NEWS

The Millbrook Bed

Company has appointed Lee Pharoah as manufacturing manager to support increased manufacturing volumes

The BCFA – the UK’s largest trade association representing the commercial interiors sector – has been rebranded Commercial Interiors UK

NBF executive director Jessica Alexander is to step down after working for the federation for more than 35 years. Once her replacement is found, she will stay on in a part-time capacity, while working alongside the BFC, FIESTA, and The Furniture Makers’ Company

La-Z-Boy UK has been nominated in the Best Brand Activation category of the UK Festival Awards, for its work with Kendal Calling, which took place in the Lake District in July

Bensons has relocated to new stores in Watford and Stirling, and has opened an outlet store in Doncaster. The retailer has has opened or relocated 20 stores since last December, as well as reopening the eve Sleep website following that business’ administration in October

A BFM survey has revealed that rising costs are causing a squeeze on profits despite increased factory gate prices, and that more than a quarter (27%) of survey respondents believe trading is worse than it was 12 months ago

Mattress Online was awarded an E-Commerce Business Award at the 2022 Scale-Up Awards, which took place at Tobacco Dock in London last month

NEXT SEIZES MADE.COM BRAND ASSETS

Having appointed administrators on 8th November, Made reported that Next had agreed to purchase the Made.com Design Ltd (MDL) brand assets for £3.4m.

On 31st October, Made resolved to file notice of its intention to appoint administrators, before appointing PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the task. Made then entered into an agreement to sell the MDL brand, domain names and intellectual property to Next Retail. Next’s bid for the brand beat others including one from Made’s founder, Ning Li.

Made’s chair Susanne Given said: “Having run an extensive process to secure the future of the business, we are deeply disappointed that we have reached this point and how it will affect all our stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers and shareholders.

“We appreciate and deeply regret the frustration that MDL going into administration will have caused for everyone. I want to sincerely thank all our employees, customers, suppliers and partners for your support throughout the past 12 years and especially during this difficult time where we have tried so hard to find a workable solution for the company and all its stakeholders.”

PwC subsequently noted that the administration would result in the immediate loss of 399 jobs.

PAN-INDUSTRY CONFERENCE TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE AND SUSTAINABILITY

The Furniture Makers’ Company will host a climate change and sustainability event on Wednesday 14th December (11am–5pm) at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London.

The Routes to Greater Sustainability event is being supported by the British Furniture Confederation (BFC) and sponsored by the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA), Ocee Design, Panaz and SATRA Technology. The free event will be the first pan-furnishing industry conference of its type, welcoming businesses and delegates from all sectors of the domestic and contract markets, with the aim of sharing knowledge and best practice on routes for greater sustainability.

Joanna Knight, climate change and sustainability chairman at The Furniture Makers’ Company, says: “This event aims to unite all sectors within the furnishing industry and provide an opportunity to collaborate and knowledge share. Delegates will go away from the event with a better understanding of the various initiatives being undertaken by industry to reduce climate change, as well as ideas to action within their own business.”

Tony Attard OBE DL, master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, says: “Our world will change irrevocably unless we address climate change. Sustainability and our effect on climate change must now be an important board meeting agenda item for all businesses. The conference we are holding will help address some of these issues and give sound practical advice on implementation. We will not learn everything in one day, but it’s a start along the sustainability pathway.” Register to attend at https:// bit.ly/RoutestoGreaterSustainability.

CMA GREENLIGHTS CONDITIONAL FOAM MERGER

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has accepted a remedy from Carpenter and Recticel following concerns that the former’s merger with the latter could harm manufacturers and lead to a worse deal for shoppers.

US-based Carpenter agreed to buy Belgian firm Recticel’s global engineered foams business in a €656m deal announced in 2021.

Both supply engineered foam products used to make household goods such as mattresses, upholstery and kitchen sponges from plants in the UK.

Following an initial investigation, the CMA identified competition concerns in three foamrelated markets in the UK, and referred the deal for an in-depth investigation in July 2022. At the outset, Carpenter and Recticel conceded that the deal raised competition concerns, and asked the CMA to ‘fast-track’ the case. The CMA accepted the businesses’ request and consulted, in September, on the merging business’ proposal to sell the majority of the UK arm of Recticel’s engineered foams business to address the concerns.

The CMA’s final report confirms that the deal could reduce competition. It has also concluded that, with minor modifications, the remedy proposed by the merging businesses will fully replace the loss of competition arising from the merger.

This means Carpenter will now be required to sell the majority of the UK arm of Recticel’s engineered foams business to an independent third party, approved in advance by the CMA, with the capabilities to ensure that the business remains as competitive as it is at present.

DFS ENJOYS GROWING ORDER VOLUMES

Last month, DFS noted a more positive sales trend than it saw in its full-year results in September, where it remarked that the upholstery market had softened markedly since April, and had been in significant decline during July and August.

DFS says that since early September it has seen group order volumes growing relative to FY22, and also relative to the pre-pandemic FY19 financial year – and that it has also seen continued evidence of positive market share gains. It says its overall performance is in line with its mid-case scenario (c.£36m PBT) for the full year, and that it would expect profits to be weighted towards H2.

Chief executive Tim Stacey comments: “We are pleased to report that since mid-September we have seen positive YoY order volume growth. While we continue to be watchful of the macro economic environment, we continue to take market share and our market leading position, inherent scale and proven strategy give us confidence in our future prospects.”

In related news, John Fallon (ex-Asda) was appointed as an executive director and CFO of DFS on 14th November, while the retailer also introduced home and lifestyle brand Laura Ashley to its range. Kellie Wyles, DFS’ head of upholstery and brands, says: “Our passion for balancing comfort and style with great value for money is the driving force behind our success, so we’re confident the Laura Ashley sofa range will be hugely popular with our customers and we’re looking forward to what our partnership will bring.”

SOCIAL MEDIA PLAYING BIGGER ROLE IN BED SHOPPING, FINDS NBF

The latest consumer survey by the National Bed Federation (NBF) has revealed that bed buyers are increasingly relying on social media for their prepurchase research.

Consumer research undertaken in October found that across all age groups, social media was used by 18% – a big leap from only 7% in the previous survey in 2021. However, 28% of the 16-34 year olds reported using it as part of their research prior to purchase.

Simon Williams, the NBF’s head of marketing and membership, says: “Whilst visiting websites and physical stores are still the most popular way of researching what’s available, there is clear evidence that social media channels are having greater influence than they did only a year ago – particularly amongst the under-35s. If you want your brand to stand out in today’s crowded marketplace, you really need to build a carefully planned social media presence.”

Almost half of the respondents used the internet for research, with two thirds of them visiting 2-3 websites and a fifth visiting 4-5. The top five most popular websites visited (in order) were Dreams, Amazon, Argos, Bensons for Beds. and Emma.

When it came to mattress replacement, around 80% were being replaced in less than 10 years, and around 40% were being replaced in less than five, with the average replacement cycle being 6.5 years.

The mean price paid for a bed/mattress was £554, which was considerably lower than the previous £613 from October 2021. Although almost 80% of respondents paid up to £799, 45% paid less than £400.

KETTLE INTERIORS PAYS TRIBUTE TO FOUNDER

John Kettle, the founder of furniture supplier Kettle Interiors, passed away on 5th November aged 73, after a long battle with cancer.

“John was a devoted husband, father to three and grandfather to seven, and he enjoyed it most when the house was full,” says Kettle’s international sales director, Simon Ainge.

“Many of you would have known John for being sociable at furniture events over the past 30 years, and making friends with so many retailers and suppliers in the industry along the way. Regardless of what was going on, he managed to retain a laidback attitude.

“John had a love for great food, as well as a keen interest in horse racing, stemming from his early career as a bookmaker – but it was his unfiltered, razor-sharp wit that will be most fondly remembered.”

The Furniture

Recycling Group has secured an investment from Netherlands-based RetourMatras which will enable it to grow its dismantling capacity in England to 1.5 million mattresses per year

Furniture Village will open a brand-new 17,800ft2 store on Colchester’s Stane Retail Park on Boxing Day

IKEA has announced an expansion plan for the North West of England, starting with three new Plan & Order Points and an expanded service offering. The units, located in retail parks and shopping centres, will be sized 70–90m2

The Furniture Makers’

Company’s longestrunning charity event, its National Golf Day, raised £6000 this year. The winners were: Team winner – Jay-Be; Team runner-up – AIS; Individual winner – Tony Harvey; Runner-up – Paul Mott; Nearest the Pin – Max Wood-Ives; Nearest the Pin – Rob Sawyer; Nearest the Pin – Paul Newell; and Longest Drive – Clayton Gore

Wayfair’s total net revenue fell by $281m to $2.8b in Q3 (ended 30th September 2022), a decrease of -9% YoY. International net revenue fell $126m to $0.4b (down -24% YoY). Gross profit was $824m (29% of total net revenue), yet Wayfair reported a net loss of $283m

Emma — The Sleep

Company recorded its best-ever quarter in Q3, with global revenues of $212m – up +44% YoY, and is now forecasting annual revenues of over $800m in 2022

YOUNG FURNITURE MAKERS’ TRIUMPHANT RETURN

The Young Furniture Makers exhibition, organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company, returned in October following a three-year hiatus, with 100 of the UK’s emerging designers and makers exhibiting their furniture and lighting designs at Furniture Makers’ Hall and the Dutch Church in Austin Friars, London.

Sponsored and supported by Axminster Tools, Sanderson Design Group and the January Furniture Show, the exhibition featured a Talks Programme and drinks reception, plus the announcement of the Young Furniture Makers Awards, announced by special guest William Hardie, founder of Studio Hardie.

The winners were: National School Design Prize – Jim Notcutt, for Chair; Young Furniture Makers Bespoke Award – Clare Ng, for the Gemini Cabinet; Young Furniture Makers Design Award – Jack Briggs, for Wave; Young Furniture Makers Textiles Award – Krav Metcalfe, for the Cochise Chair; and the Best in Show Prize – Jack Briggs, for Wave. Eight winners (pictured) were also selected to feature at the 2023 January Furniture Show.

Tony Attard OBE DL, master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, says: “The Young Furniture Makers exhibition was an absolute triumph – it made me very proud to be master of The Furniture

Leekes Retail & Leisure Group reported EBITDA of £9.2m and a profit before tax and exceptional items of £6.5m for the year ended 31st March. Leekes Retail increased its turnover by +29%, posting gross sales of over £65m and delivering Multichannel bed retailer Bed Kingdom, whose flagship showroom is based in Heckmondwike, has recorded a +50% leap in YoY revenue, taking its turnover to more than £15m. The leap – up from just £2m five years ago – means it is on track to achieve its ambition of a £20m turnover before the end of 2023. Over the last year, Bed Kingdom has tripled its number of employees to 30, across all facets of the business. Founder and MD Ashley Hainsworth says: “We’re incredibly proud of the way our business J growth across furniture, kitchens and bathrooms and accessories Mobus Fabrics Holdings has incorporated Clarkson Textiles Next says the 13 weeks to 29th October saw its full price sales grow by +0.4% YoY, just ahead of expectations. In Q3, online sales fell -1.9%, while retail sales grew +3.1%. Interest from finance income helped turn a negative sales result into a positive Sleep.8, a “smart sleep and home brand”, has opened a store in Westfield Stratford, following recent openings in Bluewater, Lakeside, King’s Road, High Wycombe and Guildford Dreams saw strong trading across the year to December 2021, with net sales growth at +187% compared to 2019. Sales totalled £358.4m (up from £302.1m in FY20). PBT rose +5.1% to £48.7m. Makers’ Company. The exhibition demonstrates how we make a difference in the most tangible way to students and graduates. I am sure that many of the designers who exhibited will be inspired to pursue a career in the furnishing industry.” William Hardie adds: “I was astounded by the calibre of craftsmanship and quality of design shown at the Young Furniture Makers exhibition. It is so inspiring to see that children as young as 12 are designing and making beautiful and well-thoughtout pieces. The exhibition was a brilliant chance for young makers to show and present their work to industry leaders and the public at a prestigious venue. The result was over 100 remarkable and diverse pieces of furniture, demonstrating that the future of the furnituremaking industry looks very bright.” is growing and developing, and delighted to see Net ecommerce sales growth was up +187% from 2019. Dreams opened four new stores, four Feather & Black stores (within Dreams stores), executed three relocations and refurbished 19 sites M&S has reported a profit after tax of £166.7m (up +4.3% YoY) in H1, with Clothing & Home sales up +14%. Adjusted operating profit for Clothing & Home was £171.4m

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BED RETAILER REPORTS IMPRESSIVE REVENUE GROWTH

families coming to small businesses like ours to rejuvenate and improve their home and give them a great night’s sleep.” Website enhancements and improvements to the overall customer journey have been driven by Bed Kingdom’s new marketing director, Levon Hall. Levon joined Bed Kingdom as an apprentice just over a year ago, aged 22, and quickly took charge of the marketing team and website development. “It’s a very exciting time for Bed Kingdom as we are exploring many new sales channels and marketplaces,” he says. VB11 Ltd, trading as Vale Bridgecraft, is returning to the industry after a recent MBO. Vale Bridgecraft is an established furniture manufacturer based in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire, which celebrated 75 years in the business this year. The company went into administration on 1st August, and is now trading under new ownership.

The manufacturer specialises in hand-crafted furniture, has a network of 250 retail partners across the UK, and will reopen its flagship Mytholmroyd showroom in West Yorkshire, alongside a second showroom in Warrington, Cheshire.

Vale Upholstery was founded in 1947 in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, and the company

VALE BRIDGECRAFT TRADING UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

acquired Barbreck Furniture and grew into larger premises in 1982 when it moved to Greenhill Mills in Mytholmroyd. In 2000, the company bought Bridgecraft Furniture, formerly based in Leeds. Production was moved to Mytholmroyd, where it has since been based, and began trading as Vale Bridgecraft. Jonathan Robinson, MD, Vale Bridgecraft, says: “I have worked for the company for 37 years and I am proud to continue our journey in quality furniture manufacturing with new and exciting plans to grow. The support we have received from all our customers, retailers and suppliers is testament to a company with an undeniable industry reputation.”

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