Cabinet Maker

Page 1

DESIGN

MANUFACTURE

RETAIL

Olaf Schmidt, VP textiles & textile technologies at Messe Frankfurt, gives an insight into Heimtextil.

Italian sofa manufacturer Rossini recently attended the China International Furniture Fair in Shanghai. CM found out more.

Cabinet Maker takes a look at what to expect to see at the upcoming Autumn Furniture Show.

first issue: 1st July 1880 28th september 2018 ÂŁ3.75 cabinet-maker.co.uk O

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ECO COMFORT BREATHE By Silentnight

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DAN SQUIRES

CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK 01223 846 825 PUBLISHER Stewart Rickersey stewart@cabinet-maker.co.uk EDITOR Dan Squires dan@cabinet-maker.co.uk FEATURE WRITER Sally Gower sally@cabinet-maker.co.uk 35(ÇŤ35(66 352'8&7,21 Stuart West production@cabinet-maker.co.uk SALES Sharon Rickersey Operations & Sales Manager sharon@cabinet-maker.co.uk Kacem Ellabbar kacem@cabinet-maker.co.uk Chris Manning chris@cabinet-maker.co.uk

Subscription prices Cover price for a single print copy ÂŁ3.75 Published weekly; 48 issues per year

%UH[LW 7KH ZRUG KDV JULSSHG WKH QDWLRQ ever since the vote indicated the UK was WR OHDYH WKH (8 FRPH 0DUFK QH[W \HDU 7KH process has hardly been simple $QG WKH IDFW that the UK clearly is no closer to agreeing an exit deal, the cloud of already created uncertainty has become a lot thicker with a KLJK FKDQFH RI VWRUP\ ZHDWKHU DKHDG 7KH July sunshine seemed to put Brexit on the back burner, but now the colder weather has started to creep back in, the wake up pinch is being felt across every industry. In fact, Brexit was a hot topic at the recent Bed Show with many sharing the same conclusion, which was confusion. You would have thought with six months to D-Day or ‘B-Day’ – and not the birthday abbreviation we all look forward to – the country would be progressing through calmer waters. In reality, the mounting call for a revote labeled as ‘Exit Brexit’ has raised further questions than providing solutions. With the current Government looking shaky, the Labour party has used this weakness to launch their own initiative to force a General Election ahead of Brexit’s GHDGOLQH 7KHLU SURPLVH WR GHOLYHU D successful Brexit, but to also consider the option to stay in the EU. From the outside looking in, what must other countries think of the UK at present, especially with how Brexit has been handled so far?

Some suppliers, distributors and retailers are expressing concern about what may KDSSHQ FRPH 0DUFK ZLWK PDQ\ UHO\LQJ RQ D nIUHH WUDGHo GHDO +RZHYHU DV 6WHSKHQ Sidkin recently told Cabinet Maker, “there is no certainty whatsoever that what may eventually emerge will be a ‘free trade’ deal. Whilst a free trade deal is to be hoped for, we could see customs duties on various ranges of goods.â€? I invite you to share your views on the ever changing drama that is Brexit, whether it is to air your concerns, voice your opinion or just have a good old rant about the current state RI DĆŹDLUV But in the meantime and before you jot down your own Brexit bullet-points, take certainty in the fact that the furniture industry is one full of constant innovation, investment and forward-thinkers. 7KLV LVVXH SUHYLHZV WKH XSFRPLQJ $XWXPQ Furniture Show and the W Exhibition, as well as the latest updates from Bill Beaumont 7H[WLOHV DQG XSKROVWHU\ PDQXIDFWXUHU 5RVVLQL Whatever the next twist entails, Mr Sidkin concludes that businesses “are right to give thought to the issues that will accompany a failure to agree a withdrawal treaty, with some already making plansâ€?. Dan Squires Editor

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. Issue no 6090 published by Information Publications Ltd, Suite 15 Brunts Business Centre, 6DPXHO %UXQWV :D\ 0DQVƎHOG 1* $+ 9$7 1R *% † ,QIRUPDWLRQ 3XEOLFDWLRQV /WG $OO ULJKWV UHVHUYHG 1R SDUW RI WKLV publication may be reproduced, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system without the express prior written consent of the publisher. We regret we cannot be liable for the safe custody or return of any solicited or unsolicited material. Contributors are advised to keep copies of all materials submitted. 7KH RSLQLRQV DQG YLHZV H[SUHVVHG LQ &DELQHW 0DNHU DUH QRW QHFHVVDULO\ WKRVH RI ,QIRUPDWLRQ 3XEOLFDWLRQV /WG %HLQJ VXEMHFW WR WKH $GYHUWLVLQJ 6WDQGDUGV $XWKRULW\ JXLGHOLQHV LQ SODFH DW WKH WLPH RI JRLQJ WR SUHVV DOO data submitted by advertisers and contained in their advertising copy is accepted by Information Publications Ltd in good faith. ,661 5HJLVWHUHG DV D 1HZVSDSHU DW WKH 3RVW 2ƹFH

21 7+( &29(5 Silentnight

w www.silentnight.co.uk

8. – 11. 1. 2019

TEXTILE INSPIRATION

ABSOLUTE PASSION FOR HOME AND CONTRACT TEXTILES – NOW WITH A NEW TRADE FAIR CONCEPT FOR GREATER PROXIMITY.

The new Heimtextil – surprisingly different. heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com info@uk.messefrankfurt.com Tel. +44 (0) 14 83 48 39 83

INSIDE THIS WEEK’S ISSUE

NEWS

MANUFACTURE

RETAIL SETTING THE TREND

26

Olaf Schmidt, vice president textiles & textile technologies at Messe Frankfurt, gives an insight into Heimtextil.

COLOUR OF AUTUMN

06

34

Cabinet Maker takes a look at what to expect to see at the upcoming Autumn Furniture Show.

CURTAIN RAISING HERITAGE

28

Bill Beaumont Textiles details its recent investments that has seen the company further expand.

SMART STATUS

30

Italian sofa manufacturer Rossini recently attended the China International Furniture Fair in Shanghai. Cabinet Maker finds out more.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

32

Cabinet Maker takes a look at next month’s W Exhibition for furniture components taking place at the NEC.

LAST WORD

38

David Jinks, head of consumer research at ParcelCompare, has the Last Word.

26

30 28

|NEWS

NEWS IN BRIEF

B&Q OWNER CONFIRMS 3URƎW IDOOV E\ DOPRVW SENIOR CHANGES Home improvement group Kingfisher has announced a change in the leadership of the Offer and Supply Chain organisation with Arja Taaveniku being succeeded by Henri Solère. Henri Solère has led two of the seven Offer and Supply Chain categories. Arja will remain with the Group for the next six months to ensure a smooth transition.

3URĆŽW DOPRVW KDOYHG DV sales fell for a fourth consecutive year at lighting wholesaler Eterna. $FFRUGLQJ WR LWV ODWHVW ĆŽOHG accounts for the year ended 31 December 2017, total sales fell by 3.7% to ÂŁ13m, with UK sales down 3.1% to ~ P 3UH WD[ SURĆŽW IHOO 48.3% to ÂŁ1.6m, which was WKH FRPSDQ\oV ORZHVW SURĆŽW since 2008.

New showroom display

GERMAN RETAILER SETS IPO TARGET

Furniture business John Lewis of Hungerford has redesigned a number of its showrooms with new displays. Its stores in %HDFRQVĆŽHOG %ODFNKHDWK Cobham, Fulham, Cambridge and Cirencester have all undergone a revamp with the latter two DOVR LQWURGXFLQJ ĆŽWWHG wardrobe displays.

Online furniture retailer Westwing plans to raise around â‚Ź120m when it lists on the Frankfurt stock market. Westwing, which is owned by Rocket Internet, said that the IPO proceeds would go towards technology and marketing investments, as well as paying of debt.

&RPSRQHQWV HYHQW Venue change Organisers of interior design XQYHLOV MXGJHV Furniture components event Elements, part of the W Exhibition, has announced the judge line up ahead of its Innovation Awards. These include Helen Hewitt, Gary Smith, Paul Lighterness, Hayden Davies and Luke Parry. The awards will be presented to the winners on 1 October 2018.

8 | 28th September 2018

event Decorex International have announced a venue change for next year’s event. Decorex will move to Olympia London for 2019, following a successful four-year run at Syon Park. The date of Decorex will also shift from the 6th to the 9th October.

MANUFACTURE

CHINESE FURNITURE IMPORTS DECLINE DURING 2018; EXPORTS OF BRITISH PRODUCTS IMPROVE Chinese imports across all furniture sectors have fallen, says new data from the British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM). According to the BFM’s latest overseas trade review, UK exporters improved sales but showed an increasing reliance RQ (8 GHDOV GXULQJ WKH ƎUVW VL[ months of 2018, whilst Chinese imports declined across all furniture sectors. Traditional furniture sectors showed exports up in all sectors to EU countries, with the only declines seen in countries outside of the EU. For all countries, export sales rose as follows: upholstered seats (7.4%); non-upholstered seats (6.7%); kitchens (6.3%); wooden bedroom furniture (40.5%); wooden dining and living URRP IXUQLWXUH RƹFH and shop furniture (4.9%) and mattresses (32.4%). The Republic of Ireland regained top spot from France as the major EU recipient of all types of UK furniture and for all sectors. It received £157m of imports, up by over 12% on the same six month period in 2017. The USA, however, remains the major destination for UK companies with exports to the value of £285m, down by 19.1% compared to 2017. The second major non-EU recipient of UK furniture is China and here exports fell by 31.8% to £58m, although for upholstered seats, exports rose by 171% to near £950m. When it comes to imports, China continues to dominate the all-furniture category in all sectors, reaching a value of

over ÂŁ1bn between January and June 2018 - but that was down by over 7% on the same period last year. In fact, in every furniture sector, China saw import values fall: upholstered seats (-16.3%); non-upholstered seats (-4.6%); kitchens (-31%); wooden bedroom furniture (-13.1%); wooden dining and living room IXUQLWXUH RĆąFH DQG shop furniture (-3.2%) and mattresses (-1.6%). Imports of all furniture to the 8. KDUGO\ FKDQJHG LQ WKH ĆŽUVW six months of 2018 compared to the same period in 2017, with imports from the EU increasing and imports from outside of the EU falling. There were some notable falls in import values in some sectors such as upholstered seats (-6%); non-upholstered seats (-7.8%); kitchens (-8.3%) and wooden bedroom furniture (-7.4%). The sector that saw the largest percentage rise in imports was wooden dining and living room furniture (16.4%), followed by RĆąFH DQG VKRS IXUQLWXUH and mattresses (8.3%). Of the top three EU furniture importers to the UK, Poland saw the biggest increase in values sold; up by over 8%. Italy remains at the top with Germany third. All three countries imported over ÂŁ300m worth of furniture in WKH ĆŽUVW KDOI RI WKLV \HDU The USA remains the second largest importer to the UK, outside of the EU, seeing its share of the market increase by 15% to ÂŁ167m.

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|N E W S MANUFACTURE

DESIGN

SENIOR FIGURE TO STEP DOWN FROM FLOORING GROUP

Furnishing group announces apparel launch

Floorcoverings group Headlam has announced that its chief RSHUDWLQJ RĆąFHU 7RQ\ -XGJH LV to leave the business. 2ĆąFLDOO\ VWHSSLQJ GRZQ in March 2019, Headlam FRQĆŽUPHG WKDW 7RQ\ ZKR KDV served 26 years with the group, will continue to work with the company to provide an orderly transition of his duties. Steve Wilson, Headlam’s chief executive, said: “On behalf of the

Interior furnishings group Walker Greenbank has announced a new collaboration with fashion retailer H&M. Under the partnership, H&M are to launch a new men’s and women’s apparel collection following a licensing agreement with the Company’s Morris & Co brand signed earlier this year. The collection, which will be available in stores worldwide and online from 4 October 2018, is based on eight of William Morris’s iconic designs. John Sach, Walker Greenbank’s chief executive, said: “Our extensive archives of Morris & Co prints and printing blocks are the inspiration for our own Morris & Co wallpapers and fabrics. “It is very exciting to collaborate with H&M to bring some of these designs to a new customer base in high street fashion whilst driving further momentum in our licensing activities. “This is by far our largest licensing agreement to date in the apparel sector and underlines the inherent value of our design archives.�

Board, I would like to express our appreciation to Tony for his considerable contribution over the last 26 years, and particularly during the past two years. The Board and our colleagues across the group wish him well for the future.� Headlam added that it has launched the search for Tony’s successor.

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RETAIL

+DOI \HDU VDOHV VOLS DW KRPH LPSURYHPHQW UHWDLOHU Home improvement retailer B&Q has reported a decline in sales DV QRQ ZHDWKHU UHODWHG SURGXFWV VXƏHU According its half-year trading update to 31 July 2018, .LQJƎVKHU ZKLFK RZQV % 4 DQG 6FUHZƎ[ VDLG WKDW % 4 VDOHV declined by 2.3% to £1,833m, with like-for-like sales also down by 2.5%. Stated within its report, the group said that B&Q LFL sales of weather-related categories increased by 4.9% while sales of nonweather-related categories, including showroom, were down 5.4%. Online sales continued to make good progress with sales growing by 8% and represented 4% of total sales. .LQJƎVKHU 8. ,UHODQG VDOHV LQFUHDVHG WR ~ P ZLWK UHWDLO SURƎW ULVLQJ E\ WR ~ P 7KLV ZDV PDLQO\ GXH WR WKH SHUIRUPDQFH RI 6FUHZƎ[ ZKLFK VDZ VDOHV ULVH E\ WR ~ P The group as a whole recorded sales growth of 1.2% to £6bn, DOWKRXJK VDZ XQGHUO\LQJ SUH WD[ SURƎWV IDOO WR ~ P 9ÆURQLTXH /DXU\ &(2 VDLG p2XU + UHVXOWV UHưHFW D VROLG performance in the UK and Poland whilst France remains GLƹFXOW /RRNLQJ WR WKH IXOO \HDU ZH UHPDLQ RQ WUDFN WR GHOLYHU our strategic milestones for the third year in a row and have put actions in place to support our performance. The outlook for our main markets continues to be mixed. p:H ƎUPO\ EHOLHYH LQ WKH WUDQVIRUPDWLRQ SODQ EHQHƎWV DQG maintain our ambition. The environment is making our task PRUH GLƹFXOW WKDQ H[SHFWHG DQG ZH ZLOO DOZD\V WDNH WKH ULJKW decisions for the company in the long-term.�

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_ 28th September 2018

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MANUFACTURE

PROFI T S SLIDE IN TO THE RED AT FLOORING WHOLESALER Flooring wholesaler STS Flooring Distributions has reported a second year of declining sales as SURĆŽWV VOLS LQWR WKH UHG $FFRUGLQJ WR LWV ODWHVW ĆŽOHG accounts for the year ended 31 December 2017, total sales fell 2.6% to ÂŁ22.4m from ÂŁ23m in 2016. Detailed within its report the company said that turnover fell as a result of a decline in larger project led enquires due to the uncertainty surrounding Brexit. STS added that this was SDUWLDOO\ RĆŹVHW ZLWK DQ LQFUHDVH in both retail and private housing sector sales, which is an area of the business the company looks to expand further. *URVV SURĆŽW DOVR GHFOLQHG

1.7% to £5.7m from £5.8m, ZKLOVW SUH WD[ SURƎW VXƏHUHG another reduction from £152,637 recorded last year to a loss of £155,042. The company has since FORVHG LWV 7KDPH GHSRW HƏHFWLYH from September 2017, and has ƎQDOLVHG WKH OHDVH RI LWV %DVLOGRQ premises, with 24,000sq ft providing additional storage for its growing retail market. STS said that costs involved in the closure of its Thame depot DQG WKH RYHUưRZ RI VWRFN WR its Cambridge site incurred an operating loss of £91,673, which – along with the decline in sales – impacted its bottom line.

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PLAN YOUR BREXIT-BUSTER SALE

MANUFACTURE

US GROUP ACQUIRES WELSH FURNITURE BUSINESS 86 RƱFH IXUQLWXUH JURXS Steelcase has announced the DFTXLVLWLRQ RI 8. IXUQLWXUH ƮUP Orangebox Group Limited. The transaction involves the acquisition of all the outstanding capital stock of Orangebox for £60m less an adjustment for working capital, with an additional £3m payable to one of the sellers over three years based on the achievement of certain performance obligations. Steelcase funded the acquisition by borrowings under its credit facility. Orangebox has posted revenue of approximately £69m over the twelve months through August 2018. Steelcase said: “This acquisition provides growthdriven organisations around the world with an even broader range of unique furniture designed to boost collaboration at work and provides Steelcase with an engine to accelerate innovative product development in Europe and around the world.” Established in 2002, in the village of Hengoed,

South Wales, Orangebox created a concept they call “Smartworking” – solutions designed to foster collaboration and change cultures, while LPSURYLQJ HƱFLHQF\ Orangebox will operate as an independent subsidiary under its own brand and continue to support its existing dealers as well as Steelcase dealers. Allan Smith, vice president, global marketing at Steelcase, added: “We are really excited about bringing our portfolios together, and we see the opportunity to more than double the size of Orangebox’s EXVLQHVV ZLWKLQ ƮYH \HDUV E\ leveraging Steelcase’s global scale and distribution.” Mino Vernaschi, managing director of Orangebox, commented: “My dream was for Orangebox to become a worldwide brand, with Steelcase this will now happen. Our cultures are so similar and we’re excited about becoming part of the Steelcase family.”

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RETAIL

%R[HG PDWWUHVV EUDQG SRVWV 8. ORVV Boxed mattress brand Casper has reported a loss within its UK division. $FFRUGLQJ WR LWV ODWHVW ƮOHG DFFRXQWV IRU WKH \HDU HQGHG April 2017, losses amounted to £2.4m. The accounts did not highlight any other trading information. 86 EDVHG &DVSHU KDV UHFHQWO\ VXVSHQGHG LWV FUHGLW RƬHULQJ WR consumers in the UK after not obtaining regulatory permission. Casper was allowing UK customers to buy its products on credit from Swedish bank Klarna under a repayment plan called ‘Slice It’. However, Casper had not been given permission from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority to implement the credit facility DQG KDV VXEVHTXHQWO\ UHPRYHG WKLV RƬHU DQG FHDVHG WR ZRUN with Klarna until it has a ‘full understanding of the situation’.

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“I’m Trying to Recover from the Euphoria! Our 2015 Greenwood Sale was fantastic, but this 2017 January sale has come in another 30% up!” Cy Fogel, M.D., You’re Furnished, Essex. “When you take £900k in five weeks there is some delivering to do! But I am definitely a Greenwood convert… and looking forward to the next one!” Ryan Pollock. Director. Right Price, Coleraine. “I Can’t Believe How Much Money We’ve Taken… …over 5000 people came through the store… we’ve banked almost two Months Business in just the first week of our Greenwood January Sale!” Charlie Martell, Director, Martell’s Of East Grinstead

DOUBLE OR EVEN TREBLE YOUR NEXT BIG SALE... The above retailers are just a few of the many that have held Greenwood Sales during January. They recognise and have realised, the enormous financial advantage of optimising their most buoyant trading period - The January Sale. You could bank 30%, 40% or even 50% of your annual sales during a Greenwood Winter Sale before you’ve even seen your first Snowdrop. Beat Brexit. Secure Your 2019 Market Share well before ‘Brexit Day’ – 29th March 2019. Find Out More About Greenwood Sales. Take a look at our website or call us now on 01565 650101, or, send an e mail enquiry, and we’ll gladly contact you to discuss the exciting possibilities we can offer you, without obligation.

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|NEWS RETAIL

DESIGN

,QGHSHQGHQW H[SDQGV

Interior design ďŹ rm launches debut furniture collection

Independent retailer Now to Bed has announced the opening of its new store in Llandudno, North Wales. The new store, which is situated on Vaughan Street, has expanded the Welsh family businesses network to two stores adding to its existing location in Prestatyn high street. ,WV VHFRQG VWRUH RĆąFLDOO\ RSHQHG RQ 6HSWHPEHU E\ WKH 0D\RU RI /ODQGXGQR DQG FRPHV RĆŹ WKH EDFN RI FRQVLVWHQW growth following Now to Bed’s inception in 2014. The company told Cabinet Maker that its Prestatyn store has shown steady growth year-on-year of 7.5%, whilst its online division has continued to accelerate at a growth rate of 30% year-on-year. Group turnover for 2017 resulted ÂŁ833,100, whilst the EXVLQHVV FRQĆŽUPHG LW UHPDLQV RQ WDUJHW WR DFKLHYH VDOHV RI ÂŁ1.2m during 2018 with its additional store in Llandudno set to bolster sales further. Looking ahead to 2019, the company projects that turnover will reach ÂŁ1.9m following a full years trading under two stores, whilst maintaining its margin. Both stores operate using software provided by Retail 6\VWHPV ZKLFK s DV WKH\ FRPSDQ\ VD\V s KDV EHQHĆŽWHG WKH EXVLQHVV ZLWK HDFK VWDĆŹ PHPEHU KDYLQJ DFFHVV WR WKHLU RZQ tablet, giving ‘them prices, stock availability and lead times in the palms of there hands where you need it most’. Commenting on the expansion, Now to Bed, which is run by three partners Paul, Susan and Thomas, collectively said: “We appreciate that our growth has been against the wave of closures within the retail sector but we believe if we continue WR ZRUN FORVHO\ ZLWK RXU VXSSOLHUV DQG FRQWLQXH WR RĆŹHU WKDW personal service both in store and at point of delivery then we shall continue to move forward in this ever changing industry.â€?

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MANUFACTURE

RAW MATERIAL PRICE HIKE IMPAC TS C ARPE T MAKER Blackburn-based carpet manufacturer Cavalier has reported a second straight year RI GHFOLQLQJ VDOHV DQG SURĆŽW $FFRUGLQJ WR LWV ODWHVW ĆŽOHG accounts for the year ended 31 December 2017, total sales fell 3% to ÂŁ25.3m from ÂŁ26.1m in 2016. The company also reported a reduction in pretax profit, down by 18% from ÂŁ1m to ÂŁ812,551. Stated within its report, Cavalier said that the

12 | 28th September 2018

continued uncertainty and weakening of sterling post the Brexit vote has led to an increase in raw material prices DQG ORZHUHG SURĆŽWV 7KH EXVLQHVV UHDĆąUPHG LWV commitment to invest within product development and company systems in order to generate future growth moving forward.

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London-based interior design business Elnaz Namaki Studio has announced the launch of its debut furniture range. The ‘Luuna’ collection was launched during the London Design Festival 2018 and features eleven bespoke pieces including sofas and chairs that are handmade in the UK. The core material of the collection is shearling - carefully chosen for its organic, natural and allergen free qualities. Commenting on the launch, Elnaz said: “The original idea for a furniture collection came when it was difficult to source bespoke high quality furniture that was unique in design yet fun and individual for their residential projects. “Inspired by hygge - the heart of Danish culture, describing those that crave cosiness and comfort - the Luuna collection is designed to evoke the warmth and comfort that hygge epitomises.�

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RETAIL

/RJLVWLFV VSHFLDOLVW SOHDGV JXLOW\ DIWHU ZRUNHU GHDWK /RJLVWLFV ĆŽUP 7XĆŹQHOOV 3DUFHOV ([SUHVV /LPLWHG KDV EHHQ ĆŽQHG after a worker died. Dudley Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 22 January 2016, D 7XĆŹQHOOV 3DUFHOV ([SUHVV HPSOR\HH ZDV IDWDOO\ LQMXUHG ZKLOVW attempting to attach a trailer to his vehicle. The trailer was parked upon a slight slope, which was enough to allow it to roll forward trapping the employee. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into the incident found safety management arrangements for coupling trailers to vehicles failed to take account of the slope. 7XĆŹQHOOV 3DUFHOV ([SUHVV SOHDGHG JXLOW\ WR VDIHW\ EUHDFKHV DQG KDV EHHQ ĆŽQHG ~ P DV ZHOO DV EHLQJ RUGHUHG WR SD\ FRVWV of almost ÂŁ33,000. .DUO 5DZ +6( LQVSHFWRU VDLG p+DG 7XĆŹQHOOV WDNHQ WKH slope into account, simple measures could have been taken that would have prevented this incident. Workplace transport remains a high risk environment, and this case serves as a reminder to industry that assessments of sites should be VSHFLĆŽF DQG LGHQWLI\ WKH KD]DUGV XQLTXH WR HDFK \DUG ,W LV DOVR D reminder that the slope a vehicle is parked on does not need to be steep for incidents to occur. “This was a tragic and wholly avoidable incident, caused by the failure of the company to adopt robust management action in both planning and monitoring of the workplace and workplace actions at this site.â€? 7XĆŹQHOOV 3DUFHOV ([SUHVV VSHFLDOVLHV LQ ORJLVWLFV IRU D QXPEHU of industires including the home furnishing sector with clients such as Nobia, Edmund Bell and Axminster.

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NAEC, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth, Warwickshire 2nd & 3rd OCTOBER 2018

An exciting two day trade event Open to all furniture & bed retailers and buyers – Register online for free admission ● ●

2 halls of exhibitors

Great location

●

●

Many major brands on show

Complimentary lunch

●

Free parking

Exhibitors include…

Plus many more… View the full A to Z list of exhibitors online

www.theautumnfurnitureshow.co.uk

|N E W S RETAIL

MANUFACTURE

7URXEOHG JURXS VHOOV 3ROLVK IXUQLWXUH PDQXIDFWXULQJ DUP

BED MANUFACTURER REFLECTS ON L ATE ST AWARD WIN

Global group Steinhoff International has confirmed the disposal of its Polish furniture manufacturing division. Steinhoff said it had agreed preliminary terms of the sale of Steinpol, its upholstered furniture manufacturing business and related assets in Poland, Hungary and Germany, to Cotta Collection AG for an undisclosed sum. It is understood that the management of Steinpol Central Services S.z.o.o. are expected to remain in place following the sale. The distribution units of Cotta and Steinpol (Polsteria, Selection, Poco, Sit & More), will also be continued in their current form, with the Cotta stating that the Steinpol business will add an estimated turnover of â‚Ź250m to the group. Cotta, which manufactures seating furniture for customers in France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and the whole of Eastern Europe, has also announced a joint venture with BosniaHerzegovina-based boxed springs and upholstered beds manufacturer Sinkro. The sale from Steinhoff is the latest in a number of disposals as it continues to raise funds as part of its turnaround plan. Businesses that have been sold include property company Kika-Leiner, which is expected to be completed by the end of October raising â‚Ź490m, its 50% stake in German furniture retailer POCO for â‚Ź271m, loss-making Austrian furniture retailer Rudolf Leiner GmbH, Brilon-based kitchen business Impuls KĂźchen and bathroom firm Puris Bad.

Fifth-generation family bedmaker, Harrison Spinks, was named the National Bed Federation’s Bed Manufacturer of the Year (over £10 million turnover) at the Bed Show in Telford this week. The bed manufacturer, which has made mattresses, headboards and divans from its base in Leeds since 1840, was recognised for its commitment to vertical integration. 7KH DZDUG UHưHFWV D number of successes enjoyed by the company in the last 12 months, not least the opening of a new Innovation Centre at its Leeds headquarters, the ƎUVW IHOOLQJ RI WLPEHU IURP LWV own forest in North Yorkshire and the creation of a new wire-drawing line at the British Steel plant in Scunthorpe.

Simon Spinks, managing director of Harrison Spinks, said: “We are delighted to be named the National Bed Federation’s Bed Manufacturer of the Year in the over ÂŁ10 million turnover category. “Our aim is to change the way the world sleeps forever and our commitment to vertical integration – from making the wire for our springs to rearing sheep for their wool – allows us to create every element of our mattresses and beds, moving us closer to reaching that goal. “To be recognised by our peers and customers for our approach and achievements in the last 12 months is really special and important to the whole Harrison Spinks team.â€?

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KITCHEN FURNITURE SUPPLIER NEARS ÂŁ10M TURNOVER Kitchen furniture specialist Oakwood has reported a fourth consecutive year of turnover growth as sales edge closer towards ÂŁ10m. $FFRUGLQJ WR LWV ODWHVW ĆŽOHG accounts for the year ended 30 June 2018, total sales rose 20.3% to ÂŁ7.1m from ÂŁ5.9m in 2017, marking its highest ever turnover generated. *URVV SURĆŽW DOVR LQFUHDVHG by 6.2% to ÂŁ1.7m from ÂŁ1.6m, ZKLOVW SUH WD[ SURĆŽW URVH to ÂŁ593,310 compared to LWV SUHYLRXV \HDUoV SURĆŽW RI ÂŁ482,984.

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Swedish payment provider Klarna has announced the acquisition of UK firm Close Brothers Retail Finance. The acquisition will significantly strengthen Klarna’s position in the UK market for retail financing and will enable accelerated growth and expansion of the consumer offering. Founded in 2014, Close Brothers Retail Finance has established itself as a highly regarded provider of omnichannel UHWDLO ĆŽQDQFH ZLWK RYHU DFWLYH PHUFKDQWV LQ WKH 8. LQFOXGLQJ brands such as Emma Mattress and Victorian Plumbing. Commenting on the deal, Michael Rouse, chief commercial officer of Klarna, said: “We are delighted to welcome CBRF to Klarna, the complementary talents and propositions will help accelerate Klarna’s leadership in the payments market. “By combining capabilities and leveraging CBRF market knowledge, we are confident that we can offer even more innovative and flexible payment solutions to our merchants and customers in the UK and across markets.â€?

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Furniture retailer Lee Longlands has confirmed the closure of its Furniture Barn stores in Grantham and Doncaster. The news follows its other closure earlier this year at its Sheffield site, with its Doncaster location currently going through a ÂŁ1.25m closing down sale. According to a letter sent to customers, Darren Campo, managing director of Lee Longlands, said that the business intends to ‘concentrate on our other retail businesses’. Furniture Barn, which was established back in 1964, went into administration back in 2009. Lee Longlonds acquired four Furniture Barn stores including Kidderminster, Grantham, Sheffield and Doncaster. The recent confirmation of the closures brings an end to the Furniture Barn store estate, as its Kidderminster branch was rebranded under the Lee Longlands identity upon takeover. Furniture Barn’s website continues to remain active. Following the closure of its Grantham store, FB Grantham Limited, previously known as Lee Longlands Grantham Limited, entered liquidation with insolvency firm K. J. Watkin & Co appointed on 23 August 2018.

Furniture prices continued to fall in the year as overall inflation rose again. $FFRUGLQJ WR WKH ODWHVW ĆŽJXUHV IURP WKH 2ĆąFH IRU 1DWLRQDO Statistics (ONS) Consumer Prices Index (CPI) for August 2018, the total furniture price rate decreased by -0.9% from -1.2% in July. Compared to the same month last year, furniture prices during increased from 4% to a rate of 4.3%. Carpets and floorcovering price rate both increased on an annual and monthly comparison, up to 0.7% from -0.1% compared to August 2017. On last month prices rose from -0.4% to a rate of 0.5%. Overall, the 12-month CPI inflation rate increased to 2.7% in August from 2.5% July. Rising prices for a range of recreational and cultural goods and services, transport services and clothing produced the largest upward contributions to the change in the rate between July and August 2018. Partially offsetting downward contributions came from furniture and household goods.

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:HoOO EH VKRZFDVLQJ D YDULHW\ RI SURGXFWV IURP RXU H[WHQVLYH UDQJHV We look forward to meeting you all! 01455 841 257 | sales@voguebeds.co.uk | www.voguebeds.co.uk .LQJVĆŽHOG +RXVH $UWKXU 6WUHHW %DUZHOO /HLFHVWHUVKLUH /( *=

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EU FURNITURE DISTRIBUTOR SUFFERS LOSS

Boxed mattress brand eve Sleep has reported growing losses as it looks to refocus on its core markets. According to its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2018, total sales rose 63% to ÂŁ18.8m from ÂŁ11.5m, with JURVV SURĆŽW XS E\ WR ~ P Despite the sales growth, eve saw pre-tax losses rise to ÂŁ12m over the period compared to a loss of ÂŁ9.1m the previous year. 7UDGLQJ LQ WKH ĆŽUVW KDOI RI WKH \HDU LQ 8. , DQG )UDQFH VDZ year-on-year revenue growth of 64% and 53% respectively. UK&I contribution was broadly flat at a ÂŁ0.7m loss making it close to break-even at this level. France reported a contribution loss of ÂŁ1.7m reflecting the increased investment in H1 2018 to build the brand. Stated within its report, eve said the performance has fallen below its expectations due to ‘over expanding into too many FRXQWULHV WRR TXLFNO\ ZLWKRXW WKH ĆŽQDQFLDO UHVRXUFHV DQG management to sustain growth’. The company has announced plans to refocus on its core UK&I and France markets following a comprehensive review of the business. eve has also withdrawn activity from all over European territories. As part of its new strategy, with the business already agreeing a partnership with beds retailer Dreams – which is performing ahead of expectations, eve confirmed plans to launch a new marketing campaign as well as new products in the final quarter of 2018. Emphasising the importance of retail partnerships, eve, which is in UK stores including Debenhams, Fenwick, Next Home and online at Tesco, Amazon and Wayfair, has taken its total store count to 284 with the Dreams partnership baring the majority at 193. The brand also operates in 24 BUT stores in France.

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FLOORING FIRM E XPANDS INTO NORFOLK Flooring business Designer Contracts has announced the opening of a new regional site in Norfolk. Designer Contracts, which celebrates its 25 year anniversary this year, has open a new facility on Union Park Industrial Estate in Norwich. The site is one of three new openings already this year, following expansion in Leeds and Ashford, and brings it total 16 | 28th September 2018

number of outlets to 15 across the UK. Designer Contracts said in a statement that Norwich was a ‘great choice’ and played a key part in its presence strategy. The expansion also forms part RI WKH EXVLQHVVHV ĆŽYH \HDU SODQ to increase turnover towards ÂŁ80m.

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European furniture agency partner Domicilio Furnishings has reported a loss despite sales growing. $FFRUGLQJ WR LWV ODWHVW ĆŽOHG accounts for the year ended 30 November 2017, total sales rose 150% to ÂŁ11,297 from ÂŁ4,403 in 2016. The company, which is a UK agent representing European furniture brands including Adorin, Arlex Italia, Belfakto,

glass and Scavolini, saw losses amount to ÂŁ14,708 FRPSDUHG WR LWV PLQLPDO SURĆŽW of ÂŁ53 registered last year. Based in Glasgow, the business partners with countrywide retailers, architects and interior GHVLJQHUV WR H[FOXVLYH RĆŹHU design-led products from its EU clients.

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)XUQLWXUH VDOHV SLFN XS GXULQJ $XJXVW Furniture retail sales remained relatively flat during August but did improve on last year. According to the latest August 2018 figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the total value of furniture and lighting sales slightly increased by 1.8% to ÂŁ1.09bn from ÂŁ1.07bn in July. The uplift, albeit modest, saw a return to growth following a reduction from ÂŁ1.2bn back in June. Compared to August 2017, furniture and lighting sales increased by 14% from ÂŁ954.5m. Floorcoverings retail sales experienced a mixed month, with sales improving on July but falling compared to the last year. Total sales rose by 8.3% to ÂŁ152.4m from ÂŁ140.7m last month, whilst compared to the previous year, sales dropped by 2.8% from ÂŁ156.8m. In overall terms, the quantity bought in the retail industry during August increased by 3.3%. The total amount spent within retail during the month represented ÂŁ31.9bn, up by 5.6% compared to August 2017. Online sales continued to increase, rising by 14.2% for the amount spent in August 2018 when compared with last year, with strong growth in department stores also reaching a new record proportion at 18.4%. Commenting on the figures, ONS senior statistician, Rhian Murphy said: “Retail sales remained strong in the three months to August, with continued growth across all sectors. Food and household goods stores particularly benefitted from the warm weather when compared with last summer.â€?

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Home market continues to be ‘challenging’ for John Lewis as half year sales decline. $FFRUGLQJ WR LWV LQWHULP ĆŽQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV IRU WKH KDOI \HDU ended 28 July 2018, total John Lewis & Partners sales rose 0.8% to ÂŁ2.09bn from ÂŁ2.07bn against the same period last year. Like-for-like sales were down by 1.2% as the retailer reported an operating loss of ÂŁ33.5m. Within its categories, Home sales were down by 4.2% UHĆ°HFWLQJ D FKDOOHQJLQJ PDUNHW ZKLFK KDV EHHQ LPSDFWHG E\ D ‘fall in demand for big ticket and bespoke items’. On a positive note, John Lewis said its own brand House home range has performed ‘well with particularly strong sales since its relaunch in July’. On a wider group basis, the John Lewis Partnership, which includes both John Lewis and Waitrose, saw sales climb 1.6% WR ~ EQ DOWKRXJK SUH WD[ SURĆŽWV UHVXOWHG DW ~ P GRZQ E\ 98.8% on the same period last year. In a statement on the results, John Lewis Partnership said that it plans to maintain investment at the rate of ÂŁ400m-ÂŁ500m per year with capital investment forming ‘a major part of that’. 6LU &KDUOLH 0D\ĆŽHOG FKDLUPDQ RI WKH -RKQ /HZLV 3DUWQHUVKLS FRPPHQWHG p7KHVH DUH FKDOOHQJLQJ WLPHV LQ UHWDLO 3URĆŽWV before exceptionals are always lower and more volatile in the ĆŽUVW KDOI WKDQ WKH VHFRQG KDOI ,W LV HVSHFLDOO\ VR WKLV KDOI \HDU driven mainly by John Lewis & Partners where gross margin has been squeezed in what has been the most promotional market we’ve seen in almost a decade. p*URVV PDUJLQ ZDV DĆŹHFWHG E\ D VDOHV PL[ VKLIW WRZDUGV electronics rather than big ticket items in Home.â€?

+RPH VKRSSLQJ JURXS 1 %URZQ 3OF KDV FRQĆŽUPHG WKDW $QJHOD 6SLQGOHU LW WR VWHS GRZQ DV FKLHI H[HFXWLYH RĆąFHU Angela Spindler, who has led the business through a period of VLJQLĆŽFDQW FKDQJH DQG LWV WUDQVLWLRQ WRZDUGV DQ RQOLQH UHWDLOHU will leave her role at the end of September. The Board has asked Steve Johnson who is currently chief H[HFXWLYH RĆąFHU RI WKH )LQDQFLDO 6HUYLFHV EXVLQHVV WR DVVXPH WKH UROH RI LQWHULP JURXS FKLHI H[HFXWLYH RĆąFHU XQWLO D QHZ &(2 is appointed. Matt Davies, chairman of N Brown Group Plc, said: “We recognise that now is an appropriate time to search for a new leader who can take the business forward through the next phase of its development. I would like to thank Angela for her VLJQLĆŽFDQW FRQWULEXWLRQ DV &(2 “Angela has led the business with passion, energy and a UHOHQWOHVV IRFXV RQ EXLOGLQJ RQ WKH *URXSoV LQGXVWU\ OHDGLQJ ĆŽW specialism as well as building N Brown’s on-line capability and expertise. p6KH KDV KDG WR FRQWHQG ZLWK VLJQLĆŽFDQW OHJDF\ LVVXHV DQG D challenging retail backdrop and has brought her great personal qualities and values to the way she has led our business. We wish Angela well for the future.â€? Angela said: “I have been incredibly proud to lead N Brown over the past 5 years and to work with such exceptionally talented people that make N Brown the great Company that it is.“

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ITALIAN UPHOLSTERY MAKER E XPANDS INTO CHINA

S O F A M A N U F A C T U R E R E X PA N D S A G A I N Sofa manufacturer Arlo & Jacob has announced the opening of its third UK showroom in Harrogate. 2ĆąFLDOO\ RSHQLQJ RQ September 2018, the new 5,700sq ft space is situated on 25 West Park in Harrogate and brings six new jobs to the area. The showroom features over 70 products from Arlo & Jacob’s existing collections whilst also introducing a new member of the sofa family, ‘Bertie’, a modern, multifunctional and modular range that includes six GLĆŹHUHQW VL]HV DQG VKDSHV IRU 18 | 28th September 2018

customers to choose from. Nick Wasey, managing director of Arlo & Jacob comments: “We are thrilled to be expanding our bricks and mortar presence with the opening of our Harrogate showroom, not long after the Bristol launch just last month. This gives us the opportunity to introduce new customers in the local and surrounding area to the brand as well as welcome our existing online customers to this dedicated space.�

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Italian upholstered furniture manufacturer Calia Italia has DQQRXQFHG WKH ODXQFK RI LWV ĆŽUVW Ć°DJVKLS VWRUH LQ &KLQD Calia Italia has signed a commercial partnership with the Chinese company Dongguan Huicui Furniture Co Ltd., controlled by De Rucci Beddings Co. Ltd, for the exclusive distribution of the Calia Italia EUDQG SURGXFWV DQG LWV ĆŽUVW store in Dongguan within the Dongguan Fair Complex. The opening of the store is part of the project of the commercial operation, which envisages the opening of 40

&DOLD ,WDOLD Ć°DJVKLS VWRUHV E\ 2022. Commenting on the launch, Giuseppe Calia, general director & director of administration and sales of Calia Italia, said: “It is with great pride that we announce the beginning of our great journey that will take us very far in a market as important as China. p,W ZLOO EH WKH ĆŽUVW RI WKH stores that will inaugurate the Calia Italia brand.â€? ZZZ FDOLDLWDOLD FRP

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PROFITS GROW BY 60% AT CARPET GROUP

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Northern Ireland-based carpet manufacturer Ulster Carpets has reported a third successive year of turnover growth as sales surpassed the ÂŁ70m mark. According to its latest ĆŽOHG DFFRXQWV IRU WKH \HDU ended 31 March 2018, total sales rose 11.5% to ÂŁ76.2m from ÂŁ68.4m in 2016, as the company saw increases in sales across most areas in which it trades. *URVV SURĆŽW DOVR experienced an increase by 11.7% to ÂŁ31.5m from ~ P ZKLOVW SUH WD[ SURĆŽW resulted at ÂŁ10.7m, growing E\ IURP LWV SURĆŽW RI ÂŁ6.7m recorded last year. Detailed within its report, Ulster said that the Brexit vote had impacted the value of sterling, which proved EHQHĆŽFLDO IRU WKH JURXS whilst also highlighting that the demand for its products continued to improve.

8OVWHU FRQƎUPHG WKDW LWV previous acquisitions of Roger Oates Design Limited, D VXSSOLHU RI ưDW ZHDYH FDUSHWV DQG *ULƹWK 7H[WLOH Machines Limited (GTM), a specialist supplier to the UK textile industries, performed well during the year with both FRQWULEXWLQJ WR JURXS SURƎW On current trading, the business added that the new ƎQDQFLDO \HDU KDV nVWDUWHG ZHOO with a good level of forward orders’, whilst also revealing plans to invest in new technologies, processes and markets in the coming year. Ulster confirmed the next phase of its redevelopment programme would see the installation of new axminster weaving machines and associated equipment as well as a new high tech finishing plant at its site in Portadown.

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BED MAKER APPOINTS MARKETING AGENC Y FOR DEBUT C AMPAIGN Marketing agency Brass has been appointed by bed manufacturer Harrison Spinks to GHOLYHU LWV ĆŽUVW % & FDPSDLJQ Brass will be creating and producing a TV advertisement, in addition to both online and RƲLQH DVVHWV VXFK DV SUHVV ads and digital display. Esme Westmoreland, head of marketing at Leeds-based Harrison Spink,s said: “We’re really looking forward to working with Brass to deliver RXU ĆŽUVW FRQVXPHU PDUNHWLQJ campaign. We have almost 180 years of experience making _ 28th September 2018

really brilliant beds, but up until now we’ve been one of the industry’s best kept secrets! “This is a really exciting time for Harrison Spinks as we work to raise consumer awareness of our brand. We chose to work with Brass as we felt like the creative campaign they devised was the most impactful way to tell our story and would really stick in the customers’ mind.�

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Fashion and homewares retailer H&M has announced the expansion of its HOME division. H&M HOME has extended its product range with a selection of furniture such as small tables, shelving, stools, mirrors, pendant lights and lamps. The new collection, which launched at the end of August, features a diversity of styles and materials, including powdercoated steel and marble to natural, organic shapes using wood and straw. Mattias Chrisander, product designer at H&M HOME, said: “Each piece of our new furniture line has been carefully designed to not only fit effortlessly into any room, but also express timeless design and diversity in style. We are very excited about this launch.� H&M HOME has also confirmed plans to open eight dedicated HOME Concept Stores across Europe. The new stores will standalone from H&M’s traditional store format with the details of each location to be confirmed at a later date.

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BED MANUFACTURER ANNOUNCES DOUBLE PRODUCT LAUNCH Dewsbury-based bed manufacturer The Shire Bed Company has announced the launch of two new products. New additions comprise an Egyptian cotton collection of white mattresses to provide a high level of comfort as part of its guest bed collection, as well as also unveiling a new EHG LQ D ER[ RĆŹHU The latest additions follow an successful year of investment at the company, which totalled almost ÂŁ2.5m in expanding and upgrading its facilities during the past 12 months. The company has spent almost half a million pounds on its dedicated ‘roll and rest’ production facility, with new wrapping and rolling and foam cutting machinery as well as a glue line to further automate

its systems. Shire has also invested almost ÂŁ70,000 updating an area at its former head RĆąFH EORFN IRU HPSOR\HHV providing larger, more modern facilities for use at break and social times. Fara Butt, marketing director, The Shire Bed Company said: “Investing in latest technology means we can continue to innovate and expand and develop our product range to meet ever changing consumer demands.â€? “We look forward to strengthening the team spirit and investing further in the well-being of our employees. This involves providing excellent facilities where our VWDĆŹ FDQ UHOD[ DQG UHFKDUJH q

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ITALIAN FURNITURE BUSINESS E XPANDS INTO THE US

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Italian furniture manufacturer DePadova has announced WKH RSHQLQJ RI LWV ĆŽUVW 86 showroom in New York. Situated on Greene Street in Soho, the new 4,000sq ft store features DePadova products as well as collections from its SDUHQW FRPSDQ\ %RĆą DQG VLVWHU Danish brand MA/U Studio. The company, which was acquired by Italian kitchen IXUQLWXUH EXVLQHVV %RĆą EDFN LQ 2015, has moved its collection IURP WKH %RĆą VKRZURRP LQ New York to give it a dedicated space as it expands its

presence in the US. The showroom is designed to resemble a renovated apartment, where contemporary and more traditional pieces are FRPELQHG ZKLFK DOVR UHĆ°HFWV the growing trend of Nordic design in New York. DePadova, which specialises in the import of Scandinavian furniture, was founded in 1956 by Maddalena and Fernando De Padova in Milan.

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Floorcoverings retailer Carpetright has confirmed a new partnership to bolster is beds division. Carpetright has entered into a partnership with boxed mattress brand Emma Mattress, which will see Emma products being stocked across Carpetright’s 200 bed stores in the UK. Damian Topping, head of buying for beds at Carpetright, told Cabinet Maker: “We are delighted to confirm that we are partnering with Emma Mattress, a leading European bed in a box brand to provide customers with its award-winning mattress, the Emma Hybrid. “The Emma Hybrid Mattress, which has been awarded a ‘Which? Best Buy’ stamp of approval will be stocked across our 200 bed stores in the UK and this collaboration will further strengthen our mattress offer giving customers even more choice and convenience both in-store and online.� The news follows Emma’s recent tie up with sofa retailer DFS in which its products will be stocked in the retailers 95 stores nationwide.

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Family bedmakers since 1893

Heritage bed manufacturer Healthbeds will be showcasing their latest products at the Autumn Furniture Show. Taking place at Stoneleigh Park from 2nd to 3rd October 2018, Healthbeds will be situated in Hall 2. 9G CTG GZEKVGF VQ NCWPEJ QWT PGY %JGOKECN HTGG FCOCUM <GTQ VQ .CPFĆ‚NN 5OGCVQP %QNNGEVKQPU 2QR CNQPI HQT C YCTO YGNEQOG CPF ITGCV UJQY QHHGTU

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FURNITURE COMPONENT FIRM CONTINUES TO INVEST

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Kitchen and bedroom furniture components supplier Hill’s Panel Products (HPP) has reported another growth in turnover as sales surpassed £30m. $FFRUGLQJ WR LWV ODWHVW ƎOHG accounts for the year ended 28 February 2018, total sales increased by 15.4% to £31.4m from £27.2m in 2017. *URVV SURƎW DOVR URVH E\ to £8.3m from £7.7m, whilst preWD[ SURƎW UHVXOWHG DW ~ P XS E\ FRPSDUHG WR LWV SURƎW of £2.8m against the previous year. The continued growth in its bottom line marked the sixth VWUDLJKW \HDU RI JURZLQJ SURƎWV VLQFH ZKHQ SURƎW VWRRG DW

ÂŁ712,527. Stated in its report, HPP said that its previous investments, which included a new 19,000sq ft warehouse, has led to a growth in both sales and SURĆŽWV DV LW EHQHĆŽWHG IURP QHZ systems installed. The company has also released a larger trade catalogue, which has been a success, as well as expanding its marketing tools to further accelerate growth. Looking ahead, the business intends to invest around ÂŁ2m to enhance its door production facility with works on the project already started.

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Danish furniture brand JYSK has reported record turnover for its financial year of 2017/18. JYSK, which opened 82 stores during the year bringing its portfolio to 1,249 stores in 20 countries, recorded sales of â‚Ź2.16bn. The company said that it will continue to invest in the business with plans to further implement its rebranding strategy across its stores as well as in logistics. Jan Bøgh, CEO and president of JYSK Nordic, said: “We have made major investments in our logistics set-up, and during FY18, we finished the expansion of our distribution centre in Uldum in Denmark, and soon we will start using our brand new distribution centre currently under construction in Bulgaria. p$ PRGHUQ DQG HĆŹHFWLYH ORJLVWLFV VHW XS DQG WKH DELOLW\ WR GHOLYHU quickly to both our stores and directly to our customers are crucial to our success. Therefore the major investments, which we have made in our distribution centres, is extremely important.â€? Commenting on the results, Jan added: “The opening of new stores will continue to be an important part of our strategy, ZKLOH VLPXOWDQHRXVO\ GHYHORSLQJ RXU RQOLQH SODWIRUP WR RĆŹHU RXU FXVWRPHUV DV PDQ\ SRVVLELOLWLHV DQG DV PXFK Ć°H[LELOLW\ DV SRVVLEOH q

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Need help choosing the right mattress protectors? Visit mattressgard.co.uk or call +44 (0)1244 88828th658 September 2018 | 23

|N E W S RETAIL

DESIGN

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New handmade furniture business launches

Online shopping group Shop Direct has reported a decline in furniture sales due to a ‘slow market’. According to its full year results for 2017/18, Shop Direct, which operates through online brands including Very.co.uk, Littlewoods.com and VeryExclusive.co.uk, said that furniture and homewares sales fell by 9.5%. Shop Direct indicated that the furniture division ‘slowed significantly’ during the year with the market continuing to have a ‘stronger credit offer in furniture’. Detailed within its report, the group confirmed plans are underway to boost its furniture sector and stated: “We have a clear plan to address the trajectory with good progress being made in FY19 to date on product, availability and stock health.â€? Overall, group sales increased by 1.5% to ÂŁ1.9bn, driven by Very.co.uk as sales rose by 9.9% to ÂŁ1.3bn. Littlewoods saw sales drop by 14.5% to ÂŁ569.7m, although its Irish division did report a single digit growth. Within product categories, Electrical sales led with a growth of 7.2%, representing 39% of total group revenue. The furniture and homeware division was the lowest, only accounting for 12%. EBITDA increased by 11% to ÂŁ262.3m, although the group reported a total pre-tax loss of ÂŁ24.7m compared to its profit of ÂŁ24.9m last year. Looking ahead, Shop Direct announced that it plans to construct a new 850,000sq ft distribution and returns centre at the East Midlands Gateway development. Works on this project has already begun and is expected to be fully operational by 2021. Shop Direct added that it plans to close its Greater Manchester fulfilment centres from mid2020, which will impact employees based there. The group has reaffirmed its commitment to ensure a ‘fair outcome’ for affected staff as it looks to ‘support them through the transition’.

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A skilled Cotswold joiner has announced the launch of a new reclaimed handmade furniture business. Vincent Trading has been established by husband and wife duo Mike and Emma, with the business operating from its workshop in South Milton, Devon. The company was recently selected to exhibit in the curated Spotted area at Top Drawer AW18 where it had huge success and is now beginning to be stocked across the UK through independents shops. Vincent Trading also confirmed that it is currently in talks in expanding its presence into larger companies to further accelerate its growth. Commenting on the launch, Mike said: “Did you know that, especially on large scale builds, a scaffolding board can only be used once? If you walk down any street, you are pretty much guaranteed to see at least one building under construction, but have you ever thought about what happens to those wooden boards afterwards? We, like most, assumed they were just used over and over again until they become not fit for purpose. “Turns out this is just once! Then what happens to them? Most boards will be burned‌ a tree has been grown, cut down and used just once before being burned. Thankfully the UK has seen a huge increase in the popularity of using these boards for a whole heap of different uses, Vincent Trading have decided to do the same, taking highly skilled traditional joinery techniques we create timeless designs.â€?

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BFM ANNOUNCE S L ATE ST MEMBER The British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM) has announced its latest ‘Approve Member’ in the form of beds retailer Dreams. The specialist bed retailer, which sells around 10,000 mattresses, bases and headboards per week to customers nationwide, joins a line up of British names including Silentnight, Airsprung, Corndell, Kingstown and Shire Beds already among its 200 plus member companies. Jackie Bazeley, BFM managing director, said: “We look forward to the opportunity of supporting a

company that encompasses both retail and manufacturing and is one of the most respected retailers on the High Street.â€? Jonathan Hirst, chief RSHUDWLQJ RĆąFHU DW 'UHDPV said: “We’re very pleased to be joining the BFM. We are committed to driving the best standards in British manufacturing. We’re looking forward to working with the BFM and its members more closely in the months and years ahead.â€?

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Global group Steinhoff International has revealed plans to install restructuring firm EY to supervise a potential Company Voluntary Arrangement within its EU division. In a presentation proposal, Steinhoff Europe AG (SEAG) will enter a CVA agreement on 19 October 2018 with Alan Bloom, Simon Edel and Alan Hudson set to be appointed. Steinhoff has already received creditor support as it continues to make progress in its restructuring plan. Previously, Steinhoff said that investors holding 89% of the debt of Steinhoff Europe AG and 89% of the debt of Stripes US Holding Incorporated had backed a ‘lock-up agreement’. The agreement would give the firm’s subsidiaries three years without debt repayments, paving the way for the company to restructure €9.4bn of debt, which had emerged following an investigation into accounting irregularities.

Furniture retailer OKA Direct has announced the acquisition of US furniture business Wisteria. OKA has acquired Dallas-based furniture retailer Wisteria for an undisclosed sum, with the deal seeing Wisteria’s current management team remaining in place. Husband and wife team Andrew and Shannon Newsom, which founded the business back in 2000, has retained a minority stake in the company and will continue to lead the business following the takeover. Wisteria has two stores in Dallas and sells products throughout the US online and through its catalogue. The move by OKA, which itself was acquired by Italian investment firm Investindustrial for a sum of £40m earlier this year, expands its global reach with both businesses said to be ‘working closely’ to ‘grow Wisteria’s presence in the marketplace’.

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RE TAIL|TE X TILES

Setting the Olaf Schmidt, vice president tex tiles & tex tile technologies at 0 H V V H ) U D Q N I X U W V S H D N V W R & D E L Q H W 0 D N H U D E R X W what to expect from the upcoming H e i m t ex t i l s h o w.

Olaf Schmidt, vice president textiles & textile WHFKQRORJLHV 0HVVH )UDQNIXUW 26 | 28th September 2018

trend

What is new about the show from last year? Heimtextil will present a fundamentally revised concept – with new synergies for buyers, PRUH ưRRU VSDFH DQG DOO NLQGV RI IXUQLVKLQJ inspiration. From the perspective of buyers in particular, we are repositioning Heimtextil 2019 and the way we group themes and product segments to better suit target groups. In this way, synergies can be optimally exploited.

At the same time, we are redesigning our trend programme and continuing to live up to our SLRQHHULQJ UROH ZLWK RXU WUHQG FRQFHSW WR RĆŹHU our exhibitors and visitors a future-oriented programme. For 2019, we will strengthen this, showcasing above all at the digital level. From last year, can you give a brief highlight of the 2018 show and how has this helped form 2019? Last January, we expanded the range for architects, interior designers and hotel furnishers and, as part of this approach, launched the ‘Interior.Architecture. Hospitality Expo’ as a new exhibition and QHWZRUNLQJ IRUPDW IRU FRQWUDFW IXUQLVKHUV 7KH SURJUDPPH ZLWK JURXS VSHFLĆŽF lectures, tours and the recent Expo met with an excellent response – on both the exhibitor and visitor sides. We will, therefore, FRQWLQXH WR RĆŹHU RXU ([SR LQ DV ZHOO as numerous other information and contact opportunities for this target group.

Within the upholstery sector, what does Heimtextil have to offer? And who has signed up to exhibit? Any first timers? The furnishing and upholstery fabrics segment continues its very successful growth. In 2019, all relevant European suppliers of Decorative & Furniture Fabrics will exhibit over three hall levels in Hall 4 for WKH ĆŽUVW WLPH /HDGLQJ $VLDQ PDQXIDFWXUHUV of upholstery fabrics with export experience will also be there again. All in all, the Heimtextil brings together the world’s largest and most international range of goods in this segment. This includes representatives from Manifattura Tessile Di Nole and Sirio Tendaggi from Italy, renowned returnees to the Heimtextil. There are also new exhibitors such as Crypton from the USA or Anavil Europe from France, who specialise in fabrics for contract furnishing. Other highlights include Trevira with prestigious partners, such as Getzner Textil from Austria, Engelbert E. Stieger from Switzerland, Hoftex from Germany, -RKDQ 9DQ $FNHU IURP WKH 1HWKHUODQGV DQG Tessitura Mario Ghioldi from Italy. What would you say is going to be ‘hot’ in the market and ‘cold’ moving into next year? Flexible and customised furnishing concepts are still showing an upward trend. By the

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VDPH WRNHQ WH[WLOH VROXWLRQV IRU D KHDOWKLHU and sustainable furnishing style are also continuing to gain ground. ‘Healthy Sleep’ is becoming a particularly attractive lifestyle theme. Conversely, standard solutions and products with a shorter life span are increasingly less in demand in the trade. How many exhibitors are currently signed up and is this an increase on last year? :H KDYH UHFHLYHG D ORW RI SRVLWLYH IHHGEDFN on the new concept from national and international exhibitors. The presence of major industry players in the home and contract textiles sector encourages us to structure our projects, topics and product segments even more in line with the needs of the target groups. As things stand today, we can already say that Heimtextil will experience renewed growth and we will welcome around 3,000 international H[KLELWRUV WR )UDQNIXUW In terms of visitor attendance, has this grown year-on-year and do you expect this figure to grow again in 2019? We have been able to continuously increase the number of our international visitors in recent years. We hope for a continuation of this development in 2019 and are also very optimistic that in view of our new approach, we will be able to generate higher levels of interest. How many exhibitors will display from the UK? And how important is this show for UK businesses and visitors? Last year we had 88 exhibitors encompassing around 3,000 square metres’ exhibition space. We are still in the planning stages, but we are expecting a growth in exhibitors and square metres for the 2019 event. Around 2,500 buyers from the UK YLVLW +HLPWH[WLO DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH ƮJXUHV RI the last three years. The UK is one of the top 5 visitors’ countries and so of great importance to Heimtextil. What would you say has been the biggest trend of this year and why? Whether at home, at the office or in a hotel – people want to feel comfortable where WKH\ OLYH DQG ZRUN 7KH K\JJH DVSHFW ZDV therefore omnipresent at the Heimtextil. We came across numerous harmoniously coordinated styles and colours that convey a great feel-good factor and their functional characteristics invite us to live DQG ZRUN KHDOWKLO\

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front, the trade fair presents textile products for the bathroom, smart solutions around the subject of ‘Healthy Sleep’ as well as readymade, top-class design products such as bed OLQHQ EODQNHWV FXVKLRQV DQG WKURZV WDEOH DQG NLWFKHQ OLQHQ DQG PDWFKLQJ DFFHVVRULHV Textiles and accessories for animals are also represented again. The ALL ABOUT PETS area KDV GHYHORSHG LQWR WKH Æ®UVW SRUW RI FDOO IRU contemporary pet accessories. Furthermore, WKH +HLPWH[WLO RƬHUV WKH ZRUOGoV ODUJHVW platform for textile design and brings together leading digital printing manufacturers.

Technology within furniture. The use of augmented and virtual reality is proving to be growing. How do you see technologies impacting the furniture industry? Augmented and virtual reality are good examples of showing where the journey can go. On the one hand, the immersive VR GLVSOD\ RƬHUV VXFK D GHFHSWLYHO\ UHDOLVWLF impression of an interior environment that interior designers and architects can approach the planning of a project in much greater detail and with more experimentation during the planning phase of a project. For example, simulations can be done to show WKH LQFLGHQFH RI OLJKW DW GLƬHUHQW WLPHV RI GD\ or the prospective view from a window. It also means that furniture can be planned at an earlier stage, too. $QG WKLV DOO WDNHV SODFH EHIRUH ODUJH VXPV of money need to be invested to realise the project. When it gets down to it, the intuitive, realistic and spatially three-dimensional representation of an environment in VR can give the customer a much more precise LPSUHVVLRQ RI ZKDW D SURMHFW ZLOO ORRN OLNH LQ the end compared with what rendering it on a 2D screen could do. Aside from upholstery, what else does the show have to offer? 7KH +HLPWH[WLO RƬHUV WKH IXOO VSHFWUXP RI home and contract textiles – with a unique global range. The home textile segments range from wallpapers and wall decorations up to curtains and sun protection systems – including the furnishing and upholstery fabrics previously mentioned. On the home textiles

I understand there is a beds focus too. Can you elaborate on this? $IWHU QXWULWLRQ DQG Æ®WQHVV VOHHSLQJ LV VHW to be the next big lifestyle theme. At the Heimtextil, we put it into the spotlight as an exciting topic of the future. Together with our exhibitors, partners and institutions, we are creating a competence centre in Hall 11.0, entitled ‘Smart Bedding’ and a major draw, especially for the target group of bed dealers. This includes a lecture area with a four-day programme on the lead theme ‘The future of sleep’. Are there any special lectures or guests attending the show you wish to highlight? :H DUH SOHDVHG WR RƬHU DQ H[WHQVLYH DQG highly attractive programme that provides Æ®UVW KDQG LQIRUPDWLRQ DQG LQVSLUDWLRQ IURP distinguished experts and institutions to GLYHUVH WDUJHW JURXSV , ZRXOG OLNH WR SRLQW RXW WZR KLJKOLJKWV LQ RXU SURJUDPPH 3LFNLQJ up on the new Trend Space in Hall 3.0, visitors can expect a three-day programme RI WDONV ZLWK ZHOO NQRZQ H[SHUWV IURP WUHQG and design. :H DOVR RƬHU JXLGHG WRXUV WKURXJK WKH Trend Space. The ‘Interior.Architecture. +RVSLWDOLW\ /HFWXUHVo DOVR SURYLGH Æ®UVW FODVV information. Together with our partners, we have been able to win acclaimed architects DQG IXUQLVKLQJ SURIHVVLRQDOV DV VSHDNHUV and guides for a series of trade fair tours.

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28th September 2018 | 27

MANUFACTURE|INDUSTRY Aura curtain

HERITAGE

Bill Beaumont

Te x t i l e s h a s b e e n a success for over a

centur y with recent investments seeing the company further expand into the textiles market. Cabinet Maker finds out more from managing director Daniel Beaumont.

The business started out as J Hargreaves & Co in 1888, at Towns Green Mill situated in the Lancashire town of Chorley. At the time, the company was one of 2,500 mills producing over half of the world’s cotton. In 1913 when part of the mill collapsed, the company shut down for a year before J Hargreaves’ nephew, J Blackledge, purchased land nearby and constructed a new mill.

The weaving company was known as J Blackledge & Son until the mid 1960s when cheaper foreign exports made weaving in the UK unsustainable, prompting a rebrand as a textile converter. When Bill Beaumont, nephew of J Blackledge’s grandson and former amateur rugby player, took over the family business in 1998, he took advantage of the high profile name gained from his sporting achievements and from his 14 years as quiz show Question of Sport team captain from 1982 to 1996. Bill’s wife Hilary joined as design director and a move to the soft furnishings industry followed, along with new office and warehouse premises in Chorley in 2011. By the time 2017 came around, Daniel

28 | 28th September 2018

Beaumont, Bill and Hilary’s eldest son, was at the helm as the sixth generation to run the business, which was starting to attract attention from overseas investors. Bill Beaumont became part of the Al Guthmi Group, a Saudi Arabian textile wholesaler with annual revenues in excess of $150m. “The Al Guthmi Group see the Bill Beaumont brand as a way to grow their operations in the UK as well as being a platform for export sales outside of the Middle East,” said Daniel. “As such, there has been a significant investment in the product range and staff numbers have increased from 19 to 29 in the last 12 months.” Bill Beaumont supplied the upholstery trade up to 2011 but made the decision at the time to focus on curtain fabrics, but with the Al Guthmi investment and desire to grow the business, moving back into upholstery was a natural progression. Daniel continued: “We have the infrastructure in place and the access to good value upholstery fabrics so believe that we can be very successful in this market.” The growing business has over 1,000 accounts and currently supplies key UK

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Hope curtain retailers such as John Lewis and Dunelm. However, the Bill Beaumont team is aiming WR LQFUHDVH WKHLU FXVWRPHU EDVH VLJQLĆŽFDQWO\ via the expansion into upholstery. While only a handful of customers have been shown since the decision to branch out, “the feedback has been excellent,â€? commented Daniel, adding: “The products look great, prices are very good and the swatch books are getting a lot of praise.â€? It’s no surprise that it takes a lot of hard work and dedication for a business to remain consistently successful over a long period of time, and the company believes EHLQJ Ć°H[LEOH LV FUXFLDO p7KH RQO\ FRQVWDQW over the last 125 years appears to have been the need to adapt the business WR UHĆ°HFW FKDQJHV LQ WKH PDUNHW DQG environment,â€? explained Daniel. “Over six generations we have been able to recognise new opportunities and change the direction of the business.â€? And that’s just what they’ve been doing, with an impressive 16 new ranges launched this autumn. Everything from velvets to yarn dyed, plains and semi plains have been launched this month. Upholstery account manager John Conroy said: “We have some very fashionable fabrics, all stocked with

FR coating and can also come with Non FR, and Crib 5 coatings.â€? And that’s not all. He continued: “Alongside of the 16 ranges in the upholstery book, we are also launching a range of Dual Purpose fabrics, 23 printed velvets and cottons. (With more designs to come, including designs pictured!)â€? Furthermore, all of the products in both ranges reach contract furniture testing standards, allowing the business to reach \HW IXUWKHU DĆŽHOG After becoming part of a larger group last year, the company has the opportunity to launch more products and invest in new markets. When it comes to bestselling fabrics though, there are no upper echelons in popularity as such with Bohemian, romantic, whimsical and vibrant designs all attracting customers. “With having a much larger product selection now, sales are spread across a variety of fabrics and designs,â€? explained Daniel. “However, we are still selling to the same market so our well priced jacquards and embroideries are still proving very popular.â€? The recent growth has allowed for big plans and a few challenges over the next year, with 40 new fabric collections due to be launched in 2019, meaning the business has had to take on extra warehouse capacity to accommodate all of the new lines. “Of course, rapid growth brings its own challenges but there are now opportunities for our employees that didn’t exist previously,â€? muses Daniel. The textiles brand is positively up for the current challenges in the market, as, despite the consumer’s tendency to hold onto their money causing a slowdown in upholstery

VDOHV 'DQLHO UHPDLQV FRQĆŽGHQW ZKLOH ORRNLQJ to the company’s bright future with plentiful designs and a growing customer base. “The right products are still selling and there is still a good market out there, which I do believe will pick up. The uncertainty around the economy isn’t helping and the quicker we get answers (either way), the quicker the country will get back to normal.â€? Although the economy’s unpredictable movement can sometimes bring us back down to earth, it’s a beautiful, bright, earthy colour palette as spotted in current upholstery trends. Daniel elaborated: “There really is something for everyone. There is a real mix of trends going on right now in the interiors market. From dramatic oversized Ć°RUDOV SDLUHG ZLWK OX[H PDWWH YHOYHWV LQ jewel tones, to black vintage Scandi prints, Eastern geometrics in both bright and earthy colour palettes, and natural textures. The dusky pink and grey colour combination still seems to be pretty prominent, but people are adding in darker tones of either QDY\ RU HPHUDOG WR VHW RĆŹ WKH ORRN q The Bill Beaumont look is not limited to one design trend and with all the new product launches, they’re keen to get them seen. Currently running a soft launch and gearing up for their launch at Heimtex 2019 in Frankfurt. Meanwhile, the growing sales team are out on the road equipped with designs and their Made For You service visiting customers every day.

w www.billbeaumont.co.uk c 01257 263065 N 07940 961640 28th September 2018 | 29

MANUFACTURE|UPHOLSTERY

SMART Attending the China International Furniture Fair in Shanghai this month

Italian sofa manufacturer Rossini recently attended the China International Furniture Fair in Shanghai. Cabinet Maker finds out more about how the show went.

When the manufacturer of luxury Italian upholstery last spoke to Cabinet Maker, the company had already attended exhibitions in Milan and Cologne this year and was gearing up for the China International Furniture Fair based in Shanghai. We caught up with H[SRUW PDQDJHU /XLJL 6HJUHWR WR ĆŽQG RXW how the business got on. In the weeks leading up to the Shanghai VKRZ WKH 5RVVLQL WHDP ZHUH IHHOLQJ Ć°XVK as sales were particularly good. “We are growing and sales are good at the moment, especially the last two weeks. We are also up in comparison with last year.â€? Since the beginning of 2018, the company has noticed a steady growth in demand for products made and 100% manufactured in Italy and so the emphasis has been on getting the SURGXFWV WR GLĆŹHUHQW H[KLELWLRQV SDUWLFXODUO\ in China, to strike while the iron’s hot. As the quality of living in China increases, the population is more willing to spend more on furnishing the home. Luigi believes this surge in demand is down to the quality SURYLGHG DQG VWDWXV RĆŹHUHG LQ WKHLU EUDQG

30 | 28th September 2018

“Chinese consumers are perceiving the ,WDOLDQ SURGXFWV LQ D GLĆŹHUHQW ZD\ D UHDO ‘status symbol’, as they can realise that the designs, quality, leathers, materials and ĆŽQLVKLQJ DUH GLĆŹHUHQW IURP DOO WKH RWKHUV q Despite the fact that Chinese upholstery imports remain the market leaders across the world, the country is clearly developing more of an interest in importing upholstery from Europe to bolster the range in choice. Luigi commented on the business’ success at the Shanghai show: “The show lived up to our expectations, as we had a lot of customers visiting our stands and ordering models for their stores. We took our Atene & Chic models with us to showcase due to the new stitching details. Our Fellini range was brand new and the Smart range received D YHU\ JRRG UHDFWLRQ :H ZLOO GHĆŽQLWHO\ attend again as the margins of growth in the Chinese market are huge.â€? On whether Rossini will be heading to the UK, Luigi insists there’s certainly a possibility that the business will exhibit here in the future, however, in the meantime,

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Icaro the next stage the team will be looking to impress on will be Cologne in January 2019, to launch at least another two or possibly three brand new models. A lot of retailers in the UK would be more than capable of VHOOLQJ WKH 5RVVLQL EUDQG /XLJL RĆŹHUHG but he senses a little apprehension. “We received two orders from an English retailer for a large sum, so this clearly shows there is a market for high quality Italian products.â€? Overall, it hasn’t gone unnoticed that the upholstery makers are reaping the rewards from a successful manoeuvre into the European market despite uncertain trade conditions. Luigi explained: “We’re not afraid of Brexit at all; trade will still continue as it

was. We have taken on a few new accounts in France, the UK and Belgium, with new agencies in Spain, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. The next places we’re looking for agents are the Netherlands and Germany.� Currently in discussion in the Rossini team are some possible additional fabrics the business will endeavour to try following a high level of success with leather suites. Luigi also remains coy on future plans for investments currently on the table, but while he can’t disclose anything at the moment, Cabinet Maker will certainly be interested in seeing how the company’s progress unfolds.

“WE RECEIVED TWO ORDERS FROM AN ENGLISH RETAILER FOR A LARGE SUM, SO THIS CLEARLY SHOWS THERE IS A MARKET FOR HIGH QUALITY ITALIAN PRODUCTS. �

w www.rossinisofas.it 28th September 2018 | 31

W EXHIBITION PREVIEW

Cabinet Maker takes a look at next month’s W Exhibition for furniture components taking place at the NEC. There are certainly a plethora of places for you to be in the furniture industry’s autumn calendar, but we’ve got you covered on the information side. Hot on the, er, wheels of the Bed Show and Long Point, the NEC opens its doors on 30 September for the four-day W Exhibition and Elements. The show will most appeal to industry specialists such as cabinet makers, joiners, VKRS ƎWWHUV IXUQLWXUH GHVLJQHUV DQG PDQXIDFWXUHUV DUFKLWHFWV VSHFLƎHUV EX\HUV and purchasers. Covering 20,500sq m of the venue and the UK’s only woodworking machinery and materials exhibition, it really is the best opportunity to discover the latest innovation from technology, timber and trends to adhesives, award winners and ALKO dust extraction systems. This year the W Exhibition plays host to most than 200 of the best-known brands in the furniture manufacturing business, including Homag (F610 & F710), Biesse, SCM, Felder, RW Machinery, Advanced Machinery Services and Masterwood. Also joining the 1(& PDVVHV LV 8. VXSSOLHU RI WKH +RƏPDQ 'RYHWDLO -RLQWLQJ 6\VWHP +RƏPDQ 0DFKLQH Company Ltd who will be displaying and demonstrating both their manual and semiautomatic bench-top models on Stands H910/M910. Long-standing family business Crofts & Assinder will be showcasing a selection of brass hardware and accessories such as handles, hinges and coat hooks on Stand N320. This outing will also see a number of new names taking to the stands for 2018, as CNC specialists CNC Software Solutions, lifting and handling connoisseurs Tawi UK and wood-joining experts Lamello are just a selection of the names making their debuts at the event.

Kings Lynn-based Guy-Raymond will be attending with their latest high quality component designs for furniture such DV RĆąFH FKDLUV DQG VRIW VHDWLQJ $QGUHZ DeGol, UK sales manager, commented: “In what has already been a very exciting 70th year for Guy-Raymond, we are looking forward to showcasing our range of castors and components at the W Exhibition this autumn. Designers and manufacturers are invited to be inspired by our wide range of quality castors and components. Or, if you’re ORRNLQJ IRU VRPHWKLQJ GLĆŹHUHQW FRPH WR stand J110 to discuss our in house Design, Research and Development department. Whether you’re looking for; standard products; bold, pastel, metallic colours DQG ĆŽQLVKHV RU EHVSRNH ĆŽWWLQJV ZH SULGH ourselves on delivering quality, functionality and durability, without compromising on the aesthetics of your design.â€? Axminster Tools & Machinery will be on hand ZLWK D VHOHFWLRQ RI WKHLU KLJK VSHFLĆŽFDWLRQ tools and machinery on Stand E910. Managing director Alan Styles said: “We’ve been keen supporters and exhibitors at the W Exhibition for many years. For us it’s probably the top event in the UK to launch and display our high-end range of woodworking machinery. This year we are relaunching our Axminster Trade range with the LQWURGXFWLRQ RI ĆŽYH QHZ PDFKLQHV LQFOXGLQJ a bandsaw, table saw, unique dust processor and two spindle moulders: a deluxe model and CNC model. All of these machines have been chosen for their uniqueness or quality of build and are aimed at manufacturers DQG PDNHUV ZDQWLQJ D KLJKHU VSHFLĆŽFDWLRQ PDFKLQH :H IHHO FRQĆŽGHQW WKDW WKHVH new machines will generate a good deal of interest at the W Exhibition.â€?

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Homag will be showcasing their tools and machinery on stands F610 & F710.

2018 sees Elements’ second outing.

%OXP ZLOO EH VKRZFDVLQJ WKHLU EUDQG QHZ FDELQHW FRQƎJXUDWRU DW (OHPHQWV RQ VWDQG 1 2018’s event is set to boast its biggest footprint to date, with the debut of a brand new Education Zone in Hall 6. The new addition focuses on supporting and advising on the latest legislation, health & safety, productivity, careers, education and apprenticeships within the furniture industry. So while visitors meander through the show, if there are any queries on these topics, multiple experts will be on hand from leading associations and colleges with one to one drop in sessions and daily workshops to help navigate through key issues. The biennial W Exhibition takes place at the same time as its sister show, Elements, hosting furniture components and joinery suppliers. In its second year, The Elements RI ,QQRYDWLRQ =RQH ZLOO RƏHU YLVLWRUV DQ opportunity to see the latest groundbreaking products, design concepts and furniture trends for furniture production and

interior design markets. As is customary for an industry exhibition with an edge, the show comes with a competition as every product will be shortlisted for the show’s Elements of Innovation Awards and presented to an independent judging panel to be in with the chance of winning a coveted title. Judges for this year’s awards are Helen Hewitt of British Woodworking Federation, Gary Smith of the Institute of Carpenters, Paul Lighterness of Buckinghamshire New University, Hayden Davies of the Furniture Makers’ Company and Luke Parry of Edmont Joinery. Winners will be announced on Monday 1st October at 3pm. Amongst the list of exhibitors lined up for Elements are leading components manufacturer Blum, dÊcor specialists Alpi SpA, Hranipex, Woodworking Machinery Suppliers Association (WMSA) and dozens more. Cabinet Maker got the low down on Blum’s plans for this year’s show. Lisa

Robinson, marketing manager, commented: “The feedback from customers at KBB was fantastic, and they found the technical area particularly engaging. Thus we have decided to take a dedicated stand showing our wide range of services, and jigs, aimed DW WKH PDQXIDFWXUHUV DQG ĆŽWWHUV RI NLWFKHQV The last W Exhibition we did was extremely VXFFHVVIXO RĆŹHULQJ XV D JUHDW RSSRUWXQLW\ to engage with our customers, and we have no doubt that this one will follow suit.â€? Catch Blum showcasing their brand new cabinet FRQĆŽJXUDWRU s D SODQQLQJ WRRO PRYLQJ FDELQHW PDNLQJ LQWR WKH IXWXUH s RQ VWDQG 1 Event director Lisa Campagnola said: “This year, we have been exploring new avenues in a bid to represent the whole industry and emulate the success our exhibitors had in 2016. By working closely with leading companies, show partners and industry associations, we have been able to FUHDWH WZR VKRZV WKDW RĆŹHU UHDO YDOXH DQG substance. We are excited to welcome new companies and to introduce informative and supportive features within the show. We are FRQĆŽGHQW 7KH : ([KLELWLRQ DQG (OHPHQWV will continue to be unmissable events for the furniture design and manufacturing industry.â€? The event is free for visitors and you can ĆŽQG WKH OLQN RQ WKH : ([KLELWLRQ ZHEVLWH to register and join over 8,000 industry professionals. It’s set to be a big one!

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28th September 2018 | 33

AUTUMN FURNITURE SHOW 34 | 28th September 2018

COLOUR Cabinet Maker takes a look at what to expect to se e a t t h e u p c o m i n g A u t u m n Fu r n i t u re S h ow.

The event will showcase a great range of upholstery...

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... and beds, mattresses and bedroom furniture

The Autumn Furniture Show, which is on 2nd and 3rd October, is the last UK furniture and LQWHULRUV WUDGH VKRZ RI WKH \HDU ,W RĆŹHUV D fantastic opportunity to see an extensive range of beds and mattresses, living, dining and bedroom furniture, as well as home dĂŠcor and accessories, all at one exhibition. It is ideal for furniture, bed and home dĂŠcor retailers, along with contract buyers, interior EX\HUV DQG VSHFLĆŽHUV DQG LQWHULRU GHVLJQHUV The show, which is open to all trade buyers, is organised by Minerva Furniture Group, who have a huge amount of knowledge and experience of the industry. They have pulled together a great range of UK and global exhibitors, including many major brands, to give visitors an amazing choice of products to suit all tastes and styles of interior. From rustic to industrial, from traditional to contemporary, and from artisan to chic, the range of products is extensive. For the hospitality industry, some exhibitors also RĆŹHU FRQWUDFW SURGXFWV 28th September 2018 | 35

RE TAIL|AUTUMN FURNITURE PREVIEW

WHAT WILL BE ON SHOW: suit all interiors. Willis & Gambier, Kettle ,QWHULRUV $QQDJKPRUH $JHQFLHV %HVS 2DN Furniture, Status SRL, Smart Occasional and Value Mark Furniture are just some of those exhibiting. Additionally there DUH WKRVH VXFK DV 7HNQLN 2ƱFH %DNHU Furniture and Jual Furnishings, whose SURGXFWV DOVR LQFOXGH KRPH RƱFH IXUQLWXUH

Occasional furniture Mattresses, Beds + Bedroom Furniture Some of the top names in the industry are lined up, including Dormeo, Somnus, 6WHLQKRƬ *URXS )XUPDQDF +DUULVRQ %HGV .D\GLDQ 6OHHSHH]HH +HDOWKEHGV 'HHSVOHHS DQG +\EHG 7KH\ ZLOO EH H[KLELWLQJ D JUHDW selection of mattresses, divans, bedsteads and headboards. To compliment these, there is a fantastic array of bedroom furniture, whether you like traditional and classic or contemporary and modern, there will be plenty of choice from exhibitors such as Wiemann, Rauch, Welcome Furniture, GCL and One-call Furniture, along with companies who RƬHU D ZLGHU UDQJH RI IXUQLWXUH LQFOXGLQJ IRU bedrooms. There is also nursery and children’s bedroom furniture supplier Little Folks. Upholstery From full three-piece suites to occasional chairs, and from sofa beds to recliner and riser chairs, the range of upholstery RQ RƬHU FRYHUV DOO QHHGV 7KHUH ZLOO EH specialist upholstery suppliers such as Celebrity Motion Furniture and Royams, OHDWKHU XSKROVWHUHUV VXFK DV +7/ DQG 9LROLQR DORQJ ZLWK PRUH RI WKRVH ZKR RƬHU a wider choice, including Duresta, Parker .QROO 6KHUERUQH +MRUW .QXGVHQ $OVWRQV New Trend Concepts, Alpha Designs, %HVSRNH 8SKROVWHU\ %XR\DQW 8SKROVWHU\ and Sofahouse UK, to name just some. Dining, Living & Home Office Furniture 0DQ\ H[KLELWRUV RƬHU D UDQJH RI IXUQLWXUH for dining and living. Again, the wide choice available ensures there is something to

36 | 28th September 2018

Mirrors, Lighting, Soft Furnishings, Wall Art & Accessories To complement the furniture and give a one-stop shop for visitors, there will also be a great choice of home décor and accessories. Specialist exhibitors include %LOOL% IRU FORFNV (XURODPSV IRU OLJKWLQJ DQG 3URWHFW $ %HG IRU PDWWUHVV SURWHFWLRQ There are also exhibitors such as Derrys, ZKR RƬHU D VHOHFWLRQ RI PLUURUV DQG accessories with their furniture, and Gallery 'LUHFW ZKR RƬHU DQ H[WHQVLYH UDQJH RI home décor products, including mirrors, lighting, soft furnishings, wall art and accessories, as well as beds, upholstery and furniture. Technical & Support As well as the product suppliers, a range of technical and support suppliers will also be exhibiting. These include Ordorite Software, Retail Systems, Swan Retail, Furniture Repair Distribution and Staingard.

Dining furniture will be on show Admission to the show is free, and includes a complimentary lunch – simply register online at www.theautumnfurnitureshow.co.uk/ show-registration/ The exhibition is being held at Stoneleigh 3DUN ZKLFK RƬHUV DQ H[FHOOHQW ORFDWLRQ ,Q WKH heart of England, it has good road, rail and air access, plenty of free parking cars and a great choice of accommodation close by. A full list of exhibitors and further details about the show can be found on the website, www.theautumnfurnitureshow.co.uk It really will be worth a visit if you are a buyer in the furniture and interiors sector, so don’t miss out, register now!

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There will be a wide choice of cabinet furniture

TO ADVERTISE A JOB PLEASE CONTACT KACEM

Q 01223 846 825 m

KACEM@CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK

CLASSIFIED

SALES REPRESENTATIVE This is a fantastic opportunity to join an energetic business at a time of expansion. TCS is an Irish based wholesaler of upholstery, mattresses and dining furniture who intend to increase their presence in the UK market. The product range is very commercial and excellent value and is having success wherever we have stockists, but we would like to have more stockists and we need our customers to be supported by a professional TCS Sales Representative. Our new recruit will cover the North of England and we will equip you with a van to display samples, an iPad and a phone as well as all the training that you need. Uncapped Earnings available, £60k per annum for on target sales. Commission will be paid on every single sale from the area and from stockists. As we expand there will be opportunities for advancement and a progressive career. Job Type: Full-time Applications should be sent to chris@tcsimports.com

the complete service

The Complete Service

SERVICE QUALITY VALUE

The Carpet Specialists

The Furniture Makers’ Company the furnishing industry’s charity

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28th September 2018 | 37

LAST WORD D AV I D J I N K S , H E A D O F C O N S U M E R R E S E A R C H , PAR C E LC O M PA R E Department store online sales soared 26% this August – but House of Fraser missed the party.

“ THE LATEST ONS RETAIL SALES FIGURES FOR AUGUST 2018 SHOWED ONLINE SPENDING WAS UP 14.2% YOY WITH DEPARTMENT STORES LEADING THE CHARGE. ”

7KH ODWHVW 216 5HWDLO 6DOHV ƮJXUHV IRU $XJXVW 2018 showed online spending was up 14.2% YOY with department stores leading the charge. But House of Fraser had no online presence just when it needs it most. 7KH 2ƱFH RI 1DWLRQDO 6WDWLVWLFV 216 5HWDLO 6DOHV ƮJXUHV UHOHDVHG HDUOLHU WKLV PRQWK show overall online retail sales up 14.2% YOY, with department stores sales up a huge 26% on those of August 2017. The latest set of ONS results show online sales grabbed a record 18.2% of the UK’s overall retail market. But House of Fraser really missed out on this online shopping spree. Following its buyout by Sports Direct, an ongoing row with its warehouse operator XPO over payments means the troubled store chain has had no online presence – while competitor stores grabbed its share of the market.

If HoF’s beleaguered rival Debenhams was able to poach House of Fraser’s online share LW FRXOG KHOS EROVWHU LWV GUDLQHG FRƬHUV WKRXJK LW WRR KDV D YHU\ ưDZHG VLWH ZKHQ it comes to web integration with another white label operator. There is much talk that Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley, who owns just under 30% of Debenhams shares as well, is looking to somehow consolidate the two companies. Maybe August’s online boom will be enough to keep the store out of Ashley’s questionable embrace.

TO HAVE YOUR LAST WORD OR OPINION PLEASE CONTACT DAN@CABINET-MAKER.CO.UK

House of Fraser’s online site was never the best; we frequently criticised HoF for its antiquated web integration; ordering large furniture meant leaving the main site and linking to a white label site operated by “rival” furniture store A Share & Sons – best known for their ScS stores. Nonetheless, even a flawed online offering was better than none at all, which was the case for most of August.

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