NEWS

Tim Bloyce Memorial Cup raises £5,800 for industry charity

Is What It Is and HFD Coleshill Sales battled fiercely. However, HFD Coleshill Sales dominated the game, scoring four goals compared to It Is What It Is’s one goal, securing their victory and the championship.

The tournament concluded with an awards ceremony, where Mark Jones of HFD Coleshill Sales was honoured with the ‘Player of the Tournament’ trophy. Following the ceremony, participants enjoyed a barbecue to celebrate the successful event.

Prestatyn Furniture and will officially open on Saturday 26 August 2023.

Alison and Andy Hughes, the owners of Coast Road Furniture and Prestatyn Furniture, said the move to open a second store was an “opportunity to expand” after the Home Bargains premises became available.

The Furniture Makers’ Company’s annual five-a-side football tournament, ‘the Tim Bloyce Memorial Cup’, has raised £5,800 in aid of the charity with HFD Limited crowned the winners of the 2023 competition.

The one-day event, which was generously sponsored by Ocee & Four Design, once again took place at the Lucozade Powerleague Football Centre, Coventry on Sunday 2 July 2023.

Now in its ninth year, the tournament was renamed the Tim Bloyce Memorial Cup in 2022 as a tribute to the late Tim Bloyce, a devoted football enthusiast and employee of Ocee & Four Design, who sadly passed away from Motor Neurone Disease (MND) last year.

Twelve teams from furnishing retailers, manufacturers, distributors and service providers, including Celtheath, Crofts & Assinder, Florco, Häfele UK, HFD Limited, Jay-Be, Lee Longlands & Co, Ocee & Four Design, and Whitemeadow Furniture, were among those competing.

In the highly anticipated final match, It

Jonny Westbrooke, CEO of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “Another year and another fantastic Tim Bloyce Memorial Cup, made possible by the support of our sponsor, Ocee & Four Design. Over the past decade, the Tim Bloyce Memorial Cup has become a prominent event in our fundraising calendar. It not only helps us raise funds but also raises awareness of the essential support our charity provides to individuals in the furniture and furnishing industry. We extend our thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to our impressive result of £5,800.”

The next Tim Bloyce Memorial Cup is taking place on Sunday 7 July 2024.

Welsh family business to expand with second store

Welsh independent family furniture retailer Coast Road Furniture has announced plans to open a second store.

The business, which was founded back in 1972 and currently operates from its Connah’s Quay store, has confirmed its new store will be based in Prestatyn and will open under a new name.

The store, which replaces an old Home Bargains outlet on Prestatyn High Street, will be branded

“51 years after our Connah’s Quay store opened its doors we are opening our second store, Prestatyn Furniture. Offering fine furniture and flooring for the whole home,” the company said.

The business is now fully refurbishing the new location ahead of its launch.

Bed retailer to open debut Ireland store

Beds and mattresses retailer Dreams has revealed plans to open its debut store in Ireland.

The new store will be situated at Carlbro Court on Tuam Road in Galway, and is understood to be replacing the former Laura Ashley premises.

Dreams revealed the news after placing posters around the the east Galway city area informing locals that the store opening is “coming soon”.

The poster states: “Galway, your Dreams have come true – New store coming soon to Tuam Road.”

The Galway Dreams store will be the first in the Republic of Ireland and follows a recent opening in Northern Ireland in Craigavon, Co Armagh.

Located at Marlborough Retail Park, the new store is Dreams’ seventh location in the country, adding to sites in Ballymena, Bangor, Boucher Road, Coleraine, Newtownabbey and Omagh.

Wincanton to operate IKEA Ireland’s logistics hub

and evolve. We look forward to bringing our unrivalled expertise and proven operational excellence in eFulfilment to the Republic of Ireland so IKEA can meet its customers’ needs quicker than ever before.”

Logistics business Wincanton has signed a five-year contract with IKEA Ireland to manage the retailer’s first Customer Distribution Centre (CDC) in the Republic of Ireland.

Located in Greenogue Logistics Park in south-west Dublin, the 280,000 sq ft warehouse will enable quicker customer fulfilment and better availability of IKEA products in the country, with delivery lead times reduced by more than half.

IKEA products have previously been delivered to consumers in Ireland via distribution centres in the UK. Locating the CDC in Ireland means IKEA is closer to the end consumer, supporting its sustainability strategy through a reduction in CO2 emissions.

The first deliveries are expected to leave the warehouse in early 2024. When fully up and running, the CDC will create 120 jobs across warehousing, logistics, and administration.

The contract builds on Wincanton’s growing relationship with IKEA, which has seen the Wincanton Group chosen as its long-term partner to operate a new multi-million-pound distribution centre in Dartford, Kent, alongside investments in electric vehicle technology for its home delivery services.

With IKEA secured as a major customer, Wincanton will also offer a shared user service from the Dublin facility to support its growth strategy in Ireland.

Carl Moore, Managing Director of eFulfilment at Wincanton, said: “Our key role in the transformation and expansion of IKEA continues to grow

Jakob Bertilsson, Country Customer Fulfilment Manager at IKEA UK and Ireland, commented: “Establishing a distribution centre in Ireland is a significant step in further expansion in Ireland. This move supports our omnichannel strategy to cater to customers’ shopping preferences while driving towards our ambitious goal of achieving 100% zero emission last mile delivery by 2025. We are excited to strengthen our partnership with Wincanton and look forward to bring IKEA closer to even more people in Ireland.”

Flooring retailer administration details surface; sold for £6m

Online flooring retailer UK Flooring Direct was sold for over £6m in a prepack deal after entering administration.

Paul Meadows and Daniel Smith, both of Teneo Financial Advisory Limited, were appointed as joint administrators of UKFD Realisations Ltd, trading as UK Flooring Direct, on 4 July 2023.

Ahead of entering administration, the company suffered losses of £3.1m for the financial year 2021 and again the following year with losses amounting to £2.7m. This was due to adverse trading as a result of the Covid pandemic, as well as a decline in consumer confidence. Sales during this period fell from £64.9m to £49.2m in FY22, while revenues for the six months into 2023 stood at £18.3m with losses of just under £1m.

Despite steps being taken to boost performance, trading has continued to be challenging in 2023, while the withdrawal of credit from the company’s major EU suppliers, due to a delay in the filing of its financial statements, put further pressure on liquidity. Furthermore, the HMRC, owed £2.9m, raised the possibility of a winding up petition.

The company tried to secure further funding support of £3m from the Business Growth Fund, which holds a 14.5% stake in the business, but this did not materialise. It was therefore seen as administration, with the intention to secure a prepack sale, was the best route to take.

A subsidiary of Carpetright owner Nestware Holdings acquired UK Flooring Direct in a prepack administration, saving all 85 jobs in the process.

Nestware’s online flooring subsidiary Keswick Flooring Limited bought the etailer on 4 July 2023 for a sum of £6.4m. Breaking the figure down, £2.3m was for the IP, £1.5m was for stock, while £1.2m was for goodwill and £850,000 was for the social media accounts and domain names associated with the business.

As part of the deal, a license to occupy the leasehold property in Coventry was granted for a period of six months, with the costs provided at completion of the purchase. Assets excluded from the sale include cash at the bank, insurance policies and tax assets.

With regards to creditors, the business had two secured creditors, the Bank and the Business growth Fund, both owed respective amounts of £2.5m and £6m. Administrators anticipate that there will not be enough funds to repay the amounts owed in full.

Meanwhile, the HMRC, a secondary preferential creditor, owed £2.9m, is also expected to suffer a shortfall. As for unsecured creditors, which consists of 100 claims, these are owed a combined figure of £3.7m and are expected to also suffer a shortfall.

Following the sale, lead administrator, Paul Meadows, said: “I’m very pleased that following an accelerated sale process run by our Special Situations M&A team, we have been able to secure a future for UK Flooring Direct. The sale safeguards all of UKFD’s 85 employees in Coventry and gives the business the strategic backing it requires to fulfil its ambitions. As part of the sale agreement, any outstanding customer orders will also be fulfilled.”

World Furniture invites you to Belfast Home Show

which is simply superb. We will also be offering a range of sliding extension dining tables in unique stone patterns with complimentary dining chairs in both swivel and fixed functions, exquisitely tailored to the highest quality and comfort. A number of these ranges will be complimented by full occasional items.

development to make all our packaging sustainable.

“We believe that great design should be available to everyone. Every day our focus is on curating and innovating an exclusive furniture collection that continually exceeds all expectations.

Wholesale trade partner to the majority of the UK and Ireland’s leading furniture retailers, World Furniture, has announced plans to hold a Home Show event next month. Taking place from 17 –20 September 2023 at the iconic Titanic Hotel in Belfast, the Home Show will feature their latest product launches.

Paul Taylor, Operations Director at World Furniture, said: “Following on from the success of the Home Show in January 2022, World Furniture will once again be hosting a Home Show at the beautiful Titanic Hotel, a superb venue to showcase all our new products. The drawing room is the perfect exhibition hall to display furniture.

“Beautifully restored and maintained, the Drawing Room is the original architect’s room where all the drawings were completed for many ships including the Titanic. Its glass ceiling is designed to give off maximum light, originally for drawing purposes, which allows our products to be displayed in the best possible way.”

In September World Furniture will be launching a number of new ranges including a selection of extension tables to add to their extensive PURA collection.

“A range of stunning sintered stone products with new finishes such as Australian Grey and Vik dark grey will be on display,” Paul revealed. “These ranges will include 1.8m to 2.4m extension sets and a collection of occasional items to match. Expertly crafted in contemporary styling, the Benito and Matera ranges offer a sophisticated look and design,

“There are also some further developments on our hugely successful Rimini range of light rhine melamine tables. We are now offering a round extension dining table, something our customers have been constantly urging us to do. We will also be launching a new range of melamine in European marble variants, which are unique but highly commercial.

“These ranges will be complimented by a number of dining chairs, designed for maximum comfort with a high-end look and feel. Simplicity is a main feature of our new chairs, with focus strongly on material quality, look and soft touch feel. Having teamed up with some of China’s leading fabric suppliers, our fabric developments have very much stepped away from the norm and the new collections are the perfect partner for many of our dining ranges.

“We will also have new ranges amongst our exclusive electric recliner collection. The Pellini model will have all the typical attributes that our sofas have such as wireless charging, usb/usb-c, full electric reclining motion and will be tailored in completely new leather colours. We are also adding full tilt and rise chairs to our Madison collection in the 3 fabric colours. Simple mechanisms and 2 button facility make for simple and uncomplicated use of all the functions.

“Since 1999, we have invested and grown our business to guarantee our partners impressive lead times on exclusive ranges of high quality, beautifully designed furniture at a great price with exceptional service. From our warehousing located in Newtownards or alternatively our fantastic mixed container offering, we can provide a service that meets all your requirements. Additionally the Company has a strong focus on sustainability, with the majority of new designs coming in 100% recycled plastic and continued

“We would love to see you there and we’re offering complimentary flights and accommodation, if you are travelling from GB, with lunch or dinner on us. For more information and to book your time slot so you don’t miss out on a fantastic show in a wonderful venue, contact me on paul@world-furniture.biz.”

CMA calls on Emma Sleep to change its online sales practices

The CMA is calling on mattress firm Emma Sleep to change its selling practices, which could be putting unfair pressure on customers to make quick purchases.

In November last year, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched an investigation following concerns about Emma Sleep’s online selling practices – including whether its ‘urgency claims’, such as countdown timers and ‘discounts’, were misleading consumers.

As a result of its investigation, the CMA has found evidence that discount claims made by Emma Sleep did not stack up against the actual savings made by customers. The CMA also has concerns that the firm’s use of countdown timers and claims of high demand for certain products could mislead consumers, and therefore breach consumer protection law.

The CMA has written to Emma Sleep detailing its concerns and outlining the ways in which it can address these, which include stopping the use of misleading countdown timers and discount offers.

Exclusive Mammoth Originals launch for Fabb Furniture

CEO, Matt Hesketh, Fabb Sales Director, Keith Carl, and Senior Buyer, James Hollas.

Dunelm delivers robust growth; digital sales gathering pace

Home furnishings retailer Dunelm has reported a growth in sales with profit expected to be slightly ahead of current market expectations.

performance reflects our continued robust sales performance, strong commercial disciplines and tight operational grip on costs.

“We will continue to invest in digitalising and developing our business to improve both our customer offer and to make our operations more efficient. Our next new store in South East London, our 180th, will open shortly, increasing the reach of our total retail system and bringing our offer to more communities.

Furniture retailer Fabb Furniture has announced the launch of an exclusive new Mammoth mattress range that will be featured across its 21 UK stores.

“I am delighted to launch these amazing Mammoth Originals mattresses which are exclusive to Fabb Furniture, explains James Hollas, Senior Buyer, Fabb Furniture. “Alongside the Originals range, we are also launching the Mammoth pillow collection.

“Today’s customers are aware of how important a great night’s sleep is to their physical and mental wellbeing. The new Mammoth mattress range absolutely fills this need with its combination of medical grade foam which sits atop a sprung layer incorporating some of the most advanced spring technologies in the industry.”

The official Mammoth Originals launch took place at the Airsprung factory in Trowbridge on Wednesday 19 July 2023. Bed Managers from every Fabb store got the chance to cast their eye over the new product range, which was introduced by Mammoth’s founder, John Tuton.

Also present was Managing Director of Mammoth UK, Mike Hobson, and Managing Director of Airsprung Beds, Paul Little, alongside Fabb Furniture’s

According to its latest Q4 trading update for the 13-week period ended 1 July 2023, Dunelm delivered “robust” sales growth of 6% with revenues reaching £381m. Digital sales made up 39% of total sales in the quarter, 2ppts higher than FY22.

During the quarter, Dunelm reduced prices on over 1,000 lines as part of its sale period. “We are pleased that in the quarter we saw particularly strong volume growth,” the retailer said.

“Our product offer continued to resonate strongly with customers throughout the quarter, with cooler weather driving sales of our bedding and rugs ranges, while our Summer Living collections, in particular garden furniture and decorations, performed well in the warmer weather towards the end of the period.”

As for the full year, total sales rose 6% to £1.6bn. Compared to FY19 (the last full year before any impact from Covid) total sales are nearly 50% higher and digital sales now make up 36% of total sales (FY19: 20%).

Dunelm said profit is expected to be slightly ahead of market expectations and gross margin for the full year is expected to be in line with its guidance of c.50%.

“We expect profit before tax for the full year to be slightly ahead of current analysts’ consensus of £188m. This

“We are pleased with trading so far in the new financial year. Whilst the consumer outlook remains uncertain, we will keep focussing on delivering outstanding value and relevance to our customers. We will continue to invest thoughtfully for the future and are excited by the opportunities ahead to achieve further market share gains.”

Furniture wholesaler to host in-house event

Furniture supplier Kettle Home has announced it will be hosting an inhouse event. Located at its showroom in Corby, the in-house event will take place from 20-23 August 2023 and be the platform where Kettle will unveil its latest product launches.

Commenting on the event, Kettle Home said: “This is a unique opportunity to learn about our customer focussed business objectives and see our first product launches under the new Kettle Home brand. Visitors will get exclusive access to some fantastic package deals and discover our new product lines first hand.

“Coupled with our recent price reductions and repaired stock position on all core ranges, we know you will find exactly what you need to refresh your in-store displays for the busy trading period.”

Independent designer furniture retailer relocates store

Independent furniture business

Maven Furniture has relocated to a new space, celebrating almost 10 years of trading.

Maven Furniture, which was cofounded by sisters Catherine and Patricia McGinnis, has moved from the Reid Memorial Hall to Lisburn Road in Belfast.

The new store, formerly a Bank of Ireland location, has undergone a significant refurbishment and will allow the business to stock and offer more brands as it continues to expand.

Maven Furniture, sells designer homeware, lighting and furniture, commented on the opening: “Almost 10 years ago we took a chance and signed a lease on this beautiful building with an instinct that we weren’t the only ones who would love to see a beautiful shop selling the furniture and homeware that we love, in Belfast.

“Thank you to everyone who visited us at the Memorial Hall, whether to buy a piece of furniture, a little gift for someone special, to attend a Maven session or just for a natter. We have made so many friends along the way. Without you all there would be no Maven. We’re excited about the next stage of the Maven journey.

“The response we’ve had has been amazing. We are feeling the love! We have had such a lovely response from all our customers old and new, and been warmly welcomed by all our neighbours. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped us get here… we’ve had an amazing team around us. We’re honestly the luckiest ducks.”

The Manchester Furniture Show to return

Clarion Retail, organisers of The Furniture Shows series, has announced the return of the Manchester Furniture Show, which will take place at Manchester Central from 10th-11th July, 2024. After a brief hiatus, this relaunch aims to bring together a wide range of furniture manufacturers, brands, industry professionals, and furniture enthusiasts for a showcase of design, innovation, and networking opportunities.

MattressTek launches new sub-brand

Lancashire machinery manufacturer

MattressTek, known for its range of machines used in the manufacturing, production and processing of beds and mattresses, as well as the components needed in those areas, has created a sub-brand, AutomateTek, to promote its expertise in the provision of solutions to issues that manufacturers; across industrial, material handling and packaging; are facing.

Conran Shop posts sales rise

High-end designer furniture retailer

The Conran Shop has reported a growth in sales as turnover climbed towards £30m. According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 27 March 2022, total sales rose 64.5% to £26m from £15.8m in 2021. Pre-tax losses widened to £7.9m from a loss of £2.3m recorded the previous year. Stated within its report, the company said it has implemented a restructure plan to re-focus the product offering along with streamlining business operations across all of its sites.

Garden furniture retailer saved from administration

Garden furniture retailer Moda

Furnishings has been acquired out of administration in a rescue deal by furnishings group Giomani Designs.

Sam Woodward and Tim Vance, both of Ernst & Young LLP, were appointed as joint administrators of Moda Furnishings Ltd on 14 July 2023. Following the appointment, the business and certain assets was sold to Giomani Designs Limited, saving all

75 jobs with the company continuing to trade under the new ownership.

DFS reports record market share

Upholstered furniture retailer DFS has reported record market share gain and is in the strongest position it “has ever been”. According to its latest trading update for the 52-week period to 25 June 2023, full year 2023 market share increased to 38%, with gross sales growing by 15% compared to the comparative pre pandemic period (FY19), while down 4% year-on-year. Underlying profit before tax and brand amortisation for FY23 is in line with previous guidance at slightly above £30m despite the market being “significantly worse than expected”.

Glasswells launch new website

Independent furniture retailer Glasswells Home Furnishings Stores has announced the launch of its new website. The new and improved website showcases a huge selection of furnishings as well as offering the option for customers to book free measuring for curtains, blinds and flooring online, while also retrieving quotes and make use of the free click and collect service.

UK half year sales remain solid at Roche Bobois

French furniture business Roche Bobois has reported a growth in second quarter and half year sales. According to its latest trading update, total sales during Q2 2023 rose 6.9% to €117.7m from €110.1m against the same period last year. Half year sales were up 9.2% to €221.7m. “In Q2 2023, the UK posted solid revenues at the same high level as last year, at €6.4m versus €6.5m in Q2 2022,” the company said. “At the end of H1 2023, revenues totalled €11.7m versus €11.5m.”

Beter Bed agrees to €168m takeoverr

Dutch furniture group Beter Bed Holding has accepted a takeover bid from Torqx Capital Partners, valuing the company at €168m. Beter Bed and Torqx has agreed a recommended all-cash offer of

EUR6.10 a share, which represents a 107% premium to Beter Bed’s closing price of EUR2.95. Beter Bed’s board considers the offer represents a highly attractive proposition and is in the best interest of all stakeholders and values 100% of the shares at approximately €168m.

Bensons sales reach £240m

National bed retailer Bensons for Beds has reported sales of almost £240m although losses reached over £30m. According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 24 September 2022, total sales generated £239.4m, while pre-tax losses amounted to £31.1m. Compared to shortened period, from 25 April 2021 to £25 September 2021, sales stood at £101.9m with a pre-tax loss of £3.3m.

Sharps sees sales grow towards £130m

Fitted bedroom and home office furniture retailer and manufacturer, Sharps, has reported a growth in sales. According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 2 October 2022, total sales rose 12.9% to £126.9m from £112.4m in 2021. Pre-tax profit resulted at £17.1m compared to its profit of £24.2m the previous year. During the period, Sharps reduced its showrooms by 21, resulting in a year-end number of 41 locations, adding to the 15 showrooms closed the prior year.

Independent retailer closes one store

Independent furniture retailer Price Less Furniture has closed one of its two stores. The retailer closed its Dover store, situated on Biggin Street, on 31 July 2023 due to the location no longer being “financially viable” anymore. Price Less Furniture said that its remaining store on East Street in Faversham, Kent, will remain open as usual.

ScS names new CFO

Upholstered furniture and flooring retailer ScS has announced the appointment of Mark Fleetwood as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mark will join the Board of the Group and take up his role as CFO on 4 September 2023. He has significant retail and PLC experience, most recently serving a five-year term as CFO of END. (endclothing.com).