Interiors Monthly April 2022

APRIL 2022

JFS

Show guide

BGNFS Preview

One Home Our heritage brands, Regency Carpets, Natural Solutions and Design Elements now sit under the Furlong Flooring roof.

CARPET • VINYL • LVT • LAMINATE • HARDWOOD www.furlongflooring.com

Dartford 01322 628 700

Preston 01772 316155

Stonehouse 0845 520 0800

EDITOR’S COMMENT

Wow, just wow Consumers continue to spend on their homes and it looks set to carry on for longer than anyone hoped In the previous issue I described the sales performance of furniture, lighting and flooring as outrageous. Well, this time I think the word has to be wow. The ONS data shows that flooring sales in February were 98% higher than two years earlier, the final full month of trading before the first lockdown, with furniture showing growth of almost 9%.

And this is 11 months after non-essential retail re-opened.

The disparity can be explained on a simple level as, yes, inflation, but also continuing long lead times and space.

Imagine: the Smiths ordered a new carpet for their living room in April 2021 once stores had re-opened. At the same time they ordered a new sofa, splashing out a bit more than usual as they wanted this one to really last. The carpet was fitted in late May and it looked great: shame about the old sofa that had suffered a bit during lockdown. The Smiths were so impressed with the transformation with the new carpet that they had the bedroom done a couple of months later. In the meantime, they are still waiting for the new sofa.

None of the Smiths’ furniture has seen such increased use as the sofa, so they don’t replace anything else. Finally, after what seems an eternity, the sofa arrives. The Smiths are delighted with it. As they both work at a supermarket, and have no children, they haven’t needed to buy any home office furniture.

The only furniture they have bought since the pandemic began is the sofa: after all, they only have space for one sofa in the house. Whereas Mrs Smith has had her eye on new floors for the kitchen, utility room and bathroom. And given the relative low cost compared to the sofa, they can afford it.

One (not insubstantial) flooring retailer told me the other day his fitting book is full until June. He’s worrying whether to tie up cash by buying now or risk prices going up if he buys later.

With major furniture retailers still having large volumes of orders to convert to sales, it seems the growth will carry on a while longer: even if it must return to normal at some point.

INTERIORS MONTHLY APRIL 2022

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS 4

Flooring sales almost double 2020 figures

6

Holloways breaks out of south-east

10

Timothy Oulton dies

FEATURES 12

New products

16

Service

20

Experiences Changes, changes

22

Sustainability Working together

24

Retail Record breakers

30

Beds and bedroom Perfection, new dawn, sensory tales, direct change

38

LVT Building on success, no compromises

47

Show guide January Furniture Show

83

Preview Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show

106 Trade products and services Service, sales, skills, safety 118 Preview INDX Beds & Bedroom, Proposte Editor: Andrew Kidd

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

APRIL 2022

Furniture advertising (South): Tim Boden

M: 07976 122 150 E: tboden@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

JFS

Show guide

BGNFS Preview

One Home Our heritage brands, Regency Carpets, Natural Solutions and Design Elements now sit under the Furlong Flooring roof.

CARPET • VINYL • LVT • LAMINATE • HARDWOOD www.furlongflooring.com

Dartford 01322 628 700

Preston 01772 316155

Stonehouse 0845 520 0800

The heritage brands Regency Carpets, Natural Solutions and Design Elements now sit under the Furlong Flooring roof Visit: www.furlongflooring.com

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

Carpet, flooring advertising: Joanne Paull M: 07817 624 922 E: jpaull@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Representative in India: Amarjeet Singh Gianni T: 0091 98390 35458 E: as_gianni@yahoo.co.in Published by Interiors Media Limited 167 Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 4LP T: 01732 441 134 E: enquiries@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Registered in England no. 6397722 Print: Knockout Print Design by Truprint Media © Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

3

NEWS

Flooring sales almost double versus 2020 as furniture sees growth Flooring sales were almost twice that of pre-pandemic levels in February, while furniture sales continued to see growth.

Although flooring sales in England, Wales and Scotland dropped by 7.96% to £219.246m in February, compared with January, that was 98% higher than February 2020, according to Office for National Statistics data.

Sales in February 2021, during the national lockdown, were £43.8m.

February 2022’s performance is the 55th best month of 434 months since January 1986, when comparable records

Headlam promotes Payne to top role Headlam has promoted Chris Payne, cfo and interim chief executive to chief executive.

He succeeds Steve Wilson, who stepped down in

Chris Payne: ‘heavily involved with business change strategy’

October after five years in the role and 30 years at the group.

‘I am delighted to have now been appointed permanent chief executive.

Over my five years with the

4

company, I have been heavily involved with operations and the business change strategy in addition to my role as chief financial officer.

‘I have seen many of our actions now come to fruition, and believe the company is poised for greater success in the future, and I intend to drive through all the opportunities available,’ says Payne.

Meanwhile the group says trading in January and February continued where 2021 left off. The group returned to the black with pre-tax profit of £27.6m from sales of £667.2m in 2021.

Underlying operating margin rose from 3% to 5.6% and the group says it is on track to hit 7.5% during 2023.

An additional £30m is to be returned to shareholders through a special dividend and share buy-back programme, on top of its normal dividend.

Interiors Monthly April 2022

began. March 2008 remains the best performing month with sales of £290.4m.

Furniture and lighting sales saw monthly sales drop by 7.83% to £1.195bn. However sales were 8.5% higher than February 2020. Sales in February 2021 during lockdown were £886.9m.

February 2022’s performance is the 42nd best month since January 1986. December 2020 remains the best performing month with sales of £1.53bn.

The figures do not allow for inflation and are subject to revision.

Interiors inflation shows no signs of slowing Interiors inflation showed no sign of easing in February, with furniture and flooring prices again rising.

Prices for household furniture were 14.7% higher year on year, according to ONS. This compares with a 14.1% rise in January.

Prices for carpets and other floorcoverings were 8.7% higher than a year earlier, up from 8.1% in January.

The overall furniture, furnishings and carpets index saw the annual inflation rate

climb from 12.6% to 13.3%, while all product indexes saw inflation rise.

Furniture and furnishings rose from 13.7% to 14.4%; garden furniture from 7.6% to 8.4%; lighting jumped from 5.7% to 10.9%, carpets and rugs rose from 6.5% to 6.6%, and other floorcoverings leapt from 14.3% to 20.1%.

Textiles also saw inflation gather pace: furnishing fabrics rose from 3.3% to 5%; bed linen from 4% to 6% and bathroom/ table linen from 0.8% to 2.2%.

Made rows back on executive pay Made has rowed back on plans to give its executives significant pay increases.

The retailer had planned to give Philippe Chainieux – now former ceo and replaced

by Nicola Thompson, former coo – a £100,000 base salary increase to £550,000 and Adrian Evans, cfo, a £40,000 rise to £365,000. This has been replaced with an increase that

all staff will receive: 2.5%.

‘We are very aware that the changes proposed are material and, given the wider macroeconomic environment and external headwinds impacting the business, the proposed increase would not be appropriate at this time,’ says Gwyn Burr, Made chair of the renumeration committee in its annual report.

SMASH ALL YOUR SALES RECORDS ~ YOUR INVITATION ~ Come and See Us on Stand A1 in Hall 1 NEC ‘JANUARY’ FURNITURE SHOW 24th to 27th April 2022

DON’T MISS OUT Don’t hire a sales company until you have spoken to Greenwood.

Afford us the opportunity to explain why you can trust Greenwood - Britain’s Leading Experts in Retail Sales Promotion - to help you plan and optimise your next big sales event.

Come by our stand 1-A1 at the NEC to find out more.

We can usually outline costs and sales projections after a brief discussion.

We’d love to see you there. Or, if you prefer, why not call Bernard Eaton directly on 07771 700247 to discuss the exciting Greenwood sales promotion possibilities or to arrange your free, confidential, no-obligation on-site business consultation.

IMAGE: JIM HOLLAND

NEWS

The new store on Bath’s Milsom Street

Holloways breaks out of south-east

Furniture and lighting chain Holloways of Ludlow has opened its fifth store, its first outside London and the south-east of England.

The retailer has opened in a former bank on Bath’s Milsom Street, covering more than 4,000sqft.

A store in Winchester is also expected to open this spring.

The company is also planning to relaunch its website shortly. The revamped website – designed to deliver an enhanced shopping experience – will feature an online shop for consumers and a new dedicated platform with improved tools and functionality for interior designers, design studios, architects and specifiers.

‘Our digital platform has been an important part of our business for almost 20 years. We continue to invest in it significantly, including our soon-to-berelaunched website. However, we believe hugely in showrooms and know that our customers still want to touch and feel our products and interact with our team of experts in person,’ says Mark Holloway, Holloways of Ludlow ceo.

‘One thing we’ve increasingly noticed among customers is the desire to shop locally. Most of the UK has been underserved with high-end design furniture; our approach is about bringing great design closer to home. With our Bath store opening, we see the opportunity to connect with a growing customer base in the area and around Bristol, the south-west and the Cotswolds. Ultimately, we want to offer our customers multiple touchpoints and make it easier for them to shop with us – whenever and wherever they want.’

Heal’s: closing, opening, opening Heal’s is to close its Brighton store as it prepares to expand its department store tie-up.

The seven-store chain is to close the five-storey branch, which opened in 2007, after the landlord did not renew the lease. It will close this month.

Meanwhile the chain is expanding

6

Interiors Monthly April 2022

its cooperation with department store chain Fenwick. Concessions are scheduled to open in the chain’s Canterbury and York branches. Last August it opened a space within Fenwick’s Newcastle store.

Heal’s is recruiting for five positions at the new concessions.

TFC assets sold The assets and intellectual property of The Foam Company have been sold, ending its hopes of continuing to trade.

Mattress and foam producer GNG completed the deal after TFC went into administration when Mammoth moved production to Airsprung Beds.

GNG intends to move TFC’s manufacturing equipment to its West Yorkshire factories and says the Sleepshaper and Sonlevo brands ‘are a good fit’.

TFC had anticipated a pre-pack administration sale that would have allowed it to continue trading.

‘It is extremely sad to see the demise of such a long-established, successful family business. Unfortunately, after the loss of the licence for its major brand, the business was no longer viable as a going concern. We hope to reach out and try to work with some of The Foam Company team in the future,’ says Darren Potterton, GNG Group md.

‘We will be integrating the assets within our operations: The Foam Company’s brands are a good fit with our existing range, and the machinery will be relocated to the West Yorkshire manufacturing facilities of our expanding mattress division, supporting our ambitions as we continue to build the business.’

£10m turnaround for Sofa.com Upholstery retailer Sofa.com saw an almost £10m turnaround in its fortunes in the past year.

A pre-tax loss of £4.19m in the 14 months to 30 April 2020 became a profit of £5.74m in the year to 30 April 2021.

Sales rose by £2.2m to £35.5m.

During the year it received £910,000 in furlough support. Cash rose from £462,556 to £5.86m.

SUPER SOFT CARPET SAVING SEA LIFE Soft • Luxurious • Durable • Sustainable

regenerated

nylon

WE CARE ABOUT OUR PLANET... HOW ABOUT YOU? Sustainability is at the heart of AW’s product development. Our company is increasingly opting for recycled materials for its products, thus helping to raise awareness by encouraging consumers to make eco-conscious choices.

With Sedna®, AW is the first to put a super-soft carpet made with Econyl® yarn on the market.

Econyl® yarn is a high performance nylon that’s made from waste materials such as discarded fishing nets, old carpets & production waste. Recovered from all over the world, this waste is regenerated through a depolymerisation process which ensures it has the same purity and performance as virgin nylon.

AND YES! A SEDNA® CARPET MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS IS JUST AS HIGH QUALITY AS A CARPET MADE FROM VIRGIN MATERIAL!

DON’T HESITATE TO JOIN US ON OUR MISSION! SEDNA® THUS HELPS TO SAVE THOUSANDS OF BEAUTIFUL SEA CREATURES LIKE SEA TURTLES, DOLPHINS AND SEALS THAT WILL NO LONGER GET STUCK IN THIS LIFETHREATENING WASTE.

COME AND DISCOVER OUR PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

WWW.FLANDERSFLOORINGDAYS.COM

NEWS

Timothy Oulton dies Timothy Oulton, Sofa Workshop owner and founder of Halo International and Timothy Oulton died on 3 March.

Oulton got his start in 1976 in a small antiques shop in Manchester, owned by his father. In 1990, he took the helm at Halo and began focusing on reinventing antiques for the wholesale market.

Today the company has more than 70 retail locations and distribution in more than 60 countries, as well as five

global manufacturing hubs, and more than 350 employees across a dozen countries.

‘Tim’s legacy of creativity, excellence and authenticity will endure. These principles – and an ongoing commitment to the company’s growth agenda – will guide our leadership team as we move forward, and drive continued success for the business,’ says James Dilley, Halo cfo, who has become interim ceo.

Mattress Online secures first store expansion deal Mattress Online has completed the first of its planned clicks and mortar expansion, buying Skipton Bed & Sofa Centre, a family-owned business that has been operated by the Turner family since 1970.

The etailer wants to open a network of 10 stores over the next five years, combining its customer experience and

quick turnaround times with a traditional in-store experience.

‘Skipton Bed & Sofa Centre is a business that’s ready to go. We’ll be keeping the same name and staff. Our data tells us that North Yorkshire is an area where there’s a lot of opportunity and by investing in the high street, we’re supporting town centre

infrastructure and customers can still benefit from our extensive product range and economies of scale,’ says Steve Adams, Mattress Online ceo.

The company will open a warehouse to support the store. ‘Products will be easily accessible and delivered quickly as we further invest in our warehousing,’ says Adams.

Nectar Sleep set for stores move Mattress etailer Nectar Sleep is to debut an in-store collection as it looks to join other direct-to-consumer mattress brands selling through stores.

The in-store collection will include exclusive hybrid models, and Nectar’s website

will see a store locator introduced this month.

The collection will be manufactured by GNG Group, and the brand’s owner Resident UK says it hopes to double sales of the mattressess in the next year.

Its US parent has sales of

more than US$500m.

It has appointed Darren Crowshaw, former Breasley md as sales director.

Heart of oak Wooden flooring manufacturer Bjelin is to accelerate the construction of a new factory as it predicts Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will hit availability of oak floors.

The Swedish company says a quarter of oak slats produced for the European market come from Ukraine and Russia.

Bjelin sources its oak from Croatian forests and already has a factory in the north-west of the country at Ogulin. Now it says it will increase production ‘and work proactively with licence holders and other flooring manufacturers’ while speeding up work on the second factory, construction of which began in 2021. When completed, it will be the world’s largest wood flooring factory.

Bjelin is part of the £160m-turnover family-owned Pervanovo group.

10

Interiors Monthly April 2022

The existing site in Ogulin, Croatia

Sales rocket at Emma Bed brand Emma saw its sales leap by more than half last year.

Sales jumped by 59% to €645m, while the company says it was its fourth year of increased profits: it does not disclose profits.

‘We are proud to have closed another year with a high double-digit growth, over-passing our international competitors. Becoming the world’s leading D2C sleep brand involves more than just high revenues: we have been improving people’s sleep and lives around the globe and will continue to do so. We aim to make good sleep accessible to everyone,’ says Dennis Schmoltzi, Emma – The Sleep Company ceo.

NEW PRODUCTS

1

2

1 The Structures Collection by Louis de Poortere uses altered woven-loop pile heights, yarn thickness and densities to create a deep relief effect. Bringing depth to the organic design in Baobab (pictured) and the linear net-like formation of Trammel, the pronounced effect is distinct and apparent at every angle.

3

4

Visit: www.louisdepoortere.com 2 With designs such as the golden hexagons of Treviso (pictured) and the futuristic geometric of Jester, the Titanium XT collection from Avenue is a cushion vinyl floor that’s ready for today’s design conscious homeowner.

Add classic limestone tiles, herringbone woods, oak planks and concrete effects, and this is a rounded collection that holds something for everyone.

Visit: www.avenuefloors.co.uk 3 Very Wood has taken existing designs to create the age-friendly Wise collection, aimed at those who have a greater need for ergonomics and comfort. Wise draws from a number of Very Wood’s iconic collections by selecting seating elements with the most secure grip, the softest upholstery with removable covers, diverse heights or the most comfortable arm rest, including Loden (pictured).

Visit: www.verywood.it 4 Vita Classic by Granorte uses state-of-the-art digital technology to print directly onto a layer of high-density cork, bringing the look of more conventional natural finishes with the comfort, sustainability and performance of cork. It has been updated with five new wood looks and a new concrete design in five colours, bringing the collection up to 46 unique designs.

Visit: www.granorte.co.uk 5 Award-winning Cormar Carpet Company is delighted to be returning to the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show with an exciting new range for spring, along with the recently launched easy-clean twist range Linwood. Cormar will also be showcasing its recent brand refresh, showcasing new in-store display options and POS material.

Visit: www.cormarcarpets.co.uk 

12

Interiors Monthly April 2022

5

Linwood by

A premier, fine quality, tenth gauge carpet manufactured in a variety of 16 plain and heather shades.

Luxuriously soft, yet durable, Linwood is made from 100% Excellon - a polypropylene fibre renowned for its stain resistance and hardwearing properties.

NEW PRODUCTS

6

9

7

10

8

6 Radar Interiors’ Solar lamp, available as ceiling or wall versions, is the company’s first collaboration with an external designer: Samuel Accoceberry. The diffusor is made in a sheet of thermoformed glass, which is supported by a fabric belt in the ceiling version, while the wall lamp can be mounted horizontally or vertically onto a base in matt black powder-coated metal.

Visit: www.radar-interior.com 7 Passing the Master Installer programme at the Academy for Excellence in Flooring doesn’t just improve your installation credentials, it opens up access to a range of business benefits, most notably a manufacturer-backed lifetime warranty on workmanship that gives

14

Interiors Monthly April 2022

peace of mind for homeowners, and a listing on the Quick-Step website.

Visit: www.quick-step-academy.co.uk 8 BerryAlloc joined distributor International Decorative Surfaces to unveil Wall&Water at KBB Birmingham 2022, and to show recent updates to its HPF, Ocean+, Chateau and DreamClick flooring collections. The smart, time-saving system has 10 designs in seven sizes that can be quickly installed in bathrooms, either onto a wooden framework or glued onto solid walls.

Visit: www.berryalloc.com 9 In a selection of classic wood, stone and tile effects, which have been given a modern makeover with on-trend colours,

Leoline’s Rapport cushion vinyl range delivers a stylish floor that’s also exceptional value. The range comes in 15 design options, covering ceramic tile looks to natural stone tiles, herringbone wood patterns and rustic wood planks.

Visit: www.leoline.co.uk 10 With Bouncebackability, Floorwise is helping everyone to better understand how selecting the right carpet underlay can be the start of a fantastic floor. By matching the ratio of density and thickness of the underlay to the specific application, Floorwise can help consumers fine-tune performance to deliver the perfect combination of comfort and recovery.

Visit: www.floorwise.co.uk

UNFORGETTABLE . UNRIVALLED . UNMISSABLE

REGISTER NOW

26-27 APRIL 2022 Discover expertly curated ranges and market leading brands at the launch of INDX Beds & Bedroom

Register now: www.indxshows.co.uk

Where the industry unites For exhibitor enquiries visit www.indxshows.co.uk or email info@indxshows.co.uk Cranmore Park Conference and Event Centre, Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, B90 4LF

SERVICE

Richard Renouf

Underfloor woes Strange goings on in a chapel and stress in an extension

16

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a regular at chapel – actually several different ones on most Sundays. The one I was visiting on this occasion was an imposing Victorian edifice built on the hill behind a Yorkshire village, so it was in plain sight wherever you were. But there were only two regulars now – the lady who had bought it after years of disuse, and her elderly father, a retired joiner, who had worked with her to renovate the building and make it their home.

Their finishing touch had been to name it the Manor House, which is why it took me some time and a phone call to identify where I was supposed to be.

The kitchen took up about a third of what was once the sanctuary. The floor looked like it was original, but I was assured it had been dug up and replaced to modern building regulations so that an underfloor heating system could be installed. The heating was on and I could feel the warmth through my socks as I checked around.

A click-together LVT had been laid using an underlay that was known to be suitable for underfloor heating. All the same, the header joints of the flooring were ‘peaking’ and there were some distinct ripples across the zone between

the island and the wall units. Naturally, I suspected that the kitchen had been installed on top, a definite mistake. But I was wrong: expansion gaps were all round the kitchen units and the walls.

I went through my routine of checks, but not before beads of perspiration had broken out on my forehead. The building, which doubtless had its congregation fully wrapped in overcoats when the chapel had to pay for the heating once a week, was now toastier than a blacksmith’s armpit. I added one more check I don’t always do: I measured the surface temperature of the flooring using a digital thermometer. All readings were in excess of 30deg C. This was almost certainly because the volume of air in the old chapel needed this amount of heat input. But it was well above the maximum of 27deg C set out in BS8203 and the product instructions. Excessive expansion of the flooring, which in the case of LVT is due to heat, had caused the rippling and distortion of the joints.

Later that day, I was looking at some blown engineered wood flooring for another customer. Usually a very stable product, this had buckled and lifted so badly that the builder of the new extension had been forced to remove

some rows to relieve the stress and prevent an accident.

The floor included an underfloor heating system, but this was not on when I visited, and in any event wood products usually expand due to moisture rather than temperature. The customer told me all had been fine until the heating was turned on for the first time, then the floor had lifted within hours.

It was no surprise to find the subfloor was still very wet from the construction moisture, even though the builder insisted he had followed the rule of one day per millimetre drying time. When pressed, he admitted this was for the 75mm surface layer of screed and had not taken into account the additional 150mm of concrete in the floor make-up that also needed to dry. Turning on the heating had sped up the drying process and driven the moisture into the flooring.

I’ve yet to come across a flooring issue caused by faulty underfloor heating. If properly laid, fully commissioned and maintained at a reasonable temperature it is a great way of heating a home.

Visit: www.richard-renouf.com

Excessive heat has rippled this LVT flooring

Flooring should not exceed 27deg C unless precautions have been taken

Construction moisture has caused this flooring to break up

Interiors Monthly April 2022

Richard Renouf is an independent furnishings consultant

The Furniture Makers’ Company the furnishing industry’s charity

SUPPORT FOR FURNISHING INDUSTRY PEOPLE Struggling financially? We’re here to help!

As the charity for the furnishing industry, we have been supporting the welfare of people working in the trade since 1903. We help furnishing industry people by providing financial grants and practical, useful advice.

020 7256 5558 07366 568 458 welfareofficer@furnituremakers.org.uk www.furnituremakers.org.uk/welfare The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers’ Charitable Funds incorporating the Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association is a registered charity in England and Wales (no. 1015519) and a registered company (no. 02759359) in England and Wales

COMMERCIAL FLOORING LUXURY VINYL FLOORING BROADLOOM CARPET CARPET TILES

COME AND DISCOVER OUR PRODUCTS & CONCEPTS

www.flandersflooringdays.com

Share your #associatedweavers

@associatedweavers

ONE STOP SHOPPING - CARPET & FLOORING

RESIDENTIAL FLOORING LUXURY VINYL FLOORING BROADLOOM CARPET www.associated-weavers.co.uk

Associated Weavers is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of tufted wall-to-wall carpet and a promising challenger on the luxury vinyl flooring market.

Now AW is taking up the challenge of becoming your go to supplier for both residential & commercial floorcoverings, with its luxury vinyl flooring, carpet tiles and broadloom carpet.

EXPERIENCES

Changes, changes Customers are more clued up and we’re ready for them, says our correspondent THE RETAILER Fludes Carpets Just under two years ago I was asked to do a monthly review of the changes to our business brought about by the pandemic.

I am sure that other flooring companies would have significantly different answers, depending on their target customers.

Commercial flooring appears to have seen huge demand, and due to the Covid regulations companies have been able to do their business with little or no change.

Retail, however, has seen significant changes in the way we operate, and this has been driven in part by customers.

Most customers we see are better informed about what they want and,

significantly, have a better idea of what the cost will be. Requesting samples and checking product details of the selections does make it an easier sales process.

However, some customers seem to know as much, or even more, about flooring products than we do! I have been grilled by one carpet customer about VOCs and 4-phenycyclohexene (4-PCH) in particular, and the effect it may have on health. (Visit the Carpet Foundation website for more info.) Suffice to say that although it could create a slight odour, it is safe and there is no proven link to adverse health reactions.

We have had to get smarter about our

Customers no longer seem puzzled when you give them an estimate

20

Interiors Monthly April 2022

product knowledge, particularly LVT and laminate flooring. We have made a subtle change to the way that we display them in-store. Product types are grouped together – man-made, polypropylene, and nylon and wool being shown by fibre type and then further segmented into twist, saxony and loop naturals. Regular price changes do mean that we have to alter the prices on show but this also helps to encourage a customer to make the purchase before the price goes up. In any event, customers are generally well prepared and do their homework before they venture into a flooring shop. You don’t seem to get that puzzled look on their faces when you give them the estimate price.

As a business, we have seen a decent improvement in sales compared to preCovid levels, right across the product range.

Carpet sales have been strong and LVT has been even better. Sheet vinyl continues steadily, and rugs have been growing at a good pace. This contributes to a new problem: shortage of good fitters. If you look at Facebook or carpet forums it is clear that, particularly in the contract sector, there is a big demand for fitters to help complete large installations. This could well affect the retail sector in times to come.

Last month I said that despite increased prices for flooring products and in household spending, ‘things are turning out nicely’. It seems like one step forward and two steps back. The war in Ukraine will inevitably have an impact on customer confidence, and reports from China are that there has been a surge in Covid cases in two provinces.

These two combined issues will almost certainly have an effect on supply, pricing and demand for products that have been much in demand already in recent months.

Let’s hope we will not revert back to the pre-Covid level of sales but can use our new business model to keep sales flourishing and our customers satisfied.

Andy Laird, Fludes Carpets md

Something exciting is coming...

...see you at the Buying Group National Flooring Show

1 7/0 5 /2 0 2 2 i n t e r f l o o r. c o m

SUSTAINABILITY Plastic Bank’s collectors benefit from collecting bottles

Working together

The chairs use Social Plastic

A new outdoor collection will remove 13.2million bottles from the seas

LifestyleGarden’s new Nassau outdoor furniture collection will remove 13.2million plastic bottles from the oceans and seas in its first year.

Each chair will use the equivalent of 175 recycled plastic bottles while helping those who collect the bottles.

The UK manufacturer has partnered with Plastic Bank to use its Social Plastic.

Social Plastic is ethically recovered plastic waste, which helps fight ocean pollution whilst simultaneously improving the lives of those who collect it.

The collected plastic waste is washed,

Each chair has the equivalent of 175 recycled plastic bottles

22

Interiors Monthly April 2022

flaked, and goes through a recycling process, where it is then pelletised and integrated into products and packaging as part of a closed-loop supply chain.

Manufacturing in-house means LifestyleGarden can ensure complete traceability of material and product.

Collectors in Plastic Bank’s ethical recycling ecosystems in coastal communities receive bonuses for the materials they collect, which helps them provide basic family necessities.

Plastic Bank’s Alchemy blockchain platform secures the entire transaction

and provides real-time data visualisation, allowing for transparency, traceability and rapid scalability. Businesses can see the impact their product is having on communities and people, and can determine where material has been collected and by which collector.

LifestyleGarden’s commitment to Social Plastic has resulted in the equivalent of 11million plastic bottles being prevented from reaching oceans, as well as positively impacting two communities and more than 400 people.

A further 2.2million bottles will bolster these numbers throughout the 2022/2023 season. In total Plastic Bank has helped to prevent the equivalent of more than 2billion plastic bottles reaching our oceans and has operations in the Philippines, Indonesia, Brazil and Egypt, with plans for further expansion in 2022.

The Nassau chair from LifestyleGarden has 100% FSC-certified hardwood legs, allowing it to be fully recyclable at the end of its lifecycle. It builds on the company’s DuraOcean chair, introduced in 2019 as the first commercially viable outdoor chair made from recycled ocean plastics accessible to the mass consumer market. The Eden Project uses DuraOcean in its catering areas and sells the chairs through its shop and website and will also be selling Nassau.

Visit: www.lifestylegarden.com; www.plasticbank.com

C E L E B R AT I N G

Colorado

U LT I M AT E C O M F O R T & D U R A B I L I T Y Colour shown: Delta

Colorado is created using a bespoke blend of the finest wools, to offer the ultimate in both comfort and durability.

We have of course applied our traditional natural jute backing, which is a dream to fit and kinder to the environment. Available in 18 gorgeous contemporary whisper soft tones, in a choice of 45oz and 55oz, and 4m or 5m widths, this beautiful carpet will be the finishing touch to make any home both welcoming and ultra-stylish. Penthouse quality – naturally.

For samples and further information please call 01706 639 866 or visit penthousecarpets.co.uk

RETAIL

Record breakers

Tony Griffin (centre left) and son Anthony (centre) with some of the Woolton team

Woolton Carpets is marking a major milestone after a record year Woolton Carpets celebrated its 60th anniversary In March, six decades after the Incredible Hunk debuted and the Beatles made their first radio broadcast.

It’s a fitting anniversary, on the back of a record performance for the 18,000sqft Garston, Liverpool retailer, which started out selling rugs and whipped carpet.

Tony Griffin, Woolton md, joined from school in 1975, before taking control of the business in 1992 as its founder retired. His son Anthony joined in 2018 after serving the company as a fitter.

‘We’re backed with about a thousand rolls of carpet. So from the corner shop, this is where we have ended up. We are powering through, going from strength to strength: last year was the best we’ve ever had. It wasn’t the norm – we broke the norm – but lots of others also had a good time,’ says Griffin, describing the 25% increase in turnover It was not without problems. ‘When we were allowed to re-open, we simply couldn’t cope. We had to take a step back. We closed again for about 10 days to catch up and when we re-opened the next wave of customers arrived. It was relentless. And, something we’ve never done before, on 16 November we closed the fitting diary for the year. We’ve never had to do that before.’

The exceptional performance has continued into 2022, ahead of the

24

Interiors Monthly April 2022

business’s financial year-end this month.

‘Where will it end. Will it end?’ says Griffin. With the cost of living increasing sharply and further tax increases in the pipeline, the timing of any slowdown ‘is the million-dollar question. I’ve asked people and no one knows. Let’s make hay while the sun shines. We don’t see any let-up. We deal with a couple of big housebuilders – they are usually a good benchmark and they are just building, building, building. Every piece of land in the north-west seems to be under development. They can’t build houses fast enough.’

Cormar and Abingdon are Woolton’s major carpet suppliers. ‘We changed our policy pre-Covid to try and use production in the UK. Satin Touch from Abingdon

and Sensations from Cormar are massive for us. The biggest increase has been in LVT. We were one of the first retailers to put in Invictus – that’s been a tremendous success for us. I think we had the third display stand when it was launched and we went all-out with the display. That’s part of the reason for the increase. On the back of that you look at other LVTs and laminate. The last time we went to Domotex you could see the amount of halls devoted to hard floors, so it was: “It’s obvious where this is going, we need to do something about it.”

‘Before lockdown we’d just embarked on splitting the showroom. We devoted about a third of the back end to hard floors. I feel that’s where the big increase has come from. Young kids now 

IT’S ALL IN THE DETAIL. We have our finger on the pulse when it comes to trends, development and innovation. Keeping you ahead of the competition.

Get in Touch sales@abingdonflooring.co.uk www.abingdonflooring.co.uk 01274 655 694

THE MARK OF

EXPERTISE

RETAIL

think nothing of spending £10,000 to £15,000 flooring their houses. If you go back 10 years you’d never have dreamt of it. I used to remember my £1,000 orders; now I only really remember the £10,000 ones.’

The store is firmly positioned in the mid and upper sectors. ‘We’ve just done a job today of 290sqm of Ulster Velvet.

We do a lot with Ulster, we do a lot with Brintons. Axminster-wise, we do Ulster and the whole of the Whitestone Weavers range. We still have the older generation coming and buying the likes of Glenmoy and Glenavy. We also sell a little of patterned carpet: of the 44 broadloom carpets in stock, one is patterned and that’s a tartan. We’ve also

26

Interiors Monthly April 2022

had success with Crucial Trading and Fibre, which we took in pre-Covid.

‘Finding the right supply chain was the major challenge and we feel we have that in place now. Things have got easier since we reduced importing. We haven’t stopped completely, but buying container loads of carpet from Turkey and Belgium – that’s all cut back. We’ve increased business with Cormar, Abingdon, Victoria – and Furlong to a degree, as we can get if not next-day delivery, then 72 hours.

The thinking was to keep everything in the UK and, in an emergency, we can be at Cormar or Furlong in an hour, or four to Abingdon. If it’s a real problem we’ll go and get it ourselves.

‘The past two years have brought it

all home to roost. We need to support our own. And suppliers could change.

What do you do if people are having problems with deliveries? – it’s just making the job harder for yourself. With being as busy as we’ve been you haven’t got time. Even down to artificial grass, which comes from all over the world… this year we’ve decided to do it more like a cut-length operation and buy two rolls rather than buying container loads.

It was great in lockdown with artificial grass. We bought a container with 8,900sqm of it thinking that’ll probably do us for the year: by May I’d ordered another two containers. It was bonkers.

‘One of my biggest worries is no young  lads want to fit carpet. Finding

Premium quality. Guaranteed

Condor Carpets bv Euroweg 3, 8061 SB | P.O. Box 21, 8060 AA | Hasselt, The Netherlands T (+31) 38 477 89 11 | F (+31) 38 477 89 22 | info@condorcarpets.nl

W W W . C O N D O R - G R O U P. E U

RETAIL

fitters is going to be an issue in five or six years when the guys who are training now go on the road. It’s the next wave that worries me because there is just nobody interested. Carpets are getting heavier and it’s a tough job these days.’

Woolton uses 15 teams of fitters.

The store has 15 staff. ‘We’re all in it together. If a job needs doing, go and do it. We’re a team, we have no bosses.

I was in first this morning at 7.30am and

28

Interiors Monthly April 2022

I made the coffee. We can all do each other’s job on a day-to-day basis, and that’s the way we have always done it.

We have six staff who are now 25 years plus service. We took on three staff during Covid but apart from them the most recent joined 17 years ago. We all know what we’re talking about – if we don’t know now, we never will.’

What about retirement? He laughs. ‘I don’t know, I don’t know whether I will

or not, I don’t know. I want the business to carry on doing what its doing: growing and growing and growing.

Anthony is involved, my nephew George is involved. They have bigger ideas than I have, better ideas than I have. I’m very much hands on, but hands on with a pen and piece of paper. They are on computers and social media, so I let them do it. Social media has been massive for us, with ads on Facebook and Instagram. In five or six years’ time we could be up another 25%. I don’t think you could squeeze any more out without being out of control.

‘If you speak to my son, he’d say: “I’ll get you up 25% no problem,” and I believe he could, but sometimes I pull him back and say slow down a bit. You can get turnover but you’ve got to keep a close eye on the profits. But we’re not involved in buying for a pound and selling for £1.50, so the margins are always there. We don’t have to discount it. Customers come through reputation.

‘We’re in the south of Liverpool, not in the most affluent area but we’re surrounded by the affluent areas. But we’re in Cheshire and the Wirral daily. All the developments around are £1m-plus houses. With the reputation we have, I’m sure the boys will carry it forward.’

LONG POINT 9TH – 11TH May 2022

The Long Eaton Guild and guests invite you to visit the Spring Long Point Furniture Exhibition, featuring leading UK and International brands of Upholstery, Cabinet, Bedroom and Lifestyle accessories located in the UK’s centre of quality upholstery.

UK’s Premier Furniture Event FOR DETAILS OF EXHIBITORS AND SHOWROOM LOCATIONS VISIT www.longeatonguild.co.uk Helpline: 0115 973 4481

Junction 25 M1/A52

BEDS AND BEDROOM

In search of perfection

Pure Emperor 4000

Our sleep space influences more than just how we feel in the morning

Creating a supportive and sumptuous sleep environment has never been more important for a good night’s sleep.

Mattress quality and the look and feel of our sleep space influence everything from our energy levels and health to our overall mood. From how the bed is positioned within a room to the comfort and durability of the mattress, there are several aspects to consider when creating the perfect sleep space.

British bed and mattress manufacturer Sleepeezee recognises this and provides

Campaign for Wool Wool Supreme 2400

30

Interiors Monthly April 2022

an array of products and services to help you get the best night’s sleep. A Royal Warrant holder since 1963, its team of expert craftspeople are dedicated to combining innovative practices with market-leading designs to provide the right bed and mattress solutions for its customers.

Established in 1924, Sleepeezee is best known for its popular mattress ranges including the Travelodge Dreamer, as well as bedding, divans, headboards and even a pet bed range.

Sleepeezee also understands that choosing the right mattress can be crucial to improving sleep quality. The company offers a wide range of mattresses with a variety of fillings and technologies to suit customers’ needs. From pocket sprung and graphite memory foam to its Staycool gel technology or natural fillings, Sleepeezee provides customers with everything they need to curate the perfect sleep.

Located in Rochester, Kent, Sleepeezee makes and manufactures its products in the UK. With strong family values at the heart of the business, it aims to support national and local charities across the country and recently contributed £60,000 to Sheffield Children’s Hospital in partnership with brand ambassador Jessica Ennis-Hill. The donation was funded by sales of its Jessica range, with £20 from each sale going to the charity.

Itself carbon neutral since 2017, Sleepeezee has continued to strive for sustainability in all it accomplishes. The installation of 591 energy-saving solar panels at its site last year reflects this commitment to a sustainable future, as well as being the first UK bed manufacturer to receive the Planet Mark accreditation for taking action to stop climate change. Beyond this, it offers a removal and recycling service that takes away customers’ old mattresses, packaging and divan bases, for a hassle-free installation service.

Visit: www.sleepeezee.com

LEAVE THE REST TO US

BEDS AND BEDROOM

New dawn

Mammoth’s products are now made by Airsprung Beds

Mammoth has strengthened its sales team following the licence extension with Airsprung Beds

Following Mammoth’s extension of its licensing agreement with Airsprung Beds into the bricks and mortar retail channel, the company has strengthened its in-house and agency sales team.

Mammoth has appointed Stuart Page as Litmus Furniture national sales manager for Mammoth Sit & Sleep. He brings 30 years of experience in the furniture trade and already possesses a deep understanding of the Mammoth brand, having previously worked on the Mammoth Comfort collection.

Also joining the Mammoth team is Andrew Parkin, who is now key account relationship manager. He brings a wealth of experience in retail, having been a long-time champion for Mammoth across both national and independent accounts for 10 years.

Litmus Furniture will be retaining the services of a number of existing sales agents, as it assumes responsibility across Mammoth’s Sit & Sleep division.

‘I am delighted that we have been able to secure the services of Stuart, Andrew and the majority of the sales agents

32

Interiors Monthly April 2022

who have helped Mammoth to establish itself as the industry’s leading health and wellbeing brand over the past decade.

We now look forward to delivering on our ambitious growth strategy across product collections and retail channels over the coming years, simultaneously building on our research and development work, testing a growing number of patented technologies,’ says Stuart Nutbeen, Mammoth Sit & Sleep md.

‘I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join Litmus Furniture and continue working for Mammoth as the brand looks to build on its successes of the past 10 years. Having worked across the Mammoth Comfort collection extensively, I know first hand how highly

Mammoth’s technologies and products are regarded by both retailers and consumers. The opportunity to continue on this journey with the brand as it enters its next phase of growth is one I am very much looking forward to,’ says Page.

As part of Mammoth’s new agreement with Airsprung Beds, the company will assume responsibility for manufacturing and distribution across both Mammoth’s national and independent accounts. It will also support Mammoth’s international growth.

Email: sales@mammothuk.com

Allow us to reintroduce ourselves

Our pedigree

For over a decade Mammoth have been driving industry standards in sleep and comfort through advanced healthcare technologies and extensive testing. Backed by unrivalled credentials that consumers can trust, we go further than any other brand to help people lead healthy, happy lives.

Scientifically shown to improve sleep* where participants:

Fell asleep 29% quicker

Experienced a 7% increase in sleep efficiency

Reported a 21% more enjoyable sleep

Born out of healthcare Grounded in sleep science Patented technologies Innovations in Health Award Winners Backed by health professionals Loved by the sporting elite

Independent testing* resulted in

47% Greater Pressure Relief

*See mammothcomfort.com for details.

Ready to add a healthy choice to your shop floor, contact us today on sales@mammothuk.com

Group

69% Faster Cooling

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Sensory tales

Sensory Natural Hybrid

La Romantica Beds is expanding its core collection ‘Our motto has always been to exceed our customers’ expectations in quality, service and cost through continuous improvement and interaction. Our ability to stay true to our aims has been severely tested during the pandemic, but with the continued support of both customers and suppliers we have managed to ride the storm. We are now looking forward to furthering our relationships by introducing new and improved beds, enhancing the sleep experience,’ says Siddique Amin, La Romantica Beds md.

‘The success story of our retail-only

Sensory One

34

Interiors Monthly April 2022

Sensory range has continued to exceed all our expectations. Using over 30 years of bed manufacturing experience, we developed our Sensory Sleep System which gives a unique and holistic experience of sleep. The range is very distinct in its look and feel, giving your senses the right environment for a more peaceful sleep.

‘After our initial success with the range we have now developed further models to complement our existing mattresses, including the Sensory Gel. Following a hugely successful launch, this mattress

Sensory Latex

has become a firm favourite.

‘This year we are launching the Sensory Cool mattress, still incorporating our Sensory Sleep System, for the added benefit of a cooler night’s sleep. We have very high hopes for this mattress.

‘All in all, we are always seeking to improve. We take on board advice from all our customers and suppliers to try and make a better product every time.

We hope that you will continue with us on this journey and help deliver better sleep to the nation.’

Visit: www.laromanticabeds.com

-

, 'I

-,

: ,_' �\ -.,..,

I I;

� � /' , ,•

-

('

't

'l

,- l,� ,',::�!

by

�

OMANTICA BEDS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH

La Romantica Beds Ltd

I

Tel: +44(0) 1924 402258

I

Email: info@laromanticabeds.com

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Direct change

Heston

Furniture To Go is now handling Tvilum and Steens’ DHD operations Following a review of its UK operations in the wake of its purchase of Steens in May 2021, Danish flatpack manufacturer Tvilum has closed Steens’ UK office and reassigned DHD operations to Furniture To Go. FTG has partnered with Tvilum since 2019, with more than 1,200 SKUs available for same-day dispatch from its Portsmouth warehouse.

‘The addition of the Steens portfolio into Tvilum enables us to build on our supply offering with tried and tested ranges like Steens for Kids, Baroque, Tromso and Sandringham, to name a

few, all under the FTG “one-stop-shop” umbrella,’ says Paul Sheldon, FTG director of sales and operations.

Over the past few years FTG has doubled its warehouse capacity to accommodate its product offering and maximise operational efficiency. The warehouse has its own overpacking facility to minimise transport damage, and the introduction of FTG’s new warehouse management system means that orders are picked constantly throughout the day and night.

‘The excellent Steens products that customers are used to now contain the

Sandringham

36

Interiors Monthly April 2022

great added value FTG offers. With a modern ordering system, the customer can now go online and order any time of the day, with full visibility of the order progression right up until a tracked and signed delivery,’ says Sheldon.

‘It’s a fantastic opportunity for the UK market. The Steens product is commercial, and to have this on a next-day delivery basis is great news. Tvilum is a great company with great people and great products. I am very proud to be re-launching these great products with a new and exciting service proposition.’

VIsit: www.furniture-to-go.co.uk

Steve Edwards (left), Tvilum UK and Ireland country manager and Paul Sheldon, FTG director of sales and operations

UNVEILING OUR SMARTEST TECHNOLOGY EVER.

HALL 5-C65

OCTAsmart

®

LVT

Building on success

Naked Blond Oak

Polyflor has added to Camaro Building on the success of rigid-core interlocking LVT, Polyflor has introduced its Camaro Rigid Core collection, featuring 18 new designs across three formats: plank, tile and herringbone.

The collection features a rigid SPC core construction that acts as a strong and stable base for the 5G press-fit locking mechanism, which allows installation over most existing subfloors without the use of a mallet. The 5G joint is simply pressed down by hand until an audible click confirms that the joint is locked, to provide a swift and easy installation method ideal for quick

Tribeca Cement

38

Interiors Monthly April 2022

turnaround projects.

Other benefits of Camaro Rigid Core include a built-in acoustic underlay, offering 18dB impact sound reduction and eliminating the need for separate underlay; polyurethane reinforcement for eased cleaning and maintenance, and the collection is 100% waterproof and suitable for use with underfloor heating.

‘We are thrilled to have extended our Camaro product portfolio with a rigidcore solution that is perfectly suited to meet the needs of busy homes and light commercial environments. Significant investment has been made to ensure

Waterside Oak

the new Camaro Rigid Core range offers a collection of contemporary designs, paired with the very latest technical innovations to create a package that is both visually engaging and extremely efficient to install,’ says Thomas Rollo, Polyflor marketing director.

The introduction is supported with marketing materials including a 70-page brochure full of inspirational installation photography, a shadecard with look-book insert, a large retail presenter and tabletop retail display stand. Sampling can be ordered free of charge on the website.

Visit: www.polyflor.com

N EW S P C R I G I D CO R E W I T H 5G® PR E S S-FI T T ECH N O LO GY

Visit polyflor.com/visualiser

www.polyflor.com

LVT

F Ball’s fast-track F78 waterproof surface membrane is used to create a barrier against excess subfloor moisture

The new fast-track, pressure-sensitive adhesive Styccobond F58 PLUS enables LVT to be installed from five minutes after application

Don’t compromise

Following the principles and using the right materials is key to perfection

‘A long-lasting, attractive flooring finish when installing LVT involves following basic principles of subfloor preparation, as well as taking precautions to avoid the common causes of floor failure.

Selecting the optimum products at each stage of the process will also help,’ says Neil Sanders, F Ball technical director.

‘The first step in any flooring installation should be to check that the subfloor is suitably sound, smooth and dry. Any laitance and contaminants should be mechanically removed before proceeding. A moisture test should be conducted to determine if the subfloor is dry enough to receive floorcoverings.

Where relative humidity levels are higher

F Ball¹s Stopgap 1200 Pro levelling compound can be applied directly over old adhesive residues, removing the need for mechanical preparation

40

Interiors Monthly April 2022

than 75%, a moisture management solution will be required to prevent moisture attacking flooring adhesives and causing resilient floorcoverings to blister and lift.

‘In most cases, the next step in the preparation process should be to prime the subfloor. When used over nonabsorbent surfaces, such as waterproof surface membranes, primers promote adhesion between the subfloor and the levelling compound. Applied over absorbent subfloors, they also stop the unacceptably rapid drying of levelling compounds. Priming also prevents “pinholing”: small holes in the levelling compound that have the appearance of pinholes or blisters caused by the slow escape of air from absorbent surfaces as the levelling compound cures.

‘A levelling compound should then be applied over the subfloor to create a perfectly smooth and level surface onto which LVT can be installed. This ensures that the visual appearance of the floorcovering is flawless and not compromised by imperfections in the subfloor showing through.’

Where an LVT installation is part of a refurbishment, and old adhesive residues are present after the removal of old floorcoverings, specialist levelling compounds are available. These can be applied straight over old adhesive residues, without the need to prime

beforehand, removing the need for mechanical preparation.

‘Pressure-sensitive adhesives are often the best choice for installing LVT. They form an instant grab upon contact, so fitters don’t need to worry about tiles or planks moving about when they are working, making them ideal for where intricate designs or patterns are being created. The adhesive is specially formulated to reduce the incidence of trowel serrations shadowing through thin floorcoverings, a common problem, also known as “grin-through”, which will compromise the finished appearance of your bespoke flooring installation.

This can be further guarded against by going over the adhesive once it has dried using a roller pre-coated with adhesive, to flatten the ridges formed by trowel application.

‘Finally, it is highly recommended that fitters check the compatibility of particular floorcoverings and adhesives by consulting the floorcovering manufacturer’s guidelines. Alternatively, F Ball produces a Recommended Adhesives Guide, which lists adhesives recommended for use with more than 6,000 floorcoverings produced by over 200 manufacturers. The guide is available as a free app or a printed booklet. An interactive version can also be found on the F Ball website.’

Visit: www.f-ball.com

For those ‘think big’ moments.

grand majestic.

Celebrate the majesty of nature with our extra-long and super-wide planks. Designed & made in Norway, Grand Majestic represents the latest evolution in the progressive technology of BerryAlloc® High Pressure Floors. Merging trend shaping aesthetics with high performance, Grand Majestic is the pinnacle of our HPF innovation: the world’s strongest laminate floor in a plank of extraordinary dimensions that remains easy to fit and simple to care for.

extreme scratch & impact resistant extra long & extra wide

water resistant

Get in touch with us North: Richard Comboy T + 44 7496 293150 richard.comboy@berryalloc.com Midlands & South West: Ross Tooth T + 44 7949 151269 ross.tooth@berryalloc.com

London & South East: Guy Ferguson T + 44 7940 455917 guy.ferguson@berryalloc.com

high pressure floors.

VINYL

Tan Bowman Oak

Portland Cement

Combination

Polyflor has added to its vinyl offer, combining elements of Designatex and Secura

Polyflor has introduced Architex, a UK-manufactured collection of textilebacked vinyl flooring containing 18 wood, cement and abstract designs, ideal for residential settings.

Polyflor has become a leading provider of residential vinyl flooring,

Oxford Basket Weave

42

Interiors Monthly April 2022

delivering high-quality designs in multiwidths with reliable stock availability.

Designed to sit alongside the Designatex and Secura ranges, Architex has been developed to include a unique hybrid backing that combines the comfort of Secura with the textile

backing of Designatex.

Architex includes features such as R10 slip resistance, 19dB sound impact reduction and a PU reinforcement for eased cleaning and maintenance.

Architex can also be loose laid in most residential interiors up to 20sqm, making it quick to install as no adhesives are required, plus the addition of the textile backing means the floor can be installed over damp subfloors where a relative humidity of 90% is not exceeded.

‘Architex offers an impressive collection of beautiful trend-led designs as well as an outstanding set of performance benefits to enhance residential spaces.

With the launch of Architex we also took the opportunity to refresh the look and feel of our UK-manufactured offering and align the collections with an extensive sampling package, including a new retail display presence,’ says Tom Rollo, Polyflor marketing director.

The sampling package includes a new brochure and retail display unit which combine the three collections, in addition to Architex-specific shade cards and presenters. Sampling can be ordered free of charge on the website.

Visit: www.polyflor.com

N

st

E W ck

in

C

o

O i

N ow IO n T le EC a b l

a av

LL

&

BR A ND NE W LU X URY V IN Y L SHEET

R ETAIL STA ND CONCEPT

Showcase all 54 shades from our Secura, Designatex and Architex collections for just £299 Enquire now... marketing@polyflor.com

www.polyflor.com

UPHOLSTERY

Celebrations

Fibreline is celebrating 40 years of innovation Fibreline was founded by John Prudhoe in 1982 and has grown to be the largest independently owned upholstery cushion fillings manufacturer in the UK, known for its products across a broad range of cushion seat fillings, often combining different fillings to achieve specific results.

Prudhoe had a long history in the upholstery market and could see the potential for carded synthetic fibres in upholstery. Fibreline became a pioneer in the use of polyester fibre in the UK furniture industry. Initially based on Marley Street in Keighley, West Yorkshire, the company soon outgrew this location and in 1992 moved to the town’s former Waddingtons playing card factory.

Over the following decade Fibreline diversified into feather and foam cushion fillings, so offering a ‘one-stop-shop’

44

Interiors Monthly April 2022

Fibreline has a 90,000sqft factory in Keighley

UPHOLSTERY

for all cushion fillings.

Innovations came thick and fast and in 2003 Fibreline became one of the first foam convertors to install a fully integrated foam cutting line.

One of the main problems with 100% fibre seat cushions is that they go flat over time and require strenuous plumping. Fibreline sought a remedy for this problem with Encore. In 2010 Fibreline started to develop the Encore range. Initially this was Encore Fibre, which had the look and feel of a fibre cushion but recovery characteristics more like foam. Encore Fibre was quickly awarded the FIRA GOLD seal of approval and become a great success story.

Encouraged by its success, Fibreline went on to develop Encore Feather and Encore Foam. Encore Feather has the look and feel of a feather cushion but with much improved recovery when compared to a traditional feather-filled seat cushion. Encore Foam provides the clean lines of a foam seat cushion but the snugly feel of a fibre seat.

While all this innovative development was going on Fibreline also introduced a number of industry production process firsts, pioneering robotic drilling of foam components in 2015, for example, and installing a robotic fabrication line in 2019. These improvements and innovations help it to be competitive in both pricing and delivery.

The latest product from Fibreline is Fibrefill Blue. Fibreline recognised the need to offer cushion manufacturers an environmentally friendly solution using recycled plastic. So it found a way to convert the equivalent of 100 plastic bottles into a comfy cushion.

Visit: www.fibreline-ltd.co.uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

45

ALL STEENS AHEAD TO FTG! All in stock for next day delivery with no MOQ! The recent acquisition of Steens furniture into our partner factory Tvilum, has enabled us to build on our strong supply offer. Tried-and-tested ranges like Steens for Kids, Baroque, Tromso, and Sandringham, to name a few – all under the FTG one-stop-shop umbrella.

ALBA

STEENS FOR KIDS More than 60 unique collections.

All in stock for next day delivery.

No MOQ. Ecommerce support.

Just call us: 02380 517067 and let’s see how we can support you. info@furniture-to-go.co.uk | www.furniture-to-go.co.uk

We can offer you 1200 + UK Commercial products available for same day dispatch from our UK warehouse. Great products, great images, great marketing material, 97% stock availability, e-commerce support, and a modern thinking customer service approach – all fused together to delivery a great customer proposition.

NEC, Birmingham

SHOW GUIDE

24-27 April 2022 100s of Industry Leading Brands, 1000s of Product Launches…

Register now for the UKs largest and most important furniture and interiors event

januaryfurnitureshow.com

NEC, Birmingham

24-27 April 2022 100s of Industry Leading Brands, 1000s of Product Launches…

Register now for the UKs largest and most important furniture and interiors event

januaryfurnitureshow.com

SHOW GUIDE

January Furniture Show, 24-27 April, NEC

Countdown begins

Tetrad

JFS will return to the NEC next month

The countdown to January Furniture Show has begun, with brands from around the world set to showcase their new collections to eager buyers, excited to get back out and meet brands in person. As well as the latest products, visitors will be able to pick up expert advice at the exhibition’s Furniture Talks

sessions, along with discovering new talent at the Young Furniture Makers display, and see the best of the best at the Furniture Awards.

Buyers will be able to reconnect with long-term favourites like Tetrad’s upholstery, Sealy’s beds, and bedroom furniture from ALF, while discovering

ALF

Signature Kauri

new brands and products such as Signature Kauri’s tables, made from naturally fallen New Zealand Kauri trees, and homewares from US brand Kathy Ireland Home, which is making its JFS debut.

Along with presenting buyers with a well-sourced collection of national and international brands, the show also wants to give new designers the opportunity to exhibit. The Young Furniture Makers display is in collaboration with the Furniture Makers’ Company, which has brought together a display of specially curated furniture pieces from a group of new designers. They may be fresh to the industry but their work is already making waves with its innovative designs and unique styles.

Furniture Talks is a mix of masterclasses, panel discussions and interviews, with topics including interior trends, use of social media and sustainability, to name just a few. These sessions will offer useful tips and expert knowledge that will help shape retailers’ future trends, stock purchases and interior design plans.

Visit: www.januaryfurnitureshow.com

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

49

50

Core Products will be showcasing its 2022 collections at the exhibition. Its flatpacked pine collections will be on show, along with new additions to reflect the resurgence of real wood finishes.

Visitors will be able to see for the first Dunkeld time the new Texas bedroom and casual living collections, a combination of real wood and metal with environmentally friendly wood and wash effect finishes.

Its painted contemporary and modern living collections will also be on display, alongside the traditionally inspired Highland Home ranges.

Core Products’ significant commitment Nevada to stockholding in the UK, backed up with direct customer access to stock information, product ordering and order tracking, allows for quick and efficient deliveries to store or direct to your customers’ home.

Its long established dedicated after-sales website makes customer care easy for retailers.

As part of its ongoing environmental initiative the company will plant a tree for every visitor to Hall 4, stand A40.

Visit: www.coreproducts.co.uk

Interiors Monthly April 2022

A U G U S TA COLLECTION CORONA COLLECTION PA I N T E D COLLECTION

Texas

CONTEMPORARY COLLECTION

Core will have plenty of new products

MODERN LIVING COLLECTION

Showcase

HIGHLAND HOME COLLECTION

January Furniture Show, 24-27 April, NEC

SHOW GUIDE

Think outside the box.

You sell it, we deliver it, direct to your customers’ door.

See us at the January Furniture Show, NEC 24-27 April Hall 4 Stand A40 2021

BEST FLAT PACKED FURNITURE SUPPLIER

01738 630 555 | sales@coreproducts.co.uk

www.coreproducts.co.uk

January Furniture Show, 24-27 April, NEC

SHOW GUIDE

Sandringham

Miami

Never stopping

Julian Bowen continues to work hard to serve its customers better ‘The January Furniture Show is fast approaching and despite the many challenges of the past year, the team at Julian Bowen has worked hard developing new products across all home furniture categories,’ says Emmett Lenaghan, Julian Bowen md There is a clear focus on innovation, with brushed gold, smoked glass and sumptuous velvet dining chairs in a wide range of colours. including rich velvet beds and deep-buttoned, stylish, comfortable upholstery, all a key feature for the company at the show. An acknowledged leader in children’s furniture, this remains a key focus, with some innovative, modern and highly functional new designs. Dining has been a particular area of focus, with the launch of several discrete new ranges alongside

additions to established bestsellers.

Huge attention has been paid to supply-chain management to mitigate the ongoing industry-wide dislocations, and Julian Bowen is consequently very well stocked across these key ranges.

Given the fast-changing nature of the industry, the team at Julian Bowen recognises the meaningful and varied challenges that its customers face and has continued to invest significantly in staff training, IT and additional warehousing in order to provide the most efficient support. Stock control, order management and distribution have all been upgraded over the past year to benefit the firm’s extensive customer base and tailor individual solutions where required.

Julian Bowen’s emphasis on bespoke solutions and customer support has been a key factor in the development of its successful Direct Container business, which offers a one-stop solution from product development through quality control and shipping to in-bound

distribution and ongoing stock management support, while leveraging the firm’s significant buying power to its customers’ advantage. As across the whole business, the emphasis is on making the buying process as easy, efficient and trouble-free for its customers as possible. The firm remains committed to offering the best quality and value at all of the many price points at which it supplies product to the marketplace.

‘Everything that we do is designed to get the best possible outcome for our customers. Everybody in our business knows that the customer comes first and we work together to continually enhance our proposition, be it a wider and better product offering, flexible distribution solutions, stock availability, bespoke development or project management.

We were proud to win the Interiors Monthly Award for Customer Service in 2021, but our customers can rest assured that we will never stop working hard to serve them better,’ says Lenaghan.

Visit: www.julian-bowen.co.uk

Gatsby Bali

52

Interiors Monthly April 2022

Staingard, trusted by UK furniture retailers for the last two decades

Protect

Care

Repair

AWARD WINNING PRODUCTS THREE YEARS RUNNING

Come and see us at the January Furniture Show Birmingham NEC • 24-27 April 2022 • Hall 5, Stand A-520 Featuring Live product demos • Special offers • Gift deals and more!

mattressgard.co.uk

leathermasteruk.com

gliptoneeurope.com

For more information call 01244 888 658 or visit staingard.co.uk Rated ‘Great’ on

floor-gard.com

Frida Grey Velvet Bed with the New Padstow Oak & Rattan Bedroom Collection

JULIAN BOWEN

Visit Julian Bowen at The Furniture Show Hall 4 Stand E20 Bentinck House, Park Lane Business Park, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Notts NG17 9LE tel: (01623) 727374 email: sales@julian-bowen.co.uk web: www.julian-bowen.co.uk

All products are available for Direct Home Delivery

January Furniture Show, 24-27 April, NEC

SHOW GUIDE

56

Get ready

Above left: Tropea Above: Lexy

Gallery Direct has expanded its offer to include a multitude of outdoor options

Get ready for summer with Gallery Direct’s outdoor collection, which includes an extensive choice of furniture as well as parasols, lighting, accessories and textiles.

The furniture offers a range of styles and materials, from the timeless beauty of solid teak to contemporary design to classic hand-woven rattan. Whether you want to relax, dine or entertain outdoors, the design-led collection has something to suit every space.

Luxurious recliner chairs and sun loungers are perfect for unwinding, whilst practical dining sets and comfortable lounge sets in a range of sizes offer a great choice for al fresco living. Designed with narrow balconies in mind, slim bar sets work just as well in other spaces, and for smaller gardens, balconies or cosy corners compact bistro sets are ideal.

One of the new furniture lines is the contemporary Tropea lounge set, which features powder-coated aluminium frames. The tabletop is crafted from pieces of solid teak, and the seat arms and backs from weatherproof cord rope, which is used to create a netting effect.

For comfort, the seats have showerproof cushions in a soft colour. The set offers two armchairs, a two-seater sofa and a coffee table.

To complement the furniture, the collection includes firepits, ideal for cooler days or when the sun goes down, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors for

Interiors Monthly April 2022

longer. The Sfera’s exclusive design really comes to life when there is a fire in the pit or when the sun shines through it.

It is crafted from Indian iron with a heatresistant finish and comes with tongs.

Gallery Direct’s outdoor lighting collection also offers a range of styles to suit different tastes and exterior spaces, whether you want to illuminate a pathway, add light and interest to your garden, or create ambience on a patio.

Outdoor lanterns and torches bring an

ambient glow to give a relaxing setting.

To give the finishing touch to your outdoor space, Gallery Direct has a range of outdoor pots and planters, including the Lexy wall planters. This set of two unusual metal wall planters is offered in two finishes, a textured matt black and a matt white with gold detailing. Both are suitable for use indoors and outdoors.

To find out more about the collection, visit Gallery Direct in Hall Two, stand E40.

Visit: www.gallerydirect.co.uk Sfera

With an offering of over 6,000 lines in our collection across seven categories, we’re proud to say we’re the Complete Home and Outdoor Supplier.

Visit us at

Introducing the Hoffman Coffee Table

January Furniture Show

An unusual piece featuring chunky

Hall 2 Stand 2-E40

legs and top, with soft flowing curves which soften the look to create a beautiful sturdy piece. It’s crafted from solid mango wood with a natural finish to show the stunning grain of the timber. The family includes a matching

24 - 27 April 2022, NEC

View our full collection

Console and Side Table.

Scan the QR

of over 6,000 products at

code for more

www.gallerydirect.co.uk



January Furniture Show, 24-27 April, NEC

SHOW GUIDE

Baxter

Bartelli

Surprise

La-Z-Boy plans head-turning designs

La-Z-Boy UK will present a new-look stand at the show, promising to surprise and delight visitors with head-turning designs that are big on comfort, style, quality and innovation.

It will be the motion specialist’s first NEC visit since acquiring its La-Z-Boy Manufacturing UK division, and there will be a number of UK-made models on display. On the back of its factory acquisition, the firm has joined the Made in Britain association, demonstrating its commitment to UK manufacturing.

New motion ranges launching at the exhibition include the Lawton, an on-leg

model with broad appeal; the traditional Jones model, destined to be the heart of any home and Otta, a contemporary off-the-floor model available in a 3, 2, 1 or flexible corner group.

‘The whole team is looking forward to unveiling our new-look La-Z-Boy stand. It will be great to meet customers once again, and we can’t wait for people to see what we believe is our strongest product range to date. Whether it’s traditional comfort and reliability that consumers are looking for, a single chair to kick back in, or a suite with wow factor for relaxing in style, we have something

for all tastes,’ says Adam Morley, La-Z-Boy UK head of marketing.

Visitors will be able to view the new sofas and armchairs as well as updated versions of models such as Winchester, which has proven highly popular and has a minimal lead-time stock programme.

There will also be a new rise and recline collection to bolster the catalogue.

Several popular releases from the Manchester Furniture Show will be on display in eye-catching colourways, including Bartelli, in addition to the debuting sofas and armchairs.

Visit: www.la-z-boy.co.uk

Collins

60

Interiors Monthly April 2022

Four bar Hexham This variant to the established eight bar Hexham spindle aims to give a cleaner, more contemporary look yet remains also able to cross over into traditional. A winner with painters.

Hexham Eight bar Our highly popular eight bar back plain spindle back chair is where modern meets the best of Victorian simple. Equally at home in town or country dining settings. Available in beech or oak.

Hoop back

Windsor Hoop Carver

An enormously popular and stylish hoop back with elegant good looks and features, robust enough even for contract. This is a quality beech chair that fits many bills.

We have taken a classic Georgian style an adapted it for modern living. The ageless lines evoke their traditional background but also harness a more modern edge.

Great as a stand-alone chair in its own right or a carver complement to our hoop or Hexham’s.

When your customers buy a La-Z-Boy sofa, they’re not just buying a sofa, they’re investing in: • A place to relax and unwind • The heart of their home • Time with their family and friends • Comfort and wellbeing

Lawton

To experience our new designs, visit us at the January Furniture Show, Hall 5 E32.

For more information or to book a meeting with the team, please email: tristan.pyke@la-z-boy.com

www.la-z-boy.co.uk Proud members of the Made in Britain Association.

January Furniture Show, 24-27 April, NEC

SHOW GUIDE

Specialist

64

Interiors Monthly April 2022

Protecting a mattress keeps it healthy and hygienic The importance of sleep is as prominent as ever as consumers become increasingly tuned in to health and wellbeing.

‘The average person sweats up to a pint of fluid a night. With mattress fillings being highly absorbent, your mattress – if unprotected – will absorb hundreds of pints of sweat in its first year of use alone. All of our mattress protectors use Protect-A-Bed’s unique Miracle Membrane, which is waterproof yet breathable and allows body heat to pass through, whilst preventing sweat entering the mattress. The protectors are machine washable, meaning you can keep your sleep zone healthy and hygienic,’ says Gowsh Shanmugathan, Protect-A-Bed national sales manager.

‘Every Protect-A-Bed protector also includes a 10-15 year product guarantee

and, when bought with a mattress, a 10-15 year anti-stain guarantee.

Protect-A-Bed will have the mattress professionally cleaned to the customer’s satisfaction or buy the customer a new one if it fails and the mattress was bought with the protector. This promise is significantly powerful and is at the core of our philosophy. Supporting this is an award-winning claims resolution and customer service. Ultimately, in-store it’s about creating value for the customer.’

‘It’s in both the store’s and the customer’s interest to invest in our ranges and our speciality is driving in-store performance, so linked mattress and mattress protector sales are extremely high. The customer benefits from a healthy and hygienic sleep zone while the store benefits from increased sales

revenue. Every customer who walks through the door, if buying a mattress, needs to buy a mattress protector. It’s in their interest to do so for many reasons,’ says Kate Karalius, international sales director at Protect-A-Bed’s parent company Hollander Sleep Products.

‘Protect-A-Bed is a specialist in the mattress protection category. Nobody else in the category has the same passion, drive and focus to grow sales and that’s why we are the leading global brand in healthy sleep.

‘The importance of every customer and every sale has grown significantly.

Protect-A-Bed can help retailers to maximise every sale. To find out more, visit us at the January Furniture Show in Hall Five on stand J45.’

Email: sales@protectabed.co.uk

Market Leading Mattress Protector Brand, Featuring Cutting-Edge Materials Including Copper, Graphene, Charcoal and Bamboo!

January

Furniture Show

Find us at

Stand

5-J45

24-27 APR 2022 Birmingham

• Professional Sales Training & Motivational Programme • Best in Class Product Innovation and Cooling Technology • Genuine 15 Year Guarantee Programme • State of the Art Dynamic Display Bays • Award Winning Customer Service & Claims Resolution

Contact Protect-A-Bed ® to start increasing your prof it: sales@protectabed.co.uk | 02087 310020

January Furniture Show, 24-27 April, NEC

SHOW GUIDE

66

Kettle will have more than 600 new products on show

Minted

Kettle Interiors will debut more than 600 products, and a new brand

‘Despite the challenges of the past two years, we are busy planning for JFS 2022, and we could not be more excited to be back. This year, we will occupy over 18,000sqft, bringing you more than 600 new products and an incredible new brand. Why so much space? We’ve been busy developing our offering to create a comprehensive collection of furniture that allows retailers to respond to a thriving interest in in-home and outdoor demand,’ says Simon Ainge, Kettle Interiors international sales director.

‘You can find us in Hall 4 and will be able to view products from across all our brands, each cleverly designed to offer products that fit every possible customer need. Essentials, launched in 2019, brought collections featuring quality products at lower price points, designed and proportioned for urban living and starter homes. We’ve expanded this very popular range and can now boast 16 collections and over 600 products.

Interiors Monthly April 2022

‘As the name implies, Originals is our foundation furniture collection, which has been successful and popular across the industry for many years, offering a perfect combination of traditional and modern products that complement any home. The line-up for 2022 brings over 50 new products, including beautiful teak and iron ranges.

‘Signature by Kettle has grown to over 300, with 60 new products for 2022, and continues to deliver statement pieces for every part of the home.

‘Launched in 2021, Mambo Outdoor Living, a stunning collection of outdoor furniture, is set to transform the way customers see their garden spaces, with over 100 pieces featuring trend-driven colours, clean lines and beautiful patterns.

We feature three unique collections, including the Santorini outdoor dining range, bringing dining tables, bar tables, chairs and stools in various designs and colours and with firepit options. Del Mar

covers every need for outdoor seating, from chairs to sun loungers, plus coffee tables and accessories, and exudes the comfort and luxury customers expect indoors into outdoor living rooms, while Cove, the unique curved lounger set with fire pit, coffee table and stool, allows for versatile configuration. The whole Mambo range boasts the highest quality build and is bursting with features, including intelligent quick-dry foam and UV-resistant fabrics, and all frames offer a five-year guarantee.

‘The most exciting launch of 2022 is our newest brand line-up: Mint at Kettle Interiors. Mint is a refreshing addition to the Kettle suite of brands, delivering a hand-picked selection of exclusive, interior design-led furniture ranges alongside stunning home furnishings, rugs, lighting and accessories that deliver an enviable opulent style.

‘Mint opens the door to new and exciting categories for us, alongside furniture ranges in desirable materials, shapes and forms, as we launch an extensive range of products for every room. With luxury in mind, we have a new range of dining and occasional chairs in unique designs paired with indulgent fabrics. Furnishings include rugs in fresh, modern designs and palettes, luxe mirrors and clocks –statement pieces that are both functional and beautiful.

‘Also new for 2022 our delivered direct price stream, a cost-effective way to get products directly to your customers, from small single item orders to large home project deliveries.’

Visit: www.kettleinteriorsagencies.com

One company.

Five brands.

Thousands of products.

Essentials products offer unbeatable value for money and have been designed with modern and starter homes in mind, proportions that fit and clean simple styling. These collections are perfect for both online and in-store promotional offers.

Our true and tested Originals products continue to offer stylish quality that fits perfectly into family homes. Originals collections offer products with broad appeal and excellent build and finish quality and are ideal for creating beautiful shop floor displays.

Signature by Kettle Interiors brings style led, statement pieces paired with exceptional build quality and finishing touches. Signature products let style take the lead and appeal to those looking to take their rooms to the next level. These items will enable you to create stunning shop floor displays that will stop customers in their tracks.

Kettle Interiors boldly presents the one of our newest brands, Mambo. A top-tier, luxury and stylized range of quality outdoor furniture. This latest range delivers stunning outdoor pieces, from large tables with inbuilt fire pits to roomy lounge style sofa’s and so much more in between.

Mint Interiors is the latest additions to the Kettle suite of brands, bringing hundreds of new products to our customers both existing and new. The collections available under the Mint brands are carefully selected and designed bring high quality, stylish, contemporary furniture and accessories to market that is not just trend led but trend leading.

January Furniture Show | 24-27 April 2022 NEC Birmingham | Hall 4 | Stands D20, C24, C30, B20 www.kettleinteriorsagencies.com 01536 444961

Scan now to book your appointment

January Furniture Show, 24-27 April, NEC

SHOW GUIDE

Models such as Helix can be own labelled

Make it your own Vogue Beds Group has invested in customers’ own labelling printing Vogue Beds Group has invested in customers’ own labelling printing, allowing retailers to brand the Vogue product range with their own brand.

This service has been set up and led by Tim Dow, Vogue commercial manager.

Having worked in retail for 17 years, his experience is shaping the own label offering from Vogue.

‘We understand the importance of the relationships retailers have with their customers and the relationship those customers have with the retailer’s brand.

Own labelling ensures customers who have a good night’s sleep recommend and/or return to the retailer,’ he says.

68

Interiors Monthly April 2022

As retailers continue to focus on margin, own labelling allows retailers to promote a product that can’t be found elsewhere by customers and therefore achieve a stronger margin.

It also ensures that once the customer has a good night’s sleep on their new mattress, they are going to be recommending the retailer for future sales to friends and family.

Vogue enhances this concept even further by offering a DHD service from its factory in Leicester. So if a retailer takes an order from a recommended customer outside their own delivery area, it can still be delivered.

‘A growing number of retailers are introducing own label ranges to see how they compare against brand names.

Working this way allows retailers to take control of margins and the USPs they wish to promote. This also means the retailer is selling the customer a product they can’t find in any other store or online, allowing them to invest time and money in promoting and selling a product unique to them.

‘We see Vogue’s own label services continuing to grow as more retailers focus on promoting their own brands and why they are the place to shop.’

Visit: www.voguebeds.co.uk

January Furniture Show, 24-27 April, NEC

SHOW GUIDE

Fourward

Wiemann’s launches will cover all price points

German bedroom manufacturer Wiemann is to showcase new ranges across all price points at the exhibition.

Asmara, Quito, Breda and Tampa are set to be unveiled for the first time, along with new colours and trims across other ranges.

Asmara and Quito are VIP premium collections from Wiemann’s heartland, showing commitment to driving value for retailers. The price-conscious shopper

is not forgotten, with new entry-level ranges Breda and Tampa included on the stand.

Visitors to Hall 4, stand C50, will also be the first to see the latest update of its award-winning, stylish and contemporary Monaco furniture system.

Monaco 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 are the reimagined and greatly expanded upgrades on the range, which won Best Bedroom Cabinet in the 2019 Furniture

Quito

Asmara

Awards. Expect multiple wardrobe configurations to show all aspects of the collection’s flexibility and functionality.

There are new colours and trims to complement the bifold, hinged and sliding-door options, plus Monaco’s large, walk-in corner units which remain a feature of the collection.

‘We are looking forward to revealing these high-quality products that ooze practicality and represent great value for money. All Wiemann products are known for their excellent design, quality and value and are backed up with the company’s five-star customer support service,’ says Simon Hewitt, md of Litmus Furniture, Wiemann’s sole agent for the UK and Ireland.

Perennial bestsellers including VIP premium range Loft, medium-priced Shaker-style Cambridge and updated Miami Plus will also be on display.

Visit: www.wiemannuk.co.uk

Create your perfect bedroom with Wiemann!

Monaco from Wiemann

Bedrooms of distinctive style, quality and value See for yourself on Stand C50, Hall 4 January Furniture Show, NEC, 24-27 April 2022 enquiries@wiemannuk.co.uk www.wiemannuk.co.uk

70

Interiors Monthly April 2022

made in germany

www.buoyant-upholstery.co.uk

Visit us at the January Furniture Show 24th - 27th April 2022 Hall 5 - Stand F30 MADE IN THE UK

GLOBAL

FURNITURE

ALLIANCE

Come and see us!

HALL

5

-

STAND

E40

This year will feature a carefully selected range of fixed sofas in some exciting fabric arrangements with complementing scatters and accents. Our core product, the swivel recliner will certainly still be very prevalent, with a definite shift to a more modern design featuring integrated footstools and stylish chrome control panels.

Darcy Ocean Fabric

Boden in Denim Fabric

Axton Shadow Fabric T:

01291

645080

F:

01291

645099

Paddington Deep Sea Fabric

Riviera Calico Fabric

Hague Husky Leather/Match

Michigan Elephant Fabric

E:

SALES@GFA.UK.COM

W:

WWW.GFA.UK.COM

Hall 1 AIMMP D10 Akante E71 ALF E75 Alfrank Designs D65 Alpha Designs C20 Alstons C60 At The Helm A30 B4 Living/Bontempi D50 Baker Furniture F60 BFM G10 Camel Group B70 Carlton Furniture and Vintage Sofa Company B30 Coricraft/Chasco F10 Ego Italiano D60 Gala Collezione C10 Greenwood Retail A1 Heico Fasteners UK A19 Hydeline Furniture A40 Indus Valley A60 Italia Living B50 Kind Leather F65 Marinelli Home/ADM Home C40 Meridian Upholstery C65 Michael Tyler Furniture (UK) A20 Minerva Furniture Group E76 Orbital Vision E73 Paulus & Brown G21 Qingdao Maysun International Trade Co D30 Qualita D40 Signature Kauri E77 SITS B20 Skovby A35 Source By Net UK C75 Steve Bristow Stone Masonry C72 Stone Italia B40 Tajoma C47 Tetrad E20 Venjakob D35 Westbridge Furniture Designs F20 Whitemeadow Furniture G40/F40/E40

HALL 1

VE DOOR 1.6 1-G60 3 35.5 11.5

1-F65

1-F60

6

6

1-E73

69

1-E71

15

9

VE DOOR 1.5

January Furniture Show, 24-27 April, NEC

SHOW GUIDE

9

40.5

4.5

1-E78

6.5

3

1-E77 6

1-E76

15

15 14.5

11

9

Seating

95.23

6.5

11

3

27

202.

13.5

14

1-D65

1-D60

159.5

14.5

8

8

14.5

1-C75

112

1-C72

Stage & Seating

17

9

9 17

17 60.72

7

1-C80

63

7

4

4

6

1-B80

1-C70

1-C65

246.5

14.5 14.5

15

11

Seating

15

15

15

15

15

15

11

90

6 159.5

14.5

4

60

4

10

1-B40

VE DOOR 1.4

13

8.5

1-A65

14

8.5

119

12.5

13

130

10

1-A40

60

1-B70

13

14

Interiors Monthly April 2022

13.5

1-E75

18



74

63

7

12.5 11

14

14

11

154

SHOW GUIDE

2

2-A18

5

7 2

14

1-G21

1-G40

January Furniture Show, 24-27 April, NEC

VE DOOR 1.7

40

2-A12

196

14

2-A14

8

25

5

2

1

5

1-G10

4

4

3

166.5

46

11.5

25.5

1-F40

86

21.5

16

F

18

1-F20

5

15

4

1-F10

4 4.5

15

15

15

15

15 11

382.5

12

1-E60

7

81.73

1-D50

15

8

202.5

7

112

1-D35

8

8

18.5

15

128

16 13

1-D40

15

8

96

12

16

8

128

1-C35

7

91

13

13

1-C40

15

15

15

15

15

1-B50

B

14.5

1-B30

15

217.5

14.5

15.5

80

1-C10

195

13

C

14.5

14

1-B20

187

11

1-C20

15

292.5

19.5

141.72

16

19.5

120

8

9

7

312.23

12.5

17 20

9

1-C60

17

130

1-C47

15

4

1-D10

10

17

8

D

11

1-D30

8

1-C65

335.23

22.5

1-D34

10

18.5

60

4

E

22.5

1-E20

7

319.5

22.5

16

1-E40

7

240

16

VISITORS ENTRANCE

25.5

60

1-B12

14 14

14

162.5

12.5

10

1-A35

12

9

1-A30

13

13

183.72

15.5

196

14

1-A60

12

14.5

51.5

A

14

1-A20

2.5

188.5

14.5

VE DOOR 1.1

13

3

1-A1 4 14

14 14

14

14

14

14

14

12

9.5

14

154

10

140

9

126

203

14.5

1-A19

196

14

6.5

13

1-A15

3

4

19.5

107.5

VE DOOR 1.2

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

75

H40/H25/H20 G70 F60 F80 B16 F10/F20 G30 G25 H50 A20 A12 G60 D40 N62 F50 F35/F40 D10 E40 E50A G45 B20 G5 B40 H60 D77 E50B/E50E G20 C30 D30 C15 F25 B50 D60 B18 G2 B14 E50H E50C A18 E80 A14 G40 C50 C25 C10 C20 C65

HALL 2 2-H70

5

2-G80

12

5

2-F70

14

6

14

70

14

13

6

2-E80

13

81.7

6

5

7

2-F60

14

12

156

13

5

2-E50h

2-E50d

9

7

7

63

9 17

17

17 18

2-E50e 7

5

85

102

6

18

5

13

2-D40

2-D80

2-D75 9

9 7

5

45

7

7

49

13

16

2-C70

13

2-C65

Cafe

16

2

10

13

2-B60

160

2-C60

8.5

8.5

2 21.25

22

72.5

HALL 1

Interiors Monthly April 2022

12

60

6 7

2-G60

12

2-F80

5

2-H60 27.5

11 13

2-G70



76

2-H65 18.25

8.5

5.5

Ancient Mariner Furniture Co Art Marketing Asiatic Carpets ASR Interiors Best Place Media Blue Bone Imports Camelot Pictures Complete Colour Creative-Cables Retail Derrys Distinction Contracts Dutch Imports Eco Furniture Elegance Beyond Febland Group Final Touches Dundee Fortune Woods Gallery Direct Haba Trading Hanlin Home Junction Iconography Interiors Monthly Interiors Today JW Wholesale Kathy Ireland Home Kelston house International Malini Marshall Arts McGowan & Rutherford Natural Green Creative Spaces Onn Studio by Merit Home Pharmore Premier Housewares Rama Carpets Ross Fabrics Sassy Home Scatter Box Sci-Net SHH Interiors Swan Retail Taylors (Scotland) Think Rugs Tyrone Quality Picture Framing Wilde Java Worldwide Reproductions YearnGlass

2.5

Hall 2

1.5

January Furniture Show, 24-27 April, NEC

SHOW GUIDE

VE DOOR 1.6

SHOW GUIDE

January Furniture Show, 24-27 April, NEC

5

15

6

2-G30

12

12

22.5

4.5

2-G25

11

12

11

35

14

13.5

2-G40

12

35

14

6.5

2-H20

2.5

2.5

2-H25

2.5

2-H40 9

10

2-G45

12

2

2.5

14

7

7

-G60

2-H50

2.5

2.5

2

2.5

1.5

2-H60

11.5

2-G20

2-G2

G 7

35

2-G5

11

11

5

25

84

7

120

10

9

2-F50

6.5

2-F40

148.5

13.5

78

49.5

4.5

5

126.5

11.5

F

6

2-F35

6

10

2-F25

2-F15

14

2-F20

7

17.08

2-F10 14 14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14

14 10

7

7

7

18

2-E50b

126

18 10

5

8

2-D30

9

9

117

13

50

2-D10

7

2-D60

9

D

7

126

18 13

5

126

18

7

196

30

2-E40

7

49

18

E

14

15.5

63

137.71

10

18

2-E50c

7

84

6

VISITORS ENTRANCE

7

84

6

9

9

90

10

25.5

2-E50a 7

123.72

9

25.5

182

C

72

8

763.56

30

5

77.5

5

2-C10 13

11

2-C30

5

7

2-C25

2-C20

6

13.5

2-C15

5.5

2-C50

10

71.5

13

10 10

10

10

10

11

11

11

11 18

5

5

12.5

110

11

70

7

5

50 66

6 7

2-N62

14

72.5

17.5

8

2-B20

2-B18

8

2-B16

14

VE DOOR 2.1

VE DOOR 2.2

148.5

B

13.5

4

5

2-B40

3.5

3.5

2

2-B50

90

4 10

10 10

8

10

80

77.6

8 14

2-A20

12

2-B14

11.5

21.25

2.5

2-D77

2-A10 14

63.25

14 8

VE DOOR 1.7

2

2-A18

40

5

7 14

2-A12

196

14

2

2-A14

4 8

2

5

25

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

77

Hall 4 21

4-F30

4-E10

4-F32

6

4-F34 4

4 84

21 15

4-E20

4

24

6 14

4-E25

66

16.5 14

4-E30

4-E14

122.5

16.5 231

14

29

4-D20

16.5

16.5 247.5

15

D

16.5

16.5

24.5

Accadueo Design E50 Arkos E45 AWS Trading F36 Babbar Accessories D32 Core Products A40 Devonshire Pine E10 DK Furniture E90 FIMA F32 Forte Furniture B45 Furnish365 C45 Furniture Express E52 GCL (UK) A15 Heartlands Furniture B50 Homestyle GB F30 Jaipur Furniture D36 Jual Furnishings E55 Julian Bowen E20 Kettle Interiors Agencies C24/C30/B20/D20 Lassic E30 LPD A26 MFS F34 MMILO Modern Furniture E57 Nolte Mobel D45 One Call Furniture A10 Ordorite Software A2/A12 Qingdao Maysun International Trade Co D50 Rauch Moebelwerke D35 RS Furniture A50 SanMartino E14 Seconique C20/E25 Staud Moebel B30 Value Mark Furniture B10 Vida Living A20 Wiemann C50 Youshun HK D62

14 14

4-D35

4

12

16 5

16

16

60

VISITORS ENTRANCE

January Furniture Show, 24-27 April, NEC

SHOW GUIDE

462.57

29

C

18

4-C20

4-C24

11

4-C30

5

4-B10

17

17

23

306

18

B

11

185.54

29

4-B20

4-B30

16 5

17

16

11

4

16

16

16

115

4.5

4-A15



A 4-A20

13

464

29 13

4-A26

7.5

176

4-A40 3

4-A12

11

4

VE DOOR 4.7

58.25

6

29.5

29.5

4-A10

27

20.5

32

380.35

13

78

Interiors Monthly April 2022

4-A2

3.5

8 12

1.5

4.5

1.5

123 91.5

VE DOOR 5.1

VE DOOR 4.1 4-F50

4-F36

88

22

40.5

9 13.5 10

16.5

16.5

16.5

16.5

16.5

5.5 10

4-E52

55

5.5 9

90.75

4-D36

9

4-D45

10

6

5

4-D50

3

4-E90

55

10

4-E57

8

222.75

13.5

10

10

8

231

10

4-E55

5.5

4-E50

5.5

4-E45

4-E40

15.5

5.5

5.5

66

3.5

4

4-D32

January Furniture Show, 24-27 April, NEC

16

SHOW GUIDE

8

8

80

10

80

3

17

4-D52

46.5

3

4-D60

6 8 54

52.54

16

16

Cafe

16

24

16

4-D62

10 8

404

32

96

6

32

7

3 3

22

4-C50

24

4-C60

8.5

4-C45

272

17

5

17

17

17

25.5

17

4-C65

8.5

17

542.56

32

7

119

28

4-B45

16

3

16

352

22

36

4-A50

9

4-A55

16

3

48

12 3

3

4

25.5

4-B60

16

448

28

3

22

4-B50

16

372.56

22

27

36

144

VE DOOR 4.6

VE DOOR 4.4

HALL 5 VE DOOR 5.3

VE DOOR 5.2

OOR 1 1

6.5

5-A71

5-A72

5-A74

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

79

5-A1

Interiors Monthly April 2022

3.5

8 12

5-A20

5-A10 57

19

2.5

A

3

1 1

4

13

5-B10

3

10.5

21

5-B20

6.5

1

5-A30

60

15

10

5-B42

8

6

12 12

12

60

5-C32

9 6 22

B

228

21

5-C10

5

5-D1

27

5-D10

5-D40

13

351

27

D

13

195

15

29

5-E10

16

15

13 13

10

13

117

9

5-D20

13

5.5

13

426.73

33

12

5-E20

16

5-C30

13 13

C

60

10

9

5-C25

13

162.5

252

21

33

19

5-E32

55

5-D3

14

28

14

E

5-F10

14

14

403.73

29 20

5-F15

19

12

5-F20

5-F30

7

14

7

14

5-G18

84

5-G22

14

7

7

5-D4

152

F 5-G10

280

20

126

9

42

6

5

24

13

168

12

9

11

5-G20

5-G15

6

42

5.5

5-G28

5-G30

10 7

7

11

11 3

11

30

4

G 5-H1

5

18.5

11

92.5

11

5-J20

6

3

3 18

125.75

D10 G20 D60 B42 A20 H10 H65 G30

132

12

24.5

VE DOOR 5.8

Sherborne Upholstery Shire Beds Silentnight Group Smart Trading Staingard Sweet Dreams Tancredi Salotti Tessa Europe

5-H25

11

3.5

5-J12

5.5

12

319

29

44

11

5-H20

11

H

4

55

29

5-H10

5

261.73

24

11 11

77

5-H22

5.5

AIMMP C10 Aspire European Living F15 Atlanta Spring/Fotex D85 Bentinck Furniture G40 BJS A35 Bradfast B81 Breasley UK G60 Buoyant Upholstery F30 Celebrity Motion Furniture C35 CrazyPriceBeds/Solo Home Delivery H66 Daro (Trading) B43 Deepsleep Beds C45 Dormeo UK C65 Ecomaster Commercial A32 Enviro Furniture H60 Excellent Relax Bedding Company A38 Exclusive Sofas and Chairs D62 FDW Spring Products E42 Flair Furniture A34 Flam&Luce/BY Classy C10 Flintshire Furniture H22 Furdeco A70 Furninova D20 Furniture Link C30 Furniture News D4 Global Furniture Alliance E40 Global Home Ireland F65 Global House Midland E80 Grafu Baldai C10 Highgrove Beds E20/F20 Home Of Beds F45 Honey B D54 Hugel Beds G18 Hyder Living E70 IFD A1 Image Furnishings B20 Incanto Italia and Digio Leather by Sofitalia D40 Kids Avenue A10 Kyoto Futons D3 La-Z-Boy UK E32 Lebus Upholstery E10 Man Wah(Macao Commercial Offshore) Co F10 Maple Furniture B45 Maxi Mover A30 Maya Tekstil C40 Mayson H20 Mini Divani D52 Mlily UK F60 MM Studio Michalina Misiorny C10 Mobus Fabrics B82 New Trend Concepts C25 Plum Chairs B44 Protect-A-Bed J45 SATRA Technology A37 Scandina Furniture C10 Scandinavian House A10 Sealy UK B50/B60 Shankar UK C32

4-A2

1.5

91.5

1.5

4.5

VE DOOR 5.9

80

Hall 5

VISITORS ENTRANCE

January Furniture Show, 24-27 April, NEC

SHOW GUIDE

58.22

7

5-H

11

11

7

77

11

SHOW GUIDE

45.5

5-A34 21

7

42

14

5

5-B43

18

20

5 10

5-B46

4 10

5-B45

5-A80 4

3

3

32

8

5-A74

5-A72

5-A70

4 6

10

5-B44

5-A38

5-A37

5-A35

12

20

4

50.25

10.5

17

5-B50

78

17

5-B60

8

3

12

5-B70

12

3

5-B80 3

6

6

9

5-B81

3 60

12

12

60

5-C32

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

12

6

6

60

5

60

10

120

10 3

15

5-C35

120

10

205.72

195

15

21

13

13

238.23

18.5

3

42

5-D60

5-D80 6

13

13

18

5-D85

13

7

6.5

6.5

Cafe

13

84.5

13

18

Young Furniture Makers Feature

13

156

12

3

18.5

6.5 84.5

11

5-E35

144

12

5-C80

13

153.74

12

18.5

5-D45

5-D54

273

21 19

247

19

13

6.5

5-D52

36.73

13

96

8 12

5-C65

13

13

3

12

5-D62

13 13

204

17

19

5-C45

5-C40

13 13

16

9

6

60

16

5-B82

240.5

18.5

546

42

5

20

5-E40

12

5-E60

5-E42

17

5-F65

5

5-E70

3

6.5

21

3

5-E80

5 60

13 13

2

13

24

5-F45 6

244.73

19

11

143

257.75

20

41

5

5-F40

13

13

13

13

13

6

65

72

12

13

2

221

17

5-F60

84.5

6.5

35

3

5

39

3

5-F70

5-F80

8

14

14

14

14

14 14

14

24

5-G90

574

41

5-G30

12

5-G40

11

11

12

5-H35

11

21.5

11

11

234.22

21.5 26

5-H66

11

11

10

6

11

11

11

110

5-H60

11

11

5 20

11 11

184.73

17

70

5-G82

11

162.72

15

4.5

4.5

5

15

5-G80

11

11

5-H55

17

5-G60

11

490

35

10

5-G50

11

132

182

13

January Furniture Show, Birmingham 24-27 April

5 5-A32

.5

7

5-A71

6.5

11

5

55

3

60

33

5-H65

11

11

14

VIP Buyers Lounge

17

26

286

6

66

11

5-J45

121

4.5

49.5

4.5

49.5

7 3 21

24

VE DOOR 5.7

TFW Furniture The Ultimate Home Living Group UAB Lyra Group Vogue Beds Welcome Furniture West Midlands Upholstery World Furniture NI

534

VIP Entrance/Exit

H25 D1 E35 F70 B10 G22 H35 Information supplied by Clarion Events

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

81

17th & 18th May 2022 ●

Over 60 exhibitors

●

FREE parking

●

FREE lunch

●

Central location at NAEC, Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire

For a full list of exhibitors and to register please visit

www.springfurnitureshow.co.uk

Show preview

REGISTER NOW

17-18 May 2022 Exclusive show for all flooring buying group members Discover over 60 leading brands at The Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show. If you’re a member of a buying group, register for your free ticket to see the latest in carpets, rugs, laminates, woods, vinyl, LVT’s, underlays and accessories.

Register now at www.bgnfs.co.uk Proudly supported by:

select collection

CARPETS & FLOORINGS

Visit www.bgnfs.co.uk or email info@bgnfs.co.uk Cranmore Park Conference and Event Centre, Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, B90 4LF

84

Interiors Monthly

April 2022

The Dining Room

Elliott Anti-slip

Manx Tomkinson

Hugh Mackay /Q Floors

Gaskell Wool Rich

Woolsafe

Balta

Phoenox Textiles/ Hug Rug

Oriental Weavers

BARISTA COFFEE BAR

Floor Plan

Ball & Young

Penthouse/ Mayfield Carpets

Kenburn Carpet Crusher

Asiatic

Louis De Poortere

Brintons/ Agnella

SEBO

Ulster Carpets

Axminster Carpets

Furlong Flooring

Abingdon Flooring

Computers for floors

Cormar Carpet Co

Telenzo Carpets

Brockway Carpets

Associated Weavers/ Invictus

Woodpecker Flooring

Coretec

Lano Carpets

The Flooring Masterpiece Guild

Alternative Flooring

CRUK

Interfloor

Likewise

Brink & Campman

LX Hausys

Cavalier Carpets

Westex Flooring

Victoria Carpets & Victoria Design Floors

Karndean Designflooring

Crucial Trading

Forbo Flooring

Mastercraft Rugs

Adam Carpets

Seating Area

Kingsmead Carpets

Gooch

Entrance

Reception

Rama Carpets

Fells Carpets

Kersaint Cobb

Seating Area

Display

Not to scale

Seating Area

Underlay

Smooths

Rugs

Others

Carpets

Key

17-18 May 2022

’

Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show, 17-18 May, Solihull SHOW PREVIEW

NEW TUDOR TWIST Classic • Regal

POS available to order now

Classic

Tudor Twist, Denim

myvictoria.co.uk

TY

15

AR

N

WE A

TY N

BR

MOT

ENT

LI

T

EL

WARRA

ARRA RW

Y NT

AR

WE

WE

L LY R E S I

ARRA RW

Y NT

REE LIV HF

ING

WOO

ISH WO OL

M

RA

U

10%

WIDTHS

IT

N AT

10%

PP

ICH B

ND LE

LR

WE A

To find out more, contact 01562 749300 or email sales@myvictoria.co.uk.

WARRA

Regal

Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show, 17-18 May, Solihull

SHOW PREVIEW

86

BRM BRM (Bond Retail Marketing) prides itself on its history, experience and agility to navigate and keep pace with the ever-changing flooring marketplace. It offers a bespoke personal service that can be tailored to serve each retailer’s individual needs, allowing the retailer to carry on with the day-to-day running of their business. With no joining fees and a family feel within the group, why not consider being part of BRM? Its buying and marketing function has years of experience negotiating with suppliers and manufacturers in the UK market across all flooring product groups, plus an online presence via www.beautifulflooring.co.uk where consumers are directed to its national retailer network. De-branding and profit engineering are attributes it is skilled in developing with individual retailers, to create successful and profitable business models that will stand the test of time. Designer initiatives such as the Daisy Alexandra Subert collection give unique and exclusive selling opportunities with enhanced margins. Tel: 07403 442 229

Flooring One Flooring One’s strategy of offering a highly professional and friendly service across the UK and Republic of Ireland continues to assist its suppliers and members. The aim is to increase member profitability by offering financial benefits such as specially negotiated rebates from key suppliers, low prices and terms, alongside its unique CENPAC payment system that also offers additional support and payment terms.

Partnerships with more than 50 suppliers give its members margin protection on rebranded products, in addition to dedicated support in field merchandising and a comprehensive marketing manual. A number of promotional offers throughout the year are supported by promotional concepts that will assist members with advertising requirements, and a dedicated website specifically for members. Its procurement service can assist with money-saving advice for energy, telecoms, lighting, insurance and other business areas, together with an IFC and credit card scheme.

Visit: www.flooringone.co.uk

Greendale Carpets & Flooring Greendale is a not-for-profit, mutual trading company owned by a group of over 135 independent flooring retailers throughout the UK, coming together to enjoy a purchasing power equal to larger rivals. It is unique in the UK carpet industry as the only member-owned independent group with a central stockholding facility. From its purpose-built warehouse in the West Midlands it can guarantee prompt delivery of any order from stock anywhere in the UK. Whether large multi-outlet furnishers, small owner-managed design consultants or long-established family businesses, every member has access to this vast central stock of quality carpets – woven or tufted, plain or patterned – from all the leading manufacturers. It also provides access to suppliers of wood floors, naturals, vinyl and rugs. It has recently invested in solar technology to reduce its carbon footprint, and all packaging waste is recycled. Many of its products also have enhanced environmental credentials, while wool is the ultimate recyclable material. Visit: www.greendalecarpets.co.uk

Interiors Monthly

April 2022

SHOW PREVIEW

Metro is a group of independent retailers, from the smallest operation to multiple-outlet businesses.

Every member pays the same single subscription, whatever size of business or however many outlets they have. Retaining independence is vital to Metro members, which is why all group activity is

always optional, allowing members to select the best benefits of group membership while being 100% in control of their own businesses.

Metro Group is run as a non-profit-making organisation, owned wholly by its members. Since 1995 it has had an own-label brand, Carpet 1st, encompassing the best-selling and best-performing products. Members can maximise profits while supporting the group and authorised suppliers under the Carpet 1st brand or suppliers’ own branding. The group also offers a central buying facility with authorised suppliers, allowing members without direct accounts to place orders.

Metro has a dedicated marketing department with over 30 years of retail flooring experience, specialising in bespoke solutions for independent retailers. This service allows showrooms to be transformed, with remarkable results. The service particularly appeals to new members that have previously not had access to professional, impartial marketing advice, design and materials production.

Members qualify for £600 of free bespoke marketing support each year, including branded display stands. There’s so much more to Metro than just buying flooring. Visit: www.carpet1st.co.uk

SMG SMG is the largest flooring group in the UK, with more than 430 retail outlets. SMG members can proudly retain their complete independence while enjoying the most profitable and comprehensive benefits package around. Established retailers with existing direct accounts will still benefit from SMG’s special pricing, rebates and promotions to improve their profitability and competitiveness. In addition to these financial advantages, members without direct accounts can still access products from any approved supplier via the unique central purchasing scheme.

At this year’s Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show, SMG will be showcasing the latest additions to its Pure own-brand ranges, including some surprises. There will be new selling opportunities for members on non-flooring products and, of course, the latest in show offers and updates on all the latest initiatives from the group. All of these advantages, together with award-winning business support, show that SMG really does have something for every retailer, large or small, and truly gives strength to the independent retailer.

Visit: www.smg-group.co.uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show, 17-18 May, Solihull

Metro

87

Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show, 17-18 May, Solihull

SHOW PREVIEW

88

Concept creator

The five brands

Associated Weavers has created five yarn-specific brands Associated Weavers has five brands, each linked to a specific yarn: iSense (polyamide), Invictus (polypropylene), Vivendi (solution-dyed nylon), Sedna (regenerated nylon) and Gaia (polyester). Each has distinctive branding, designed to be the eyecatcher in your store.

In only a few years, iSense has become the UK’s favourite brand when it comes to super-soft carpet.

More than 120,000 households already enjoy its comfortable touch and luxurious feel. iSense carpet is not only soft, but also extremely durable. In wear-resistance tests, it easily outperforms all other soft residential carpets on the UK market.

Invictus stands for invincible comfort that will convince even the most demanding customer. The carpet’s rich texture and opulent body are created using the latest generations of solution-dyed yarns, with iVinci combining appealing comfort with superior stain resistance.

With a Vivendi carpet, nothing stops you from enjoying life’s best moments.

Vivendi is made with the exclusive iVivo yarn, a solution-dyed nylon of an exceptional quality. It makes Vivendi

Interiors Monthly April 2022

carpets incredibly resilient, superbly wear-resistant and yet pleasantly soft.

There’s a Vivendi carpet to make all people happy: from playful to dense, from discreet pastels to trendy greys and intense colours.

Sedna carpet is soft, luxurious and durable. It is made with Econyl regenerated nylon, a yarn made from recycled waste material such as old carpets and abandoned fishing nets collected from the bottom of the sea.

Sedna thus helps to save thousands of beautiful sea creatures like sea turtles, dolphins and seals that will no

Gaia Dorado

longer get stuck in this life-threatening waste. It also has an ECO FusionBac textile back, made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles.

Gaia is the latest brand. Polyester is the most widely used textile fibre in the world. Polyester is alluring and smooth to the touch. Gaia carpet with its excellent colour fastness, rich lustre and 100% virgin pile material will certainly enrich your home. And no maintenance issues whatsoever: Gaia carpet is bleach-cleanable. Gaia also has an ECO FusionBac textile back.

Visit: www.carpetyourlife.com

Gaia Tigris

Something exciting is coming...

...see you at the Buying Group National Flooring Show

1 7/0 5 /2 0 2 2 i n t e r f l o o r. c o m

Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show, 17-18 May, Solihull

SHOW PREVIEW

90

For every home

Retailers have a choice of display options

Invictus luxury vinyl flooring has been a favourite since its debut Since its launch in 2015, Invictus has been the reference in the UK market for comfortable broadloom carpet.

With its dense pile, Invictus carpet will make you prefer the carpet to the sofa.

Associated Weavers, the makers of Invictus carpet, launched Invictus luxury vinyl flooring in 2019. With the same attention to quality, the same eye for exclusive designs, and a unique performance level, Invictus luxury vinyl flooring is the perfect match to Invictus carpet.

The luxury vinyl flooring was immediately a trade favourite, and for three consecutive years Invictus was awarded best branding, best marketing and best display by the trade and trade press: Interiors Monthly Awards and Flooring Innovations Awards.

And consumers are also finding their way to Invictus, with 580,000 visitors to the website last year.

Associated Weavers stands out from the crowd in its UK presence, branding

Interiors Monthly April 2022

and in-store solutions, and the Invictus luxury vinyl flooring concept and displays are no exception to that. The attractive branding and visuals will be the highlight of any store, immediately attracting the customer’s attention.

Associated Weavers has reinvented the in-store display and brings a tool with an intuitive digital module that offers a great customer experience and guides customers through an efficient and fun-to-do purchase process.

The symbiosis between traditional samples and digital journey is unseen in the flooring business.

The collection brings a well-balanced collection of 96 SKUs: wood, stone and parquet designs in dryback and rigid click. Whatever the decorating style, there’s an Invictus luxury vinyl floor for every home, from contemporary to country,

from traditional townhouse to urban loft. Let your customers choose their preferred style and let it guide them towards the floor that is just right.

The online room visualiser provides even more inspiration: users can upload an image, take a picture of their own interior on their smartphone or choose between pre-set images.

Visit: www.invictus.co.uk

Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show, 17-18 May, Solihull

SHOW PREVIEW

92

Velveteer in Midnight

Full of colour Abingdon will showcase a plethora of products It’s an exciting time for Abingdon Flooring as it looks forward to meeting BGNFS visitors to present its new products for the forthcoming year.

The stand will be packed with its core ranges and new developments. The ever-popular Tweed, Twist and Ultra from the Stainfree range will be there, and this year will see the addition of Aristocat and Indulgence.

Aristocat is designed to complement the existing Sophisticat product with its heathered colourbank of 17 colours from cool neutrals and warmer tones to bolder looks. Indulgence, the heaviest

Interiors Monthly April 2022

weight in the Stainfree range, brings with it a luxurious deep pile using a twist yarn, harder-wearing than any other Saxony on the market, with a full mix of solid colour and heathered looks.

The Love Story collection sees the introduction of Velveteer, a soft-touch velvety carpet with all the benefits of a man-made fibre. It’s designed to bring a touch of modern luxury to an interior and has Abingdon’s largest colourbank of contemporary colours.

The new Wild Silk offers unique rustic charm, a polyester super-soft flecked yarn with ‘dirt-defying’ properties.

The company will be showcasing three new products. Wilton Royal has two new additions: Charter Berber, a 80/20 berber wool twist consisting of 20 colours, and Charter Loop: a 1/4-gauge 100% wool loop carpet with a natural and rustic colour palette.

Finesse and Caress will also be launched at the show, a two-weight 1/10th-gauge collection using a sophisticated soft-touch twist yarn.

The collection continues the move towards fuller colour palettes, which include the popular greys and beiges.

Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

REGISTER NOW

17-18 May 2022 Exclusive show for all flooring buying group members Discover over 60 leading brands at The Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show. If you’re a member of a buying group, register for your free ticket to see the latest in carpets, rugs, laminates, woods, vinyl, LVT’s, underlays and accessories.

Register now at www.bgnfs.co.uk Proudly supported by:

select collection

CARPETS & FLOORINGS

For exhibitor enquiries visit www.bgnfs.co.uk or email info@bgnfs.co.uk Cranmore Park Conference and Event Centre, Cranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, B90 4LF

Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show, 17-18 May, Solihull

SHOW PREVIEW

94

Abingdon Flooring

Associated Weavers

Flooring has the power to change the way that we see, feel and react to a space. Abingdon Flooring combines the highest quality, attention to detail and expert knowledge to allow anyone to get creative with flooring, in addition to offering a practical way of decorating a space to suit any lifestyle.

Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

One of the leading manufacturers of tufted wall-towall carpet and a UK brand since 1964, Associated Weavers has built strong and lasting relationships with its partners nationwide from its headquarters in Halifax. A passion for flooring, thorough product knowledge and an eye for great interior design are strengths of its 40-strong dedicated UK sales team.

Visit: www.carpetyourlife.com

Ball & Young

Balta Carpets

Ball & Young – for a greener footprint. With a commitment to zero waste, all Ball & Young PU underlays are manufactured from re-purposed trim, which can again be recycled at the end of its usable life. The company you can trust with over 25 years of sustainability and innovation. It’s in its DNA. Scan the QR code to see the sustainability story.

Visit: www.ballandyoung.com

The Balta team is delighted to welcome you once again in a live setting at the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show. Its designers have never stopped developing innovative products, beautiful patterns and a wide array of new structures and colours.

Discover the innovations at stand P320.

Visit: www.baltagroup.com

Interiors Monthly

April 2022

Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show, 17-18 May, Solihull

SHOW PREVIEW

96

Cormar Carpet Company

Carpet Recycling UK

Award-winning Cormar Carpet Company is delighted to return to the Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show with an exciting new range for Spring, along with the recently launched easy-clean twist Linwood range. It will also be showcasing its recent brand refresh, showcasing new in-store display options and POS material. Find it on stand P480 Visit: www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Carpet Recycling UK is an independent non-profit membership association working with the supply chain to reduce the volume of textile flooring waste going to landfill. Through its network, members can take advantage of emerging opportunities in recycling, including sustainable raw materials for manufacture, reuse of products, take-back schemes and identifying innovations in material processing.

Core funding comes from carpet companies who are ahead of the game in taking voluntary responsibility.

Visit: www.carpetrecyclinguk.com

Fells Carpets

Furlong Flooring

Fells Carpets continues to take its collection into the modern world, with 42 current ranges. Most recently it has developed Geometric design, along with using effect yarns with highlights and shrink yarn fibres.

Fells Carpets is proud to be supporting the BGNFS. Visit: www.fellscarpets.co.uk

Furlong Flooring provides all your flooring favourites from one source. From luxury carpets to hardwearing vinyl, laminate and LVT, to beautiful wood. And, it’s not just known for its great range and high quality but also for attention to detail and excellent customer service. Visit Furlong Flooring at the show and hear more about its new ranges.

Visit: www.furlongflooring.com

Interiors Monthly

April 2022

WIN

£2000 C ! + TO ASH + TROOLS PHY

national institute of carpet & floorlayers

HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE & skills to be

CARPET FITTER OF THE YEAR 2022?

THE 2022 COMPETITION FORMAT IS AS FOLLOWS: 1). * You do NOT need to be an NICF member to enter this competition. Applicants must be aged 18 years or over on 30 April 2022. NICF Council members and previous Carpet Fitter of The Year winners are excluded from entering.

2).

Deadline for entry is 23:59 on Saturday 30 April 2022.

3).

Entrants are initially required to complete a questionnaire giving the most full and accurate answers possible. Entries will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on the answers provided and 10 fitters will be selected to progress to the Semi-Final practical trials.

4).

The Semi-Finals will be held on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 June 2022 at the FITA Training Centre, Loughborough. Five fitters will progress to the Final.

5).

The five Finalists MUST be available to attend a briefing day in July 2022 which will be held online via Zoom.

6).

The Final is at The Flooring Show, Harrogate, on Sunday 18 and Monday 19 September 2022.

ENTER ONLINE @ www.nicfltd.org.uk/FOTY-Competition

The Final will be held at The Flooring Show, Harrogate in September 2022 Fitter of The Year Carpet 2022 Competition is kindly sponsored by

Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show, 17-18 May, Solihull

SHOW PREVIEW

98

Interfloor

Invictus

Interfloor has plans for a major introduction at the show, but you’ll have to visit its stand to find out more!

There you’ll also be able to find out more about renu, its 98% recycled underlay that uses ethically sourced and genuinely recycled materials, which means it keeps waste from going to landfill and is 100% recyclable itself. A total of 266 rolls of renu were used at the COP26 climate conference, before being recycled into new renu.

Visit: www.interfloor.com

Associated Weavers stands out from the crowd in UK presence, branding and in-store solutions. The Invictus luxury vinyl flooring concept and display are no exception to that rule. When it comes to delivering a great performance, nothing beats Invictus luxury vinyl flooring. The name is no coincidence: in Latin, invictus means invincible. Invictus luxury vinyl flooring is sure to meet all your expectations.

Visit: www.invictus.co.uk

Lano

Likewise

Lano is so looking forward to the BGNFS, meeting up with the industry and presenting its new ranges and developments. In the Essenz collection, it has revamped the well-known Fairfield Creations, Startwist and Heathertwist ranges. The Touchdown and highend X-collection are also welcoming some stunning new qualities. See you in Solihull!

Visit: www.lano.com

Likewise has a fantastic collection of new ranges including carpets, residential vinyl, LVT, laminate, artificial grass, rugs and doormats, presented on its new retail display units. Its new carpet ranges offer the very best quality and style, with some fantastic on-trend colours and textures. It is also delighted to showcase its new rug ranges and exclusive doormat collections. Visit stand P420. Tel: 0121 817 2900

Interiors Monthly

April 2022

SHOW PREVIEW NEWS In brief head In brief body in brief body in brief body

Body 1st para Sheep lamely perused five slightly obese Klingons.

Body indent Umpteen almost putrid sheep sacrificed twoMark gossips easily.

Body 1st para Sheep lamely Penthouse Carpets perused five slightly obese Klingons.

Penthouse Carpets, an employee-owned company Body indent Umpteen based in Rochdale Lancashire, has been setting almost sheep the putrid standard for superb wool tufted carpets for sacrificed twoMark gossips fibres to create beautiful 50 years; using traditional easily. fashion in floorcoverings, while providing exceptional quality and service to its customers. Visit stand P170.

Caption caption style Visit:style www.penthousecarpets.co.uk

Victoria Design Floors

Pic caption head: Pic caption body

Distinctive and Universal Flooring will be presenting their new look and feel under the new Victoria Design Floors banner. Coming together to form one seamless LVT offering, several new products will also be on display, including the new 0.3mm and 0.55mm click, which includes a herringbone design incorporating two stunning stones. The whole range will be on display alongside the full Victoria Carpets offer. Visit stand P360.

Visit: www.myvictoria.co.uk

Victoria Carpets Victoria Carpets will be showcasing its Spring/ Summer launches including the Aura colour refresh, two exciting new Habberley designs and, new for 2022, Ultimate Expressions. Joining the bestselling First Impressions and Ultimate Impressions suite, this is a collection of 20 lightly heathered tones in a two-ply, 1/10th gauge construction. Multiple POS options will sit alongside its award-winning LVT offer. Visit stand P360.

Visit: www.myvictoria.co.uk

in brief Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show, 17-18 May, Solihull

Black head size to suit Bold head size to suit Light Head size to suit

Westex For nearly 40 years, Westex has supplied and manufactured high-quality flooring solutions.

Choose from its range of premium wool carpets, luxury synthetics and exclusive LVT collections.

Westex is renowned for colour: its specialist dye facility can produce any colour to meet a customer’s specific requirements.

Visit: www.westexflooring.com

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

99 99

Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show, 17-18 May, Solihull

SHOW PREVIEW

Abingdon Flooring

Balta

Computers for Flooring

Unit 5A, Wharfedale Business Park, Bradford BD4 9RT

Wakkensteenweg 2, B-8710 Sint-Baafs-Vijve, Belgium

1 Drake Walk, Brigantine Place, Cardiff CF10 4AN

Adam Carpets Greenhill Works, Birmingham Road, Kidderminster DY10 2SH

Alternative Flooring Co 4 Stephenson Close, East Portway, Andover SP10 3RU

Asiatic Carpets Oriental Carpet Centre, 105 Eade Road, London N4 1TJ

Associated Weavers

Brink & Campman

Cormar Carpet Company

Albert Schweitzerstraat 3, 7131 PG Lichtenvoorde, Netherlands

Brookhouse Mill, Greenmount, Bury BL8 4HR

Brintons Carpets

Relay Drive, Relay Park, Tamworth B77 5PR

Wyre Forest House, Fine Point Way, Kidderminster DY11 7WF

Brockway Carpets Kidderminster Trading Estate, Spennells Valley Road, Kidderminster DY10 1XS

Crucial Trading

Elliott Anti-Slip 430 Enterprise Way, Vale Park, Evesham WR11 1AD

Fells Carpets and Flooring

F Mill, 2nd Floor, East Dean Clough Mills, Halifax HX3 5AX

Carpet Recycling UK

Axminster Carpets

Cavalier Carpets

Axminster EX13 5PQ

Thompson Street Industrial Estate, Blackburn BB2 1TX

Flooring Guild Training Services

Coretec

37 Armistice Croft, Blunham, Bedford MK44 3FD

Souverainestraat 27, B-9770 Kruisem, Belgium

Forbo Flooring UK

Ball & Young 54 Causeway Road, Earlstrees Ind Estate, Corby NN17 4DU

Cheadle Hulme

Treefield Industrial Estate, Gelderd Road, Gildersome, Morley LS27 7JU

PO Box 1, Kirkcaldy KY1 2SB

Furlong Flooring Brunel Way, Stroudwater Business Park, Stonehouse GL10 3SX

Gaskell Wool Rich Relay Drive, Relay Park, Tamworth B77 5PR

Gooch Oriental Carpets 56 Burners Lane, Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes MK11 3HD

Hugh Mackay View Logistics, Park View Road, East Hartlepool TS25 1HT

100

Interiors Monthly

April 2022

SHOW PREVIEW

Spring Grove Mills, Clayton West, Huddersfield HD8 9HH

Q Flooring View Logistics, Parkview Road East, Hartlepool TS25 1HT

Rama Carpets 41 Humber Road, London NW2 6EN

SEBO (UK) Interfloor

Likewise Floors

Broadway, Haslingden, Rossendale BB4 4LS

Unit 9, Leeds 27 Industrial Estate, Bruntcliffe Avenue, Morley LS27 0LL

Invictus Flooring F Mill, 2nd Floor, East Dean Clough Mills, Halifax HX3 5AX

Kardean Designflooring Crab Apple Way, Vale Park, Evesham WR11 1GP

Kenburn Carpet Crusher

The Merlin Centre, Cressex Business Park, High Wycombe HP12 3QL

Telenzo

Louis de Poortere

Relay Park, Relay Drive, Tamworth B77 5PR

Rue de la Royenne 45, B-7700 Mouscron, Belgium

Ulster Carpets

LX Hausys Relay Park, Relay Drive, Tamworth B77 2RJ

Manx Tomkinson Relay Park, Relay Drive, Tamworth B77 5PR

Castleisland Factory, Portadown, Craigavon BT62 1EE

Victoria Carpets Worcester Road, Kidderminster DY10 1JR

Kenburn House, Porters Wood, St Albans AL3 6HX

Mastercraft Rugs

Victoria Design Flooring

Kersaint Cobb & Co

19 Kenyon Road, Lomeshaye Industrial Estate, Nelson BB9 5SP

Worcester Road, Kidderminster DY10 1JR

Gorsey Lane, Coleshill, Birmingham B46 1JU

Masterpiece Systems

Westex Flooring

Kingsmead Carpets

Unit 2, 38 Downs Wood, Epsom KT18 5UL

Calder Bank Mills, Calder Bank Road, Dewsbury WF12 9QW

Relay Park, Relay Drive, Tamworth B77 5PR

Oriental Weavers

Woodpecker Flooring

Lano Carpets

Thornes Farm Business Park, Thornes Farm Way, Leeds LS9 0AN

PO Box 200, B-8530 Harelbeke, Belgium

Penthouse Carpets

Woodpecker House, 29 Pant Glas Industrial Estate, Bedwas, Caerphilly CF83 8DR

Buckley Carpet Mill, Buckley Road, Rochdale OL12 9DU

Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show, 17-18 May, Solihull

Phoenox Textiles

WoolSafe 49 Boroughgate, Otley LS21 1AG

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

101

Industry leading sustainable underlay production As part of the Vita Group we operate a responsible, resourceful and safe business. We commit to – and invest in - reducing waste, increasing recycling and reuse of raw materials, and conserving natural resources in pursuit of a net zero footprint. We are proud of our achievements, and will continue to push forwards.

It’s in our DNA.

Scan the QR code to see our sustainability story.

01536 200502 / bysales@ballandyoung.com / www.underlay.com

RECRUITMENT If you are looking to recruit staff for your furniture or flooring stores, looking for sales staff or reps for your manufacturing outlet, then INTERIORS MONTHLY offers a great package!

Our online package is just £175.

Your advert will appear in our jobs section on the website until the position is filled or you ask us to remove. Our weekly newsletter, which is mailed every Thursday to 7000 industry professionals, also includes a list of these latest jobs.

If you have both online and quarter page recruitment advert in our magazine, the cost will only be £250!

Costs for larger recruitment adverts are available upon request.

Please contact Jarrod on E: jbird@interiorsmonthly.co.uk T: 01565 631 397

TRADE BODIES AND ASSOCIATIONS Support is just a call away

Get more

Support includes tax and VAT advice

The NBF has expanded its member benefits

The National Bed Federation has added to its benefits with a business support package for its UK-based members.

NBF Protect, introduced in collaboration with Quest Services, provides UK members access to four vital services to support their business around the clock: HR, legal, health and safety, and tax.

Professional support is a phone call away for the NBF’s bed manufacturer and supplier members, with a dedicated helpline powered by Quest to meet their business needs. The HR and legal helplines are available 24/7, offering free and professional advice 365 days a year.

Members can also seek health and safety, VAT and tax support via the helpline during office hours.

A free library of more than 750 documents including helpful templates

Members can exhibit at the Bed Show

104

Interiors Monthly April 2022

is available, as well as a free ‘one-to-one’ review service to discuss any HR or health and safety issues. Access is via a password-protected portal.

‘We are thrilled to be able to offer these services to our UK-based members, which we believe will genuinely protect them and give them peace of mind in these challenging times. I encourage all eligible members to use these premium quality services. Even if you already have separate arrangements covering these critical areas for your business, it will still be worth calling NBF Protect for a second, expert opinion without incurring any additional fees,’ says Simon Williams, NBF head of marketing and membership.

As well as NBF Protect, all the trade association’s members (UK and European) can access bespoke, up-to-date

information on consumer bed-buying habits through its regular research reports. Insights include the UK’s most popular types of bed products and consumer demographics, as well as how much they are spending and how they are disposing of their old mattresses.

Members also benefit from quarterly bed market sales data via the NBF Tracker, which enables them to benchmark their business performance against the industry, as well as receiving a UK and global economic review from Roger Martin-Fagg, the NBF’s resident behavioural economist.

One of the biggest and most desirable perks to NBF membership is the opportunity to exhibit at the highly successful Bed Show, which is held annually in Telford and takes place this year from 20--21 September.

‘Interested but not yet an NBF member?

As the UK’s only trade association for the bed industry, we are always keen to welcome new members. Full membership is open to manufacturers of beds, mattresses, and related products with a UK or ROI manufacturing facility, or to components suppliers to the UK bed manufacturing industry, wherever they are based. The NBF is also keen to support start-up companies that are potentially the bed industry’s leading lights of the future. UK and Ireland-based bed manufacturers and suppliers that have been in business for less than three years are encouraged to apply to the associative membership categories.’

Visit: www.bedfed.org.uk

Sleep comes easy when you buy beds made by an approved NBF member

Our vision for the bed industry in 2022 and beyond is clear – we want to make it right.

How? By setting standards and driving ethics, transparency and responsibility.

By championing excellence in bed-making and selling.

By supporting sustainability through the NBF Pledge for the Planet and an ecodesign framework for mattresses.

And by educating consumers on how to improve their sleep.

To find out more and for a list of NBF Approved members visit BEDFED.ORG.UK

In other words, we’ll keep on making sure our members do the right thing.

Because when we do, everyone sleeps better at night.

TRADE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Castelan is based in Weston-super-Mare

Complete provision

The Furniture Care Network is a jewel in Castelan Group’s crown

Castelan has been delivering quality services and products to the furniture industry for more than 25 years.

‘During this time, the furniture industry, customer expectation and regulatory compliance have all evolved and we have always strived to evolve with them,’ says Martin Napper, Castelan ceo.

‘We have always offered three distinct but ultimately complementary services: warranty, repair services and care products. These are complemented by our commercial services division, which provides wide-ranging services that support both the hospitality industry and retail clients.

‘The Furniture Care Network is the part of the Castelan Group that delivers a range of services to our retail and manufacturing client base and it is seeing particular growth currently.

‘The Furniture Care Network is a jewel in the crown of the group – especially its talented and dedicated team of

106

Interiors Monthly April 2022

technicians who are the face of the company. More importantly, they represent the many clients who trust us to carry out work and interact with customers on their behalf. We provide a thoroughly professional proposition to handle all our clients’ needs.

‘We now employ 85 technicians but this is a number that we expect to increase over the coming weeks and months as we attract new business and experience a high level of demand. Our network covers the whole of the UK and Republic of Ireland and this is what makes our proposition so attractive.

‘Many, if not most, clients now carry out a significant amount of business online, and so a truly national service provision with a trusted partner is vital to maintain their reputation – wherever the customer is located. All our technicians have our full support, in terms of central control functions, and are fully equipped with the latest

technology as well as all the practical necessities to deliver a first-class service.

‘We can provide inspection and report only, inspection and resolution, inspection and fix, triage, or any combination of these to ensure that your customers remain delighted with their new furniture. So many of our visits result in positive feedback from customers, such as these from Trustpilot: ‘Perfect in every way – fixed the issue, explained what the issue was, very polite and courteous.’

‘Assessor came out to look at our sofa. I didn’t expect the problem to be resolved on the day but it was. He also rectified another problem. Very good service. Thank you.’

‘We would be delighted to speak to you to discuss how we can become that valuable professional extension to your own service and help you deliver the best customer experience – every time,’ says Napper.

Visit: www.castelangroup.com

Delivering furniture care nationwide The ultimate standard in furniture care helping you keep your furniture in your customers homes • National network of Furniture Technicians • High resolution rate • Real time online reporting

Call 07748 100 254 to find out how we support your customers Part of

www.castelangroup.com

TRADE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Get results

Shoppers still love a sale

A sales event can see dramatic outcomes

‘The retail industry has never experienced such a difficult series of challenges as we have witnessed over the past decade.

While there has always been steady change, surely never in living memory has there been so much to test the independent retailer in the day-to-day business of running a furniture store.

On top of the usual factors such the economy, competition and interior trends, we’ve had to adapt to the digital advertising revolution, the enormously damaging uncertainty caused by Brexit, the disruption of a pandemic, and now, war is back in Europe,’ says Bernard Eaton, Greenwood Retail md.

‘However, we have found that despite these recent challenges, Greenwood

sales events continue to generate the same extraordinary uplift in retail sales as ever – ranging from 25% to 100% of annual turnover (depending on the nature of the event and other variable factors) – with high margin maintained in just 17 days trading. Surely this is proof that consumers will tolerate price increases, longer lead times, reduced choice and, it seems, fear, provided that the sales initiative is planned, marketed and executed effectively.’

The sales promotion company specialises in organising high-profile sales events on behalf of quality independent retailers all over the UK and Republic of Ireland. Many of its clients are AIS and Minerva members.

‘We utilise the most effective marketing methods and channels from traditional to state-of-the-art, including the new Greenwood digital marketing campaign to ensure your maximum return on budget,’ says Eaton.

‘After nearly 20 years in the business and with well over 1,000 sales events across the UK and Ireland completed, Greenwood Retail has far more experience of planning and organising retail sales in this marketplace than any other sales company in the world. This means that no other sales promotion company is better qualified to help independent UK and Irish retailers get the best out of their next big sales event.’

Visit: www.greenwoodretail.com

Greenwood has led over 1,000 sales events in its two decades of business

108

Interiors Monthly April 2022

PREMIERCARE for furniture

Furniture protection Simply the best furniture protection programme giving the highest levels of cover and customer value.

To find out how we can help your business call our Business Development Team on 07748 100 254 or email sales@castelangroup.com

Your customers love us too!

TRADE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Forever evolving

Specialist skills training keeps Guardsman ahead in furniture care

‘We may have a 100-year heritage in the furniture industry but we are forever evolving as a business. We constantly innovate and adapt to lead the way in meeting customer and consumer demand. From advancing our claims technologies to product development, we are committed to ongoing evolution,’ says David Evans, Guardsman sales director.

‘One pillar of our business that continues to reap the benefits from our development is specialist training.

Working with both our in-house furniture experts and external industry-leading partners, the past year has seen an emphasis on furniture repair methods, products and equipment, to give

110

Interiors Monthly April 2022

our specialist technicians the very best chance at achieving a first-attempt repair,’ he says.

‘Working closely with our retailer partners, we are keeping a close eye on the market to identify consumer demands and trends. The move towards a greener and more sustainable future is becoming increasingly important to consumers and with that an emphasis on reducing fast fashion, including furniture items. The priority is to invest in long-lasting, quality pieces.

‘To support our retailer partners with their consumer demand, we are working with our technicians to develop their specialist repair skills. Providing exclusive training opportunities for our network

of technicians is paramount to us. We work with industry leaders such as Fenice and Konig to provide furniture repair training on new and difficult furniture materials, using advanced methods, tools and technology to achieve otherwise impossible repairs.

‘The prioritising of specialist skills training has led to our technicians achieving astonishing repairs to furniture materials such as marble, natural leathers and a range of woods. This not only means claims are resolved much quicker for consumers, but they also get to keep hold of their loved pieces of furniture.’

‘The innovation doesn’t stop there.

We continue to expand upon our wide range of furniture care products, and have recently introduced a collection designed to clean, restore and protect natural stone finishes, as well as cleaning and protection products for garden furniture. Our diverse product selection allows consumers to prolong the life of items and keep them looking their best,’ says Rob Dyer, Guardsman md.

‘We are looking ahead towards another year of strengthening our position as leaders in specialist furniture repair, finding exciting new repair techniques and technologies. The whole business is looking forward to further developing our retailer offering by extending and developing our furniture care product range, supporting them to meet and even exceed their customers’ expectations and requirements in furniture care.’

Visit: www.guardsman.co.uk

TRADE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Are you sure it’s safe?

Testing to relevant standards and regulations are key means of assessment Under the General Product Safety Regulations, businesses are obliged to only place products on the market that are safe and fit for purpose. As consumers, we expect that the products we purchase are safe, and many consumers don’t give it a second thought. It is expected that the retailer

112

Interiors Monthly April 2022

and manufacturer will have ensured that a given product is safe – and perhaps expected that it wouldn’t be allowed to be sold if it wasn’t.

There are many ways to assess product safety, and testing to relevant standards and regulations are key means of assessment. Product safety should be

considered right at the start of the product development process. If the product design has factored in the requirements of the relevant standards early on, it is much more likely to result in a safe, compliant product.

Many furniture standards have requirements for gaps, holes and openings to ensure that there is minimal risk of entrapment. Other requirements can cover strength, stability and durability, which means factors such as specification and material selection can be critical in satisfying the test requirements.

Standards are designed to account for general wear and tear of the product in use, along with some slight misuse that may occur in use and is perhaps reasonably foreseeable by the user. There may also be product-specific regulations that need to be complied with too.

Regulations are a legal requirement and thus if a regulation applies to a product, compliance must be demonstrated to the relevant authorities.

Some regulations require businesses to use risk assessments as the method of assessment – and this can include testing. However, some regulations have testing written into the regulations, such as the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (as amended) for upholstered furniture.

Standards and regulations are reviewed and, where necessary, updated on a regular basis. SATRA is a member of the relevant British, European and international technical committees and can help businesses understand what testing is required for their products and to what standards. SATRA ‘s expertise means it can also help when evaluating any reasons for failures to help businesses improve their products to satisfy the requirements and be safer.

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations are currently under review and SATRA anticipates there will be a public consultation on the revision this year. It is advisable to keep abreast of testing requirements and use them to demonstrate product compliance.

Email: furniture@satra.com

SATRA supporting you Membership provides businesses with a range of benefits such as bespoke technical support and advice through our technical team, helping businesses to understand current legislation, influence new standards and develop product specifications.

F by ind vi ou sit t m in o g re fu a rn bo ish u in t m gs em .s b at e ra rsh .c ip om

SATRA Technology has launched a new furniture and floor coverings membership package, specifically tailored to meet the needs of these industries.

Also included are testing discounts, 20% of the annual subscription value returned in the form of vouchers and access to SATRA’s new online Furniture & Floor Covering Hub, a go-to repository for the latest industry news, technical information on standards and regulatory requirements, as well as industry focussed features such as polls.

www.satra.com furniture@satra.com Tel: +44 (0)1536 410 000

On e n o milliE V I E W S

ZIN D MAGA S DEMAN E T CREA R YOU FO

We only sell to the trade Sign up and gain extra sales as you’ll be listed on our website and we’ll point sales in your direction.

Sign-up as a stockist for free and gain all this:

+

Free advertising: your shop’s address, website and contact details promoted.

Free advertising to create consumer demand More traffic: we’ll link our site to yours to improve your Google ranking.

Instant contact: customers can click straight through from us to you.

Free Google maps: customers can see where you are and contact

Sign-up free as a Stroolmount stockist and

GIVE YOUR ADD-ON SALES A

Never throw away a sale… Don’t direct customers to DIY stores for floor and furniture protection.

Stock Stroolmount.co.uk products: when they buy replacements, show them your new furniture and flooring. sts p: It co Sign-u thing you no t u’ve go and yo to lose nothing ou do sy – unles g. nothin

boost!

“

B en efits

Stroolmount are always incredibly accommodating and have helped us make a big difference to the service we offer our customers

1

Free advertising of your business

2

Boost your Google ranking as we’ll link your website to ours

3

In 1 click, customers can visit your website from ours

FLOORING & FURNITURE PROTECTION SOLUTIONS Become a Stockist and View Products, POS & Videos 01942 271 271

sales@stroolmount.co.uk

www.stroolmount.co.uk

Tested and Proven...

In furniture warehouses

• Reduce manual handling

• Increase organisation

• Reduce stock damage

• Increase efficiency

• Proven in UK warehouses

• Specialist furniture products

Contact Steely

t: 0161 702 7002 e: sales@steelyproducts.co.uk w: www.steelyproducts.co.uk

Designed to work... Built to last F Edmondson & Sons – European Furniture Transport Specialising in the collection, distribution and delivery of high-quality furniture throughout the UK and Europe for manufacturers, retailers and private clients.

F Edmondson & Sons is a family-owned company with a proud heritage spanning six decades.

We offer nationwide delivery service, bookings for all deliveries, home and trade deliveries, full and part loads, receiving containers and re-delivery of goods.

For further information and to discuss your requirements please call +44 (0)1524 382211 Or email sedmondson@edmondsonfreight.co.uk

ALL STEENS AHEAD TO FTG! All in stock for next day delivery with no MOQ! The recent acquisition of Steens furniture into our partner factory Tvilum, has enabled us to build on our strong supply offer. Tried-and-tested ranges like Steens for Kids, Baroque, Tromso, and Sandringham, to name a few – all under the FTG one-stop-shop umbrella.

NOLA

HESTON

We can offer you 1200 + UK Commercial products available for same day dispatch from our UK warehouse. Great products, great images, great marketing material, 97% stock availability, e-commerce support, and a modern thinking customer service approach – all fused together to delivery a great customer proposition.

BAROQUE

SOFTLINE

RICHMOND More than 60 unique collections.

All in stock for next day delivery.

No MOQ. Ecommerce support.

Just call us: 02380 517067 and let’s see how we can support you. info@furniture-to-go.co.uk | www.furniture-to-go.co.uk

SANDRINGHAM

TROMSO

INDX Beds & Bedroom, 26-27 April, Solihull

PREVIEW

Open to all INDX Beds & Bedroom will launch next month INDX Beds & Bedroom will debut at Cranmore Park, Solihull on 26-27 April, open to all retailers.

The INDX brand now represents 12 sectors across home and fashion and delivers more than 20 business and buyer-focused shows a year. Each show is expertly curated to offer a commercial edit of industry-leading names, and the team behind INDX Beds & Bedroom has secured an unrivalled selection of brands to exhibit at the April show.

‘We are very excited to be introducing the beds and bedroom category to INDX Shows and the team at AIS has been busy preparing a fantastic line-up of suppliers for our April launch. INDX Beds & Bedroom will showcase beds, bedroom cabinet and sofa beds from some of the biggest names in the industry, and the show will provide a professional forum for retailers to meet with existing suppliers and discover new opportunities,’ says Emma Rackley, AIS director of furniture and home.

Exhibitors include: Dunlopillo, Emma, Gainsborough, Harrison Spinks, Healthbeds, Highgrove, Hypnos, Julian Bowen, Kaydian, Kaymed, Komfi, Limelight Beds, MA Living, Millbrook,

SHOW INFORMATION Free admission, free onsite parking and complimentary refreshments.

Opening times: 8.30am-5pm Tuesday 26 April 8.30am-4pm Wednesday 27 April

118

INDX Beds & Bedroom is the latest INDX show

Interiors Monthly April 2022

Relyon, Rest Assured, Sealy, Silentnight, Sleepeezee, Sweet Dreams and Tempur.

‘Sleepeezee has been hand-crafting mattresses in Britain since 1924, using a combination of luxury materials, innovative designs and traditional techniques to perfect the formula of a good night’s sleep. Every detail of each mattress is diligently checked for consistency and quality, so customers can be satisfied that the bed they are investing in will provide them with

the best night’s sleep possible. We are proud to have held a Royal Warrant from the Prince of Wales for over 30 years, and we are delighted to be attending INDX Beds & Bedroom and look forward to meeting retailers and customers old and new,’ says Amy Curtis, Sleepeezee head of marketing.

Visitors can also look forward to a series of seminars from a platform of keynote speakers during both days of the show.

Visit: www.indxshows.co.uk

PREVIEW

Il ritorno

The fabric exhibition returns to its Spring slot after cancellations and rescheduling

On 26-28 April, 69 exhibitors will participate in the 29th edition of Proposte at Villa Erba on the banks of Lake Como, Italy, as the show returns to the Spring schedule for the first time since 2019.

The show will have nine more exhibitors than September 2021.

Four are new participants – Steiner 1888 from Austria, GM Fabrics from India and the Italian companies Giò Emi and Tendaggi Paradiso – while others are returning to Cernobbio after an absence.

The presence of international exhibitors is significant, with 40 foreign participants and 29 Italian..

‘After two years of the pandemic, the world has not yet returned to pre-Covid times, and the Russia– Ukraine war is now increasing concerns on the human and social fronts. Yet, compared to the gloomiest months of 2020 and 2021, the situation in our industry seems to be going back to normality, and travelling and business are increasingly becoming part of our daily life again. Let’s hope there will be no turning back,’ says Piercarlo Viganò, Proposte president.

This year there will be an installation in the central hall: Exhibitor Forum, with a summary overview of the products that visitors will find on the stands, while the Proposte Marketplace will be accessible online.

Visit: www. propostefair.it

Proposte, 26-28 April, Lake Como

Above: visitors will again return to Villa Erba Above left: last year’s show took place in September

EXHIBITORS Alois Tessitura Serica , B&T Textilia, Burkay, Canepa Tessuti d’Arredamento, Casalegno Tendaggi, Clerici Tessuto & C divisione Luna Home, Crevin, D’Decor Exports, D’Decor Home Fabrics, D’Etoffe, Danzo, Delius, Deltracon Van Maele, Dilhan, Dinole, E Boselli & C, Engelbert E Stieger, Evimteks, Fibertex, Francisco Jover, Froca, Gebr Munzert, Gemini Padana, Giber, Giò Emi, GM Fabrics, GM Syntex, Güleser Tekstil, Haezebrouck, Hijos de Antonio Ferre, Italette, Italtessil, Lemaitre Demeestere, Libeco, Lodetex, Mallalieus, Manifatture Toscane Ta-Bru, Mario Cavelli, Marteks Difference, Martinelli Ginetto, Marzotto Lab, Monti Napoleone, Muvantex- Bekaert Depla Fabrics, Naturtex, Nelen & Delbeke, Neutex Home Deco, Parà, Penelope Dokuma, PIF, Pozzi Arturo, Ratti Domus divisione Ratti, Raymakers, RDQ – Rossini Della Quercia, Sirio Tendaggi, Standfast & Barracks, Stead McAlpin, Steiner 1888, Tendaggi Paradiso, Ter Molst International, Tessutica, Texital, Tissus D’Avesnieres, Torri Lana 1885, Van Neder, Verbatex, Verstraete & Verbauwede Fabrics, Viganò, Wintex, and Yutes Natural Fabrics.

Highlights will again be presented in the central hall

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

119

REVIEW

Up the gears

The show saw a 30% increase in exhibitors

BFM Fabric Show London’s new venue brought success The quality of enquiries from buyers, coupled with a significant increase in exhibitors, saw the BFM Fabric Show London 2022 move up a gear at its new location.

Initial feedback from both the buyers within the international furniture community and the 40-plus exhibitors in attendance points to a successful reception for the event’s new format.

The BFM moved the show from Stamford Bridge to the ILEC Conference Centre, near Earls Court, offering increased capacity and space as well as greater opportunities for more fabric suppliers to showcase products.

The transition to a hosted, invite-only show enabled exhibitors to highlight

120

Interiors Monthly April 2022

their products directly to a key professional audience, while a 30% increase in exhibitors ensured the buyers were offered an unrivalled exhibition experience to source high quality, contemporary fabrics for upholstery, beds and soft furnishings.

The 8-9 March show attracted fabric suppliers from Belgium, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Germany and the UK. Fabrics on show include wools, tweeds, velvets, cottons, linens, chenilles, silks, leathers, faux leathers, backing fabrics and FR treatments. The latest fabric protection and cleaning treatments were also presented.

‘We are very pleased with the feedback from exhibitors and buyers

and feel the new format has really hit the mark. We await more details from the post-event survey, but initial feedback is very positive. There was more opportunity than ever and we are glad we took the decision to press forward with plans to invigorate the event, after the challenges of the past two years,’ says Sean Holt, BFM md.

‘We are committed to re-investing in the show for the future and now look forward to delivering further growth next year, attracting more exhibitors and a wider audience of international buyers for the 2023 event.’

The next date on the BFM calendar is the first of its new regional industry events, at Ercol’s manufacturing headquarters in Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire on 26 May. The theme is The Workforce of the Future. Free-toattend for BFM members and £25 for non-members, it takes place from 6pm to 9pm, and includes a tour of Ercol’s factory, which appeared on the BBC2’s popular Inside The Factory in January.

‘Ercol is a superb location for our first regional event. The evening will bring the furniture community together, both BFM members and non-members alike, to create networking opportunities and share best practice. There will be a chance to listen to and discuss contemporary issues and challenges facing the industry and generally increase understanding and knowledge,’ says Holt.

Visit: www.bfm.org.uk

J O I N T HE I N V I CTUS F LO O R I N G T E AM COMMERCIAL BUSINESS MANAGER SOUTHEAST/HOME COUNTIES This is an exciting time to join the company, as Associated Weavers is building on its success with Invictus Luxury Vinyl Flooring in the Commercial Sector.

We are looking for a motivated and committed Commercial Business Manager to join the team and enable the company to drive forward in the fastgrowing Commercial Flooring market.

The ideal applicant will have a good understanding of the commercial flooring industry, ideally living on the territory, you will be required to visit existing commercial customers as well as sourcing new customers along with generating business through End Users and Architects & Designers... & of course, building the brand.

Interested applicants should send their CV and covering letter to commercial@associatedweavers.co.uk

A UK brand since 1964

www.invictus.co.uk

RECRUITMENT If you are looking to recruit staff for your furniture or flooring stores, looking for sales staff or reps for your manufacturing outlet, then INTERIORS MONTHLY offers a great package!

Our online package is just £175. Your advert will appear in our jobs section on the website until the position is filled or you ask us to remove.

Our weekly newsletter, which is mailed every Thursday to 7000 industry professionals, also includes a list of these latest jobs.

If you have both online and quarter page recruitment advert in our magazine, the cost will only be £250!

Costs for larger recruitment adverts are available upon request.

Please contact Jarrod on E: jbird@interiorsmonthly.co.uk T: 01565 631 397

The proven choice for healthy homes With Ultra-fresh antimicrobial technology, Cloud 9 products are certified for indoor air quality control.

Since 1995 Cloud 9 underlays have been made from recycled material and are recyclable at the end of their usable life.

Committed to sustainability for over 25 years.

It’s in our DNA.

Scan the QR code to see our sustainability story.

01536 200502 / bysales@ballandyoung.com / www.underlay.com