Cabinet Maker 28th June 2019

DESIGN

MANUFACTURE

RETAIL

We get to know Allison Chatten, from Bazaar Group, in our latest People Behind The Products series.

Simon Acres talks about the launch of his new business for the KBB sector, Acres Consultancy.

We take a look at what to expect to see during next month’s Harrogate Home & Gift Fair.

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DAN SQUIRES

CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK 01623 372 213 PUBLISHER Stewart Rickersey stewart@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372218 EDITOR Dan Squires dan@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372215 FEATURE WRITER Wayne Swiffin wayne@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372215 SALES & SUBSCRIPTIONS Sharon Rickersey Operations & Sales Manager sharon@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372213 Siobhan Foster subscriptions@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372216 PRE-PRESS PRODUCTION Tim Morriss tim@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372158 DIGITAL Jakub Krzyzanowski jakub@cabinet-maker.co.uk 01623 372157 Subscription prices Cover price for a single print copy £3.75 Published weekly; 48 issues per year Subscribe online at www.cabinet-maker.co.uk P&P extra. VAT will be charged where applicable. Refunds on prepaid subscriptions will only be provided at the publisher’s discretion.

As another month draws to a close there has been plenty of positive news hitting my desk of late, despite many echoing the uncertain times we are operating in. When a business reaches an anniversary milestone — like FCI celebrating 30 years — or when a business expands its workforce, invests in infrastructure or extends its footprint, it outlines that whatever is happening on a wider economy scale, the need to grow can’t be halted.

Even the latest Office for National Statistics figures for May revealed that furniture and lighting sales increased 0.9% on the previous month, whilst growing 2.8% on May last year.

Modest growth, but growth nonetheless.

It is these feel-good news stories that keep the morale high and long may these continue to hit the headlines. Of course, there will be inevitable casualties across the industry, but those businesses that continue to invest for the future will surely prosper when these uncertain times become a bit clearer.

One area that has continued to build momentum is apprenticeships. It was brilliant to read the success of the partnership between Westbridge Furniture and Coleg Cambria as six students near completion of their twomonth placements. It’s been a successful programme, not only for the students finding their feet in the furniture industry, but also for Westbridge, which said the apprenticeship programme has given it a firm foundation on which to build future careers. Those students completing this course now have the op-

portunity to cement full-time employment and will embark on a full two-year initiative with a guaranteed job at the company from day one.

Exciting times!

Another area that has also gained momentum is our initiative of highlighting the people that make this industry what is it. This week sees Allison Chatten, head of design and development at upholstery manufacturer, Bazaar Group, talking about her role, her need for adrenaline-fuelled activities and how her career was a choice between accounting or design. It’s another fantastic read!

Also in this week’s issue are two show previews. We take a look at what to expect to see at the upcoming Harrogate Home & Gift Fair as well as an insight into the Las Vegas Market. To round things off, Rosie Gamisheva, marketing assistant at SieMatic shares her view on the latest kitchen furniture trends in the Last Word.

To keep the positive momentum riding high, I encourage your business to share your story on your latest news, as well as invite you to get involved with our People Behind The Products series. When times are tough it is essential to focus on the positives to help navigate to a brighter future.

Dan Squires Editor

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RETAIL MANUFACTURE DESIGN

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Manufacturer Awards Retailer Awards Best Bed/Mattress Independent Bed Retailer Best Accessory/Component Pure Online Bed Retailer Innovation National Bed Retailer

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INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE

NEWS

06

FEATURES MEET ALLISON

18

We get to know Allison Chatten, from Bazaar Group, in our latest People Behind The Products series.

HEAD TO HARROGATE

22

Cabinet Maker takes a look at next month’s Harrogate Home & Gift Fair.

MAXIMISING GROWTH

24

ACROSS THE POND

26

Las Vegas Market is the leading home furnishings show in the western US. We found out more ahead of the event.

LAST WORD

34

Rosie Gamisheva, marketing assistant at SieMatic, has the Last Word.

26

Simon Acres talks about the launch of his new business for the KBB sector, Acres Consultancy.

22

18

NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF CHANGE OF USE

New contract

A former Harveys Furniture store in Eastgate, Louth, is to be transformed into a restaurant, according to a new planning application. The proposal by Banks Long & Co is a change-of-use application at the former furniture retailer’s site in Louth town centre. The local council is understood to be considering the application although plans are at an early stage.

Newcastle-based mattress manufacturer Palatine Beds has secured a new contract with the Ministry of Defence to supply mattresses to barracks across the UK and Europe. The four-year contract, which was secured through Vision Group, has also created two new roles for apprentices at Palatine.

Collection unveiled The Finnish design company A.S.Helsingö has expanded its selection of personal storage solutions with a new sideboard collection. A.S.Helsingö, known for its high-quality kitchens and wardrobes, offers three models that come in 16 colours and three different styles, including INGARÖ, ENSIÖ and SAMSÖ.

Job drive Tempur Sealy International, Inc has announced plans to add around 700 new US employees to meet growing demand for its Tempur-Pedic, Stearns & Foster and Sealy mattresses and bedding products. The new positions include management, operations and logistics, professional sales and other positions, and are spread across the country.

28th June 2019 | 06

RETAIL

Bed retailer delivers fifth year of sales and profit growth Bed retailer Dreams has reported a ‘solid performance’ as sales and profit both increase.

According to its latest results for the 52 weeks ended 24th December, 2018, total group sales increased 2.9% to £309m, from £300m in 2017, with like-for-like sales up by 1.9%.

Underlying EBITDA rose 1% to £43.3m, whilst group pre-tax profit increased 11.7% to £32.7m.

Stated within its report, Dreams said that the group remains debt free and resulted with positive net cash of £22.7m, almost doubling from last year.

EXPAND TO CHINA European kitchen retailer Ixina has opened stores in both Beijing and Shanghai, marking the brand’s official launch in China. Brought to China

by Gome Retail, Ixina plans to open six more stores this year — including in Wuxi and Nanjing — expanding to 100 within the next three years.

Crews control During last month’s ICFF, Bernhardt Design launched a number of new collections of furniture and textiles. One of note was the Becca Seating Collection by former NFL player and actor Terry Crews.

Featuring finely-tailored sofas, a settee, and club chairs, inspired by transitional architecture, the collaboration is Terry’s third with the brand.

During the year, 17 new stores were opened, including three closures and three relocations, bringing its store estate to 198 across the UK, whilst 13 locations underwent a refurbishment.

The company added that since its new online platform was launched, in August 2018, it has experienced strong like-for-like transaction results, with October finishing +12%, November +15% and December +49%, along with its highest ever online trading day in December.

Looking ahead, Dreams said it has made a strong start to the year, despite a challenging UK retail environment.

Commenting on the results, Mike Logue, chief executive of Dreams, said: “2018 was a challenging year for the UK retail market. However, our results for the period demonstrate our unwavering commitment to make, sell and deliver the most comfortable beds across the UK. “We have remained focused on providing an excellent range of products at the right price point which, coupled with our healthy balance sheet, means that we have had the flexibility to adapt to market conditions. This approach has served us well throughout the year and has seen us continue to invest across both our online and physical store estate. As a result, we are proud to have delivered our fifth year of continued sales and profit growth.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Dreams, across our factory, shops, distribution and support centres, for their dedication and tireless hard work.

“Looking ahead, the sector continues to face difficult market conditions, which have been well publicised, but our continued growth and investment means we are in a solid position at the start of 2019.”

w www.dreams.co.uk

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DESIGN

New overstock marketplace launches buyfair.global is the first B2B multi-lot auction-based marketplace for overstock, sample and end-of-line products, including homewares and furniture.

Founded by a group of experts in manufacturing, design, retail and technology, buyfair.global is aiming to disrupt and revolutionise buying and selling in the future. buyfair.global gives brands a new route to market for overstock products — achieving fairer prices and offering the best possible return on stock — making production more efficient while reducing wastage.

By maintaining margins, the buyfair.global platform frees up capital and enables brands to reinvest profits back into their core business.

Dominic Speelman, chief executive of buyfair.global and founder of Make International said: “Difficult trading conditions in recent years have placed some manufacturers in significant difficulty.

“When you have an influx of stock, a fall in demand and growing uncertainty, it’s almost the perfect storm.

“For years overstock has been a taboo subject which premium brands especially have been loath to discuss. But it feels as if a tipping point has been reached and people are searching for a solution to the problem of overstock. We believe buyfair.global is the solution.”

The scale of overstock across every retail-related industry is estimated to be worth £5bn in the UK alone. buyfair.global is the digital solution, allowing brands to sell excess stock to businesses across the world.

Through a sophisticated multi-lot auction-based system, brands can sell in bulk at better prices to a more targeted audience.

“Buyfair brings the first and only multi-lot real-time auction to the industry at a time where it has been incredibly difficult for homeware brands to manage inventory, as we lose key retailers from our high streets,” said Deborah Spencer, founder of designjunction and now partner of buyfair.global.

“Excess stock is a huge problem and we have a solution.”

The auction system and complex algorithms developed for the buyfair.global site gives buyers a fast, immediate and simple way to purchase product.

Oliver Pluckrose, CTO of buyfair.global, said: “The multi-lot auction platform can display to buyers, in real-time, their allocation of stock based on their current bid price and required number of units, when an auction has multiple buyers competing to win a finite amount of units from a seller.

“It guarantees to the seller that in any of their auctions buyfair. global will find the best solution to selling all their stock for the highest-achievable price based on those buyers bidding in the auction and the unit quantities they required.” buyfair.global is looking to take the design industry by storm with more than 200 brands, including LSA, Serax, Case, Innermost and Make International.

w buyfair.global

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MANUFACTURE

SOFT FURNISHINGS FIRM ENTERS LIQUIDATION Soft furnishings supplier Ryley and Hampson has entered liquidation owing creditors just over £100,000.

Mark Colman and Megan Singleton, both of Leonard Curtis, were appointment as joint liquidators of the business on 23rd May, 2019.

Since the appointment, newly-filed documents on Companies House revealed that Ryley and Hampson owed unsecured creditors a total of £102,467, with the majority being owed to employee claims of just under £75,000. Other claims included £18,000 to trade and expense creditors and £10,000 owed to the HMRC. Preferential creditors, owed £12,633, are expected to be repaid from realised assets of £34,977. This is expected to leave £22,344 for unsecured creditors, resulting in a total shortfall of more than £80,000.

The Blackburn-based business, which specialised in the manufacture and sale of curtains, had been established for 84 years ahead of entering liquidation.

w www.leonardcurtis.co.uk

RETAIL

Senior team appointed Furniture retail destination The Mailbox has announced its newly-appointed senior management team.

Andy Jackson joins Birmingham’s premier shopping, dining, lifestyle and office destination as estates director. Andy brings more than 22 years’ experience in the retail sector to his new role at the Mailbox, having previously held positions in centre:mk in Milton Keynes and The Gracechurch Centre in Sutton Coldfield.

Facilities manager Jason Wandless is responsible for the management of security, guest services, maintenance engineering, housekeeping, reception and waste management across the centre.

Mike Atherton joins as operations manager, tasked with identifying and implementing measures to make the Mailbox as safe, secure and sustainable as possible. The new recruits join David Pardoe, head of marketing, retail and tenant engagement.

Andy Jackson commented: “We’re delighted to announce the new executive management team. Our current leadership structure puts us in a great position to be able to respond to the dynamic and ever-changing world of retail thanks to the breadth of our backgrounds, and we’re looking forward to working towards our aspiration of providing our occupiers and guests with the best experience possible.”

The Mailbox is home to a number of exclusive furniture and interiors brands, including Heal’s, MADE.com, BoConcept, Calligaris, Design Quarter, Authentic Furniture, Harvey Jones Kitchens and iLite Lighting.

w www.mailboxlife.com 28th June 2019 | 07

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MANUFACTURE

Mattress brand launches new funding campaign Compact mattress brand HÜGGE has announced the launch of a new funding campaign, looking to raise a target of £250,000.

Based in Cambridgeshire, HÜGGE launched in 2016 by Paul Francis via its website and has since seen a successful two-year partnership with Harrods continue with the brand selling more than 2,000 mattresses.

The new investment round, launched through Angel Investment Network, aims to raise a minimum of £10,000 with an overall target of £250,000.

The funding round follows its previous equity crowdfunding campaign back in 2017, where the business raised more than £162,000 through Seedrs, smashing its original target of £120,000 in just two days.

For more information, visit:

w

www.angelinvestmentnetwork.co.uk/business-proposals/ hugge-15-945811

MANUFACTURE

KBB INDUSTRY FILM SERIES LAUNCHED Dedicated KBB and merchant service provider Acres Consultancy has launched a series of Industry Legend films designed to share the thoughts and advice of some of the most successful professionals in the industry.

The first film features director Bernard Miel at Kitchens Continental. Based in North West London, Kitchen Continental supplies kitchens to both private individuals and trade clients including interior designers, architects and property developers.

During the film, principal director at Acres Consultancy, Simon Acres talks to Bernard about his 35-plus years in the industry, the changes he has witnessed, and advice he would give any new start-up businesses.

Simon (above right) said: “Bernard is the perfect choice for our first Industry Legend film as he has a wealth of experience to share. Kitchens Continental is a successful Kbsa family business that embodies everything an independent kitchen retailer should aspire to be in a challenging market.”

Bernard (above left) added: “I am delighted to be part of this series of videos and promote the sharing of knowledge in our industry. We all have our own secrets of success to share, for me it is building up trust and approaching sales in a nonpressurised and relaxed environment.

“I am looking forward to hearing from the other industry legends in the series.”

w www.acresconsultancyltd.co.uk 28th June 2019 | 08

PARLANE RETURNS TO HARROGATE For the first time since 2006, Parlane will be back at the Harrogate show this year. Its team of visual merchandisers is planning an eye-catching stand to spark customers’ interest, displaying a wide selection from its new Autumn Winter 2019 product launch.

There’s a fantastic collection of furniture, faux flowers, seasonal and decorative accessories for its wide customer base, which includes home retailers, garden centres, farm shops, lifestyle and gift retailers.

Matt Baldock, head buyer, commented: “We’re careful to bring together a curated product offering, reflecting the latest trends but equally ensuring that it’s in keeping with our wellknown Parlane style. We aim to inspire retailers with a product catalogue that offers a point of difference in the market at competitive prices.”

The new collection features a magical Woodland Christmas range, which is full of natural materials and shades of green. It’s dominated by creatures of all kinds, including the mysterious Scandinavian Tomte, a mythological character thought to protect the home. There are playful bears and trees trimmed with animal head decorations, cleverly crafted from dried grasses.

A new Living collection is split into three different looks. One being bold and dramatic; black furniture and large pots of exotic faux greenery set against a backdrop of deep midnight blue and metallic gold accessories. Moving through the collection, the tones become livelier with hot and spicy burnt oranges and russet reds. A softer, more feminine look utilises blush pink and terracotta shades mixed with silver and pearlised finishes on products.

The stand at Harrogate will showcase a range of AW19 products, but for those who would like to view the entire collection, they can visit Parlane’s nearby showroom in Newby Hall Stables, near Ripon, whilst they are in Harrogate, by prebooking an appointment with their area sales manager or by visiting the Parlane stand at the show to arrange a visit.

Another great reason to visit Parlane at the show is to pick up one of its £2m Warehouse Clearance Sale brochures. The sale, which includes more than 2,000 products with up to 50% off, is to clear stock ahead of a warehouse move. The new storage facility will enable Parlane to hold larger quantities of its current lines and new ranges, so giving better availability and service to customers.

Parlane’s UK sales manager, Chris Lewis, said: “All the team are eagerly looking forward to working the show and meeting customers old and new. Come and visit us on Stand M26 & M31 to buy the latest trends for your business, find out more about our amazing £2m sale, have an informal chat and a refreshing drink!”

w www.parlaneinternational.co.uk

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RETAIL

Global group downsizes UK furniture division Global group Steinhoff International has reported a decline in UK sales within its furniture division as well as downsizing its store estate.

According to its full year results ended 30th September, 2018, total sales with its UK household goods division, which includes Bensons for Beds and Harveys, fell 11% to €631m (£562.5m) compared to €711m (£633.9m) in 2017.

Steinhoff said that constant currency revenue decreased by 10%, while like-for-like revenue declined by 5%, citing difficult market conditions as one of the main reasons for the downturn.

Additionally, the group added: “Steinhoff events were publicised during the household goods division’s peak trading period, and this was actively exploited by competitors. This had a negative impact on customer confidence in our brands.”

Although Bensons for Beds reported a decline in revenue, this was only ‘down marginally’ on a like-for-like basis. The lossmaking furniture business, Harveys, also reported a decline in trade.

“The summer of 2018 was the hottest in the UK since 1976 and this, combined with England’s successful performance during the FIFA World Cup, resulted in a substantial reduction in store footfall during the summer months,” Steinhoff said.

During the reporting period, Bensons managed to maintain margin, in-store customer conversion and online sales, whilst the Harveys management has implemented a turnaround plan to bring the business back to profitability.

Furthermore, Steinhoff reduced is store portfolio in both the Bensons and Harveys brands, with each closing 16 stores.

Bensons did open one during the year, bringing its estate down 5% from 267 to 252, whilst Harveys network reduced 10% from 161 to 145 stores.

w www.steinhoffinternational.com

MANUFACTURE

CHINESE OFFICE FURNITURE FIRM EXPANDS Chinese manufacturer of office furniture chairs Zhejiang Henglin Chair Industry (Henglin) has completed the acquisition of Switzerland-based furniture company Lista Office Group (LO).

The deal was completed at the end of last month with the acquisition forming part of LO’s international expansion plans and growth strategy.

The Swiss furniture business said it had been exploring a sale for some time and had offers from across the world, including the US, Europe and Asia, before agreeing Henglin’s proposal.

The deal itself remains undisclosed but will now see Henglin have an established foothold within the European office furniture market.

LO has two manufacturing sites in Switzerland and annual sales estimated to be in the region of CHF100 million (£80m).

w www.lista-office.com

The Augustine corner group from Comfort Studio

Cornering comfort Our latest Comfort Studio Collection ranges give your customers the comfort and quality they associate with La-Z-Boy, with design innovations for 2019 including a brand new luxury leather.

Visit La-Z-Boy in Central Hall, stand C20 at the Manchester Furniture Show.

www.la-z-boy.co.uk

NEWS RETAIL

DESIGN

Consistent growth at Norfolk family business

Sainsbury’s Home and Argos Home sponsor exhibition

Norfolk-based family furniture business W J Aldiss has reported consistent growth.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended September 2018, total sales rose by 2.78% to £19.6m from £19m in 2017.

Gross profit also increased by 3.82% to £8.1m, as the retailer continued to enhance its sourcing and promotional strategies, whilst pre-tax profit resulted at £651,743, up by 5.5% from £617,269 year-on-year.

Consistent with the long-term strategy of the business, these profits will help support continued investment in IT, stores and fulfilment projects.

Aldiss, which trades out of two stores in Norwich and Fakenham, said that the board was delighted with the progress made.

Darryl Simpson, managing director, said: “W J Aldiss has been owned by the same family since it began trading in 1892.

Although our executive team has only been together in their current posts for three years, our wide retail experience and strong store teams, combined with the stability of being family owned, enables the company to make progress in what is continues to be a very unpredictable retail landscape.

“2018 saw the completion of works to the first floor sales area of the Norwich branch, replacement of merchandise fixtures and flooring in both stores and the addition of a mezzanine floor in our distribution centre. A great deal of resource has gone into the development of the company IT system, which continued through 2018, with a planned roll out in the summer of 2019.”

w www.aldiss.com

MANUFACTURE

FURNITURE HEALTHCARE SPECIALIST DELIVERS SALES GROWTH Healthcare furniture specialist Bristol Maid has reported a growth in turnover.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 30th September, 2018, total sales rose 4.3% to £16.9m from £16.2m in 2017.

Gross profit remained static at £6.9m, as did pre-tax profit, resulted at £3m for the second straight year.

Detailed within its report, the company said that the increase in sales was down to an uptick in the public healthcare market, although warned that conditions remain challenging.

The company added that exports fell by 12.1% to £1.9m due to reduced project driven sales, however, opportunities to increase its export division are being pursued.

w www.bristolmaid.com 28th June 2019 | 12

Sainsbury’s Home and Argos Home are to sponsor the New Designers exhibition. Taking place from 26th June to 6th July 2019, the partnership will see Sainsbury’s Home support the first week of New Designers, which takes a focus on design disciplines, including ceramics and glass, contemporary design craft, textiles and fashion.

Meanwhile, Argos Home will sponsor the second week, which covers furniture, product and industrial design, spatial design and interiors.

For 2019, a winning graduate from each week will be awarded the Sainsbury’s / Argos Young Designer of the Year titles respectively, which comprise a £500 cash prize and personal mentoring from the design studios for Sainsbury’s Home and Argos Home.

This year the Sainsbury’s Home and Argos Home judging team will be joined by British interior stylist and designer Sophie Robinson in week one to judge and decide on a shortlist of graduates.

The two winners will also be invited to join 10 other shortlisted graduates chosen by the design teams in a selection process.

They will be interviewed for the chance to be granted one of two opportunities for a year-long paid work placement with the design and buying teams to help develop the next homeware collections for 2020.

This demonstrates the British brands’ commitment to discovering new design talent in the UK. Since Sainsbury’s Home began sponsoring New Designers in 2017, year-long placements have been offered to five recent graduates, three of whom have since become permanent members of the design studio.

As part of this year’s exhibition, Sainsbury’s Home and Argos Home will be displaying works focused on generation rent and creating design solutions for small space living, which has been an ongoing trend of current living.

Joe Parker, one of the Sainsbury’s Home New Designer graduates from 2017, will also launch the Loft Living’collection he has designed for Argos Home, available from July.

Joe Parker commented: “Loft Living is a unique living system that is modular and can be built to any size depending on what your living space requires. I wanted to help solve the problems of small space living and how our spaces now not only have to serve as bedrooms but also offices, dressing rooms and storage.”

Andrew Tanner, design manager at Sainsbury’s Home and Argos Home, who started his career at New Designers in 1997, said: “The designers who have joined the studio are all millennials and part of ‘generation rent’, something that is very close to our customer base.

“We challenged the award winners to develop a collection that would not only demonstrate how people live their lives today but also provide solutions and attract new audiences to our product ranges based around small space living and millennial design values.”

w www.sainsburys.co.uk w www.argos.co.uk

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Home furnishings company to open new showroom British home furnishings business Jim Lawrence has confirmed plans to open a new showroom in Bath.

Situated on Walcot Street, the new showroom is currently undergoing a refurbishment process and takes over the premises that had been vacant for a couple of years. Its former owner was Richard Hathaway Lighting.

The business has also announced a recruitment drive to source staff for the store, including a general manager.

In a statement on its recent blog post, Jim Lawrence said: “We are thrilled to finally be able to reveal more about our stunning new shop location. We have officially completed, got the keys, and are beavering away to renovate this elegant building as we speak.

“There’s a fair bit to do but we hope Jim Lawrence Lighting & Home in Bath will be up and running by early autumn. Opening our first regional shop right in the middle of Bath like this is only possible thanks to everyone’s amazing work and commitment, helping grow the company to where it is today.”

MANUFACTURE

BESPOKE FURNITURE MAKER CEASES TO TRADE Donegal-based bespoke furniture manufacturer Anderson’s Themes and Dreams has ceased trading with immediate effect.

The business, which specialises in making bespoke children’s beds shaped like castles, emailed customers stating its situation and blamed the uncertainty around Brexit as a main reason that led to the closure.

Anderson’s said in the letter that as of 13th June it will cease trading due to “overwhelming financial difficulties and uncertainty with Brexit making funding extremely difficult”.

The business continued by saying that it had exhausted every avenue in attempts to keep trading and was “truly sorry for any upset and stress caused”.

Customers who had placed orders are being advised to seek a refund through a chargeback procedure directly through their card holder as the company cannot fulfil any orders.

w www.andersonsthemesanddreams.co.uk

w www.jim-lawrence.co.uk

MANUFACTURE

UK SALES SLIP FOR COMPONENTS FIRM Furniture fittings specialist Häfele has reported a slight decline in sales within its UK division.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31st December, 2018, total Häfele UK sales fell 2.3% to £111m from £113.7m in 2017, bringing an end to a six-year run of consecutive turnover growth.

For a life that’s larger than today’s living room.

From the UK’s leading soft seating manufacturer

UK sales represented the core market and fell 2.5% to £109.3m from £112.2m. EU sales increased by 7.1% to £1.5m from £1.4m, whilst sales outside the EU rose 41.6% from £108,000 to £153,000.

Despite the sales fall, gross profit did increase 1.7% to £41.1m from £40.4m, whilst pre-tax profit remained consistent, resulting at £13.8m for a second straight year.

Stated within its report, Häfele UK said that 2018 was a particularly challenging year, citing Brexit and lower consumer confidence impacting its key markets.

However, careful price management and cost control mitigated the impact on overall sales, whilst the UK arm invested over £1.1m in capital expenditure to help maintain its “market leading position”.

An innovative 3-in-1 pouffe that effortlessly changes its form.

w www.hafele.co.uk Maximise your sales with minimal floorspace Discover Bazaar Group’s new concept

www.bazaar-group.uk/ayla T: 01670 594137 E: ayla@bazaar-group.uk

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MANUFACTURE

Furniture prices up in May Furniture prices rose during May, as overall inflation in the UK decreased.

According to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Consumer Prices Index (CPI) for May 2019, the total furniture price rate increased by 2.5% from -0.2% in April.

Compared to the same month last year, furniture prices during May rose by a rate of 2% from -0.7% in 2018.

On last month, prices of carpets and floorcovering declined by 1% from a rate of 1.6%, whilst remaining unchanged at 0.6% compared to 2018.

Overall, the 12-month rate was 2% in May 2019, down from 2.1% in April 2019.

w www.ons.gov.uk

MANUFACTURE

FURNISHINGS GROUP SAYS UK MARKET HAS IMPROVED Luxury interior furnishings group Walker Greenbank has reported that the UK continues to be challenging, although recent figures have improved.

According to its latest trading update at its annual general meeting in London, the group said that overall trading is ‘in line with expectations’.

In a full statement, Dianne Thompson, Walker Greenbank’s non-executive chairman, said: “This is my first annual general meeting as chairman of Walker Greenbank, having joined the Board four months ago.

“We are looking very closely at the business as part of the ongoing strategy review led by our recently-appointed chief executive officer, Lisa Montague, who joined the company from a background in luxury goods. The findings of the review will be announced in the autumn this year.

“Overall, trading at the company in the year to date is in line with the Board’s expectations. In the UK, which represents approximately 52% of brand sales, market conditions continue to be challenging although the sales trend has improved since the start of the financial year.

“Brand sales in international markets, excluding the US, in the first 18 weeks of the financial year are ahead on a like-for-like basis at constant currency compared with the same time last year.

“Of the company’s brand portfolio, Morris & Co has been growing particularly strongly, reflecting the sustained revival of interest in the arts and crafts movement. Clarke and Clarke, outside of the US, also continues to perform well.

FURNITURE MAKER OFFERS NEW APPRENTICESHIPS OPPORTUNITIES Scunthorpe-based furniture manufacturer Lebus Upholstery has announced the launch of 15 new apprenticeship places for young people in North Lincolnshire.

One of the largest furniture manufacturers in the UK, Lebus currently employs nearly 500 people at its site off Brigg Road in the town.

The 15 new apprenticeship places are open to 16 to 20 year olds, and the new recruits will start at the firm in September 2019.

Apprentices will work towards their Intermediate Apprenticeship level 2 in modern upholstery and are each guaranteed a position within the company, once they’ve finished their apprenticeship.

Those who might be interested in an apprenticeship were invited to an open day at Lebus Upholstery, at its Scunthorpe site.

John Brewster, operations director at Lebus, said: “Lebus products are designed and manufactured to the highest possible standards. We want to develop local talent to help create our sofas that are in homes across the country.

“No previous experience is necessary for these positions, so with attractive pay rates, fully supported training, 32 days holiday and a meal allowance for apprentices, Lebus Upholstery is the place to start your career.”

Cllr Richard Hannigan, deputy leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “Our Economic Growth team is keen to support local businesses looking to upskill their workforce or grow their operations.

“We’ve been working with Lebus to help it plug a skills gap and find the next generation of furniture-makers right here in North Lincolnshire.

“We are focusing on revenue-generating and cost-saving initiatives to mitigate current trading conditions and are on track to deliver anticipated savings in the current financial year and beyond.”

“It is so promising to see businesses thriving in our area and recognising that North Lincolnshire has the space and job-ready workforce needed to support growth.”

w www.walkergreenbank.com

w www.lebus.co.uk

28th June 2019 | 14

aQO RETAIL

Tough trading climate impacts independent Devon-based independent retailer Fairway Furniture has reported a decline in turnover as profit fell to a loss.

Harding & Sons Limited, which trades as five-store retailer Fairway Furniture, saw turnover for the year ended 31st January, 2019, fall by 2.3% to £8.4m from £8.6m in 2018.

Gross profit also experienced a decline of 5.1% to £3.7m from £3.9m, whilst its pre-tax profit of £322,785 recorded last year slipped into the red at a loss of £22,641.

Stated within its report, the company said the trading climate was volatile and uncertain with consumer spending subdued.

Furthermore, the business said that the intense price-led competition has resulted in a continuing struggle to maintain satisfactory profitability.

The business added that gross margin was eroded slightly upward raw material prices by 0.66% to 44.66%.

During the year, Fairway, which has stores in Newton Abbot, Tavistock, St Austell and two in Plymouth, continued to invest in its fixed assets as well as introducing new technology, which will bring future savings.

w www.fairwayfurniture.co.uk

MANUFACTURE

CARPET BUSINESS SAVED FROM ADMINISTRATION Wool carpet supplier Lawton Yarns Limited has been acquired from administration, saving around 300 jobs.

Administrators advised the sale of the business to Danspin A/S for an undisclosed sum.

Based in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, family-run business Lawton Yarns has been established for more than 100 years originally dating back to 1902 and now supplies over 50 carpet manufacturers in the UK, Europe and elsewhere.

Simon Thomas and Nick O’Reilly, both from business advisors and turnaround specialists Moorfields Advisory, were appointed administrators on 12th June and immediately completed a sale to Danspin A/S, another leading wool spinner, following a period of marketing.

The merger will protect the offering of natural wool products from competing synthetic products.

Simon Thomas, partner said: “Lawton Yarns was acquired by Netherlands based group in October 2015 with operations in Belgium and Poland. Unfortunately the UK business suffered as a result of under-performance within the rest of the European group.

“Lawton Yarns has itself continued to trade profitably, representing an excellent turnaround opportunity. We received a lot of interest and are delighted to have found a buyer.”

w www.lawton-yarns.com

DESIGN

FIRA shares standards updates The Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) has published its latest summary of standards. The three new standards published were confirmed as: · BS EN 527‑2:2016+A1:2019 Office furniture - Work tables Part 2: Safety, strength and durability requirements · BS EN 716: 2017 + AC: 2019 Furniture. Children’s cots and folding cots for domestic use. Part 1: Safety requirements · PD CEN/TR 16411:2019 Child care articles. Compiled interpretations of CEN/TC 252 standards Further standards that are in development, or earmarked for amendment, include those within the following areas: nondomestic tables and desks / office desks, non-domestic / office seating, non-domestic / office storage, educational furniture, laboratory furniture, beds and mattresses, domestic seating, domestic tables, domestic storage, kitchens, outdoor furniture, children’s furniture, flammability, hardware, surface finishes and common test methods.

Alongside the standards information, the update also carries important information on various other matters affecting the industry, including: · Public consultation on the restriction of formaldehyde emissions, updates on proposals that consumer products should meet specified emission levels which is to be verified by testing of the whole product · Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended), updates of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) / Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPS&S) funded project, led by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) and attended by the Furniture Industry Research Association · The Environmental Audit Committee’s (EAC) enquiry on the impact of toxic chemicals, how to access written evidence and view the recordings from the parliamentary sessions which included key organisations from the furniture industry · Engagement with the Machinery Directive working group, proposals to classify certain components (such as drawer/ door openers and height adjustable desk mechanisms) to be classified as machines in their own right

w www.fira.co.uk

MANUFACTURE

SALES AND PROFIT FALL AGAIN AT UK ARM Italian home accessories wholesaler Alessi has reported a fifth straight year of declining turnover in its UK division.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31st December, 2018, total UK sales fell 6.8% to £2.7m from £2.9m in 2017. Its reported revenue was the lowest Alessi UK has recorded in a decade with its highest sales figure standing at £5.3m, which was achieved back in 2010.

Gross profit was also down by 14.2% to £1.2m, whilst pre-tax profit resulted at £69,972, down by 15.8% from 2017.

w www.alessi.com 28th June 2019 | 15

NEWS RETAIL

MANUFACTURE

Giftware retailer in administration Family run giftware retailer Candletime has entered administration after suffering from what is describes as challenging trading conditions in the retail sector.

Business recovery and insolvency specialists Kelly Burton and Lisa Hogg, of Wilson Field, were appointed joint administrators of Candletime (Meadowhall) Limited.

Candletime is an independent, family-run business, specialising in candles and gifts, including soft furnishings and lighting, and has been trading in the Meadowhall Centre for more than 20 years. In the immediate short-term, Candletime will be continuing to trade from its Meadowhall location in Sheffield during the administration. Customers will still be able to purchase all available stock, with a 50% discount, however, all payments must be made in cash.

Kelly Burton, associate director and licensed insolvency practitioner at Wilson Field, said: “As we have seen in the press in recent months, trading conditions in the retail sector are particularly challenging due to the increasing impact of internet sales on traditional retailers. In this case, the company has been a victim of ever-decreasing footfall and the presence of a large, national competitor operating close to the shop, which unfortunately has reduced revenues and created cashflow pressure.

“The company has sought to reduce overheads to improve profitability but, despite the directors’ best efforts, they have concluded that the company’s future trading prospects are untenable and taken steps to appoint me as joint administrator.

“I am continuing trading activities in the short-term in order to maximise realisations of the company’s stock and to this end, will be holding a retail sale from the unit. I encourage customers to visit the store to take advantage of the significant price reductions that are available following my appointment. I would like to thank the company’s directors and staff for their continued support during the closing period of trade.”

w www.wilsonfield.co.uk

MANUFACTURE

REDUCED ORDERS IMPACT KITCHEN SUPPLIER Kitchen furniture supplier Paula Rosa Manhattan has reported a third consecutive year of declining sales.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 31st December, 2018, total sales fell 11.6% to £36.3m from £41.1m in 2017. The drop in sales marked a third straight year of falling revenue and was the lowest turnover since 2012’s £32m.

Gross profit was also down by 21% to £8.1m from £10.3m, whilst pre-tax losses widened from £3.4m to £3.6m.

FURNITURE BOOK GROWS IN POPULARITY A popular book within the furniture industry has generated a large following since its publication around eight years ago.

The G Plan Revolution book is a historical account of the development of vintage furniture design in the 1950s and particularly the 1960s.

However, the emphasis is on an interesting and entertaining read for the popular market, rather than an academic textbook.

The book was written by Basil Hyman, the former owner of a cabinet business in the 1950s that created Limelight and launched G Plan, as well as and other brands of the mid-century.

The G Plan Revolution has gained traction over the years through its large social media following and has been sold across the world from Australia, Japan, Germany, USA and the UK. Commenting on the book, Basil said: “The publication is also a good guide for the collector or anyone with an interest in vintage retro furniture. The G Plan Revolution is a colourful, hardback, packed with period advertisements from companies such as E Gomme Ltd and ercol Furniture Ltd. “It has instant appeal to anyone who remembers G Plan in its heyday, or those who have an interest in collecting furniture from the 1960s or a general nostalgia for the era. It’s a must have for people that love mid-century design as it covers brands like ercol, G Plan, Schrieber, Nathan and Limelight, but also many other furniture manufacturers of this period.

For more information or to purchase the book, visit:

w www.tram29.com/product/the-g-plan-revolution/

RETAIL

Sales up at furnishings retailer Homeware and beddings retailer Ponden Home has reported its highest turnover in eight years.

Dennis & Robinson Limited, which trades as Paula Rosa Manhattan, stated within its report that sales were down due to a reduced in-flow of orders from high-end projects in London.

According to its latest filed accounts for the 78-week period ended 25th August, 2018, total sales rose 36.9% to £34.5m from £25.2m in 2017 (which was over a 52-week period). Pre-tax profit of £1m recorded last year declined to a loss of £1.2m.

However, the business experienced a surge in new business orders during the fourth quarter, following investments in new product launches and a stronger sales team.

Stated within its report, Ponden said that despite the widelyreported challenges that the UK high street faces, it remains confident about the year ahead.

w www.prmf.co.uk

w www.pondenhome.co.uk

28th June 2019 | 16

aQO RETAIL

DESIGN

Worst footfall figures in six years

IKEA forms robotic furniture collaboration

High street footfall fell during May as every region across the UK suffered a decline.

According to the latest BRC-Springboard Footfall and Vacancies Monitor for May 2019, overall footfall fell by 3.5%, widening from its fall of 0.4% against the same time last year.

High street footfall declined 4.8%, with no region experiencing any growth during the month.

The BRC said that this was a direct consequence of last year’s exceptional fine weather.

Scotland was the least affected region by this, with a decline of only -1.9%. The South West saw the highest rate of decline of all UK regions, with -6.9%.

Retail Park footfall decreased by 0.8%, with only three of the UK regions making it into growth. The best performing was the East, with growth of 5.8%. The steepest decline in the UK was seen in the South West, with -5.6%.

Shopping centre footfall declined by 3.6%, increasing from last year’s fall of 2.9%. All but one region saw falling footfall, namely the West Midlands that saw growth of 1.3%. The neighbouring region of the East Midlands saw the steepest decline for the shopping destination, with a decline of -7.4%.

w www.brc.org.uk

MANUFACTURE

BED MAKER STRENGTHENS RETAIL PARTNERSHIPS Global bed brand Tempur Sealy International, Inc. is broadening distribution of its bedding products by entering into two new third-party retail relationships and expanding an existing deal.

The additional net sales from these three supply agreements are expected to be in excess of $400m (£319m) on an annual basis.

Tempur Sealy has entered into a supply agreement with beds retailer Mattress Firm, Inc. to reintroduce Tempur-Pedic, Stearns & Foster, and Sealy branded products into approximately 2,500 Mattress Firm stores across the US, which is set to commence in the fourth quarter of 2019 and to be completed early in the first quarter of 2020.

Tempur Sealy has also announced the recent expansion in its long-term supply agreement with Big Lots, Inc., a 1,400-store retailer in the US. Big Lots’ growing partnership with Sealy is evidence of the investments in product quality and manufacturing reliability that Sealy has made in recent years.

Sealy’s launch of new products with Big Lots is expected to be complete by year end 2019.

As previously announced, the company also recently extended its European retail distribution network by reaching a supply agreement with Beter Bed Holding, one of Europe’s leading bedding retailers. The launch of new products with Beter Bed Holding is expected to be complete by the end of 2019, and initially will include over 100 stores.

w www.tempursealy.com

Swedish furniture giant IKEA is exploring flexible and innovative solutions by introducing ROGNAN robotic furniture developed in collaboration with Ori. Seana Strawn, product developer for new innovations at IKEA of Sweden, said: “We have been working with developing small space living solutions for a long time, and we know that some of the biggest challenges in peoples’ homes are storage and finding the place to do all the activities that you’d want to do in your home.

“This is especially the case in big cities where people have to make compromises in the functions of their homes. We wanted to change that.”

To meet this need, IKEA is collaborating with Ori, an American startup that has developed robotic furniture for modern living and has been challenging the limitations of square metres in living spaces — now introducing ROGNAN. With ROGNAN as a robotic furniture solution for small space living, people will be able to turn small spaces into smart spaces that have all the comfort and convenience of a home.

Hasier Larrea, founder and chief executive of Ori, added: “People across the US have been living large in a small footprint with Ori’s robotic interiors since we introduced our first commercial product two years ago. At about the same time, we began working with IKEA to bring robotic furniture to the world.

“We share IKEA’s passion to enable people to make the most of their living spaces, and look forward to helping realise this as we continue to develop living spaces for the next generation.”

The first launch of ROGNAN will be in Hong Kong and Japan during 2020.

w www.ikea.com

RETAIL

Sales grow for 13th straight year Homewares department store Boyes has reported another year of turnover growth as sales surpassed the £80m mark.

According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 26th January, 2019, total sales rose by 4.1% to £82.1m from £78.8m in 2018, its 13th consecutive year of turnover growth.

Gross profit decreased slightly by 6.3% to £16.1m from £17.2m, whilst pre-tax profit resulted at £2.1m for the year, down by 56% from £4.8m recorded in 2018.

Boyes said that the reduction in profit was largely due to a decline in the gross margin figure and an impairment provision.

The company opened four new stores during the year to bring its overall store estate to 66, whilst also refitting older stores under its capital expenditure programme.

w www.boyes.co.uk 28th June 2019 | 17

F E A T U R E |P E O P L E B E H I N D T H E P R O D U C T S / B A Z A A R G R O U P Allison Chatten, head of design and development at Bazaar Group, talks about her role, the need for adrenaline-fuelled activities and how her career was a choice between accounting or design.

The key to good product design in the retail sector is balancing innovation and commercial relevance, whilst remaining true to your brand’s mission and essence. It’s all about timing and being in tune with your customer and the culture that surrounds them. We never launch anything that we feel doesn’t answer the needs of our consumer, so having the ability to put yourself in their shoes, and 28th June 2019 | 18

atten Name... Allison Ch ent Design and Developm Job role... Head of oup Company... Bazaar Gr

understand their space, their life and their problems is essential to the role.

How long have you been in your current role?

I’ve been with the company for 11 years and started as a product designer. We were a small company back then, so I ended up being involved in a lot of different aspects of the business.

My role involved everything from product development, buying and sourcing material — and even setting up production. We only had one sewing machine when I started, so within three weeks I was tasked with going to auctions to buy more and set up a small production line.

Can you give a brief background on yourself?

I did a degree in fashion marketing at

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ar-group.co.uk Allison.chatten@baza

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Email...

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Bazaar Group’s brands create seating solutions for such a broad spectrum of markets that every day is different. We have an education brand, Eden Learning Spaces, where I manage the creation of furnishings for education environments that enhance the experience of learning; a new soft seating retail brand, Ayla, where I focus on creating small footprint, flexible furniture that responds to the needs of today’s urban customers; and we have several direct to consumer brands, where I ensure our designs meet the demands of current trends and lifestyles.

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Can you describe your current job role and responsibilities?

My role is to guide our team of talented designers, in house and externally, to create unique and purposeful designs whilst ensuring the smooth development of all new product ranges. A key strategic aim of the company is to put good design at the heart of everything we do. I help to ensure all our product development is in line with each brand’s strategy, and to our high-quality standards.

Meet

Northumbria University, but moved into the home interest sector quite quickly after graduating. I worked as an account manager for a company that manufactured white label products for major retailers, such as Dunelm, Tesco and Woolworths.

I’ve always been interested in interiors.

When I was a child I used to spend hours and hours making little models of rooms, and then putting furniture in them. I’m also very passionate and proud about being from the North East— it’s a beautiful place and I draw a lot of inspiration from it.

What is the best thing about your role?

I think the way we develop our own ranges gives us a lot of autonomy. We have creative

FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK

freedom in what we do and are able to think beyond the idea of the ‘four legs and a platform’ design for a chair. It’s great to be able to do what we believe in.

I also get to be very hands on, so I’m not just sitting behind a desk all day. I could be working with our technician at a sewing machine one day, sketching a new idea the next, or even meeting design students to discuss new innovation briefs.

What is the most challenging?

One of the most challenging things is tackling the perceptions of other people and getting them to be more open minded about new techniques and materials.

It would be very easy for us to fall in to a lazy way of thinking of just relying on traditional methods of construction. But when we design, we think of mood and shape first and what we want to create. Then we find the right methods to construct our vision, not the other way around.

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even travelling to a show in Europe to source new materials. And then I might find myself meeting talented young designers who are finishing their degrees or building 3D versions of sketches out of plasticine to test a concept.

What would you say pulled you into wanting a career in the furnishing industry?

I think it was the love of textiles in the first place. I was really interested in the way fabrics, colour and texture can be applied in different environments to affect mood.

It frustrated me at university that textiles were often viewed as only relevant in the apparel sector, but a huge amount of what I learned there can be applied in the other industries, particularly furnishings.

And it’s really important to me that the home environment is a place where people can use their furniture and furnishings to express themselves. It’s interesting to see the things people choose to have around them and interact with.

Can you describe your typical working day?

Not really! I know it’s a cliché but no two days are the same.

I’m quite curious about stuff like that, I want to understand why people decorate their rooms in the way they do.

There are definitely cycles of work. For example, where we go from an initial design right through to product launch. However, within that there are so many different activities. I could be on a Skype call or working closely with a designer one minute, and then scouring technical instructions or

Can you share something that your coworkers may not know about you?

We’re a pretty close-knit team and I’m really open with everyone, but I am naturally quite an understated, calm person and my colleagues might not realise that I really enjoy adrenaline-fuelled activities like »

“I’VE ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN INTERIORS. WHEN I WAS A CHILD I USED TO SPEND HOURS AND HOURS MAKING LITTLE MODELS OF ROOMS, AND THEN PUTTING FURNITURE IN THEM.”

Allison Chatten and Georgie Haddon explore fabrics 28th June 2019 | 19

F E A T U R E |P E O P L E B E H I N D T H E P R O D U C T S / B A Z A A R G R O U P

Allison Chatten works with Gary Wilson on the Ayla design white-water rafting and zip-wiring off the Tyne Bridge!

What are your favourite things in life?

Colour! I have a tendency to hoard paint swatch cards, and my Pantone guide would probably be my ‘desert island book’ — every colour can spark a new idea or story.

I love looking on Pinterest and coming across clever ideas, particularly ones that transform from one thing to another, like changing something old to have more a modern feel.

I’m also in love with the North East. One of the best ways to spend my time would be walking along the coast with a wild blustery wind and sea crashing on the shore. Just perfect!

Ayla

We hope to expand our presence across Europe and internationally. I’d love to see our products starring in big trade show reports!

Do you have any furnishing industry icons you admire?

I really admire the work of Pierre Paulin — his approach to furniture design in the 60s and 70s was truly innovative, and his pieces are so striking and recognisable. His background as a sculptor shines through in the forms he produced; he really understood the relationship between the human body and furniture. The way he used clean lines and fluid curves created a real sense of energy, and there’s a fearlessness in his work that is really inspirational.

Personally, I want to retain a hands-on role and be involved in creating and developing new products.

Do you have any career highlights that spring to mind?

The launch of our Eden Learning Spaces

What are your future ambitions?

I am looking forward to building our brands and developing products that are the first choice for our customers. Our newest brand launch, Ayla, is at the start of its journey and we have lots of new ideas to be realised; I’ll be extremely proud to see the second wave of designs come to life.

28th June 2019 | 20

brand was a really important milestone for me. We saw a real opportunity to improve learning environments for children and it kickstarted a body of research on the impact of that to child development and education.

Our product range was drawn from understanding how children behave and interact with the environment around them, along with the educational goals that schools were driving, so that we could create furnishings that solved problems and inspired enthusiasm in learning.

We managed to create an entirely new category in the education furniture market and achieved deep, national distribution within the first 18 months. Since then it’s

FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK

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Allison sketches a design and takes inspiration from colour swatches

continued to grow, with consistent year on year double digit growth.

it’s like in the industry and to actually make a piece of furniture.

there was a copy on the table in the waiting area so I flicked through it.

And launching it at a trade show, where I was able to present the concepts to our intended audience and get direct, valuable feedback was very rewarding.

What industry trends are you seeing at the moment?

I can see the increase in flexible living with people using the home differently, with more open plan spaces that have to be more adaptable for a variety of uses such as working from home. And that has an impact on the furniture they need.

Since then I’ve been reading it regularly, and now online, which makes it a lot more accessible as you don’t have to wait for a copy to be passed around the office!

w www.bazaar-group.uk

Did you know that Cabinet Maker has been established since 1880?

I’ve been aware of Cabinet Maker since my first job. When I was waiting for my interview

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If you would like to feature your staff members in our People Behind The Products features, email editor Dan Squires at dan@cabinet-maker.co.uk or go to www. cabinet-maker.co.uk and follow the link at the bottom of the home page to fill in our questionnaire form.

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What could be improved to make the industry better in your opinion?

For me, I think it’s about skills. Manufacturing skills and knowledge needed in the industry aren’t seen as attractive or as valued as other careers. And there really isn’t the educational support out there for younger people. They aren’t given the chance to understand what

And finally, if you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Curious, practical and thoughtful.

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What do you love about the furnishing industry?

I think that furnishings can be really meaningful to people and can be an extension of the individual. All the more so with the rise of social media, and particularly Instagram, where there’s a cross over with fashion in terms of expression. But furniture has more longevity than fashion as pieces have to last longer.

Can you predict any future trends that may emerge?

I think flexible living will continue and the desire to have furniture which is more responsive to the way you live. And I also think we’ll see more of a move towards ‘Furnitecture’, a combination of furniture and architecture where furniture is used to define spaces more.

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What is your favourite piece of furniture you own? And why?

It’s actually a bookshelf which used to be owned by my grandfather. It’s covered in layers of paint from years of use, but it tells a story and it’s been with me since I was a child.

Maximalism is also on the rise — again it’s that self-expression due to the impact of social media and people using their home as a window to express who they are.

If you weren’t working in the industry, what would you be doing?

I’ve always had this divide between the creative and numerical side of my brain. If I hadn’t gone down the route of design, I would have probably gone into something number related like accounting. I find having a maths brain actually helps with the creative stuff, and I do actually use Pythagoras and pi on a surprisingly regular basis!

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Also the creation and launch of Ayla — again, it was about seeing an opportunity and being able to advance it in a non-traditional way.

We’ve had a lot of freedom to achieve what we’ve done so far.

28th June 2019 | 21

F E A T U R E |H A R R O G A T E H O M E & G I F T F A I R

Headto

Harrogate

Cabinet Maker takes a look at next month’s Harrogate Home & Gift Fair.

With nearly 60 years under its belt and a reputation for weathering the storms of industry change, Home and Gift remains the UK’s premier destination for buyers seeking the best brands, new products and endless inspiration.

Organised by Clarion Events, the team behind the January Furniture Show and Manchester Furniture Show, retailers and exhibitors alike will be attending a fair that has a strong reputation for its perfect timing, expansive offering, summer setting and festival feel — with 2019 set to be the most majestic buying experience yet.

With more big name brands, exciting new show sectors, unmissable keynote speakers, new networking opportunities and an improved show layout, there are so many new reasons to visit Home and Gift, which takes place from 14th to 17th July at the Harrogate Convention Centre and grounds of the Majestic Hotel.

For 2019, the experience has been enhanced further to satisfy even the most seasoned buyer. With access to more than 800 exhibitors and three brand new beautifullycurated sectors, it is the perfect place for visitors to discover unseen brands and emerging talent, as well as find leading names. Visitors will also have the opportunity to relax in the newly-refurbished Majestic Hotel and hear from high-profile thought 28th June 2019 | 22

leaders at the new ShopTalk stage.

If that’s not enough, the 2019 show will also see the launch of Match, a new initiative to connect the right suppliers with the best retailers through a VIP hosting programme and a range of online tools.

So, what can you expect at this year’s Home and Gift?

More big names Helping retailers to find those must-have best sellers for the new season, Home and Gift is the place to discover even more fresh names and industry-leading favourites within the exciting roster of exhibitors.

Brand new sectors The new Craft sector showcases the very best in one-of-a-kind designs, unseen products and new design talent, whilst The Fashion Quarter brings exceptional choice and up-to-the-minute trends to the show floor.

Meaningful meetings The perfect place to meet like-minded professionals, don’t miss the opportunity to make the right connections for your business with onsite events, one-to-one meetings, and online lead generation tools.

Unmissable speakers With the most high-profile line-up to date, Home and Gift’s Retail Hub is a one-stop-

shop for education and inspiration with an array of insight from some of the industry’s most exciting thought leaders and celebrated names.

Speaking of ‘the speakers’, Home and Gift’s new seminar programme, ShopTalk, will present a world-class roster of keynote speakers, masterclasses, hands-on clinics and panel discussions. Included amongst these industry figures are: Piers Linney, Sunday, 14th July With digital changing the face of retail, entrepreneur, Secret Millionaire and former Dragon Piers Linney will share his e-commerce hacks for future proofing your business — inspiring customer loyalty and finding ways to integrate the opportunities of digital whilst holding on to your bricks and mortar dream.

Matthew Galvin — The Galvin Brothers, Clare Yuille — Indie Retail Academy and Louise Daniel — And So To Shop, Sunday, 14th July Putting the art into artisan, this unmissable panel will share the secrets to making your creative passion a successful business.

Don’t miss their discussion on the rise of the designer maker in retail, and how both brands and retailers can harness the power of selling stories; telling the story of a brand to sell products and celebrating modern craftsmanship.

FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK

“RETAILERS AND EXHIBITORS CAN DO BUSINESS AGAINST THE BEAUTIFUL BACKDROP OF HARROGATE, MAKING IT THE MOST MAJESTIC BUYING EXPERIENCE.”

aQO

ABOVE: Tweedmill Textile, Parlane and Hill Interiors BELOW: Hill Interiors and Parlane

— Louise Morris, show director

Sophie Conran, Tuesday 16th July Renowned designer Sophie Conran is sure to make a splash in her session, where she will bring unparalleled insight and forecasts for the colours set to captivate your customers.

In this discussion she will help you to develop a confident approach to colour and design, and teach you how to use it to create products and displays that help to convey your brand message.

Louise Morris, show director, said: “This year we’ve definitely upped the inspiration factor in our ShopTalk line-up, so I’d implore all visitors to make some time to sit in on a session or two — after all, the show is as much about enhancing the retail industry

Piers Linney, Matthew Galvin and Sophie Conran will all be keynote speakers at the show

through shared learnings as it is about great buying opportunities. Whether you’re an independent store or a seasoned department store buyer, everyone can learn something from our programme.”

from around the world. Our established relationships with trusted producers make a difference. Working closely with only the best, we design unique pieces, which are then handmade by skilled artisans.

On the product side, new exhibitors added to this year’s line-up include Premier Decorations, Transomnia, Kikkerland, Le Toy Van, S’ip By S’well, Designed in Colour, Tyrrell Katz and Caspari. Within the Home & Interiors category of the show, visitors can expect to see the latest products from brands including Abbey England, Hill Interiors, Besp-Oak, Tweedmill Textiles and Parlane International, with the latter stating: “The heart of Parlane is its beautiful product; made by skilled people

“We celebrate the beauty of natural materials, creating authentic, contemporary accessories with their own individuality. Journey through our collection of furniture, handcrafted flowers, decorative home accessories and gifts. Come and meet us to experience superb hospitality and customer service from knowledgeable people in the homewares industry.”

Louise added: “Home & Gift is unlike any other trade show and that’s why it is loved by the industry. Not only is it the perfect time to secure orders for the most important retail season, but it is also where the industry comes together and relationships are celebrated. Retailers and exhibitors can do business against the beautiful backdrop of Harrogate, making it the most majestic buying experience. In this challenging climate it’s more important to us than ever before that the 2019 show is a platform for meaningful connections, shared learning and festivity; a truly unmissable event.”

w www.homeandgift.co.uk 19th July 2019 | 23

F E A T U R E |A C R E S C O N S U L T A N C Y

Simon Acres

Maximising Simon Acres, principle director of Acres Consultancy, talks about the launch of his new business and future plans.

At the start of the year a new consultancy business was launched with one aim — to deliver support services to the KBB (Kitchen, Bathrooms & Bedroom) and merchant sectors. Six months on, we sat down with principle director Simon Acres to find out more about the business and its future plans.

“We are very excited about the new business and looking forward to adding value to our clients’ businesses,” Simon said. “With a unique range of consultants, we are confident that we will become a first choice KBB provider for all support services. Our remit is to make a tangible difference, helping our clients to stand out from the competition, improve sales conversions and increase profits.”

Situated in Northamptonshire, the business, with a team of key experienced professionals — which we will visit a bit later on — offers in a nutshell, considered recruitment, accredited sales training, video marketing, social media solutions, end-to-end web development and business consultancy.

Simon explained: “The business offers a complete set of KBB support services. We 28th June 2019 | 24

have brought together a team of consultants that have KBB skills and experience. After more than 30 years’ sales experience in the kitchen industry, I was ready for a new challenge. I believe that my passion for sales training and understanding of the market provides a unique set of skills that can help retailers invest and grow their businesses.

“The independent retailer is facing unprecedented challenges and the most successful companies understand they need to invest in getting the best people, training and marketing to differentiate their business, increase motivation and achieve better results.”

As Simon mentioned, his background plays a key role in the business as he revealed the journey that has led him to his own company. “I spent 20 years with Omega PLC and five years at PJH Group, whilst I’m also currently corporate retail chairman at the Kbsa. However, I began my career with John Lewis Partnership, working in retail sales management and customer service.

In my role at Acres, I’m responsible for delivery and all of the training material, which includes bespoke film to demonstrate best

practice sales scenarios. Establishing Acres Consulting has been a goal for me for some time. I have invested all of my experience in the sector and brought together a high calibre and experienced team.”

Who else is part of that team?

James Gibson - operational director “James served for 15 years as head of client services for La Poste’s UK division Ascendia. James is highly experienced in HR responsibilities, recruitment and selection.”

Kordian Patch - head of creative “Kordian has extensive business experience in the areas of accountancy, information technology, social media, graphic design, photography, and media production. Kordian is responsible for delivering marketing solutions utilising social media, video film and websites.”

Paul Radford - senior recruitment consultant “Paul has worked for the KBB distribution arm of Ridgeons, CRS Wholesale and has a diploma in recruitment consultancy. He has worked in senior recruitment positions,

FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK

“BY UTILISING OUR RECRUITMENT SERVICES A BUSINESS CAN EXPECT TO SPEED UP ITS SELECTION PROCESS, SAVE VALUABLE TIME AND SECURE THE BEST CANDIDATE.” most recently managing recruitment at the TREB Group, managing multi-branch outlets, compliance and operations.”

Stephanie Boyce - consultant “Stephanie is a qualified arbitrator with more than 16 years’ extensive experience in commercial, civil, public and regulatory law, gained in advising some of the largest non-profit bodies, charities, local and central government, and regulators.”

TOP LEFT: (L-R) Simon Acres, Paul Radford, James Gibson and Kordian Pach ABOVE RIGHT: Jon Thelwell RIGHT: Aiden Cowell, ABOVE: Ray Isted BELOW RIGHT: (L-R) Graham Jackson and Simon Acres many others — is suffering from uncertainty, which has been caused by the dreaded ‘B’ word. “Uncertainty is the biggest issue for the KBB industry at the moment. However, Brexit will come to a resolution and the underlying KBB market is strong,” said Simon. “Whatever the market conditions, the biggest strength for a business is its people. Investing in gaining knowledge and training can help a business stay ahead and maximise profits.”

Simon added that he believes his platform stands apart from other service providers due to its ‘substantial KBB experience, industry leading service and personal contacts’, as well as stating the other benefits of choosing Acres.

“By utilising our recruitment services a business can expect to speed up its selection process, save valuable time and secure the best candidate.

Benefits from our training include additional sales “Our first recommendations, Acres Consultancy aims to boost profits accredited training increased sales course was well values and higher attended and a great success with future sales conversion rates. Our marketing and courses filling up fast.” web-based solutions can save costs, improve sales growth and enhance profit.”

From the team to the industry they serve, Simon said that the KBB marketplace — like Six months on from launching in January and How has the business been received?

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. We are experiencing demand for all of our services, so much so that we have already recruited further experienced KBB members of the recruitment team in Aiden Cowell, Graham Jackson, Ray Isted and, most recently, Jon Thelwell.

aQO

looking ahead, the business has plans to be the number one KBB service provider, whilst continuously investing within its own people and customers to build growth.

The hard work certainly starts now with Simon revealing that highlighting the importance of staff investment to business — and making them understand this concept — continues to be a challenge.

“Traditionally retail business owners have seen investing in their staff as a cost to the business. One of our biggest challenges is to demonstrate that investing in the recruitment of the best employee and their development will ultimately create increased motivation, loyalty and improved results,” Simon said.

It’s a challenge that Acres Consultancy certainly embraces.

w www.acresconsultancyltd.co.uk 28th June 2019 | 25

F E A T U R E |L A S V E G A S M A R K E T

the

Global furnishing industry event, Las Vegas Market, takes place from 28th July to 1st August, 2019, at the World Market Center Las Vegas. Presenting more than 4,300 furniture, home décor and gift resources in an unrivalled market destination, Las Vegas Market features thousands of furniture, home décor and gift lines, allowing for crosscategory commerce among these industries.

In furniture, the Market will showcase more than four million square feet and more than 2,000 furniture lines on 31 showroom floors, along with nearly 200 temporary home furnishings exhibitors. In home décor, more than one million square feet of resources 28th June 2019 | 26

will be presented on 13 showroom floors in Buildings A, B and C, and in The Pavilions.

Las Vegas Market is also unveiling a dynamic new floor plan for Las Vegas Market’s 500+ temporary gift and home décor lines in The Pavilions, which will showcase all temporary exhibits together under one roof in five destinations that include DESIGN, DISCOVERIES: The Antique Vintage Marketplace, GIFT, HANDMADE and HOME. Furthermore, Las Vegas Market offers a variety of programming and industry networking opportunities, including exclusive trend programmes — Ahead of the Curve

Las Vegas Market is the leading home furnishings and gift market in the western US. Find out what’s on show ahead of next month’s event.

and FIRST LOOK — as well as a number of business-building programmes for retailers and designers. Exclusive events will include the fourth CEO Summit for gift and home furnishings leaders, the ninth annual Up On The Roof Gift for Life fundraiser, the third annual 40 Under 40 Awards hosted by Great American Media Services, and the fifth annual ANDYZ Design Awards.

Reverting back to furniture, Las Vegas Market has revealed that seven relocating, expanding and renewing home furnishings showrooms will enhance the depth and breadth of furniture resources at the show.

These early leasing gains will add more than

FOR FULL STORIES AND DAILY NEWS UPDATES: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK

Vispring 90,000 square feet to the event, as Scott Eckman, executive vice-president of furniture and home décor for International Market Centers, explained: “Las Vegas Market continues to expand and enhance its robust furniture category. Las Vegas Market offers a diverse selection of home furnishings lines and continues to deliver a dynamic shopping experience for retailers and designers alike.”

Two existing furniture showrooms are expanding or relocating for Summer Market.

These include Kuka North America, a Chinabased supplier of sofas, beds, mattresses and chairs, which is relocating into a 21,241-square-foot showroom on B7; and Primitive Collections, a wholesaler of lifestylefocused furniture, which is expanding by 50% into a 4,923-square-foot showroom on B1.

Art Carpet – Art Home, a manufacturer and exporter of machine-made rugs and carpets, is also relocating into a 2,563-square-foot showroom on B8; whilst Vogue Home Furnishings, a manufacturer of reclining sofas, is relocating into 4,165-square-foot space on A9. Additionally, Elements International Group, a provider of bedroom, upholstery, dining and occasional furniture, has relocated to C14; Klaussner Home Furnishings, a supplier of custom upholstery, bedroom, dining room, to A8; and Magnussen Home, a manufacturer of bedroom, youth furniture, dining, home office, to A7.

Las Vegas Market has also confirmed that there will be an expanded Home Décor offering with 32 resources. Scott continued: “These 32 companies will add to Las Vegas Market’s already-robust home décor presentation with a wide range of products that include accent furniture, decorative accessories, home textiles, lighting and rugs/ floor coverings.”

Newcomers include Area West, a wholesaler of designer fabrics, wall coverings, furniture and lighting, in A1; Bokara, a manufacturer of rugs, in A4; Creative Touch, a producer of rugs, in C3; Impressions Vanity Company, a producer of vanity mirrors, in C5; METcolors, a manufacturer of pillows, in C3; and Well Woven, a supplier of high-quality rugs, in A4.

Away from the products, Las Vegas Market will host a selection of seminars and events offering buyers, designers and retailers opportunities to connect with peers and become educated on the latest industry trends.

“Las Vegas Market is delighted to provide industry professionals, buyers, designers and innovators an assortment of seminars and events for Summer Market,” said Dorothy Belshaw, executive vice president, chief marketing and digital officer for International Market Centers. “As the leading home

A variety of trend insights will be on show

aQO

“LAS VEGAS MARKET CONTINUES TO EXPAND AND

ENHANCE ITS ROBUST

FURNITURE CATEGORY.” furnishings and gift market in the western US, Las Vegas Market offers an expansive roster of interactive, educational and influential programming that includes thought-leading sessions, industry celebrations and special networking opportunities.”

To highlight some of the trend talks, FIRST LOOK, which takes place on 29th July, focuses on products and trends that will highlight furniture, home décor and gift product introductions in curated displays located throughout campus, in an educational seminar and with two related showroom tours.

Ahead of the Curve trend forecasting session returns in partnership with Luxe Interiors + Design on 29th July. Designers Marie Flanigan, Britany Simon, Aimee Wertepny, and Denise Morrison will share their insights and opinions about the hottest new directions and designs in home furnishings. Meanwhile, on 30th July, The 3D Design Workflow will discuss the digital concept further, whilst on the same day, the Next Fresh Concept in Design will also be open, looking at upcoming design innovations across multiple sectors.

To round off the preview, where best to end than with an insight to brands more commonly found on our own soil. La-ZBoy Inc, Violino, Dormeo, Tempur Sealy International Inc, Ekornes Inc, Mlily, ProtectA-Bed, Magniflex and British bed brand Vispring, to name but a few, will all be exhibiting during the show.

w www.lasvegasmarket.com 28th June 2019 | 27

IAIN JAMES

sales@iainjamesfurniture.co.uk B4D Advert 216mm x 280mm March 2017 White.indd 1

0115 9734481

www.iainjamesfurniture.co.uk 01/02/2018 11:25

TO ADVERTISE A JOB PLEASE CONTACT SHARON RICKERSEY Q 01623 372213 m SHARON@CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK

CLASSIFIED

The Furniture Makers’ Company the furnishing industry’s charity

WE CAN HELP YOU

Things don’t always follow the design

Life

There may be times you need

have in mind

often throw some curve balls

We will always be there for

The Furniture Makers’ Company has been supporting the welfare of employees in the interiors and furnishing industry for more than 100 years. If you or someone you know is in need of financial support, let us help. Visit our website www.furnituremakers.org.uk/assistance or contact 020 7256 5558

This advertising space was generously donated by Cabinet Maker magazine in support of The Furniture Makers’ Company’s welfare campaign.

The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers’ Charitable Funds incorporating the Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association is a registered charity in England and Wales (no. 1015519) and a registered company (no. 02759359) in England and Wales

Welfare FX half page.indd 1

28th June 2019 | 29 12/10/2017 15:12

A L P H A A D S |C O N N E C T I N G B U Y E R S A N D S E L L E R S E V BoConcept

A

Norfolk, NR17 1N3 www.boconcept.com

A By Andre

Bodyease

www.abyandre.com

Dewsbury, WF12 9AH www.bodyease.co.uk

ACID

Malvern, WR14 1GP www.acid.uk.com

0845 6443617

ADVANSA

Hamm (Germany), 59071 www.advansa.com

+49 23888402207

AHF

Peterborough, PE3 7PR www.ahf.co.uk

0800 046 99 01

Bolia.com

Aarhus (Denmark) www.bolia.com

+45 51502110

Boss Design Group

Dudley, DY2 8SZ www.bossdesign.com

01384 455570

01733 336200

Airsprung

Staverton, BA14 8RQ www.airsprungbeds.co.uk

01225 754411 +90 352 322 05 88 www.boyteks.com OSB. 8. Cad. No: 60, 38070, Kayseri, Turkey

Alpha Designs Upholstery Bilston, WV14 7HZ

01902 492937

Alstons Upholstery

Colchester, CO2 9JU www.alstons.co.uk

01206 733300

AMA Research

Cheltenham, GL50 1TY www.amaresearch.co.uk

01242 235724

Aquaclean Fabrics

www.aquaclean.com

07779 597040

Arc Lighting & Design

Swindon, SN1 3BH www.arc-lighting.co.uk

01793 612660

Archers Sleepcentre

Glasgow, G52 4BN www.archerssleepcentre.co.uk

0141 892 0308

Ashley Manor

Dudley, DY2 0RL www.ashleymanor.co.uk

01384 486800

Association of Independent Stores

Solihull, B90 4LF www.aistores.co.uk

+90 (212) 549 20 60

London, SW10 0XE www.bakerfurniture.com

020 7823 3612

Barkers Home

Northallerton, DL7 8UB www.barkershome.co.uk

01609 776 667

Dewsbury, WF13 3RD www.thefurniturebazaar.com

0333 7721242

01202 552022

01159 071700

0333 222 6800

Betta Living

0800 083 1127

BFM

Melbourne (Australia) www.bunnings.com.au

(03) 8831 9777

C Calia Trade SPA

Matera (Italy) www.caliaitalia.com

01457 861141

Carpetright

Purfleet, RM19 1TT www.carpetright.co.uk

0330 333 3444

Leicester, LE3 1TH www.cimchome.com

0116 287 5288

Charltons Furniture

Midsomer Norton, BA3 4BS www.charltonsfurniture.co.uk

020 3058 2751

Rochdale, OL16 4NG www.clelandmciver.co.uk

01706 374431

Witney, OX29 0YN www.clockworkcomponents.com

01993 775 767

London, W1K 3QD www.colefax.com

020 8874 6484

Birmingham, B23 5PN www.cookesfurniture.co.uk

0121 2505050

D Daniel Stores

01332 321 827

BIID

28th June 2019 | 30

01244 812628

Bunnings

Cookes Furniture

Bensons for Beds

London, EC2A 4PE www.biid.org.uk

Connah’s Quay, CH5 4DP www.brownsfurniture.co

Colefax

Belfield Furnishings

Long Eaton, NG10 4QD www.bfm.org.uk

Browns

Clockwork Components

Beales

Oldham, OL9 7TH www.bettaliving.co.uk

01629 823680

Cleland McIver

Bazaar

Mansfield, NG18 1HA www.bensonsforbeds.co.uk

Ilkeston, DE7 5EP www.breasley.co.uk

Ceramic Import and Manufacturing Company

Baker Furniture

Ilkeston, DE7 5EP www.thebelfieldgroup.com

0905 873 8509

Breasley

Glossop, SK13 6LE https://carpenter.com/uk/en

B

Bournemouth, BH1 1LJ www.beales.co.uk

Halton Hills, ON L7G 4R9 www.brc.group

Carpenter Ltd

Aydin Tekstil Ticaret

Istanbul (Turkey) www.aydintekstil.com

BRC

Windsor, SL4 1DP www.danielstores.co.uk

01753 801000

Decorative Panels 0207 6280255

Elland, HX5 9HF www.decorativepanels.co.uk

01484 658341

S EVERY WEEK

TO ADVERTISE ON THESE PAGES CALL 01623 372213 OR GO TO: WWW.CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK

Decorex International London www.decorex.com

020 7921 8275

Design Guild Mark

London, EC2N 2HE www.designguildmark.org.uk

020 7562 8520

DFS

Doncaster, DN6 7NA www.dfs.co.uk

Furniture World

Newquay, TR7 2HS www.furnitureworld.co.uk

Home24 01209 210080

Failsworth, M35 9BA www.housingunits.co.uk www.hslchairs.com

0800 652 5090

01924 422 537

01274 877200

London, EC1N 6TE www.ekornes.co.uk

020 7462 0440

Princes Risborough, HP27 9PX www.ercol.com

01844 271800

ercol

Espoke Living

0333 344 2855

Eve Sleep

London, N5 1XL www.evesleep.co.uk

0800 808 5766

F Findel Education Ltd

Accrington, BB5 4EE www.findel-education.co.uk

03451 203 603

FIRA International Stevenage, SG1 2EW www.fira.co.uk

01438 777 700 +48 29 64 42 222

Furmanac

Kingswinford, DY6 7FF www.furmanac.com

01384 408844

020 3348 9829

0800 035 0070

Furniture Link

Telford, TF1 7AD www.furniturelinkuk.co.uk 01952 604960 020 72565558

Furniture to Go

Portsmouth, PO3 5QD www.furniture-to-go.co.uk

Gresham

Bolton, BL6 4SA www.officefurnitureonline.co.uk

0333 7777 575

H

02380 517067

London, W1T 7PJ www.habitat.co.uk/furniture

0344 499 4686

Hammonds www.hammonds-uk.com

0800 021 4363

Harrison Spinks Leeds, LS11 5SB www.harrisonspinks.co.uk

0113 205 5200

Harry Corry

028 9060 6801

Harvey Norman

Ikea International

www.ikea.com/gb/en

ISM Networks Furniture Leigh, WN7 2RR www.ism.furniture

0300 030 9915

J January Furniture Show

London, SW6 3JW januaryfurnitureshow.com

020 7384 8211

Jarrold & Son

Norwich, NR2 1JF www.jarrold.co.uk

01603 660661

www.harveynorman.com www.harveysfurniture.co.uk

0344 372 1000

Headlam

Birmingham, B46 1LW www.headlam.com

01675 433000

Rotherham, S66 9HU www.healthbeds.co.uk

JJOplc 01709 559977

Hockley, SS5 4AD www.heico-fasteners.co.uk

01268 745421

Heimtextil

Rotherham, S66 9HU www.heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com Blackburn, BB1 1TJ www.heritagefurnitureuk.com Melksham, SN12 6GN www.hermanmiller.com Liversedge, WF15 6QA www.highgrovebeds.co.uk

Bacup, OL13 0EA www.jjoplc.com

01706 877877

JYSK

069 7575-0

Hazel Grove, SK7 5BW www.jysk.co.uk

03300 883818

K Kaymed

01254 660777

Dublin www.kaymed.co.uk

+353 45 484 300

KBSA 0845 226 9776

Highgrove 0800 804 8879

Ilminster, TA19 9DN www.iconography.co.uk

Nottingham, NG2 4BN www.indusvalley.co.uk

Habitat

Belfast, BT17 9GX www.harrycorry.com

Iconography

Indus Valley Furniture Ltd

Herman Miller

Furniture Village

Slough, SL1 4DX www.furniturevillage.co.uk

01565 650101

Heritage Furniture

Furniture Makers

London, EC2N 2HE www.furnituremakers.org.uk

I

01343 813271

Heico

Furniture Choice

Mirfield, WF14 9DQ www.furniturechoice.co.uk

01844 348200

01291 645080

Health Beds

Furnico

London, E12 6SJ www.furnico.co.uk

Knutsford, WA16 6EN www.greenwoodretail.com

Harveys

Forte Furniture

Warsaw ww2.forte.com.pl

Princes Risborough, HP27 9RS www.hypnosbeds.com

Greenwood Retail

Ekornes

Chester, CH4 8BU www.espokeliving.com

01284 752804

Hypnos

Grampian Furnishers

Elgin, IV30 8QN www.grampianfurnishers.com

E

01382 477281

Global Furniture Alliance Chepstow, NP16 6UN www.gfa.uk.com

0345 675 9090

Dewsbury, WF13 1EN www.hyderbedsltd.com

Glasswells

Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3TU www.glasswells.co.uk

01908 968228

Hyder Beds

Gillies

Dundee, DD5 2AJ www.gillies.co.uk

Dwell

London, SE1 0SW www.dwell.co.uk

Milton Keynes, MK12 6HS www.hydeline.co.uk

www.gallerydirect.co.uk 01795 439159

Duvalay

Gomersal, BD19 4HX www.duvalay.co.uk

01924 486902

Hydeline Furniture 01257 262141

Dura Beds

Batley, WF17 6PB www.durabeds.co.uk

0161 681 5678

HSL

01302 573 200

Dreams

Mansfield, NG18 1HA www.dreams.co.uk

+49 30 20 38 99 66

Housing Units

G

Dickinsons Furnishers

Chorley, PR7 2ST www.dickinsonschorley.com

Berlin (Germany) www.home24.com

Mansfield, NG19 8R www.kbsa.org.uk

01623 818808

Kelston House 01924 406600

Foxrock www.kelstonhouse.com

353 404 80068

»

28th June 2019 | 31

A L P H A A D S |C O N N E C T I N G B U Y E R S A N D S E L L E R S E Mathias Wiemann GmbH & Co KG

K

Germany www.wiemann-online.com/en

Kettle Interiors

Corby, NN17 4JN www.kettleinteriorsagencies.com

01536 444960

Kobe UK

Crowthorne, RG45 6LS www.en.kobe.eu

Norfolk, NR14 8SQ www.mattressman.co.uk

0333 577 5773

Mattresstek 01344 771653

L

Lancashire, BB4 5JT www.mattresstek.co.uk

07891 506241

Matza

Dewsbury www.matza.co.uk

01924 458699

Metro Wardrobes and Kitchens

Lanzet

Blackburn, BB1 2BX www.lanzet.co.uk

49 5401 852-0

Mattressman

01254 265883

London, HA9 0LB www.metrowardrobes.co.uk

0203 4883347

Laura Ashley

Newtown, SY16 1DZ www.lauraashley.com

03332 008 009

Millbrook Beds 023 8086 6111 www.millbrook-beds.co.uk

Lebus Upholstery

Scunthorpe, DN16 3RN www.lebus.co.uk

01724 281381

Greengates, BD10 9TQ www.lectra.com/en

MPT Group

Bacup, OL13 9RW www.mptgroup.com

Leekes

Bilston, WV14 8LB www.leekes.co.uk

0333 222 4120

LIA

Telford, TF3 3BQ www.thelia.org.uk

020 7739 5561

London Fabric Show

Long Eaton, NG10 4QD www.londonfabricshow.uk

01706 878 558

Myakka

Wincanton, BA9 9EQ www.myakka.co.uk

0345 460 3122

N

London Design Fair

London, E1 6QR www.londondesignfair.co.uk

An independent buying group for the independent retailer

www.minervafurnituregroup.co.uk

Lectra

01332 321827

N Brown Group

Manchester, M60 6ES www.nbrown.co.uk

0161 236 8256

Nathan Furniture Group

Wensley, DL8 4HS www.nathanfurniture.co.uk

Long Eaton Guild Luxury Furniture Manufacturers www.longeatonguild.co.uk

Skipton, BD23 1NL www.bedfed.org.uk 01756 799 950

Natuzzi

Italy www.natuzzi.co.uk

07974 209761 www.lynchsales.co.uk

NCF Furnishings

Guildford, GU1 3DU www.natuzzi.co.uk

M

Stretford, M17 1RW www.nevillejohnson.co.uk

London, WC2H 0JG www.made.com

www.maisonsdumonde.com

Bury, BL9 8RN www.nolte-mobel.co.uk +39 057451011 0808 234 21 72

Wallsend, NE28 9NZ www.mammothcomfort.com

Oak Furniture Land

0800 440 2254

Oldrids and Downtown Scunthorpe, DN15 6SU www.oldrids.co.uk

Mason and Pearl

28th June 2019 | 32

0161 767 8244

O www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk

Mammoth

Dudley, DY2 8NT www.masonandpearl.co.uk

0161 873 8333

Nolte Möebel

Magniflex

Maisons du Monde

01483 306 280

Neville Johnson

Made.com

Italy www.magniflex.com

0039 080 8820488

0116 4422363

Oliver & Sons

www.oliverandsonsuk.com

01724 281888 0800 083 0683

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Oliver Bonas

www.oliverbonas.com

020 8974 3332

P

Sherborne Upholstery

The Furniture Ombudsman (TFO)

Clayton, BD14 6LT www.sherborneupholstery.co.uk

01274 882633

Shire Beds

Paragon Interiors

Nottingham, NG8 6PX www.paragonplc.com

0121 389 4262

Perfect Home

Huthwaite, NG17 2HW www.perfecthome.co.uk

01924 439898 www.shirebeds.co.uk

Loughborough, LE11 3HB www.pickworthfurnishing.co.uk Wisbech, PE13 2RS www.pike-textiles.com

01509 235236

Simmons Bedding Group

Protect-A-Bed

London, NW2 1LJ www.protectabed.co.uk

020 8731 0020

R

Recticel

Somercotes, DE55 4RD www.recticel.com

017738 38800

+32 87 59 59 59

01249 821 748

Royams Upholstery 01254 665228

S Cwmtillery, Abertillery, NP13 1LZ www.sassyhome.co.uk

0800 14 13 786

0115 943 8980

01536 410000

0208 8384838

Nottingham, NG2 3GZ www.scs.co.uk

0115 943 8980

016973 20342

Sharps

www.sharps.co.uk

0121 505 0270 0800 789 789

07711 743531

U Mansfield Woodhouse, NG19 9AL www.unitedcarpetsandbeds.com 01623 428481

V Vi Spring

353 42 935 1950

Plymouth, PL5 2TT www.vispring.com/en-uk

01752 366311

Victoria Plc 01278 557755

Kidderminster, DY10 1JR www.victoriaplc.com

01562 749610

VIDA Living 01244 888658

Stockport, SK3 0XT www.vidaliving.com

353 (0) 42 933 7044

Steinhoff (International)

Stellenbosch, (South Africa) www.steinhoffinternational.co.uk

27218080700

Swaffer

Peterborough, PE2 6WQ www.swaffer.co.uk

01733 371727

02393 873 170

Sweet Dreams

London, W1U 3ED www.vitsoe.com Barwell, LE9 8GZ www.voguebeds.co.uk

01455 841257

W

Tapi Carpets

Walker Greenbank 01689 886888

TCS Imports

Denham, UB9 4DX www.walkergreenbank.com

0203 457 5862

Wayfair 00353 42 935 1351

www.wayfair.co.uk

Westbridge

Tempur Sealy

800.805.3635

Greenfield, CH8 7FF www.westbridgefurniture.com

01352 714131

Woods Furniture

Tetrad

01772 792936

Dorset, DT1 1HN www.woods-furniture.co.uk

01305 262666

W.S. Dennison

The Cotswold Company Norwich, NR1 3PA www.cotswoldco.com

vitatalalay.com

Vitsoe

Vogue Beds

01282 830033

T

Preston, PR1 5PQ www.tetrad.co.uk

Serene

West Bromwich, B70 0TX www.serene.co.uk

0345 400 2222

Waverton, CH3 7PD www.staingard.co.uk

Lexington (USA) www.tempursealy.com

Sealy UK

Aspatria, CA7 2AS www.sealy.co.uk

0808 159 9679

Staingard

Louth, BT35 8PX www.tcsimports.com

SCS

pjrex@hotmail.co.uk

United Carpets

Sofahouse Importers Ltd

Orpington, BR6 0PH www.tapi.co.uk

Savoir

London, NW10 6UD www.savoirbeds.com

01204 368413

Sofa.com

Burnley, BB10 1SH www.sweetdreamsuk.com

Satra Technology Centre Rothwell, NN16 8SD www.satra.com

0121 773 6669

Godalming, GU7 1EY www.sofaworkshop.com

Hampshire, PO7 7XY www.swanretail.co.uk

Sassy Home

Bishop Wilton, York

Peter Rex

Birmingham, B11 2NR www.slumberdream.co.uk

Swan Retail

Sareer

01845 522770

Turnaround

Slumberdream

Highbridge, TA9 3AE www.sopha.co.uk

Rowico

Dewsbury, WF12 9AH www.sareerfurniture.co.uk

Thirsk, YO7 4LX www.treske.co.uk

45 87 54 55 00

Sopha

ROM Sofas

Lancashire, BB1 5JJ www.royams.net

Denmark www.skovby.com

Co. Louth, Ireland www.sofahouse.ie

Wellington, TA21 8NN https://relyon.co.uk

Calne, SN11 9BN www.rowico.co.uk

0177 0512 7700

www.sofa.com/gb

Relyon

Belgium www.romsofas.co.uk

www.simmons.com

Sofa Workshop 0116 284 9063

01204 368413

Treske

Bolton, BL3 2NZ www.sofasbysaxon.com

RJ Binnie

01225 792429

Timeless Chesterfields

Bolton, BL3 2NZ www.timelesschesterfields.com

London, SW1E 6QT www.simbasleep.com

Sofa by Saxon

Radium Foam (see Vita Talalay) Leicester, LE8 6LH www.rjbinnie.co.uk

0333 123 0892

Skovby Mobelfabrik A/S 01945 461361

01261 819984

Cheltenham, GL52 6NZ www.thegreatchaircompany.com www.theloungeco.com

Barnoldswick, BB18 6BJ www.silentnight.co.uk

Simba

Pike Textiles

Banff, Aberdeenshire www.goodsleepcompany.co.uk

The Lounge Co

Silentnight

01623 441886

Pickworth Furnishings

0333 241 3209

The Good Sleep Company

The Great Chair Company

0115 951 9512

Park Lane Bedding

Birmingham, B8 1AG www.parklanebeds.co.uk

Stevenage, SG1 2AD thefurnitureombudsman.org

0333 200 1725

Antrim, BT41 2SJ www.wsdennison.com

028 9446 5108

28th June 2019 | 33

LAST WORD ROSIE GAMISHEVA, MARKETING ASSISTANT AT SIEMATIC

Current Kitchen trends

“TO COMBAT OUR THROWAWAY CULTURE, PEOPLE ARE SEEKING PRODUCTS THAT CAN ADAPT AND GROW OVER TIME.“

The Culinary living room

Natural Connection

As boundaries between spaces blur, kitchens are continuing to borrow from the design of living rooms. The kitchen is already much less dominant, and will continue to reduce with hidden appliances, fold-away units, concealed sinks and hob systems, and open-shelf solutions instead of wall units.

The living space grows ever more personal by omitting cupboards for shelving systems, which allows home owners to proudly showcase their carefully-curated belongings, while being practical with easy access in the space.

Furniture pieces embrace organic, natural imperfections and handcrafted honesty.

In search of a more grounded way of life, we are seeking more honest product with imperfections that celebrate the artisanal aesthetic, knowing that there is narrative behind the creation of each object. Materials are raw, and these primal forms reconnect us to a simpler way of life. We see elements with handcrafted character like joints and herringbone layout as well as warm finishes that add subtle depth and texture to the kitchen environment.

Luxurious details

Sustainability

Luxurious details and atmospheric lighting are seen much more in the background of furniture. Additionally, lighting gets a makeover through the use of unexpected details.

We are seeing a material harmony of metal, glass, natural stone, wood and textured surfaces that are reduced, modern, but not cold. Refine lighting integrated into cabinetry creates transparency, light and threedimensionality to the culinary space, making furniture evoke a jewellery showcase.

Consumers are looking for design with a sense of integrity, and products focused on quality and longevity. Appeal for classic interior items such as retro styles offer a sense of comfort and quality. To combat our throwaway culture, people are seeking products that can adapt and grow over time.

Smart home Technology in the home is becoming more and more advanced in its ability to watch, listen, and learn from the information it consumes. We are seeing this in more everyday objects with in-built cameras and visual or speech recognition technology. In addition, the latest appliances are offering more freedom to experiment and learn in the culinary space, by learning habits over time and communicating with each other.

SATRA ISM NETWORKS LIGHTING & ACCESSORIES 28th June 2019 | 34

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