Interiors Monthly August

August 2015

Interiors monthly

first for furniture, flooring and accessories

Awards 2015 The winners

New formats Tapi and Carpetright

FURNITURE

FLOORING

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

Andrew Kidd EDITOR

New looks, new hopes Tapi and Carpetright’s latest stores are looking to target better-end shoppers, with a focus on service and making shopping easier I recently spent a very interesting day visiting Tapi’s new Cambridge store, followed by Carpetright’s new format Clapham High Street branch in London. Although obviously different (see p20 onwards) the stores have both been designed to make shopping for flooring easier.

Tapi certainly has an interesting format, full of attractive displays and features with a relaxed atmosphere where you can easily see the choice of products on offer.

But at the heart of Martin Harris (and the other 17 directors’) proposition is customer service.

Manufacturers’ reports on complaints are out along with pressure selling while getting the customer exactly what they want is in, even if it costs a little more (something it

Interiors

shares with one of the Interiors Monthly Awards winners).

Harris is hoping to have almost 50 branches by the start of next year, and ultimately 200 stores. The challenge will be to maintain its philosophy as it grows.

At Carpetright, the new look isn’t as different to the mainstream, but it has carpet arranged by use, rather than colour or type, so shoppers can quickly go to what they want.

One thing the stores do share is a lack of manufacturers’ branding for a cleaner look.

On the topic of service, those retailers still using 0845 telephone numbers rather than 0330, should consider switching. Customers are unlikely to be happy to discover that to talk to you they’ve been paying their mobile phone company 37p a minute, plus whatever service charge you decide on when Ofcom’s changes come in later this month. But at least it’s not £4.17 a minute for directory enquiries.

Congratulations to all of the winners of this year’s Interiors Monthly Awards (see p31 onwards). All are richly deserving winners and again my thanks to all of you who took the time to vote for them.

August 2015

Editor: Andrew Kidd T: 01273 930 029 E: akidd@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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first for furniture, flooring and accessories

Furniture advertising (North): Jarrod Bird The award winning Sealy Visit: www.sealy.co.uk

T: 01565 631 397 E: jbird@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Carpet, flooring, lighting and accessories advertising: Joanne Paull T: 01732 441 130 E: jpaull@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Awards 2015 The winners

New formats

Published by Interiors Media Limited Minerva House, Kinnings Row, Bordyke, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1NP T: 01732 441 130 F: 01732 362 919 E: enquiries@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Registered in England no. 6397722 Print: Knockout Print Design by TSS DIGITAL © Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236

Tapi and Carpetright

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BEDS

CARPET

RUGS

ACCESSORIES

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The Carpet Specialists

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CONTENTS

INTERIORS MONTHLY AUGUST 2015

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 6

Bensons focuses on branding

10

DFS wins name battle

14

Carpetright sees sales on the up

FEATURES 20

Retail Tapi to focus on service

26

Retail Carpetright reveals new store format

31

Interiors Monthly Awards 2015 The winners are revealed

106 Beds and bedroom Mammoth enjoys sales boost

108 Preview The Flooring Show

122 Design New Designers interiors winners

REGULARS 16

New products

18

Service

126 Opinion

NEXT ISSUE Manchester Furniture Show review The Flooring Show show guide Decorex preview The Bed Show preview

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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NEWS

Bensons set to focus on branding rather than price Bensons Beds is the latest retailer to look to promote its brand rather than price.

The bed chain’s new Be Bensons advertising campaign looks to ‘build an emotional connection with its target audience,’ rather than promote discounts.

The advertisement showcases a variety of everyday bedroom situations, from traditional scenarios featuring a couple having breakfast in bed on a Sunday morning, to more comical situations where a young child squeezes in to their parent’s bed leaving them hanging off either edge.

‘Through the wide variety of scenarios showcased, the campaign tells a story that everyone will relate to,’ says Lynda Matthews, Bensons head of marketing.

‘We understand that for our customers, our beds offer so much more than a place to sleep. Whether it’s having family cuddles on a Sunday morning, snuggling up with a good book before bedtime, or skyping a friend in Australia, our beds offer a hub of comfort in people’s homes. The Be Bensons campaign recognises how everyone uses their beds for different reasons at different times and brings to life some of these moments in a way we hope everyone will relate to and love.’

Its latest campaign for the Comfort Station Adaptive technology continues this theme but focuses on how it will

The campaign focuses on branding rather than price

help customers achieve the most comfortable night’s sleep, whatever their needs.

An improved version of the original CSA will be introduced to all Bensons for Beds stores over the next few months. It helps two customers lying side-by-side make a mattress choice by allowing them to simultaneously: experience the different firmness levels from 1-5 without moving from bed to bed; see where they need support in a variety of positions (for example sleeping on the left and right side or back) and capture what they have seen, felt and preferred in snapshots and use the report to explore the mattresses on the floor.

Looking abroad: Carpet manufacturer Brintons is to make its debut at Maison & Objet in September as it wants to increase exports. The company will display its HD Weave collection designed in collaboration with Cristian Zuzunaga, which provides the ability to weave in up to 32 colours and creates photorealistic effects. It will also show its new Inspirations collection (pictured), created based on three themes including tropical, geometric, and architectural, by a team of in-house designers at the Paris show.

Long Eaton centre of quality Furniture manufacturers and the local authority have combined to hail Long Eaton as the ‘UK Centre of Quality Upholstery Manufacture’.

The town is home to more than 50 upholstery manufacturers and suppliers with a combined turnover of over £250m. They employ in

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

excess of 2,700 people and export to more than 60 countries.

Funding from manufacturers and Erewash Borough Council enabled Long Eaton Chamber of Trade and the council to work together to promote the branding to become a recognised symbol of quality.

Heal’s new store lights up design Heal’s is using its new Westbourne Grove, London store to focus on lighting and interior design alongside a new bespoke service.

The store, on the ground floor of the Queens Building, a former art deco cinema, has been designed and project managed by designer and former finalist of Heal’s Discovers, Matthew Elton, who was instrumental in launching Heal’s Ambrose collection in 2014. All the fixtures and fittings, along with the bespoke kitchen showcased in-store, have been designed and produced at the Heal’s workshop

by Elton and his team.

To coincide with the new store, Heal’s is now offering this bespoke design service to customers.

‘It’s been a fantastic journey working with Heal’s, from the Ambrose A-Frame collection through to the design and build of the new Heal’s store. The Queens Building is a local landmark; the team and I are proud of what we’ve created, and feel privileged to be part of the Heal’s programme of change,’ says Elton.

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NEWS

DFS wins Sofaworks/Sofa Workshop name battle DFS has won its legal battle with fellow upholstery chain Sofaworks over its rival’s name. DFS claimed it was too similar to its Sofa Workshop brand.

The Intellectual Property Enterprise Court has ruled that the Sofaworks name infringes DFS’s Sofa Workshop brand.

‘We’re pleased that Sofa Workshop has been successful in its action against Sofaworks with regards to passing off.

Sofa Workshop is a small, quality brand that has been established since 1985 and we’re happy the outcome allows the brand name to remain protected,’ says DFS. The Sofaworks name was acquired by CSL in 1996 and DFS bought Sofa Workshop in October 2013.

Jason Tyldesley, Sofaworks chief executive, says: ‘We have

put a stake in the ground in the last 12 months to change the market by putting an end to endless sales, which is what the whole market lives and thrives on. That is what our competitors like DFS fear and this case is born out of that fear. As such it is not the name that really matters.

‘We will be there, ever present in their lives taking their market share. Whatever we do we will carry on doing what is right for the customer. Why would Sofaworks pass off as Sofa Workshop? I do not know how we would benefit,’ he says.

Tyldesley says the company, which has spent about £500,000 on legal fees, has yet to decide if it will appeal the ruling. ‘If we want to fight on principle then we will appeal.’

Further growth for Topps Tiles

people

Tiles and flooring chain Topps Tiles has continued to lift sales. The 346-store chain saw like for like sales rise by 6.3% in the quarter to 27 June.

‘Trading in the third quarter has been encouraging, with like for like sales growth at 5.9%, building on the positive trend we reported for the first half. With

Former Dixons and Apple executive John Browett is to be the next ceo of Dunelm as part of a boardroom shake-up. On 1 July Browett became ceo designate and will replace Will Adderley after six months. Adderley will revert to being deputy chairman. Lovefilm.com co-founder William Reeve joins as a nonexecutive director, while Andy Harrison succeeds Geoff Cooper as non-executive chairman.

Interfloor has appointed Mark Jennings as operations director, heading up the manufacturing and logistics functions at its Haslingden and Dumfries sites. He was previously Formica Group European operations director.

Martin Dean has become Julian Bowen sales manager for the South West, succeeding former sales agent Paul Owen.

10

our plans to extend the appeal of the Topps brand well under way, we remain well-positioned to continue to grow our market share in the remainder of the year,’ says Matthew Williams, Topps Tiles ceo.

During the period two main and six Boutique format stores were opened.

Topps Tiles hopes to open two more branches this quarter

JFS set to get bigger

Axminster Carpets has promoted its regional managers to sales directors.

Marc Helliwell and Ian McDermid have been promoted to Southern and Northern sales directors respectively.

Wade Upholstery has named Mike Greasley as representative for the East and West Midlands, Yorkshire, Cheshire and North Wales. He succeeds Anne Forster who is retiring after 17 years with the company. For the past 12 years Greasley worked for Vale Bridgecraft.

ScS has appointed its fourth nonexecutive director, former Kingfisher executive George Adams.

Interiors Monthly August 2015

The January Furniture Show is to become larger, occupying two-thirds of Hall 5, up from half, making it the largest hall at the show.

Occupying all of it has been ruled out.

‘Confidence in the market, and in our show, has meant we’ve already seen over 50 new companies signing up to join the 2016 show, alongside an 85% re-booking from last year,’ says Laraine Janes, January Furniture Show co-director.

‘We’ve also seen significant growth from existing exhibitors who saw real value in the show and have requested more space.

‘While we have extended

Hall 5, we’re doing it for the right reasons – and that’s to increase the offering to visitors and to add greater variety,’ she explains.

The show’s first Flooring Showcase, in association with SMG, has doubled in size to more than 500sqm and sold out.

Abingdon Flooring, Associated Weavers, Axminster Carpets, Ball & Young, Brockway, Cavalier Carpets, Crown Floors, Edel Telenzo, Forbo Flooring, Furlong Flooring, Interfloor, Kenton Floors, Mastercraft Rugs, Think Rugs, Trinity Creations, Victoria Carpets, Westex and Whitestone Weavers will take part.

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NEWS

Carpetright eyes upmarket shoppers Carpetright is to target more upmarket customers as it looks to move away from price focused marketing.

Alongside trialling a new logo and store format (see page 26), the chain will move to advertising that is ‘dramatically different in style and message from the predominantly price-led theme adopted historically.’

Wilf Walsh, Carpetright chief executive, has introduced more upmarket carpet suppliers such as Brintons, Ulster Carpets and Westex, expanded its laminate offer and is retesting engineered wood floors. The chain is to follow in the footsteps of DFS and introduce product developed in association with House Beautiful.

He says the early signs of the new approach are positive, with like for like sales up. UK like for like sales rose 4.9% in the eight weeks to 27 June.

This follows a 8.1% like for like rise in the previous six months and 6.5%

before that. Full year pro-forma sales for the year to 2 May were up 5.4% at £396m. Operating profits jumped by a third to £14.3m.

‘Carpetright has endured a difficult period in the years since the onset of the financial crisis but retains the fundamentals of a leading retail business: high brand recognition, critical mass and a market leadership position. Our task is to build on these strong foundations and modernise the group to ensure it exploits these advantages to the full in the retail market of today,’ says Walsh.

‘We have made an encouraging start, establishing a real momentum for change within the business which is invigorating. While this is just the beginning of the journey to transform Carpetright, we have a clear direction and are already seeing positive results from a number of our initial activities which gives us confidence that we are on the right path.’

Interfloor invests £3m Underlay, accessories and laminate flooring group Interfloor has invested more than £3m in improving its manufacturing and logistics capabilities across its sites in Haslingden and Dumfries.

‘It’s critically important for our customers that we can meet the demands of the peak season in the UK. We’ve invested in increasing our output and we now hold higher stock levels so that we can maintain our high levels of customer service. We’ve also opened two additional warehouses in Accrington,’ says Gary Cowley, Interfloor sales director.

Biggest home offer John Lewis will reopen the home department of its Oxford Street, London, flagship store in September after a £14m eight-month revamp.

It will feature 24 fully furnished rooms.

The chain says it will cover 94,000sqft over two floors and offer the largest number of home products of any store in the country.

Massey to step down Jon Massey, DFS coo, is to retire from the upholstery retailer this autumn after 27 years at the chain.

Massey, 66, will remain as adviser to the company. He joined in 1988 after 16 years at Allied Carpets.

His announcement came as DFS said sales for the 50 week period to 18 July were up 7% on 2014.

Second half sales are 4% higher, reflecting stronger comparative sales and that 2014 was a 53-week year.

Sofa Workshop and Dwell accounted for about a seventh of the growth.

After the success of its trial store in the Netherlands, it plans to open a further two in the country in the coming year.

Roll on: Shepherd zinc cast furniture castor manufacturer Kenrick has increased production by 10%, with output poised to top 1million units a year. The company is celebrating 70 continuous years of Shepherd castor production in the UK and also produces 2.5million of its nylon twin wheel plastic castors a year. ‘The Shepherd castor is still the original and the best and we are really proud to be the only UK manufacturer of this type of product and it is now attracting a growing number of international enquiries,’ says Steve Jones, Kenrick md.

Tetrad refurbishes showroom as it looks for growth Tetrad has refurbished its Preston showroom, creating individually styled rooms for each of its upholstery collections.

An internal structure of retro glass windows taken from the old Tetrad Mill have been installed at the 3,5000sqft

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

showroom to create separate rooms defining the different collections.

Each collection has its own unique themed area, such as the Natural Loose Covers potting shed to the Harris Tweed Collection set in a 1970’s disco. New props and furniture have been brought

in, including more than 90 retro speakers brought in by employees from their attics and garages to fit the quirky Contemporary themed room.

The revamp comes as Tetrad looks to build on a 26% sales rise in 2014-2015 with forecast growth of 12% this year.

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different widths and in various complementary shades creating the effect of a reclaimed wood floor.

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1 In a palette of sophisticated naturals and with grey in every imaginable shade, the Langholm collection from Crown Floors defines stylish carpet. Made from 100% easy care, extra strong polypropylene, it is stylish and performs impeccably, bringing more softness, better recovery and durability with the ease of caring offered by bleach cleanable carpet.

Visit: www.crownfloors.co.uk 2 The Dark Recycled Wood design from Polyflor’s Expona Commercial PUR range of LVT was chosen for the refurbishment of Vida Loca Tattoo studio in Bolton, Greater Manchester recently. To give the look of a random patchwork of upcycled timber, the design includes tiles in three

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

3 Team 7’s Cubus home entertainment range is handcrafted and highly functional down to the smallest detail. These include drawer units with flushmounted handles, touch fittings, gently cushioned drawer and door movements and a media centre with an integrated cable channel and docking station for iPhones and iPods.

Visit: www.team7.at 4 Alivar’s Céline chair represents the essence of formal purity and functionality and its sinuous shape expresses the elegance of the good old times.

Visit: www.alivar.com 5 Leoline is introducing a semicustom concept for mosques.

Available in a 4m width in order to reduce seams in the large open spaces commonly found in mosques, the design features a wide stripe that gives a modern interpretation of traditional carpets. It is already proving popular in the Middle East, where its hygiene and cleanability advantages are favoured.

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SERVICE

Richard Renouf

The missing link Retailers must keep tabs on quality of installation Being a retailer has its problems. Not least of these is that you are selling products to consumers who have rights (and, let’s not forget, responsibilities) that you can’t avoid, but that may be different to the rights you have to claim from your supplier.

Consumer law protects the consumer from unscrupulous traders and even the best of retailers must comply. But suppliers have their own terms of trading with retailers that are not covered by the same legislation and the two may not match, leaving the retailer responsible for obligations to their customers that the manufacturer will not support.

In practice, most issues are sorted out amicably, but it can get even more confusing when another link is put into the chain of supply: installation. Poor installation and/or poor service from the installer can cause customer dissatisfaction, reduce the life of a product and even damage the product beyond repair. Imagine these scenarios: G A laminate floor starts to swell causing the flooring to lift and the edges of the boards to chip; G The castor of a bed breaks shortly after

it was assembled by a delivery company; G A kitchen cabinet crashes to the floor 18 months after it was fitted; G A carpet comes loose and can’t be restretched because it appears to have shrunk.

Are these manufacturing faults? It would be easy to jump to that conclusion without investigating the problem and gathering the evidence to show exactly what has gone wrong. Who can you use that has the right expertise and a degree of impartiality to give you an honest appraisal?

I lost count years ago of the number of times a manufacturer’s report identified that there was ‘no manufacturing defect’ but diplomatically stopped short of saying the fitting was poor or the product was incorrectly specified. As a result the customer’s genuine complaint was rejected. Or the installer/fitter did the inspection and couldn’t identify the shortcomings in their own work, again to the detriment of the consumer and the retailer’s reputation.

If you use installers/assemblers for any of your products, how good are they? Do you keep a note of the customer

feedback you receive and analyse this to spot trends and identify any shortcomings? Better still, how thoroughly do you check the quality of work and service before you take them on, using references or practical assessments? And do they inspect their own complaints? Or do you ensure that any negative feedback is checked by someone else who’s got the knowledge and experience to give you honest feedback?

As a retailer, it’s your reputation that’s at stake. Those who provide even a part of the service that your customers receive can make or break your future, so it’s worth taking care to ensure they uphold your values and standards consistently.

When you’re in doubt, or can’t see what’s going wrong, an external set of eyes can help to identify the issues and give you the information you need to get things sorted and protect your reputation.

Visit: www.richard-renouf.com Richard Renouf is an independent furnishings consultant

Retailers need to use an impartial person to investigate installation complaints rather than using those who did the work

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

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RETAIL

Service service service That’s the mantra of Tapi which is promising a new style of flooring retailing

The Cambridge store is Tapi’s fourth

The store is bright and airy

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

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RETAIL

The laminate display wall

There is room between displays to push a trolley

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

The first thing you notice on entering Tapi’s Cambridge store is that it looks interesting. It is bright, airy, spacious and there are plenty of attractive features on the walls to tempt you further in.

It’s not lifestyle retailing but flooring retailing for now.

Each of Tapi’s five stores: Cambridge (which opened last month), Gloucester, Great Yarmouth, Ipswich and Tooting – with Cannock scheduled to be the sixth – are different. There is a mix of high street, out of town retail parks, with and without other flooring stores, and town centre retail park, with the format flexible enough to cover the store types.

Gloucester, for example at 10,000sqft has the same layout as the 5,000sqft Cambridge store in the front and a large roll section at the rear.

Tapi has plans for up to 200 branches and about 40 are in the hands of lawyers and Martin Harris, Tapi md, is hopeful they will all open by the start of next year. Order and timing of the openings will depend on store availability, as did the first five. Most of the stores are likely to be about the size of the Cambridge unit, with Harris saying he doesn’t need a high number of large stores.

Tapi uses larger than usual samples to better help customers imagine what it will look like on the floor, and carpets are grouped by type, for example, wool or supersoft.

A small kitchen area allows staff to demonstrate the various properties of products, such as their cleanability and water resistance.

RETAIL Two sofas form a seating area where customers can consider their purchases and children are kept busy with colouring books. Displays provide information on different types of carpet, underlay and accessories.

Manufacturers’ POS is kept to a minimum to prevent visual distraction, with names on the display cards rather than logos. As well as describing the suitability of a carpet, for example medium use in the hall but light use on the stairs, the cards clearly state when any promotional offer will end and prices return to their normal level.

‘I’ve designed the business for the customer’ ‘Customers are spending a lot longer in-store rather than a quick in and out.

Many customers have been surprised at what products they can have. We want the stores to feel like a home and customers to understand the family heritage; it’s really important customers feel they are buying from specialists,’ explains Harris.

Specialising in areas that need expertise means Tapi isn’t selling rugs and won’t be selling online anytime soon.

‘There is no service and not enough information for the customer to make the buying decision,’ he says.

Vinyl trends are demonstrated

Shoppers are encouraged to try the underlay

Large samples are used to show off the LVT

An extensive range of patterned carpets are available

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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RETAIL ‘It’s a tactile business, we believe in the senses. I’ve designed the business for the customer. It’s all about the shopping experience. Flooring retailing is difficult which is why many people don’t get it right.’

But it’s not about the store or himself, according to Harris. ‘Customer service, customer service, customer service and good value,’ is his response when asked what will set Tapi apart from its rivals.

‘Service will be a great differentiator.

Anyone can build a store like this, but a chequebook doesn’t buy service. It’s not about me: it’s the team and what they delivered. Integrity is very important. For example, the fitting is guaranteed by us; if there is a problem on a carpet we’ll sort it within a few days not wait for a manufacturer’s report or having the right underlay rather than one you could get away with just to be a bit cheaper. We’re not traders – we’re specialists. We’ll point out the cons of a product as well as the pros.’

He says staff don’t need to get an order or a measuring appointment from every customer visit so they don’t pressure the customer: a very high percentage of shoppers return to place their orders.

‘Everyone has the same principles.

Everyone is looking at doing it right,’ adds Harris.

Visit: www.tapi.co.uk

A choice of shades is highlighted

Tapi offers an express service

‘It’s all about the shopping experience. Flooring retailing is difficult which is why many people don’t get it right’

Display cards show when pricing will change

24

Interiors Monthly August 2015

Accessories are clearly displayed

on

H

o us C3 h e d gS Se an in te St or ga o o Fl arr

e Th

w Proud to present our FABULOUS FIVE new collections.

Signature wool-rich carpets featuring Dimensions Plain and Connections in sumptuous colours, luxurious Minerals twist and velvet, and the very distinctive Beachcomber and Rare Breeds.

See you at Harrogate. www.brockway.co.uk

RETAIL

What’s in-store?

Carpetright has a new store concept designed to make

shopping hassle free Top: The Clapham High Street store features an updated logo Above: Carpets are displayed in three sections Left: The entrance display includes inspirational roomsets and a stair display. At bigger stores the stair display is full length

26

Interiors Monthly August 2015

FLOORING SHO W 20-22 SEPTEMBER 2015 HARROGATE

15 Mo 0 e re co xh th nf ib an irm it ed ors

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Join us for the biggest edition of the UK’s national flooring show for several years. The whole industry will come together for three intensive days of business activity and networking - don’t miss it!

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Superb ‘Flooring retail outlet of tomorrow’ display!

RETAIL

Carpetright has introduced four new format stores as part of its plan to broaden its appeal ‘by placing a greater emphasis on the unrivalled breadth and quality of our product range, the expertise of our colleagues, and the role floorcoverings play in transforming our customers’ homes, while retaining our well-established value heritage,’ says Wilf Walsh, Carpetright ceo.

‘Furthermore, in today’s retail environment, where customers place a high value on convenience and speed, we need to make buying floorcoverings a hassle-free experience, eliminating those elements of the process that can confuse or irritate the customer,’ he says.

The stores – Clapham High Street, Reigate, Tunbridge Wells and West Thurrock – have been designed to ‘inspire customers and encourage experimentation, sampling and discovery’.

28

Interiors Monthly August 2015

Above: It is now much easier for shoppers to select their carpet type Right: The vinyl displays combine samples and roomset images

Below: The laminate and engineered wood offer has been greatly expanded

Introducing Langholm In a palette of sophisticated naturals and with grey in every imaginable shade, the new Langholm collection from Crown Floors defines stylish carpet and comes with the softness, better recovery and excellent durability of 100% Easy Care two-ply Extra Strong polypropylene.

sales@crownfloors.co.uk - Hotline 0800 077 3301

www.crownfloors.co.uk

RETAIL Left: The branded area at the rear of the store is the only section to feature manufacturers’ logos, but they are on the back of the carpet samples Below: The cost of carpeting an average sized room is displayed next to the carpet ranges Bottom: Vinyl is also displayed on pillars

The Clapham store has been transformed. Carpets are displayed by product use: ‘Luxurious and deep’, ‘Smooth and stylish’ and ‘Textured and rugged,’ to speed customer selection by allowing them to focus on the type before narrowing their selection. The displays now show all colour options without having to sort through the samples.

A branded area at the rear of the store features Associated Weavers’ iSense, Brintons, Adam Carpets, Victoria Carpets and Westex. The store’s LVT offer has been greatly expanded and a larger laminate and engineered wood range is featured.

Visit: www.carpetright.co.uk

30

Interiors Monthly August 2015

Interiors Monthly Awards 2015

La Rochelle by Julian Bowen

AWARDS

After months of voting, the winners of the Interiors Monthly Awards 2015 have been decided. The companies listed below are among the finest retailers, manufacturers and suppliers in the interiors industry. Over the following pages you can read more about the category winners chosen by you, and the second year of Editor’s Choice awards.

Covering all aspects of the industry, they are united by their desire for excellence.

Congratulations to all the 2015 winners.

Best Furniture Retailer (1-2 stores): TR Hayes Best Flooring Retailer (1-2 stores): Floor Coverings Best Furniture Retailer (3 plus stores): Barker & Stonehouse Best Flooring Retailer (3 plus stores): John Lewis Best Online Retailer: Modern Rugs Best UK Furniture Manufacturer: Westbridge Furniture Best UK Flooring Manufacturer: Adam Carpets Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer: Wiemann Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer: Balta Broadloom Best Customer Service (Furniture): Julian Bowen Best Customer Service (Flooring): Associated Weavers Best Carpet Manufacturer: Cormar Carpets Best Leather Upholstery Manufacturer: Natuzzi Best Laminate Manufacturer: Quick-Step Best Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer: Ashley Manor Upholstery Best Rug Supplier: Think Rugs Best Recliner Manufacturer: Himolla

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

Best Underlay Manufacturer: Ball & Young Best Bed Manufacturer: Sealy UK Best Solid/Engineered Wood Manufacturer: Kährs (UK) Best Luxury Vinyl Supplier: Amtico Best Children’s Furniture: Gautier UK Best Vinyl Manufacturer: IVC Group Best Accessory Supplier: Gallery Direct Best Accessory Supplier (Flooring): Interfloor Best Fabric/Soft Furnishings Manufacturer: Ross Fabrics Best Bedroom Manufacturer: Kingstown Furniture Best Home Entertainment Supplier: UK-CF Best Living Room Manufacturer: Wood Bros Best Dining Room Manufacturer: Furniture Origins Best Furniture Buying Group: AIS Best Flooring Buying Group: SMG Best Furniture Wholesaler: Julian Bowen Best Flooring Wholesaler: Mercado Best Marketing Support (Furniture): Ekornes Best Marketing Support (Flooring): Karndean Designflooring Best Furniture Exhibition: ISalone

Best Flooring Exhibition: The Flooring Show Best New Exhibition: January Furniture Show Best Furniture Website: Ercol Best Flooring Website: Ulster Carpets Best Software Supplier: Retailsystem Furniture Software Best Supply Chain/Logistics Company: Andrew Porter Best Business Support (Furniture): Vale Bridgecraft Best Business Support (Flooring): Metro Group Best Furniture Protection/Repairer: Servico Product of the Year: Trident, Furlong Flooring Innovation of the Year: Impressive, Quick-Step

EDITOR’S CHOICE Innovation In Flooring: Aquatec Pro-Tec, Abingdon Flooring Flooring Brand 2015: Brintons Furniture Brand 2015: Parker Knoll Sustainability (Flooring): Carpet Recycling UK Sustainability (Furniture): Hypnos Outstanding Performance: Silentnight

AWARDS

Floor Coverings Best Flooring Retailer (1-2 stores) Barker & Stonehouse Best Furniture Retailer (3 plus stores) This year saw Barker & Stonehouse return to its roots with the opening of its £4.5m Stockton store in March, 69 years after Charles Barker and Alex Stonehouse opened the first store in the town. Over the decades it has risen to nine stores, with some 300,000sqft of showroom space. Last year saw sales climb by £5m to £45.6m and pre-tax profits by 16% to £1.54m.

For decades the chain has had a reputation as a destination for shoppers seeking contemporary designs, with suppliers including B&B Italia, de Sede, Kartell, Hulsta and Ligne Roset.

Visit: www.barkerandstonehouse.co.uk

James Barker, Barker & Stonehouse md, and Great Brtish Bake Off star Mary Berry open the Stockton store

TR Hayes Best Furniture Retailer (1-2 stores) This year is the 100th anniversary of TR Hayes trading in Bath and it has been on its London Road site since 1927.

What was The Three Crowns pub was expanded over the decades with the purchase of many neighbouring properties so that today the store covers

Since he bought Floor Coverings in 2001, owner Taro Strowgger has concentrated on offering branded, quality products at the Dry Drayton, Cambridgeshire store.

Strowgger has no concerns about shoppers comparing prices, in fact he encourages it.

‘I tell them to get other quotes, which we’ll match and most of them aren’t like for like and customers appreciate the quality of the offer when we explain the quote,’ he says.

‘We’re enjoying growth – we must be doing something right. Roger Oates has done very well for us this year, Karndean Designflooring keeps growing – it’s already 15% up this year, and Quick-Step parquet is doing very well.’

Carpet Foundation member Strowgger is looking to expand the 2,700sqft store

John Lewis Best Flooring Retailer (3 plus stores) John Lewis enjoyed a 6.1% increase in flooring sales in the year to 31 January 2015, one of the largest sales rises in its home offer. Since then it has continued to deliver for the chain, with weekly sales often showing double digit growth.

The chain sells flooring at 36 of its 43 department and At Home stores.

Visit: www.johnlewis.com

TR Hayes directors Margaret, Derek and Richard Hayes

almost 50,000sqft over seven floors.

In 2013 its 6,000sqft contemporary furniture showroom opened across the road from the main store after it bought and demolished its former flooring store.

Visit: www.trhayes.co.uk

so he can ‘have something different from other retailers’.

‘Selling rubbish doesn’t work. I want to see my customers again. We’re not perfect: if you make a mistake hold your hand up and fix it and customers will come back. I have a brilliant team,’ he adds.

Visit: www.floor-coverings.net

Modern Rugs Best Online Retailer After graduating from Northumbria University with a degree in marketing, Ben Dale started work in web design then decided to set up his own online company. His parents had run a flooring store in Bishop Auckland, so using their contacts Modern Rugs was created in 2004, when Dale was 22.

Last August it moved to a 5,000sqft unit to keep up with expansion as it was selling 25,000 rugs a year.

In December Martin Tragen, former Timpson finance director, led a £3.2m management buy-in of the company, becoming md, and Mike Seery, former head of corporate recovery at KPMG in the North West, also invested, becoming a non-executive director.

Dale remains the fourth-largest shareholder and is now technical and marketing director.

The company describes itself as ‘The UK’s biggest online rug shop’ and in the year to end August 2014 saw shareholders’ funds rise by 48% to £1.47m.

Visit: www.modern-rugs.co.uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

33

AWARDS

Vale Bridgecraft Best Business Support (Furniture)

Below: Ferrara Bottom left: Venice Bottom right: Roma

34

Interiors Monthly August 2015

Vale Bridgecraft with its 100-plus years’ heritage in the upholstery industry, is delighted to be the winner, for the second year running, of the Best Business Support (Furniture) award.

Operating from Yorkshire with a team of around 100 people, the brand creates luxury sofas and chairs, starting with the rough-hewn timber to create a frame, right through to the upholstery using many exclusive fabrics and the finest fillings. The company supports most of the UK’s independent retailers and has 10 showrooms displaying its extensive product ranges.

Unusually for a manufacturer, Vale Bridgecraft also boosts awareness for its brand with national consumer advertising support and has just invested in a stylish new website.

‘This is a great accolade for us all here at Vale Bridgecraft. We’re a small, experienced team with a real passion for the art of upholstery and are determined to maintain the high standards we’ve

provided over the years – not only with our traditionally hand-build furniture, but also with the support we offer all our retail partners,’ says Stuart Chadwick, Vale Bridgecraft md.

‘Our unique, vertically integrated model, combining manufacturing and retail supply, all supported by the 10 showrooms around the country, can be confusing to some. But those of our partners who embrace the process find it financially beneficial and, given that we’ve won this award again, easy and pleasurable to manage.

‘Our customer support team in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, works alongside our manufacturing team, micro-managing each order on its journey through to delivery. With the average “time served” for our staff being at least 10 years – and some a lot more – we are privileged that everyone who deals with our processes and stockists has a huge depth of upholstery knowledge and can help or advise.

‘But our main strength has to be our maintenance of personable working relationships. I’m a great believer that a chat over the phone will clarify a situation in a friendly way rather than submitting a stream of emails, and most of our customers seem to enjoy working this way too. So while we’re not investing in high tech management systems, we’re investing in our people, our products, and our business relationships, making sure that we supply the very best product in the best, most efficient way.’

Visit: www.valebridgecraft.co.uk

Model shown Highgrove

Made with pride, made for comfort, made in Yorkshire.

At Vale Bridgecraft, we’ve been making exceptional sofas and chairs in our workshops near Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire, for over Years All our furniture benekts from a 25 year frame and spring guarantee and is hand upholstered in a choice of beautiful fabrics. So for a unique touch of elegance and traditional quality that is perfect for your most discerning customers the Vale Bridgecraft brand is the considered choice.

For a FREE brochure call 01422 885000 or visit valebridgecraft.co.uk

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG, KT PATRON HRH THE DUKE OF YORK KG KCVO CHAIRMAN OF THE TRUSTEES

An extensive range of our products can be viewed by consumers in the following locations: Draycott

01386 700458 Gloucestershire GL56 9JU

Felsted

01371 821851 Essex CM6 3LY

Gateshead

01914 883682 Tyne & Wear NE11 9YS

Harewood

0113 8980091 West Yorkshire LS17 9LF

Hebden Bridge 01422 885000 West Yorkshire HX7 5QF Hedge End

01489 796479 Southampton SO30 2AU

Loughborough 01509 218647 Leicestershire LE11 5GU 5\[Ă„LSK

Surrey RH1 4EJ

:OLMĂ„LSK

South Yorkshire S9 2EH

Warrington

01925 571982 Cheshire WA5 7TN

AWARDS

Metro Group Best Business Support (Flooring)

The mobile marketing studio has helped transform signage and displays for many businessess, while members also enjoy the benefits of Carpet 1st branding

36

Interiors Monthly August 2015

Since the creation of the Metro Group in 1979, the key aim for the founding and subsequent members has been pooling buying power to compete against multiple retailers.

What has been developed is a group of independent retailers, ranging from the smallest one-man operation to multipleoutlet businesses. Retaining independence is important to members who are given the opportunity to participate in group activity. This allows members to use all of the best benefits of group membership while being 100% in control of their own business.

Most members appreciate being able to discuss the issues they encounter on a day to day basis with other like-minded retailers. Metro holds two sets of area meetings annually where members can talk freely about issues that affect their business and gain support and advice from other members who have nothing to lose and everything to gain by sharing information.

Since 1995 its own label – Carpet 1st – has become a huge success. Carpet 1st products are selected for their appeal, quality and value, then group terms are negotiated to introduce and support manufacturers and products.

But Metro has become much more than a £50m buying group. Assisting

members with marketing has been a key goal over the years and 2014 saw the introduction of a dedicated marketing department complete with a mobile marketing studio.

It was recognised that many carpet stores had outdated displays and signage. As most members look to maintain their own identity, off-the-shelf material in set sizes is not ideal. So in September 2014 a Citroen Relay van was acquired and kitted out with large and small format printers, a scanner, computers, cutting and fitting tools and all the materials necessary for producing display items.

Now almost a year later, the marketing vehicle, manned by the father and son team of Steve and Adam Moralee, has travelled across the country from Perth to the Isle of Wight.

The service is backed by Metro’s fourstrong marketing team which can design and produce pretty much anything that is needed for a retail outlet. Plus, of course, ideas are shared or can be bespoke.

‘It is a unique idea that allows us to transform a retailer’s showroom and vehicles,’ says Steve Moralee, who has 26 years experience in retail flooring marketing.

Metro, tel: 01204 393 539

Each independent retailer has his own idea of how he wants to market his business. The Metro Group have always respected their member’s independence and have taken the concept of providing innovative marketing ideas even further by bringing experienced staff, materials and machinery to their retailer’s doorstep.

empowering independents Metro have commissioned their own inhouse Marketing department capable of all design and print applications as well as the introduction of a fully equipped mobile Marketing and Merchandising vehicle.

The vehicle has been completely refitted as a mobile studio, printers and workshop to visit retailers anywhere in the UK and provide not only standard merchandising material but completely bespoke solutions for independent retailers.

Our merchandising and

No two outlets are the same -

marketing vehicle

all in different marketplaces

is equipped as a fully functional

with their own ideas and

mobile studio and printshop.

goals. Metro took that on board quite literally and are now able to visit a retailer, discuss, design, print, manufacture

• Price Cards

• Pavement Signs

• Labels

• Roll-up Displays

• Iron on Labels

• Vehicle Graphics

• Window Posters

• Signs

• Hanging Displays

• Banners

and install.. on site, immediately.

This concept is unique, plus Metro are able to offer retailers the benefit of over 25 years worth of flooring marketing experience on-

• Acrylic Holders

site combined with the practical ability to manufacture and install.

Being able to measure, create and visualise designs on site means that all work can be completed immediately.

carpet s e l e c t

c o l l e c t i o n

metrogroup

st Metro House, 21 Chorley New Road, Bolton BL1 4QR tel (01204) 393 539 • fax (01204) 391 846 • www.carpet1st.co.uk

AWARDS

Cormar Carpets Best Carpet Manufacturer

Cormar has 28 collection locations

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

Flying the flag for British-made flooring for almost 60 years, Cormar Carpets is celebrating winning the Interiors Monthly Best Carpet Manufacturer award for the third consecutive year.

The award comes on the back of Cormar winning both the Flooring One and Metro Group’s Supplier of the Year awards, further strengthening its position as one of the leading independent carpet makers.

‘We’d like to thank the readers of Interiors Monthly for voting for us. To be recognised for the third year running as the Best Carpet Manufacturer is a seal of approval from our customers and we are delighted to have won this,’ says David Cormack, Cormar marketing director.

‘The competition is strong but to continue to stay ahead of the game, we work hard to ensure we provide the best quality products supported by a dedicated customer service and delivery team.’

One of the success stories of the British carpet industry, Cormar continues to produce all its wool and polypropylene carpet ranges from two production sites near Bury, Lancashire. It also has its own fleet of 60 distribution vehicles to ensure a top class delivery service to customers,

as well as its own team of 23 sales representatives throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Over the past 12 months the company has experienced strong sales growth and has had a successful year with the launch of easy clean range Primo Excellence, and Bouclé Neutrals, a wool rich loop pile carpet available in six on-trend colourways and three designs – level loop, textured loop and stripe.

Cormar has also invested in improving its operation by strengthening its delivery fleet with 14 more DAF trucks and 10 swap body trucks, and adding four express centres to its network of next day collection points, making a total of 28 locations across the country. This means the majority of retailers are now less than a 30 minute drive away from the nearest collection point.

‘We do not rest on our laurels and are always seeking ways to improve our offering to retailers – whether that’s through quality, service or reliability,’ says Cormack. ‘With more than 3,000 carpet deliveries each week we are always looking at ways to maintain our fast, reliable delivery service to retail customers.’

Visit: www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Thank you for voting Cormar Carpets Best British Carpet Manufacturer 2015 We look forward to seeing you on Stand A17 / A18 at The FLOORING SHOW.

www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

AWARDS

Adam Carpets Best UK Flooring Manufacturer

Right: Adam created mood leaflets to help promote the Hugo & Ella campaign Far right: Mood boards have proved popular with retailers

40

Interiors Monthly August 2015

Adam Carpets has been making high quality carpet in Kidderminster since 1860 and at its current site since 1928. It has become synonymous within the trade for colour, quality and style. The business is still wholly family owned with Chris Adam, md, the fourth generation of his family to head up the company.

‘It is fantastic to receive this award and our thanks go to all of the readers of Interiors Monthly who voted for us,’ says Eamonn Prescott, Adam Carpets sales and marketing director. ‘Our ethos here is to make the very best carpets we can, in particular offering variety and colour. We back that up with industry leading customer service. It is extremely pleasing to know that from the amazing attention to detail in our production staff through to the professionalism of our sales team, both internal and external, have been rewarded and recognised.’

Well known for its innovation, Adam Carpets stands out from the crowd with its unique overtuft pattern ranges, huge colour range on Fine Worcester Twist and Castlemead Twist collections, through to its inventive marketing of the recent Hugo & Ella campaign.

‘Hugo & Ella opened up a whole new

avenue of business for us. We are getting a lot of requests from interior designers for our products based on that particular campaign. The interest from the trade, press and designers was quite staggering and confirmed that we were doing the right thing. We wanted to make it a talking point for retailers and consumers and we certainly achieved that,’ says Prescott.

The other major talking point it created this year was the launch of mood board POS after trialling it at The Flooring Show.

‘We had done mood boards for internal presentations for some time, but we felt that the industry may also benefit from this approach. Harrogate definitely opened our eyes to the possibilities and the reaction to the finished article at the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show in May was brilliant. We sold out of the stands on day one and have since sold out of the second order,’ says Prescott.

‘It was also on the back of these stands that we were asked to be the carpet contributor to the Flooring Store of the Future at The Flooring Show this year.’

Visit: www.adamcarpets.com

Fine Worcester Twist® This iconic range from Adam Carpets is now available in 10 new on-trend colours.

The new colours centre on two different styles, 'Cool & Urban' and 'Warm & Chic'.

Which one reflects your personality?

www.adamcarpets.co.uk

Fine Worcester Twist – available from your local Adam Carpets stockist

Everyone at Adam Carpets would like to thank the readers of Interiors Monthly for voting us

'BEST UK FLOORING MANUFACTURER 2015'

AWARDS

Wiemann Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer

Below: Loft corner unit Bottom left: Berlin in Alpine White and Sahara glass Bottom right: Eastside with Havanna carcase and mirrored and Magnolia glass doors

42

Interiors Monthly August 2015

‘We couldn’t believe it when we heard we had won Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer for the third year running,’ says Simon Hewitt, director of Wiemann’s UK and Irish agent Litmus Furniture.

‘Knowing that this is the view of our customers makes it even more special. It makes us all feel as if our hard work has paid off.

‘And we couldn’t do any of it without our experienced and well qualified sales team, who believe in the importance of developing strong relationships with customers. In this business, those relationships still count.’

Kai Schwenke, Wiemann UK export manager, says: ‘We are delighted to be seen as a high quality supplier to the UK. The UK market is very important to us and we do what we can to support its development and ongoing improvement.’

Wiemann’s UK strategy for 2015 has been to concentrate on improving customer service as much as possible, focusing on quality rather than quantity.

As a result, the ranges proving the strongest for 2015 are those at the top end of Wiemann’s offering: its VIP and semi-solid collections. In VIP, Shanghai and Loft were this year

augmented by Scarlett; the centrally opening sliding door wardrobe collection Westside; and Eastside, with its hinged door and drawer combinations.

Meanwhile, the semi-solid oak ranges Avore and Serena are gaining increasing recognition.

Corner units have also been one of 2015’s key stories. ‘Corner units often look promising, but the trouble with most of them is that, although they give the impression of being very fitted and streamlined, they are actually very space inefficient, cutting across the corner of the room and leaving a large, unused space in the corner behind the wardrobes,’ says Hewitt.

‘Not so Wiemann’s corners. They make the most of every inch of space available.

Behind those closed doors is a veritable mini-dressing room. It’s a walk-in feature that will get most customers pretty excited.’

As well as its products, Wiemann’s home delivery and installation service is going from strength to strength and allowing retailers to focus on display and selling, rather than logistics. It’s all part of the service the team strives for – to be the best it can be.

‘To say we are thrilled and delighted to win this accolade would be an understatement. In more than 40 years in business, I’ve never experienced three consecutive years of an award. It makes me believe we must be doing something right,’ adds Peter Hewitt, Litmus md.

Visit: www.wiemannuk.co.uk

Three Times A Winner!

Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer 2015

Fall in love with your bedroom...

the

way

Serena Westside

Bedrooms of distinctive style, quality and value

01482 635283 enquiries@wiemannuk.co.uk www.wiemannuk.co.uk

AWARDS

Balta Broadloom Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer

Below: Lothian Wool Berber Right and below right: Noble Heathers

44

Interiors Monthly August 2015

For the sixth year in a row, Balta Broadloom has been voted Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer, which is testament to the manufacturer’s efforts at providing UK retailers with the best in carpet style, quality and value.

With the introduction of the Noble Collection, as well as innovations in its StainSafe, hardwearing X-tron and supersoft Sensit yarns, this year has been exceptionally busy for Balta as it looks to continue to offer its retailers the ideal combination of great style and performance from all of its collections.

The Noble Collection has been particularly well received, the coordinated stripe and plain range reaffirming the status of one of the original stain-resistant carpets introduced to the UK.

Other highly successful new collections include StainSafe Noble Heathers, in 10 natural colours including stylish modern greys, and wool introductions including Lothian Wool Berber, a 100% British wool range that brings coordinated stripes and plains.

‘We are delighted to have once again been voted as the Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer by the readers of Interiors Monthly and would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who cast their vote to make us number one again,’ says Geert Vanden Bossche, Balta Group marketing director.

‘This award is highly prized by European flooring manufacturers and we are pleased that our reliability as a partner to retailers has once again made a difference: it’s certainly quite some feeling to line up all of our certificates side by side.’

The carpet manufacturer is Europe’s largest and has forged a reputation for service and reliability that sees it serve retailers of all sizes across the UK. Supporting independent retailers and members of leading buying groups, carpet from Balta has a reputation for quality.

Preparations are already under way to ensure that the company will continue to provide retailers with excellent products throughout 2016.

Balta Broadloom, tel: 00 32 5662 2211

ONLY THE BEST COMES FROM BALTA With 12 on-trend and timeless colours matched to four stylish coordinated stripes all in the welcome familiarity of saxony, The Noble Collection is a carpet in-tune with the needs and wants of today’s homeowners.

WWW.BALTAGROUP.COM

AWARDS

Julian Bowen Best Customer Service (Furniture)

Right: Cayman Below: Princess Charlotte Bed Below right: Davenport

46

Interiors Monthly August 2015

‘We are delighted and proud to have been voted Best Customer Service (Furniture) by the readers of Interiors Monthly; this accolade is a tremendous vote of confidence for the Julian Bowen brand and the result of all the hard work by our staff,’ says Julian Bowen, Julian Bowen md.

The company is launching a number of products this month.

‘La Rochelle is a white painted bedroom range. As part of our continued growth strategy in the bedroom sector, this refined classic styled design, with panel featured drawers, finely detailed tops, shaped plinths with a silky smooth Stone White painted finish, makes this collection la pièce de résistance in any bedroom,’ says Bowen.

Children’s furniture continues to be an important area for the company.

‘The Princess Charlotte bed is a real eye-catcher and a perfect addition to the range for the girls. The Modena Stone White painted bunkbed offers

exceptional value for money and is sure to be an instant success,’ he says.

The dining range has been extended with the modern Cayman dining set made from solid beech with a walnut finish, while the sculpted high back chairs are finished with a light beige linen-style fabric seat.

The Davenport dining set reflects the growing trend for a white painted finish with a natural oak oil veneered top and a table that seats six people.

‘The Oslo and Savoy White and Oak finish dining sets are exceptionally well priced and together with the Casa dining and occasional collection in white and a limed oak wash, they are set to meet the growing demand for these products,’ Bowen adds.

The company’s Gold Direct Home Delivery service has seen a 60% increase over 2014 as customer demand grows, with all products available on a 7-10 day, two-man service to a room of choice.

Visit: www.julian-bowen.co.uk

Julian Bowen Limited Award Winning Service from the Leaders • No Minimum Order • Direct Containers • Full Truck Loads • Multidrop Deliveries • Direct Home Delivery with Liveried Trucks & Drivers • Same Day Dispatch For Next Day Delivery • Overnight Stock Reports as Required • Assembly Service • Courteous Skilled Staff • £5M Furniture in Stock • 95% “in Stock” Position Maintained • Innovative Commercial Designs • New Product Collections Every 6 Months • Competitive Pricing • Full Time at Source Quality Inspection Teams • Full Order/Invoice EDI Capabilities • Fit For Purpose Packaging

Industry Awards Voted UK’s

Voted UK’s

Number 1

Number 1

Number 1

Furniture

Furniture

Furniture

Wholesaler

Wholesaler

Wholesaler

2012

2013

2014

Voted UK’s

Voted UK’s

Voted UK’s

Number 1

Number 1

Furniture

For Customer

Wholesaler

Service

2015

2015

Bentinck House, Park Lane, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Notts NG17 9LE

Tel: (01623) 727374

Fax: (01623) 754555 e-mail: sales@julian-bowen.co.uk www.julian-bowen.co.uk All Products are available for Direct Home Delivery

AWARDS

Associated Weavers Best Customer Service (Flooring)

Associated Weavers is introducing Invictus

48

Interiors Monthly August 2015

‘Associated Weavers is delighted to have won the Interiors Monthly award for Best Customer Service (Flooring),’ says Steve Elliott, Associated Weavers md.

‘For a number of years we have been investing in staff, logistics and systems to provide the best possible service to our customers. This is a fantastic honour for our staff and supporters of our business who have managed to give a friendly and knowledgeable service in a very competitive market. The award is even more special when voted for by our retail customers,’ he says.

‘At Associated Weavers we decided a number of years ago to invest in more sales representatives to cover smaller geographical areas but to keep the same account base and not increase the number of retailers supporting the butterfly brand.

‘This has resulted in more personal service and allowed our sales force to spend more time discussing and promoting the benefits of Associated Weavers’ carpet ranges. Also, because of the exclusivity of being an Associated Weavers retailer, sales have increased both for the company and its customers.

‘We will continue to develop the core brands of Associated Weavers and build on their success with continual

development of new products.’

Stainaway has long been the company’s main brand for stain resistant carpet. All products under this brand come with a free Stainaway Warranty and Wear Guarantee, lasting either 10, 15 or 20 years. This has helped Stainaway become the market leader in this area by continually investing and keeping in front of the competition. To support Stainaway, this summer sees the launch of Invictus, a brand of super soft carpet with invincible performance,’ says Elliott.

The collection comprises four qualities, all manufactured with the company’s new Invinci SDO Stainaway yarn. Each range is supported by a 20year stain and wear warranty and POS display units. iSense continues its runaway success and adds another dimension to broadloom carpet, with its extremely soft polyamide yarn outperforming any other carpet when it comes to softness and comfort.

‘Achieving this award lets us know that we are going in the right direction and can build on this to improve even further in the future. Thank you once again to all Interiors Monthly readers for their support,’ adds Elliott.

Visit: www.carpetyourlife.com

AWARDS

Ashley Manor Upholstery Best Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer Below: Bridgett in grey linen with Chartreuse accents Bottom left: Maggie: ‘luxurious, welcoming and warm’ Bottom right: Make a statement with Florence

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

‘A huge thank you to all the readers of Interiors Monthly for voting for us, for the second year running, as Best Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer. We are thrilled and grateful,’ says David Lee, Ashley Manor Upholstery co-owner.

In celebratory mood, Ashley Manor launched its latest collection at the Manchester Furniture Show. Mark Smith, Ashley Manor creative director, described the new range as ‘rare birds’ and said how the the industry needs to make way for the aptly named ladies: Bridgett, Maggie and Florence.

Beautiful Bridgett embodies all that is new for mid-century with the design team at AMU creating a real move on for retro styling with a current twist on a classic design plus splashes of cool colour.

‘Grey, described as, “The hottest neutral”, by Housebeautiful.com, is the lead base colour. The cooling tones work

well on the natural cotton/linen blend and coordinate with our trend led colour palette for 2015/16. Chartreuse is one of these key colour players, characterful and earthy, this shade lights up a room with its zingy and exotic mix of yellow and green,’ he adds.

Maggie showcases Italian fabrics at their best in colour mixes ranging from the darkest ebony blends to uplifting neutrals in a design described as luxurious, welcoming and warm.

‘People will fall in love with the detailing on Maggie,’ says Steve Morgan, Ashley Manor sales director.

‘Maggie’s sister is the opulent Florence, in lavish shades from lavender to chocolate, the look is rich and sumptuous. Combining heritage patterns and soft silky textures, this sofa is elegant and sophisticated, a real statement piece in any home,’ he adds.

Ashley Manor, tel: 01384 486 800

Thank You!

www.ashleymanorupholstery.co.uk

AWARDS

Think Rugs Best Rug Supplier

Right: Noble House Bottom right: Spectrum Below: Hong Kong

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

‘At Think Rugs we pride ourselves on providing a speedy, efficient and friendly service to every single one of our customers. We understand that customers need a quick and easy service to make the ordering process a simple part of their business day,’ says Sam Tippett, Think Rugs buying and design manager.

‘We are incredibly proud to have won the Best Rug Supplier award for the third year in a row. This award means a lot to us as it shows the time and effort our

team puts into providing this service is truly appreciated within the trade.

‘We will endeavour to continue to work hard to ensure our customers are always receiving the best possible service. As well as the service we provide we also believe our extensive product range is one of the reasons we have won this award. We are constantly working to keep our product ranges up to date. With this in mind we have decided for the first time to create a new product brochure every six months meaning that we can ensure the latest trends are always included in our ranges,’ adds Tippett.

Think Rugs will introduce its 2015 autumn/winter brochure at the Autumn Fair next month.

Visit: www.thinkrugs.co.uk

AWARDS

Gautier UK Best Children’s Furniture

Right: Urban children/teen’s collection Below: Preface modular storage system Bottom right: Premium upholstered bed collection

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

For Gautier, the UK is a major market that has seen strong growth. ‘The past few years has seen exports rise by 10% with the UK consistently delivering doubledigit growth,’ says Harvey Roberts, Gautier UK md.

‘The UK is a key market with a clear strategy for growth. While 2014 was a year of consolidation, this year we are targeting developing existing partners while actively recruiting new retailers who understand the complete Gautier concept and are committed to working with us to grow the business.’

Marketing is going to be a major focus for the second half of 2015 and into 2016 with an increased profile for the brand with retailers and consumers.

With a UK office to support retailers, Gautier offers weekly deliveries direct from its three manufacturing facilities in The Vendee, France with the capability to

offer short lead times to meet customer expectations. It also offers DHD and an installation service across the country, allowing retailers to concentrate on selling without the complication of fitting.

‘Over the past 50 years more than 5million children and teenagers have slept in a Gautier bed, but our range of product covers much more than that: kids bedrooms, adult bedrooms and living and dining collections, all with a uniquely French style that is warm and inviting but remains highly contemporary,’ says Roberts.

The company remains in the ownership of the Soulard family, which continues investing heavily in production capabilities, combining the latest technology with skills handed down from generation to generation.

Visit: www.gautier.co.uk

DIMIX

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AWARDS

Quick-Step Best Laminate Manufacturer Innovation of the Year

From left: Natural Varnished Oak Concrete Wood Light Grey Soft Oak Beige Soft Oak Natural

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

Known for being at the forefront of development in new flooring technologies as well as the first to capture the latest interior trends, Quick-Step is considered by many as the leader in laminate flooring, demonstrated by the development of its waterproof Impressive laminate floor, which combines the creative inspiration of Oke Nollet, Quick-Step design director, and the technical foresight of Laurent Meersseman, Quick-Step research and development director.

‘At Quick-Step we believe that the floor is the start of something beautiful and that’s why we invest heavily in design, looking for new ways to push the possibilities of laminate flooring, looking at every detail so that our floors really are true to nature. Our Impressive collection is the most realistic laminate floor we’ve ever created,’ says Nollet.

‘We wanted our new laminate floors to

be waterproof, so we developed a technology that presses the floor’s joints into the surface layer during production.

A HydroSeal finish keeps out the tiniest drop,’ explains Meersseman.

‘Pressing the floor joints into the floor surface also adds to the realistic look.

Colour variations blend into the joints, while the planks’ wood grains seamlessly merge into the floor surface. Creating an authentic wood-look for Impressive was of the utmost importance to our design team. In addition, we wanted to create a series of realistic designs that really stand out. That’s why every Impressive floor comes with a different bevel, geared to the unique look and feel of each floor design,’ says Nollet.

Pinpointing the latest trends in flooring, interior design, fashion and architecture, Nollet and her team look for influences that will create classics of tomorrow. From strong design

AWARDS

commonalities in local markets to trade fairs, magazines and trend analysis, the hunt reaches far and wide, capturing global trends while providing each country with designs that work with the particularities of consumer taste.

‘Nature is our biggest source of inspiration. The Sandblasted Oak design, for instance, is based on the look of driftwood. I saw this image of seaweathered, wind-battered wood on a beach in Thailand. On the other hand, Soft Oak draws inspiration from oak wood with a slight patina and subtle cracks and knots. In a similar vein, craftsmanship inspires us too,’ explains Nollet.

This attention to detail in design is mirrored by technical innovation, as Meersseman recalls in the development for Impressive Burned Planks. ‘The technology to simulate the structure of burned wood simply didn’t exist. But we

started experimenting. We were inspired

by Japanese architecture, which uses burned pinewood to clad facades. We started experimenting by treating the surface of wood planks with a wood burner and looked for a way to fixate the resulting wood structure. To scan and replicate it on laminate, we did something similar to reliefography – a technique for creating 3D art replicas.

‘It is this attention to design and technology, working together hand-inhand, which allows us to develop the very best in laminate flooring. By pushing the boundaries of quality, design and innovation, we’ve achieved a floor that is not only beautiful in design, but 100% waterproof, tough and easy to look after, a true innovation in flooring.’

‘The Quick-Step brand has become synonymous with innovation, from Uniclic to Impressive, it is at the heart of our journey to beautiful flooring,’ says

Sophie Hautekeete, Quick-Step international PR manager.

‘The floor is the start of something beautiful. The impact it has on our space, on how we feel about our home, is one not to be underestimated and so we work tirelessly to ensure that floors bearing the Quick-Step name are as beautiful as they can be. In the smallest of details it is possible to excel in design, bringing a floor that is truer to nature than before. Innovation makes our floors easier to live with, another reason why Quick-Step floors are popular with homeowners right across the country.

‘We are delighted to have been awarded two prestigious accolades this year and would like to thank the readers of Interiors Monthly who share our passion for flooring and voted us Best Laminate Manufacturer and Impressive, Innovation of the Year.’

Visit: www.quick-step.co.uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

57

PARQUET / VAR1629

LAMINATE / IMU1847

LAMINATE / IMU1855

LAMINATE / LPU1505

The start of something beautiful Quick-Step offers a wide variety of qualitative design floors in different sizes, colors and finishes.

Quick-Step design floors are true to nature, matching the character of the floor perfectly. Whether you choose trendy, scratch resistant laminate, warm and authentic parquet or water-resistant, renovation friendly LVT, Quick-Step floors are the start

of

inspiring and chic interiors you’ll enjoy for many LIVYN / REF. 40027

years.

Discover your floor at www.quick-step.co.uk

PARQUET / PAL 3096

LIVYN / REF. 40030

AWARDS

Kährs (UK) Best Solid/ Engineered Wood Manufacturer

Right: Smaland Oak Aspeland Below: Bloc Nature Below right: Bloc White

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

Kährs’ award-winning range includes more than 140 wood floors, crafted from sustainable timber and suitable for domestic and commercial applications.

Designs span from traditional one-strip boards – with solvent-free lacquer or oil prefinishes – to on-trend colour-stained designs, with tactile finishing treatments.

Floors throughout Kährs’ collections feature a multi-layered construction, based on the original parquet design invented and patented by the manufacturer in 1941. As well as providing greater stability, and facilitating installation over underfloor heating, the construction also uses resources in the most nature-friendly way. During installation, Kährs’ glueless Woodloc joint promotes speed and accuracy, and eliminates gapping throughout the lifetime of the floor.

New innovations for 2015 include Bloc Collection: an on-trend patterned oak floor, available in three sizes and shades.

Individual Bloc staves are joined using an oak tongue to create unlimited geometric designs – from traditional herringbone to modern brick – in single or multi-colours. Bloc can also be used to create borders around patterned or traditional plank floors.

‘We’re delighted to have again been voted Best Solid/Engineered Wood

Manufacturer by the readers of Interiors Monthly. Our sincere thanks for nominating Kährs and supporting the brand,’ says Harvey Booth, country manager, Kährs UK and Ireland.

‘This year we’re launching three collections, including Bloc, as well as new products to existing ranges. Our new website is live and features a virtual showroom, and we’re exploring new marketing initiatives to further promote the brand and support our customers.’

Visit: www.kahrs.com

We’re proud to be recognised as the ‘Best Solid/Engineered Wood Manufacturer’ for the seventh year running.

Throughout the years, our absolute commitment to quality, efficiency and professionalism has been unwavering – as has our customers’ brand loyalty.

We thank you for voting for our wood flooring range – and we warmly welcome new brand partners.

T 023 9245 3045

E sales@kahrs.com

W kahrs.com

AWARDS

Amtico Best Luxury Vinyl Supplier

Below: Signature Cirrus Mist and Cirrus Dawn Below right: Signature Wild Walnut Strip Wood with Origami motif

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

Floorcoverings have found their way to the heart of interior design over recent years, and never before has there been so much flexibility and possibility.

Blazing a trail that counterparts can’t keep up with has been LVT. Combining true-to-life replications of natural timber, stone and other surface materials with unbeatable durability, installation and maintenance characteristics, it’s little wonder that LVT has continued to take market share from other flooring categories, reckons Amtico.

For more than 50 years, Coventrybased Amtico has been at the forefront of the LVT flooring movement thanks to its unique in-house design capabilities, continual development and precise production process.

Creativity is at the core of the business and it is this constant innovation and dedication to pushing the boundaries of design, for LVT, the residential market, and the flooring industry as a whole.

Amtico Signature is the flagship collection for custom design flooring.

With 188 premium styles that can be cut and combined in infinite ways and installed with ease, the design possibilities are endless.

Encompassing a full spectrum of

wood, stone and abstract tonal trends and a 1mm wear layer for extra longevity, this collection is for residential settings and can be custom designed to suit individual tastes and requirements.

Amtico Spacia is a high quality, durable and versatile collection of 96 design-led products that has something to offer any space. Adaptable to single use installation or combined with other finishes, Amtico Spacia features a 0.55mm wear layer and complete design flexibility to transform any interior.

Most recently, designs with added texture have been added to the wood and stone ranges while more decorative elements and accent colours have been introduced to abstract design styles – offering a full spectrum of options.

Amtico offers a full suite of marketing materials and a swift sample service online, plus technical information and product support is just a click or phone call away.

Offering a quick and efficient service, with stock made in Britain or made to order in the case of Signature, Amtico gives the residential interiors market all it needs to make customers’ dreams a reality.

Visit: www.amtico.com

Beautifully designed flooring To find out how Amtico can support your business and increase your sales contact our specialist sales team on: 0121 222 1706 or email: samples@amtico.com, alternatively visit amtico.com

AWARDS

Wood Bros Best Living Room Manufacturer

Right: Lavenham in new Tuscany Pewter leather and Wentworth Linen and new Fumed Oak colour Bottom: The Weybourne in new Zanzibar fabric and Tuscany Tan leather combinations Bottom right: Chatsworth

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

‘Everyone at Wood Bros Furniture would like to thank the readers of Interiors Monthly for voting it the Best Living Room Manufacturer. Over the years we have striven to manufacture high end cabinet furniture for many rooms in the house from home office to dining rooms, producing durable and hand-finished designs. However, it is in the living room that the company has truly excelled.

Occasional furniture has long been the most popular group from a variety of traditional lamp tables to the ornate, limited edition games table,’ says Malcolm Nix, Wood Bros sales and marketing director.

In 2014 the company reintroduced an upholstery collection to complement the occasional range and to add colour, warmth and style to retailers’ displays.

The Lavenham, Blakeney and Burnham sofa groups were the initial designs that enjoyed much success last year. To further develop the increasing appetite for upholstery, the Weybourne and

Hemsby were introduced this year at the January Furniture Show.

All five upholstery groups are accompanied by a large and varied fabric swatch which is considered the key to its success. The diversity of fabric styles allow both traditional and more contemporary looks to be achieved and work well with the cabinet ranges: Old Charm, Chatsworth and Ludlow. Plinths and legs can be finished to match all colours that the company offers.

For the recent Manchester Furniture Show, Wood Bros added a leather cover option to complement fabrics, providing a plethora of new combinations.

In addition to the strong upholstery story, the company has also introduced another wood colour for Old Charm: Fumed Oak. This paler and more weathered colour provides a sophisticated and contemporary feel as well as offering the consumer a wider choice with seven colours in total.

Visit: www.oldcharm.co.uk

NEW FINISH AND LEATHER FROM WOOD BROS! New ‘Fumed Oak’ is a natural finish enhanced with a subtle charcoal grain strike, that perfectly complements the soft buttery Tuscany leather Wood Bros (Furniture) Ltd, Marsh Lane, London Rd, Ware, Herts., SG12 9QH

w: www.oldcharm.co.uk

t: 01920 469241

AWARDS

IVC Group Best Vinyl Manufacturer

Top: Avenue Louvre Centre: Leoline Marbella Bottom: Leoline Quartz

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

IVC Group is delighted to have been voted Best Vinyl Manufacturer by the readers of Interiors Monthly.

With the Avenue and Leoline cushion flooring brands and Moduleo for the LVT sector, the company is committed to providing retailers with the best in vinyl flooring.

Both Avenue and Leoline have come to stand for excellent quality and incredible value, bringing retailers cushion flooring that can help to transform homes with high style and practical flooring.

The cushion flooring market continues to increase its market share.

‘We work hard to ensure that our designs offer a huge amount of styles to choose from; whether wood-looks with Avenue’s Ultimate Timber and Leoline’s Woodmark collections, tile and stone designs or the creativity and expressive freedom of Avenue’s Bubblegum & Liquorice range. Here at IVC Group, we invest heavily in developing new designs to ensure that retailers are equipped with styles that will delight in homes of every size and shape,’ says Victoria Hemelaer, Avenue and Leoline product manager.

‘Featuring the latest on-trend looks and backed with performance and benefits that go to make floors not only comfortable and quiet, but durable and easy to look after too, there is no doubting that cushion flooring from Avenue and Leoline is among the best in the sector.

‘POS for both brands has been refined to provide retailers with an attractive and consumer-focused presence that is sure to make itself felt for all the right reasons; displaying high quality cushion flooring that will bring homes a great value flooring solution,’ she adds.

As part of the world’s largest flooring manufacturer, IVC Group continues to push the envelope of what is possible with cushion flooring, developing new technologies that help to reduce reliance on resources, improve efficiencies and create the best cushion flooring.

Visit: www.ivcgroup.com

flooring with the power of IVC Group The IVC Group is Europe’s largest manufacturer of heterogeneous vinyl flooring bringing a complete spectrum of practical, beautiful and easy to care for cushion flooring options for the home.

C U S H I O N

V I N Y L

two great brands

one powerful manufacturer

www.leoline.co.uk I www.avenuefloors.co.uk I www.ivcgroup.com

AWARDS

Interfloor Best Accessory Supplier (Flooring)

Above: Stikatak Clip System Right: Interfloor’s Flooring Accessories catalogue is in its sixth issue Far right: Meister accessories

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

‘The whole Interfloor team is delighted to again win this award from Interiors Monthly readers,’ says Steve Woodhead, Interfloor marketing director. ‘We’re working hard to provide our customers with the best solution in terms of brands, choice and customer service. We’re honoured to get such an endorsement, and we’ll continue improving. ‘ Interfloor has experienced strong sales growth in flooring accessories. ‘This is due to a combination of new product development, good customer service and improved POS,’ says Woodhead.

Interfloor’s Flooring Accessories catalogue is in its sixth issue and is proving the most popular so far with customers. It features the latest Stikatak Clip System for fitting any kind of floorcovering up to 28mm in depth. The Clip System now comes with a selfadhesive base and a choice of small,

medium and large clips which allow a wide range of floors of different levels to be bridged.

A range of stick down metals has been added to Stikatak. Available in Angle Edge, Euro Coverstrip and Nosings, they have an integral self-adhesive strip along the base of the profile allowing the user to peel away the protective film and stick the profile into position on the subfloor: no drilling or screwing is required.

The Gripperrods range of premium carpet gripper continues to be popular and the Tackfast and Golden Gripper products are strong sellers.

Interfloor has also successfully introduced the Meister range of laminate and engineered wood floors with a wide range of colour-matched accessories including scotias, clip system edgings and end profiles.

‘This has been another strong year for our accessories business and the new range of accessories for Meister hard flooring has had an incredibly favourable response from our customers,’ adds Woodhead.

Visit: www.interfloor.com

Take a look inside our catalogue

23

Carpet Grippers

174

56

Floor Edgings

Fitting Tools

38

Adhesives and Tapes

7

Heat Seam Tapes

70

Retail Packaged Products

With over 800 Gripperrods and Stikatak products packed into our new Flooring Accessories Catalogue you will be sure to find just what you need to ensure a perfect flooring installation.

For a copy contact UK Sales: 01706 238 810 Or download a copy from: www.interfloor.com

01706 238 810

interfloor.com

@interfloor1

love your floor™

AWARDS

Sealy UK Best Bed Manufacturer

Below: Neil Robinson Bottom: Teramo Right: Sealy’s Which? accreditations

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

‘We’re going to have to get ourselves some more wall and cabinet space,’ jokes Neil Robinson, Sealy UK marketing director, on learning the multi-award winning bed company had been voted Best Bed Manufacturer by Interiors Monthly readers for the sixth year running.

‘It’s hugely rewarding for us to win this prestigious award. Interiors Monthly readers are at the sharp end of the business, and to know our efforts to provide the very best in customer service to retailers, trade professionals and the buying public is appreciated, is a vindication of the efforts made by all our staff.

‘Three years ago, when we gained a coveted Which? Best Buy accolade for being the highest scoring product in the pocket spring mattress category, we were hugely pleased with ourselves. We were still smiling when we retained that accolade last year, but you should have seen the absolute pleasure on everyone’s faces at our factory and offices in Aspatria when, earlier this year, we heard we’d retained that position for an amazing third year running.

‘Then, when we told the staff we’d gone one better and had topped the score across all mattress types in the Which? review in June, you could have heard the cheers all across the Lake District – I think we woke all the sheep up. To be told our Sealy Teramo 1400 was “the best mattress we’ve tested in years” is simply incredible and a

testament to the huge amount of research and testing that goes into the production of every new model we manufacture.

‘All these awards are a great example of Sealy’s proactive development of the product sector. We are renowned as being leaders in sleep technology and these beds are very much the modern face of pocket sprung mattresses with their zonal construction, Smart Fibres, and our exhaustive testing programme for everything from flammability to pressure point management and spinal support,’ says Robinson.

The company is gearing itself up for a huge increase in interest and orders on the back of these awards.

‘A Which? accreditation is recognised by consumers as objective, trustworthy and hugely important when it comes to making major buying decisions and is well known everywhere. Both these award winning beds will be on show at the Sealy stand at the NBF Show at Telford in September, along with some innovative products which will extend the wide range of beds and mattresses we already offer ‘Always leading from the front in the development of the best in sleep technology, I’m is expecting a bumper show with huge interest from retailers in some of the new products as well as the existing award winners,’ he adds.

Visit: www.sealy.co.uk

AWARDS

‘This is a great vote of confidence in the UK-CF and Ultimate brands and we thank everyone who has voted for us this year,’ says Gary Naylor, UK-CF business development manager.

UK-CF entered the UK furniture market three years ago with the vision of developing a new furniture brand which offers consumers stylish media furniture that is designed specifically for AV technology.

‘The UK-CF Ultimate brand is only available through quality bricks and mortar showroom accounts and is going from strength to strength. In-store display packages backed up with first class delivery and customer service has allowed the brand to grow with a network of quality retail outlets

UK-CF Best Home Entertainment Supplier

throughout the UK. A recent move to a new 40,000sq ft distribution centre ensures that we have the capacity to cope with anticipated growth,’ says Naylor.

The company has worked hard this year to develop a quality network of dealers and is now ready for the next phase of growth.

‘This will see the launch of another product line this autumn and we are really excited about this. Still including our specialist AV features, the range will include occasional and storage solutions that will open up new sales opportunities and allow our retail partners to maximise profit from a relatively small display area,’ adds Naylor.

Visit: www.uk-cf.co.uk

Thanks to all our customers for voting for us

THINKING CREATIVITY AWARDS

AWARDS 2011 WINNER 2015 WINNER

Great style comes in different sizes

General enquiries: +44 (0) 1282 425874 Email: sales@ukcf.co.uk 䊉 Web: www.ukcf.co.uk www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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Protection

Charleston, the new collection, Loving you & your home

www.underlay.com

t: 01536 200502

Protection

With lasting freshness and hygiene in textiles and polymers

www.underlay.com

t: 01536 200502

AWARDS

Furniture Origins Best Dining Room Manufacturer

Far right: Urban rectangular pedestal table Below: Porto Bottom: Urban sideboard with Blue Stone inset Bottom right: Liberty

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

‘Everyone at Furniture Origins is extremely pleased to accept this award from Interiors Monthly readers. It once again proves that supplying new cutting edge designs and trend setting finishes – such as those presented at the recent Manchester Furniture Show – and delivering these to market is recognised by way of this award,’ says Barry Webb, Furniture Origins business development director.

‘These new diverse styles further enhance the already proven successful and commercial collections from Furniture Origins, allowing stockists to display complementary styles while giving a breadth of designs and finishes from one company.

‘As with all of Furniture Origins collections, these are available direct from its factories on mixable containers, therefore giving total flexibility, and ease of order, as all ranges and items can be mixed on one container,’ he adds.

The direct container programme or wholesale purchases through Classic Furniture are supported by the Furniture Origins area managers: Mike Brown: Scotland, Cumbria, North East, and Yorkshire, tel: 07831 572 601 Alan Endersbee: North West, North Wales, Midlands, East Anglia, South East and Ireland, tel: 07809 196 019 Andrew Cavaciuti: South West, Avon, Wiltshire and South/Mid Wales, tel: 07500 830 888 Barry Webb, business development director, tel: 07702 603 971; email: barry.webb@furnitureorigins.co.uk

For enquiries, please contact barry.webb@furnitureorigins.co.uk or call: 07702 603971

to your success

dedicated

A deep seated thank you.

We would like to give a deep seated thank you for voting Himolla best recliner manufacturer 2015.

Our exciting new recliner range should reassure you we wont be resting on our laurels

For further stockist information please contact info@himolla.com

AWARDS

Himolla Best Recliner Manufacturer

Right: Symphony Below: Opus Below right: Fantasia

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

‘Ta-Ta-Tar-Taaarrrr! Without wishing to blow our own trumpet too loud, we are delighted to have been voted Best Recliner Manufacturer. Our thanks go to the readers of Interiors Monthly for presenting us with such a prestigious award, and also to the designers and craftsmen who made it possible,’ says Sandra Gabler, Himolla UK & Ireland country manager.

Since 1948, Himolla’s staff have taken the company’s founding philosophy of ‘quality made in Bavaria’ and built it into the present day success story. Its original recliners soon established its reputation for innovative thinking, advanced technology and quality construction.

Although the manufacturing techniques, design and materials used have evolved dramatically, that drive for ultimate quality has not changed. Himolla’s latest

Fusion Collection, for example, has attracted worldwide acclaim.

‘At Himolla we see the Best Recliner Manufacturer award as welcome recognition of our efforts. But there are two, perhaps even more satisfying, rewards for our concentration on quality.

The first is the truly impressive growth rates we’re experiencing today. The other is the testimonials and votes of thanks we receive from our customers,’ says Gabler.

‘Will history repeat itself in future awards? I do hope so. We are taking German engineering in furniture to an even more advanced level. We use the highest quality leathers and materials, and introduce styles that continue to match the ever-changing design aspirations of our customers.’

Visit: www.himolla.com

AWARDS

Julian Bowen Best Furniture Wholesaler

‘We are delighted and proud to have been voted the Best Furniture Wholesaler for the fourth consecutive year, by Interiors Monthly readers, as well as Best Customer Service (Furniture) for the first time,’ says Julian Bowen, Julian Bowen md.

‘We continue to stride ahead of the competition and dominate the market with our achievements, which surely speaks volumes about how well the Julian Bowen brand is respected in the marketplace.

‘We have enjoyed an exceptional first half year for 2015 with a 20% increase in sales over 2014. These are pretty

impressive figures and a clear indication that the company is growing its market share,’ he adds.

The company is launching a number of products in August and to facilitate this growth it will be expanding its warehousing capacity A new purpose built 50,000sqft warehouse is due to be completed by the end of the year. This will create a total of 150,000sqft of warehousing racked to five levels and providing the much needed additional space to to meet the increasing demand for Julian Bowen products.

Visit: www.julian-bowen.co.uk

Top: Amelia bed Right: Casa is one of many products launching this month

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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AWARDS

Mercado Best Flooring Wholesaler

Mercado is the UK’s largest flooring wholesaler and hosted a trade day (below) in March Bottom right: Troublefree is being expanded

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

‘Everyone at Mercado is delighted to receive this award from Interiors Monthly; it is made all the sweeter as it is voted for by our customers’, says Adrian Laffey, Mercado buying director.

‘As the UK’s largest flooring wholesaler our thanks and gratitude are sent in three directions: first, to all our customers who see our daily commitment to set the highest standard in service levels, stockholding and depth of product offering.

‘Second, to all our staff who work tirelessly to deliver such standards; their efforts, hard work and dedication are gratefully appreciated.

‘Finally, to our supply base, without advancement in product development,

new ranges and investment in POS, the business would not continue to grow.

‘To this end we will be launching an additional 12 ranges to the Troublefree collection offering high quality carpets at exceptional value for money. Supported

by Mercado’s service levels, Troublefree is a favourite of many retailers.’

For the entry level market, an additional 24 ranges will be marketed during August using 12,000 POS displays.

‘Clearly these initiatives represent a significant investment, which will continue to grow the Mercado business and present additional profit opportunities for our customers,’ adds Laffey.

Visit: www.mercado.co.uk

Thank you to all the readers of Interiors Monthly for voting

Best Flooring Wholesaler

AWARDS

Ulster Carpets Best Flooring Website Below: Braeburn Bottom: York Wilton Bottom right: The website was relaunched in late 2014

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

Ulster Carpets is delighted to have been named Best Flooring Website 2015 by the readers of Interiors Monthly.

The team at Ulster Carpets has worked hard to transform the Ulster website into a clean, fresh, user-friendly experience.

Following a long process, the new look website was launched in late 2014 to a great response.

‘Since we launched, the feedback has been amazing from both consumers and retailers. They find the website easy to use, great to look at and, most of all, the information they need is readily accessible. The handy free sample ordering tool is also popular,’ says Jeremy Wilson, Ulster Carpets sales director.

The new look website is the shop window for a change in direction for Ulster Carpets.

It still manufactures the heavy patterned axminster for which it is renowned and ranges such as Glenavy and Glenmoy

continue to be big sellers. But, the company has answered consumer demand for more contemporary products, such as the bestselling Open Spaces Collection and the Boho Collection.

‘Ulster has always had a brilliant and talented team of designers and we have really focused on the importance of design in the past few years. We have launched a number of ranges recently including Braeburn, a contemporary plaid range, the vintage-inspired Boho Collection and new additions to the 100% wool Open Spaces Collection, all of which have a universal appeal to both the younger and older consumer. We have also added very of the moment muted neutral tones to the York and Grange Wilton ranges which are beautiful classic shades that work well in any interior style. The website showcases the current product range perfectly,’ he says.

The website boasts a host of features including simple search tools, an Inspiration section, as well useful After Care and Carpet Advice sections to help make flooring decisions. Consumers can order free samples as well as browse the Inspiration and Blog sections. The website is just the beginning of a new online presence for Ulster Carpets which is now on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and LinkedIn. Visit: www.ulstercarpets.com

AWARDS

Andrew Porter Best Supply Chain/Logistics Company

Not only has furniture logistics specialist Andrew Porter been voted Best Supply/Logistics Company by Interiors Monthly readers for a third time, but the firm is also celebrating its 20th anniversary of its furniture logistics services this year.

The team is hugely proud to receive this recognition and would like to thank all of the readers and customers who took the time to vote.

‘We have enjoyed a fantastic anniversary year so far and this is yet another achievement we are all delighted about,’ says Tim Aspey, Andrew Porter md.

‘It has been a busy year for us, with increased business from existing clients, as well as new customers joining us. Our

home delivery services in particular are at an all time high.’

Andrew Porter has expanded both its team and its fleet, as well as restructuring departments at its head office to ensure a continually smooth operation.

‘Customer service is at the heart of everything we do and we have created new protocols and staff training programmes to ensure we meet or exceed customers’ expectations,’ says Aspey.

‘We now have more retailers, manufacturers and importers than ever making use of our full-service furniture logistics service, which comprises warehousing, home delivery and retail delivery,’ he adds.

Visit: www.andrewporterltd.co.uk

AWARDS

AWARDS 2011 WINNER 2015 WINNER

• • • •

Full logistics services Warehousing White glove direct home delivery Retail delivery

Thank you for voting for us as the Best Supply Chain/Logistics Company in the industry for the third time.

Contact us now on:

0800 389 1222 or email

sales@andrewporterltd.co.uk www.andrewporterltd.co.uk www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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AWARDS

AIS Best Furniture Buying Group

Below: Exclusive products include Oakham from Parker Knoll Bottom: Stag and Dreamworld are AIS own brands

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

Peter Mallinson, AIS merchandise director home, says he and his team are delighted to have won this award again.

Although, modesty apart, he is not surprised because he knows how strong the positive values of AIS membership are and, in particular, would like to dispel a negative myth about the group.

‘What many people don’t understand about AIS is that we have no compulsory purchases. Instead, what we do have is a stable of own brands such as Stag, Ducal and Dreamworld, plus exclusive products from leading brands such as Parker Knoll and Duresta among others. These give members differentiation in the marketplace and higher margin opportunities without the need for massive upfront commitment,’ he says.

As well as providing members with exciting products and a broad supplier base, there are many other support areas that give added value and efficiency. One is TradeIslands, a comprehensive database available 24 hours a day containing contact information, price data, brochures and about 50,000 images for more than 100 furniture suppliers.

‘Not only is it a reference tool but the system allows members to import this data straight in to their retail and

back-office systems, saving time and money on manual inputting,’ says Darrell Cooper, AIS partnership trading manager.

Cenpac, the central payments platform on which AIS is founded, is another key benefit. It brings great efficiencies in the way AIS members process transactions with suppliers. Not only is it advantageous for members it is also better for suppliers as they are secure in the knowledge that they have a payment guarantee for their invoices.

‘This gives us the basis on which to negotiate improved terms and is also the platform for supplier volume rebates due to the combined turnover processed through Cenpac,’ adds Mallinson.

‘In addition to all the great work Peter and his team do with the product and buying, throw in support from the AIS procurement division, which has saved members such as Stokers and Glasswells many thousands of pounds on areas such as utilities and solar power, and you have an even stronger proposition that goes beyond the core buying group role,’ says David Standing, AIS commercial director.

‘Furthermore, our in-house marketing team provides members with a variety of materials that help drive their business and is another reason to be a member.

The many benefits of AIS membership far outweigh the cost and only AIS members are in a position to take full advantage of them,’ he adds.

Visit: www.aistores.co.uk

great reasons to join AIS

AWARDS

10

AWARDS 2011 WINNER 2015 WINNER

- the leading furniture and home buying group

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

You remain independent yet gain multiple benefits We improve members’ profitability through better buying terms, exclusive ranges, show deals and rebates Over £200m furniture buying throughput means AIS has considerable influence in the industry with major suppliers and all processed efficiently through Cenpac, our central payment system Two of the best furniture shows every year are held at our own first class exhibition venue in Solihull plus two separate Bed Shows Exclusive branded and own brand ranges such as Stag, Ducal and Dreamworld Beds give AIS members differentiation and higher margin opportunities We are also very strong in categories such as flooring, linens and housewares to drive additional footfall and give new margin opportunities Our AIS procurement division saves members £’000s on non-retail goods and services from insurance to delivery vehicles to utility contracts Our AIS logistics team can help with imports and have beneficial shipping deals We also support members with other services such as marketing, personnel and training

10

Benefits of membership far exceed costs

For more information please contact: Peter Mallinson, Merchandise Director - Home t 0121 711 2200 e peter.mallinson@aistores.co.uk www.aistores.co.uk

AWARDS

SMG Best Flooring Buying Group

SMG keeps members up to date and continues to expand its range of services, with advertising templates introduced this year

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

‘We are delighted to have been voted the Best Flooring Buying Group by readers of Interiors Monthly,’ says Mike Symonds, SMG head of group operations.

‘Receiving this award for the second year running is a tremendous accolade and the result of a good deal of hard work by the entire SMG team.’

SMG was conceived in 1968 to support 12 retailers with better prices, promotions and rebates. Fast forward to 2015 and SMG now represents more than 370 stores throughout the UK providing a comprehensive membership package that will work for any flooring retailer, big or small. The key to its success has been providing support to members without interfering in their business operations.

‘SMG members will make the decisions and run their businesses as they always have, just more profitably,’ says Symonds.

‘Never has the phrase, “We’ve done all the hard work so you don’t have to”, been so appropriate. SMG partners with all the key manufacturers and suppliers to the industry so extra profitability is easier to obtain with SMG. Group price lists and turnover based rebates provide the tangible benefits. Promotions, unitary offers and own label products are all part of the added value that is provided,’ he says.

Also part of the SMG package is the product purchasing scheme, Orderlink.

This gives SMG members access to

products from the entire approved supplier portfolio at wholesale-beating prices.

Symonds explains: ‘When a customer wants a product that you can’t access, Orderlink is the answer. It has often provided the link to many successful direct accounts and is unique to SMG.’ SMG has also created a strong business services package to provide value and support for its members with offers on items such as credit card rates, energy pricing, retail finance, commercial vehicles and a free business support helpline.

This year SMG added marketing and advertising to its increasing list of services. Members benefit from advertising blocks and templates that can be used free of charge.

Visit: www.smg-group.co.uk

The ONLY Group with access to all suppliers...

GUARANTEED! Isn’t it time you joined the award winning Buying Group?

Voted ‘Best Floo ring Buying Grou SMG The National Furnishing Group p’ 9 The Markham Centre, Station Road, Theale, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4PE Telephone 0118 932 3832 Fax 0118 930 4515 Email join@smg-group.co.uk Web www.smg-group.co.uk

AWARDS

Karndean Designflooring Best Marketing Support (Flooring)

Left: LLP108 Providence Centre: LLP109 Stamford Right: LLP111 Boston

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

‘Karndean Designflooring would like to thank the readers of Interiors Monthly for recognising our marketing efforts to support retailers’ says Sarah Dixon, Karndean Designflooring head of UK marketing.

‘Our retail partners are the cornerstone of our business and we work hard to support them through various programmes.

‘Marketing support for us covers lots of different things including sending retail staff to the Karndean head office for product training, increasing fitters’ skills by attending the basic or advanced fitting courses, borrowing an exhibition kit so retailers can undertake local promotions or even teaching them how to use social media. We want to see you succeed,’ she says.

Over the past year Karndean Designflooring has worked hard to bring

its customers a scheduled delivery service, ensuring they know exactly when their order will arrive.

‘We recognise that time is money in any business and we have received great feedback saying how much time it has freed up,’ says Dixon.

Karndean has also redesigned its Find a Retailer section on its website, allowing its partners to upload pictures of their store and include additional information consumers will find useful.

‘It really helps with the consumer’s journey. They can see where they will be going and exactly what ranges a retailer has available. It’s a really exciting time for the company with two major range refreshes planned for the autumn and spring 2016. We always have lots of projects we’re working on and can’t wait to share them with our retailers.’

Visit www.karndean.com

AWARDS

Best Flooring Exhibition The Flooring Show

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

‘The team at The Flooring Show is thrilled to have won this prestigious award again; it’s especially pleasing as we’ve worked hard over the past few years to bring back some big names to Harrogate, and to develop useful content and features to make the show a much more complete event that properly reflects the great industry it serves. We’d like to thank the readers of Interiors Monthly for their support, and also all our loyal visitors and exhibitors who help make the show what it is today,’ says Wendy Adams, The Flooring Show event director.

Next month’s show welcomes a host of new and returning names including IVC Group, Asiatic Carpets & Rugs, Uzin, Whitestone Weavers, Hugh Mackay, Windmoeller, Parquex, Jaymart and Ultimate Rugs.

As well as being a platform for toprated exhibitors, the show will continue to develop feature areas to enhance the visitor experience: G The Wool Trends Centre launched last year with the British Wool Marketing Board and the Campaign for Wool, will return in 2015 in expanded format, and includes Adam Carpets, Axminster, Brintons, Brockway, Bronte, Cavalier, Westex and Ulster.

G This year the Scarlet Opus Trends Hub team will create a flooring retail shop of the future. There will also be a

seminar on Sunday explaining the key points about the shop concept. The idea is to provide some ideas and food for thought, primarily for independent flooring retailers to make some positive changes to their business. In an environment where major national chains have been introducing marketing and investment plans to target a wider range of consumers, the Hub will provide features, ideas and examples to help independent retailers continue to develop their own offerings. This project is supported by Adam Carpets, Interfloor, Interface, Concept Handtufting, British Ceramic Tile and Vizifloor.

G The Demo Areas run by NICF, FITA and CFA will return with subfloor and tool demos throughout the day in Hall B and floor finishes demos in Hall M. G Seminars in the Business Enrichment Theatre provide a great opportunity for retailers and other show attendees to take away some business improvement actions that can be implemented without cost, the very next day. Among the seminars, Houzz will be leading design seminars; Vanessa Brady will talk about how to sell to interior design companies; and David Abbott will talk about best pricing.

G A comedy night will again be held in the Royal Hall on Sunday after the end of the opening day and networking reception. Costing £350 for a table for 10, including supper, it will feature three top comedians including Jamie Sutherland and Phil Walker. All profits go to three cancer and children’s charities.

Visit: www.theflooringshow.com

FLOORING W SHO 20-22 SEPTEMBER 2015 HARROGATE www.theflooringshow.com Proud winner of the Best Flooring Exhibition Award for another year.

Our sincere thanks to Interiors Monthly and to its readers for their votes and support.

AWARDS

Best New Exhibition January Furniture Show

Right: Co-directors Teresa Raymond and Laraine Janes The show will be expanded for 2016

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

‘We are delighted that Interiors Monthly readers voted for us,’ says Laraine Janes, January Furniture Show co-director.

‘We’ve had such support from the industry and the positive feedback we have received has been amazing, so thank you to everyone who voted.

‘Our main aim when we took over the slot at the NEC was to keep it focused, targeted and more relevant to furniture buyers. And it’s worked. It remains clear that the industry wants a January event to showcase its products to retailers.’

More than 85% of the exhibitors from the 2015 event have already signed up to return – many with bigger and better stands – and around 50 new exhibitors have already signed up to join them.

Some of the names eager to bring their hottest new products include Parker Knoll, Skovby, ROM, Buoyant, Westbridge, Lebus, Kingstown, Sherborne, Morris Group, Alstons, Wiemann, Rauch, TCS, Willis & Gambier,

Baker Furniture, Libra, Gallery Direct, Stone the Crows and Dar Lighting.

Furniture has pride of place in the show, which remains focused on the best the UK market has to offer in cabinet, upholstery and beds. For 2016 the furniture offer will be extended to provide greater variety with dedicated areas for accessories, lighting, flooring, art, mirrors and fabrics. This will give buyers the chance to use the show as a one-stop-shop to refresh or replenish their stores.

‘We have a strong team in place that is working hard to make the 2016 show an even greater success and meet visitors’ and exhibitors’ requirements. For those who have a business in the furniture and furnishings market, this show provides the ideal platform to showcase products and meet suppliers face to face – all in a well organised and easy environment,’ explains Janes.

Visit: www.januaryfurnitureshow.com

AWARDS

Retailsystem Furniture Software Best Software Supplier

As consumer confidence grows, retailers are looking for reliable IT systems

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

‘We are honoured, delighted and very, very encouraged to again win the award for Best Software Supplier. It means that we must be getting something right, especially when you consider that we have been selected to receive this award by the people we serve, the core of the retail furniture and beds industry of this country,’ says Stephen Smith, Retailsystem Furniture Software md.

‘I think we’ve earned a little time to pause and reflect on what it is we offer that keeps us at the top when it comes to supplying software dedicated to this industry, so that we can make sure we can carry on being the best. The key word here is dedicated. We only work in and for the retail furniture industry. We know it well and yet we still work hard to keep on learning more about it. All our products and services are specifically designed for it. All our focus is on this vertical market so that we deal with what we know and make absolutely sure that our systems fit the needs of our customers,’ says Smith.

The company continues to grow at a healthy rate, currently signing up a new company every five days on average, with more than 430 retailers benefiting from the systems it has designed and set up for them.

As the economy grows and people seem to have more spending power, ever busier retailers are looking for reliable and proven low cost solutions to help them make the most of all that

additional business without losing sight of the organisational needs of the day to day. That’s where the right IT system earns its money and gives managers and owners easy access to all the information they need to run every aspect of the business effectively and efficiently.

‘That’s where we come in. Because we provide the right system to suit any retail furniture or beds business, no matter what the size or the shape, we’ve managed to stay at the top as the first choice. It doesn’t matter if you’re a small team running a small shop, or a major retailer with multiple stores, our passion is to design and put in place exactly the right system to suit your needs, both for now and for your future growth.

‘We only deal with what we know, sticking only to furniture and beds shops, which means that retailers can rely on getting the system that helps them in the running and monitoring of every aspect of their furniture and bed business: designed solely for their business.

‘It’s wonderful to be up here with all the industry giants, so thank you for keeping us at the top of the tree when it comes to providing you with the right software solutions. And thank you for giving us the opportunity to show you why we have become the obvious first port of call for anyone in the retail furniture and bed business who wants to be a winner,’ adds Smith.

Visit: www.retailsystem.com

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AWARDS

Trident – Furlong Flooring Product of the Year

Above right: Trident was expanded to 36 colours in January Right: Trident Heathers Far right: Trident Highlights

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

‘We were over the moon when we won last year’s award for Best UK Flooring Manufacturer. Suffice to say we are ecstatic to receive Product of the Year for Trident and thank the readers of Interiors Monthly for their huge support,’ says Peter Sharpe, Furlong Flooring director.

Trident was relaunched in January this year and expanded to 36 colours reflecting the significant shift in consumer demand for more neutral, natural, washed out and grey based tones.

The collection is split into three ranges each with their own colour signature; Trident Heathers, the original warmer subtle heather range, Trident Pastelle in

solid contemporary plain colours with a sheen, and Trident Highlights, a heavier contrast heather collection.

The company’s new product development plan has been prolific this year. Already eight collections have been launched in 2015, with a further five to merchandise in the marketplace before the autumn.

‘This has been by far our busiest year for range launches and it has been instrumental in our success. The excellent performance of 2015 allows us to build strong foundations for our future development plans. Rest assured, going into 2016 we have a number of surprises up our sleeves,’ says Sharpe.

‘Our new distribution centre in Gloucester is fully on stream and is underpinning our continued drive to become the supplier of choice with our customers. Service levels are at an alltime high with outstanding customer and retailer feedback. Our belief in ticking all the boxes, offering best in class products from entry level through to top drawer, coupled with our first-rate service levels means the future is looking very bright for Furlong Flooring.

‘I’d like to again thank all the readers who voted for us.’

Visit: www.furlongflooring.co.uk

AWARDS

Trident – Furlong Flooring Product of the Year

Above right: Trident was expanded to 36 colours in January Right: Trident Heathers Far right: Trident Highlights

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

‘We were over the moon when we won last year’s award for Best UK Flooring Manufacturer. Suffice to say we are ecstatic to receive Product of the Year for Trident and thank the readers of Interiors Monthly for their huge support,’ says Peter Sharpe, Furlong Flooring director.

Trident was relaunched in January this year and expanded to 36 colours reflecting the significant shift in consumer demand for more neutral, natural, washed out and grey based tones.

The collection is split into three ranges each with their own colour signature; Trident Heathers, the original warmer subtle heather range, Trident Pastelle in

solid contemporary plain colours with a sheen, and Trident Highlights, a heavier contrast heather collection.

The company’s new product development plan has been prolific this year. Already eight collections have been launched in 2015, with a further five to merchandise in the marketplace before the autumn.

‘This has been by far our busiest year for range launches and it has been instrumental in our success. The excellent performance of 2015 allows us to build strong foundations for our future development plans. Rest assured, going into 2016 we have a number of surprises up our sleeves,’ says Sharpe.

‘Our new distribution centre in Gloucester is fully on stream and is underpinning our continued drive to become the supplier of choice with our customers. Service levels are at an alltime high with outstanding customer and retailer feedback. Our belief in ticking all the boxes, offering best in class products from entry level through to top drawer, coupled with our first-rate service levels means the future is looking very bright for Furlong Flooring.

‘I’d like to again thank all the readers who voted for us.’

Visit: www.furlongflooring.co.uk

Product of the year

Prestige Trident Now there’s three ways to enjoy product of the year They say success breeds success.

At Furlong Flooring we’re passionate about success – especially for our customers and partners. So with that in mind, we’ve relaunched our best selling twist Trident.

Available in Heathers, Highlights and Pastelle, these ranges boast a host of contemporary features in stylish tones and colours.

Manufactured with our own Carefree Prestige fibre, these ranges are stain resistant, bleach cleanable and available in both 4m & 5m widths.

Designed to stylishly fit together, creating a display that’s sure to bring you success.

To take advantage of this great range, contact us today or visit our website. e

www.furlongflooring.co.uk www furlongflooring co uk

T H E F U R LO N G F LO O R I N G P O R T F O L I O

Wool Collection

www.furlongflooring.co.uk

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Sales: Preston - 01772 696 787

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Dartford - 01322 628 707

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Gloucester - 0845 520 0800

AWARDS

Editor’s Choice Brintons Flooring Brand 2015

From left: City Plaids Kensington Brintons’ collaborations have included Timorous Beasties More than 21,000sqm of Brintons’ carpet is used on P&O’s Britannia

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

A specialist British brand for more than 230 years, and Royal Warrant holder since 1958, Brintons continues to maintain its position as a leading manufacturer of high quality woven carpets. The Kidderminster based company employs around 1,500 people across four manufacturing sites: two UK and one each in Portugal and India, plus sales offices in the UK, USA, Australia, Dubai and Singapore. Its high-end woven carpets have become the standard for impressive business and residential properties throughout the world.

Design is at the heart of everything Brintons produces, it is the key ingredient to its continued success within the carpet industry, and 2015 has been no different.

Britain’s biggest cruise ship, the £473m P&O Britannia featured more than 21,000sqm of custom designed Axminster carpet from Brintons. For the style conscious homeowner the City Plaids series was introduced to capitalise on the trend for vintage, reclaimed textiles. A subtle colour palette was created to give a fashionable edge to this iconic pattern. Soft antique hues play together with cool blues and soft greys were jazzed up with a hint of hot pink.

The designs in the stocked range include collaborations with Timorous Beasties

and Laura Ashley, velvet carpets and a host of traditional and modern designs.

‘Wool is also on trend right now and has the added bonus that it is a fantastic sustainable choice for flooring. It insulates your home, is easily recyclable and biodegradable, plus shearing sheep is essential for their welfare,’ says Natalie Littlehales, Brintons consumer marketing manager.

‘The Brintons blend combines 80% wool with 20% nylon meaning that a Brintons carpet is both luxurious to touch and hard-wearing for longevity.

This blend is still used today because it has all the beauty of wool, in a much longer-lasting form. Brintons is the single biggest user of British wool with the wool from one in nine British sheep ending up in a Brintons carpet, and we are proud to be associated with the Campaign for Wool and British Wool Marketing Board.

‘After a busy year we are thrilled to be named the Flooring Brand 2015 by Interiors Monthly. Our talented team works hard to be the best in our field, delivering outstanding product quality, design, technical expertise and excellent customer service, so it is wonderful to have these qualities recognised,’ says Littlehales.

Visit: www.brintons.co.uk

The Padstow collection by Brintons Carpets

beauty

making the world a more beautiful place

AWARDS

AWARDS 2011

WINNER 2015 WINNER

Brintons Carpets Ltd, proud to be Best Flooring Brand of 2015

See the full collection at www.brintons.co.uk

P A D S T O W Candy Spot 5/50165

by design

AWARDS

Editor’s Choice Parker Knoll Furniture Brand 2015

‘Parker Knoll is delighted to have been chosen as Editor’s Choice Furniture Brand 2015 following such a busy year,’ says Donna Bellingham, Parker Knoll commercial director. ‘It is great to know that Parker Knoll is recognised as a company which continues to design and develop the best of British upholstery.

With the help of our prestigious team of craftsmen and women, we pride ourselves in creating stylish and quality collections for the modern home.’

With some 146 years’ experience within the industry the company continues to refresh its ranges by bringing the latest in modern classic design and innovation, while keeping in mind its ultimate goal of providing its consumers with the very best in

www.parkerknoll.co.uk

comfortable and stylish upholstery.

‘Over the past year we have been hard at work following a successful January Furniture Show. This year we launched two classic ranges; Seaton and Newark, alongside a new collection of fabrics including a selection of soft country inspired plaids and more glamorous chenille designs for spring/summer 2015.

We are very proud of our new collections and as we move forward into September, we will be adding further additions to our LifeStyle collection as well as a fabulous new collection of fabrics for autumn/winter 2015. This exciting launch will mean we are well equipped for what is set to be an exciting season ahead,’ adds Bellingham.

Visit: www.parkerknoll.co.uk

AWARDS

Editor’s Choice Carpet Recycling UK Sustainability (Flooring)

Right: Neville Hinchliffe, Arighi Bianchi flooring department manager (left) receiving his CRUK Recycling Champion member award from environmental creative agency Ape’s Mark Shayler at the CRUK annual conference. Hinchliffe will give a seminar at The Flooring Show on 20 September outlining the retailer’s success in recycling carpets and carpet offcuts.

Founded in 2008 by leading UK carpet manufacturers and retailers, Carpet Recycling UK is the industry-backed association for recycling and reusing waste carpet that is helping companies to find alternative and sustainable disposal outlets for waste carpet.

Funding comes from its core carpet manufacturing members that actively support the development of carpet recycling: Balsan, Cormar Carpets, Desso, Ege, Lifestyle Floors, Marlings, Milliken and Vorwerk.

By helping retailers, contractors and fitters to recycle or reuse their installation offcuts, uplifted carpets and carpet tiles, CRUK is acting as a ‘catalyst for sustainable change’ within the flooring sector.

A major benefit for CRUK members is a reduction in their disposal costs to landfill, as well as the ability to enhance their green credentials with customers.

Demonstrating to consumers that their waste carpet offcuts can be given a second life in a new product, underlay for example, helps to increase positive perceptions among the general public, increase loyalty and win new business.

‘Winning this award is a great feather in our cap,’ says Laurance Bird, CRUK director. ‘As we strive to increase awareness within the industry of the need to recycle carpet and encourage more carpet manufacturers and retailers

to join us, clinching this award serves to reinforce CRUK’s position as a leader for voluntary producer responsibility.

‘We are delighted and proud that our efforts have been recognised in this way, yet there is still so much we can do collectively to divert more and more carpet from landfill. With more outlets and collection facilities opening up across the UK each year, we are committed to making carpet recycling a convenient and cost-saving option for as many flooring companies as possible.’

Around 400,000 tonnes of waste carpet is created each year in the UK. Thanks to support from its core funders and the wider flooring sector, CRUK is driving innovation in end-of-life solutions for carpets. Rather than a bulky waste stream destined for landfill, carpet is viewed as a raw material resource that can be given a useful second life.

Since 2008, landfill diversion of carpets has increased from 3% to 28% last year.

CRUK’s target is 60% landfill diversion by 2020. Encouraging more retailers and manufacturers to actively engage with the company’s initiatives is vital if the momentum is to be maintained.

‘Our vision is of a strong and diverse UK carpet recycling industry which recovers all carpet waste using the best environmental technologies – to the ultimate benefit of all,’ adds Bird.

Visit: www.carpetrecyclinguk.com

Below: CRUK’s core funders

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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AWARDS

Editor’s Choice Hypnos Sustainability (Furniture)

Hypnos is committed to protecting the environment

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

‘At Hypnos we are proud to create handmade beds and luxurious sleep, not only with a Royal seal of approval, but with a genuine claim to be caring, green and responsible. This award is a double celebration of us after winning The Furniture Maker’s Company Sustainability Award earlier this year,’ says Chris Ward, Hypnos marketing director.

‘We are committed to protecting and preserving the environment; to sustainability; to recycling and to achieving best environmental practice.

Our commitment to sustainability and the environment is clearly embedded within “The Hypnos Way”, which identifies our vision, strategy, culture and shared values, and which ultimately shapes the behaviour of all of our employees. Indeed, we aim to ensure that our international business activities today do not have a negative impact on the lives of future generations.’

Hypnos’s strategy includes clear objectives and activities for environmental improvement based around a ‘lean and green’ operating culture, carbon reduction and carbon

offsetting, and recycling and reusing waste. Its systems comply with the PAS 2060 Carbon Neutrality Standard, and its factories have earned FSC and PEFC chain of custody certification. The company’s products are made by hand and are 100% recyclable when deconstructed at the end of their life.

New product designs focus on sustainable, natural and synthetic-free materials and its suppliers are required to demonstrate similar environmental commitments. Hypnos has also passed the Sedex ethical trading audit.

‘We also provide a responsible end of life mattress and furniture disposal solution. To further protect the environment and to help reduce landfill volumes, we established The Furniture Recycling Company which diverts old beds and furniture from landfill sites to our waste disposal centre for shredding, separation and recycling. This provides not only a zero landfill solution, but also a source of recycled raw materials and fuel for reuse in other industries and manufacturing processes,’ says Ward.

Carbon offsetting initiatives include a tree planting programme as well as supporting international renewable energy projects.

‘In the UK we are helping to grow trees and minds: we plan to plant trees at local schools, where tree planting and tree care ensures active engagement with children, where we highlight the importance of protecting the environment for future generations.

‘Our strong responsible ethos is considered very valuable by our customers: it reinforces our market leading position and our best of British status as demanded by our Royal Warrant appointment.

‘Customers equally value the natural, sustainable and synthetic-free commitment to new products, and our growth reflects this. Customers also love the fact that our national collection, disposal and recycling service is a low cost, green and responsible alternative to landfill,’ adds Ward.

Visit: www.hypnosbeds.com

Best of British The pursuit of perfection – beautiful handcrafted pocket spring beds, with a Royal Seal of Approval and an unrivalled 10 year guarantee. Hypnos provides retailers with exquisitely tailored beds; sublime comfort; a choice of design options; a commitment to sustainability; a strong consumer brand and excellent support.

Don’t miss out try the gorgeous new Regency and Pillow Top Collections today!

T: +44 (0) 1844 348200 | E: sleep@hypnosbeds.com | www.hypnosbeds.com Hypnos is proud to be Carbon Neutral, complying with BS PAS 2060 Standard.

AWARDS

Editor’s Choice Silentnight Outstanding Performance

Silentnight (below left) and Sealy (below right) have both lifted sales

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Silentnight Group has grown sales by 14.5% to £125.1m in the year ending 31 January 2015. Its two leading brands, Silentnight and Sealy, recorded growth of 21% and 13% respectively.

Steve Freeman, Silentnight md places the success firmly behind the establishment of a very clear vision for the business: to be the home of the most trusted sleep brands.

‘This vision has enabled us to bring greater focus to our business across all operating areas, with the resultant benefit to our trading performance. We have established very clear strategies in three specific areas: market leading quality, we strive for total quality in everything we do; first class customer service, we aim to deliver outstanding service at every stage of the customer journey and continuous innovation, we will strive to be innovative in all areas of our business.

‘These three strategic pillars together have re-established our business within the industry and have helped us to not only fuel growth for the total bed and mattress market, but repositioned and strengthened our brands and our total business. Our aim is to continue to build

upon these strategies to fuel even greater growth for our business and that of our trading partners.

‘It is pleasing to see some very positive signs of growth coming back into the bed and mattress market, although there is still some way to go until it overtakes the highs experienced some 10 years ago. We need to educate the consumer on the importance of sleep to their health and wellbeing, with many consumers today sleeping on beds which are well past their best before date and frankly they are not getting the quality of sleep they need or deserve. That’s why we are passionate about ensuring a great night’s sleep for all.

‘This passion has been recently recognised in the 2015 Which? Awards with both our Sealy Posturepedic and Silentnight brands receiving Which? Bestbuys. In fact our Sealy Posturepedic model was deemed “the best mattress we’ve tested in years” is a fantastic endorsement. We plan to bring further unique product innovations to market in 2016 and plan to unveil some of these ideas at the forthcoming industry bed shows in September.’

Visit: www.silentnightgroup.co.uk

Our latest achievement...

We’re proud to announce that our Classics 1200 Pocket Deluxe mattress has been awarded a Best Buy. describe it as being “one of the best-value mattresses we’ve tested”

Visit www.silentnight.co.uk

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Success for the specialist Mammoth Technologies is seeing increased demand for its high-end mattresses Mattress manufacturer Mammoth Technologies is celebrating another yearend success with its independent sales up 11% year on year and key national retail accounts up by 53%. More than 1,000 units are sold to the public every month.

‘Since joining forces with The Foam Company in 2011, we have seen significant growth with our medical grade foam, clinically proven specialist mattresses – which shows we’re doing something right,’ says John Tuton, Mammoth Technologies md and founder.

‘With my background in healthcare, I’m a huge believer in innovation, research and testing. Our mattresses have been vigorously tested and do exactly what they claim to do. They are clinically proven to enhance sleep. We have worked with professional organisations to produce products which help relieve pain and regulate body temperature,’ he says.

The Mammoth brand can be found in multiple retailers ranging from AHF to Furniture Village, as well as a number of leading independent retailers.

There has been a huge uptake for its Pocket Hybrid collection launched at the NBF Bed Show last September, and it is now one of its bestsellers.

‘The success of the Pocket Hybrid 2000 is representative of the rise in demand for high-end mattresses. A good night’s sleep is essential to good health and consumers are increasingly becoming more aware of that,’ says Tuton.

Mammoth has affiliations with various health, educational and sporting authorities. They include Northumbria University Centre for Sleep Research, the Newcastle University Institute of Biosciences, the British Athletes Commission, English and Irish Rugby Players Associations, the UK Chiropractic Patients’ Association and sleep expert Professor Jason Ellis.

All products are made in the UK and are Class 1 registered medical devices with the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency.

Visit: www.mammothmattress.co.uk

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Mammoth’s Pocket Hybrid 2000

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Contact us today to find out more 01235 529 148 sales@thefoamco.co.uk

Harrogate 20-22 September

PREVIEW Left: Interfloor’s Meister Elvaston Below: Vintage and Modern Rug’s Camden

The Flooring Show

Below left: Mr Tomkinson’s Tomkinson Berber

Got it covered More than 165 companies will be taking part this

year. Here are some of the highlights

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Come and visit us at:

The Flooring Show Harrogate Stand A29

New Tomkinson Berber More weight, more colours

Wool Trends at The Flooring Show

by The Campaign for Wool and British Wool Wool Trends returns to The Flooring Show for a second year and brings the wool carpet industry’s leading names together around an inspirational wool centrepiece showing the upcoming trends in wool carpet. Styled in association with Homes & Gardens magazine and Sanderson and Zoffany fabrics. Come and be inspired and collect your free ‘Wool in the Home’ brochure.

What to See... in Hall C British Wool Visit British Wool for information and education!

Here you can sign up for our latest initiatives, collect brochures and register for POS. British Wool is owned by the sheep farmers of the United Kingdom and sells the strongest and most robust wool for carpet in the world. Come and talk to the experts and enter our woolly stand competition!

NEW

Our exciting new website for wool carpet retailers and consumers will offer everything your store needs to create a top class retail experience and be the new website for promoting real wool to consumers. Come along, find out all about it and sign up!

NEW

Understanding Wool Fibre for Carpets Stronger... Smarter... Safer We are launching our new Wool iBook at Harrogate this year and we want to share it with you - it’s free and full of all the incredible benefits and science of real wool for carpet. Register for this fantastic retail asset at Wool Trends!

Wool Seminars We are on Wool Education all the way this year!

Catch up with our new WoolRetailer.com seminars during the show and learn all about the amazing story of naturally grown, super strong, seriously long-lasting wool carpet and we promise a few surprise prizes for those that attend and sign up!

#ChooseWool

Wool Trends with leading Wool Carpet Brands We are delighted to host Wool Trends in association with quality UK carpet manufacturers.

Adam Carpets, Axminster Carpets, Brintons, Brockway Carpets, Bronte Carpets, Cavalier Carpets, Ulster Carpets and Westex will all be situated around our inspirational showcase. Nearby we have Kingsmead, Hugh Mackay and Whitestone Weavers.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Ulster Carpets

Adam Carpets

Brintons Carpet

britishwool.org.uk #britishwool

Bronte Carpets

campaignforwool.org #choosewool

Harrogate 20-22 September

PREVIEW Left: Crown Floors’ Avondale Below left: Victoria’s Victoria Twist in Pecan and Heart Throb stripe

The Flooring Show

Below: Avenue’s Sagres

Avenue will promote its Ultimate Elements, Bubblegum & Liquorice and Ultimate Timber collections.

Axminster Carpets is showing its new online carpet selector and App, allowing consumers to see how carpets look in different rooms.

Crown Floors will have on display for the first time Avondale, Langholm, Kent House, Greystoke, Lauderdale and Newhaven, alongside a new tombola and updates to its wall unit.

ETF highlights its range of inspecting,

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cutting, rolling, wrapping, roll transport, sorting and bespoke machines.

Exposervice is debuting its Swing LVT with a round edge bevel and Swing Design with a Tatami design.

Fells Carpets will showcase many of its latest Wilton collections, launching the soft touch Serendipity and Jubilant collections alongside new POS. Floorwise is showing exclusive laminate ranges from Balterio and Kronospan alongside the latest POS for carpet ranges and details

of its Christmas promotion.

FN Neuhofer Holz adds to its accessories collection, including a new LED profile. The profile gives an indirect light that can highlight the features of the floor and is also dimmable. Any Neuhofer profile with a height of up to 90mm and a clip nut attachment can be added. It is also possible to lay either LED strips of various wattages or light colours or cables into the shaft. The aluminium structure makes it easy for any heat that is created to leave the system.

AUTUMN/WINTER

13—15 SEPTEMBER 2015 OLYMPIA, LONDON

THE DEFINITIVE HOMEWARES AND ACCESSORIES EVENT Bronte/Linum/Terrace & Garden/Au Maison/ Bloomingville/Grand Illusions/Parlane/LSA International/Alessi/ Authentics/Makers & Merchants/MAKE International/Grunwerg/ Haus/Iris Hantwerk/ Ethnicraft/black + blum/ Whitbread Wilkinson/PR Home/Unikia/Gilberts/ Atomic Soda/Di Classe/ And many more

FOLLOW US @home_london REGISTER FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY TICKET The buying event for discerning retailers

HOME-LONDON.NET

KITCHEN/DINING/ INTERIOR ACCESSORIES/ SOFT FURNISHINGS/ LIGHTING/ SMALL & OCCASIONAL FURNITURE/GARDEN ACCESSORIES

The Flooring Show

Harrogate 20-22 September

PREVIEW

Top left: Stairrods’ Premier ramp edge, Premier two-way ramp, G9 gripper, Premier floating cover; Premier little nose and Premier little Top right: Exposervice’s Swing LVT Above: Ultimate Rug Co’s Unique collection Left: ETF will highlight its latest machinery

Pro-flex skirting board is made from plastic foam that forms to any curve and it can also be attached around a 90deg inner or outer corner if necessary. The board is attached with adhesive and painted for a matching surface with no need for screwing or nailing.

The Clik-fix 23 fixing rail has flexible soft lips attached to the back of the mounting bar for tolerance compensation in wood, MDF or crooked walls. When cables are fitted behind the profile it is no longer possible for cables

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to slip into the expansion joint and be subjected to the swelling of the floor: it can simply be laid on to the horizontal fixing arm.

FN Water-pro is a waterproof skirting board designed for applications that require moisture resistance, for example on LVT or vinyl flooring.

Gaskell Wool Rich will feature the Faroe range, which won Product Innovation of the Year at the Wools of New Zealand stand at Domotex this year. There will also be new colours for the Hadleigh

range and a new quality, Marble Arch.

Gooch Oriental is introducing the Indian made 100% wool Portofino and Sorrento ranges.

Interfloor will show its new Tredaire Titanium underlay alongside its expanded range of Meister engineered wood floors.

After making its debut last year, Kenburn returns with its carpet crusher designed to help retailers divert their recyclable carpet waste from landfill.

Kingsmead Carpets will show its

22-23 SEPTEMBER 2015 INTERNATIONAL CENTRE TELFORD Register now at www.bedshow.co.uk 01404 851152 • info@barnscroft.com

Come and see our Sheepskin and Cowhide ranges at The Flooring Show Stand C19

Right: Lano’s Bella Donna Below: Itec’s Populo Below right: FN Neuhofer Holz’s LED profile

The Flooring Show

Harrogate 20-22 September

PREVIEW

latest modular wall units in three categories: Wool Loop, Wool Twist and Clean Easy alongside Fantastic, a two weight, two-ply plain and heather Clean Easy twist and Roxburgh, a three weight 80/20 twist.

Lano Carpets is expanding its super soft Eccelena yarn carpets under the Softness by Excellence collection while bringing together its SmartStrand, SmartStrand Silk and Ultimo ranges under the A Taste of Luxury branding,

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presented in two POS concepts.

Leoline will highlight its Woodmark and Tile Styles collections as it celebrates its 18th anniversary.

Manx Carpets debuts three-ply, 50% wool/50% polypropylene tufted loop pile Natural Tones in 10 natural tones. The 50oz, 80/20 Ashworth Heathers has 15 colours in two-ply yarn. Its latest wall units feature sample cassettes of the featured carpet range with large feeler samples on lectern beds.

Mr Tomkinson will focus on the new Tomkinson Berber range. This is being increased in weight, from 32oz and 40oz to 40oz and 50oz respectively, while maintaining prices. More colours have also been introduced.

Packexe’s latest floor protection film, The Edge, is designed to solve the problem of how to apply protection film right to the edges of floors and surfaces or in smaller, hard to reach areas without compromising the time-saving attributes

PREVIEW

Below left: Leoline’s Toronto Below: Ulster’s Grange

The Flooring Show

Left: Kenburn will be showing its carpet crusher

Harrogate 20-22 September

and protection offered by the existing products.

Stairrods UK will launch 11 Premier trims for laminate, engineered wood and LVT, a stair nosing and the G9 9mm gripper designed for use with thicker underlays and which can save double banking in cases.

TCS will show its 12 Inspired carpet collections, each with 10 colours.

The Campaign for Wool and British Wool return for a second year to The

Flooring Show with Wool Trends, the centre for wool carpet.

This stylish and vibrant showpiece will host Adam Carpets, Axminster Carpets, Brintons, Brockway Carpets, Bronte Carpets, Cavalier Carpets, Ulster Carpets and Westex in the Wool Trends area.

Central to the carpet manufacturers is the Wool Trends installation which highlights forthcoming wool carpet colours and styles. This is done in association with Homes & Gardens

magazine and there will be a free Wool for the Home brochure for visitors to the stand.

The show also sees the launch of the Wool iBook, a tablet-based tool for retailers, which focuses on the many benefits of real wool for carpets. It takes a modern and reader-friendly look at the science of wool and explains the performance strengths of natural wool for carpet.

The WoolRetailer.com website

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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Harrogate 20-22 September

PREVIEW Left: Axminster’s Kensington Below left: Floorwise’s Performance underlay

The Flooring Show

Below: British Wool will debut the Wool iBook

will also be unveiled, designed to be a key destination for consumers searching for quality wool products. British Wool will be recruiting retailers for the website at the show. British Wool will also be offering free POS, brochures and advice.

The Ultimate Rug Co is using its return to the show to debut new developments in both product and marketing strategy.

Having acquired the Hand Made Carpet name and number of new suppliers earlier in the year, it will regroup all of its

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ranges into specifically targeted brands.

Ulster Carpets has added six shades to York Wilton and Grange, while the Boho collection has been expanded with Hamilton featuring five vintage-inspired colours.

Victoria Carpets adds three ranges replacing existing collections. Victoria Twist will replace Options, with 36 colours augmented by six coordinating stripes. It has 40oz, 50oz and 60oz weights.

The 50oz 80/20 Atlas Berber will replace Simply Heathers, with 16 colours.

The 45oz 80% wool/20% nylon two-ply twist Debonair will replace Radiance in 20 colours including heathers and solids.

First Impressions will see the addition of four more colours.

Vintage and Modern Rug Company introduces Camden Stripe in four sizes and two runners, and Graduation with three designs and four sizes.

Visit: www.theflooringshow.com

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Five stars Launches will mark a new era

The Flooring Show

Harrogate 20-22 September

PREVIEW

Above: Rare Breeds Black Welsh Left: Dimensions Periwinkle Below: Minerals strata

Brockway Carpets will parade five new collections for 2015 at The Flooring Show.

The ranges feature new colours and textures with Brockway’s signature wool-rich carpets for both domestic and contract markets.

They include contemporary collections in twist and velvet yarns, pure wool saxony, wool twist and undyed wool from rare breeds of sheep, as well as wool loop additions.

Brockway’s latest ‘hero’ carpet range called Dimensions Plain in 80% wool, 10% nylon, 10% polyester melt-bond comes in 32 neutral colours in three weights, alongside a lighter weight version called Connections for the starter homes market.

The distinctively natural Beachcomber and Rare Breeds collections in 100% pure undyed new wool, come in loop pile and velvet yarns respectively.

Finally, there is the Minerals collection woven in a twist and velvet yarn with strata and diamond designs.

The latest portfolio marks a new era for Brockway, according to Charles Annable, Brockway chairman. ‘We’re both very proud and excited to be showing our new portfolio for 2015. This is the culmination of a major product development programme to position Brockway as the UK’s premier manufacturer of beautiful, wool-rich carpets.’

Brockway has been designing and producing hand-finished

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carpets in Kidderminster since 1964. ‘We believe strongly in British craftsmanship using the finest raw materials to ensure the sustainable manufacture of award-winning carpets, which offer great value for money, whatever your budget or taste,’ adds Annable.

Visit: www.brockway.co.uk

DESIGN New Designers BCFA Award Winner: Jacob Underwood, Bucks New University, Fiero stacking chair.

‘Good contemporary interpretation of traditional Ercol values for modern living. We were impressed by the consideration given to every detail,’ said the judges.

Prize: A four-week placement at Nova Interiors.

Visit: www.jacobdu.com

New Designers Harlequin Award Winner: Callum Wilson, University of Dundee, abstract screen printed fabrics.

The judges praised its ‘bold and dramatic designs for the home, great use of colour and cloth – a perfectly executed collection.’

Prize: £1,000 and a two-week work placement in the Harlequin design studio.

Email: mrcallumwilson@gmail.com

Champions For 30 years, New Designers has recognised the best of the country’s design graduates.

Here are this year’s interiors winners.

Visit: www.newdesigners.com New Designers Sanderson Award Winner: Chloe Gregory, Bath Spa University, Large scale florals.

‘Chloe’s magnificent designs have evolved from her beautiful drawing and carefully observed colour studies to create a very distinctive work,’ said the judges.

Prize: £1,000 and a four-week paid placement in the Sanderson studio.

Visit: https://chloegregorytextiles.wordpress.com

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DESIGN

New Designers John Lewis Award for Design and Innovation Winner: Juwon Seo, Bucks New University, Work Nest desk.

‘Juwon demonstrated a sensitive and considered approach in all of her design work. Her Work Nest desk addressed home working for all ages with a thoughtful use of materials, playful familiarity and beautiful detailing,’ said the judges.

Prize: £1,000 and opportunity to meet the John Lewis team.

Email: jus2707@gmail.com

New Designers One Year On Award Winner: Robyn Hinchcliffe, textiles.

‘Exquisite colour and patterns; great mastery of her techniques.

Robyn’s display was excellent, very well styled, and she has a proactive approach to developing her practice,’ said the judges.

Prize: £500 from New Designers, £200 from The Design Trust, a year’s membership of Design Nation with coaching programme and the opportunity to exhibit at The National Centre for Craft and Design.

Visit: www.robynhinchcliffe.com

New Designers 100% Design Award Winner: Mu Hau Kao, Camberwell College of Arts, Ply stool.

‘Ply stood out as an example of determination to succeed against the advice of manufacturers. By experiment and commitment, a simple, practical and commercially primed product emerged,’ said the judges.

Prize: Space at 100% Design’s Emerging Brands area.

Visit: www.arts.ac.uk/camberwell

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Interiors Monthly August 2015

Wood/laminate Area Sales Representative North West / North East & Yorkshire

National Sales Manager Sales Agents - Two posts - London and South East - North East and Yorkshire High earnings potential Highgrove is one of the UK’s fastest growing bed brands and will shortly be expanding its operation with a move to a new 250,000 sq ft manufacturing plant.

To help us continue our growth, we are looking to strengthen our sales team with appointments to the following positions;

National Sales Manager In addition to providing excellent service to our existing customers, the successful applicant will be self-motivated and be responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities throughout the UK. Exceptional sales and customer relationship building skills are required, along with the drive and enthusiasm to help us meet our challenging sales targets.

Experience in a similar role within the bed industry would be preferred.

Sales Agents or full-time Area Sales Managers, two posts in: - London and the South East - North East and Yorkshire Ideally, you will already be calling on the major bed and furniture retailers in these areas, however, applications from experienced retail bed or furniture sales people looking to develop their careers will also be considered.

With a wide range of products, unrivalled delivery service and increasing Advertising & Marketing support, this is an excellent opportunity to maximise your earnings potential.

If you would like to be considered for these positions, please send your CV to

careers@highgrovebeds.co.uk

A rare opportunity has arisen to join the dynamic sales team of one of the UK’s leading flooring companies.

Furlong Flooring is ambitious to continue its growth thoughout 2015 and beyond and needs a skilled, experienced sales person.

An excellent package is available to the right candidate.

Please send your c.v. to Richard Richman at: reception@ furlongflooringltd.co.uk

furlong flooring

Territory Manager Location West Midlands/South Wales Salary Competitive Package

Do you have what it takes to be successful?

Distinctive Flooring is looking for the right person to take on the challenge of seeking out new business, forging good relationships and driving sales of it’s superb collection of Design Flooring, Carpet Tiles and Cushion Vinyls.

As an integral part of Abingdon Flooring, the successful applicant can feel secure in the knowledge that product and presentation will always be paramount.

With the right amount of hard work, honesty and application the candidate will earn a very competitive salary/package.

If you have the appetite and better still, the experience, please email your CV and covering letter to stacybeddoe@abingdonflooring.co.uk

OPINION

Stella Hartley

Think customer first Retailers need to be aware of what their shoppers want

Stella Hartley is a multi-channel marketing consultant with extensive retail experience including roles at The White Company, Hamleys and River Island. She specialises in working with small to medium businesses to drive growth through marketing strategy and brand development.

Email: stella@stellahartley.com

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The customer has always been king (or queen) to retailers, but with the growth of ecommerce and digital media we are sometimes overwhelmed with customer data. It is not only information on what customers have bought or spent but what they are thinking and feeling, and how they are living their lives.

It is vital for retailers to focus on what all this data actually means for them and to think about why customers behave in the way they do and how retailers can influence this behaviour. It’s about getting to what marketers call insights; key information about customers you can use to shape your offer and gain competitive advantage whatever channels you sell through.

A key trend most retailers have spotted is that customers are more demanding, the Internet has speeded everything up, they want more newness and have a shorter attention span, one seasonal range isn’t going to excite them. They can price compare instantly online so it’s better to have exclusive product or an added value shopping experience and a strong brand reputation that customers trust.

Customer segmentation can be a really useful tool to help you understand customer types, who is buying what, which segment is commercially more valuable and which segment is growing. Make sure your range reflects the segments but importantly not too many segments or the offer will look too fragmented and your brand will lack focus.

Sometimes deciding who your customer isn’t is as important as deciding who it is.

Customers are increasingly savvy about promotions and special offers, the recession has taught them to wait for the discounts which now are more frequent and less likely to be twice yearly big sales. Instead, Black Friday has become the most anticipated retail event of the year which has made both customers and retailers rethink the crucial lead up to Christmas.

Having a clear point of view is crucial to

creating a strong brand and building a relationship with customers. It also gives you a framework within which to develop your range. Some retailers can rely on suppliers to do all the work and come up with a constant stream of new ideas. But you need to be aware of what’s going on around you, know that the popularity of the Great British Bake Off and the growing interest in gardening and knitting means that alongside technology there is a consumer

‘It’s all too easy to be inwardly focused particularly for a small business’ trend more about authentic, home-spun, tactile activities and relaxation and wellbeing – treat times are a welcome relief from an increasingly frenetic, connected world. It’s about being aware of what’s happening outside your business, it’s all too easy to be inwardly focused particularly for a small business with little resource.

For retailers able to source in the UK this can be a competitive advantage with provenance and quality cues giving customers a value rather than price message.

Agility also calls for closer supplier partnerships with a joint trading mentality and greater vigilance to ensure quality and ethical standards don’t slip.

Pressure on margins and seasons means fewer big sale events and more tactical promotions all year, whether calendar events with special buys or targeted discounts. And, of course, Black Friday needs to be planned for, not just with product buys and promotions but with agile customer service infrastructure to ensure that sudden large sales volumes don’t cause systems to crash.

We’ve just won another Interiors Monthly Award. At Sealy, we seem to be collecting so many awards and accreditations we just don’t have room to display them all.

Safe to say that we cover all the bases, from safety and recycleability to quality and service. Scout’s honour.

www.sealy.co.uk