Furniture News #326

This month: When Morris met Nathan Far East events reviewed On Location at Sharps Baker Street

The essential guide to the UK domestic furniture and furnishings trade

May 2016

www.furniturenews.net

The Decorative Panels Group – “Your Perfect Partner”

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The Carpet Specialists

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“A home makeover caters to the demands of just one family, yet a shop’s new look has to chime with an entire customer base and product offer”

Comment Easter saw the start of a much-needed update of the Farley household. As my previous creaky, lop-sided and generally unreliable attempts demonstrate, I’m not big on DIY, but I am more than capable of applying a lick of paint here and there. As I write, each room is dotted with rollers, dust sheets and bottles of white spirit, rogue tins of Dulux threatening to trip the unwary at every turn. The house feels like it’s undergoing a metamorphosis, a beautiful butterfly ready to emerge (I pray) in time for summer.

Creating a comfortable, more welcoming environment at home is no mean feat – so I can only imagine how difficult it must be for a store owner to achieve the same thing in their premises. A home makeover caters to the demands of just one family, yet a shop’s new look has to chime with an entire customer base and product offer.

Back in January, driven by readers’ requests, we launched On Location, a new feature that sets out to deliver a comprehensive study of the thinking, design and implementation methods behind fresh concepts in furniture retail. That month, I explored the new store from popular online seller, Loaf.

On Location returns this month, as Victoria Noakes takes us on a tour of bedroom specialist Sharps’ new flagship store on London’s Baker Street. Sharps’ reinvention might be subtler than Loaf’s, but it offers valuable lessons in how colour, layout, music and signage – and even a stack of shoeboxes! – can be tailored to enhance the customer journey.

Manufacturers and suppliers will offer their own inspiration for

retail spaces at this month’s Long Point and Clerkenwell Design Week shows. Both events span a district of industry-leading showrooms, offering examples of products in situ, and are well worth taking the time to explore.

In an interview in our March issue (find it on www. furniturenews.net), visual merchandising consultant Andrew Durham said of store presentation that “money does need to be spent – but I don’t believe that moving displays around, painting walls and changing textures here and there is going to break the bank.”

Spring is the natural time to redecorate the home. Depending on your customer flow and stock levels, perhaps it’s also the perfect moment in which to make sure your store looks good enough to pull, please and retain the people out there looking to buy.

Paul Farley Paul Farley, editor T 01424 776101 E paul@gearingmediagroup.com Twitter @FurnitureNewsED

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CONTENTS

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INFORMATION This month: When Morris met Nathan Far East events reviewed On Location at Sharps Baker Street

The essential guide to the UK domestic furniture and furnishings trade

May 2016

www.furniturenews.net

Partner Comment

William Knight, the show director of Clerkenwell Design Week, discusses the merits of the event coming up this month

12 News 18 On Location The Decorative Panels Group – “Your Perfect Partner”

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The Decorative Panels Group (www.decorativepanels. co.uk) presents some of its latest finishes Editor Paul Farley 01424 776101 paul@gearingmediagroup.com Twitter @FurnitureNewsED Deputy editor Victoria Noakes 01424 776105 victoria@gearingmediagroup.com Twitter @Victoria_FNmag Advertising manager Sam Horscroft 01424 776100 sam@gearingmediagroup.com Twitter @FurnitureNewsAD Deputy advertising manager Trisha Fletcher 01424 776100 trisha@gearingmediagroup.com Production manager James Ash 01424 775304 james@gearingmediagroup.com

Victoria Noakes pays a visit to fitted bedroom specialist Sharps’ new concept store on London’s Baker Street

24 Interviews

The Linen Works features in this month’s Clickthrough interview

ROM (56) Arlo & Jacob (104)

26 Events

Including reviews of MIFF, IFFS and the BFM’s experience at Salone Internazionale del Mobile, plus previews of Spring Long Point, Clerkenwell Design Week, Manchester Furniture Show, Top Drawer and BIFE-SIM

48 Resources

Featuring articles on consumer rights in relation to digital content, supply contract termination and the final instalment of Jeremy Stein’s series on branding

Deputy production manager Katie Bate katie@gearingmediagroup.com Production assistant Stephanie Reading stephanie@gearingmediagroup.com Copy administrator Steve Merrick 01424 776108 production@gearingmediagroup.com Proofreader Keith Fitz-Hugh Editorial director John Legg 01424 776104 john@gearingmediagroup.com Publisher Nigel Gearing Accounts Wendy Williams 01424 774982 wendy@gearingmediagroup.com Subscriptions subscriptions@gearingmediagroup.com Annual Subscription Rates UK-£65 Europe-£85 RoW-£95 Repro, print and distribution Acorn Web Offset Ltd

Gearing Media Group Ltd

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ISSN No: 1475 - 3731

© Gearing Media Group Ltd 2016 General information No part of this publication may be reproduced without the specific prior written agreement of the Publisher and may not be stored on any type of retrieval system. Furniture News/ Gearing Media Group Ltd accepts no responsibility for variations in colour reproduction. Special colours (Pantone etc) can be catered for with prior arrangement. Some elements of the editorial content in this publication are submitted by the trade, however, all efforts are made to ensure that the editorial remains true to fact and unbiased.

Monies may have been accepted to offset the costs of colour reproduction. Gearing Media Group Ltd reserves the right to alter without prior notice any content other than customers’ advertisements. No correspondence will be entered into regarding altered or adjusted editorial content. The editor’s decision is final. All material submitted for inclusion in Furniture News is done so entirely at the owner’s risk and no responsibility is accepted for the safekeeping or return thereof.

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CONTENTS

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CONTRIBUTORS

IFFS (28)

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William Knight William is the show director of Clerkenwell Design Week

45

James Courthold James is an ombudsman within the Furniture Ombudsman’s Dispute Resolution Team

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Jeremy Stein Jeremy is the MD of the British Contract Furnishing Association (BCFA)

The Linen Works (24)

52 Profiles

50

Victoria Noakes explores ROM’s philosophy and practices, Paul Farley profiles Morris Furniture Brands, plus an update on Kettle Interiors

64 Dining Room 66 Beds 77 Living Room

Steven Sidkin Steven, a partner at corporate law firm Fox Williams LLP, concludes his article on supply contract termination

86 Furnisher

Incorporating a dedicated lighting feature

97 Trade Services

A round-up of companies providing specialist services to the furniture trade

104 Designer Nathan Furniture (82)

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This month, Rob Scarlett of Scarlett Design meets Ian Archer of Ian Archer Design, and furniture designer Samuel Chan dissects his Kerning series

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PARTNER COMMENT

Media Partners

Furniture News enjoys partnerships with a wide range of key global and national institutions and exhibitions, and invites a spokesperson from each to share their views each month …

EXCLUSIVE UK MEMBER

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When Clerkenwell comes alive “Our very popular, compact, hybrid show has all of the passion, excitement, packed agendas and throbbing feet of Milan”

OFFICIAL MEDIA PARTNER

MEDIA PARTNER

Furniture News supports the aims and objectives of ACID (Anti Copying In Design) which is committed to fighting intellectual property theft

William Knight is the show director of Clerkenwell Design Week (www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com), one of Europe’s most vibrant design festivals, which takes place between 24-26th May in London. He also directs 100% Design (www.100percentdesign.co.uk), the UK’s biggest contemporary design trade event. Both exhibitions are owned by Media 10.

CT

16:19

As I write this, Easter has passed, the days are getting longer and my inbox is clogged.

It must be April, then, and time for the monster that is the Salone del Mobile, and all that surrounds it, to take place.

I often reflect on the fortunes and merits of Milan in comparison with London, and in particular Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW), not least because the calendar of design events puts us up next – give or take the small matter of ICFF in New York.

Our very popular, compact, hybrid show has all of the passion, excitement, packed agendas and throbbing feet of Milan. But where Milan excels is the space to show off the world’s leading furniture brands – from huge industrial warehouses to grand palazzos and packed districts full of design businesses. In relative terms, CDW is the equivalent of a large design district in Milan, but we’re blighted by lack of flexible space. Just one of Brera’s palaces would be a blessing!

We’ve revisited the layout of CDW this year, having lost our key venue, The Farmiloe Building. This has provided improvements, innovations and lots of opportunity – including exhibitions in eight separate venues, each covering significant and distinctive areas of furniture, interiors product and materials. We’re building four of the venues in public spaces, and are also using a nightclub, a church crypt and a subterranean former prison! These venues lend character to CDW, and distinguish the festival from all others.

However, we are occupying sensitive public spaces, where there isn’t a lot of public space to start with, and this is in a mixed commercial/residential area of London. The capital’s property investment explosion – cruelly exposed as a tax-efficient deposit for international capital in the Panama Papers – causes havoc for exhibition organisers (among others). Not only is space at a premium, but very little is made available, even if it’s empty – most commercial agents are either unable to think out of the box for shortterm use, or do not have clients who see the value of an empty space unless it’s leased on a long-term contract at eye-watering rates.

The cluster theory of business success is best witnessed in zones such as Clerkenwell, with its huge concentration of creative and furniture businesses. The area – thanks to its showrooms – is a genuine world-class centre for contract furniture and others in A&D. However, one side effect is a reduction in the density of workers. An unsightly scramble to secure the biggest space with the widest frontage has ensued, and, once completed, laid out and their opening parties cleared up, Clerkenwell’s showrooms tend to have hardly anyone actually based and working in them – often simply a showroom team of two to three people.

Clerkenwell Design Week reverses everything in EC1 for three (hopefully sunny) days. It is at this time you’ll see a density of industry people in the many amazing commercial spaces. It is, however, down to a huge job of co-ordination, brokering and idea generation. Hopefully it’ll rub off for the rest of the year so we see more being done with the precious space.

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NEWS Retail

Debenhams chief set to Tesco celebrates “significant progress” in depart as profits rise 2015/16 preliminaries Debenhams has reported a pre-tax profit rise of 5.5% to £93.8m for the HY ended 27th February 2016, with both transaction value and LFL sales modestly up. Chief executive Michael Sharp, who will step down this year, says: “A strong operational performance resulted in a record Christmas, and further growth in first half profits against a good performance in the prior year.

Our customers are responding positively to our multichannel strategy, finding our mix of products and brands both compelling and great value for money.

“Although there is plenty more to do, we are on track to deliver full year results in line with market expectations. When I leave the business later this year I am confident that it will be in a good position to deliver continued sustainable growth under a strong and capable management team.”

In addition, David Smith, formerly MD (Asia Pacific) of the Body Shop International, has been appointed Debenhams’ international director.

Retailer acquires Furniture Barn stores Furniture retailer Lee Longlands has acquired four stores from the Furniture Barn Group. The Furniture Barn Group, which had been trading through administration since last year, previously had eight stores across the Midlands and northern region. Lee Longlands has acquired stores in Kidderminster, Grantham, Sheffield and Doncaster, and will start trading from these stores immediately.

All stores will form part of the Lee Longlands Trading Group but will be branded as Furniture Barn.

It is anticipated that Kidderminster will be branded as a Lee Longland store after an initial three-to-six-month period.

All staff currently employed at the four stores acquired will be retained, which will mean the safeguarding of 26 jobs, with a further 10 new roles also being created.

The Furniture Barn website has also been acquired as part of the deal, but Lee Longlands will not take ownership or control of the website until 8th May, when the Market Harborough store – not part of the acquisition – will be closed down by the administrator.

Darren Campo, financial director of Lee Longlands, says: “This is the first major investment for Lee Longlands since the MBO was completed last year. It’s an important and exciting opportunity for us.”

Dreams factory wins safety award For the second year running, Dreams’ factory in Oldbury, West Midlands, has won an award for safety from the British Safety Council. Michael Hargreaves, head of risk management at Dreams, says: “We are thrilled to once again win this fantastic award. We are very proud of our achievements and would like to thank the factory workforce whose great team effort continues to make Dreams a safe place to work.” The team will celebrate with the British Safety Council at its annual award dinner in Mayfair this month.

Tesco’s preliminary results for 2015/16 describe a year of “significant progress” for the retailer, which achieved a reduction of £6.2b in debts, principally due to the sale of its Homeplus business in Korea.

An initial cost-saving programme of £400m was also delivered in this period.

In Q4, LFL UK sales returned to growth at 0.9%, while overall group sales grew 1.6%. Over the year, group sales were up 0.1% at £48.4b, with operating profit at £944m before exceptional items.

Sales performance improved in all formats and categories, with UK customer satisfaction up 5% over the course of the year, and UK volumes up 3.3% and transactions up 2.8% in Q4.

The year saw Tesco close more selling space than it opened, leading to a net reduction of 1.2m ft², 0.8m of which was in the UK and ROI. Tesco’s UK and ROI property is now 47% freehold (up 6%),

following two further transactions in February.

Dave Lewis, chief executive, says: “We have made significant progress against the priorities we set out in October 2014. We have regained competitiveness in the UK with significantly better service, a simpler range, record levels of availability and lower and more stable prices. Our balance sheet is stronger and we are making good progress in rebuilding trust in Tesco and our investment case.

“Our process of transformation has generated broad-based positive momentum in the UK and internationally. We set out to start rebuilding profitability whilst reinvesting in the customer offer, and we have done this. More customers are buying more things more often at Tesco.”

However, the news did not prevent shares in Tesco from dropping by 4% upon its publication.

Strong interim results at ScS ScS has published its financial summary for the HY ended 23rd January 2016, which reveals doubledigit LFL growth in sales as well as plans to open a further three stores this year. CEO David Knight comments: “We are delighted to be reporting significant growth across all areas of the group in the first half of the current financial year.

“These results demonstrate the progress that has been made in developing ScS into a strong national brand with three very clear retail offers – upholstered furniture, flooring and our House of Fraser concessions, all supported by an improving

online platform. Our sales order intake is the highest ever achieved in this period and is up 9.1% on a LFL basis, a strong performance against tough prior year LFL comparatives (up 7.8%).”

One new store opened in Bromborough, on the Wirral, on Boxing Day 2015, taking the total number of ScS stores to 97. Two further stores in Aberdeen and Plymouth are targeted to open in late summer, followed by one in Thanet on Boxing Day. House of Fraser concession gross sales were up 18.1%. Further development of the ScS e-commerce platform saw online gross sales up 17.3% to £4.3m.

Bensons for Beds re-opens stores Bensons for Beds has re-opened its Carlisle store after a fire destroyed the building in 2013. The store has undergone a complete refurbishment, and will now employ four members of staff from the local area. Bensons also re-opened its Kendal store last month following its devastation by flooding last December. The staff employed by the store were personally affected by the floods, but are now back at work.

Home24 strengthens team Online furniture store Home24 has secured ¤20m in capital and reinforced its management team, amid plans to achieve profitability. Following the acquisition of rival Fashion For Home last November, that business’ founder and CEO Marc Appelhoff and Christoph Cordes have been appointed to Home24’s supervisory board, and will help lead the company with founder Philipp Kreibohm. Current CEO Domenico Cipolla will depart in May.

M&S admits home needs improvement

Beales saved by CVA rental cuts

The Marks and Spencer Group has reported another strong quarter for food sales, but admits there is “more we need to do” in its home department.

The retailer’s latest statement, covering the 13 weeks to 26th March, saw sales grow by 4% (LFL unchanged), and market share grew to 4.3%. M&S. com sales increased by 8.2%.

Steve Rowe, chief executive, says: “We had a mixed performance in the final quarter of the year.

Although the sales decline in Clothing and Home was lower than last quarter, our performance remains unsatisfactory and there is still more we need to do. Turning around our clothing and home business by improving our customer offer is our number one priority.”

Bournemouth-based retailer Beales has secured a rescue package in the form of a CVA, which will see rent cut at 11 of its 29 stores. Beales’ creditors voted in favour of a CVA in the hope that the reprieve will give the department store a chance to recover. The Horsham store was removed from the agreement, and will close this summer.

KPMG’s Rob Croxen, who supervised the CVA, comments: “The creditor vote in favour of the CVA proposal will allow Beales to take its first critical step towards turning the business around, tackling head-on the issue of onerous legacy leases which have hampered the organisation in recent years.”

Beales was purchased by Andrew Perloff, owner of the Airsprung Group, last year.

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Events NEWS

Indonesian event celebrates growth The Indonesia International Furniture Expo (IFEX) is the country’s largest B2B furniture and crafts exhibition. Organised by the Association of Indonesian Furniture and Handicraft (AMKRI) in co-operation with PT Dyandra Promosindo, and supported by four government ministries, IFEX brings together many of the industry’s key players, and the March 2016 edition was no exception.

Covering an exhibition area of 60,000m2 of the JIExpo venue – including a new hall – IFEX presented 512 exhibitors, including 28 foreign exhibitors from nine countries.

Daswar Marpaung, director of Dyandra Promosindo, says: “Based on our records, up to the final afternoon IFEX 2016 attracted more than 9000 buyers, while last year it attracted 8596.”

The transaction values recorded until the final Sunday afternoon reached US$325m, exceeding last year’s $270m. IFEX 2016’s theme, The Essence of Infinite Innovation, set out to highlight the importance of continual innovation and creativity, and the conception of products reflecting local culture to suit the tastes of local and international buyers. Rattan furniture remains a mainstay of the country’s output.

In 2015, Indonesia’s furniture exports reached $1.902b, up 1.3% YOY, and the event’s organisers believe the potential for growth remains substantial.

Next year’s show runs from 11-14th March.

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Marcus Brigstocke to host Bed Show dinner British comedy talent Marcus Brigstocke will host the 2016 National Bed Federation (NBF) Bed Show Gala Dinner and Bed Industry Awards ceremony on Tuesday 20th September.

A writer, actor, presenter and performer, Marcus is best known for his comedy slot on BBC Radio 4, including The Now Show and The Brig Society, as well as launching satirical programme, The Late Edition, the late-night BBC4 answer to The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Marcus to our Gala Dinner,” says Jessica Alexander, executive director of the NBF. “A natural presenter and comedian, Marcus is sure to make the Gala Dinner a lively night of humour and great entertainment.”

The 2016 Bed Industry Award winners will also be announced that evening at Telford International Centre.

Marcus Brigstocke

Polish fair drives forward

Milan attracts greatest number of visitors yet The 55th edition of the Salone del Mobile.Milano attracted an unprecedented 372,151 visitors – up 4% since the 2014 edition, when the biennial Kitchen and Bathroom exhibitions last took place.

41,372 people visited on the Saturday and Sunday, when the fair was open to the public.

“With 67% of attendees from abroad, most of them high profile and with robust spending power, according to comments from exhibitors, this edition has yet again confirmed the strong international vocation and importance of exports as a crucial segment of the sector today,” says show president Roberto Snaidero.

The importance of the sector was confirmed by the presence of an increasingly international audience, as well as that of a large number of institutional figures, including Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who presided over the 7th SaloneSatellite Design Award ceremony.

Visitors also flocked to the 19th edition of SaloneSatellite, devoted to the theme New Materials>New Design, and featuring the work of 650 young designers.

The events in the fairgrounds and in the city were also well received, says the organiser, with Before Design: Classic putting a contemporary spin on classic furnishing, the space&interiors event devoted to architectural finishings, and Rooms: Novel Living Concepts, which runs until 12th September at the Triennale di Milano, as part of the 21st Triennale International Exhibition.

This year’s edition of the Meble Polska Furniture Fair, which took place in Poznan, Poland in March, received a positive response from exhibitors, leading its organiser to assume that a new sales record had been set.

The exhibition attracted over 20,309 visitors, a slight increase on last year’s figure. The key buyers included representatives from most of Germany’s buying groups, plus others from 53 countries. Apart from Poles and Germans, who accounted for 16% of the foreign visitors, buyers attended in good numbers from Great Britain, Lithuania, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, France, Belgium, Russia, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and Italy. As many as 32% of all the show’s visitors attended from abroad.

The interest of foreign visitors in the fair in Poznan is unsurprising – Poland is the third largest furniture exporter in Europe, and ranked fourth in the world. Jan Szynaka, president of the Polish Chamber of Commerce of Furniture Manufacturers,

which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, says: “Germany is famous for its cars, France for wine, and Poland is famous for its furniture.”

A total of 258 exhibitors presented new furniture across an area of over 40,000m2. The largest increase this year was noted in the upholstered furniture segment, and the mattress offer was equally extensive.

“In the future we intend to gradually strengthen the contracting nature of our fair,” says director Józef Szyszka. “An important element of the strategy in the upcoming years will be making the rooms and halls available to the exhibitors to organise confidential, dedicated presentations of selected collections for the most important customers.”

Meble Polska Furniture Fair 2016 was accompanied by Arena Design, which provided a source of inspiration including numerous conferences, workshops and lectures. The next edition will be held between 14-17th March, 2017.

The heart of the gift industry Pulse, taking place at Olympia London from 15-17th May, promises thousands of cutting-edge products from over 500 brands, curated by a market-leading panel of design and trend experts. Working with trend and retail experts including fashion trend consultant, Claire Foster and trend agency, Unique Style Platform (USP), Pulse has identified a number of inspiring autumn/winter 2016/17 trends. USP will launch a further five lifestyle trends at the show via a series of on-site shop window installations.

Results in from the biggest CIFF Guangzhou to date The two phases of key Chinese exhibition CIFF Guangzhou drew to a close at the end of March, and set new records in terms of scale. Due to demand, the organiser employed an adjacent building, the Poly World Trade Centre Expo, increasing the total space of the fair from 680,000m2 to 750,000. There were 3868 exhibiting companies, who greeted a reported 168,881 furnishing sector professionals – 9% more than in the previous edition in March. Foreign exhibitor space also increased by 50%.

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NEWS Industry

National Living Wage criticised as businesses cut benefits Several MPs attacked George Osborne’s National Living Wage scheme last month, highlighting the attempts of UK businesses – large retailers among them – to mitigate the enforced pay increases by cutting staff benefits. Ginsters, B&Q, Morrisons, Waitrose, Caffe Nero and Eat were all accused of cutting staff perks to help cover the hike in basic salaries.

Labour MP Joan Ryan said businesses which “deliberately circumvent” the living wage should be fined. She focused on B&Q, which has cut staff pay for those working Sundays and bank holidays, saying: “It’s clearly totally wrong that any company should be cutting wages on the back of the living wage. If a company as well known and big as B&Q can do it, everyone can.”

Tory MP Philip Davies commented: “The whole concept of a National Living Wage is an intellectual nonsense. The fact is the amount of money people need to earn to cover their living depends on all sorts of different factors.

“The idea that there is one National Living Wage that can apply to everybody in the whole country irrespective of their personal circumstances is a nonsense. If you put up the cost of employment you will find less people employed. That’s just an economic fact.”

FIRA to focus on Circular Economy The Furniture Industry Research Association’s recently-initiated Circular Economy project is benefiting from an important collaboration with Orangebox.

The project challenges the prevailing economic model of take-make-consume-dispose, and aims to explore the opportunities of a more sustainable manufacturing model which advocates a restorative and regenerative approach to the use of

resources. In effect, materials should be used and re-used as much as possible.

The work, which will be presented at two Clerkenwell Design Week sessions on 25th May at 3pm and 26th May at 11am at the Orangebox showroom, explores the environmental and economic potential of remanufactured compared to brand new furniture. To book a place visit http:// www.fira.co.uk/training.

Charity football event nears Bed manufacturer Sealy is set to sponsor the fourth annual Furniture Makers’ Football Tournament on Sunday 17th July, with proceeds going to the Furniture Makers’ Company, the charity for the furnishing industry.

The five-a-side tournament, which will take place at the Powerleague Centre in Derby, is the key football event in the furniture calendar, with businesses from across the industry invited to enter. Sealy’s Vintage Clarets will be competing on the day, following their success in the tournament last year when they took home the trophy.

Neil Robinson, marketing and sales director, Sealy, says: “The tournament is always a fantastic event and is one which has become a key date in the industry calendar. We’re delighted to be the main sponsor and even more pleased to be supporting such a worthwhile charity. It does so

much for the industry and it’s great to be able to give something back. We hope to see lots of businesses supporting the cause by entering a team and coming down to Derby to take on the Clarets on the day!”

John Deary from the Vintage Clarets adds: “We’re excited to have been invited to compete in the five-a-side tournament again this year, by our shirt sponsor Sealy. Last year was loads of fun and we loved meeting teams from businesses across the UK, as well as raising money for a worthy cause.

“As professional players, we all had very strict training regimes and understand the link between sporting success and sleep – that’s why we support Sealy’s World of Sport campaign. We’re looking forward to defending our title in Derby in July.”

To find out more about the event, contact Sally Kent at events@furnituremakers.org.uk.

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A poor fit?

Around 31% of first-time buyers purchase furniture before measuring the size of their rooms accurately, reports Co-Operative Insurance (www.co-operativeinsurance.co.uk). What could go wrong?

Furniture News says: “Few people want to move into an unfurnished home, but it can be difficult to find the sweet spot between product selection and delivery. As a retailer, once you’ve ascertained the position the buyer is in, all you can do is make recommendations – although detailed product spec sheets and good communication with a furniture-savvy delivery team can go a long way towards providing long-term customer satisfaction.”

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Infographic created by wholesaler Manchester Furniture Supplies (www.manchesterfurnituresupplies.co.uk)

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Supplier NEWS

Sealy sponsors Hypnos’ royal opening weightlifting champion Hypnos welcomed HRH The Duke of York to Zoe Smith

Bed manufacturer Sealy is to sponsor weightlifting champion Zoe Smith as she trains to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro this summer.

Zoe will be the main star of Sealy’s World of Sport campaign, promoting the intrinsic link between sleep and sporting success. Sealy has given Zoe a Hybrid Fusion bed to help her sleep.

Zoe says: “I’m completely focused on qualifying to compete for my country at the games and I’m working hard to make sure I’m at peak condition, both mentally and physically. Part of this comes down to my sleep, as well as training and nutrition, as these are the three most important things when it comes to improving performance. That’s why I’m so excited about this partnership and sleeping in my new bed as we approach Rio.” Neil Robinson, Sealy UK sales and marketing director, says: “We’ve been following Zoe’s career for the last few years and her commitment to sleep as one of the main components of her training programme makes her the perfect star for our World of Sport campaign. Here at Sealy, we understand the vital role sleep plays when it comes to sporting success – that’s what the World of Sport campaign is all about. We’re dedicated to working with some of the country’s leading athletes to ensure they enjoy the deep sleep they need to be at the top of their game.”

One-Call Furniture bolsters team Barking-based bedroom cabinet manufacturer OneCall Furniture has strengthened its management team with the appointment of Paul James as director of sales and marketing.

Paul, previously sales and operations director at Origin Red Furniture -– and working for Ruddiman Furniture before that – brings 25 years of furniture experience to One-Call Furniture, which recently invested £2.5m in machinery and increased its manufacturing site by 20,000ft2.

Director Howard Cohen says: “With the help of Paul’s knowledge and expertise, coupled with our new designs and service proposition, we are very confident we will see rapid growth in our sales across the company to utilise the new investment which will treble our production capacity.”

officially open its new factory in Castle Donington last month. The state-of-the-art premises on Station Road houses the contract arm of the business, which produces beds and mattresses for the hospitality market, including some of the world’s leading hotel chains such as the Marriott.

The new factory boasts environmentally-friendly technology and has received an investment of over £750,000 to help meet growing demand. It is the second site for Hypnos, which has a retail factory and showroom in Princes Risborough.

Hypnos has held a Royal Warrant since 1929.

The founders – the Keen family – were honoured to show Prince Andrew around the site. A gathering of local dignitaries, staff and key family business members greeted HRH, who was then taken on a tour of the factory, before he unveiled a commemorative plaque to officially open the site.

Hypnos moved to the new 39,000ft2 premises – formerly the Art Forma headquarters – following substantial business growth, and currently 162 people are based there. Acting as the new facility for Hypnos’ global operations, overseeing and directing activity for a network of 19 manufacturing partners, the site is key in enabling the business to meet international demand.

Ultra Furniture saved by acquisition The future of West Midlands-based furniture manufacturer Ultra Furniture has been saved through its acquisition

by PPKidd 56. Ultra Furniture sought the help of administrators from RSM in February due to financial difficulties, after losing one of its major customers. As a result of the acquisition, 116 of Ultra Furniture’s jobs have been saved, and customer relations have been protected.

The company produces bespoke upholstered furniture for some of Europe’s premium furniture retailers.

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Shire’s new look Dewsbury-based The Shire Bed Company has invested in two new “hot pink” delivery vehicles.

The unmissable DAF trucks complement the company’s extensive fleet of multi-coloured vehicles which are used for weekly and next-day deliveries to all areas of the UK. Featuring the company’s livery and its sponsorship of Yorkshire County Cricket Club, passengers who spot the new trucks are invited to send a photograph and location to Twitter @ shirebeds.

Fara Butt, marketing director, says: “’Hot pink is actually part of our corporate colours, we also have trucks in active purple and eco green. We want to give road users something a little different to look at, and feel the brighter colours do the trick.”

Furniture News strengthens team Furniture News’ production team has been bolstered through the appointment of copy administrator Steve Merrick. Steve’s role is to help clarify and streamline the gathering of materials for the magazine, its sister publications and additional projects. Steve says: “I’m looking forward to getting acquainted with the magazines’ advertisers and contributors, and I hope that I’m quickly able to deliver an even greater level of customer service at Gearing Media Group.”

Furmanac reports five-fold profitability increase Furmanac, the UK’s largest manufacturer of adjustable beds and an industry leader in lift and recline chairs, has reported its most successful financial year to date, with a five-fold increase in profitability, following a year of heavy investment.

Financial director Michael O’Connor says: “The Furmanac team delivered a 16% increase in sales in the 12 months to June 2015 and a five-fold increase in profitability. This excellent financial performance

heralds the start of this business realising its full potential and the ambitions of its management team.” Last year, the company was listed as one of 1000 Companies to Inspire by the London Stock Exchange, and the launch of its fifth brand, Hestia Motion.

March saw Furmanac officially become a Zero To Landfill furniture manufacturer, having undergone a stringent process including a full audit trail.

Matza’s van hits the road Matza’s latest fully-liveried mobile showroom has started its nationwide tour. The company, which specialises in design-led, upholstered bedroom essentials, started taking its message out to retailers in the south-west of England last month.

MD Asif Ayub comments: “A member of sales staff will travel with the range to make sure everyone can get all the information they need about our exciting new mattresses and bed sets.”

The van started its journey in Bath and will be in the South-west until mid-May. It is available on request to visit existing and potential customers by calling Mark Davidson on 07813 088330 or Louise Chung on 01924 458699 for other areas.

Download the free Furniture News app for mobile devices from Apple’s App Store or Google Play

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ON LOCATION Sharps, Baker Street

Address: 1 Baker Street, London, W1U 8ED Opened: 26th January 2016 Footprint: 2900ft²

Sharps presents its capability for personalisation in many parts of the store

On Location:

Sharps, Baker Street, London Sharps, the UK’s leading fitted bedroom specialists, has been supplying bespoke furniture to the market for 40 years. Working in tandem with strategic retail and brand consultancy The Market Creative, Sharps’ brand identity has been transformed, and the retailer’s concept store on London’s Baker Street is the first to be redesigned in line with its new direction. Victoria Noakes paid the store a visit for a chat with Sharps’ marketing director Tim Moore and The Market Creative’s MD Sue Benson ...

A renowned and respected name in the bedroom market, for four decades Sharps has worked with its clients to create fitted wardrobes and home offices, offering storage solutions tailored to their exact needs. All of Sharps’ showrooms – along with its website – are nontransactional due to the bespoke nature of the retailer’s product. At Sharps, customers make an appointment for a designer to personally visit their home and discuss what they want to achieve.

Sharps’ product offering covers a wide spectrum of the fitted bedroom furniture market – from traditional to contemporary – with a strong mix of different finishes, from wood veneers at the top of the market to Italian-purchased gloss doors in the middle and vinyl wrap doors for the mass market. Sharps aims to cater to a range of tastes, giving it a broad customer demographic.

After carrying out extensive shopper research, Manchester-based retail and brand consultancy The Market Creative developed a fresh new brand proposition for the retailer back in 2014 – with the tagline

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‘Created with you’. The new proposition focused on the collaboration between Sharps and the shopper in creating their ‘dream bedroom’, with an emphasis on quality, style and making the most of storage space.

Sharps launched a successful TV campaign two years ago expressing the new brand values, and consequently made the decision to start to extend this ethos into its stores.

Of the 112 locations it operates through, Sharps’ Baker Street store was the obvious choice for the redesign, being the retailer’s most central store in London with the highest footfall past it, and just a stone’s throw away from major competitors such as House of Fraser and John Lewis. What’s more, with around 3000ft² worth of space to play with – about 50% more than its other stores – all creative indulgences could be carried out as desired.

“The redesign process probably took about 12 months in total because we did a lot of what we like to call retail inspiration work.

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Sharps, Baker Street ON LOCATION

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The new store features conversational PoS and messages throughout

“The product is touchy-feely – the whole purpose of this store is to make somebody fall in love with it” With our clients we do things like Retail Safaris where we look inside and outside their category at the latest retail trends. We learnt lots about personalisation and how you embed the spirit of the brand in store and use the product itself to get the message across,” explains Sue Benson, The Market Creative’s MD. “The brand is all about five core stories – the breadth of the ranges, styling, space, storage and the quality of the product, so we wanted to create a design for the store and a journey for the customer that embodied all of those things. We were quite deliberate in the way that we created the store – each of the sets tells at least one of our stories.”

The significance of the customer journey through the store becomes apparent as I’m taken round by an enthusiastic Sue and Tim. Every set has indeed been carefully selected to tell a part of Sharps’ narrative, with complementary quirky and conversational PoS in the form of picture frames, wall vinyls and hanging tags on the opposing walls and the furniture itself.

In addition to the PoS dotted around the store, the thing that really stands out about the space are the quotes and personal messages that adorn the walls – like ‘Smile, we have your dream bedroom’ – designed to increase dwell time and engagement with the customer.

As a result, the store exudes a feeling of warmth and personality that Sharps’ previous stores did not.

“What we’re trying to do is warm you to the brand and our credentials – if you look at what we’ve done before compared to what we’re doing now, we’ve got a much softer, more engaging tone,” Sue states.

“We’ve also got PoS that’s made from our products, like our range of headboard fabrics which we’ve arranged in a collage-like way. We tried to make the accessorisation and visualisation of the store from the brand physically. The product is touchy-feely – the whole purpose of this store is to make somebody fall in love with it.”

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White and grey paint and wooden flooring have been used throughout to create a sophisticated, neutral backdrop for the bedroom sets to stand out against. The facia has been updated with the latest branding, and new lightboxes installed in the windows, displaying seasonal promotional messages in a modern way.

“The other thing we’ve introduced in this store is music,” says Sue. “One of the things we talked about when we developed the brief was how we wanted to touch all the senses, and music was one of the ways – it’s really made a difference, made it a more relaxed environment. It sets the tone and deadens your footprint around the store so you feel more comfortable.”

One of the key messages Sharps aims to get across in the store is how it caters to all sizes and shapes of bedroom, working all the way from the floor to the ceiling and making sure to minimise wasted space. This is demonstrated by roomsets with back-sloped and high ceilings, side-sloped walls and small spaces, not to mention a unique visual display of 94 shoeboxes, representing the amount of space lost by using carcass-based furniture in a typical-sized bedroom.

“Sharps’ key benefit is the ability to put wardrobes and furniture into spaces that you’d never be able to if you had freestanding or carcass-based furniture. It’s one of the things Sharps has always been good at. Customers have often got an expectation of where we’re going to put things because of where they’ve had to have their furniture before, and we can often turn that on its head,” says Tim. Sue adds: “Physically having the 94 shoebox display is important from a theatre and experiential retail viewpoint as it gives the customer a chance to visualise the space and our colleagues to tell them the story. We have lots of playful areas here, because we have more space to work with.”

Without a doubt, the main attraction of the store is an impressivelysized and styled walk-in wardrobe, presented in Sharps’ latest >>>

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ON LOCATION Sharps, Baker Street 94 shoeboxes worth of space is lost in an average-sized bedroom when using carcass-based furniture as opposed to fitted furniture, as demonstrated in store

Sharps uses aspects of the product itself almost as art for aesthetic appeal

finish – Manhattan in walnut. From the outside it seems like nothing more than a simple run of four doors, but upon opening the central doors, you step into a hidden world of clever integrated storage options, with glamour cabinets, shoe cascades and pull-down rails.

“Ever since Sex and the City, walk-in wardrobes and temporary closets have become really popular. There’s been quite a lot of research that showed they’re one of the most aspirational things women are after for their bedroom. But we’ve purposely styled this with a male and female side to show off its versatility,” states Tim. “The glamour cabinet came about when we did a link up with a well-known interior designer many years ago and he talked about the ability to get ready for work and close the doors and put everything away – and forget about it until you get back from work. Accordingly, it features mirrors and lighting, perfect for things like make-up.”

Personalisation is key to Sharps’ service, which is reflected in store in the form of an eye-catchingly colourful selection of doors in different styles and finishes, arranged in a spectrum-like format.

Alongside it are drawers which customers are encouraged to pull out to discover a wide range of accompanying handles and knobs, which they can test against the door of their choice.

“Not only are we getting across our personalisation message here, but we’re also using our product almost as art – we’re saying how proud we are of the beauty of the product. Simple things like that around the store enable us to tell our narrative in a fun and engaging way,” Sue enthuses.

Along with personalisation, Sharps is keen to reiterate the significance of its heritage in store, through an intriguing wall of coat hangers in the shape of a house, underneath the phrase ‘40 years >>>

“We have lots of playful areas here, because we have more space to work with” Sharps has been supplying the bedroom market with fitted bedroom solutions for over 40 years

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ON LOCATION Sharps, Baker Street

“You don’t want customers engaging with a plasma screen – you want to engage them in conversation” of giving hangers a good home’.

Sharps’ You Create range – in which customers can put a highresolution photo of their choice onto their made-to-measure sliding wardrobe doors – is another stand-out detail of the store, with beach scenes and colourful children’s bedroom-inspired images dominating the space. Here, Sharps aims to dispel preconceptions of sliding doors as a bottom-end, outdated feature, modernising them with the option of 600 different combinations of finish, pane, colour and design.

Another of Sharps’ key ranges which takes pride of place in the store is Flexispace – a children’s wardrobe range which can be adapted though different stages of their life. Presented uniquely without doors to give customers the full effect, the range’s interiors can be built as desired, with easily-removable rails to make more space for clothes as the child grows up. The display is accompanied by an eye-catching blackboard-inspired PoS, with a growth chart documenting the stages of a child’s development.

Although the store is Sharps’ largest by far, Tim cites fitting everything in as a challenge during the redesign process, as well as trying to incorporate all of the most vital storage and space narratives. However, Tim and Sue agree that having such a clear brief from the outset about what they wanted to achieve in the store – plus a strong and collaborative team – helped to avoid any major problems or setbacks.

“We’ve got one thing we didn’t do, when we looked back at the brief – one of the things that the TV campaign did was show how we transformed a blank canvas, a naked room, into this wonderful transformed bedroom. We’d still like to do that, but in the retail space we don’t really want to have a blank canvas. We need to get the spirit of that across in a different way,” says Sue. Unlike the bulk of modern retail spaces, Sharps made a conscious decision to avoid making technology a part of the customer experience in its Baker Street store. Having trialled things like QR codes and touch screens in the past and having planned to incorporate

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digital aspects into the store in the original brief, Tim explains that the reality is that people want to touch the product and interact with a real person.

“If people wanted a digital experience, they’d go on the website.

When they come to a showroom, they want to feel and see the product directly and actually talk to someone. You don’t want customers engaging with a plasma screen – you want to engage them in conversation,” he states.

“Also, our staff are a key part of the process. They’re so well trained in talking to customers about what they want, finding out about what particular style they’re looking for and what issues they have in their home that they’re trying to overcome. Anything we did with digital would almost get in the way of that.”

“It’s so emotional and personal – it’s their bedroom,” Sue agrees. “I was reading an article recently about the humanisation of technology and how we’ll probably go full circle. Humanising the retail environment is so important, and that’s exactly what we’ve tried to do here.”

Sharps aims to roll out the redesign into its other stores, using the Baker Street location as a benchmark. What’s more, the retailer plans to open new stores, maintaining the essence of the styling and the storytelling.

From a visitor’s perspective, it’s certainly clear to see why the feedback has been so positive since the store opened three months ago. It has all the right elements to create an inspirational, personal and memorable experience for the customer, providing the human touch that seems to be so lacking from the retail environment in today’s modern, digital age. For a store which aims to make a lasting impression from the moment you walk in, Sharps’ latest is a success – I definitely won’t forget my visit any time soon.

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Real wood plays an important part in Sharps’ product offering

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INTERVIEW Clickthrough > The Linen Works This month, the homewares website in the spotlight is www.thelinenworks.co.uk – Furniture News explores the practices and philosophies behind the enterprise …

Clickthrough > The Linen Works Larissa Cairns, creative director and owner

Why visit your website?

Linen has seen something of a revolution in the UK and abroad, particularly in the form of that distinctive crinkled linen look which is perceived as being more contemporary and easier to care for. Our range is produced using only pure European linen in soft, muted tones with a simple and understated look. Customers buy from The Linen Works because they appreciate linen products and subscribe to a restrained style – pared down chic.

How did you enter the trade?

I have always been passionate about product design and after gaining more retail experience I found my passion for the flax industry. Linen not only has a distinctive luxurious feel, it is also native of Europe and it is extremely environmentally friendly – it grows in rainwater only and requires no fertiliser. The entire plant is utilised, which means zero waste. It fitted flawlessly with my ecological values.

Who is your e-commerce hero?

Natalie Massenet from Net-a-Porter is undoubtedly an inspiration. Her instincts have proved to be frighteningly good and she has an incredible vision. We also share the same hatred for changing rooms.

Describe a typical working day I wake up just before 6am and enjoy a couple of liberating hours at home when I am not yet online. I listen to music, make coffee, look after my plants and after a walk across Clapham Common I reach the office ready to start the day.

No day is ever the same but I tend to focus on my recurring responsibilities in the morning, which is when my brain is more analytical. Afternoons are quickly

absorbed by meetings with our team, PR and contacting key buyers.

Creativity can be found in all pursuits and escaping from ordinary influences helps me to see things from a different angle and remain inspired. By dusk my artistic side has kicked in so I focus on new collections and curating looks for our marketing campaigns.

touched. Now we feel more confident distinguishing what is good when shopping online. As an e-tailer I see potential on bricks and mortar only if there is a strong strategy to provide a seamless customer experience across the web and in store, otherwise from a consumer point of view, it is an increasingly frustrating concept.

What part of your job would you prefer to avoid?

There isn’t anything I particularly dislike. We have a growing business and it is all about knowing when to adapt and when to hold fast. If things go wrong, it means that there is an opportunity for improvement.

What are your growth plans for the business?

I am grateful for the repeat customers we have, 34% per annum and growing. We are constantly asked when we’re going to have a physical store and I feel confident our first one is not far away.

What has been your greatest challenge?

Performing an MBO just over a year ago has been my biggest challenge. It meant keeping our core team focused whilst undergoing many operational changes all whilst we continued to grow. Christmas sales rose by 60% from the previous year so for many weeks, finishing at 11pm seemed the norm.

What advice would you offer an aspiring e-tailer?

Look for a sustainable business model and keep the quality high – something that makes you feel good regardless of financial rewards – it makes it much easier to sell!

How much do you invest in making your site more visible?

We have invested a lot in SEO and have partnered with a senior SEO director to ensure it gets done properly. Consequentially we have seen some impressive results on both organic traffic and conversions. We also enjoy working in collaboration with likeminded people and businesses, which ensures our brand voice on social media channels is genuine and natural.

What’s your take on how the relationship between online and physical retail might develop?

Ten years ago we would only buy products for the home that had been seen and

“Creativity can be found in all pursuits and escaping from ordinary influences helps me to see things from a different angle and remain inspired”

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Snapshot: The Linen Works has been creating strikingly-crafted pure linen products for the home for over ten years.

Launched: 2006 Average monthly unique visitors: 3000 SKUs: 250

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EVENTS MIFF

Review MIFF delivers solid results as evolution nears MIFF, Malaysia’s flagship exhibition, kicked off this year’s string of Far Eastern events with confidence, its organiser reporting record sales and the presence of a greater number of international buyers. Paul Farley returns from Kuala Lumpur to report …

1 MIFF’s Buyer’s Night was no less glamorous than usual 2 Euro Chairs’ stand was deemed the best bare-space booth in this year’s Best Presentation Award 3 The show saw the launch of UBM’s strategic alliance with Alibaba

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According to organiser UBM Malaysia, this year’s Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) achieved record sales of US$908m and drew more overseas buyers than previously, including a strong number of first-time visitors.

The show featured around 500 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions, and reportedly attracted nearly 20,000 trade visitors, the share of international buyers increasing by 3% to 5340, with 30% attending the show for the first time.

Visitors attended from 130 countries and regions, marked by strong increases in numbers from Europe, North America, the Far East and Australasia, and a steady turnout from neighbouring ASEAN countries. The show recorded a 5% jump in orders, surpassing last year’s $865m and the previous high of $892m in 2014.

Ahead of its part-relocation to the new Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre in 2018 – which will provide a much-needed expansion of the event’s footprint, extending it by 25% to 100,000m2 – MIFF continues to offer a solid complement of furniture for the home and office, dominated by rubberwood and metal.

Although MIFF’s offer is gradually becoming more contemporary, on the whole it remains lacking in original design flourish. That said, there are examples of stand-out models, some of which were highlighted through the show’s Furniture Excellence Award, assessed by an international panel of experts including Furniture News’ Paul Farley.

The overall winner, Asahi Co’s comfortable, minimalist Pulito sofa, was the star of the new

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MIFF EVENTS

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“The 2017 show will take place from 8-11th March – a significant shift in the timeline that dovetails far better with events in neighbouring countries” Essence of Japan cluster of exhibitors. Whilst luxury goods of Pulito’s standard are by no means central to the show’s offer, their presence goes to show that there is more variety present than one might think. Other trends unearthed by the competition included upholstered dining chairs and vacuumformed bedroom surfaces.

The well-established Furniture Design Competition (FDC) saw 27-year-old Lim Bo Qiang’s Muk Sofa, a modular low-seating system that doubles up as a sofa, two-chair combination and storage solution, awarded the top prize.

This competition continues to champion young designers and encourage their work with the industry.

Although MIFF has delivered added value through the years in the form of its competitions, seminars and social events, it remains at heart a transactional event, and this year’s show saw the exhibition begin to reach outside the confines of its halls, as UBM’s strategic B2B alliance with online sourcing platform Alibaba made its debut.

The partnership, which aims to facilitate yearround trade purchases through preferred exhibitors, promising “a new generation of online-to-offline

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trade experience”, provides a trade assurance programme to encourage cross-border deals and increase the relevance of UBM’s trade events to their participants. It will be interesting to see what long-term effects this partnership might have.

MIFF is clearly working hard to establish its relevance to the developing market. Recent years have seen the general show circuit deviate from MIFF’s fixture, making hopping between fairs difficult for some buyers. The 2017 show will take place from 8-11th March – a significant shift in the timeline that dovetails far better with events in neighbouring countries. MIFF will continue to occupy the PWTC and MECC venues until the subsequent edition.

In summary, MIFF’s general manager, Karen Goi, comments: “We received very good feedback from exhibitors. There were many new products, more visitors and first-time buyers, all adding to the strong business synergy felt throughout the week. This is a very good outcome as we gear up for a bigger show in 2018. We will certainly expand our efforts to attract more new and returning customers in the future.”

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4 Asahi’s Pulito, winner of the Furniture Excellence Award, household furniture category 5 This year’s show reported record sales of $908m 6 The judges assess those shortlisted for the Furniture Excellence Award 7 Lim Bo Qiang’s Muk Sofa, winner of the Furniture Design Competition

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EVENTS IFFS

Review IFFS 2016 delivers both trade and design Year-on-year, the International Furniture Fair Singapore (IFFS) attracts an exhibitor roster with gravitas – a feat that is only surpassed by the show’s dedication to innovation and playful design. Furniture News’ Robyn Sirs-Davies attended the show to discover its strengths firsthand ...

1 Runner-up stand, Artsome by Zhonghao Group Hong Kong

The International Furniture Fair Singapore 2016/33rd Asean Furniture Show, along with co-located events The Décor Show and furniPro Asia, drew to an end after a remarkable run at Singapore Expo. Held from 10-13th March, the event offered industry professionals six halls of exquisite furniture pieces and inspiring collections by 423 exhibiting companies from 29 countries.

The show’s organiser observed a diverse mix of retailers, importers, exporters, distributors and contract specifiers, noting an 8% increase in overall attendance and garnering 20,343 visitors from 93 countries.

Though the event has always been popular due to its design-led approach, this year’s IFFS aimed to further embrace the transactional element of the show.

Ernie Koh, chairman of IFFS, lauds this move, saying: “We’ve managed to marry the design and trade aspects of the furniture business at this edition of IFFS. In addition to being an ideal platform for striking deals and penetrating new markets, IFFS is now also the place to spot new

design trends or to gain inspiration!”

Perhaps as part of this central rebranding, another co-located show set to undergo a transformation ahead of next year is The Décor Show, which will be reinvented as Nook in 2017.

It would appear that this change has not only had positive results for the show in terms of its visitor increase, but also its exhibitors. Returning business Halo Creative & Design’s trade marketing manager, Wanda Rottstegge, comments: “Based on what we’ve experienced, the visitorship is international and of high calibre.

“We’ve received a number of enquiries from new Asian, European, and Middle Eastern companies, so the team has been kept busy. IFFS 2016 was a great show for us – we’re happy with our results.”

As expected, d-Bodhi’s Alive stand was a true show highlight, and went on to win the grand prize for Best Exhibit. Beyond d-Bodhi’s rotating tree of life structure and vast display, other spectacular exhibits included Halo’s, which featured a colossal red LED heart juxtaposed against the company’s black stand.

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Fellow prize winner Alexander & James created a similar living theme to the other businesses, using vines and foliage to suspend its products from the eaves of the stand.

The show also offered a focus on new designers in the form of its Design Stars exhibition and Furniture Design Award (FDA) presentation.

Grand winner, Polish designer Kataryzna Kempa, was presented with her award for her Sit office chair design at the opening ceremony by Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry, Lim Hng Kiang.

Commenting on her decision to participate, Katarzyna says: “I was first attracted to compete because I identified with what FDA stands for. The prize and the opportunity to visit Singapore were bonuses, and I’m glad I applied because being at IFFS is a significant milestone for me.

“It is far different than other European shows I’ve been to in terms of aesthetics, materials, and visitor interest. IFFS gave me the chance to gather new Asian contacts, and also to learn from others even as I presented my pieces and my perspective.”

The 2016 edition saw the concurrent return of many of its best satellite events, including the biennial furniPro Asia, a woodworking, furniture and panel production exhibition.

Popular design event Singaplural also returned for the fifth time to run alongside IFFS, boasting a record number of participants.

Growing in renown since 2006, the Singapore Mozaic brand supported many of the businesses at the show. Jeffrey Yong, vice president at Eurosa Furniture, comments: “The Singapore Mozaic brand is a premium representation of a company and its products,

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which gives buyers the trust and confidence of working with us.

“As IFFS becomes more design- and inspirationled, it also attracts more design-led companies and buyers to visit it.

“Overall, it was a good show this year, and as we can see from the quality of the visitors, most of them are serious buyers who travel around to various countries to source for the best in terms of pricing, design, quality and innovation.”

Gan Shee Wen, vice president of marketing at Koda, says: “Being branded as part of Singapore furniture’s finest, the Singapore Mozaic brand no doubt enhances the company’s positioning and reputation in the world’s furniture market.

“This year’s IFFS generated quite a lot of excitement and buzz as the show underwent some rebranding efforts. For Koda, it was yet another fruitful event, as we reconnected with our buyers and reach out to even more new trade visitors and potential business partners.”

Looking ahead, the organiser is confident of capturing more attention from the furniture and creative industries.

Phua Boon Huat, chairman of the IFFS Show Advisory Panel, states: “We had a very good run this year and we’re moving in the right direction.

The team will focus on further enhancing the show experience for exhibitors and visitors alike, and we’ll share more as we firm up on our plans in the course of the year.”

The next edition of IFFS will take place between 9-12th March 2017 at Singapore Expo, introducing undoubtedly fresher ideas and inspiring striking design.

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2 Alexander & James at IFFS 2016 3 An aerial shot of the event 4 Dining Room stand winner, District Eight Design, Vietnam 5 The spectacular Halo stand

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EVENTS BFM at I Saloni

Review British brands stand proud in Milan The BFM supported three of its members to put their best foot forward at – what is billed as – the biggest date on the world’s furniture calendar, Milan’s Salone Internazionale del Mobile, last month.

1 Duresta 2 Ercol 3 Gascoigne Designs

The three companies – Duresta, Ercol and Gascoigne Designs – all had stands at the prestigious event, while some other BFM members were left disappointed due to lack of quality space.

The exhibition had been through a process of space re-assignment prompted by I Salone Moscow last October, where its organiser recognised that consumer tastes were changing, and the traditional look, whilst still having a place, did not draw the attention of buyers to the extent it had in previous years. This led to the exhibition being realigned to focus more on contemporary designs.

However, the exhibition proved the busiest ever – despite a notable lack of Russian buyers, underlining the continuing Russian economic downturn. Nevertheless, the three companies reported much interest in the products on show, which was predominantly British-manufactured.

Ercol moved to hall 7, which was bustling on each occasion the BFM visited the new-look stand, a range of chairs standing high and proud up one wall. International sales manager Henry Tadros was very pleased with the number of visitors, advising that Ercol had “taken more leads in a day and a half than in the full five days last year”.

It was Gascoigne Designs’ second year at the exhibition, and the company truly waved the flag for Great Britain, with a new facade to the stand

featuring the Union Jack. David Gascoigne stated: “The show has gone very well.”

Duresta had a totally new approach to the exhibition this year. Sales director Jo Slaven explains that Duresta was “thrilled to be in Milan introducing the new and exciting collaboration with Matthew Williamson – a British fashion designer best known for his experimental, energising style”.

She went on to advise that the range is “now available exclusively from British luxury department store Harrods” and that the “iconic English Bohemian collection comprises four upholstery ranges and unique occasional pieces which stylishly draw inspiration from across the centuries and ensure a timeless aesthetic. The collection launches with further specialist retailers in the UK and globally from summer 2016”.

Two of the three BFM members were able to draw upon UKT&I funding through the association to support the export initiative. The BFM also helped 16 other companies – mainly designer-makers – to exhibit at other venues in central Milan as part of Milan Design Week. The products on show ranged from furniture to jewellery and decorative lighting.

For information on accessing funding for overseas furniture exhibitions, contact Steve Moore at the BFM. E steve.moore@bfm.org.uk

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BFM A

Our British furniture manufacturers are committed to providing the highest levels of comfort, safety and quality to their customers - just three of the traits that make out Great British furniture ‘great’.

IT IS furniture for any age, style, budget or taste. IT IS for the traditional, contemporary, classical or modern home.

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Website: www.bfm.org.uk Contact: MikeDimond@bfm.org.uk

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British or look out for the label

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EVENTS Spring Long Point

Preview Take a trip into town Spring is well and truly upon us, and with it the first of Long Eaton’s open house events, as Long Point invites trade buyers to explore a town of showrooms packed with some of the best product and brands Britain can offer, plus a high-calibre imports offer …

1 Burr Oak sideboard, Iain James Furniture 2 Burr Walnut breakfront sideboard with canted sides, Iain James Furniture 3 Burr Oak console table, Iain James Furniture 4 Wiemann’s Multiplus in Alpine white

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Although the fabric upholstery output of the Long Eaton Guild of Furniture Manufacturers is at its heart, Long Point has become a focus for a good deal more over the years, with central venue Harrington Mill playing host to new bedroom, living and dining releases within a host of guest displays and permanent showrooms.

Boasting 23 exhibitors, Long Point will see the launch of new models and fabrics including Peter Guild’s Fulham, at the Steed Upholstery showroom.

Those showing at central venue Harrington Mill include: Alexander and James, which promises an injection of exotic colour, fresh patterns and textures; Carlton Furniture, whose solid oak Derwent, painted Windsor dining, Copeland home office and dining and Keswick oak dining ranges offer something a little different to the norm; and Alstons, which will add a sofabed and snuggler to its established Cambridge range, as well as new fabrics for its Newport and Vermont models.

Long Point offers another chance to see the new ranges from Wiemann (01482 635283, www. wiemannuk.co.uk) in Harrington Mill – the spacesaving combi-slider Malibu, and the 3m-wide walkin wardrobe, Multiplus, both from the company’s VIP Collection. Suitable for smaller rooms, Malibu is a combination of fully-accessible drawers with sliding robe space above, as well as full-length sliding space. Carcass finish options include new champagne, alpine white, Havanna, and dark rustic oak, with doors also in glass in white, magnolia or (new) champagne.

Slide open Multiplus’ two central doors to step

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inside a well-lit bijoux dressing room, packed with hanging space, shelving and drawers. Back outside, behind the two outer sliding doors, are floor-to-ceiling shoe racks. All of this is delivered in a space of less than 110mm depth. Finishes include alpine white, champagne, or these combined with Havanna. These newcomers will be shown alongside UK best sellers such as Loft.

Iain James Furniture (0115 973 4481, www. iainjamesfurniture.co.uk) will introduce several new occasional pieces from its premises on Bridge Street and its satellite showroom at Harrington Mills. The positive feedback to the Cluster Burr Oak range in January has encouraged the launch of a canted-style rise and fall coffee table, along with complementary end tables. These new oak pieces are enhanced by being decoratively inlaid with a bespoke double ebony line either side of 6mm satin inlay – adding subtle but effective distinction to each piece – which is polished to a mellow golden patina.

Furthermore, the successful Burr Walnut range will also feature a new large square and rectangular coffee table with reeded canted legs, along with accompanying lamp tables. A new Sheraton two-door display cabinet, again in walnut, plus a number of mahogany pieces including a new faded finish, will also be on display at both venues.

Elsewhere at the JDP Group showrooms, Cintique will present two of its latest upholstery collections in new fabrics, while Celebrity will present its Aston motion range.

Spring Long Point runs from 9-11th May. W longeatonguild.co.uk

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Ian Ja

Long Point Exhibition 9-11 May | Own Showrooms and also at Harrington Mills sales@iainjamesfurniture.co.uk 0115 9734481 www.iainjamesfurniture.co.uk

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EVENTS Spring Long Point – Collins and Hayes

Preview Fresh designs for a new direction Spring Long Point will see upholstery manufacturer Collins and Hayes open its permanent showroom on the ground floor of Harrington Mill to trade buyers …

1 Brooke, in a contemporary, cosy wool weave 2 There will be more choice on offer within the Stoop range 3 Shelby – a new size variant will be available at Long Point 4 Phoenix

Since it opened last year, the Long Point showroom has proved a valuable asset for the Hastings, East Sussex-based Collins and Hayes, allowing its team in central and northern England easier access to a well-presented setting featuring all the latest models.

This month’s event, running from 9-11th May, provides an opportunity for exisiting and prospective stockists to inspect some of the new and established models that form the brand’s “new direction”, says the company’s creative and marketing executive, Kate Delany.

“Our Harrington Mill showroom will feature an extended product range comprising our latest launches from the January Furniture Show 2016, recent successes, and a new accessories update.”

Other additions include a wider choice of variants within current ranges – including the Brooke sofa, which was highly commended by The Furniture Awards 2016 judges for its comfort and

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contemporary elegance.

“Two brand new designs will also be introduced,” says Kate, “developing on the successful sales of recent launches, and there will be further additions to our ever-growing fabric story, offering an even wider choice to a broader audience, still with an emphasis on natural fibre fabrics.”

With a new brochure arriving with stockists imminently, plus website updates “well on their way” to lend additional support, Collins and Hayes is working hard to reinforce its new brand values – elegant contemporary design and exceptional comfort – and is even going so far as to launch an advanced guarantee to back it all up.

There is little doubt that 2016 will bring yet further developments from one of the industry’s most creative brands, but, for now, Long Eaton is the ideal place at which to be reacquainted.

T 01424 720027 W collinsandhayes.co.uk

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C&HJA

JOIN US

You are invited to view our inspirational collection of furniture with exclusive new reveals this Long Point at our Harrington Mill showroom.

9 - 11 May 2016

www.collinsandhayes.com

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EVENTS Spring Long Point – Wade Upholstery

Preview Made for Wade Simon Wade joined the JDP Furniture Group-owned Wade Upholstery in December, and, despite being no relation of the founding family, has quickly found his feet. Ahead of this month’s Long Point exhibition, which will see the manufacturer’s showroom open to the trade, Furniture News quizzes the new MD on his progress …

Please outline your industry background I first joined the furniture industry as an apprentice upholsterer, completing my apprenticeship in the design and development department of Walker & Homer. I joined the Christie Tyler Group in the 1980s, where my role at Caspa was to value-engineer its high-end products to improve productivity and profitability.

I was appointed head of design at G Plan Upholstery when Christie Tyler acquired the brand, and I remained there until the 1990s when I left to start my own business.

Running my own business was rewarding and interesting, allowing me to work with some key brands like DFS, Chateau d’Ax and Klaussner. In 2000, however, I re-joined G Plan as design director, and there I stayed for 15 years. I was appointed MD of Wade at the end of 2015.

1 Simon Wade 2 Camden

What attracted you to the Wade brand?

The reason I love the Wade brand is that it is a business that has retained the skills and craftsmanship that always made British upholstery manufacturing unique. In the factory, you can witness age-old skills being passed down from generation to generation, and we are one of the few brands that can still boast that today. It’s what the trade recognises the Wade brand for.

I was also attracted to the brand because it has moved forward enormously over the last three

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years, retaining its traditional skills yet responding to changes in the market, which has meant rethinking some of its design direction.

What’s kept you busy over the last few months?

Over the last few months I have been getting to know the factories, the people and our in-house

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capabilities as well as being able to meet many of our customers at the January Furniture Show. I have undertaken a review of our collection and have been looking at what plans are in place for the next phase of product development.

What role has [former JDP Group operations head] Eddie O’Dwyer played in the transition?

I have been very lucky to work alongside Eddie as part of his handover. This has allowed me so much insight into areas of the business where he has demonstrated expertise and helped me to enrich my experience moving forward.

What has been the most challenging aspect of the role?

The most challenging aspect for me is moving from a role entirely focused on product to one encompassing finance, human resources, property and all the other day-to-day activities of an MD. … and the most enjoyable?

Working with a great team of people who are motivated to grow the business.

Can you summarise the general direction new

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products have taken?

We have made a conscious effort to retain our expertise in our traditional heartland, but also to introduce some innovative, more contemporary designs, intended to attract a new, fresh target market to the Wade brand. As part of this we have introduced hundreds of new fabric options and have extended our collection of upholstery models.

3 Barnaby 4 Pandora 5 Henry

Do you have a favourite model?

Henry.

What are your plans for Spring Long Point?

We were delighted with the response to Camden and Pandora, our brand new shapes launched in January, and business is extremely busy. Retailers visiting us for Long Point can expect to see the fruits of the work we have been carrying out since the January Furniture Show on guidelines to help them achieve the best returns from their Wade displays, whatever the size of the store. This will include Designers Choice packages for the Wade Collection.

T 0115 939 4500 E sales@wade-upholstery.co.uk

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EVENTS Clerkenwell Design Week

Preview Return to the capital’s showroom London’s Clerkenwell district is home to scores of world-class design showrooms, and Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW), taking place from 24-26th this month, will see them welcome visitors to explore a host of product debuts, collaborations and installations …

Another Brand

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CDW returns this month to present some of the best in contemporary manufacturing and design for the contract, architecture and interior design industries.

Brewhouse Yard will act as a gateway to to the event, featuring a dedicated cafe, information point, pop-up workspace and programme of events.

Installation highlights include: One Thing After Another, a project that explores the relationship between the digital and physical worlds; The Sensorium, an immersive journey through an urban pleasure garden by Hassell and Hag; and a collaboration between kitchen expert bulthaup Clerkenwell and Modern Pantry founder Anna Hansen.

There are several newcomers to CDW this year, including Allermuir, office expert EOL, electrics supplier Bachmann, British-designed modular furniture brand Isomi, and BD Design.

For hands-on craftsmanship, designer Helen Yardley will demonstrate rugmaking at Craft Central, and Tom Dixon will luanch his first contract carpet collection, in collaboration with ege carpets.

With a view to making design more inclusive, DesigningFutures@CDW will launch a new programme that aims to give youngsters access to the design world through practical work experience

in showrooms during CDW. Meanwhile, North London’s Hitch Mylius will return to the show to launch a new square sofa at Malmaison, and will work with the hotel’s mixologists to create a cocktail especially for the festival.

Participating showrooms also include Arper, Altro, Boss Design, Carl Hansen & Søn, Desso, Edge Design, Fritz Hansen, Hansgrohe, Herman Miller, Knoll, Koleksiyon Furniture, Morgan, naughtone, Northern Lights, Ocee Design, Orangebox, Poltrona Frau Group, Steelcase and Vitra.

Show director William Knight, says: “The showrooms are the backbone of Clerkenwell as a design destination, and are what makes the area so compelling for a wide variety of people, from largescale specifiers to design lovers.

“This year we are proud to welcome new showrooms to CDW, as well as see established figures in the community.

“There is a real push from the showrooms for creative collaborations, engaging talks and workshops, and some fantastic new products debuted at Clerkenwell. This year is set to be the strongest yet.”

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EVENTS Manchester Furniture Show

Preview A show full of attractions A country fair theme gives this year’s Manchester Furniture Show – to be held from 1719th July at Manchester Central – a colourful backdrop. The attractions include some of the biggest and most innovative names in furniture and interior furnishings from the UK, Europe and the Far East, showing new designs and launching new collections.

1 Gallery Direct

New exhibitors including Panacea, CIMC, Devonshire Pine & Oak, Hookes Interiors, Camel Group, Global Home, Indian Hub, Heritage Furniture and Arthauss will join a whole host of returning major brands to this year’s Manchester Furniture.

Over 130 exhibitors will show their new designs in over 100,000ft² of modern exhibition space in the heart of the city.

In upholstery, Essex-based new exhibitor Panacea, which made a big impact at this year’s January Furniture Show, will bring a selection of its modern and retro, design-led leather sofas and chairs. Also showing modern sofa collections is Alpha Designs Upholstery, which returns to Manchester for the third year in a row having had “resounding success” in the previous two years.

ICD (International Contemporary Designs), one of the UK’s newest upholstery companies, sources exclusive leather models from Italy. New at Manchester will be its Pisa and Bari models, both of which typify Italian design flair. Keeping with leather, Hyde Line Furniture, partner to the US giant NHF Leather, is bringing a selection of its multiaction reclining sofas and chairs made in NHF’s Far East factory.

Returning UK upholstery giants Westbridge,

Lebus, Buoyant, Wade, Ashley Manor, Whitemeadow, and Mark Webster Designs will all be showing new collections at Manchester.

Living and dining are also full of attractions and contrasts this year with returning exhibitors Baker, Bluebone, Furniture Origins, Exclusive UK, Morris, Rowico, Wood Brothers, Value Mark, Kettle Interiors and Vida Living all bringing new temptations for buyers.

New cabinet exhibitor Devonshire, one the few remaining cabinet manufacturers in the UK, is bringing new pine, oak and painted collections in dining and bedroom from its Bideford factory. In complete contrast, another new exhibitor, Arthauss, will be showing selections from its ultra-modern dining and bedroom ranges, including flip down beds and sleek wardrobes.

Regular Manchester exhibitors Kettle Interiors and Value Mark will again use the show to launch new collections. Kettle will be showing its new wicker storage solutions under the brand The Wicker Merchant. Valuemark’s large occasional and dining collections will again highlight several new introductions including The Lewis Collection which features black high gloss glass married with chrome and its new compact marble dining sets.

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In beds and bedroom, returning exhibitors Furmanac, Gallery Direct, Kingstown, Seconique, Nolte, Slumbernights, Rauch, Welcome and Corndell are all showing a selection of new and best sellers. Furmanac’s comprehensive adjustable bed collections, including the Hestia Motion range, will be on show with new models added to the range.

Gallery Direct never fails to deliver an impressive stand, and this year will be no exception, with new trend-setting designs on display along with accompanying decorative accessories and soft furnishing items.

German giants Nolte and Rauch both return after a very successful outing in 2015 and are bringing new bedroom collections in a wide variety of finishes, which are specifically designed for UK homes.

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The Manchester Furniture Show would not be complete without a striking selection of decorative furnishings and accessories. Attractions here include returning exhibitors Flair Rugs, Wilde Java, Wire Lamps and Keen Classics. New exhibitors CIMC and Hookes Interiors, both known for their flair and unique designs, have large stands in the main hall. CIMC is bringing a comprehensive selection of its popular home accessories including table and floor lamps, clocks, cushions and occasional furniture pieces. Family business Hookes Interiors will also have a notable stand full of mirrors as well as soft furnishing and decorative items.

The event aims to inspire and tempt buyers in every sphere of furniture and interior decoration.

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EVENTS Top Drawer

Preview The definitive source of design-led homewares After the success of its January edition, where the latest evolution of Top Drawer presented four distinctive worlds – Home, Gift, Fashion and Craft – the show returns this September to present an array of high-quality products, from leading brands to rising stars.

Home will offer relevant retailers, interior designers and buyers a creatively curated choice of exclusive products spanning interior accessories, kitchen and dining, outdoor living, furniture and lighting – all selected for their design, originality and commercial appeal.

Top Drawer’s edit presents its strongest line-up to date, featuring over 1000 UK and international brands.

Alessi, Au Maison, Black+Blum, Canvas, Cosy Living, Ella Doran, Dash & Albert, Design in Colour, Ethnicraft, Forma House, Garden Trading, Grand Illusions, Grunwerg, Haus, Iris Hantverk, Jangneus, Leonardo, Liv Interior, Make International, Ny-lon, Plum & Ashby, Repeat Repeat, Pantone (Skandium), Ulster Weavers and Umbra and Stilton/Rig-Tig (White Brands) are amongst the 150 brands already confirmed in Home, some of which are showing exclusively.

Top Drawer’s commitment to finding new talent runs deep. Visitors will be able find inspiring new products and emerging designers at Spotted, and deepen their retail expertise with new ideas and approaches at the free seminar series, Academy Live.

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Director-level buyers from John Lewis, Lakeland, Heal’s, Selfridges and Steamer Trading, and owners of leading independents including Aria and Pedlars, form the Home expert panel, and their expertise has helped create a unique design-led event.

Lucio Longoni, head of buying for Skandium, comments: “Home is filled with contemporary and inspirational brands whose product is appealing and relevant to all design-led, home and lifestyle stores.”

Chris Gardner, strategic account development manager, eBay, says: “Home at Top Drawer is the most premium show in the UK. It is the place to be, where we want to be and where we enjoy being.”

Finally, Alessi’s Morandi Fabrizio comments: “The latest evolution of Top Drawer has cemented it as the must-visit UK trade fair. The addition of new names to Home has given it a really nice balance between established names, strong brands and new discoveries.”

The next edition of Top Drawer – featuring Home – will take place between 11-13th September at Olympia in the heart of London, and registration to attend is open now.

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11 – 13 September 2016 Olympia, London

HOME Experience the beautifully curated world of Home at Top Drawer, London’s international event for creative retailers.

Discover a carefully edited, global cross-section of products from the finest brands and designers.

REGISTER NOW topdrawer.co.uk/home

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EVENTS BIFE-SIM

Preview Romania to present its wares Romexpo, in a strategic partnership with the Romanian Furniture Manufacturers Association and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania, organises BIFE-SIM, Bucharest’s international trade fair for furniture, furniture equipment and accessories, to be held this year from 14-18th September.

BIFE-SIM is the largest trade fair in Romania addressing furniture, furniture equipments and accessories industries. At BIFE-SIM 2016, visitors can find hundreds of exhibitors displaying every furniture style available both on the Romanian and the international market, from the classical to modern, made of solid wood or combinations of wood and glass and leather.

The new Decorations and Lighting Show, at the forefront of the 2016 edition, will inspire visitors with creative ideas that will help them transform their home. In addition, the A pavilion of BIFE-SIM 2016 is dedicated to presenting a wide variety of equipment and machinery specific to the wood industry.

At BIFE-SIM 2016 specialists in furniture, producers, importers, distributors, merchants, decorators, architects and designers will offer

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advice so that visitors can find the best solutions to fit their budget. BIFE-SIM has surpassed, year after year, the expectations of both the visitors and the exhibiting companies, thus becoming a central event for Europe’s wood industry.

The 2016 edition promises to be a festival of finetuned and tasteful furniture as well as a platform that connects the local and international furniture producers with the market, helping them to develop valuable co-operation relationships.

BIFE-SIM 2015 saw 22,000 visitors, plus 300 exhibitors from Romania, Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Moldova, Poland, Ukraine and Hungary. It boasted seven exhibition pavilions, totalling 30,000m² of exhibition space, and five thematic shows. 5000 furniture items and accessories were presented during the event.

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RESOURCES Consumer rights – digital content

THE AUTHOR

James Courthold is an ombudsman within The Furniture Ombudsman’s Dispute Resolution Team. The Furniture Ombudsman offers advice to retailers via a designated retailer advice line in order to ensure members have access to the most up-to-date information and interpretation of their obligations.

W thefurnitureombudsman.org

When digital content is part of the furniture If the new Consumer Rights Act introduced last year sees digital content – and the legal provisions that accompany it – as an entity in its own right, how should furniture retailers treat complaints and returns arising from furniture that pairs digital technology with an item of furniture? James Courthold explains …

Digital content includes software, music, films, e-books, games and apps, subscription services and system software for a tangible item – for example, an oven or washing machine.

A consumer must have paid for the supply of digital content with money, token, virtual currency or gift voucher, or have received it free with other goods or services that have been paid for. The provisions will not apply to situations where digital content reaches a consumer as part of another service – for example, providing access to a kitchen plan digitally.

What are consumers’ rights in relation to digital content?

Digital content sold as part of white goods or furniture pieces has to comply with the same terms as any other good – it must be fit for purpose, free from minor defects, as described, safe and durable.

As with goods and service contracts, anything specifically drawn to a consumer’s attention before the contract is made will form part of the contract.

The provisions will apply where digital content is modified by the retailer or a third party. However, this does not preclude the retailer or third party from improving the specification of, or add new features to, the

digital content, so long as it continues to match the original description.

What remedies are available?

With the fast-paced development of technology, there are already instances where digital content is provided along with goods and services – for example, an appliance sold as part of a kitchen project. Where digital content is provided in such a mixed contract, and the digital content does not conform, the consumer will be able to treat the whole item as being at fault and seek a remedy as if the goods were at fault.

This means that if an oven is supplied with faulty digital content, the consumer may be entitled to reject the product in its entirety.

In general, where only digital content is being supplied, the retailer must repair or replace in the first instance. For the purposes of the act, a repair is defined as “making the digital content comply to contract”.

The second tier remedy is a price reduction.

Unless the digital content is supplied as part of a mixed contract as referred to above, there is no automatic right to a refund unless certain criteria are met, such as a failure of the right to supply by the retailer.

Further, this will not impact other digital content supplied if unaffected by the breach.

An example of this would be where a

“Where digital content is provided in such a mixed contract, and the digital content does not conform, the consumer will be able to treat the whole item as being at fault and seek a remedy as if the goods were at fault”

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consumer pays for access to streamed music and the supplier loses the right to stream a particular record label.

How would this apply to the supply of furniture?

In the furniture industry, I consider that these provisions would currently only really apply to mixed contracts where digital content is supplied along with the goods. However, we have seen advancements in the recent past which mean that it is worth being aware of these provisions when deciding which products you wish to offer for sale.

TV beds which include a digital television and sofas with built-in mp3 devices are conceivable, and would fall within these provisions, placing the burden to comply with the retailer.

It is also important to note that if the digital content which is supplied under the contract causes damage to a device or other digital content, the consumer will also be entitled to a remedy, even if the digital content was originally free. In such circumstances the retailer must repair the damage or compensate the consumer.

Therefore, modifications or updates to the content which cause damage to the device may entitle the consumer to a further remedy.

Given the currently limited application of this element of the legislation to the furniture industry, it is arguably even more important that retailers understand their obligations in relation to any digital content which they supply currently or which is within their future contemplation

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RESOURCES Building a brand – broadening

THE AUTHOR

Jeremy Stein is MD of the British Contract Furnishing Association (BCFA), which boasts over 250 members including manufacturers, suppliers and designers.

W thebcfa.com

Building a brand – broadening The BCFA observes the impact of multiple brand tactics on its members’ value – both that perceived by the public and stakeholders, and that evidenced financially through sales and profit.

In the fifth and final instalment of the series, Jeremy Stein looks at how companies can take an established brand overseas …

Brand extension is an exciting and challenging process. Of course, it is not a new concept, but these days with the world shrinking it is easier to make a commercial case for working within new markets. There is obviously a skill and discipline needed in exporting to and trading in different countries, and many reasons why even the most trusted brand names in one country can fail in others.

Research From implementing your expansion strategy to customer aftercare, understanding your market and ensuring you undertake extensive research is the foundation upon which to base your decisions. There are the obvious things to look for, such as competition and language barriers, but different cultural norms also need to be examined meticulously.

The internet has done so much in allowing access to a global marketplace, but filtering through the vast volumes of information to decipher what’s relevant is a huge task.

Once you’ve exhausted your research, it’s important to visit the countries in which you’re looking to start trading. It may seem like an obvious point to make, but it can be easy to get sucked into lucrative offers from local experts who may bring opportunities to your attention that “need” to be acted on quickly – before you’ve even had chance to

set foot on foreign soil.

Where do you go for help?

There is no one-size-fits-all strategy or business plan template when expanding overseas. That being said, we’ve all heard the old proverb “don’t reinvent the wheel”, and this rings truer than ever here. While you may be chartering new territories with your own business, many others have done it all before, so make use of all of the expertise, resources and guidance available to you.

There are lots of resources available to support businesses that are just commencing their exporting journey and it is always a good idea to make the most of these.

The BCFA, for one, offers support to all of its members, and there are Government departments keen to help incentivise exports.

Larger organisations are able to offer a wealth of advice, guidance and case studies on taking your business from a local to global standpoint, and many have found that tapping into this presents a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with other business owners you’ve previously networked with.

Who? Spotting, nurturing and expanding talent within your own workforce can be an invaluable task to undertake when looking to broaden your brand. Once you have decided

“Don’t get too caught up with the differences you discover in those new markets – every product or service is responding to a want or need which is global, not country-specific”

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it’s the right time to expand your business and take it overseas – be it inside or outside the EU – one of the key things to consider is whether or not you have the expertise within your current teams to manage this change effectively.

It’s a good idea to research whether your customers will respond better to a local representative, or whether exporting from the UK is a better option. It’s worth considering that investing in your existing workforce can save costs down the line.

While there remains a science to brand expansion, the results can never be guaranteed. As with all scientific projects, investing early on in your initial research will provide the best possible outcome. More often than not, the knowledge that you gain from these in-depth research methods allows you to forecast far more accurately for the long term.

Don’t get too caught up with the differences you discover in those new markets – every product or service is responding to a want or need which is global, not country-specific. So, while cultural differences are essential to understand, when it comes to planning your brand positioning, these shouldn’t override the brand’s core values.

Remember to take your time, research the market, listen to advice, find the best people to carry out the task and, whilst being sensitive to local culture, stay true to your brand’s message – no matter where or how that message is delivered

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END OF LINE SECONDS RETURNS

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 MFA.BID

EX-DISPLAY OLD STOCK PROTOTYPES

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RESOURCES Supply contract termination (concluded)

THE AUTHOR

Stephen Sidkin is a partner at corporate law firm Fox Williams LLP. He established and leads Fox Williams’ agentlaw team.

W agentlaw.co.uk

Supply contract termination made easy “Parting is such sweet sorrow,” said Romeo to Juliet – but not if you fail to regard the posttermination provisions of your supply contract, or if your contract fails to set out what is to happen following termination, writes Stephen Sidkin, in the second part of his study on the termination of supply contracts …

In the March issue of Furniture News, I described the need to understand the contract which a customer has with its supplier. This month, I will look at what provisions are necessary to ensure a smooth post-termination process.

Unless you have terminated as a result of reaching an agreement with your supplier to do so, timing is important. There is little to be gained without thinking through the issue of continuity. Do you hold enough stock before the new supplier comes on stream? Whether or not this is the case, have you signed off on the terms of the supply contract with the new supplier? Once bitten …

Meanwhile, what is the position regarding the supplier’s outstanding invoices? Before you automatically assume that you have to pay them, consideration should be given to exercising a right of set off.

The starting point in this consideration is whether the supplier’s standard terms and conditions of sale upon which the stock was sold to you exclude a right of set off. Even if they do, have the supplier’s terms and conditions been properly incorporated into its sale contracts with you? Often, one or other is not the case. If so, and if you can point to having suffered loss as a result of a past action or omission on the part of the supplier, it may well be open to you to exercise a right of set off – that is, setting off the net loss incurred by you as a result of the supplier’s action or omission against the value of this supplier’s outstanding invoices.

It is also necessary to consider what is to happen in respect of supplies in transit at the time of termination. You should consider whether these are also addressed in the supply contract. This is especially so where you are liable for any transport and warehousing costs. For the supply contract to be ended whilst the goods are still to be released from the warehouse, with you bearing the costs, would be frustrating.

Equally frustrating is the situation where goods provided by the supplier are defective, or are returned by retailers to you. Will you be able to look to the supplier for a refund or replacement of the defective goods? What does the supply contract or the supplier’s standard terms and conditions provide?

You may also have agreed with retailers on various promotions. Without thought on your part, you may have to bear the costs whilst the supplier takes the benefit!

It can be expected that the supplier will consider supplying your competitors going forwards. If this is of concern to you then hopefully there is a non-compete clause in the supply contract. But even if there is a clause, you should not automatically assume that it is enforceable. It may be considered as unenforceable under competition law (whether UK, EU or the law of the supplier’s country).

If there is not such a clause, you should not automatically assume the worst. This is because you may be able to take advantage of provisions in the supply contract dealing with

“You may also have agreed with retailers on various promotions. Without thought on your part, you may have to bear the costs whilst the supplier takes the benefit!”

confidential information and your original supply of drawings to the supplier.

If such issues are addressed in the supply contract, you should give thought as to how to rely on them. It may be enough to send an email or letter informing the supplier that you consider information provided by you to be confidential, and require the supplier to acknowledge that such information will not be used by the supplier.

Correspondingly asking the supplier to return the drawings provided by you and asking for an acknowledgement from the supplier of your ownership of the drawings and the copyright in them may also deter future competitive activities.

Finally, there is the issue of intellectual property rights. Like the elephant in the room, there is often awareness of this issue but rarely adequate consideration of its implications for both supplier and distributor.

The implications arise in two ways. First, there is the possibility that a third party will infringe the supplier’s intellectual property rights. The supply agreement may address what is to happen in this situation.

Second – and much more importantly for the distributor – is the situation in which a third party claims that its intellectual property rights have been infringed by the supplier. The issue is often not addressed in supply contracts, but even where they are, what is to happen where such a claim is made after the supply contract has ended is often overlooked.

If the distributor has sold on the goods supplied, it may avoid liability. But where it is holding stock and faces a claim by a third party, it will be stuck in the middle, unless the supply contract covers the position

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PROFILE Morris Furniture Brands

Patmore, Sutcliffe Furniture, at this year’s January Furniture Show

Eight months have passed since the announcement that three of the Morris Furniture Group’s prolific brands had been acquired by the Nathan Group. Whilst the new team overseeing Relaxateeze, Zone and Morris Furniture have proceeded with caution, the group is beginning to establish a new status quo between its various manufacturing sources, brand identities and 600plus UK stockists, reports Paul Farley …

When Morris met Nathan Look back at Morris Furniture Group’s last summer and you’ll see the writing on the wall. As news emerged outlining the sell-off of various divisions and drastic workforce cuts, it became clear that Scotland’s H Morris & Co was fighting to minimise its losses.

“The whole Western world has been hit by a sledgehammer from the Far East and the low-cost countries,” owner Robert Morris told The Glasgow Herald. “We can’t buy the material in this country for the same price that they can make the furniture and ship it here.”

Salvation came in the unlikely form of established British-manufactured brands Nathan and Sutcliffe. The newly-formed Nathan Group stated that it would oversee

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its two existing interests and the newlyincorporated Morris Furniture Brands (excluding G Plan Cabinets, bought by G Plan Upholstery’s owner in a presumed attempt to safeguard the monicker) as three independent operations.

The group would be led by former Nathan frontman Andrew Cochrane, and chaired

by Nicholas Radford, company owner and industry stalwart of Stag Furniture fame.

A press statement described a new furniture supergroup with a combined turnover of £20m, which would strive to maintain each brands’ unique appeal whilst capitalising on their myriad strengths in both offshore sourcing and UK manufacture.

In November, Morris Furniture Brands

Nicholas Radford

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Morris Furniture Brands PROFILE secured a £2.3m funding agreement from invoice finance provider, Bibby Financial Services, allowing it to purchase stock and fund ongoing operation, and putting it, in Nicholas’ words, “in a fantastic position to take our business to the next level”.

The group’s first major reveal took place at the January Furniture Show, at which it unveiled developments of varying degrees across each brand, giving the trade some idea of their direction.

Nathan Furniture, which celebrates its centenary this year, officially launched bedroom options for its classic modular oak collection, Shades, while Sutcliffe unveiled its first own-brand painted furniture collection.

Value brand Zone Furniture looked poised to occupy an increasingly contemporary niche, while Morris Furniture took a more industrial direction in the form of the Brunel range, designed by Neill Bustin.

Finally, there was Relaxateeze. As an upholstery brand, it was the element most alien to the group’s cabinet expertise, yet perhaps the one that promised the most potential.

According to Nicholas Radford, chairman of the Nathan Group and MD of both Nathan and Sutcliffe, the chief reason behind the acquisition was to facilitate the company’s access to mainstream stockists.

“We felt it would be an advantage to us to have some brands that were in the main thrust of the market,” he explains.

“Previously, it’s been somewhat difficult to get customers to look at us as a supplier of anything other than mid-to-high-end products, and I think the Morris Furniture brand in particular – while it may have suffered a little from under-investment in recent years – is a major opportunity.

“Of course, not everything in the garden was rosy, and some of the brands need developing, but we’ve decided not to take an axe to any of them.”

Currently, there is suprisingly little crossover between the company’s established stockists and those that have come on board through the purchase. “There’s around 15% crossover,” estimates Morris Furniture Brands MD Andrew Cochrane. “We’re dealing with both stockist bases now, so there’s a real opportunity to expand – but it’s important that we don’t waste time on things that compete with each other.”

“Morris has a completely different price level, customer and retailer,” adds John Parcell, sales director of Nathan and Sutcliffe, which supply approximately 250 retailers, while Morris boasts around 400. “Overall, the business is a considerably bigger player,” he says. “Lots of doors have opened for Morris, too.”

“We haven’t really played the cross-retail potential card yet,” comments Nicholas. “We are running the business as two separate entities. That said, a couple of retailers have

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asked about this. The opportunity exists when we start to look at these brands objectively and reposition them.

“Hopefully, the Morris Furniture brand will be applicable to Nathan and Sutcliffe stockists soon. And don’t forget that we have the potential to create own-brand products across the board.”

Nathan Furniture was rigidly defined by its teak offer before it managed to break into oak in 2008 with the launch of the characterful Shades range. Despite fears at the time that Shades might be lost in a market saturated with oak furniture, the range soon established itself as Nathan’s core offer – today, it is sold by some 175 retailers.

Similar doubts postponed the arrival of Shades bedroom, which finally landed at the January show this year following a soft

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launch at Minerva’s private fair last May. “This year is Nathan’s centenary,” says Nicholas, “and we will celebrate it with our retailers, in the form of a special product or two from the past. We want to give something to the smaller retailers that have backed us for a long time but may have been overlooked in recent years.”

Sutcliffe Furniture launched its first own-brand painted furniture, John Parcell describing a move towards more high-end branded display spaces. “The aim is probably for Nathan to be more daring, and Sutcliffe safer,” he says. Nicholas elaborates: “Nathan will be a bit more urban than the painted, country direction of Sutcliffe.”

The company’s approach to Morris Furniture Brands has proved cautious to date, tempered by the challenges of sudden >>>

“In its current format, bringing manufacture back to the UK would be unrealistic”

Shades bedroom, Nathan Furniture

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PROFILE Morris Furniture Brands

expansion. “It goes without saying that when you double in size,” says Nicholas, “you get quite a lot of indigestion!”

According to Andrew, Zone will occupy an even more contemporary space as investment is made in the supply base. Zone’s Chess range, a further foray into high gloss for the brand, was unveiled at the January show.

“Zone Furniture is fairly and squarely aimed at small, independent customers who require a distribution product, and that will continue,” says Nicholas, who admits that the brand will need to be brought up to date.

Morris Furniture, which occupies a price level above that of Zone, is set to take a more industrial direction. “We’re looking to develop Morris a good deal,” says Andrew. “It needs an identity.”

“Morris is a great opportunity, and a fantastic brand name with lots of followers,” adds Nicholas. “It hasn’t had the investment it’s deserved, which gives us a chance to develop it in the middle market.” To follow Brunel, the company plans to launch a further two ranges at this summer’s Manchester Furniture Show.

Relaxateeze signals the biggest departure for the company’s activities – yet the sheer size of its stockist base makes it crucial that it is approached correctly. Thus far, the range has been simplified, and rationalised to around a third of its previous size, and the material and colour options refined.

“Understanding and simplifying Relaxateeze has been quite challenging, but very enjoyable,” says Andrew. “We’ve not had any negative reaction at all – I think retailers are pleased there’s a fresh pair of eyes on it,

and that we’re bringing some stability to the brand.”

Nicholas adds: “Relaxateeze makes us a much bigger player in the upholstery market, and allows us to look more strategically across the whole group. From a supplier angle, it means we’ve the upholstery potential to fit any one of our brands – Nathan and Sutcliffe might start to see a few Relaxateeze developments soon.”

Working with Far East factories means that it could be a while before the trade notices significant differences. According to Nicholas, it takes at least six months to bring a new development forward, and he refuses to rush in.

Adapting to import business is a taxing affair, yet for Nicholas, who delivered an impassioned speech in defence of UK manufacturing at Minerva’s anniversary dinner last year, the step is also a considerable ideological move. Perhaps the new arrangement means production of Morris brand products might return to UK shores, given time?

“In its current format, bringing manufacture back to the UK would be unrealistic,” admits Nicholas. “In the future, however, we could buy, or we could choose to make – we do have a UK factory.

“But where do we start? A lot of customers want to see where the business is going. In terms of product, we don’t want to push an idea if we’re not certain, so we might do a number of soft launches to gauge retailer buy-in at first.

“Understanding a different customer base, and dealing with around one-and-a-half-

“Relaxateeze makes us a much bigger player in the upholstery market, and allows us to look more strategically across the whole group”

Andrew Cochrane times the number of transactions, while understanding the source base and what the opportunities are – it’s very complicated. We won’t be able to understand all the benefits until we bring the brands under more control.

“We’re managing some brands with real heritage attached to them, and the point is to keep them as distinctly different as possible, while repositioning some to make sure we have the right level of market coverage.”

Andrew echoes this approach. “The mantra is simplified, commercialised, stylised,” he says. “We’ve doubled the size of the business and trebled the volume. It’s been a massive effort.”

While we can anticipate few fireworks from the new guardian of the Morris brands, it will be reassuring to those stockists reliant on a steady throughput of good value, commercial Morris brand product that their supply is in safe hands, and, in time, will be given its chance to shine.

W nathanfurniture.co.uk

Veneer matching at the group’s factory in Todmorden, West Yorkshire

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PROFILE ROM

Aura sofa in Dandy Silver fabric

A tailor-made approach Currently the largest upholstery manufacturer in Belgium, ROM was founded in 1961 and has always strived to meet the demands of a dynamic and fastchanging market. Victoria Noakes speaks to Luc Embrecht, ROM’s sales manager, to discover more about the philosophy of the business ...

ROM supplies the market with individual, made-to-measure sofas, combining both form and function to create sofas which fit customers’ exact specifications. The company moves with modern styles and trends, embracing new technologies and adapting to its customers’ needs and tastes.

Through its passion and creativity, ROM aims to provide its customers with high-quality design and adaptability, constantly changing and developing, introducing new concepts, lines and innovations.

“When it comes to our furniture, our commitment to providing our customers with the greatest choice and flexibility is what sets us apart. Our philosophy is simple, and has remained the same for over 50 years – we adapt to your needs, whatever they may be,” says Luc. “At ROM, we’re passionate about what we do. We’re passionate

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about our products and strive to be the best upholstery manufacturer. Our inspiration ultimately comes from a desire to add value to our customers’ lives through our products and innovative and pioneering solutions.”

All ROM sofas and corner groups are available in a vast range of fabrics and in width increments of 20cm, with seemingly endless configuration options, and the business is always introducing new intelligent integrated systems to offer optimum comfort and individuality.

The company’s latest innovation, for instance – the Aladin Cosy Control app – allows users to set up to five favourite combinations of seat depth, headrest and footrest positions, and incorporates heating and sound integration, through the control of a smart device. What’s more, the iROM app enables the retailer to configure the customer’s sofa to exact specifications with a 360˚ view.

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ROM PROFILE

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Triton leather sofas

Aura sofa in Dandy Silver fabric

“We like to say that our aim is to never have to say no to our customers. We want to be able to provide them with an individual product that’s unique to them, and as a result, we need to be able to offer them whatever they need to make their ideal sofa a reality,” Luc states.

“We go by a saying – ‘to be your preferred supplier’. Living up to this takes a lot of organisation and dedication from a number of different teams, from purchasing and manufacturing to transport and after-care, and this is something we take into consideration with every decision we make.”

ROM’s furniture has gained impressive popularity in France, Germany, Benelux and Switzerland over the years, and now the manufacturer wants to continue its success story in the UK. As a result, this year ROM is creating a path in the UK market by implementing a comprehensive marketing strategy. ROM’s 20cm

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“Our philosophy is simple, and has remained the same for over 50 years – we adapt to your needs, whatever they may be” collection is adapted to the UK market, and the company has launched new products and fabrics with this market in mind.

Most recently, ROM has noted a leaning towards classic modern design within the UK market, with generously-sized sofas incorporating round detailing and a hint of contemporary style becoming increasingly popular. In order to respond to these trends, the business has developed two new models – Jupiter and Fortuna – with the UK customer in mind. >>>

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PROFILE ROM

Jupiter sofa in Camino Rosewood fabric

To support ROM’s push in the UK market, it has launched a brand new, fully-responsive dedicated UK website, which includes a ‘find my local retailer’ function to support its group of retailers. ROM is also investing in new photography as well as new supporting PoS materials created especially for the UK. “Our goal is not to have the highest number of sales points in the UK as we feel this would only lead to unsatisfied suppliers and potential price wars. What we want to have is a supplier within a 45-minute drive from any consumer who might want to buy a ROM product,” explains Luc. “Our UK sales team is extremely dynamic, and is keen to meet the customer right where they are. This is why we offer the perfect sales aids to each individual seller – depending on the amount and value of sales – in order to become even more successful. Each customer sees different advantages and can be convinced by different staging methods. With increasing sales, we also adapt our sales aids.”

ROM tries to create the best conditions possible for its retailers to increase their sales. All of the company’s models are noted in its general price list, but each distributor is able to decide their own sale prices for the models based on ROM’s recommendations, allowing some flexibility within a constantlychanging market. The company also offers its customers territorial protection and exclusivity on certain products to avoid discount battles.

Looking ahead, ROM’s aim is to continue to deliver some of the best in upholstered design, both in style and practicality. In

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Luc Embrecht

addition, the business wants to help its customers become even more successful through the sales of its products by introducing innovative sales tools and exceptional services, and grow along with them.

W rom.be

28/04/2016 14:23

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PROFILE Kettle Interiors

With a UK stockholding of over £7.5m, Kettle Interiors offers retailers fast and reliable access to over 480 items of furniture and wicker storage, the latter through the company’s new Wicker Merchant brand. Such impressive figures leave little doubt that the supplier is one of the UK’s foremost, but as Simon Ainge, sales director, reveals there is far more to the company’s success than these headline-grabbing numbers …

Kettle Interiors’ comprehensive offer “What goes on behind the scenes is just as important as giving retailers a great selection of furniture that delivers a style for every customer,” explains Simon, “for such choice is of little use if it’s not easily obtainable or comes with a long and protracted wait.

On that principle we have built a quite formidable stockholding to ensure that we can provide our retailers with great service no matter what furniture they choose.

“Our UK stockholding is impressive enough, but we’ve also some £5.5m of stock overseas too, so we can make sure that our supply chain is as consistent as possible.

This sizeable investment ensures that we are ready to meet orders of all sizes.”

Kettle introduces new collections on a twice-yearly basis to help retailers stay up to date with interior trends – this year, it has already introduced the LG traditional oak collection and the modernist AB collection.

“We want to be a true all-round furniture supplier for retailers right across the country,” says Simon, “so it’s really important that we deliver furniture that ticks the right boxes – whether that’s traditional, contemporary, oak, pine or painted. We also need to make sure that we keep driving forward with new collections that pick up on the latest market trends, so that our

AB

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The Wicker Merchant

customers can turn to us with confidence, knowing that we’ll have exactly what their customers are looking for.”

Quality too is on point, with Kettle providing details such as soft-close drawers and doors, internal LED lighting, handle options and dovetail joints. With 15 furniture collections and 91 items in the Wicker Merchant range alone, this quality is accessible to all, with Kettle delivering competitive pricing across its portfolio.

“We try to offer retailers the best possible

LG

value no matter the size of their operation,” explains Simon, “and that’s why we provide three different routes to our furniture in Wholesale, Stockist and Container. The first, Wholesale, is great for anyone wanting to minimise their stockholding or placing occasional orders, offering low prices with fast and free delivery from £500.

“For those with an average monthly spend above £2500, we’ve introduced a price break and free delivery in Stockist, while our Container package delivers the very best value on mixed containers in just six weeks.”

Kettle also operates a DHD service to reduce standing costs and online ordering, as well as dedicated office sales support and discounts for shopfloor display orders.

With in-store marketing materials and full after-sales care too, the package offered to retailers really is a complete one, as Simon concludes: “To everyone at Kettle Interiors, providing our customers with furniture is only half the story – we want to make sure that we also provide them with the very best possible service throughout every aspect of our relationship with them.

“From exclusive ranges and triple-layer packaging to ensure arrival in perfect condition, through to easy and flexible ordering that works to their advantage, fast delivery and great aftersales care, we take great pride in doing the very best we can.

Simply put, we believe in offering the best in service and the best possible price.”

T 01536 444960 E sales@kettleinteriorsagencies.com

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DINING ROOM

Oakham, Kettle Interiors

Priory, Wood Bros

Wood Bros (01920 469241) offers a variety of flexible dining options, ranging from traditional to contemporary. The Hint and Frame collections were launched in January with great success. Hint provides a modern retro look and comprises two dining groups and a diverse selection of occasional designs in natural beech with a painted finish option.

Frame is a striking character oak range focused around kitchen living and offers a more informal and fresh take on country style.

Bluebone (sales@bluebone.co.uk) presents two new dining ranges this year. The first of these is Storm, a classic range, painted dark grey with a rustic taupe top. Next is Waldorf dining, a more modern range in oak, suitable for small spaces and boasting a clean look with a retro feel.

Bluebone is currently offering display discounts on its dining and bedroom ranges.

Home Inc’s (0800 772 0807, www.homeinc. co.uk) new and unique Brooklyn range is available to the trade this month, comprising a concrete effect melamine top above a base covered by red oak veneer. The samples

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Hint, Wood Bros

Storm dining, Bluebone

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Brooklyn dining, Home Inc

Brooklyn tables, Home Inc

Frame, Wood Bros

available at the January Furniture Show were very popular so pre-orders can be taken now to ensure prompt delivery. The range can also be viewed at the company’s new Enfieldbased showroom.

Due to popularity and demand, Kettle Interiors (01536 444960) has expanded the Oakham dining and occasional collection with

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seven new items, including kitchen islands, cupboards, benches and a highboard.

Finished in a subtle rustic edge with chunky tops and metal handles, these new Oakham items continue the quality feel of the range and bring some highlights including granite tops on the two kitchen island units and a large bench that is a great addition to

the range’s series of tables.

These new additions are available from UK stocks now through wholesale, stockist and container packages.

For retailers yet to order the fast-selling and expansive Oakham collection, Kettle Interiors also offers discounts for shopfloor displays

28/04/2016 14:24

BEDS & BEDR0OM Moorish in Morocco charcoal, one of the new supersize rugs from Flair Rugs

Heritage two-drawer, Rest Assured

Handmade in the UK, the beds and mattresses in Rest Assured’s (www.rest-assured.co.uk) Heritage collection have been created using traditional pocket springs with premium fillings to provide comfort. Rest Assured has over 115 years of experience in crafting luxurious comfortable beds and mattresses, all created using traditional techniques.

The Rest Assured Heritage collection has been approved by the Good Housekeeping Institute for the second year running, having been praised for providing comfort and a good night’s sleep.

The Windsor Memory Wool 2800 is one of five styles in the Rest Assured Heritage range and is exclusive to independent bed retailers.

It has 2800 springs and natural memory wool filling. The memory wool offers comfort, support and pressure relief, while the two layers of springs ensure enhanced comfort for the user and longevity for the mattress.

The mattress is treated with Purotex – a

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Heritage detail, Rest Assured

textile treatment that uses probiotics to reduce moisture and dust mite allergen to create a drier, fresher and healthier mattress.

This creates a healthier sleeping environment, and has received the seal of approval from Allergy UK. The Heritage Windsor Memory Wool 2800 is available in a choice of four fabric options – Sandstone, Slate Grey, Ebony and Tan, with co-ordinating headboards. There are storage options to suit all bedroom shapes, with two-drawer, four-drawer or ottoman bases available.

Responding to the trend for room-size rugs of giant proportions, Flair Rugs (01457 850660, sales@flairrugs.com) has expanded its supersize line-up for spring/summer with 14 new styles, now available in an impressive 200 x 290cm dimension.

The 100% wool Moorish, Illusion, Abstract and Sierra, along with the natural jute Herringbone and fuss-free polypropylene of

Glen, are now all available in this new size, bringing homeowners sophisticated styles that are ideal for use in open living spaces.

“As homeowners seek a more open way of living we’ve seen a strong growth in demand for rugs that can take up the challenge of living spaces that transcend our traditional perception of separate rooms for relaxing, dining and cooking,” explains Gareth Davies, sales and marketing director. “With the ability to stretch far beyond the ends of sofas and other focal furniture pieces, these new rugs help to create definition and add a layer of texture and colour upon often neutral hard flooring surfaces.”

Available now, these new supersize additions celebrate key looks for 2016 – the North Africa-inspired geometrics of Moorish, the heritage tartan of Glen and colourful linear strokes of Illusion Candy through to subtle textural offerings in Sierra and Herringbone.

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Contempo Ortho 1000, Breasley, with Salus drop-down tag (inset)

Breasley (www.breasleyconsumer.co.uk) launched its Salus Contempo collection earlier this year, and is now rolling it out to stores throughout the UK. Over the past couple of months, Breasley’s sales team has been out with the company’s new show van visiting customers, and the response to the range has been positive, with a record number of floor model orders being taken.

The collection encompasses Breasley’s exclusive medi-foam and Viscoool technologies, and also features Latexco latex in three of the models plus Tencel throughout the range. This move forward by the company brings everything together within one new collection.

From the Contempo Ortho 1000 to the Contempo LV5000, all of the models within the range offer a unique look and feel combined with contemporary, stylish design which is synonymous with the Salus brand.

There are two pocket ortho models featuring Breasley’s medi-foam contoured sleep support system, whilst the V1000, V1200, V1500 and V2000 all have Viscoool technology. For those wanting a higher level of comfort, the V3000, V4000 and V5000 have both Viscoool and latex. All models have individual pocket spring support.

The springs are also foam encased around the perimeter of the mattress to give edge to edge support and to maximise the sleeping

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Contempo Ortho V1500, Breasley

area. The luxurious covers all feature Tencel fibres, which are renowned for their softness and moisture management properties.

With the launch of the collection, more divan and headboard colour choices have also been added to complement the existing Salus palette of fresh and natural tones.

Stuart Hibbert, MD of Breasley Consumer,

says: “For 2016, our plan was to combine our years of development with our technologies and bring them under one brand – the Contempo Collection – making it simpler for our retail partners and customers to understand the product range we offer. From the feedback we have received to date, we feel we have achieved our aims.” >>>

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Chelsea bedroom, Smart Oak Furniture

Smart Oak Furniture (01937 589188) has been selling furniture by container for the last two years from China.

The company employs two quality control staff in China to ensure the product quality is high.

Smart Oak Furniture introduced its Chelsea

bedroom range in January, and since the January Furniture Show it has sold many containers.

The company is sure that this product will be a big seller in the UK, not just because of its high quality but also because of its striking satin finish and dovetail detail.

The Chelsea bedroom range can be retailed at very competitive prices, and Smart Oak Furniture believes that it will grow to be very popular in 2016 and beyond.

The company is now also considering adding a range of dining furniture in the same painted satin finish. >>>

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Northern Ireland 3 Main St, Ballynahinch, Co.Down BT24 8DN TEL.: 028 9756 1812, FAX.: 028 9756 4435 E-mail: sales@bluebone.co.uk

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RA 280

Our Heritage Collection offers affordable luxury and exquisite style and has been awarded Good Housekeeping Institute approval for the 2nd year running!

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NEW

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Our new collection of beautiful beds, mattresses, headboards and bases are designed to appeal to everyday lifestyles.

The Modern Living Collection is built to last and offers the ultimate in relaxation and comfort. The range is backed up with extensive marketing support to drive customers into your store.

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BEDS & BEDROOM Jamestown, Core Products

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Core Products’ (01738 630555) Jamestown collection is engineered to bring customers great value.

With many shops stocking budget-priced furniture, where price differential is marginal it is essential that suppliers have a tangible point of difference to the competition.

Dovetail drawers are universally recognised as a sign of the cabinetmaker’s skill and are a great talking point to emphasise craftsmanship, therefore rarely found on low-cost products.

Core Products is proud of its investment in innovation technology which led to the development of flatpack dovetail drawers. Using sophisticated computer-controlled machinery enables the mass production of these complex pieces of wood engineering without the usual costs associated with this level of workmanship.

Dovetail drawers feature in many of Core’s great value bedroom ranges such as Jamestown which combines cream painted MDF with natural oak veneer tops. >>>

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BEDS & BEDROOM

Alaska Breathe, Sweet Dreams

Sweet Dreams (01282 830033) is enjoying success with its gel beds, and Alaska Breathe – a divan featuring Sleepzone springs – is just one example. Breathe Gel, which is a Sweet Dreams UK exclusive, features open-cell diamond shapes and is employed within the mattress in two head-to-toe strips, providing breathability and a cool-fresh feel.

The mattress has a tufted, soft-knit fabric to the top and features a vertical 3D breathable border. Alaska Breathe comes in

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ecoGrand, The Shire Bed Company’s comfiest ecoShire bed to date

five sizes and is offered with drawers and in three styles of ottoman.

Since launching its ecoShire bedbugbanishing mattresses with EcoShield technology, The Shire Bed Company (01924 439898, info@shirebeds.co.uk) has been busy creating its comfiest ecoShire bed yet, the ecoGrand, a hand-made mattress which boasts 4000 pocket springs, allowing comfortable sleep across the entire surface of the mattress.

With natural fillings and Tencel in the finish as well as air vents and flag-stitched handles as standard, this top-of-the-range ecoShire mattress promises good value.

The range also includes the ecoChampion, ecoCosy, ecoComfy and ecoRest.

The Shire Bed Company produces high quality beds, mattresses and divan bases, and supplies nationally and internationally to major retailers as well as education, care and hospitality clients within the contract sector

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Since the introduction of Vogue Beds’ Sports Therapy Mattress to the market, the innovative range has gone from strength to strength. Over the past four years, the increase in popularity has exceeded expectations, with a number of sporting professionals endorsing the mattresses.

Vogue Beds’ continued success

Sports Therapy memory mattress The idea for the Sports Therapy Mattress Range struck Vogue Beds MD, Ebrahim Patel, in 2011: “I wanted to make a mattress that I could link to a sports theme especially since we had the Olympics in 2012. We obviously had a look around to see what was available in the marketplace and decided to keep these products simple and ensure that it was made

Sports Therapy adjustable mattress

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and could be used with anyone with an active lifestyle,” he says.

Since its launch in 2012, the Sports Therapy Mattress range has come a long way. The range, which consisted of just three models, now boasts four products with the new additions featuring Airstream and Gel, plus adjustable mattress options and Sports

Therapy Pillows which complement the mattresses.

The mattresses undertook an aesthetic change in 2014, with a more sportier look by adding a 3D border in a different colour to differentiate each mattress. In 2015, the range took a big step and started trading online through Mattress Online.

The range now has over 100 retail stockists and is available to purchase through three online retailers – Mattress Online, MrMattress and Worldstores – and has a wide variety of endorsements from sporting professionals, including international rugby player Anthony Watson.

“Having recently moved house, I was looking for a new mattress that would help me get the best possible sleep – vital for all professional athletes. It is perfect for this and has already led to better sleep and is helping my body to recover during rest. I would highly recommend it to other athletes,” he states.

With a number of key sporting events around the corner, such the Euro Championships, Wimbledon and the Olympics, and an impressive team of sales agents behind the brand, the Sports Therapy Mattress is expected to continue to rise in popularity.

W sportstherapymattress.co.uk

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LIVING ROOM

Sophia, Westbridge Furniture

Darcy, Westbridge Furniture

Westbridge Furniture’s Darcy, from the company’s Spirit range, has been its bestseller since its launch in 2010. The range’s curves combined with its comfort has proven to be a favourite with Westbridge’s retailers year after year, with its crushed velvet in deep rich colours making an impression. This year, the company has extended the range by creating a curved corner.

The strikingly-proportioned and elegant Sophia is one of the newest designs, launched at the January Furniture Show. Boasting a new fabric collection, Sophia shows an impressive mix of colours and textures, and has taken influence from Pantone’s colour

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of the year, Serenity, which is a blend of uplifting chalk pastels.

The classic and sophisticated sofa with deep buttoned detail is available in four sizes and benefits from Westbridge’s extensive fabric offering.

The trend for creating a modern interpretation of a retro style can be seen in ercol’s (www.ercol.com) new contemporary version of the Originals room divider. First designed by Lucian Ercolani in 1956, this new design has been reissued in elm and beech, and is available now.

Sweet Dreams (01282 830033, sales@ sweetdreamsuk.com), which brought the Comfort Zone Sofas products under its own

Originals room divider, ercol

banner as of 2nd May and is continuing to sell and distribute the full Britishmanufactured range, is enjoying success with chesterfield-sofabed York.

A classic chesterfield, with hardwood frame and carded fibre seat cushions, York comes in a three-seater and two-seater sofa and features a two-fold action sofabed with a tufted, fully-sprung mattress.

As with all models formerly marketed under the Comfort Zone Sofas brand name, York is manufactured at the Sweet Dreams premises in Lancashire, and is delivered to home or store within 10 working days.

Retailers should make enquiries for all former Comfort Zone products to Sweet Dreams >>>

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LIVING ROOM

Orient sofa in Osborne and Little’s Croisette Antibes fabric, Parker & Farr

Aspen, Indian Hub

or to their agents where appropriate.

Parker & Farr’s (www.parkerandfarr.co.uk) glamorous Orient sofa features art deco detailing, a fan-shaped back, scroll arms and plump leather cushions. Finished with handsewn edges, skirts and fringes, the Orient is available in a number of fabrics from the manufacturer’s hand-picked house collection, and can also be customised to order.

Indian Hub’s (01293 772481, sales@ indianhub.co.uk) Aspen is a versatile, modern range which draws upon eco-friendly sources.

It is handcrafted from solid acacia and nickleplated iron, combining a warm, two-tone finish with traditional craftsmanship.

Based in Surrey, Indian Hub, a manufacturer and wholesaler of solid wooden cabinet furniture, offers a strong portfolio encompassing commercial designs, quality manufacturing and reliable service.

Bespoke furniture manufacturer Camelot Furniture (01629 636831, info@ camelotfurniture.co.uk) has launched the

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Infinity, Camelot Furniture

York, Sweet Dreams Universal Collection of handmade rise and recline chairs. Accompanied by matching suites, the chairs are available in an array of fabrics.

Each model can be customised to meet the customers’ specific needs, from made-to-

measure chairs to extending leg rests and a selection of interchangeable back designs to provide greater lumbar support.The company also offers a range of exclusive built-in functions, including heating, massage and >>> device charging systems.

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WWFS

Best in the UK

WFS Ltd Exclusive designs for 2016! Top quality pieces to suit all tastes

Worldwide Furniture Source 198-202 Breck Road, Liverpool, L5 6PX T: 0151 263 5392 E: wwfsltd@gmail.com www.wwfsltd.com

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Our West Midlands Distibutor

Rainbow Upholstery Unit 1-4 Marlow Street, Rowley Regis, West Midlands, B65 0AY T: 0121 561 5386 E: martin@rainbowupholstery.co.uk

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Stirling armchair, Serene Living

Featuring soft-close drawers throughout, Kettle Interiors’ (01536 444960, email sales@ kettleinteriorsagencies.com) LG collection was launched at the beginning of the year, and this traditionally-styled oak dining and occasional range has become one of the supplier’s fastest-ever sellers.

A comprehensive selection of 36 items provides furniture to suit all sizes of home.

From the compact 1.3m extending dining table to the statuesque 3m refectory table, alongside a display cabinet with lights, three TV units, a selection of sideboards and more, LG is a fully-featured collection.

This new collection is available from UK stocks through Kettle’s Wholesale, Stockist and Container packages. For retailers yet to order the collection, Kettle also offers discounts for shopfloor displays.

Following its success at the trade shows earlier this year, Keen Classics (07774 704744, info@keenclassics.com) reports that its business in The Midlands is “flourishing”, aided by the efforts of agent John Ruck, and all over Ireland due to its owners’ endeavours. Mahogany is proving popular in the finer stores, with shop owners stating that their “customers can’t believe that this quality is available at that price”.

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Mahogany table nest, Keen Classics Due to this success, Keen Classics is now exploring the possibility of working with other agents.

The launch of Serene Living’s (www.serene. co.uk) new occasional chair collection extends the company’s reach into new areas of the home furnishings market. The impressive new range presents 13 accent chairs in striking colourways that combine aspects of the traditional and contemporary to ensure there is something for every taste.

The Stirling armchair is an example of this, blending style with hints of the modern to present a charming design, punctuated with studded stitching and elegant legs. The armchair is available in three neutral tones

LG, Kettle Interiors

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Indian

Sorio Range

Available from Stock and Nationwide Delivery

01293 772 481 www.indianhub.co.uk Indian V21.indd Hub Advert81 USE2.indd 1 FN_326

HANDCRAFTED INDUSTRIAL FURNITURE

INDIAN HUB

35 TANYARD WAY, HORLEY, SURREY, RH6 9PE PHONE: 01293 772 481 EMAIL: sales@indianhub.co.uk

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LIVING ROOM Indus Valley

Indus Valley offers seven individually-designed ranges, handcrafted using solid wood, iron and stainless steel.

Indus Valley’s unique offering

Railway sleeper coffee table

Matrix dining table

Reclaimed sideboard

Indus Valley’s Matrix collection is a clever combination of solid acacia wood, with natural cracks and splits to give it a slight rustic feel, contrasted with polished stainless steel legs. The range comes with a dining, coffee, console and lamp table, TV cabinet, sideboard and bookcase. The dining set is comprised of upholstered polished stainless steel cantilever chairs.

Another range which catches the eye is the Railway Sleeper collection made from reclaimed sleeper wood. Thick wild solid sleeper wood, which differs in look and texture within the same table top, has a 10mm toughened glass top and sits on polished stainless steel legs.

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The steel and crushed velvet chairs coupled with the rough sleeper wood makes the range unique. It comprises a dining, coffee, lamp and console table, sideboard and TV cabinet.

Chairs are interchangeable so customers can choose between three and four options of velvet and stainless steel.

The Reclaimed collection is made of solid upcycled wood sourced from old colourful doors, cabinets and even ceilings. It has a rustic look, cleverly contrasted with black iron legs/frames on tables and cabinets.

Paired with the dining table are upholstered cantilever chairs inspired from a car seat design.

A large range of unique occasional products

is also available, extending from striking coffee tables on cast iron wheels to leather and stainless steel trunks and dining chairs in crushed velvet and faux leathers.

Led by MD Atul Joshi, Indus Valley is back in the market after a gap. Based in Nottingham, operating out of a 25,000ft² warehouse, every item is opened and quality checked before it is repacked. A team of full time quality controllers in India is employed to check products before despatch. Indus Valley offers a white glove, room of choice direct home delivery service to anywhere in the UK, which is sure to appeal to retailers who are not keen to handle product.

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Home Inc. Premium Indoor Furniture for the Trade We are pleased to confirm our new and unique Brooklyn range will be arriving in May - comprising a concrete effect melamine top above a base covered by red oak veneer.

The samples available at the January Furniture Show were very popular so pre-orders can be taken now to ensure prompt delivery.

The range can also be viewed at our new southern showroom at East Duck Lees Lane, Enfield.

Please contact Alistair on: 0800 772 0807 or info@homeinc.co.uk to arrange a visit!

Northern Showroom, 696 Oldham Rd, Failsworth, Manchester M35 9FB Phone: +44 (0) 800 772 0807

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FURNISHER “In line with our successful policy of introducing new lines frequently we have added new ranges of lighting, upholstery, doggy door stops and occasional furniture in steel chrome with glass and a new range of wall art,” says Febland (www.febland.co.uk) MD Tony Febland of the company’s origins.

“If Simman Febland had been around today he would not have recognised the items which we showed at the NEC in January. He started the company in 1952 with a few ceramic lines, mainly from Italy and Spain. At that time the UK was in recovery from WW2 and there was a shortage of fancy goods generally.

“The goods were shipped in by sea and got collected from Liverpool docks in big wooden packing cases. A small warehouse facility in Blackpool was rented and soon proved too small so he hired an aircraft hangar at Blackpool Airport which served its purpose until being burnt to the ground in November 1973.

“It fell to me to carry the flag and as luck would have it a stroke of good fortune for Febland was that we ran a parallel road transport service to Italy and it grew to daily departures from all over the UK to Italy. On one occasion we were instructed to deliver a full load of Italian reproduction furniture to a company in Manchester and we were charged with the task of getting payment before the goods were unloaded.

“The suppliers must have had inside information about the importer as we were unable to collect any form of payment or partial settlement from the consignee. Our 12m trailer was therefore hauled back to base in Blackpool and a week later it was decided to unload the Italian furniture in our warehouse and I agreed to try and sell the contents and forward the income back to the Italian manufacturers.

“What started out as a bit of a gamble started to turn into big business as the goods were very popular being carved baroque show-wood frame and nice velvet upholstery in a choice of five colours. Going into furniture >>> was a big step for us!”

Traforata small throne chair, Febland

QUALITY EUROPEAN HARDWOOD (BEECH AND OAK) CHAIRS ALL AVAILABLE FROM STOCK FINISHING SERVICES AVAILABLE EMAIL OR CALL US TO REQUEST A BROCHURE AND PRICELISTLARGE OR SMALL QUANTITIES DISCOUNT FOR COLLECTION Please visit our website to see our full ranges WWW.MANDPCHAIRS.CO.UK All enquiries to: Mike Hodgson – mikehodgson@gmx.com

Call: 07802 648383 or Paul Hodgson – paul.holroyd.hodgson@gmail.com

Call: 07469 819520

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Tapestry-carpet designed by Jaime Hayon for Nodus

Designer Jaime Hayon has collaborated with Nodus (0039 02 866838) to develop a contemporary interpretation of traditional folklore, creating unique one-off wall tapestries resulting from mixed weaving techniques.

Afghan Folklore and Japanese Folklore are the first tapestry-carpets resulting of this collaboration. They take inspiration from stories and characters of specific folk elements with the goal of using cultural references and different patterns to convey the richness of tradition.

The playful approach of Hayon and his particular point of view, combined with the

Vintage, Louis de Poortere

experience of Nodus in the textiles, create compositions telling traditional stories from a contemporary perspective.

Belgian manufacturer Louis de Poortere (info@depoorterelouis.com, www.louisdepoortere.com) offers a versatile rug collection spanning contemporary and classical vintage designs.

Cameo, Fading World and Vintage add an antique feel to interiors. In double-distressed cotton chenille, these collections are brought to life using the Jacquard flatweave method.

Last year, the company’s portfolio saw the introduction of Silver Lining and BoBohemian.

Silver Lining holds two intricate designs,

Diamonds and Twinkle, woven in an 85% cotton/15% high-gloss yarn blend.

This year, Louis de Poortere extended its offering with statement collections Mad Men and Mosaiq. Inspired by the golden boys of the Sixties responsible for America’s most recognisable brand images, Mad Men’s designs are woven using jacquard Wilton looms in chenille and high-gloss polyester.

Mosaiq offers five colour combinations woven into 100% cotton chenille, demonstrating the skill of the company’s weavers through a geometric pattern.

The seven rug collections are available in Louis de Poortere’s nine versatile stock sizes

Danube Oak now available in painted finish supplying the UK and Ireland wholesale.

Available in: Warm White, French Grey and Weathered Oak Contact us now for details FOB prices available for all our ranges….

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FURNISHER CIMC

For over 25 years, CIMC has offered home interiors products – specifically lighting and furniture – to cater for a wide range of tastes. Furniture News speaks to sales director Mehmood Pirbhai to discover how the supplier’s premium furniture collections are meeting demand for the latest trends …

Discover a complete premium offer

Gatsby

“CIMC launches over 1000 new products every year in line with the latest trends and styles,” says Mehmood. “We also carry large stocks – especially within our furniture and lighting categories – making it very attractive for independents to showcase our product in their showrooms with the confidence there is a back-up stock ready at our end.”

According to Mehmood, mirror furniture and statement lighting are proving popular this year – and, in response, CIMC has

launched three premium signature ranges, named Manhattan, Gatsby and Marrakesh.

These striking collections reflect the company’s ability to deliver complete stylised settings for the home, giving retailers a onestop buying solution.

“Our new premium furniture ranges have been a huge success this year,” says Mehmood, “and customers are enjoying great repeats with these ranges.” These stockists include Fishpools, Fenwick Brent Cross and

Manhattan

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Cookes Birmingham, to name but a few.

CIMC offers seven-day delivery on most items, dispatching deliveries of lighting, furniture, textiles and home accessories from its trade warehouse in Scotland.

The company’s extensive product catalogue can be explored through its website, and registered members of the trade can also pay a visit to CIMC’s showroom in Leicester.

T 01501 740496 W cimchome.com

Marrakesh

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FURNISHER Lighting – Envy

Portugal’s Envy Lighting (sales@iiiuk.com, www.envy-lighting. com) has supplied the UK furniture and lighting industry since 2012. Its latest collection offers a multitude of shapes and sizes, in on-trend colours and materials. According to the company, many of the UK’s finest retailers have introduced its ceramic floor and table lamps to their showrooms, enhancing both sales and room sets.

Further high-quality, contemporary designs – at affordable prices – can be found on Envy’s website, and for information on UK sales interested parties should contact Alan Elliot via the email address listed above.

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FURNISHER Lighting – Light & Living

Dutch company Light & Living has been active in the British market for two years now. Furniture News decided it was time to find out more about this home decoration wholesaler, and put a few questions to sales representative for the UK, Alison Polley …

Dutch home deco meets UK demand

What are Light & Living’s main activities?

Light & Living’ manufactures and distributes decorative lighting and home deco accessories. Our goal is to make our extensive collection available to a wide group of consumers through our retail partners.

There is something for everyone in our collection. From rustic to contemporary styles, trendy to classic, at Light & Living you will find what you’re looking for.

That’s a bold statement – can you back up that promise?

We can supply almost everything directly from stock, and our collection is constantly updated.

We can confidently say that we are on top of the trends, and are capable of bringing those trends to the market very quickly. Despite the fact that our sales team and showroom are still relatively new to the UK, we have been operating in other countries for years – for instance, in addition to Europe, we have sales teams in the US and China.

How can potential stockists find out more?

We have a sales team and a showroom in Somercotes, Derbyshire. We also have a web shop that specifically focuses on the British market.

We will be exhibiting at Autumn Fair at the NEC in September, as well as at other major international trade fairs, such as Maison & Objet in Paris.

We are impressed with the British market, and are looking forward to seeing what the future has in store for us!

T 0031 71 367 2240 W light-living.co.uk

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Where inspiration meets expectation VISIT OUR SHOWROOM IN SOMERCOTES, DERBYSHIRE Unit 6, Securiparc, Wimsey Way, Alfreton Trading Estate, Somercotes, Alfreton, Derbyshire, DE55 4HG 074 68 58 10 00 www.light-living.co.uk

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TRADE SERVICES Regarded as a leading furniture storage and logistics company in Ireland, WS Dennison (www.wsdennison.com) specialises in providing furniture logistics services to manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and international and multinational retailers. It is adding several new vehicles and a number of new trailers to its already-impressive fleet of around 30 rigid and articulated trucks and almost 60 bespoke trailers.

Founded in 1979 by MD William Dennison who was quickly joined by transport manager Liam Taggart, the company’s main hub is based in Antrim, but it has a satellite depot in Limerick, enabling it to provide distribution to all of Ireland. The company originally operated out of a rented warehouse just across the road before moving into its currently owned premises in 2005, while its Limerick facility – where a team of eight people is presently employed – was established two years later.

Its two purpose-built furniture storage warehouses incorporate a total of 50,000ft², allowing the company to de-stuff goods and consolidate these into viable loads for delivery to various locations across the country. As the company uses its own warehousing and driving staff, no part of the operation is contracted out, which means the company has full control over the entire process.

Every week, furniture arrives at both the Antrim and Limerick depots from England, Scotland and Wales and from countries such as Italy, Romania, Germany, Spain and China, with thousands of deliveries being made to various regions across the country. Deliveries are made to the Dublin area three or four times every week, the west coast of Ireland is covered twice a week and trucks travel down to Limerick once a week.

Aerofoam (020 8204 8411) is a foam converter and bespoke cushion manufacturer which supplies middle- to top-end furniture manufacturers. Its respectable reputation has been built over 60 years, ensuring that individual requirements have been delivered.

The company’s in-depth product knowledge results in high-quality products at cost-effective prices. Aerofoam is an approved supplier to many high-profile companies in the sofa and seating, interior design, manufacturing, upholstery, retail and hotelier sectors.

One of the UK’s largest high street retailers is transforming its warehouse operations with the use of an innovative mobile furniture storage system. Lift Safe (www. furnibox.co.uk) has supplied more than 650 FurniBox systems to a major fashion and furniture retailer.

Using FurniBox saves on labour costs – one man can transport a three-piece suite >>>

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One of W. S. Dennison’s dedicated delivery trucks

Aerofoam is a foam converter and bespoke cushion manufacturer

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TRADE SERVICES

Lectra held a seminar last month on how technology generates efficiency in the furniture trade

FurniBox, Lift Safe Stroolmount MD Gill Finch

rather than needing six to carry it. Easy to push around on castors, the cart also helps reduce lost working hours due to employee injuries such as back strains.

Most importantly, the system protects furniture in storage and transit, minimising losses from damage. Furthermore, it helps with stock picking accuracy – a customer’s entire order can be picked and stored in FurniBoxes for collection.

Jerry Hanss, MD of Lift Safe, says: “All retailers know that unfortunately the majority of damage to high value items like furniture happens during handling in the warehouse.

“FurniBox is a low cost, simple method of preventing damage, improving pick accuracy and reducing manpower in furniture warehouse and retail applications. We are delighted to that one of the biggest names on the high street has recognised the return on investment that FurniBox delivers and are already in discussions with several other major retail chains.”

“Stroolmount (www.stroolmount.co.uk) has had a busy few months, with the launch

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Stroolmount floor protection products

of our updated website, which incorporates videos of our products in action, a trade login to order online and free stockist advertising.

Thank you to all our customers past and present for supporting us by stocking our furniture and flooring products and helping us to grow our business,” says Stroolmount MD Gill Finch.

Lectra (www.lectra.com), a world leader in integrated technology solutions dedicated to industries using fabrics, leather, technical textiles and composite materials, hosted an event last month to present the latest technology for the furniture industry at the Furniture Makers’ Hall in London.

Attracting a mix of upholstered furniture manufacturers, trade and press, the event focused on current market trends and explored how furniture companies can keep pace with this increasingly competitive market. The event examined how technology can generate efficiency gains in the furniture manufacturing process, from design and product development, to production.

“The UK is one of the few countries seeing a significant rebound in the upholstered

furniture market and we forecast that it will continue in this growth phase, 2% each year, until at least 2018,” confirmed Giovanna Castellina, leading expert from the Centre for Industrial Studies (CSIL).

“Competition in this sector remains stiff, with developing countries continuing to invest in new manufacturing facilities, as well as improving their design capabilities.”

DesignConcept Furniture, Lectra’s 3D virtual prototyping solution, is said to significantly shorten lead time – up to 30% in preparing design reviews and 50% in physical prototyping.

“Regardless of the scale of a business or the volume of production, the right technology, support, and expertise is absolutely critical to ensuring speed to market, an effective design to cost and design to manufacturing model, and ultimately a profitable and competitive business.

Lectra is proud to be able to support so many furniture manufacturers in the UK, Northern Europe and also globally,” concluded Jean-Patrice Gros, director of Lectra Northern Europe and UK

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TRADE SERVICES The Decorative Panels Group

A leader in cutting-edge surface solutions, The Decorative Panels Group is constantly developing decors and laminates suitable for modern furniture tastes. One of its latest finishes, Ocean Drive, is a good example …

Decorative Panels’ textured approach Decorative Panels Lamination recently introduced the heavily-structured finish, Ocean Drive, as a stock design. It is a Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) substrate, coated with a polyolefin-based (PO) film.

Ocean Drive is ideal for the surface-coating of various wood-based materials and is used in the production of high-quality furniture components, wall and ceiling panels. A key feature of this surface material is its unique, heavily-textured surface, which boasts a three-dimensional quality.

At first glance this material may appear tricky to edge – however, it is actually straightforward and can give an impressive result, as Julian Tatham, Decorative Panels’ design director, explains: “Any edging material from 0.8 to 3mm can be used,” he says. “Our view is that the best visual results are obtained with 0.8mm edging, although thicker edging will allow a larger tolerance when setting the chamfer, as detailed below.

“First, measure the thickness of the finished board – Ocean Drive material is up to 2mm thick, so the width of edging used and the height setting on your edgebander needs to account for this extra thickness.

“Next, select the chamfer cutting section of your trimming blocks, set the trimming block so they trim back the edging and also cut back into the surface material, but go no lower than the lowest valley in the surface material.

A possible application for Ocean Drive “The trimmer can be set lower than the lowest valley but only to trim into the edging – so the thicker the edging, the lower the chamfer can go. A little trial and error may need to be used to refine the setting and get the look that you are happy with.”

For more information, interested parties can request a copy of Decorative Panels’ new corporate brochure, or explore it online via the group’s newly-updated website, the primary point of reference for design

selection from the group’s extensive collection of dp-décor and dp-specialist finishes.

The site features every design on screen, and offers the ability to filter through species, collections and shades. Design assistance is provided, through swatches featuring complementary and alternative colourways.

All company literature and design swatches are available to view on screen and download.

W decorativepanels.co.uk

Ocean Drive

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DESIGNER Rob Scarlett Meets … Ian Archer

meets ...

Rob Scarlett Ian Archer

Stix love seat, Archer & Co

Design underpins this industry, regardless of one’s place in the market. While creating something from nothing can appear to be the province of high-end European designers, the UK has a core of solid, hard-working creative professionals that keep the industry alive. In this exclusive series, Rob Scarlett of Scarlett Design UK goes in search of the unsung heroes of the industry to find out what makes them tick. This month, Rob meets Ian Archer …

On Ian

Ian Archer

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Ian is the founder of Ian Archer Design and Archer & Co (formerly Couch Design). He has designed sofas and armchairs for high street names such as Ercol, Wesley Barrell and John Lewis for many years. The winner of two Design Guild Mark Awards – for the Raffa Chair and the Frame Sofa – as well as a contributor to Heal’s Discovers 2013, Ian studied Furniture Design at the University of Central England, Birmingham. He is currently working on designs for Arlo & Jacob.

W ianarcherdesign.co.uk W archerandcompany.co.uk

What was the most valuable part of your education?

A fantastic life drawing teacher, and a few weeks’ work experience with a supplier to Habitat.

What was your first design job?

My first design job was in the West End in the contract furniture industry.

Where might I have heard your name before?

I have worked closely with Ercol on a number of upholstery products with international

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Rob Scarlett Meets … Ian Archer DESIGNER

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“Networking and promoting yourself is going to be at least as important as your design skills”

launches in Milan and New York. I have designs with John Lewis, Laura Ashley and Made.com, and had a sustainable product range selected for Heal’s Discovers in 2013. I also received a lot of press for my involvement in the new online brand Arlo & Jacob. I also have a small bespoke furniture store in Bristol – Archer & Co. What are you working on right now?

I have been preparing new models to launch in Cologne, Birmingham, Paris and Stockholm, and hopefully Milan – and maybe New York!

I have just completed the Stix range of steam-bent furniture. This is a contemporary update of this traditional style of furniture, and I have created a sofa, dining chair, carver chair and love seat. The pieces were made by traditional makers Sitting Firm. The Stix sofa in walnut is available exclusively through Aram Store, Covent Garden, and in other timbers from Archer & Co. Also recently I created two new compact shapes for Arlo & Jacob, the Aragon and Orlando sofas, both of which are ideal for small spaces or as occasional pieces outside of the main living room. I’m also working on

several new Arlo & Jacob sofa designs which will launch later this year.

On design How do you mentally prepare yourself for work each day?

An early morning run, wherever I am, gives me the chance to clear my head for the day, and energises me. Along with several cups of tea.

A blank sheet of paper can be daunting – what inspires you to fill it?

I really don’t have a problem with ideas! I still draw for pleasure – not just when I’m designing furniture. So a pencil, a clean sheet of paper and time to draw is all I need.

We often compromise designs to make them commercial – how do you maintain your quality despite such pressures?

Firstly, I try not to spread myself too thinly! But, I’m not sure the design is often compromised. Commerciality is specific to the product, and the market sector, so to some degree has to be part of the brief. >>>

Elton sofa, Arlo & Jacob

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Rob Scarlett Meets … Ian Archer DESIGNER

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“I’m not sure the design is often compromised. Commerciality is specific to the product, and the market sector, so to some degree has to be part of the brief ”

Philo sofa, Arlo & Jacob

I design one-off pieces costing several thousands and sofas that retail for hundreds – all are commercial. If it’s about the quality in the volume pieces then, where margins are narrower, the engineering and QC is – necessarily – more tightly controlled. But generally, staying close to the manufacturing process is key.

It’s very easy to just move on after a model’s launch.

Which area of your work do you enjoy the most – and the least?

I love drawing, creating shapes, spinning them around in my mind and manipulating those shapes in my sketches. Choosing fabrics is also very stimulating. I loathe doing technical drawings.

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Describe one of your favourite designs, and explain why it inspires you Jaime Hayon’s Lounger for BD Barcelona.

I really like his work, it’s really sculptural.

There’s always a simplicity, but with interesting quirky aspects. And this chair can be personalised and change character hugely, by the materials used. I love it all in red!

Which is your favourite designer retailer, and what is it doing right?

I have to say the Aram Store! Not just because they have my designs, but the space – and the tightly-edited collection given space – is rare in the UK. In total contrast to this, I love The General Store in Hastings – brilliantly curated and rammed to the roof!

On today’s furniture market Sum up today’s UK domestic furniture design in three words …

Definitely getting better.

What aspects of it make you despair? And, conversely, hopeful?

Walking round the NEC in January is more endurance than enjoyment. But on the plus side, the routes to market have diversified, creating more opportunity than ever.

Do you feel that the industry adequately supports designers?

Some companies value designers, others pay lip service to being design led – but the quality of design skill is extremely >>>

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DESIGNER Rob Scarlett Meets … Ian Archer

variable. Much more support can be offered.

What’s the last design that caught your eye?

Baxter’s Sorrento Sofa.

What’s the future of furniture design?

Comfort and flexibility.

On the industry Which industry event or platform gives a designer the best step up?

Exhibiting during London Design Festival has been a revelation.

“

“I think more could be done to protect our IP. Too many products tread a fine line with plagiarism”

What design website do you visit the most?

Architonic, probably – but not very often.

What’s the biggest challenge you face?

Currently, finding an assistant is proving very difficult, and consequently I need more hours in the day.

How do you think the industry views designers?

Generally favourably, but I think more could be done to protect our IP. Too many products tread a fine line with plagiarism.

What advice would you give to young designers just starting out in the industry?

Get experience any way you can, and develop your own handwriting or style. Networking and promoting yourself is going to be at least as important as your design skills. And of course – never give up!

Jumbo Lux tub chair, Archer & Co

Rob reflects …

“It turns out Ian and I studied at the same university, although it looks as if he had just left as I began. It’s certainly nice to see a fellow alumnus doing well! “‘I love drawing, creating shapes, spinning them around in my mind and manipulating those shapes in my sketches … I loathe doing technical drawings.’

Snap! Drawing and creating is the heart of our business and really where the skill and value of a designer lies. Technical drawing is a tremendously important aspect of the process but it is somehow inert and lacks a soul, plus production drawings swamp the creative part from a time perspective.

“I often find that after one or two drawings I really have to force myself

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to continue. But of course that’s the game, and nothing gets made without a professional drawing – it’s a matter of pride!

“My own design education really started on the job as a technical designer – basically, I was tasked with producing production drawings from the design director’s ‘fag packet’ sketches. I learnt a huge amount from the process, and it’s left an indelible mark on the way I approach designing. All my products are ‘real’, not computer-generated flights of fancy.

“The sheer amount of time the technical side takes leaves me in a similar position to Ian in trying to find a suitable assistant to help me manage the workload and leave

me the opportunity to focus on the design.

I suspect Ian will find letting go of some of the control as difficult as I will!”

Scarlett Design was established in early 2010

by British designer Rob Scarlett, who began his career when he was named the 2003 Young Designer of the Year. Subsequently, Rob has played a key role in the design teams of some of the best-known brands and businesses in the UK furniture industry, including Willis & Gambier, Nathan Furniture, Mark Webster, Yinihome and Skano. He has also enjoyed success with ranges launched through UK retailers such as Heal’s, Marks & Spencer, Furniture Village and John Lewis.

W scarlettdesignuk.com

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DESIGNER In Design – Samuel Chan

Samuel Chan was named Furniture Designer of the Year at the 2015 Homes & Gardens Design Awards and has received 13 Design Guild Marks for his work as a designer and manufacturer.

In Design: Kerning series, Samuel Chan “I’m interested in design that endures, and creating contemporary furniture that lasts and even improves over time”

“With the Kerning series I wanted to create pieces that look utterly simple but that have an immediately perceptible depth and quality. The paradox is that each of the design elements require enormous skill, time and concentration to execute, but the end result is a work of visual simplicity and lightness”

“What unites the pieces in the collection is the use of light and shade in the designs. In the Kerning cabinets, this is shown in the 15mm gaps around the doors – a detail that serves as a simple means of opening the door, but also provides visual emphasis by framing the entire piece.

In the Kerning bookcases, the spatial relationship is expressed in the 10mm gap between the shelves and the carcass, which gives the impression that the shelves are floating”

Training: Samuel’s career in furniture design began through his love of woodwork as a schoolboy. He started his formal training at the London School of Furniture, and was an undergraduate at Middlesex University before doing a Masters in Furniture Design at Buckinghamshire University.

Achievements: Samuel founded his eponymous design studio – Channels – in 1995, and more recently Joined + Jointed, an online furniture brand working to the principle, ‘creation through collaboration’.

E hq@channelsdesign.com

“The collection is named Kerning, after the typographical process of adjusting the spacing between characters proportionally to achieve a visually pleasing result. In the same way, the Kerning series is an exercise in adjusting the proportion of each element in relation to each other to create pieces that are a pleasing whole” “Made from American white oak, Kerning embodies my constant preoccupation with visual simplicity expressed through precise woodcraft. In place of door hinges, I’ve detailed a handcrafted traditional Chinese dowel joint. The panels are cut very thin, and hand finished with cross-grain solid wood lippings”

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Unit 2a & 3 | Harvey Court | Harvey Lane | Golborne Near Warrington WA3 3QN | Tel: 01942 271 271

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National Key Account Manager

Sales Agents required to cover:

Vogue Beds Group are among the country’s most innovative manufacturers of mattresses, beds & headboards and sell to trade under the Vogue, Hampton, Sports Therapy, Repose & Swift brand names as well as selling adjustable mattresses.

• Yorkshire and North East • Ireland

Limelight Beds import a range of wood, metal, leather and fabric frames in three district categories – Signature Range, Essentials Range and Kids & Teens.

Vogue Beds Group are among the country’s most innovative manufacturers of mattresses, beds & headboards and sell to trade under the Vogue, Hampton, Sports Therapy, Repose & Swift brand names as well as selling adjustable mattresses.

We are looking for a proven individual responsible for managing key accounts, developing new accounts and maximising sales opportunities within them.

We would be willing to listen to existing sales professionals willing to cover these specific areas.

This role would suit an established highly self-motivated person with previous experience in Account Management or Territory Sales.

This role would suit an established agent with experience in selling mattresses in the respective areas.

All applications will be treated in strictest confidence.

All applications will be treated in strictest confidence.

To apply, Please send your CV to Ebrahim Patel – MD emp@voguebeds.co.uk or call 01455 841257

Limelight Beds Advert.indd 1

Vogue are members of the NBF

To apply, Please send your CV to National Sales Manager, James Appleyard james@voguebeds.co.uk or call 01455 841257

Vogue are members of the NBF

26/04/2016 Vogue Beds 10:01 Advert.indd 1

DSV Solutions Home Delivery Services

25/04/2016 12:33

The team that delivers

• • • • • • “

Two-Man Delivery Home Delivery ‘Light’ Full UK Delivery Network

Three Distribution Sites in the UK Room of Choice Unpack/Remove Packaging

• • • • • •

Trained and Uniformed Crew Pre Delivery Care Call

Personal Call Centres and SMS Messaging Bespoke Packages Safe and Secure Service Customer Satisfaction

DSV provide us with security and peace of mind of a job well done.

Whether for storage or white glove delivery, DSV is always willing to help and has the strong structure in place to do it professionally

”

Freemans Grattan Holdings’ Head of Imports, Logistics and QA compliance Roz Walmsley

Whatever your requirement, DSV is the company for you.

Please call: +44 (0) 1908 512215 or email: solutions@uk.dsv.com

Global Transport and Logistics. DSV is a global supplier of transport and logistics services. DSV has offices in more than 70 countries all over the world and an international network of partners and agents, which makes DSV a truly global player offering services worldwide. By our professional and advantageous overall solutions, the approx. 22,000 DSV employees recorded worldwide annual revenue of 6 billion euro for 2011.

www.dsv.com/uk

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Specialists in the Design & Distribution of Kitchen Components

TWO AREA SALES MANAGERS REQUIRED 1.

2.

AGENT REQUIRED FOR MIDLANDS AREA

NORTHERN HOME COUNTIES & EAST ANGLIA SOUTHERN HOME COUNTIES & DORSET

Multiwood is a family run business that has been supplying the kitchen trade for almost 30 years. We have an excellent reputation for quality of products and service. As a company we are experiencing record growth and we are looking for two additional team members to emulate this success in the South East of England.

Core Products are one of the countries leading suppliers of flat packed cabinet furniture. From our base in Perth, Scotland we offer a vast array of Furniture, shelving & Storage products to the trade. Over 100,000 items of stock ensure quick delivery with no minimum order requirements which can be delivered either to store or direct to the retailers customer.

The company was founded nearly thirty years ago, one of our agents has been with us over 20 years, the newest member of our team over 5 years.

The role will involve building relationships with existing customers and developing new business. Our current customer base mostly comprises independent retailers along with national manufacturers.

Due to retirement and reorganisation a rare AGENT opportunity for the MIDLANDS area has arisen.

Experience is immaterial, however an enthusiasm to provide great service to all our customers is essential along with a desire to sell furniture to value driven trade customers.

The ideal candidates will have a good understanding of the kitchen industry and a proven track record in sales. Excellent communication skills and a cando attitude are fundamental. Good IT skills would also be beneficial.

An understanding of cabinet furniture, an appreciation of flat packed furniture in particular and an open minded attitude towards all types of customer opportunities is needed.

Competitive basic dependent on experience + uncapped commission + executive company car + phone and laptop.

No limit to potential earnings.

Along with maintaining our existing customer base, developing new business is essential as is the intent to become a valued long term member of our team.

In return we offer prompt commission payments along with initial enhancements to help you along.

Please send your CV with a covering letter for the attention of the Sales Director, Caroline Allan - marketing@multiwood.co.uk

Please apply in the first instance with a personal profile, including details of current agency commitments to mikerowley@coreproducts.co.uk

(NO AGENCIES)

www.coreproducts.co.uk t: 0044 (0)1738 630555 | f: 0044 (0)1738 625733 Arran House, Arran Road, Perth, Scotland PH1 3DZ

CORE JOB ADVERT.indd 1

Tel: 0161 767 9044

Deluxe Beds is a family-run business, manufacturing beds, mattresses, bases 27/04/2016 and 16:35 headboards from their mill in the heart of the Yorkshire Pennines. As a top UK bed manufacturer, we are always looking to grow our company. See how you can join our team below!

SALES DIRECTOR Extensive sales history and good knowledge of varied software programmes required. The candidate will supervise our sales team and liaise with our customers; therefore, excellent interpersonal skills and telephone manner are highly desirable.

SALES AGENT - LONDON AREA Experienced candidate with good knowledge of the industry required for sales position in the London area. Must be confident and have excellent customer relationship skills.

PRODUCTION MANAGER Previous industry experience as well as strong managerial skills required. The applicant will be expected to become an active part of the multi-cultural workforce by improving productivity and quality across all staff members. A good knowledge of health & safety issues is essential.

Multiwood Products Ltd Roach Bank Road Bury BL9 8RQ

www.multiwood.co.uk

SALES AGENTS REQUIRED England & Wales

World Furniture NI Ltd is one of Irelands leading wholesalers, providing a comprehensive range of furniture to the retail sector. We have been providing our customers with a flexible range of product options for their business for the past 18 years. Featuring bedroom, dining, occasional, sofas and living our range is extensive with pricing options tailored to fit customer requirements.

Due to our developing portfolio, we have an exciting opportunity for unique individuals with relevant experience and a proven track record in the furniture industry. As a World Furniture agent, you will develop existing customers, open new accounts and meet agreed sales targets.

We welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate an existing customer base, featuring key accounts and who are enthusiastic and self-motivated.

If you require any further information or would like to apply, please email your CV (including your desired territory) to

Competitive rate of pay and pension scheme available.

To apply, please send your CV by post or email to: Deluxe Beds Ltd, Back Beacon St, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD2 2RS careers@deluxe-beds.co.uk

paul@world-furniture.biz.

All applications are treated in strict confidence.

OUR BRANDS

www.deluxe-beds.co.uk

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Further Reading On the web this month:

Do you have a story to share?

To contribute, call the editorial desk on 01424 776105 or email victoria@gearingmediagroup.com

The Furniture News website is constantly updated with fresh stories.

Visit www.furniturenews.net to access the latest content, or sign up to the twice-weekly newsletter

Are you looking to place product before the UK’s buyers?

To advertise or submit product advertorials, call the sales team on 01424 776100, or email sam@gearingmediagroup.com or trisha@gearingmediagroup.com.

Do you wish to receive a copy of the magazine every month?

You can subscribe to receive the magazine monthly by emailing subscriptions@gearingmediagroup.com.

On the move?

To read issues of the magazine on your mobile device, you can download the updated Furniture News app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Resources: A summary of the European upholstery market

Keep up to date You can also sign up to receive free access to the digital edition each month, as well as the twice-weekly Furniture News e-newsletter, at www.furniturenews.net/magazine – or email sam@gearingmediagroup to be signed up automatically.

Don’t forget to follow the Furniture News Twitter feeds, @FurnitureNewsED and @Victoria_FNmag, to keep up with the latest news and opinions from the team.

Resources: Cult Furniture’s Fiaz Iqbal on overcoming the anti-replica law

Furniture News is an invaluable resource for those operating in the UK domestic furniture and furnishings sector – but it’s just one of the titles published by Gearing Media Group.

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Those involved in the contract furnishings market should take a look at Hospitality Interiors magazine (www.hospitality-interiors.net), while anyone seeking furniture manufacturing machinery or supplies should check out Furniture Production (www.furnitureproduction.net).

In next month’s issue:

The Retail Ombudsman’s Dean Dunham interviewed One Year On at New Designers | Dining, Bedroom, Living and Furnisher product features

Further Reading May114 16.indd 1 FN_326 V21.indd

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6 16:12

CELEBRATING OUR

10 YEAR

ANNIVERSARY For 10 years now the UK’s premier furniture retailers have looked to us for the provision of the best, most flexible and commercially sound proposition for Care Plans and Care Products. Our flexible and friendly approach has met and continues to meet the diverse needs of the professional furniture retailer.

The best cover for the consumer The best insured products The best care products The best administration Personalised care kits

Complete furniture Care for

TOTAL PEACE OF MIND

THANK YOU to all our customers and suppliers that have supported us over the last 10 years!

To find out more please call:

01244 888 658 sales@staingard.co.uk www.staingard.co.uk

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