway to Zero23 plan continues. We are making good progress on reducing our carbon emissions, with our decarbonisation programme in stores contributing to a further reduction in Scope 1 carbon intensity this year. We are also transitioning our company car fleet to hybrid or electric vehicles. During FY23 we moved our environmental accreditation to Better Cotton, who are industry leaders in this area. As a result this was a year of transition during which we did not achieve our target. We expect to see a significant improvement in FY24 as we complete our transition and remain committed to sourcing c.100% more responsible cotton by 2025. Finally, we have now reduced our use of virgin plastic packaging by 36% compared to FY20 by both reducing the amount of packaging we are using and increasing the recycled content.” Combining sustainability with customer engagement in its communities is another positive way in which Dunelm aims to reduce its impact on the planet, as well as working towards circularity. “We now offer a textiles take-back service in the majority of our stores, with over 70 tonnes per month of materials being returned by our customers,” the retailer said. “As we move towards product circularity, we extended

the impact of this scheme by working with one of our suppliers to turn these recycled textiles, along with other recycled fibres, into products for our new ‘Remade’ range. This year we have also trialled a new Home to Home initiative, which rehouses our customers’ pre-loved homewares.” During the year, Dunelm also submitted its targets to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and received confirmation, after the year end, that its near-term and net-zero targets have been approved by the SBTi24. This will see Dunelm align to the latest climate science from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) by limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5°C. “We are still at an early stage in our sustainability journey, and recognise there is much more to do, but we are pleased with the progress being made and the commitment from colleagues across the business in this important area.”

www.dfs.co.uk www.dunelm.com

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Bridgman continues the party Alex Bridgman, CEO for garden furniture business Bridgman, reflects on their anniversary year while sharing an insight into future plans, including an expansion into its interiors offering. A few months ago, designer, maker and retailer of garden and outdoor furnishings, Bridgman celebrated its 46th anniversary. With the more traditional milestones typically celebrated every five years, the company prolonged its 45th birthday celebrations to mark the occasion this year in response to overcoming the Covid challenges, as well as feeling that the time was right to party. And party, the company did.

for the business within the higher-end category, as Alex explained: “It is by no means a small feat seeing success as a family business after all these years.

“Our 46th anniversary fell on the 1st August, kicking off several weeks of celebration,” Alex said. “For our customers and commercial clients, we sent out champagne and afternoon teas with offers across our entire product catalogue, which went down a treat! And for our team, we hosted a birthday party in our flagship showroom, overflowing with bubbles, cake and delicious treats, which also went down really well.”

Alex added: “Most recently, our biggest challenge was dealing with the global pandemic which we are still feeling the aftershock of to this day. This, of course, is no different to so many other businesses across the country and the world, with supply lines freezing, showrooms shutting and figuring out how we navigate this brave new world. Fortunately, we used staying at home to our advantage.”

In keeping with the birthday spirit, plans are already underway to mark its big 50-year milestone in 2027, although Alex added, that with tough and unpredictable times upon the industry as a whole, celebrating each year is something that should be done. And rightly so. In fact, the last year has been a bumper period

“Each year, we hope to mark that milestone in some small way - of course, 2027 will see our 50th anniversary which will be a spectacular event with some major plans already in the works. As for this year, the cost-of-living crisis has affected our appeal to our ‘aspirational customers’ who have had to choose between buying our furniture, or a holiday, or even simply paying off their mortgages. We’ve seen this impact in our mid-market collections which have been less popular than in previous years. Our premium ranges, on the otherhand, have remained ever popular with high-net-wealth customers still choosing to invest in the best for their home and garden renovations.”

As the company continues to grow, Alex reflected on some key moments for the business over the years, which includes a brief origins tale and how they were also trend-setters with all season’s rattan furniture. “When my father founded this company, he did so with an uncompromising dedication to designs, services and experiences of the very highest quality. So, to be able to continue serving our customers after all these years, transforming their lives with a little slice of luxury, is an absolute blessing that we by no means take for granted. “Our origins lie in home furniture as a manufacturer of mahogany chairs and TV cabinets, with designs that were soon supplied to JVC, Grundig and Toshiba - HRH King Charles III and his family were even pictured on one of our chairs,” Alex said. “In 2001, after identifying a demand for low-maintenance rattan garden furniture, we introduced all season’s rattan furniture to the UK, sparking a trend that has defined British garden furniture design for over 20 years. Then, after years of prototyping and testing, we combined water-protective

77 and stain-resistant technology to create our bestselling fully waterproof cushions, which is still the only ones of their kind today.” On the subject of product development, Alex revealed that plans are firmly afoot for expanding further into the interiors space. “We’re excited to be introducing more pieces to our interior offering, returning to our roots with two new Best of British sofa collections and handcrafted dining furniture that celebrates indulgent Italian design.

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dedication to producing furniture and accessories of the very finest quality alongside unrivalled customer service that you simply won’t find anywhere else”.

“We’ve viewed our homes and gardens as separate and unlinked for so long, but the two spaces are more and more often being seen as an extension of one another. By blurring the boundaries and unifying them, a sense of cohesion that extends the style and character of your indoor rooms out into your outdoors is being created. We’ve led the way in creating furniture designs that align with the style of the home, whether that’s contemporary, colourful or classic, while being durable enough to remain outdoors.” Throughout the interview, Alex was keen to thank his loyal team and customers as it nears the big 50 in a few years’ time, adding that one of the keys to its ongoing success is “an unflinching

www.bridgman.co.uk

“We also have two very exciting new collections arriving for the outdoors; the first, our limited edition rope woven Barcelona Daybed, was inspired by the individual design language, organic materials and traditional craftsmanship of Spanish design. The other, Tropez, is our first mixed materials collection that you’ll be seeing more of next year. We are also refreshing some of our most popular collections with refreshed cushion colours, to offer our customers even more choice.

”

Each year, we hope to mark that milestone in some small way - of course, 2027 will see our 50th anniversary which will be a spectacular event with some major plans already in the works.

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10 years

and counting Earlier this year, independent luxury furniture store La Residence Interiors celebrated 10 years in the industry. We spoke with founders, Dan and Sarah Cook on the milestone and recent investments within the business. Can you tell us a bit about La Residence Interiors?

Can you share some key moments?

We really struggled to find high-quality, luxury furniture to style and furnish our homes while renovating properties in the UK and France. So, we decided to design a few items of furniture and have them made specifically for us. So many people who saw our furniture kept asking where it was from and wanted to buy similar pieces themselves. It was then that we decided to create an exclusive collection of our very own and La Residence Interiors was born.

We have come a long way since our founding in 2012, expanding our showroom and increasing our product line to over 250 products and colourways. We have worked hard to source and design unique and timeless pieces that are classic and stylish as well as offering a personal service to our customers. We provide competitively priced products that are readily available, so our customers can enjoy their furniture as soon as possible.

At first, the collection was influenced by our love of France and the fact we had a home there, hence the name and distinct Gallic overtones to the styling of some pieces, such as our classic French-style Louis armchair. But as the company has grown and we have expanded our collection we’ve moved on to creating timeless, elegant, classic furniture that harmonises with a wide range of interiors. We are delighted to have a small, but fantastic and growing, team who work on getting all the aspects of the business systemised and streamlined which allows us to be in a good position to grow.

We work hard to provide our customers with the best service, and our showroom in Surrey provides our customers with an opportunity to experience our products first-hand. We were also lucky enough to have had the opportunity to be able to buy our showrooms during lockdown which gives us much more opportunity for expansion and growth in the future.

How does it feel to reach the 10 year anniversary milestone? We are delighted to be celebrating a decade in business. 2023 has been an exciting year for us, and we will be launching new products towards the end of the year as well as redesigning and extending our Surrey showroom and growing our team. We are excited about what the future holds. We are also lucky enough to be able to work with a fantastic business mentor, who has helped to guide us along the way to reach our goals and help grow our business knowledge and reach our personal goals.

How has the year been so far for business? We are in a difficult climate but we’ve had a great year so far. Our personal goals of expanding our team and product line are well underway and we can’t wait to share more plans soon. We will ensure to continue providing high-quality products and services to our customers and look forward to continuing to serve our customers for many years to come. We have been working on having a steady supply chain for our products and ensuring most of our collection is in stock with no long lead times where possible. Do you have anything in the pipeline you can reveal? We are also working behind the scenes on redesigning our website which will be ready to launch very soon and we can’t wait to unveil it. This is just one of the projects in the pipeline and we look forward to sharing more.

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The customer is always at the heart of the business, and we are extremely proud and thankful to be celebrating 10 years in the industry.

What would you say is trending in the industry? We have noticed that gold and brass accents are making a comeback in our industry, paired with an elegant but simple design which is how our latest collection of Westcott and Cavendish coffee, side and console tables was born. Boasting a timeless, yet sophisticated look that resonates with our customers, each piece offers a touch of sophistication and class which will go perfectly with any home. Additionally, we have noticed that our customers are looking for furniture that is stylish and unique, but most importantly, timeless and can stand the test of time both in terms of design and quality. This is a sentiment that forms the backbones of our ethos at La Residence Interiors. A final word… The customer is always at the heart of the business, and we are extremely proud and thankful to be celebrating 10 years in the industry, which has been made possible thanks to the hard work and dedication of the entire team. From our amazing customer service department to our hard-working craftsmen who hand-make all of our furniture, we wouldn’t be here today without any of you. www.laresidenceinteriors.co.uk

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Henrik Pontoppidan, Director of S2U Design, talks about what it’s like being on the ground in Vietnam.

Viefurn 365 – another show that never closes In the province of Dong Nai, about 25 miles from Ho Chi Minh City, District 1, there is a permanent furniture exhibition – the TAVICO HOME Viefurn 365 show with currently 250 manufacturers showcasing their designs. This exhibition is growing and has scope for expansion to more than twice the current size. Mr. Ha, CEO, and his team of TAVICO saw mill and timber supplier, have spent the last two years building the 20,000 SQM TAVICO exhibition. The show opened its doors for the first time on the 25th September 2023. After the official opening – an event that lasted 7 days – the exhibitors are keeping their booths and displays permanently for potential customers to browse. The qualified TAVICO staff permanently mange the operation including a well-organised database containing product specific information along with the contact details of each manufacturer. Each of the app. 10,000 items currently displayed is issued with a QR code which, when scanned with a smartphone, provides basic product information. Visitors can visit any time 365 days per year and browse displays. Enquiries can be addressed to the TAVICO staff, who will introduce interested buyers from all over the world to the respective manufacturers. TAVICO Show TAVICO is a privately owned Vietnamese conglomerate containing one of the leading sawmills in Vietnam. Under the leadership of CEO Mr. Vo Quang Hà, TAVICO have worked tirelessly with government institutions for a decade, with a view to help achieving the government’s ambitious export targets, while ensuring cost effective supply chains, consistent raw material quality and legal, traceable and certified wood supply. Today the TAVICO sawmill, located close to the Viefurn 365 exhibition, covers 40 hectares.

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In the pursuit of bringing about a superbly managed supply chain for wooden products, TAVICO have taken this agenda one step further by now also making it easier for foreign buyers to source reliable products, with transparently certified raw materials, in consistent quality, from manufacturers otherwise difficult to find, vet and connect with. I had the pleasure of visiting the exhibition during the opening ceremony, and meeting with CEO Mr. Vo Quang Hà, who explained: With our significant range of wood products from all over the world, ranging from raw logs to sawn timber and wood components, we operate the permanent exhibition in support of our many hundred customers while also providing transparency of the wood supply for foreign buyers. Mr. Khuyen Nguyen, Operations manager for the Viefurn 365 Exhibition said: “We would like to educate Vietnamese manufacturers to be more environmentally aware – as well an more knowledgeable of compliance requirements from abroad – when they source their raw materials. Our support through the Viefurn 365 Exhibition is a great vehicle to achieve this.” If you are looking to connect with reliable and capable suppliers, you can benefit greatly from visiting this exhibition on your next visit to Vietnam. It provides a way to get more insight – at a glance - into the many opportunities, Vietnam has to offer. A stop at Viefurn 365 is highly recommendable next time you visit your Vietnamese suppliers. Address: 81 Dieu Xien, KP. 9, Tan Bien Ward, Bien Hoa, Dong Nai, Vietnam. For further information you can contact me on henrik@s2udesign.com. I would be delighted to help you organise a visit. www.s2udesign.com

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Deal direct? It’s Just a myth Paul Wray, Managing Director of Furntec Ltd and Modern Outlook Furniture, answers the question, should you deal directly with Chinese factories?

JUST A MYTH Over the years I have heard many times that companies would rather deal directly with factories here in China and not with a trader, thinking they can get a better deal or a better product. Sometimes this may be the case, but is it all just a myth? Working with suppliers in China and building up trust takes time and it’s not something that happens overnight. I have spent many years living in China working with many suppliers to build up trust and reputation. As a trader and knowing how to work with the suppliers this adds huge benefit for customers around the world who cannot be based in the Far East and need help sourcing or QC. Do customers think dealing direct they can obtain much better prices for the products they intend to buy?

In most cases, prices are best negotiated by someone who knows the culture and people and how to get the best deal and not affect the quality of a product. Trust is 100% key here in China. Understanding your product is also key to a successful negotiation, how do you know if the price you are being offered is a good price? Yes, you can compare but are you getting what you really need to the correct specifications? Remember, when you’re pushing for a much better price, what is being taken out of the product in terms of quality or materials to achieve the price you want? Working with a trader who has local knowledge in the country you are buying from and has years of experience in the furniture industry working with many furniture suppliers can benefit your business in many different ways. We are here to make your working life easier and to take away the stress by making sure we get you what you need at the right price, quality and service and to the correct specification. Modern Outlook Furniture assists businesses of all sizes in procurement from China at any stage of your project. If you would like a no obligation conversation about how we can assist you and help you avoid any costly issues or nasty surprises, please do get in touch.

paulw@modernoutlook.cn ww.linkedin.com/in/paul-wray-79403935/

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THE BIG QUESTION This month we’re asking retailers: What do you think of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and will your business be doing any special promotions? Joseph Shenton - Joseph James Furniture Outlet LLP As an Outlet, discount holidays are always tricky. Our prices are at a discount throughout the year, so further discounting them on BF/CM insinuates to customers that our prices aren’t as reduced as they could be, during the rest of the year. We try and do some kind of promotion to stay competitive, but it certainly isn’t as drastic as traditional retailers..

Nigel Lomas - Harvest Moon Interiors Fine for selling perfume on amazon but no one goes out to buy a £3,000 sofa just because it’s Black Friday.

Grant Berry – Home World I feel that especially since the lockdowns, Cyber Monday & Black Friday etc have lost their pull, especially for big ticket items. Things have evolved. I remember 20 years ago for instance Bank Holiday Mondays were a great day for sales, that’s just another day now. The web as created 365 days a year, 24 hours a day shops with very competitive deals on constantly. We will carry on business as usual, offering good deals that we offer all the time anyway.

George Sinclair – Nimbus Beds We tend not to get too involved as we try to offer value all year round. However last minute deals may crop up here or there.

Huw Williams - Toons Home Furnishers We started with black Friday six years ago and initially it did quite well, however as years passed sales became weaker every year to the point that last year, we decided we would no longer participate in it going forward. I think the public have become quite sceptical of black Friday due to the dishonest deals by retailers that newspapers have highlighted in their investigations.

Vic Smith – Vic Smith Beds We are definitely going to take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday and the offers will be the same - starting on the Friday going through to the Tuesday giving people the weekend to place their orders. We will maximise these few days to clear some shop models as people love the theatre of seeing their goods being bagged up and no one else can get the deal because they got there first! And of course, we will replace it straight away with a similar model and keep the theatre going.

New Products

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Shire Beds The EverLife sustainable range saves bottles from going to landfill and polluting the earth’s oceans. The range combines comfort and sustainability to give a restful night’s sleep. The EverLife soft touch sustainable fabric is made of 76% upcycled plastic bottles and is 95% recyclable at the end of the life of the mattress. It also uses eco clean chemical free FR. EverLife complements our biodegradable Heaven 7 range too. EverLife is available in 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 pocket spring models. The comfort layers as well as the insulator pads are also made of recycled materials and are recyclable or reusable at the end of life. Overall, it is one of the most sustainable mattresses on the market. www.shirebeds.co.uk

Sherborne Upholstery The Cartmel Electric Riser Recliner range has been a huge success since its recent introduction. Available in four sizes, and with a choice of scroll arms, or light oak or dark beech wood knuckles, it has been especially designed for optimum comfort and support, with lateral support cushions in the back in addition to a supportive headroll. Express delivery is offered on over 200 soft cover options, including dual or single motor control and optional lumbar adjustment. www.sherborneupholstery.co.uk

Gallery Direct Gallery’s Christmas catalogue offers an extensive range of fabulous products, featuring curated collections. It includes garlands & wreaths, decorative accessories, lanterns, candles & votives, table & barware, and Christmas trees & baubles. There is also a selection of textiles, including cushions, throws, door stops and draught excluders. A recent Autumn Fair favourite was the Pampas Tree with LED Lights. Offering an unusual contemporary take on a traditional Christmas tree, the feathery pampas tree adds gorgeous neutral tones and textures to a room. It comes with a battery powered LED garland to add some sparkle, and is available in 3 sizes. www.gallerydirect.co.uk

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Silentnight / Rest Assured Rest Assured, part of the Silentnight Group, has launched a new collection that blends sustainability, sleep science and superior craftsmanship for the hotel market. Each mattress is made with British-sourced Cheviot wool and includes zoned pocket springs to improve spinal alignment and posture. David Lawrenson, Hospitality Sales Director at Silentnight Group, explained: “Our new Rest Assured range has been designed to deliver the ultimate slumber experience for hoteliers wanting to make sure every one of their guests wakes up refreshed and rejuvenated each morning.” www.silentnight.co.uk/hospitality/silentnight-rest-assured.html

Sweet Dreams The Landmark range, consisting of six beds and includes foam free fillings, as well as sleep surfaces made from eco-friendly sustainable fabrics, features components that are responsibly sourced using many recycled elements. The mattress offer is based on three best-selling springs system, 1000 and 2000 pocket and the 12.5gauge open coil. The Landmark base comes with a choice of six 100% GRS Certified, 100% recycled base fabrics. The benefit of GRS is that our Landmark base, border and headboard fabrics will feature 94% less water use, 59% less energy use and 32% less CO2 emissions in the production process. www.sweetdreamsuk.com

Parker Knoll We recently introduced our stunning and wide range of new Aquaclean fabrics. The revolutionary technology behind Aquaclean is truly remarkable, it has the ability to resist stains and spills without compromising on style and comfort! The fabrics not only looked exquisite being showcased on our beautiful and most popular collections, but also demonstrated their practicality, a perfect combination for modern living. www.parkerknoll.co.uk

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Keeping it in the family MyPad, a pioneering leader in Jersey’s furniture industry, has announced a significant transition in its leadership.

After more than 10 years of dedicated service, Paul Clark, the Founder of MyPad, has made the decision to step away from the day-to-day management of the business and focus on new projects. The business will now be led by his successor and daughter, Lauren Clark. Paul Clark founded MyPad in 2012 in a small room with a laptop borrowed from a friend after being inspired by the aspirational furniture boutiques of London, Paris and Manchester. His vision was to help bring a variety of quality European brands and stylish furniture pieces to Jersey at a palatable price. Under his guidance, MyPad has evolved into one of the largest home furniture and interiors ranges in the Channel Islands. Having grown year-on-year into a business with a multi-million-pound annual turnover, MyPad ships between two and three containers of furniture every week into the Channel Islands. The business is now made up of assets including a highly successful e-commerce website, two shops, three delivery vans and a 5,000 square foot warehouse. Lauren Clark, 34, who has been an integral part of MyPad’s journey in more recent years as the Sales and Marketing Manager, will step into the role of Director imminently. Prior to supporting the family business, Lauren held roles at the Government of Jersey and Coop Travelmaker. Expressing his confidence in Lauren, Paul Clark said: “Lauren’s deep understanding of the company’s ethos, her strategic acumen and her unwavering dedication to customers make her the natural choice to continue the company’s journey towards continued growth. “I couldn’t be prouder of what MyPad has accomplished over the past decade, it has been a remarkable journey; but now is the right time for me to hand the business over to the next generation

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I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to lead MyPad as we embark on the next phase of our journey and growth.

and I’m excited to see Lauren take the reins. Her passion and commitment to our vision make her the perfect leader for MyPad’s future endeavours.” Lauren Clark said: “I am deeply honoured to have the opportunity to lead MyPad as we embark on the next phase of our journey and growth. My Dad’s legacy is truly inspiring and I am committed to upholding the values and vision that have made MyPad the success it is today. “This transition marks a new chapter in MyPad’s history, so I wish to take this opportunity to reassure customers that our unwavering commitment to delivering quality, variety and style along with a positive customer experience remains as steadfast as ever.” Over the next few months, Paul will gradually reduce his involvement in the business. However, he will continue to play a role in logistics and sourcing and act as a consultant. He is also planning to launch a new online venture in partnership with his youngest son following a similar format to MyPad, further details of which will be released in due course. MyPad is running a series of events to mark its 10-year birthday at West’s Centre, including an exclusive in-store event on 10 and 11 November. Follow MyPad on social media for more information about this and other events. www.mypadci.com

Last Word

Attitude: The Unsung Superhero Adam Hankinson, Managing Director at Furniture Sales Solutions, talks why attitude is the unsung superhero of sales attributes.

Introduction Attitude, I believe, is the unsung hero of sales attributes. It’s a cliché that we hear all the time, that “Attitude is everything”, but the decades I’ve spent in the furniture industry have only worked to cement this truth in my mind. Rather than believing that “I’m a realist”, “They’re a pessimist”, or “He/She’s an optimist” I truly believe that we can choose our attitude, and what’s more, there are a few key techniques that I’ve found to be a huge help to create that consistently positive attitude. Be a rock-solid 8 The first lesson I try to instil is to aim to be an 8 out of 10. You might ask “Why not a 10 out of 10?”, well I’ve found that people find this off-putting. They create this idea in their mind that 10 means bouncing about, grinning like a Cheshire cat and high-fiving customers as they walk through the door. Instead, imagine smiling inwardly, our positivity should ooze out of us without even saying a word. Aim to build a quietly positive attitude.

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MORE SALES GUARANTEED Adam Hankinson

The most important order of the day In our goal of creating that unalterable positive attitude we should treat every single customer with the same amount of care and attention. This begins with the very first customer of the day. Instead of rushing around with our head down or trying to catch up on yesterday’s paperwork we should be ready to greet that first customer with a genuine smile and a friendly “hello”. Not only is it just good practice to treat all our customers in the same thoughtful way, it’s also a great way of getting our sales day off to a good start. A quality conversation, even if it doesn’t end in a sale, will get the ball rolling on a successful day on the shopfloor. Conclusion Does our attitude make a difference to our sales ability? Of course, it does. When I ask this in our training sessions, I’ve heard suggestions that the difference could be as much as 100% uptick in sales, which in my mind might not be far wrong. If we all agree that our attitude can make a significant difference, then we should all be putting as much effort into improving our attitude as we are to product knowledge, closing, and all the other aspects of a well-rounded sales process.

Choose an attitude trigger Wherever you first enter the store, whether it’s the front, back or side entrance we should create a vivid image in our mind of this being our ‘trigger’. Picture it like a switch, as soon as we step through that door or over that threshold it flicks our good attitude to ON.

Try the few suggestions I’ve given you above for a week. I guarantee that the benefits won’t be confined to the increase in sales, but will trickle down into your everyday life too.

Any negativity that we were feeling beforehand due to an argument, the bad weather, the person cutting us off in the car this morning, it all gets left outside.

www.furnituresalessolutions.com

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