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BED SHOW REVIEW
After reporting its highest attendance levels to date, the seventh annual NBF Bed Show at the Telford International Centre was understandably declared a success by its organiser. Furniture News looks at some of the highlights of the UK’s key bed industry event …
No lying down on the job
The event itself took place in the same three-hall, two-day format as always, and whilst a few might call for a longer duration, there’s no questioning the focus and simplicity of the Bed Show. Here, two days of browsing new mattresses, beds, headboards, components and machinery – punctuated by a gala dinner and the Bed Industry Awards – provide a solid buying and networking occasion for anyone in the business of selling, buying or making beds. “Once again, our Bed Show was fantastic, and feedback from exhibitors and visitors alike was extremely positive,” says Jessica Alexander, executive director of the show’s organiser, the National Bed Federation (NBF). “It continues to be an NBF member-only show, which means visitors can be confident that all the companies they see are reputable businesses, complying with the NBF’s Code of Practice.” Visitor numbers were reportedly up by nearly 10%, reflecting a trade keen to discover the latest developments in this fast-moving sector from the 80-plus brands present. Natural looks and materials proved a definite trend this year, with woollen fillings and hessian shades dominating many stands. The hype for boxed mattresses has encouraged several suppliers to address online demand, whilst others led with flexible swatches and technological advancements. In all, the show looked better than
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ever, a great many exhibitors delivering concepts with eminent retail follow-through. The annual gala dinner, led by a lively turn from comedian Marcus Brigstocke, delivered timely reminders of the work of the NBF and The Furniture Makers’ Company, and saw the winners of the 2016/17 Bed Industry Awards announced. The winners were chosen from a wealth of entries by an independent panel consisting of editors from the industry’s trade journals – including Furniture News’ Paul Farley – plus Bernard Eaton, MD of sales specialist Greenwood Retail. This year’s Bed Manufacturer of the Year prize went to Kaymed UK, which was praised for its winning strategy of product innovation, substantial marketing investment and impressive sales results across a range of retail customers. Runner up in this category was the Steinhoff Bedding Group, which was recognised for its investment in new fleet and warehousing, training amongst its employees, and driving sales points upwards. MD Anthony Joyce comments: “It’s rewarding for the whole business to be recognised in this way. Our three-year investment plan was established earlier this year, and we are well on our way to developing both our sites into world-class manufacturing facilities.” Winning Bed Component Supplier of the Year was Vitafoam. Manufacturer testimonials spoke volumes for its Revo concept >>>
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Kaymed