Interiors Monthly April 2014

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April 2014

Interiors first for flooring, furniture and accessories

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

Andrew Kidd EDITOR

A lost opportunity Retailers – both bricks and mortar and online – must stick to the rules on discounting if the reputation of the interiors sector is to recover As I predicted in January, the Office of Fair Trading has swiftly concluded its investigation into reference pricing in the interiors sector (see p8) just before the organisation’s abolition.

Bensons for Beds, Carpetright, Dreams, Furniture Village, Harveys and ScS have ‘confirmed their commitment to using genuine reference prices and, without any admission of liability, have made changes to their reference pricing practices,’ says the OFT. It doesn’t send much of a signal that anything will happen to a retailer if they don’t follow the rules. There is of course the negative publicity the chains have received,

monthly

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

April 2014

Interiors

but shoppers were already cynical about sales and the investigation will be quickly forgotten. The OFT has said it only investigated retailers it had evidence against and cannot police the entire retail sector.

Mike Logue, Dreams chief executive, says ‘there’s a marked difference’ between how high street and online retailers are treated.

The investigation, which began last summer, has been a lost opportunity for the OFT. If, as the OFT says, the chains had advertised some normal retail prices as discounted prices, why didn’t it take action against them rather than seeking an agreement that they would stick to the rules?

This would have sent a clear message to retailers that there are consequences to breaking the rules.

The coming months are likely to see the OFT’s successor, the Competition and Markets Authority, receive many a claim from retailers about competitors’ promotional activities, particulary if they think some sectors are being treated differently.

Hopefully the CMA will take a firmer line on all retailers and shoppers’ faith in the prices they see – in-store and online – can be restored.

Furniture advertising (South): Tim Boden T: 01732 441 130 E: tboden@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

first for flooring, furniture and accessories

Awards 2014 Vote for the best

Buying groups Show preview

Furniture advertising (North): Jarrod Bird T: 01565 631 397 E: jbird@interiorsmonthly.co.uk www.furlongflooring.co.uk enquiries@furlongflooring.co.uk

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

China sales agent: Jane Dai T: 00 86 755 8292 5229 E: jane@newbuddy.net Published by Interiors Media Limited Minerva House, Bordkye, 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

A new direction in flooring Choose the path to increased success with Furlong Flooring 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

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www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

3

CONTENTS

ale-Bridgecraft

Be part of our Success!

INTERIORS MONTHLY APRIL 2014

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS 8

Six retailers vow to change after OFT probe

12

Carpetright sees no upturn

14

JFS looks to more space

FEATURES 6

Awards Your first chance to vote in the Interiors Monthly Awards 2014

Sponsors of Channel 4’s

C O U N T D O W N Regional R i l Support S Centres C National Advertising Show centre order referrals Stock Display Discounts Strong Brand Appeal Furniture Built to Last!

Vale-Bridgecraft Show Centres at: Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, 01422 885000 Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, 0191 4883682 Warrington, Cheshire, 01925 571982 Sheffield, South Yorkshire, 01142 618952 Loughborough, Leicestershire, 01509 218647 Draycott, Gloucestershire, 01386 700458 Nutfield, Surrey, 01737 822027 Hedge End, Hampshire, 01489 796479 Bristol, Almondbury Business Centre, 01454 614650 Felsted Nr. Chelmsford, Essex. 01371 821851

24

Upholstery Sofa designs that will set the trend for 2014

30

Underlay The latest developments from the sector

37

Royal warrants By appointment

46

Living and dining 130 years of Morris Furniture

50

Beds and bedroom Clinically proven; the unexpected; on the up

64

Preview Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show

69

Preview May Design Series

78

Review Maison & Objet

82

Review MIFF

REGULARS 17

Opinion

18

New products

86

Final polish

NEXT ISSUE iSalone review Home entertainment HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT PATRON HRH The Duke of York KG KCVO CHAIRMAN OF THE TRUSTEES The Outward Bound Trust

Carpet www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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AWARDS

Readers’ choice The most coveted awards in the UK interiors industry will again be decided by you in the Interiors Monthly Awards 2014.

We want you to tell us who you think are the best suppliers, retailers and events in this year’s 48 categories.

As ever, the judging criteria is entirely up to you, be it quality of product, commercial

AIS was named Best Furniture Buying Group in 2013

2013 winners Best Furniture Retailer 1-2 Stores: Clarkes Furnishers, Maidstone Best Flooring Retailer 1-2 Stores: Chappells Carpets, Bradford Best Furniture Retailer 3+ Stores: Oak Furniture Land Best Flooring Retailer 3+ Stores: Mr Carpet, London Best Interiors Retailer: Dunelm Mill Best Online Retailer: Sofa.com Best Customer Service (Furniture): TCS Best Customer Service (Flooring): Brintons Carpets Best UK Furniture Manufacturer: Woodberry Brothers & Haines Best UK Flooring Manufacturer: Ulster Carpets Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer: Wiemann Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer: Balta Broadloom Best Accessory Supplier: Authentic Models Best Flooring Accessory Supplier:

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

success, customer service, design, or anything else – it’s your choice to reward the best in the business.

Simply complete the entry form opposite and fax it to 01732 362 919 – a copy will also be available to download online at www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk – or email: akidd@interiorsmonthly.co.uk.

Greendale was named Best Flooring Buying Group in 2013

Ball & Young Best Furniture Buying Group: AIS Best Flooring Buying Group: Greendale Carpets & Floorings Best Furniture Exhibition: IMM Cologne Best Flooring Exhibition: The Flooring Show Best Furniture Website: G Plan Upholstery Best Flooring Website: Balterio Best Furniture Wholesaler: Julian Bowen Best Flooring Wholesaler: Hadfields Best Business Support (Flooring): SMG The National Flooring & Furnishing Group Best Business Support (Furniture): Vale Bridgecraft Best Bed Manufacturer: Sealy UK Best Carpet Manufacturer: Cormar Carpets Best Bedroom Manufacturer: Kingstown Furniture Best Laminate Manufacturer: Quick-Step Best Underlay Manufacturer: Interfloor Best Dining Room Manufacturer: Old Charm Best Solid/Engineered Wood

Manufacturer: Kährs UK Best Living Room Manufacturer: G Plan Cabinets Best Rug Supplier: Oriental Carpets and Rugs (Think Rugs) Best Children’s Furniture Manufacturer: Gautier Best Vinyl Manufacturer: IVC Best Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer: Parker Knoll Best Luxury Vinyl Manufacturer: Karndean Designflooring Best Leather Upholstery Manufacturer: HTL Best Software Supplier: Retailsystem Best Finance Provider: Hitachi Best Supply Chain/Logistics Company: Andrew Porter Best Marketing Support: Ekornes Best New Exhibition: May Design Series Best Recliner Manufacturer: Ekornes Best Home Entertainment Supplier: UK-CF Best New Supplier: East West Furniture Company Innovation of the Year: Gainsborough Sofa Beds – Sofa Bed Choice

AWARDS Retailers to complete only

Best Vinyl Manufacturer

Best Customer Service (Furniture)

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Best Luxury Vinyl Supplier

Best UK Furniture Manufacturer

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Best Flooring Exhibition

Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer

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Best Flooring Website

Best Furniture Buying Group

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Best Flooring Wholesaler

Best Accessory Supplier

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Best Software Supplier

Best Bed Manufacturer

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Best Finance Provider

Best Bedroom Manufacturer

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Best Supply Chain/Logistics Company

Best Dining Room Manufacturer

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Best Business Support (Flooring)

Best Living Room Manufacturer

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Best Business Support (Furniture)

Best Children’s Furniture Manufacturer

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Best Marketing Support

Best Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer

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Best New Exhibition

Best Leather Upholstery Manufacturer

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Innovation of the Year

Best Furniture Wholesaler

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Best Mattress Manufacturer

Best Fabric/Soft Furnishings Manufacturer

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Best Recliner Manufacturer

Best Furniture Exhibition

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Best Home Entertainment Supplier

Best Furniture Website

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Best New Supplier

Best Customer Service (Flooring)

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Best UK Flooring Manufacturer

Suppliers to complete only Best Flooring Retailer (1-2 stores)

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Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer

Best Flooring Retailer (3+ stores)

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Best Flooring Buying Group

Best Furniture Retailer (1-2 stores)

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Best Carpet Manufacturer

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Best Rug Supplier

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Best Laminate Manufacturer

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Best Solid/Engineered Wood Manufacturer

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Best Underlay Manufacturer

Best Furniture Retailer (3+ stores)

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Best Online Retailer

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Please fax your completed form to 01732 362 919 or email your nominations to: akidd@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Name ....................................................................................................................

Company ............................................................................................................

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Position ................................................................................................................

Best Flooring Accessory Supplier

Tel ..........................................................................................................................

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Email .....................................................................................................................

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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NEWS

OFT ends pricing probe as six firms promise to change The Office of Fair Trading has closed its investigation into reference pricing in the interiors sector after six major retailers promised to change their pricing practices.

Bensons for Beds, Carpetright, Dreams, Furniture Village, Harveys and ScS have ‘confirmed their commitment to using genuine reference prices and, without any admission of liability, have made changes to their reference pricing practices,’ says the OFT. It says consumers should be able to trust that reference price comparisons are fair and meaningful and that the advertised savings (or price advantages) are genuine.

Improper use of reference prices can mislead consumers, for example where the discounted price is in fact the normal retail price of a product.

The OFT says the chains had advertised some normal retail prices as discounted prices.

‘Retailers advertise bargains and discounts by referring to a previous or future higher price. It’s a powerful marketing tool which, when used properly, provides a helpful and easy way to demonstrate to shoppers the value of discounts and savings. We are therefore pleased that these retailers have confirmed their commitment to using genuine prices,’ says Gaucho Rasmussen, OFT director goods and consumer group.

The end of the investigation, which previously covered DFS, Floors2go and United Carpets and saw the flooring

DFS to sell beds in-store DFS has begun selling beds in-store and plans to roll out the offer. Previously shoppers could buy beds from DFS online.

The upholstery chain, which sells dining furniture at some stores, has introduced an ‘edited’ bed offer at its Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, Kent and Didcot, Oxfordshire stores.

DFS has converted warehouse space of between 3,200sqft and 5,400sqft in the stores to make room for the new offer.

The initiative will be rolled out across the North West and could be introduced across the country.

The vast majority of DFS branches have at least 3,750sqft of warehouse space that could be converted to retail use.

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

Bensons for Beds was among the retailers investigated

retailers change their pricing policies, came just weeks before the OFT is replaced by the Competition and Markets Authority. Alex Chisholm, CMA chief executive says: ‘The CMA will monitor pricing practices within this sector to check whether businesses are complying with their legal obligations. Companies are advised to satisfy themselves that their practices are in line with the law because failure to do so could risk enforcement action.’

‘We are pleased the OFT has publicly welcomed Carpetright’s commitment to open and transparent pricing.

When customers visit Carpetright they can be confident of getting good quality products at a competitive price, which is supported by our price promise,’ says Carpetright.

Victoria sells Kidderminster plant Victoria Carpets has sold its Kidderminster manufacturing plant in a deal that could see it pay almost £15m in rent over the next 20 years.

The company has sold the Worcester Road facility for £5.8m in cash to strengthen its balance sheet. It says the site had a book value of £4.9m.

Under the terms of the deal it will pay

an initial annual rent to new owner Monopro of £495,000. This will be subject to annual increases of between 0% and 4%. If there are no increases Victoria will pay £9.9m over the length of the lease, but with a 4% annual increase this rises to at least £14.74m.

Monopro is a property company owned by the Dangoor family.

One bag means more recycling Forbo has reduced the collection threshold of its Back to the Floor recycling scheme to one bag, which holds 70sqm of flooring. Back to the Floor sees Forbo’s clean installation offcuts converted back into new flooring products.

The lower threshold allows greater

take-up of the scheme, especially for smaller installers and retail outlets, says Matt Charlton, Forbo Back to the Floor coordinator.

‘Volumes collected from smaller projects can all go together in one bag, contributing towards their overall sustainable goals,’ he says.

GELTEX ULTIMATE COLLECTION

Introducing the stunning NEW Geltex mattress collection from Silentnight. With its exclusive technology, Geltex delivers triple benefits and the ultimate in support and comfort for a great night’s sleep.

To find out more about the NEW Geltex Ultimate Collection please contact your local area manager or our dedicated customer contact centre on 01282 851111 or visit www.silentnight.co.uk/Geltex

Look for the Buttery

INSPIRE – The pick of the Peppers Just add a little pepper for a tasteful alternative to heathers. There is an increasing appetite in the market for a speckled effect carpet and Associated Weavers has developed a clever, class leading range called INSPIRE to take advantage of this trend. Using our latest tufting technology INSPIRE creates a unique three colour finish across ten

natural colourways. This high performance, 2ply construction weighs in at a luxurious 60 oz. It also enjoys Associated Weavers’ full 20 year Stainaway warranty and wear guarantee and is available in 4m and no join 5m widths. If you want your customers to be inspired have a look at INSPIRE. The new look of INSPIRE is now available via your local Associated Weavers Sales manager.

Associated Weavers Sales: 01422 431100 Email: salesuk@awe.be

Associated Weavers works together with its retailers to offer an exclusive offering of products on a limited distribution policy. Strengthening our salesforce by 50% has enabled existing customers to receive more attention on a more regular and frequent basis. Unlike the majority of our competitors, Associated Weavers works together with a more selective account base to give our retailers semi exclusivity and a chance to really get behind the AW brand with confidence.

More shades of ‘Grey’!

The question is often asked ‘will strong colours ever make a return to our floors?’. The answer of course is that no one really knows. The most popular colour trend at the moment is ‘Grey’ highliting a more varied selection of shades from very pale silver greys to dark anthracites. These new greys are complementing the new trends in fabric and furniture. We are seeing that existing grey shades are steadily moving up our colour charts. We are also adding new exciting greys to our most popular ranges Harvest Heathers, Everest, Santorini and Temptation to satisfy your customers’ needs. See also the new ranges of Distinction, Imperial Twist, Home Twist and Inspire for greys to suit today’s market.

Inspire

“

In a market of similar colours and designs INSPIRE will do just that and give you

a carpet that is different from the rest.

Steve Kaye SalesManager Associated Weavers

�

NEWS

Natuzzi profit plan Italian upholstery producer Natuzzi has set out its plans to restore profitability by concentrating on trade sales, own-label production and the Revive recliner. It says it will end losses by the end of the year and make a profit margin of 3.9% in 2016.

The plans to reorganise its Italian production, boost efficiency by adopting ‘24 industrial product platforms, which are the result of the re-engineering of existing models and the design of new models according to the new moving-line production process’, cut stock levels, reorganise logistics and close 13 unprofitable stores, including some in the UK. ‘This plan is the culmination of an enormous effort over the last three years and is being adopted in the context of greater changes that we have implemented over the last 10 years.

During the last decade, we managed the challenges imposed on us by globalisation with consistency, investing in the Natuzzi

Natuzzi’s Revive

brand, the opening and development of the retail network, the upgrading of production facilities in Italy, the opening of factories and commercial offices abroad, integrating processes with the adoption of a single management information system and the innovation of products and processes,’ says Pasquale Natuzzi, Natuzzi founder and ceo.

Carpetright sees no upturn Carpetright has again warned that profits will be lower than expected with the chain seeing a decline in sales growth and no benefit from the improving housing market.

The country’s largest flooring retailer warned that it expected to make an underlying pre-tax profit of between £3.5m and £5.5m for the year ended 26 April. This compares to the £3m profit in the first half.

UK like for like retail sales in the eight weeks to 22 March rose by 0.9%, compared with a rise of 2.5% in the quarter to 25 January.

Total UK sales were down by 0.8% in the eight week period and 1.1% lower for the 47 week period.

‘In our last trading statement [in January] we reported

Vine to host NBF awards Broadcaster Jeremy Vine is to host the gala dinner and awards at this year’s The Bed Show.

Radio 2 presenter Vine (pictured) will host the fifth NBF gala dinner and awards ceremony on 23 September at the Telford International Centre, during The Bed Show.

The evening will see the winner of the Bed Manufacturer, Bed Supplier, Independent Bed Retailer, Multiple Bed Retailer and Bed Etailer of the Year revealed.

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

that like for like sales in the UK were volatile, and this remains the case. Nevertheless, based on previous experience we had expected to see some recovery as UK housing transaction volumes improved. In the event, this has yet to materialise and the momentum established in the third quarter was not sustained. Excluding the expected decrease in sales from our wholesale business, the core retail business would have reported a like for like increase of 0.9%,’ says Lord Harris, Carpetright executive chairman.

In an effort to turn around its European operations, which saw sales drop by 5.3% in the eight week period, it has recruited Nick Worthington, former Dreams ceo, as operations director Europe.

Cormar expansion to boost efficiency Work has begun on a £900,000 extension to Cormar Carpets’ Holme Mill, as it looks to boost efficiencies. The carpet manufacturer is expanding its warehousing space, increasing the size of the unbacked carpet storage space by more than 50%.

The base foundations have already been laid with the extension expected to be completed in June.

‘The extension allows us the opportunity to grow the business and increase our warehouse capacity for unbacked carpet. It is a critical development that will free up process time at both sites and enable implementation of our plans to deliver the growth and performance enhancements not previously possible due to space constraints,’ says Paul Murphy, Cormar Carpets production manager.

Sales and profits up for Topps Tiles Ahead of its half-year results on 20 May, laminate and tile chain Topps Tiles has revealed that like for like sales for the 26 weeks to 29 March will have risen by 10% with total

sales up 11.6% to £97.5m.

Underlying pre-tax profits are expected to rise from £4.7m to £8m.

Matthew Williams, Topps Tiles ceo, says he is ‘very

confident’ of meeting analysts’ estimates of profits between £15.4m to £19.3m, with a consensus of £16.4m, for the year to 27 September.

Packages that stand out

Not all flooring companies offer the same level of service.

Furlong Flooring stands out by offering market leading products, at competitive prices with excellent service levels – add to that most orders are delivered next working day through our national distribution network and you’ve got not only a great service but a compelling proposition.

Quality runs throughout whether it’s our high-impact display systems or our extensive portfolio of polypropylene carpet, wool carpet, vinyl & wood flooring. www.furlongflooring.co.uk

For a package that really stands out contact Furlong Flooring today.

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

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Sales: Preston: 01772 696 787

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NEWS

JFS needs more space The organiser of the January Furniture Show has confirmed that it will expand the show to a fifth hall as it approaches a sell out just weeks after it was launched.

JFS is already 90% full as exhibitors continue to sign up.

Laraine Janes, JFS co-organiser, says plans are being drawn up to use a fifth hall. Originally the show was to use halls 1, 2, 3 and 3a at the NEC ‘to ensure a tightly focused, relevant show.’

‘We could not have expected to fill up so quickly – it’s amazing. We can add more space if we need to,’ she says.

‘We have been overwhelmed by the unprecedented level of support for this event. January is a crucial time in the industry calendar and having listened to exhibitors’ feedback we will be making several improvements to the show during the next few months.’

Major exhibitors include La-Z-Boy, TCS, Buoyant, Morris Furniture Group, Global Home, Rauch, PD Global, Parker Knoll, Duresta, G Plan Upholstery, Westbridge, Baker, Lebus, Ercol, Furniture Origins, Sherborne, Alstons, Mark Webster, Breasley and Vogue.

Headlam predicts growth Tony Brewer, Headlam chief executive, is cautiously optimistic that the flooring distribution group can return to profitable growth this year after a profits drop in 2013.

Group sales increased by 2.9% to a record £603.1m. UK like for like sales rose by 1.5% to £498.9m but continental like for like sales fell by 3.7%.

Underlying pre-tax profits dropped 5.1% to £26.4m.

‘The final months of 2013 showed progressive improvement and this momentum has carried forward into the first two months of 2014. While January and February are relatively lower trading months and compared against weaker comparatives from 2013, both months have produced a positive result,’ he says.

There are indications of a

slight improvement in market conditions in the UK and a more stable market in Continental Europe.

Brewer says this has coincided with the increased investment across group initiatives aimed at ‘providing customers with an ever improving overall service proposition and the group with a strong platform for future growth’.

‘We enter the typically stronger spring selling period in a good position. While the first two months are a welcome improvement, we believe that given a normal seasonal cycle and a maintained focus on the continued development of the quality of our businesses, we can look forward with cautious optimism to a resumption of profitable growth,’ he says.

An invitation to loaf in the store Online furniture and homewares retailer Loaf is to target showrooms of 4,00012,000sqft as it looks for 10 new outlets in London and the South East.

The retailer wants to open five branches in ‘prominent south west London locations’ in the next three years and five more in the South East by the end of 2017. It has hired retail consultant MMX Retail to advise on the expansion.

Loaf wants to uphold its reputation for non-conformist retailing by setting up ‘Loaf Shacks’, breaking from the traditional formal setting of in-store retail by launching large, informal showrooms

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

where customers will be invited to ‘loaf’ around on the products.

‘We now want to establish a physical presence to complement our etail offer,’ says Charlie Marshall, Loaf founder.

‘While Loaf has experienced rapid sales growth year on year since our 2008 startup, we want our customers to be able to interact with our growing range of products, while retaining our unique approach to retailing. The Loaf Shacks will operate in a manner that reflects our products: relaxed and easy going, but without ever compromising on the high quality standards that define Loaf.’

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OPINION

The author is an independent interiors retailer

5 ESSENTIAL WAYS TO MAXIMISE YOUR SALES AND PROFIT

Trying to look on the bright side

● ADVERTISING – Most advertising does not work very well, so if yours isn’t, stop wasting your money now. Don’t blame the media, blame the message. Re-design your advertising campaigns using a benefits-orientated-style. Call Greenwood for effective copywriting know-how.

I am by nature a glass half-full sort of person, but my years in the trade have taught me not to get too carried away with any change in circumstance, be it good or bad. Things have a habit of evening themselves out over the period so it’s best not to get too excited or down.

But saying that I’m genuinely convinced, at least here, that things are on the up. We’ve been doing better for a while if the truth be known but I am now sure that we’ve left the dark days behind us (if saying this hasn’t cursed things) with one caveat.

During the downturn we kept most of our existing customers.

They may have not bought as frequently as they once had or spent as much when they did buy, but they still came and saw what we had.

And it’s these customers who have come back in the past few

We’ve been doing better for a while if the truth be known but I am now sure that we’ve left the dark days behind us

● PRODUCTS – Be ruthless with your precious floor space.

If a product or collection is not pulling its weight after being given a fair chance to shine, then clear it and replace it with a better performing line. Test and measure the true sales potential of all your products in a Greenwood Sale. ● SELLING SKILLS – Get good at selling. Most retailers don’t bother with a proper sales process or sales training.

The successful ones do. Invest time and money in quality sales know-how. Call Greenwood to arrange an effective sales training course. ● COMPETITION – Check your competition to find out what they are offering. Avoid all-out price wars. Be sure to out-do your competition on the most relevant beneficial points including choice, quality, value and service. Call Greenwood to mystery shop your competitors. ● PROMOTION – Promote your business effectively. Every good retailer from Aldi to Harrod’s does. Consider using a ‘Greenwood’ sales promotion to increase sales, turn stock into cash and win future market share, while protecting your profit at the same time. Call Greenwood!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GREENWOOD SALES...

months and have been driving the improvement in business.

While our product mix is admittedly different from what it was a few years ago, it’s still the better-end that our long established customers are buying.

Many have been telling me that they’ve managed to pay off their mortgage in the past couple of years, thanks to the low interest rates, so they now have the disposable income to once again afford what they did before.

My worry is those consumers who have not saved the money from their lower repayments and instead spent it, largely fuelling the growth in the economy.

What happens when interest rates and therefore mortgage payments eventually go up?

Where will these people find the extra money they’ve got used to spending?

The housing market may well be healthier than a few years ago but can it carry on when interest rates are higher?

Oh, and the flooring business next door is still ticking along nicely and the flow of sales reps trying to convince me that I really must have their products has thankfully slowed.

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

HOW TO GENERATE RECORD SALES…

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Call us directly on 01625 521010 to request your free information pack or, send an e mail enquiry, and we’ll gladly call you to discuss the exciting possibilities we can offer you, without obligation.

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Book your sales event early to guarantee exclusivity for your business.

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NEW PRODUCTS

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1 StainSafe Moorland Twist & Stripes from Balta Broadloom makes getting a coordinated look in the home simple. Made from 100% bleach cleanable StainSafe yarn, the collection coordinates four stripe colourways with 12 plain shades and makes the once premium stripe look obtainable for all budgets.

Tel: 0032 56 622 211 2 Karndean Designflooring’s LooseLay Series Two collection features six wood tones, two stone designs in large planks and its first Textile stone designs – Pennsylvania LLT204 and Nevada LLT205 (pictured) in a linear pattern for a modern look.

LooseLay is an innovative format of LVT that is quick and easy to install and simple to maintain.

Visit: www.karndean.com 3 The striking flooring collection from Granorte combines the unique patterns and textures of wood flooring with the acoustic, thermal and comfort benefits of

cork. Featuring a high-definition reproduction of wood decors atop a high-density cork surface and protected by a high performance PUR coating, Vita delivers 14 looks.

Tel: 01785 711 131 4 For those seeking the ultimate in luxury, bespoke sleeping comfort can now be added to the list thanks to the Savile bed collection from Hyder Living.

Customers can choose the bed’s fabrics and headboard shapes along with the hand-tufted and side-stitched mattress fillings and ticking.

Tel: 01484 531 000 5 The Ultimate Timber collection from Avenue has 17 wood-look decors in an assortment of tempting shades, from the light and smoky tones of Camargue through to the deeper chocolate tones of Barriques and Fair Oaks bringing warmth and character to interiors.

Tel: 0800 032 3970

5

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

BUYING GROUPS’ NATIONAL

FLOORINGMAYSHOW 2014 13 & 14 th

th

“What a fantastic show! A great centrally located venue and the best suppliers all under one roof!”

Stephen Pearce, Choice Homes

“The show continues to grow every year and is a great event for the carpet industry!”

Jonathan Davies, Sales Director of Associated Weavers

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Cranmore Park, Solihull, West Midlands, B90 4LF

Available exclusively to Members of affiliated Buying Groups.

Please visit www.bgnfs.co.uk to register!

Proudly supported by

NEW PRODUCTS

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10 6 Floorwise Aware is built around a charitable donation to Breast Cancer Care for every roll of underlay sold, but the incentive has wider implications for retailers, with a more positive image for underlay and the store in which it is sold. It allows retailers to tap into the positive feeling that contributing to charitable causes gives, working as an excellent and silent sales tool.

Tel: 01509 673 974 7 With Easy Lawn artificial grass from Lano Landscaping, domestic and commercial environments can benefit from the look of grass without the maintenance headaches. Available in pile heights from 15mm to 40mm, it delivers incredible realism and softness yet it has the durability to withstand footwear for years, supported by a nine-year warranty.

Tel: 00 800 5266 5266 8 With proportions that achieve the fine balance between maximising shop space and allowing the carpet range to shine, the

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

latest Crown Floors lectern is available for three of the brand’s most desirable collections, as well as the three new 2014 ranges of Parkland, Wilton House and Sheringham.

Tel: 0800 077 3301 9 Fading World rugs from Louis de Poortere’s New Vintage collection will keep retailers at the forefront of interior style. Capturing the trend for worn-looks, Fading World takes inspiration from Damask and Persian designs worn by the ravages of time to create a vintage look with all the benefits of a new rug available in eight standard sizes.

Visit www. louisdepoortere.com 10 For installers looking for large volumes of wood, laminate, LVT and cork flooring at short notice, UK Flooring Direct can provide large volumes of flooring with next day delivery. Covering mainland UK, installers can use it as a reference point for samples too, packaging samples to present to customers.

Visit: www.ukflooring direct.co.uk

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NEW PRODUCTS

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11 The six designs in Kährs’ Capital Collection are defined by their clean timber grade and minimal colour variation. Oak Dublin (pictured) has a light honey tone and is offered with a satin lacquer, matt lacquer or oil prefinish. White-toned Oak Paris has a luminous appearance and a matt lacquer or oil prefinish, while Oak Berlin has a grey oiled finish.

Tel: 023 9245 3045 12 Quick-Step Master Installer, Martin Sands of Kileys Carpets, Eastbourne (pictured right with colleague Jack Slaughter) was called in to help House Beautiful magazine put the finishing touches to its Multi-Generation Home, a major exhibit at this year’s Ideal

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

Home Show, with more than 100sqm of Quick-Step laminate.

Visit: www.quick-stepacademy.co.uk 13 Kersaint Cobb has added Sisal Pandas Eye to its extensive naturals collection. Made from 100% sisal and backed with latex, it is hardwearing and suitable for high traffic areas. The rustic big boucle design is available in five earthy tones and offers a designer look for rooms.

Tel: 01675 430 430 14 The Schnepel Now programme features six furniture products available for delivery within seven days. VariC, ELF-Line and S1 (pictured) are available in pre-configured designs at retail prices from £299 to £999. High gloss finishes within the Schnepel Now selection include new Cuba Libra. S1 Lowboard and new MK Sound models are also available.

Tel: 01270 586 236 15 Cattelan Italia’s Tosca combines maximum comfort with elegant design, making it perfect for the most modern to the most traditional situations. It is available in natural oak, oak stained walnut or wenge stained oak.

Tel: 00 39 03 6232 8162

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Contact us for details and receive a special, 100th anniversary commemorative gift. Plus, if you hold a Lynch Sale during 2014 you’ll become eligible for our Grand Prize of a trip for two to Ireland!

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UPHOLSTERY

Busnelli’s Manda armchair follows the footsteps of the Manda chair and is available with or without a fixed backrest cushion.

Trend setters

Moroso’s Diesel Living Sister Ray sofa and chaise longue sport extra-large cushions with double stitching referencing the world of denim.

Foam? Feathers? Air? Tanner Slade’s Ch-air is an inflatable chair with a padded upholstered cover.

These designs, all to be debuted at iSalone and Fuorisalone, will help set the style agenda.

Visit: www cosmit.com www.fuorisalone.it

Mercedes-Benz Style by Formitalia’s MBS038 has a choice of leather or showwood (pictured) sides to coordinate with the coffee table. Three and two-seater sofas are available along with an armchair.

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

UPHOLSTERY Marc Sadler’s Lau stool is available in a version illuminated with energy saving bulbs or LEDs.

Cappellini has speedily tweaked the Cap Chair 2 it introduced at IMM Cologne with a lower version of Jasper Morrison’s design.

Infiniti’s Hug chair, armchair and sofa develop from two symmetrical halves held together by an aluminium block concealed within the soul of the furniture. A variety of bases are available.

The Nuvola sofa from the DecòGlam Casa Gioiello collection by Mantellassi 1926 is a four-seater that takes curves to new heights.

As individual items or in a group, Kare Design’s Bazar stool, chair and matching chest of drawers are a rejuvenated variant of the patchwork look.

Le Corbusier designed the LC5 sofa with Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand in 1934, Cassina introduced the chrome frame version in 1974 and this year sees the introduction of a larger version with seven frame colours.

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

Relax.

You may just have found the world’s best performing fibre cushion.

Your search could be over because Encore-Fibre cushions are guaranteed for 4 years against flattening. They have the look and feel of fibre cushions with the recovery and durability of foam. What's more Encore-Fibre has won the coveted FIRA Gold seal of approval.

All that is needed to maintain the cushion's performance is regular turning. And that isn't difficult as they are lighter than a similar sized fibre cushion. The secret is in their unique construction.

Encore-Fibre cushions are constructed using a core of foam. This allows the cushion to “spring” back to its original shape again and again. Now you really can relax.

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IT JUST KEEPS ON PERFORMING

UPHOLSTERY

Calia Italia’s Niobe features a deep-buttoned back with clean lines for the sides and includes manual and electric motion options.

Arketipo’s Abacab uses a patchwork effect to create a sense of movement enhanced by the visible stitching

Heritage Collection’s Marais is characterised by a compact and snug shape with a hint of art deco.

Above: Elledue’s Virgilio armchair has a slightly retro style modernised by gun-metal grey lacquered feet. The Gaspare sectional sofa has been updated with new colours.

Modus’ Lily chair is a compact lounge chair with moulded shell that benefits from a high back and armrest. Base options include wood, rod or swivel.

Roberto Lazzeroni’s Nivola for Poltrona Frau is a streamlined and light design with a feminine, almost romantic, allure.

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

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UNDERLAY

Six of the best Interfloor has updated its Underlay Selection Guide Interfloor has updated its popular Underlay Selection Guide with new products and clarification of which brands are most suitable for specific needs.

This useful selling tool was developed for retailers and distributors to identify the best performing Tredaire and Duralay products in each of six key segments.

‘Our consumer research shows that the two most important consumer needs for underlay are underfoot comfort and durability. These are chosen by 72% and 64% of consumers respectively. However, we are seeing four other needs that have emerged and become significant – heat insulation, sound insulation, underfloor heating and acoustic underlays for hard flooring,’ says Steve Woodhead, Interfloor marketing director.

The guide emphasises the inherent brand strengths of Tredaire and Duralay.

Tredaire is designed for comfort and its springy characteristics, in both PU and sponge rubber, make it suitable for insulating against heat and sound, Woodhead adds.

Duralay’s ultra-high density crumb and sponge rubber fit a number of needs.

Crumb rubber provides long lasting carpet protection, supporting carpets in high traffic areas such as hallways and staircases.

The sponge rubber underlays are best for underfloor heating being low tog and providing noise reduction under hard flooring.

‘Retailers tell us that the Underlay Selection Guide is the best tool on the market for selecting the right underlay for their customer,’ says Woodhead.

‘We’ve improved it further by clarifying which brand is most suitable for each need, and by introducing some exciting new products. The guide increases customer satisfaction and maximises value for the retailer in the short and long term. It can be accessed from our website where customers can also use the powerful Underlay Selector.’

Visit: www.interfloor.com

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

The guide has been updated and consumers can also select online

Perfect performers and famous for bringing pure luxury, warmth and comfort to the home, Tredaire underlays are designed to keep carpets looking good and feeling fabulous for longer.

The Tredaire range features outstanding levels of comfort and performance so every carpet gives that ‘on air’ feeling. That’s why Tredaire is the UK’s biggest selling underlay brand - the market leader!

UK Sales: 01706 238 810 www.interfloor.com

love your floor™

UNDERLAY

Branding has been updated with emphasis on Floorwise

First name terms Floorwise has revamped the branding of it is underlay Floorwise has recently transformed its underlay portfolio, capitalising on the Floorwise brand and refocusing attention on one of the most well-established names in the flooring industry.

‘Floorwise has a long and hugely successful track record as an underlay supplier to retailers across the UK,’ says Richard Bailey, Floorwise md.

‘Names such as Longevity and Flexilay, and more recently, Hyper, have become firm favourites with retailers and have always delivered consumer focused touch points helping retailers to explain the benefits of choosing a new underlay.

Yet through this all, the Floorwise name has remained a constant, always there, but somewhat in the background.

‘Yet for many retailers, with its huge

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

collective of associated products the Floorwise name is far more powerful and important than that of individual underlay collections,’ he stresses.

For this reason the approach to underlay branding was rethought with the aim of simplifying the range and to make it easier to draw clean lines of distinction between types, specifications and performance.

Now all underlays fall under the Floorwise brand and are divided into suitable product types; carpet: subdivided into foam, felt and rubber; specialist underfloor heating underlays; and wood and laminate.

‘We’ve kept the product names such as Tread, Pinnacle and Endura, so that retailers can quickly find their favourite

products. However, the Floorwise name remains as the primary focus on packaging, presenters and other POS,’ he says.

‘This even runs true for our Floorwise Aware underlay in support of Breast Cancer Care, though unsurprisingly this uses a unique shade of pink for its film and packaging.

‘The result is far easier to understand underlay portfolio that gives us more flexibility without being confusing and that provides retailers with underlay for every requirement and price point.

While only a superficial change, it is a hugely important one for us and marks a new direction for the brand,’ adds Bailey.

Floorwise, tel: 01509 673 974

it’s time to get wise about floors with our market-leading products underlay

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Floorwise strives to deliver excellence in innovation too, with a continuous development programme aimed at meeting the evolving needs of both consumers and fitters alike.

For details of our distribution network visit: www.floorwise.co.uk

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UNDERLAY

Flying the flag Carpenter is proud to manufacture in the UK ‘British Made’ and ‘Manufactured in the UK’ are stamps widely regarded as signifying excellence and the Union Flag subconsciously communicates messages of quality, thanks to Britain’s stringent rules and regulations. Now more than ever, British credentials have become an incredibly powerful marketing tool for industries of all shapes and sizes.

Carpenter is one of the world’s largest producers of PU underlay. Its state of the art UK manufacturing facility in Glossop, Derbyshire produces underlay that not only performs well but comes with excellent environmental credentials.

‘We are proud to display the Made in United Kingdom strapline on all of our products. Customers can be confident that if they choose Carpenter underlay they will get a strong, solid product which meets exacting British standards that cheap imitations cannot guarantee,’ says Helen Rowberry, Carpenter national sales manager for underlay.

All the underlay is made from recycled material and is backed with high performance polyethylene laminate, which aids recycling more effectively than paper backing. This factor is increasingly important to consumers,

who want environmentally conscious products where possible, she explains.

‘Buying British doesn’t just mean a quality product – but that the customer is more likely to receive excellent service – whether it’s advice on which underlay to select or aftercare,’ says Rowberry.

‘Face-to-face interaction is incredibly important too, and building a strong relationship with the customer is essential for receiving crucial feedback which could impact on product innovation and development. Remember, buying British counts,’ she adds.

Carpenter, tel: 01457 892 400

The underlay is backed with polyethylene laminate and is made from recycled material

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

UNDERLAY

The sexiest underlay you will never see Caviar & Champagne POS

Upperclass ambitions

Sonic Gold Excel wood and laminate floor underlay

Ball & Young is looking to the top-end After the success of the its Connoisseur Cloud9 underlay, which was launched in 2012, Ball & Young has created an underlay with more density to create a ‘post recession’ premium range.

‘It has been unashamedly named Caviar & Champagne and is available in a 9mm thickness with 15sqm per roll and a 11mm thickness with 10sqm per roll. It is getting a little heavy at this density for the 11mm to be manufactured in a 15sqm roll,’ says Ann Shaw, Ball & Young sales director.

‘It sounds a little extravagant, but retailers will know that some consumers will come in and just ask for your best underlay. Now they can trade them up a little further. Some people just expect the best and we just want to make it better.’

The company has also relaunched the double stick/stretch fit contract underlay Radiance as a 6mm product designed for underfloor heating with a tog rating of 1.3.

It is also developing a new product portfolio which will show all of its ranges and specifications.

Visit: www.underlay.com

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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EXCEPTIONAL SOUND REDUCTION EXCELLENT IMPACT RESISTANCE EVENS OUT UNEVEN FLOORS Part of the Novostrat range of polyethylene underlays to suit every application and pocket.

From store to floor - there’s no better solution

Sonic range Comfort range HIGH PERFORMANCE UNDERLAYS

TEL: 00353 61-339287 www.novostrat.com info@novostrat.com

Come And See Our

New Ranges

13-14th May 2014

at the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show

SEE YOU THERE!

Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show 13 - 14th May 2014 Cranmore Park Solihull, West Midlands www.bgnfs.co.uk

www.axminster-carpets.co.uk PICTURED ABOVE: Windsor in Itschner Grey, from the new Royal Borough Wilton Collection

ROYAL WARRANTS

PHOTOGRAPHS: THEO COHEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Some 60,000 visitors attended the Coronation Festival last summer

The

special ones A look at companies holding prestigious Royal Warrants and what it means to them Holders of Royal Warrants are part of an elite group of about 800 companies or individuals which are regular suppliers of goods and services to the households of the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales.

Over the centuries royal life and tastes changed. Henry VIII appointed Thomas Hewytt to ‘Serve the Court with Swannes and Cranes’ and ‘all kinds of Wildfoule’. The Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520 was largely put together by Royal Tradesmen.

Charles II’s 1684 list of royal tradesmen included a sword cutter, an operator for the teeth, and a goffe-club maker. Among the tradesmen supplying the royal household in 1789 were a pin maker, a mole taker, a card maker and a rat catcher.

In the late 18th century royal tradesmen began displaying the royal arms on their premises and stationery, but it was Queen Victoria who ensured that Royal Warrants gained the prestige they enjoy today.

During her 64-year reign more than 1,000 were granted, eight times as many as granted by the Queen’s uncle, George IV. They included companies such as Fortnum & Mason, Schweppes and Twinings, which still hold them today.

Royal Warrants continue to be a prestigious mark of recognition to those supplying the three households and represent the widest cross-section of British trade and industry (there are also a small number of overseas companies) – from individuals practising traditional crafts to large firms equipped with the latest technology. Royal Warrants are automatically

reviewed by the Lord Chamberlain’s committee a year before they are due to expire. As part of the review, companies must provide evidence of the goods and services they have supplied to the royal household over the previous five years.

Last summer 60,000 visitors attended the Coronation Festival in the grounds of Buckingham Palace to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation and showcase more than 200 warrant holders, including Hypnos which was awarded its Royal Warrant in 1929.

‘Clearly all the products used by the Royal Family are of a high standard, but there is so much more to Hypnos’ relationship than that. Companies that hold the Royal Warrant are diverse and set apart, not only for their products and services, but also for the standard and depth of supporting service provided to the Royal Family and royal households,’ says Chris Ward, Hypnos marketing director.

‘At Hypnos we are proud of our royal connection, and the royal crest figures prominently in our marketing to reinforce our best of British status, and to underline our British made and British owned position: Hypnos is the last family-run and British owned bed making company to hold a Royal Warrant. The attraction of our handcrafted British-made beds, with family values and royal patronage, has been very strong overseas for many years enabling us to take our products to some of the finest homes and hotels around the world.’

Visit: www.royalwarrant.org

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

37

ROYAL WARRANTS Inset: Hypnos was among the warrant holders at the Coronation Festival Left: Sovereign Below: Cross section of a Royal Comfort bed

A way of life Hypnos has held a Royal Warrant for 85 years ‘At Hypnos we are proud of our Royal Warrant status. Having one is not just a badge of excellence, superior quality, expertise and trust – it is a way of life for us,’ says Chris Ward, Hypnos marketing director.

Hypnos received a Royal Warrant from King George V in 1929 and has supplied beds to many royal residences including Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, St James Palace, Balmoral Castle, Sandringham House, The Palace of Holyroodhouse and Kensington Palace. As well as mattresses and divans, the company also undertakes bespoke upholstery commissions for the Royal Family, recently reupholstering the banquet seating of Buckingham Palace’s ballroom.

The company has also presented to the royal households teaching the importance of sleep and its impact on health and wellbeing.

‘Our relationships and royal network have also been extended to collaborate and work closely with other Royal Warrant holders. Indeed we have partnered with Sanderson on our latest Royal Comfort collection, where the mattress and divan designs draw on our historical royal archives and royal

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

commissions, with Sanderson upholstery fabrics adding a luxurious finishing touch to the divans and headboards to create a design statement and the perfect indulgent stand-out bedroom centrepiece,’ says Ward.

Hypnos was among the Royal Warrant holders which took part in last summer’s Coronation Festival to promote its products to the Royal Family, royal households, VIP guests and some 60,000 visitors.

‘Our reputation and network of active relationships across the royal household and the royal residences has resulted in a constant flow of enquiries from the Master of the Households department and private secretaries to ladies-in-waiting and each of the palaces own housekeepers,’ adds Ward.

Hypnos also has synergy with the Royal Family with its commitment to the environment. It was the first British bed manufacturer to achieve carbon neutral status and comply with the BS PAS 2060 carbon neutrality standard. Both of its factories have achieved FSC and PEFC forestry certification and passed the Sedex ethical trading audit.

Visit: www.hypnosbeds.com

Beautiful Sleep Introducing the Royal Comfort Collection, inspired by Hypnos’ royal archives and royal commissions, featuring multi-tiered comfort that guarantees a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating night’s sleep.

Every Hypnos bed is individually made to order and lovingly hand crafted. Customers are invited to personalise the design of their bed – luxurious upholstery fabrics are selected from Hypnos’ Royally Appointed fabric partner, Sanderson, for the ultimate finishing touch.

Don’t miss out, try the luxurious Royal Comfort Collection 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.

ROYAL WARRANTS

Above: Brittannia Inset: Staples’ Royal Warrant

Seal of approval for 82 years Staples continues to make bespoke quality beds Staples has a long and respected history of making luxury handcrafted beds in the UK. Set up in 1895, Staples was awarded a Royal Warrant by King George V in 1932 and it has been repeatedly awarded by each successive monarch including Queen Elizabeth ll.

Staples has always combined quality craftsmanship with the best natural fillings to enable them to handcraft each unique customer order to the highest manufacturing standard, embodying the meticulous attention to detail that its handmade quality beds are synonymous with.

During the past 12 months the Staples product development team has been working hard using these tried and tested traditional manufacturing skills and some of the latest technical innovations in the bed industry to create the Staples 2014 bed collection.

This will be unveiled at the inaugural Steinhoff UK Beds At Home show between 13-15 May at its Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire factory.

Also on display will be the latest collections from sister brands Myer’s and Slumberland.

Staples, tel: 01480 442 219

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

Every bed is handmade

“Our passion for quality handmade beds began over 100 years ago and while technology has a great deal to offer, nothing equals the performance of natural materials, which with traditional manufacturing methods, produce a bed of superior quality.�

Come and visit us at our Huntingdon showroom to see our brand new bed collection

ROYAL WARRANTS

Being seen

Sleepeezee uses its Royal Warrant to highlight its qualities The public’s awareness of bed brands is generally low. Bed manufacturers don’t command the same must-have desirability or fierce customer loyalty enjoyed across other sectors. Brand perceptions of customers when facing choices within a standard bed department are likely to be somewhat muddled, perhaps void of any preconceptions and lacking in any significant motivation to orientate towards the bed of the moment, according to Sleepeezee.

Because the voice of most bed brands is somewhat unheard, Sleepeezee has gained ground by allowing its products to speak for themselves. This approach hasn’t gone unnoticed, since a little over 30 years ago Sleepeezee received the highest honour by being bestowed the Royal Warrant of the Prince of Wales for its beds.

Proudly positioned above the Sleepeezee name, the Royal Warrant epitomises and endorses everything that Sleepeezee stands for in its products and brand: British-made quality, craftsmanship, reliability, style and value – a cut above the others, with reassurance of its status coming from the highest authority.

The benefits of this accolade were extended last summer with an invitation to take part in The Coronation Festival, held in the gardens of Buckingham Palace. Selected Royal Warrant holders, including Sleepeezee, showcased the best of British workmanship and design within beautifully presented marquees throughout the Palace grounds.

Visitors included the Prince of Wales and the Earl and Countess of Wessex. Members of the Royal household, celebrities, invited guests and visitors all showed an interest in the products on display.

Clearly, certain events can mark a turning point in a company’s fortunes. For Sleepeezee, having been hand-making beds for 90 years, receiving the Royal Warrant has given the company opportunity, value and presence in the bed market. In

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

Left: New Royal Below: New Amba Bottom: New Late

a sector of low brand awareness, it has meant that the Sleepeezee brand doesn’t need to be loud, it just needs to be seen. The most respected institution of all presides over it and is doing all the talking for it.

Sleepeezee, tel: 01634 729 436

ROYAL WARRANTS

A long association Axminster Carpets’ links with royalty stretch back for centuries A world-renowned British manufacturer, Axminster Carpets joined the ranks of Royal Warrant holders in 2012 when it was recognised for supplying carpets to the Queen. However, its connection with royalty goes further back when King George III and Queen Charlotte purchased carpet from Axminster Carpets and also visited the factory in 1789.

‘We’re immensely proud at Axminster Carpets to be holders of the Royal Warrant. It’s an exceptional sign of recognition from the royal household of our carpets’ quality and the company’s exceptionally high Many of Axminster Carpets’ Imagination service standards rugs can be personalised and we are very proud of the carpets that we make for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth,’ says Josh Dutfield, Axminster Carpets commercial director.

With a longstanding

Ashridge House in Hertfordshire has carpet from Axminster Carpets

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

connection to the royal household from supplying George III, through to supplying carpet for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, Axminster Carpets has supplied some of the most prestigious buildings in the country.

In 2005, a commemorative rug woven to celebrate the company’s 250th anniversary of carpet weaving in Axminster was placed in Clarence House, the home of Prince Charles, after being presented to the Earl of Devon. There are also many other carpets from Axminster Carpets in various royal households.

They are also found in many celebrated British institutions, such as Ashridge Simply Natural House, the stripe in Vogue Grade I listed 19th century mansion in Hertfordshire with a 700 yearold history and the Barbican arts centre.

Visit: www.axminstercarpets.co.uk

FLOORING W SHO 21-23 SEPTEMBER 2014 HARROGATE www.theflooringshow.com

Join us in September for The Flooring Show The UK’s only national flooring event will again bring together the whole industry for three intensive days of business activity and networking.

FREE VISITOR REGISTRATION NOW OPEN online at www.theflooringshow.com

Plan your visit NOW!

LIVING AND DINING

G Plan Cabinets’ Tivoli Inset: Relaxateeze’s Averna

Ever onward Morris Furniture celebrates 130 years It may be celebrating the 130th anniversary of Harris Morris founding what was to become the Morris Furniture Group, but there is no hint of looking backwards for the Glasgow company.

‘After 130 years, the group has played its part in our nation’s history; after two world wars, many recessions, the rise and fall of empires and the ever-changing tastes of today’s fast-paced environment, it has come through all of these challenges stronger and more equipped

to deal with the challenges that will come in the future. Today, the company is still a strong player within the industry and a key partner to our many retailers,’ says George McGraw, Morris Furniture Group joint-md.

‘We may be in a different time and place 130 years on, but the desire to offer furniture to retailers and ensure their businesses prosper has never changed.

We have a continued commitment to invest in the business and to offer higher

stock levels, faster deliveries on key items and even more flexible services for home delivery in 2014 and going forward.’

The group offers a vast choice of product across its three cabinet brands with G Plan Cabinets’ classically styled portfolio, Morris Furniture’s reputation for value and choice and Zone Furniture’s combination of contemporary design and affordability.

Faster delivery to home or store Morris offers three delivery choices: HomeSpeed: a next day delivery service available to stockists on swivel, recliner and club chairs. Orders placed before noon will be delivered the next day across all of mainland UK, subject to stock availability, for £19.99.

Store Express: free three to five-day deliveries to stockists across all of mainland UK. DHD Service: a full white glove home delivery service that more and more stockists are signing up for. This includes delivery, assembly, positioning, clean up and any questions a customer may have, ensuring customers have an effortless purchase and delivery.

• • •

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

The three options are backed by the group’s Ambassador Service: improvements in the sales and service department provide stockists with quicker and faster responses to deliveries, service and aftersales service. Spare parts are guaranteed to be available within 24-72 hours and replacement products within 14-28 days.

Products are backed by a two-year warranty and service technicians are available throughout the UK. ‘This new service initiative has been a fantastic resource for our retailers and we are confident that we tick all the boxes and can offer them the quality service that is required for today’s market,’ says McGraw.

LIVING AND DINING 1884 Harris Morris establishes cabinet workshops to supply wood furniture to merchant ships.

1904 Begins to supply furniture for the liners being built on the Clyde, a market it succeeded in for decades, including the Queen Mary in 1930 and the QE2 in 1967.

1901 Begins to supply office furniture.

1938 Neil Morris, son of the founder, joins the company and fast becomes an innovator in wood technology and design, especially in pioneering laminated wood to shape chairs and tables.

1939 Provides a valauble contribution to the war effort with the manufacture and provision of Enfield rifle butts, ammunition boxes, aircraft jettison fuel tanks, barrage carriers and the casings for Barnes Wallis’ bouncing Upkeep bomb.

1947 Is commissioned to design and fit a special bedroom suite for the Queen and Prince Philip as a royal wedding gift on behalf of the people of Scotland.

1951 Neil Morris designs the Morris Cloud Table arising from Britain’s need to build Its upholstery brand Relaxateeze has grown from strength to strength since its launch and is fast becoming one of the UK’s top manufacturers of reclining chairs. This progression has been supported by the addition of accent chairs, sofabeds and action sofas.

‘Having invested in new systems and computer technology that improves sales, service, transport, accounting and marketing, all communications are faster and more efficient. The group is able to process orders, enquiries, restocking and transport quicker than ever before thanks to our new efficient systems,’ says McGraw.

The group has a modern state of the art office and warehouse facility in Glasgow holding £10m of stock. Being close to the M74 provides easy access to the rest of the UK. ‘The facilities on offer allow comfortable storage of all of our bestselling products,’ McGraw adds.

Onsite, the group has an in-house marketing and sales team to assist stockists, keeping them up to date with their latest ranges of products and providing images, brochures, range cards, swing tickets and specifications.

The group has websites for each brand and the group itself, providing information to stockists including group news, stock updates, products available for delivery and product specification.

Visit: www.morrisfurniture.co.uk

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Diary of progress more contemporary furniture using lighter materials as a result of rationing furniture during the war. It later featured at the Festival of Britain and won numerous design awards. It and the Bambi Chair are featured in New York’s Guggenheim Museum.

1970 The group decides to focus more on the residential market.

1973 Robert Morris, current joint-md, follows in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps and joins the company.

1980 The company decides its future is in the residential market. George McGraw, current joint-md, joins.

1990 The business has expanded tenfold and moves from the original factory built by

Morris Furniture’s Lucerne

Zone Furniture’s Long Island

Harris Morris to a new 300,000sqft factory.

1996 Buys the licence to the G Plan Cabinets name that boosts business to such a degree it outgrows its production capabilities in four years.

2000 Moves to a new purpose-built 700,000sqft facility with production and storage capabilities with a fleet of more than 110 lorries.

2002 Sells more than 4,000 chairs at The Furniture Show in four days as Relaxateeze is launched offering just 12 models.

2010 Relocates to its present 700,000sqft location in Rutherglen (pictured).

2014 Celebrates 130th anniversary and introduces more delivery options.

PREVIEW A stunning range of bedroom and dining furniture.

Made from solid Oak and Oak veneers, Preview offers a fresh approach to contemporary living.

Preview represents, STYLE, QUALITY AND FANTASTIC VALUE to the retailer and is available from UK stock for immediate delivery.

IMMEDIATE DELIVERY From UK stocks

Call us today to ďŹ nd out more about this and our other beautiful collections and how we can help improve your margins!

STYLE Q QUALITY & FANTASTIC VALUE

W

East West 0333 344 2140 email sales@eastwestuk.co.uk 7 Highlands Court, Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands B90 4LE

BEDS Left: John Tuton Below left: In-store POS Below : The mattresses are endorsed

by Olympic long jump gold medallist Greg Rutherford

On target Mammoth Technologies is going from strength to strength Mammoth Technologies is celebrating a number of successes already this year thanks to its innovative product range.

According to Mammoth, it produces the only mattress of its kind in the industry that is clinically proven to improve sleep.

Headed by John Tuton and Mike Nash, the company announced in January that it has nearly doubled business over the past 12 months to an equivalent annual turnover of £2m. Since the beginning of 2013, it has increased 135% on independent accounts and 125% on nationals, and is on track to reach its target of £5m turnover in the next five years.

It now has products stocked across the nation in stores ranging from Selfridges to AHF and Furniture Village, as well as a number of leading independent retailers.

The company recently secured an exclusive deal to become the British Athletes Commission’s bedding provider.

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The mattresses were originally designed for athletes and the company has a number of key endorsements from major sporting associations and personalities including the English and Irish Rugby Players Associations, the UK Chiropractic Patients Commission, Olympic long jump gold medallist Greg Rutherford and Olympic weightlifter Zoe Smith. The BAC agreement will continue to strengthen its links within the sporting sector, allowing athletes up to 50% discount on its products.

Mammoth has also agreed a major contract with a leading premiership football club for a state of the art training facility that is yet to be announced.

Over the past few years, Mammoth has taken its original sports design and developed it for the wider market.

‘Our aim is to provide solutions to get the best night’s sleep possible, whatever a person’s age or lifestyle. Our products are made with enhanced medical grade

foam which offers superior temperature control, pain relieving benefits and supports movement while sleeping, making the 50 to 60 shifts that the body makes in the night easier and less disturbing,’ says Tuton, Mammoth founder and md.

Mammoth mattresses are Class 1 registered medical devices with the Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority and has testimonials and affiliations with the University of Northumbria Sleep Science Centre and the Newcastle University School of BioSciences. Mammoth’s credentials were also enhanced when it collaborated with sleep expert Professor Jason Ellis of the University of Northumbria Sleep Research Centre, who carried out a study that proved the sleep benefits of a Mammoth mattress.

‘The company is going from strength to strength and we are particularly pleased with how well the first quarter of this year has gone. We have so many more plans and initiatives in the pipeline, that we’re more than sure we’ll hit targets by the end of the year. And of course, we’re continuously developing our product lines to ensure we’re always offering the best possible solutions for a greater night’s sleep,’ adds Tuton.

Visit: www.mammothmattress.com

WILLIAM NIGHT

TM

01 07 14 williamnightbeds.co.uk

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Now for something different Caxton’s latest ranges may not be what you expected Caxton has a reputation for creating affordable, high quality bedroom collections that sell. From the ever-popular Pippa and London to enduring bestsellers such as Strata and Henley, they’re on target and on price – and not always what you’d expect, as its latest releases, the entry-level Essentials and modular Eclipse 400 bedroom collections show.

Designed with price in mind, Essentials is a compact entry-level collection. Available in four finishes – white, grey ash, mid and light oak – and built to the same quality and specification as all other Caxton bedrooms, Essentials’ proportions, metal handles and extensive range of wardrobe and chest of drawers options make it a practical, affordable no-nonsense collection, suited to today’s lifestyle.

Eclipse 400 is a more versatile, modular furniture system that offers the building blocks for creating an individual bedroom. With its up to the minute styling and the flexibility to satisfy any space requirement, Eclipse 400 offers shelved or hanging wardrobes in two heights and two widths, top boxes, chests of drawers, an overbed surround and a desk. It has four finishes – black,

Caxton London

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

Caxton Essentials Caxton Eclipse 400

white, grey and aubergine gloss – giving even more opportunity to create a personalised fitted look, while retaining the flexibility to rearrange.

Over the years Caxton has built a portfolio of both classic and contemporary bedroom collections.

Featuring a sleek oak finish in a horizontal grain with vertical edges and curved metal handles, the London bedroom has quickly become a bestseller, while Pippa continues to prove

Caxton Pippa

popular, thanks in part to its sculpted panels, softly curved handles and cherry style finish.

Available in the same, comprehensive range of wardrobes, chests of drawers and ever-popular overbed surround that made their predecessors successful, these two contemporary collections complement the appeal of the classic pearwood style Strata and crisp, white Henley collections.

Visit: www.caxtonfurnitureonline.com

Spring

LONG POINT 1 2 t h - 1 4 t h M ay 2 0 1 4

www.longeatonguild.co.uk Te l : 0 1 1 5 9 2 2 2 5 4 2

BEDS AND BEDROOM Vitamin Design’s Aetas bed sports clean lines and a slightly inclined headboard.

It is available in all standard sizes, in European oak, knotted oak, ash, beech, American walnut and cherry.

Pinch Design’s Iona grand mirror is made from black American oak. It can be wallmounted or floorstanding supported on an optional oak chock.

Ensemblier’s Casati headboard has bold and voluptuous curves that accentuate the beauty of the fabric.

Centre of attraction

The fifth Clerkenwell Design Week will see bedroom products take centre stage from 20-22 May. Visit: www.clerkenwelldesignweek.com

Inspired by the original Stilt cabinet, Case Furniture’s Stilt wardrobe takes those clean midcentury lines into the bedroom.

It provides ample storage space and can be made to bespoke sizes.

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Urbanara’s Lanton ivory bedlinen with black piping is made with 100% long-staple cotton. It has a 600 thread count and the sateen weave ensures a subtle sheen, making it supersoft to touch.

Signature 3000 After months of tireless searching for the best quality Natural Lamb's Wool, the search was concluded at the most prestigious wool farms the county has to offer. Complimented with a Layer of Pure Cotton and Silk, this bed truly pushes the boundaries of comfort. Three rows of Hand Side Stitching by highly skilled craftsmen, add to the exclusivity of the bed.

Handles Embroidered with the brand, leaves the most elegant impression.

DORLUX Elizabeth Industrial Estate Shroggs Road, Halifax HX3 5HA t: 01422 399250 • f: 01422 399251 e: dorlux@hotmail.co.uk • w: www.dorlux.co.uk

23 September 9am-5.30pm 24 September 9am-4pm

Register now at www.bedshow.co.uk

BEDS AND BEDROOM

1

4

5 2

3 3 Part of Rest Assured’s revamped Eloquence Collection, the bestselling Memory Luxury 800 features a handmade 800 pocket spring mattress with memory foam filling, providing comfort and luxury at an affordable price. The six-strong collection now features stronger branding for recognisable Rest Assured quality, with the addition of a Purotex probiotic sleeping surface that eliminates mould and dust mites to prevent allergies without chemicals.

Tel: 01282 851 111

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1 GNG’s Affinity collection includes two orthopaedic mattresses, both designed to offer optimum comfort and support for sufferers of back pain, and one softer, triple layer mattress that offers ultimate comfort and luxury. All Affinity mattresses feature castellated reflex support foam, providing ventilation to ensure a cool night’s sleep. The Modena base is available with a choice of storage options including ottoman (pictured).

Tel: 01924 950 300

4 The Geltex Ultimate 1400 is part of Silentnight’s innovative Geltex collection. The groundbreaking collection features a gel infused comfort layer with a Mirapocket spring system, offering a unique combination of unparalleled breathability, pressure relief and optimal body support. The Geltex Ultimate 1400 incorporates a 6cm comfort layer and is available with a range of divan colours and a choice of bases, storage solutions and coordinating headboards.

Visit: www.silentnight.co.uk/geltex

2 Serene Furnishing’s Thornton features in the Oak Collection, which harnesses the ever-present beauty of wood in a design-led range of beds and drawers. With a striking headboard, Thornton is a low footend bed in five sizes, each with a posture sprung slatted base and complemented by an optional two-drawer bedside table.

Visit: www.serenefurnishings.co.uk

5 Carpenter’s Sleep Better Clima Plus is a phase changing layer, encased between two layers of foam to help the user achieve the optimum sleeping temperature. It absorbs excess heat when the body’s temperature rises and releases it when it drops, keeping the body at a constant temperature – not too hot or too cold.

Tel: 01457 892 400

Interiors Monthly April 2014

S1 MK 2SK White with Pasadena front doors Schnepel furniture is recognised as a hand made, German furniture collection with versatility and value. There are 4 ranges to choose from, many finishes and multiple options to ensure the furniture is suited to your clients’ needs.

We have introduced Brick and Click Partnership alongside the brand, and in simple terms we sell product on your behalf, and then we pay you for each sale in your area.

Our new web store is a result of considerable investment, ensuring we get the maximum exposure for our brands, and in turn increase the sales opportunities for you.

We deliver direct to the client’s home, so taking all the hassle away from you. We will offer an after care service whereby the client has full support where needed, and most of all, we pay you for every sale we make in your area if you are a Partner.

The Brick and Click Partnership is growing, so don’t miss out on an opportunity to join a scheme where there are no catches, only advantages.

S1 MK Sound Plenty of room for a soundbar up to 1.57 wide

AV Furniture Ltd E Mail: info@demagio.com • Tel: 01270 586 236 • www.demagio.com • www.schnepel.co.uk

AFTER-SALES CARE KITS After-sales shouldn’t be an afterthought!

Leather | Fabric | Wood • • • • •

Comprehensive range of after-care products Maximise revenue through add-on sales Flexible branding options Reduce after-sales issues and complaints UK made, competitive pricing

FOR OR LEATHER - Cleaners - Conditioners - Protectors

FOR FABRIC - Cleaners - Stain Removers - Protectors

Contact Dawn Hogg: 07702 345305 | Tel: 0844 879 3691 | www.furnitureclinic.co.uk

FOR WOOD - Cleaners - Oils - Waxes

SOFTWARE

Make IT work for you The latest software developments make things easier For some retailers the world of accountancy and financial fact gathering and recording may be the more humdrum side of their daily routine, but it is still essential. Retailsystem.com’s software solutions include an integrated accountancy package that updates all the accounting data when a sale or purchase information is entered.

Because of the Cloud, all financial or accountancy aspects of the business are up to the minute in real time. And it’s not just profit and loss accounts or cashflow projections, it also provides information such as instant data on stock levels, the opportunity to reconcile bank statements online and daily reconciliations for sales and purchases.

Unlike having to do all the accounting with a separate software, or spreadsheet, there is no need to key in all those figures more than once, with the additional risk of making mistakes, and then having to match the information from one system with another to do even the simplest reconciliation.

Retailsystem.com uses Twinfield, a online accounting provider which gives flexible, collaborative and automatic real-time data exchange between you and your accountants

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

or financial department.

‘It is the top web service for accounting and invoicing in Europe and we integrate that expertise into the systems we provide. It’s a solution that means less jumping through hoops to satisfy the fiscal year end demands of those expensive accountants. Imagine, they may not be able to charge you as much as they did last year, poor chaps,’ says Stephen Smith, Retailsystem.com ceo.

Less wastage The latest addition to MasterPiece System’s software is a large job

MasterPiece has added a large job module

autoplanner, which works out how to use multiple whole rolls efficiently with low wastage at each roll end. This is designed to save planning time and enable more competitive quotes.

MasterPiece’s autoplanner is a simple to use measuring and planning system boosting margin through tighter plans.

For additional time saving, you can draw straight on to the screen as you walk from room to room using a tablet PC. Files can be automatically synchronised to give access to all jobs from all MasterPiece installations and it allows quick access to previous jobs.

Additional capabilities can be

SOFTWARE readily added such as accurate tile planning, including Karndean and Amtico product sets. Retailers with a contract arm can benefit from tracing round PDF/CAD floorplans.

Systems to fit any business Mayne Computer Technology’s Mosaic system can be used by most carpet and flooring companies, from independent retailers through multi-branch retailers and distributors up to multinational manufacturers.

The Windows-based system allows users to choose the modules they require as the requirements of the business change. These include estimating and planning, sales order processing, stock management, sales and purchase ledger, complaints, fitter’s diary, management information, samples, electronic data interchange, warehouse automation, product catalogue, online sales and touchscreen order entry.

Mayne’s latest offerings include a POS module for retailers that covers all the

Mayne supplies the modules that best meet customers’ requirements

daily functions such as checking stock, raising orders, printing quotes and invoices, processing payments and arranging fitting.

A Customer Relations Management module allows management of the customer interface from initial contact through to sales.

These and the full Mosaic system are now available to run Cloud-based with a

The UK’s Leading Supplier of Software to Carpet & Flooring Retailers We have a dedicated Installation and Support Team, so contact us today to arrange a no obligation demonstration and quote.

N ew “ Clo u d " P o in t o f S a le

21st Anniversary 1993-2014

N ew P o s tc o d e Lo o k u p O p tio n N ew Es t im a tin g O p tio n a v a ila b le s o o n .

Existing Customers include : Yorkshire Flooring Supplies, Your Carpet Shop, Perthshire Flooring, Victoria Carpets, John Lewis Partnership, Greendale Carpets, Carpet & Flooring, Clyde Carpet & Flooring, Dallas Carpets, Brockway Carpets, Phloor, Millers Specialist Flooring Coverings

Visit us at :

13-14 May 2014 - Solihull

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Unit 13b, Brindley Court, Lymedale Business Park, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 9QH Tel : 01782 562522 sales@maynetechnology.co.uk www.maynetechnology.co.uk

Interiors Monthly April 2014

small deposit and a monthly fee, enabling retailers to enjoy all the benefits without software downloads or costly installation charges.

Mayne is also the agent for the Measure Square estimating software available on iPad, iPhone and PC. Visit: www.masterpiece-system.com www.maynetechnology.co.uk www.retailsystem.com

Wools of New Zealand’s Laneve programme is gaining momentum, as consumers demand to know where their products come from Wools of New Zealand launched the Laneve brand half a decade ago, as it was clear that home-owners at the higher end were demanding greater integrity within the products they decorate their homes with.

Laneve is now used in more than 30 products from leading carpet brands including Crucial Trading, Ulster Carpets, Brockway, Ryalux and Flock.

Laneve offers full transparency with every metre of carpet traceable back to the farms in New Zealand via a dedicated consumer website: www. laneve.co.uk.

Every farmer accredited to grow Laneve wool cares for their property and the creatures nearby and aims to

pass their farm on to the next generation.

The wool is grown to meet strict specifications especially for the carpet that it is destined for. The typical Laneve farm has 3,000 white sheep growing wool, which is scoured and shipped using the world’s most efficient processes.

Consumers purchasing Laneve carpets can be assured of full transparency, excellence in land management, animal welfare and social responsibility. WNZ is also working with its partners to upcycle any leftover fibres and turn it into products such as crumbwool underlay.

Talk to WNZ at the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show in Solihull on 13-14 May.

Advertising feature: Wools of New Zealand

Growing demand for ethical and transparent interiors

The Hector’s Dolphin The sustainable farming practices of Laneve wool protect the habitat of these beautiful endangered species. Growing Laneve wool to meet strict ecostandards means the farmers have to be very careful about how they do things.

It is critical the farms that neighbour the harbours are kept free from chemicals that might enter the waterways. WNZ contributes to the New Zealand Whale and Dolphin trust to fund research to further protect the dolphins.

Wools of New Zealand Tel: 01943 603 888 Visit: www.laneve.co.uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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LVT

Spring surge Moduleo is anticipating a sales uplift ‘After two years in the UK marketplace, we have witnessed a clear correlation in seasonal sales success; and we expect retailers will once again welcome a host of home renovators, as the days get longer. With home owners set for some spring cleaning, the question of whether to redecorate inevitably arises and this is why it’s great for stockists to have a variety of new products ready to showcase for the curious consumer,’ says David Bigland, Moduleo UK and Eire md.

Moduleo’s Transform range was expanded at the start of the year to include six new wood finishes and 10 new stone products. This includes a collection of Jura Stone tiles with detailed stone patterns and textures, along with the Azuriet designs boasting metallic hues suspended within the stone to create a sparkle effect.

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

Above left: Verdon Oak Right: Country Oak Below: Jura Stone

‘The January launch has been a resounding success, and the initial feedback from our new Impress range, which was previewed at Domotex, has been outstanding. It’s an exciting time of year for manufacturers and retailers alike, and we’re thrilled to be offering our stockists a vast selection of exciting new products to promote during this busy period,’ adds Bigland.

Transform is available in a click system and dry back versions.

Moduleo, tel: 01332 851 500.

Polyflor at Home has been developed to inspire you by offering exciting and authentic design ideas to suit any style of home interior.

Introduce yourself to the Colonia and Camaro Luxury Vinyl Tile collections.

Full marketing support for both LVT ranges is available, including a next day samples service, brochures, presenters and retail display stands. Visit polyflorathome.com to view stunning imagery, or contact us by email on lvt@polyflor.com for further information.

COLONIA Nordic White Oak

POLYFLOR LTD. PO BOX 3 RADCLIFFE NEW RD WHITEFIELD MANCHESTER M45 7NR TEL: 0161 767 1122 FAX: 0161 767 1128 E-MAIL: INFO@POLYFLOR.COM WWW.POLYFLOR.COM

Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show Solihull 13-14 May

PREVIEW

Gaskell’s Kennington

Adam Carpets’ Revelation

Open house Here’s some of what visitors can look forward to at the show Crown’s Sheringham in London Fog

For the first time members of flooring buying groups can attend the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show at Cranmore Park on either day. Previously the first day was exclusive to Flooring One Members.

Adam Carpets will show its Revelation range, designed to coordinate plain twists, stripes and tonals, along with two new collections.

Axminster Carpets’ Royal Borough Wilton collection features three types of yarn, all exclusive to the company.

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Parador’s Classic 1050 Walnut natural wide plank

Devonia Plains will receive new colours including French Grey and Eggshell Blue while Simply Natural will have 12 new colours including Quartz and Flint.

Ball & Young is promoting its new Cloud 9 Caviar and Champagne underlay collection.

Making its show debut is Crown Floors with four new designs. Sheringham is a luxurious solid colour twist, using woollike hues to complement today’s contemporary design trends. Parkland has 10 salt and pepper colours. House

Wilton is an 81oz woven collection with a 15-year wear warranty. Cut pile Inverlochy Castle takes inspiration from traditional plaid designs and is available in nine colours and a 4m width. Crown will also showcase three of its bestsellers – Penrose, Roseland and Alderley Edge – on its latest mini-waterfall lecterns.

Crucial Trading introduces nine new colourways to its diverse and extensive collection of sisal flooring, along with additions to its wool collections.

These will all be available to see

30!2+,).' s 3/&4 s 342/.'

soft luxurious comfort

strong long-lasting resilient ďŹ bre

sparkling silky lustre

Call us to ďŹ nd out more: +32 56 62 22 11

Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show Solihull 13-14 May

PREVIEW

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Crucial Trading’s display stand Husain International’s Tiger Kalahari

Ulster Carpets’ Heritage Twist in Chesil

on its Mini Hub Display stand.

Edel Telenzo adds to its Tube Collection with new colours for the plain Centrepoint, including Mustard, Willow and Sky, along with several natural shades. Docklands is a multicoloured design while Circle Line is a fine stripe.

Also on show are structured loop Bloomsbury and Harrow after being introduced at Domotex. They feature three-ply 100% New Zealand wool yarn in six shades.

Elliott Anti-Slip is showcasing its antislip rug underlays, including precut sizes and rolls.

Flock will show its 12 Laneve designs.

Gaskell is adding the Westminster loop pile to its London collection

Interiors Monthly April 2014

Flock’s Portland

and is also relaunching Camden.

Heuga Home Foundations will launch six Adore-Touch wood designs, with the collection of 20 woods and 10 tile designs now available in stick-down format as well as click. Albany from its Shaw brand will be relaunched with new colours while Brunswick is a new 53oz polypropylene saxony in six colours.

Its Sensa brand will introduce Cosmopolitan, a collection of 20 contemporary designs presented on a toast rack display stand, while it will also show its self-adhesive, recycled rubber crumb Instalay underlay.

Husain International introduces Flatweave, a collection of reversible wool rugs; Swing, a range of textured hand-

woven wool rugs; Medley, a collection of hand-knotted patchwork designs and four new designs to the Kalahari collection including Tiger.

Kingsmead Carpets is launching five ranges for the Clean Easy portfolio, including the first in the new Everlon Supersoft fibre and a polypropylene saxony in three-ply yarn. The Book of Stripes and a wall unit featuring its Glen Shee, Artwork and Artwork Special wool ranges will also be launched.

Lano Carpets will highlight its Easy Care and Easy Lawn collections, as well as Mohawk’s SmartStrand and Everstrand, its new rug portfolio and polyamide updates to the Ultimo range. Easy Care will include the new Heathertwist Elite

PREVIEW

Axminster Carpets’ Royal Borough Windsor in Itschner light grey

Muddy paws don’t worry Victoria Carpets’ Morton

and Heathertwist Supreme, and the lectern now features Startwist and Sumatra. The rug collection has renewed runners for halls and stairs.

From Mayne Computer Technology is the latest release of its cloud-based Mosaic POS system designed for flooring retailers, with facilities including a postcode search function. It will also display the latest Measure Square estimating software for iPads.

Mr Tomkinson will feature a number of new products including Cotswold, a wool Berber twist; and Galaxy, a velvet product alongside a relaunch of Tomkinson Twist.

Parador is showing its Click-Tex and Eco-Balance PUR concepts alongside its

Lano’s Mohawk SmartStrand Sheer Ecstasy in Magnolia Bud

latest laminate, engineered wood and LVT flooring ranges.

Sebo highlights its no-stock holding scheme, where retailers have a demonstration vacuum cleaner and are paid commission on sales with Sebo handling the DHD. Ulster Carpets is launching the striped Monaco and coordinating beige, neutral and grey-toned Panama as part of the Open Spaces collection; adding traditional Scottish tartans Douglas and Robertson to Glenmoy, while showcasing Heritage Twist, York Wilton and Anatolia.

Ultimate Rug Company will feature its latest Unity Wool range, available in seven texture options in a selection of earthy tones and two standard sizes

along with a bespoke option. It has a dedicated 20-arm display stand.

Victoria Carpets debuts Royal Victoria velvet in 18 colours, 4m and 5m widths and 45oz and 60oz weights. It will also show the EasiCare Heartland and EasiCare Morton collections and preview a number of polypropylene ranges.

Woodpecker Flooring is displaying its rebranded laminate flooring as Olsen. Its abrasion rating has increased from AC3 to AC4, along with a 21% denser high density fibreboard and glueless clic sliding joint, allowing the plank to slide lengthwise along the previous row before being fully locked in. The range has 17 designs.

Visit: www.bgnfs.co.uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show Solihull 13-14 May

Ultimate Rug Company’s Unity

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Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show Solihull 13-14 May

PREVIEW

Turning to

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

colour Kingsmead will brighten up Cranmore Park Following its involvement in the successful launch of Wool Owner’s Warranty (WOW), Kingsmead Carpets is now promoting a new wall stand featuring three of its bestselling 80/20 products: Artwork, Artwork Special Edition and Glen Shee.

‘Finally consumers are turning to colour,’ says Martin West, Kingsmead md.

‘We have persevered with colour while others have concentrated on beige and now our perseverance is paying off and this new stand will attract anyone looking for colour in their wool twist.’

Another launch will see the arrival of The Book of Stripes, a themed collection of 100% wool loop stripes in varied thicknesses of stripe. The range is due to be unveiled at the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show.

Kingsmead’s Clean Easy collection has become a turn-to offering for many independent retailers, according to West, and the collection will increase in size over the coming months with another five ranges including the first using the

new Everlon Supersoft polypropylene fibre.

‘At the time of our merger with Georgian Carpets in the middle of last year, we promised a revitalised and focused offering to benefit our customers from both companies. I believe we have delivered in all ways and that customers have seen the benefit both in product development and in representation since the merger.

This has led to increased presence within independent retail stores and more profit opportunities for those retailers,’ says West.

Kingsmead Carpets, tel: 01827 831 424 Above: The new stand features Artwork, Artwork Special Edition and Glen Shee Below and right: The Book of Stripes will debut at the show

PREVIEW

May Design Series London 18-20 May

Top: Innermost’s Glaze Above: Koiner’s Voice

Five into

one

Highlights of what visitors can expect to see at Excel

May Design Series returns from 18-20 May made up of five events: The Furniture Show, DX, Lighting (including Arc), Decor and Kitchen + Bathroom. Almost 400 exhibitors will be at Excel London.

Art Hide will show its range of products, from rugs to tablet cases, made from sustainably produced Argentinean cow hide.

It also provides a bespoke design and manufacturing service.

Highlights from Casamania include the Toshi range of modular storage units. The system is completed by three optional smaller containers, either with doors or drawers, that can be positioned on the modules themselves.

Deirdre Dyson will be presenting her 2014 rug collection, entitled Designs from the Seashore and inspired by the beaches of the Las Perlas islands, Panama. The designs

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May Design Series London 18-20 May

PREVIEW Left: Gwinner’s Felino Below: Casamania’s Chariot Below left: Bazaar Velvet’s Dune rug Bottom right: Bohemian Works’ Chocolate Oak wood flooring

incorporate Chinese silk and pure wool, giving the carpets an iridescent appearance resembling water passing over the beach. Each rug is bespoke and customers can apply their own creative ideas to Dyson’s designs to create a personal product.

Ebb & Flow combines British and Nordic style with glass, metals and textiles to create modern lighting. The company will officially launch its Spring 2014 collection at the show. The Rowan pendant lamp and the cylindrical Pillar lamp will be updated with the addition of horizontal stripes in gold, copper and platinum, while the Pillar dimpled lampshade range and Glow in a Dome models are now available in more colours and finishes.

Formani UK will be showing a host of door, window and cabinet hardware solutions, including two collaborative designs

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by Piet Boon alongside the Fold collection designed by Tord Boontje, the Royal College of Art’s head of design products.

Fold is made up of stainless steel door and window fittings, while its lever handle design won a Red Dot Design award in 2013.

Traditionally known for its mirrors, Gallery Direct has recently expanded its range by almost two-thirds to include furniture and accessories. It will showcase British designed sofas and chairs, console tables and occasional furniture ranges at the show, including the classically styled Sienna three-seater sofa with turned oak feet.

From Gwinner will be the Hang wall unit from the Felino range, a large wall unit made from panels that curve at each end. The unit is available in a range of wood veneers, including natural oak and walnut, as well as white lacquer.

Monroe Bed Shown with Ecuador Bedroom Items

Ashmore Range

Corona

Vanya Sofa Bed

Abbey Dining Set Shown with Charisma Occasional

Torino with Ecuador

Keswick with Hollywood

www.seconique.co.uk For further information or to request a catalogue contact us on 0121 506 4888, sales@seconique.co.uk or vist our extensive showroom in Wednesbury. We are open Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm (4:30pm Cash & Carry) COMPREHENSIVE PRODUCT RANGE - FIRST CLASS SERVICE - OUTSTANDING VALUE

May Design Series London 18-20 May

PREVIEW

Above: Gallery Direct’s Restoration Right: Original Bedstead Company’s Morvern Far right: Enigma Lighting’s the Big Bubble Set Below: XEY’s S2 kitchen Below right: Eskimo’s Woody radiator

Iain James Furniture will have on display a variety of its classic furniture designs including the new occasional Breakfast Table in Japanese ash with ebony.

Harmony Furnishings’ Ideal brand will be showing its latest ranges of contemporary dining tables and chairs.

On Innermost’s stand will be its furniture and lighting.

Furniture will include Canvas, a seating solution that acts as a piece of functional art thanks to the construction of structured fabrics. Canvas leans against a wall and appears at a distance to be a two-dimensional image, when in fact it is a fully functional chair. Its Facet lighting collection, designed by Tom Kirk, is available as pendants of varying sizes.

Facet features polished stainless steel sections around its circumference to create a surface of small facets, each helping

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to present part of a fragmented image of its surroundings.

Koinor’s upholstery will include the Bronx dinner sofa that can be adapted to include an armrest at one or both ends, or remain an open-ended bench. It is also available with or without a backrest.

Handmade lighting company Patinas Lighting marks its return to the show with chandeliers, wall lights, ceiling fittings and pendant and table lamps.

Rug-Maker.com is showcasing a variety of designs including a collaborative range with textile artist and designer Ptolemy Mann, which is compiled of flatweave and pile rugs inspired by mid-century design.

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May Design Series London 18-20 May

PREVIEW

Above left: Seconique’s Corona bedroom with Rio bed Above: Ideal’s Harper Left: Zugs’ Gary the Cloud rug Below: Iain James’ Breakfast Table

UK – Rainleaf will introduce the Signature range of 8m x 450mm planks in two new colours.

Rio is the latest collection of beds in Seconique’s Distressed Waxed Pine collection. This includes a 3ft and 4ft 6in bed along with a 3ft bunk that complements the Corona bedroom furniture range. The Stowaway dining set is the latest addition to the Cambourne range. Available for dining, occasional and bedroom, the range is finished in Sonoma Oak effect veneer.

Sharon Marston will debut six lighting designs. These will consist of gold and black earthenware ceramics, while the stand itself will be adorned with stainless steel sculptures, bone china pendants and a backdrop of wall panels gilded in silver leaf.

Centre stage for Smartbedz will be two multimedia beds: the Audio bed features built-in Bose speakers and allows users to play music from their smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth. The Media bed also features built-in Bose speakers, and wi-fi connectivity to a built-in Samsung TV allows the user to stream television programmes via applications such as Netflix, iPlayer and LoveFilm.

TCS will show its Lydia sofa, a range of leather gaming chairs and two of its latest beds. Su:Hu features a reversible foam mattress designed to either trap or expel air to create a warming or cooling effect which can be alternated depending on the season. Ying-Yang allows couples to select different firmness levels for each side of the bed.

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The Original Bedstead Company is launching several models, including four-poster spire Turner available in 200 painted finishes.

Zugs will be showing its range of hand-tufted, illustrated children’s rugs. The company says its designs, which feature eight different characters including Suzie the Sunbeam and Razzle the Rainbow, uses a fifth more wool per sqm than standard rugs.

Visit: www.maydesignseries.com

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SOLEX 7-9 July Birmingham

PREVIEW Exhibitors

Great outdoors SOLEX moves onwards and upwards into 2014 This year’s Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition (SOLEX) will be the largest yet as it takes place at the NEC for the second time. Last year in hall five it attracted a record number of visitors and exhibitors. This year there will be more than 60 exhibitors showing their products for the 2015 season and a greater take-up of space.

New for 2014 is a redesigned New Product Showcase, showing visitors the best new products from Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association members.

This year’s show will be the largest yet

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There will be room to wander around the showcase and get to see the products before viewing the rest of the show.

The Enterprise zone gives new candidate companies the opportunity to display their products to buyers and get a foot on the ladder to membership of LOFA and a space in the full show.

This year sees the introduction of the Greatest Awards ceremony at the National Motorcycle Museum on the evening of 7 July.

Visit: www.lofa.co.uk/solex

Exhibitors include: 4 Seasons Outdoor UK A Mir & Co AT Industries Alexander Rose Anchor Fast Products Ascalon Design Bambrella Barlow Tyrie BDP Beefeater Europe Bellagio UK Black Country Metal Works Bosmere Products Bulls Bridge Cadak UK Char-Broil Cobb Coleman UK Cozy Bay CPL Culcita Daro Outdoor Living Desser and Co Europa Leisure Firmans Direct Fuel Express Gardenco Garden Furniture Global Glencrest Seatex Grakka Hartman Innovators International Jonart Design JTS Cushions Kettler La Hacienda Lafuma Landmann Leisuregrow Li-Lo Lifestyle Appliances Lifestyle Garden Mercer Agencies Norfolk Leisure Lifestyle Outback International UK Pacific Lifestyle Premier Decorations Quest Leisure Products Rondeau Leisure ScanCom UK Summit International Suntime Swiss Grill The Solar Centre Weber-Stephens Westminster Furniture Wilstone House and Garden

The FIRST place to see 2015 designs!

The Summer Outdoor Living Exhibition of Garden Furniture, Barbecues and outdoor living accessories

7-9 July 2014 National Exhibition Centre Hall 5 Book the date in your diary now! solex@lofa.com www.lofa.co.uk/solex 01243 839593

Maison & Objet Paris

REVIEW

Dialma Brown’s Latten sideboard in black with an antique finish.

Darono’s Euchanis pouffe is based on an Amazonian flower, with removable covers and a choice of sizes.

Every room Maison & Objet again proved it was home to an incredibly varied mix of furnishings.

Visit: www.maison-objet.com Object Carpet expanded its leather and leather-look edged RUGX collection with Neon and Chill (pictured).

Deirdre Dyson unveiled Designs from the Seashore, eight rugs inspired by stones and shells, including Coral (pictured) seen on a beach during a holiday to the Las Perlas islands, Panama.

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Interiors Monthly April 2014

The Fil Vert section of the show highlighted environmentallyfriendly exhibitors, including Valerie Richomme’s lighting made from newspapers.

REVIEW

Maison & Objet Paris

Giardini Wallcoverings’ Sauvage wallpaper collection has soft hues that range from beige to brown, but with splashes of colour for a bold style and the slightly chintzy jacquard satin fabric gives a shiny effect. Sauvage also features two metallic viscose variations inspired by Moorish architecture for more traditional, albeit sophisticated, interiors.

Inspired by Sir Donald Campbell’s Bluebird cars and boats, Timothy Oulton’s Jet collection is influenced by the world of speed racing, including the Baseball chair and Sputnik light.

Barcelona Design introduced a lower backrest version of Jaime Hayon’s 2009 Lounger. Low Lounger is available in wood and colour-lacquered finishes.

Baxter gave leather many an usual twist, including the Housse sofa, which looks deep buttoned but is smooth printed leather.

Alongside the G&T Turn occasional tables and her first tableware collection, Bethan Gray introduced the Stud table, a new interpretation of her Brogue table with brass studs replacing the stitching detail.

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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Heimtextil Frankfurt

REVIEW 1 Desigual expanded Deco to include lampshades, magnets, stickers, storage boxes, notebooks, photo frames and travel kits alongside the existing cushions, rugs and blankets.

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2 Christian Fischbacher introduced several cushions including Persia, Polaris, Orient and Pepite.

3 KAS continued its well-established policy of making homes brighter places.

4 Fashion house Maison Martin Margiela debuted its first wallpaper collection in collaboration with Belgian manufacturer Omexco.

5 Erfurt expanded its Trendvlies textured wallpapers with Mesh (pictured painted grey), Crust, PlissĂŠ and Yarn.

Shout out Being bright was the order of the day Any economic concerns were pushed to one side at Heimtextil as exhibitors looked to cheer consumers up with eye-catching designs and bold use of colours. Here are some of the highlights.

Visit: http://heimtextil.messefrankfurt.com

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Explore 5 sectors at the UK’s definitive international furnishings fair: The Furniture Show Kitchen + Bathroom Lighting Decor DX

Be inspired by 400 new and established brands from residential, commercial and hospitality interiors at this year’s May Design Series.

Hear forward-thinking speakers cover the hot topics in our unrivalled Conversation Series and source from an extensive range of architectural lighting, bathrooms, materials and furniture from companies including: ARREDO3 | Artistic Upholstery | Ashwood Designs | Coleccion Alexandra | Collins and Hayes Furniture | Deirdre Dyson | Doca UK | Dune UK | Gascoigne Designs | Grestec Tiles | Henderson Russell | Hitch Mylius | James Brindley Of Harrogate | KKDC | Morris Furniture | Santa Margherita | Sharon Marston | Sits.

Register now at www.maydesignseries.com quoting MDS128

MIFF Malaysia

REVIEW

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Diversity MIFF again showed a wide range of furniture The Malaysian International Furniture Fair began in 1995 with 152 Malaysian exhibitors and 2,500 overseas buyers. For the 2014 edition ( 4-8 March) there were more than 500 local and international exhibitors and some 6,000 overseas buyers, occupying 80,000sqm.

‘We started on a very small scale in 1995, and have expanded considerably in terms of exhibitors. Venue space is a constraint here in Malaysia. Otherwise we could have gone even further than where we are now. Nevertheless, I hope that we have done something good for manufacturers in Malaysia and also for some of the companies in the region that have been with us since we started,’ says Tan Chin Huat, MIFF chairman and founder.

Since its beginning, the show has always had a wide diversity of products on offer and this year’s event was no exception.

Visit: www.miff.com.my

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1 ELK Furniture 2 Deep Furniture 3 Inception Design 4 Hin Lim Furniture 5 TMH Furniture 6 Simewood Next page 7 & 8 SJY Furniture

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Reach over 7500 interiors buyers Advertising starts at just ÂŁ99 for the New Product Section Call Joanne now on 01732 441133 or email jpaull@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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MIFF Malaysia

REVIEW

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Three cheers Francis Lye Aik Theng won the MIFF Furniture Design Competition with XSR, a bar stool inspired by the Chinese lucky bamboo plant.

The 26 year-old impressed the international jury with a play of metal legs, leaf-shaped thermoplastic seat and a used mountain bike spring absorber in the stainless steel frame in the construction of XSR. Theng, a consumer electronics industrial designer for the past two years, submitted two entries and both made it into the final round of 11 from the 244 entries. He won the £1,835 cash first prize in this year’s competition carrying the theme ‘Living Furniture, Leading Design’.

‘It was a good crossover; he used materials widely and wisely.

The multiple materials provide a fresh approach to the furniture,’ says Philip Yap, chief judge.

The second prize went to Lee Hui Ying, 22, for Gather, a bean bag sofa with a rattan frame. Third placed was 3rd Pohon Tengku Ahmad Danial Tengku Mustaffar, 22, for his tree-inspired utility storage, Pohon.

‘I am delighted that MIFF FDC is moving on the right track. We are encouraged to see more market-driven designs from contestants this year. This competition is a great challenge to young talent, it is not only very competitive but it presents them the opportunity to show their innovative designs and the chance to work with top manufacturers,’ says Tan Chin Huat, MIFF chairman and founder.

Next year’s award will have the theme of Living Furniture, Global Perspective.

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1st

XSR

2nd

Gather

RETAIL SALES EXECUTIVE Ulster Carpets’ is one of the world’s largest and most progressive carpet manufacturers, servicing global retail and contract markets. We now have a vacancy for a Retail Sales Executive with responsibility for developing sales through our Independent retail accounts in the North East of England.

We offer a competitive salary, company car, medical cover, contributory pension scheme and profit related pay, along with good development and progression opportunities.

To apply send your tailored CV and a covering letter detailing how you meet the following criteria: 1. Specify the number of years experience you have gained in retail sales and within which industries (minimum criteria is 3 years experience) 2. Demonstrate your ability to achieve sales targets and provide details of results and achievements.

Applications should be emailed before 5pm on Monday 28 April 2014 to recruit@ulstercarpets.com, or by post to The Monitoring Officer, Ulster Carpets, Castleisland Factory, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 1EE. To speak with a member of our team telephone 028 38395123.

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We are looking for three ambitious, proactive sales agents to help build our business in the Midlands, North West and Scotland.

You will find our sell-in support for retailers is second to none, using high impact marketing and media campaigns, powerful point of sale materials and tailored promotional packages.

Successful candidates must have: - Excellent presentation and communication skills - Experience of selling to premium sector bed or furniture retailers - A current call cycle that includes major bed and furniture retailers - Personal drive and genuine enthusiasm for the product

We offer excellent product training, exclusive territories, plus a generous commission structure.

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FINAL POLISH Not fitting for a prince

From left: Calvin Pope, Ulster Carpets designer with his wife Georgina, and fellow designer Claire Jenkinson with her husband Stephen

Party time for Ulster This year is a landmark for Ulster Carpets as it celebrates 75 years in business.

The company recently hosted a gala dinner at the Armagh City Hotel, to pay special thanks to all who have contributed to Ulster Carpets’ success. The 550 guests included shareholders, employees past and present, local dignitaries and representatives from the many organisations and charities Ulster supports.

When it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Sadly, one Austrian flooring fitter didn’t know this when he came across a Facebook user claiming to be Prince Harry.

The fake prince offered him a €1m contract to renovate the parquet floors at Buckingham Palace. So delighted was he at the opportunity he transferred €27,500 into several UK bank accounts, which the fraudster said was necessary to set up a British business.

Then it went silent.

The fitter from the Burgenland region went to the police after not hearing from the ‘prince’ for a fortnight, according to the Kurier newspaper.

Initially he had transferred €2,500 to a Lloyds bank account, before sending another €22,000 for an alleged security deposit and a third sum of €3,000. His chances of getting his money back have been described as slim.

Universal glamour

JJDC PHOTOGRAPHY

The world of beds isn’t known for being the centre for glamour, just think of any bed factory. But Archers Sleepcentre is determined to change that, or at least one of its employees is.

Sara Pender, 24, from Glasgow will split her time between working in the chain’s telesales operation and taking part in voluntary activities in aid of Strongbones Children’s Charitable Trust after

Sara Pender

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becoming a Miss Universe GB finalist.

Sara was among 2,000 participants from across Scotland, England and Wales who were competing for a place in the Miss Universe GB 2014 final.

She has already arranged to climb Ben Nevis in May and aims to raise at least £1,000 for her chosen charity before the final on 21 June. If she wins that she’ll go to Brazil for the grand final in October.

Colin Middler and colleague Gemma Adie complete the 20,000th mattress

Still counting after 20,000 mattresses Some people keep a diary, but Colin Middler who works at the Glencraft mattress and furniture factory in Aberdeen, has been keeping a count of how many mattresses he has completed since the factory relaunched in 2010.

The company employs visually impaired, disabled and disadvantaged people.

Last month Middler, who lost his sight aged 15 and began working at Glencraft in 1983, celebrated making his 20,000th mattress.

‘Glencraft is very special to me as it’s where I met my wife Helen when she started

working here in 1987. We married three years later and will celebrate our silver wedding next year,’ says Middler.

Helen works at Glencraft as showroom team leader.

‘Over the years I have been fortunate to meet many interesting people including the Queen, Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond, The Princess Royal and Sir Alex Ferguson. I am grateful every day for my job at Glencraft, it has allowed me to meet new people, learn different skills and enabled us to buy our own home,’ he adds.

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