24
|
NEWS Suppliers
Harrison Spinks appoints head of business change
Harrison Spinks has appointed a head of business change in order to help achieve the company’s vision to double its turnover within the next five years. Andrew Salkeld has joined with more than 10 years’ experience in finance and business management, allowing him to bring a wealth of knowledge in corporate strategy, financial management and business intelligence to the role. Andrew says: “I look forward to being a part of the team over the coming months and years, developing a sustainable growth strategy that not only outlines how the company can continue to innovate and grow successfully, but also how each Harrison Spinks employee can help contribute to the overall vision of where we see the business in the future.” Prior to joining, Andrew worked as an independent business consultant for a number of start-up companies. Now he is looking to bring the start-up ethos of innovation, market disruption and commitment to Harrison Spinks.
Vogue Beds’ new Midlands agent Tony Divito has joined Vogue Beds Group and Limelight Beds as the sales agent covering the East and West Midlands area. Having spent 30 years in the upholstery market, and having held directorships with Bridgnorth Upholstery, Ultra Furniture, Corinth Designs, Designers Choice and more, Tony boasts a wealth of market knowledge. In 2014, he started selling dining and bedroom furniture from the Far East, and then went on to become an agent for Vogue Beds and Limelight Beds. National sales manager James Appleyard comments: “Tony has already made impressive additions to the Vogue and Limelight portfolio of retailers. This has been possible through the experience Tony has with his years of dealing with upholstery buyers, and this is already paying dividends in the bed departments.”
Staff movement at Sweet Dreams Ian Stewart has taken over responsibility for Sweet Dreams’ sales in the North-east, following the retirement of Malcolm Willis. Ian has worked in a number of industry roles since 1971, including positions with House of Fraser, Steelux of London, Sealy UK, LPK, Gola Furniture, Julian Bowen, Dura Beds, and Gradi, which he still holds, together with Newbridge Street Bedding Centre in Newcastle for Times Beds. Ian says: “I am absolutely delighted to join Sweet Dreams which has a fantastic infrastructure in place and a phenomenal product mix. I have big ambitions for the turnover in my North-east region.” Nick Williams, who now has responsibility for Sweet Dreams’ 11-strong team of sales agents, was promoted to sales manager in April this year. Nick began working with the company three years ago, with responsibility for developing key accounts. His major success in securing new chains such as Next and Dunelm Mill, alongside buying group AIS and other key accounts, has helped deliver substantial business growth for the company. Nick says: “Sweet Dreams has become a major success story in terms of growth over the last three years, and I’m delighted to be part of the team that’s delivering that.”
Ian Stewart
Nick Williams
Libra rolls out new retail concept After successfully establishing retail concepts in some of the UK’s leading furniture stores, Libra is inviting all of its stockists to benefit from a dedicated in-store Libra shop. The Libra retail concept sees the brand’s team of experts work with a stockist to create a bespoke visual merchandising solution that has now been proven to boost likefor-like turnover on a per m2 basis. MD Paul McLaughlin says: “Consumers are
becoming increasingly aware of Libra, recognising us as a brand that sources and designs the very best products from across the globe, and a name that is synonymous with quality craftsmanship. “In an ongoing effort to champion these values as well as support our stockists, we wanted to provide retailers with the opportunity to work with us to create coherent displays that are not only stunning but are commercially beneficial.”
Silentnight maintains strong growth This year Silentnight celebrates its 70th year as a bed manufacturer. In its last financial year (ending January 30th 2016) the company recorded a record sales performance across its Silentnight, Sealy and Rest Assured brands, with total net sales reaching £137.5m (up 10% YoY) and operating profit performance growing to £8.3m (up 26% YoY). MD Steve Freeman says: “The major driver
behind our sales and profit achievement is our business vision, which we developed and launched across our company – to be the home of the most trusted sleep brands. This vision has helped us to engage and energise every colleague across all departments with total focus on marketleading quality – first-class customer service and continuous innovation.”
Serene appoints sales director Serene Furnishings has appointed Alan Weir as sales director. Alan joins at a time of growth for Serene, which has recently seen the Midlands-based firm, long established as a bed supplier, expand into new areas with dining, recliner and occasional chair collections. Having worked for names such as Jaycee, Stag, Ducal, Parker Knoll and Silentnight, Alan brings 40 years of experience from furniture retail and manufacturing to his new role – the last nine spent as national sales manager for Relaxateeze and, for a short while, G Plan Cabinets.
Sign up to receive the Furniture News E-newsletter at www.furniturenews.net to keep abreast of the latest news, analysis and events
Furniture News 330 V6.indd 24
26/08/2016 11:43