Interiors Monthly April 2025

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Ignoring the knitting

Retailers are showing their confidence amid growing economic and political uncertainty with store expansions

There is an argument for pausing and ‘concentrating on the knitting’ during economic and political uncertainty (the latter of which seems to grow by the day). However, we continue to see evidence of interiors retailers taking no heed of such notions and opening new retail spaces.

Furniture Village, Benson for Beds, Clay & Rock, Furniture Outlet, OKA, Harvey Norman, Flooring Superstore, Primark and the revamped The Range stores with added Homebase have all opened branches in recent weeks, or revealed details of plans to do so.

None of these moves comes cheap, but the daddy of them all must be Ikea. Its delayed Oxford Street, London store opens on 1 May (to be followed by its Brighton store), with the group having invested close to £400m on the building. While the store will only occupy three of the buildling’s seven floors, if you include the full cost it’s about £7,000 a sqft of retail space. Not everyone can afford that, but it’s very encouraging to see companies confident enough in their future to invest in expansion.

Talking of the future, who will be picking up this year’s Interiors Monthly Awards? Only you know that, as it is solely your votes that count in deciding who claims the industry’s recognition. Go online at www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk/votingform and cast your vote. Remember to include your details as otherwise your vote won’t count and you’ll miss out on the chance to win the luxury hamper.

It’s always sad to see historical retailers and manufacturers reach the end of their road. In the case of Adam Carpets this is more than 160 years of history. While a major downturn in sales and losses in the past two financial years has caused its closure, the brand may still live on.

After unifying its wholesale operations, Headlam has now done the same to the sales teams of six of its brands. The question has to be asked:what took so long?

Stunning new LCL collecton from Condor Carpets: soon at your local distributor. Visit:  www.condor-group.eu/en/carpets

INTERIORS MONTHLY APRIL 2025

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

4 Retailers push expansion

6 Headlam merges six sales teams

10 Administration for Adam Carpets

FEATURES

12Awards

Vote today in Interiors Monthly Awards 2025

14 New products 20Service

22Retail

Life begins, debut

34Rugs

Back to the beginning

40 Beds and bedroom

How sustainability is shaping the industry

64Outdoor

Lighting the way, completed, fast start

72 Living and dining

Need to know

75 Show guide

INDX National Flooring Show

87 Preview

Proposte, Long Point

90Review

FCE, Platinum Event, VIFA

102 Trade products and services

The support on offer for your business

Editor: Andrew Kidd

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

Furniture advertising (South): Tim Boden

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

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

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Retailers press on with expansion

Furniture Village is set to open is second store in Scotland in six months.

The company has exchanged contracts on the former Peter Vardy CARZ showroom near Glasgow Airport. The new store will be the chain’s largest when it opens in June.

Last year Sterling had planned to convert the showroom into its latest store, which was originally scheduled to open in December. The site is on one of Scotland’s busiest roads, located just off the M8.

The store will provide 50,000sqft of retail space and 20,000sqft of warehousing. The chain says it will give it the opportunity to ‘feature extended ranges of sofas, cabinet, beds and bedroom furniture as well as home furnishing accessories, together with café bar areas for customers.’

‘Following the incredible success of our first Scottish store, which opened in Edinburgh in December 2024, we’re excited to announce the opening of our second location.

After months of searching, we couldn’t be happier to have secured a standout site. It’s a fantastic location to continue

Furniture Outlet heads south

Essex and east London furniture chain Furniture Outlet has moved south of theThames for the first time.

The company opened in Charlton on 28 March, making its first move outside its core heartland.

‘We have been quietly revolutionising the furniture market since 2007, offering end-of-line and clearance furniture from top brands

at a fraction of the cost. In addition to this, we also offer their own exclusive ranges of great quality, great value furniture.

‘The Dagenham store is already an eight-figure powerhouse: it has always been our mission to offer incredible furniture at unbeatable prices,’ says Ianto Bellis, Furniture Outlet director.

our expansion,’ says Charlie Harrison, Furniture Village md.

‘This will be our largest store in the UK so far, and we can’t wait to open the doors and welcome the people of Glasgow this summer.’

Bensons for Beds has opened a 6,800sqft store at Sheffield Meadowhall retail park.

Interiors brand OKA has opened its 13th store. The 2,800sqft branch on the ground floor of Redbrick, near Leeds opened on 17 March, before an official opening five days later by Sue Jones, OKA co-founder.

It features living and dining roomsets along with Bunched, its faux floristry service and its interior design service.

Bringing in the May

Ikea is to open its Oxford Street, London store on 1 May.

The delayed opening will see Ikea use three floors of the seven-storey building to host roomsets, a market hall of home accessories, a planning department and deli.It will cover 62,408sqft.

‘Ikea Oxford Street aims to inspire home dreams for everyone, offering beautifully designed, functional furnishings at prices affordable for as many people as possible, ensuring visitors leave with

ideas and solutions that make everyday life a little better,’ says Peter Jelkeby, Ikea UK ceo and chief sustainability officer.

The ground floor will also feature curated shops to reflect the city and Ikea’s unique character and style.

Some 3,500 accessories and small furniture items will be available for purchase, with the remainder of the product range available for delivery or click and collect.

The store will be open daily from 10am until 8pm.

Second for Harvey Norman

Harvey Norman will continue its expansion in England with another branch in the West Midlands, and is to open its UK head office in the area.

The retailer will take over the former BhS store at the Gracechurch shopping centre in Sutton Coldfield. The 53,000sqft unit has been empty since the collapse of BhS in 2016.

‘The high-grade retail space and exceptional connectivity are key reasons why we’ve chosen Sutton Coldfield as the home of our new UK headquarters,’ says Katie Page, Harvey Norman ceo.

OKA has opened a Leeds store

The new Charlton store joins existing Furniture Outlet stores in Colchester, Dagenham, Leigh-on-Sea and Wickford

Headlam merges six sales teams

Headlam is merging the sales teams of six of its residential brands: Kingsmead Carpets, Manx Tomkinson, Kersaint Cobb, Fells Carpets, Gaskell Wool Rich and Telenzo, with the 28 sales representatives selling all brands.

It says the move will streamline the buying process for retailers and ‘make doing business with Headlam easier’ while creating ‘clearer price structures.’ The group says no redundancies are involved.

The new team will be run by Keith Morgan as head of sales, with Stewart Hollands as regional sales manager for the north and Dave Watson for the south, respectively.

£500,000 will be invested in new sampling for the renamed Headlam Brands product offer.

Crucial Trading, BMK & LX, Mercado and HFD Scotland are not included in the reorganisation.

‘These changes ensure we keep our customers at the heart of everything we do, offering them more products, nationwide availability and streamlined ordering processes: making working with Headlam easier and more convenient. By continuing to work with Headlam, our customers will continue to have access to the company’s unrivalled scale, national distribution network and experienced sales team,’ says Morgan.

Bensons

flags growth

Bed chain Bensons has highlighted increased profitability and ‘encouraging sales growth’ in recent months.

‘Our focus on the controllables has allowed us to continue to make good progress in a market that remains challenging. As we come to the end of the first half of our financial year it’s been pleasing to see encouraging sales growth, driven by our investment in training of our store colleagues, and our digital platform, as well as the addition of a number of Carpetright stores,’ says Nick Collard, Bensons for Beds ceo.

‘This and our continued tight control of costs has supported the continued improvement of our profitability. It’s a testament to the hard work of all our colleagues across the organisation.’

His comments came as the chain changes coo. Rob Pierce, former Loaf director will succeed Gavin Chappell, who is returning to Asda as vice president of food and general merchandise supply, in charge of the supply chain.

Dreams looks to nd love

Dreams has begun a major advertising campaign highlighting Finding You a Bed That Loves You Back, designed to show the chain’s commitment to helping every customer find a perfect bed that istailored to their specific needs.

In the campaign, beds are brought to life and transformed into characters with their own voices. Set against the iconic Queen track, ‘Somebody to Love’, it depicts Dreams’ beds wanting to be perfectly matched with a customer so that they can move into their forever home and give their humans the best night’s sleep ever.

Upbeat forecast for DFS

DFS has upgraded its profits forecast afterincreased orders.

The group says that trading in the first 10 weeks of the second half ‘has remained strong’, with orders increasing from the 10% rise seen in the first half to 11%.

As a result it now expects underlying profit before tax and brand amortisation of between £25m-£29m.

‘Our improved profit performance is testament to the strength of our customer proposition, the dedication of our colleagues and our collective focus on operational excellence, evidenced through increased market shares and customer satisfaction scores,’ says Tim Stacey, DFS Group ceo.

‘We are on track to deliver ahead of market expectations,’ he added.

Buckfast’s backing Ben Devon flooring independent Buckfast Carpets has secured a sponsorship partnership with Premier Rugby team Exeter Chiefs, sponsoring the team’s England Under20 player Ben Coen.

‘As a family-run business, we are passionate about supporting our local community, and this partnership is an exciting step for us. This is more than just a logo: it’s about growing our brand, strengthening local connections and supporting emerging talent. With the Chiefs’ incredible reach (more than 400,000 followers), we’re looking forward to making the most of this opportunity,’ says Steve Upperton, Buckfast Carpets director.

As well as its showroom in Buckfast, the retailer also operates the flooring department of Newton Abbot department store Austins.

Delivering the perfect match

RECRUITMENT

If you are looking to recruit staff for your furniture or fooring 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 flled or you ask us to remove. Our weekly newsletter, which is mailed every Thursday to 8000 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

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Adam administration confirmed after closure

The administration of Adam Carpets has been confirmed: the High Court approved the appointment of Joph Young and Conrad Beighton of the Birmingham office of Leonard Curtis as joint administrators.

Earlier Chris Adam, Adam Carpets md admitted the future of the company looked bleak and that more than 160 years of manufacturing was in doubt.

‘Adam Carpets has seen a significant drop-off in sales since the autumn of 2024, with sales levels deteriorating in some market segments up to one-third less than normal trading volumes,’ he says.

‘This deterioration has happened for a number of reasons, the most significant being adverse retail trading conditions in its customers’ retail stores across the UK sinceOc tober 2024.

people

Jan Duckworth, former Sofology brand director has become md at upholstery chain Cox and Cox.

Duckworth left the DFSowned chain at the end of December after eight years, including almost four as brand director.

‘I am beyond excited to be joining this super-cool, iconic brand. Living and breathing interiors is my vibe, and we will be doubling down on customer centricity, with easy, delightful access to our brand, whilst developing more stand-out pieces that simply add that thoughtful finishing touch,’ says Duckworth.

Brian Morgan, Victoria cfo is to leave the flooring manufacturer at the end of June, after ‘transforming’ the group’s finance function. He will be succeeded by Alec Pratt, who has spent 16 years in investment banking.

‘This is due to the negative UK consumer response to the Government’s Autumn Budget, which led directly to a significant drop in retail footfall and consumer spending on more expensive floorcoverings.

‘With gas and electricity prices remaining high and an increasingly negative consumer spending outlook around house price stagnation, and the upcoming increases in both National Insurance and National Minimum Wage, the company has reached the position where it no longer sees the opportunity to continue as a going concern.’

Adam Carpets has lost money for the past two financial years. In the year to 31 March 2024, it saw a pre-tax loss of £356,412 compared with £316,484 the previous year, as sales dropped from £6.63m to £5.84m. In 2022 sales had been above £8m.

Furniture inflation climbs again

Retail inflation for furniture jumped to more than 1% in February and is easily at its highest level for at least a year.

CPI for household furniture jumped from 0.7% in January to 1.1% in February, according

Deflation returns for flooring

Price deflation returned to the flooring sector in February, with all product sectors seeing lower price increases.

Inflation of 0.6% for carpets and other floorcoverings in January became deflation of 1.7% in February, according to ONS data.

Carpets and rugs saw the largest swing, with inflation of 0.8% becoming deflation of 1.8%.

Smooth flooring saw deflation rise from 0.7% to 2%. A year ago, carpets and other floorcoverings was experiencing inflation of 1.7%.

Furnishing fabrics and curtains saw deflation of 0.1% become inflation of 1.8%; bed linen inflation was static at 0.6% and table and bathroom linen saw deflation of 0.2% become inflation of 0.1%.

to ONS data.

This follows January’s rise from 0.3% to 0.7% and is the fourth instance of inflation inthe past five months.

A year ago the sector saw deflation of 1.6%.

Garden furniture again saw significant deflation, rising from 11.3% to 11.5% – it has averaged 12.4% in the past year – while deflation continued for lighting, albeit falling from 4.3% to 3.1%.

Flagship champions British craft

Floor and wall tile retailer Clay & Rock has opened a flagship branch on London’s King’s Road. The 2,300sqft unit is the chain’s 10th store, and is split across two floors and includes separate areas for residential and contract products.

The chain, owned by tile producer Original Style Group, says the store ‘is built on a foundation of both heritage and modernity.

A celebration of British craftsmanship, the showroom showcases iconic styles as well as new, innovative collections.’

Recognise the best

Once again in the Interiors Monthly Awards, we want you to tell us which retailers, manufacturers and suppliers are the best in the industry. As ever,

thecriteria are entirely up to you. To vote, visit www.interiorsmonthly. co.uk/voting-form and fill in the form: it only takes a few minutes. As a

Voting closes on 20 June. Here’s a reminder of the 2024 winners…

Best Furniture Retailer (1-3 stores): Housing Units

Best Flooring Retailer (1-3 stores):

Greendale Flooring

Best Furniture Retailer (4+ stores):

Furniture Village

Best Flooring Retailer (4+ stores): Kristoffersen Carpets

Best Online Retailer: Argos

Best UK Furniture Manufacturer:

Whitemeadow Furniture

Best UK Flooring Manufacturer:

Abingdon Flooring

Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer: Wiemann

Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer: Condor Carpets

Best Furniture Buying Group: AIS

Best Flooring Buying Group: Metro

Best Bed Manufacturer (Upmarket): Hypnos

Best Bed Manufacturer (Mid-market):

Highgrove Beds

Best Bed Manufacturer (Value): Sweet Dreams

Best Bed in a Box Manufacturer: Emma – The Sleep Company

Best Bed Manufacturer (Adjustable): Jay-Be

Best Sofa Bed Supplier: Kyoto

Best UK Carpet Manufacturer: Cormar Carpet Company

Best Rug Supplier: Think Rugs

Best Bedroom Manufacturer: Forte

Best Laminate Manufacturer: Quick-Step

Best Dining Room Supplier: Devonshire

Best Solid/Engineered Wood Flooring Supplier: V4 Wood Flooring

Best Living Room Supplier: Core Products

Best Underlay Manufacturer: Interfloor

Best Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer (Luxury): Alpha Designs

Best Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer: Lebus Upholstery

Best Vinyl Manufacturer: LeoLine

Best Leather Upholstery Manufacturer (Luxury): Stressless

Best Leather Upholstery Manufacturer: La-Z-Boy UK

Best LVT Manufacturer: Invictus

Best Recliner Manufacturer: himolla

Best Accessory Supplier:

Gallery Direct

Best Flooring Accessory Supplier: Floorwise

Best Outdoor Furniture Supplier: Maze Outdoor

Best Outdoor Flooring Supplier:

Alternative Flooring

Best Rigid Floor Manufacturer: COREtec

Best Flatpack Furniture Supplier: Core Products

Best Mattress Protection Provider: Mattressgard

Best Furniture Wholesaler: Julian Bowen

Best Flooring Wholesaler: Kellars

Best Customer Service (Furniture): Julian Bowen

Best Customer Service (Flooring): Victoria Carpets

Best Business Support (Furniture): BFM

Best Business Support (Flooring): Greendale Carpets & Flooring

Best Marketing Support (Furniture): NBF

Best Marketing Support (Flooring): SMG

Best Trade Association: BFM

Best Retail Software Supplier (Furniture): Ordorite Software

Best Retail Software Supplier (Flooring): Computers For Flooring

Best CGI Software Supplier: Orbital

thankyou, one of you will receive a Fortnum & Mason hamper, so include your details: without them your vote will not count.

Best Retail Display/POS (Furniture): Iconography

Best Retail Display/POS (Flooring): Associated Weavers

Best Furniture Exhibition (UK): Bed Show

Best Flooring Exhibition (UK):

The Flooring Show

Best Furniture Exhibition (Overseas): imm Cologne

Best Flooring Exhibition (Overseas): Flanders Flooring Days

Best for Sustainability (Furniture): Harrison Spinks

Best for Sustainability (Flooring): Ball & Young

Best Furniture Component Supplier: Leggett & Platt

Best Flooring Component Supplier: F Ball

Best Warranty Provider: Castelan

Best Product Protection (Furniture): Guardsman

Best Product Protection (Flooring): Stroolmount

Best Website: Furlong Flooring

Best Retail Finance Provider: V12 Retail Finance

Best Product Testing Provider: SATRA

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Innovation of the Year (Flooring):

Easi Sisal – Victoria Carpets

Innovation of the Year (Furniture): Catifa Carta – Arper

Outstanding Performance (Flooring): Likewise

Flooring Brand of the Year: Tredaire

Product of the Year (Flooring):

Country – Abingdon Flooring

Lifetime Achievement: Jessica Alexander, NBF and WCFM; Dids Macdonald, ACID

Here are some of the 2024 winners. Who will take the 2025 accolades?

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2 Louis De Poortere’s Mad Men series is now outdoorready, including the new SOL and Virgin Land collections, the former taking design inspiration from the factory floor and the latter from the enigmatic textures of distant planets and surfaces never walked by mankind. Visit: www.louisdepoortere.com

3 When it comes to choosing a cushion vinyl floor with contemporary cool, your customers need look no further than LeoLine’s Studio Casa, full of stylish flooring looks that are perfect for contemporary living. For wood, that means herringbone and planks in clean, premium grains; stone comes in sleek rectangular tiles with hairline grouts, and concrete has a trio of colours. Visit: www.leoline.co.uk

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5 Abingdon Flooring will give a first glimpse of five new designs and a new display unit for its Simply Smooth cushion vinyl floors at the INDX National Flooring Show. The display is the ideal partner to sit alongside the Simply Smooth laminate and LVT displays and showcase the depth of choice from Abingdon Flooring’s family of smooth flooring options. Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

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6 With 57 designs to choose from and wonderful comfort with every footstep, customers will be feeling delight with the latest Feelings cushion vinyl collection from Beauflor. Ideal for homes and private areas within social housing, Feelings brings an affordable and stylish floor that has all the benefits of warmth, comfort and practicality.

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8 Make sure you take some time to visit BerryAlloc at next month’s INDX National Flooring Show to unlock the secrets of its strong and water-resistant floors. The Belgian manufacturer is taking visitors on a journey through its water-resistant laminate ranges, strong wood floors and high-pressure floors.

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9 Moduleo’s Moods collection has been updated with 15 Moods Patterns using nine shapes in different wood and stone effects, for a look that’s soft and subtle, bold and daring, or anything you want it to be. Moduleo’s designers have explored subtle laying patterns in Rectangle Mono, through to the retro vibe of Rectangle Grid Duo and vibrant options like Hexagon Cluster and Diamond Floral.

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10 Floorwise F586 – The Perfect Fix is a new cartridge adhesive that’s a versatile solution for a wide range of applications. A quick-grab MS polymer adhesive, it bonds to concrete, wood, stone, glass and metal and has a cure time of around 20 minutes, for the one-stop ‘fix and forget’ solution.

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Hosted by

Fit for purpose Richard Renouf

Was it the bed casing problems or the health regime?

Two weeks ago I noticed my inbox was bulging with an email from a potential client. To protect her confidentiality, and because it’s the fourth month of the year already, let’s call her April. She was unhappy that her bed was no longer giving her the spring in her step that she had when it was new.

‘The mattress was comfortable for approximately two years. I then started to notice I was struggling to sleep through the night, would need to move more frequently, and my back would be niggling throughout the day. Eventually my back became so bad I had to stop sleeping in the bed. The mattress had atrough which my body would sink into, and it had become too difficult for me to turn easily. It cost me more than £500 for chiropractic treatment.’

April included some photographs to show the extent of the settlement –101.6mm, she claimed – although I noted that she was measuring to the lowest part of the quilting, and the rule was at an angle, so the true figure was about a tenth of her claim, as far as I could tell from the pictures. She also admitted that the bed had been inspected by a third-party company which had found no fault, but she believed they were acting for the retailer and could not be expected to give a fair opinion.

I responded: ‘Settlement of fillings is the most common complaint that I am contacted about. Settlement simply means that the fillings do not recover their full height after use, and it does not mean the fillings are no longer there, or are faulty. There will be the same amount of upholstery materials between you and the springs, as they are always compressed when you are lying on the bed.’ I added some comments about her measurements and advised her of the cost of a visit to check, but strongly

I read the reply with a sinking feeling…

advised her not to ask for an inspection as it seemed very likely nothing was wrong and I was not willing to come out simply to try and find something wrong (known in the trade as a ‘fishing trip’ and, in my view, unethical).

April’s nerves were clearly sensitive and I had touched one. ‘The mattress didn’t just develop a fault overnight. After the back problem started, I noticed the sunken area and the difficulties this caused me, and this made me realise it was the bed causing my problems. I’m going to be 60 this year, and although I have degenerative disc damage and other health conditions I do seven gym classes a week, body pump, spinning, circuits, power yoga, stretch and Pilates. I cycle most days and walk my dog every day. I recently went to a detox retreat in Thailand and did Muay Thai kick boxing every day, aeriel yoga and we hiked up some extremely steep hills to see the sights, including the big Buddha.’

It took some restraint to frame my reply. ‘Dear April, I’m very impressed by your abilities and activities, but any one of these would leave an ordinary person aching and uncomfortable, evenafter a good night’s sleep. It really doesn’t alter my assessment of your mattress: if anything it confirms it and points away from the mattress to your strenuous regime and the effect it is having on your body.’

It wasn’t the final email. April was determined to have the last word and I let the matter rest. But then something dawned on me: it seemed unbelievable that someone so strenuously active could assume it was the mattress’s fault. I spoke to a friend for some reassurance.

‘What’s her surname?’ she asked.

‘April Fool?’

Visit: www.richard-renouf.com

Richard Renouf is an independent furnishings consultant

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Now better than ever, Primo Plus comes in a new heavier weight, produced in a fne tenth gauge fnish, to create a sophisticated and defned appearance

Life begins

For decades SCP has been a byword for contemporary design in the UK. To mark its transition into its fifth decade it is revisiting its past while continuing to look to the future.

In early 1985, when Sheridan Coakley was on a regular trip to Shoreditch, London to re-chrome a batch of classic British PEL chairs he was selling from hisWestbourne Grove shop, he took

down the phone number of an empty unit for rent on Curtain Road. The SCP founder didn’t know that number 135 would become the home of SCP for the next 40 years.

Around the same time, Coakley visited the newly opened Café Costes in Paris, designed by the emerging French talent Philippe Stark. Coakley was particularly enamoured with the furniture, some of

which was made by Italian manufacturer Baleri Italia. On a whim, he contacted Baleri Italia to ask whether they would beinterested in selling the furniture in the UK, and to his surprise, it offered to make him its UK supplier. With this, the idea for the opening SCP show at Curtain Road – the UK launch of the Philippe Starck collection – was formed. In August 1985, against a semi-derelict

Overlap by Terence Woodgate will debut this month in Milan

Curtain Road interior in 1990

Shoreditch High Street in 1986

Sheridan Coakley in 1985, just before founding SCP

Quality comfort, naturally

backdrop of old furniture factories (of which 135 Curtain Road was one), fashion and shoe wholesalers, airy loft spaces, afew seedy pubs and a burgeoning art and party scene – a suitably chic new addition to Shoreditch arrived: SCP.

Coak ley started as he meant to go on: with a pioneering and rebellious spirit, an outward-looking perspective, and a willingness to consider new approaches to designing products –values that are still inherent in SCP.

In 1986, SCP presented its new designs – the first Jasper Morrison and Matthew Hilton products to go into production – at Salone. Then the only British presence at the show was reproduction furniture companies, so SCP lined up alongside them: it would take until 1995 for SCP to reach the contemporary furniture halls.

Morrison and Hilton are among the designers featured in SCP’s 2025 collection, joined by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby; Oscar Coakley; Alexandra Gerber; Konstantin Grcic; Lucy Kurrein;

Magnus Long; Philippe Malouin; Michael Marriott; Andu Masebo; Julie Richoz; George Sowden; Ted Synnott; Jonah Takagi; Terence Woodgate and Donna Wilson. Designs are due to be revealed during Milan Design Week.

A series of re-editions is being launched throughout the year, starting with SCP’s first upholstery piece, a 1988 sofa by Morrison. The Boxed Collection invites designers to develop smaller pieces that

can fit in a standard box size: a successful brief it is revisiting next month with a roster of designers new to SCP, as well as some familiar faces.

Thanks to the vertical integration of itsspecialist upholstery factory in Norfolk 22 years ago, SCP was able to launch a 100% foam-free upholstery collection in 2023, reflecting its a continuing focus on developing fully sustainable designs.

Visit: www.scp.co.uk

Coakley in 2001 for Elle Decoration

Matthew Hilton’s iconic Balzac chair and footstool in 1991

SUM shelves by Peter Marigold

Hoop daybed by Tom Dixon in 1998

PEL tubular steel chair re-issued and produced by SCP in 1985

Debut

The Primark Home Edit was debuted at the store

Faux flowers

Belfast is home to Primark’s first standalone homewares store, which opened last month. The 8,700sq ft Primark Home, located in Fountain House 100 yards from its flagship clothing store in the centre of the city, is the result of a £2m investment and employs 40 staff.

The store hosts the retailer’s bestselling home products, including small furniture, bedding, towels and ceramics.

The chain also used it for the launch ofits The Primark Home Edit collection a month ahead of its introduction to other branches. This includes 500-thread count bedding, home fragrances, the chain’s plushest towels and ceramic tableware.

‘This is a big step forward for the Primark brand as we continue to evolve our offering in line with the needs and wants of our loyal customers,’ says Fintan Costello, Primark head Ireland and Northern Ireland.

‘We’ve seen a real surge in interest for

our homeware ranges, which is why we’re thrilled to launch the first-ever Primark Home store in Belfast. Ever since the reopening of our Bank Buildings store, the shoppers of Belfast have really embraced Primark and we’re incredibly proud to bring further investment to thecity in return. The opening of this

standalone store has also given us the opportunity to enhance Bank Buildings, where we can now offer bigger and better kids’ and menswear departments.’

The opening came as the chain continues to roll out its click and collect home offer.

Visit: www.primark.com

£2m was invested in the store

The offer includes small furniture and rugs

Fountain House is just 100 yards from the chain’s flagship clothing branch

The store includes the Primark X Pinterest collection

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Relaunch

Lifestyle Floors is being relaunched in a multi-million pound move by owner Headlam. This will see its product offer streamlined to bestselling ranges, together with pricing updates and the introduction of revised POS.

The Lifestyle offer will focus on bestsellers, while discontinuing less popular products over the next 18 months.

As part of the move the bestselling Pebble Beach carpet range will see six new colourways, heralding a richer, earthy palette to the collection, reflecting demand for warmer neutrals in the home.

Fresh new designs will also be coming in for the brand’s popular South BeachTex and SilverTex vinyl ranges this month.

Lifestyle Floors is committing a multimillion-pound investment to support independent retailers to enhance their in-store customer experience, with redesigned POS. Designed for a bigger impact on a smaller footprint, the new units have been developed to maximise top-selling ranges of carpet, vinyl, laminate and LVT: ensuring retailers can display more products than ever before in a consumer-friendly way.

All units will come with enhanced, changeable display graphics for an improved shopper experience, and standardised 9inx18in and 18inx18in interchangeable carpets and swatch books. They will also have removable inserts to display prices, and more flexible folddown sample book handles, with clear range labelling for quicker identification. Wall units will also feature LED back-lit graphics. The new POS is designed to give greater creative display freedom and flexibility, so that retailers can adapt the products they display to suit their customers.

An improved pricing structure will ‘increase operational efficiency

and transparency to help independent retailers plan and sell with confidence’, says the group.

‘We’re incredibly excited about the future of Lifestyle Floors. By refining our range, improving pricing and introducing more engaging, consumerfriendly displays, our goal is simple: to showcase Lifestyle Floors and make it easier to sell for our customers. In today’s challenging market, we’re more committed than ever to supporting our retail partners for long-term success. We’ve listened to their feedback and

made changes that will make a real difference in their stores and day-to-day operations,’ says Paul Sewell, Headlam independent retail md.

‘This relaunch forms part of Headlam’s broader transformation strategy, which is centred around a customer-first approach. By leveraging cutting-edge solutions and focusing on retailer support, Headlam aims to set a new benchmark in the flooring sector, driving long-term growth for both Lifestyle Floors and its retail partners.’

Visit: www.lifestyle-floors.co.uk

Lifestyle Floors’ Pebble Beach Shoreline

Carpet wall unit

Nine-slot mid- oor unit

Vinyl 12-bed mid- oor unit

Beginning

All the designs were part of Layered’s first two collections

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To mark its 10th anniversary, Swedish rugs, furniture and homeware brand Layered has given three iconic designs a fresh look.

The Illusion rug, originally part of Layered’s debut collection, is now available in three new colourways. The viscose rugs Letters and Triangle, introduced in 2016, have also been updated with colour combinations such as teal, ochre, rust red, beige and yellow. The new colours were selected to offer a modern feel and harmonise with other colours and materials in different settings. The vibrant tones of the Ten Years Unfolded collection celebrate Layered customers, who have been confidently embracing colour since Malin Glemme founded the brand.

The collection’s patterns are rooted in design traditions and historical influences. The Illusion rug creates an optical effect that evokes a sense of depth, inspired by old patterns from Persian art and architecture. The Triangle rug is crafted to give a subtle threedimensional effect. The labyrinthine design of the Letters rug creates a graphic effect, making it a striking centrepiece in any room.

‘When we created this collection, we revisited some of our earliest products in the archives and found three designs released during Layered’s first year. These early statement pieces became

Letters in Teal and Umber Malin Glemme, Layered ceo and founder

Illusion in Blue Sandstone

strongly associated with our aesthetic and became part of our signature style. We felt the designs are still relevant but they could be refreshed with new colour combinations to give them an updated look that fits today’s aesthetic context,’ says Glemme.

‘The Ten Years Unfolded collection reflects the innovative and enduring design we’ve always stood for. Our customers are bold and appreciate pushing boundaries with both colour and form. They seek something unique and daring, and their taste drives us to continue innovating with creativity and sustainability in mind. This collection is a tribute to our customers, our history and is a guide for the future.’

Visit: www.layeredinterior.com

The designs have been updated for 2025

Illusion in Monochrome Triangle in Persimmon Pink

Illusion in Mulberry Sky

Insurance experts, guiding you through the

Insurance experts, guiding you through the

Insurance experts, guiding you through the

Insurance experts, guiding you through the

110 years

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110 years

With 110 years expertise, understanding furniture & crafting

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Triple-lock

The bed industry has been urged to ‘change those sustainability meetings inrooms full of self-congratulatory back pats and move to substantive action’.

‘The challenges of today should not deter progress: rather, they should reinforce the importance of sustainability as a business necessity,’ says Tom Williams, National Bed Federation sustainability and circular economy lead.

‘Companies should view sustainability as an opportunity to gain an advantage over rivals, increase consumer appeal and cut costs, rather than see it as a burden on business.

‘The bed industry, like many others, istr ying to navigate an increasingly complex operating landscape including economic uncertainty, political instability, an evolving regulatory landscape and changes in consumer expectations and habits. The NBF believes sustainability should remain a crucial business focus, regardless of any headwinds.’

Sustainability is not only about appeasing legal requirements and Just Stop Oil alike, it is crucial for business resilience, futureproofing and maintaining consumer trust, says Williams.

‘It might be a point that seems simpleto make, but adopting a more sustainable approach could be a catalyst for cost saving and increased efficiency within any business. Introducing basic measures such as improving energy efficiency and better segregation and

management of waste can significantly reduce running costs, but when was the last time you looked at the measures you previously introduced? The pace of progress in many areas is faster than you may think, so new technologies and new strategies and ways of thinking may now be relevant in ways that can push you into the next level of sustainability, and crucially, cost saving.’

The NBF is spending a significant amount of time and effort in working with its members to improve the circularity of mattresses. Its EcoDesign Principles and associated toolkit provide members with a reference with which they can start to look at a path towards amore circular operating model.

‘We recognise that we need to move

away from the take/make/recycle/waste way of operating and towards keeping the materials used in mattresses in use –ideally within mattresses. Whilst it might seem the main benefits of circularity would be in becoming more environmentally sustainable, a closed loop system could have more benefits than that,’ says Williams. ‘Recent global events have brought into stark focus the potential for volatility in markets and supply chains, but by adopting a more circular approach, manufacturers are better able to ride the unpredictability that global uncertainty brings. Putting all of that together, circularity seems like a no-brainer.’

Williams urges companies not to forget end-users. ‘Despite what

The NBF’s Pledge for Our Planet

Companies should end the back patting and take substantive action

Sustainability remains a key purchasing factor for consumers

To find out more contact info@bedfed.org.uk

Our aim is to support our members on their journey to become more sustainable businesses

Some of the things we have done to help include:

• Introducing the NBF Pledge for Our Planet

• Developing an ecodesign framework for mattresses

• Representing the bed industry and creating sustainable solutions

the current economic situation may leadyou to believe, there are still a significant number of consumers who expect more from the brands they buy from. In a mattress, they are looking beyond comfort and price, with a not insignificant number of customers scrutinising the materials, production methods and end-of-life options of their new mattress.

‘Sustainability remains a key purchasing factor, even as financial pressures increase. Transparency, ethical sourcing and recyclability are now competitive advantages rather than optional extras. Companies that fail to

address these concerns risk losing market share to those that do.’

Even if you are still not sold on the numerous benefits of a sustainable and circular approach to operating, sustainability-related regulations are becoming more prominent across the UK and EU. The introduction of digital product passports, stricter Extended Producer Responsibility schemes, and upcoming eco-design requirements willplace increasing pressure on manufacturers and retailers to account for the full lifecycle of products.

‘Companies that take proactive steps now – investing in better material

choices, improving recyclability, and reducing carbon footprints – will be better positioned to meet future legislative requirements without disruption,’ says Williams.

While individual businesses can make meaningful strides, industry and crossindustry collaboration is crucial. Products like mattresses need that collaborative approach and collective effort.

‘The NBF is working with its members to ensure that any approach taken is coherent, consistent and relevant. Real circularity and sustainability rely on changing systems, and that is not something that can really be done in isolation for a product as bulky and ubiquitous as a mattress. Now is as good a time as any to get together as anindustr y and change those sustainability meetings in rooms full ofself- congratulatory back pats and move to substantive action.

‘The challenges of today should not deter progress: rather, they should reinforce the importance of sustainability as a business necessity.

‘The NBF wants to suppor t its members in striking that balance between financial sustainability and sustainability in its more holistic sense. Ultimately, it is for each business to determine the importance of keeping sustainability as a key business strategy and prioritise when business demands allow.’

Visit: www.bedfed.org.uk

Sustainability can cuts costs as well as helping to protect the environment

Companies should move away from the take/make/recycle/waste model

Cut from a different cloth

We’re passionate about making luxury mattresses and beds in the most responsible way. It’s why we grow comfort fillings on our Yorkshire farm, weave naturally FR chemical treatment free fabrics in-house and make our own award-winning springs.

Visit us at the INDX Beds Show on stand P17 on the 29th – 30th April to experience our unique approach to luxury bed making. Find out why each and every bed we lovingly handcraft is proudly cut from a different cloth.

HARRISONSPINKS . CO .UK

Natural matters

‘In the world of mattresses, there is an often-overlooked material that remains relatively underrated: natural latex foam. While many are familiar with its syntheticcounterparts, few understand the true benefits and potential of natural latex foam. Often, the latex foam seen on the market contains just 20% rubber content, with the remaining 80% being synthetic latex. This combination, while cost-effective, falls short of delivering the superior qualities natural latex can offer. But what if there was a solution that elevated comfort, durability and sustainability to new heights?’ says Jonathan Borchardt, Apropa md.

‘Natural latex foam is made with 70% rubber content and further enhanced with graphite for fire-retardant properties. This unique combination is a step back to nature, a promise of better sleep and amove towards sustainability.

“The best natural latex foam begins itsjourney in Sri Lanka, where rubber trees thrive in the climate and where the finest latex is carefully tapped from the

trees. This sap is collected and processed into liquid latex, which is then poured into moulds and heated to create foam. Unlike synthetic alternatives, it doesn’t rely on petroleum-based chemicals or artificial additives. The pure rubber from these trees has extraordinary qualities synthetic foams can’t match, including durability, resilience and breathability.’

The foam’s ability to conform to your body’s unique shape provides optimal support and pressure relief. It bounces back, maintaining its form and comfort for years, ensuring mattresses offer the same support throughout their lifespan.

Natural latex is biodegradable, renewable and sustainably sourced. Choosing natural latex helps reduce the environmental footprint of the mattress industry, making it an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based options.

‘Latex foam is naturally hypoallergenic, making it ideal for those with allergies or sensitive skin. The foam resists dust mites, bacteria and mould, ensuring that the sleeping environment remains clean and healthy. Latex foam’s opencell structure allows for greater airflow, promoting better breathability and regulating body temperature during sleep. This means that with natural latex, users will stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter, all while enjoying a more restful night’s sleep.

‘One of the most exciting advances in natural latex foam is the addition of graphite to enhance its fire-retardant properties, offering a safer, more sustainable solution. This combination

not only improves its fire safety but provides a level of durability and strength that’s hard to beat.’

Despite its benefits, natural latex has not yet made its full comeback in the global market. The mattress industry has long relied on lower-cost, synthetic alternatives. However, with increasing consumer awareness of health, environmental concerns and the search for more sustainable products, demand is slowly rising.

‘Manufacturers are now looking for ways to integrate more natural materials into their products, and natural latex foam is leading the way. As consumers, we have the power to shape the future of our products by making informed, conscious decisions. When it comes to mattresses, the choice is clear: natural latex foam offers the comfort, durability and sustainability that synthetic alternatives can’t provide. By choosing natural latex, you’re not just investing in a better night’s sleep: you’re supporting a cleaner planet and a healthier lifestyle.

‘In a world where sustainability is an ever-pressing concern, the demand for natural materials in mattresses is rising. Natural latex foam, with its unmatched comfort, durability and environmental benefits, offers a clear path forward. Switching to natural latex is not only enhancing the sleep experience but also making a positive impact on the environment. It’s time for natural latex to take its rightful place in the spotlight,’ says Borchardt. Visit: www.mattressproduction.com

Latex foam provides optimal support and pressure relief

The sap is tapped from rubber trees

Demand for sustainable products is growing

Transparency

‘For many years, the mattress industry has grappled with sustainability challenges, yet despite its efforts a fundamental issue remains: landfill is still the cheaper option. While policies, pledges and frameworks help to guide the conversation, they have yet to delivera solution that makes recycling the logical financial choice for businesses. At the same time, an even more pressing problem threatens the industry: mattress fraud, an illicit trade costing an estimated £100m a year,’ says Paul Beckett, Reborn Products md.

‘Unscrupulous rogue manufacturers, operating from online selling platforms and the backs of vans, flood the market with dangerously misrepresented, lowcost products made from reclaimed materials without compliance, safety assurances or transparency.’

Mattress recycling and manufacturing company Reborn Products reuses components to make new mattresses, or where that is not possible it re-processes, upgrades or recycles them for use in other industries.

‘Reborn is not just another recycling initiative, it is a comprehensive circular economy model that finally addresses the real barriers to sustainability in the mattress sector. By making recycling cheaper than landfill through reduced gate fees, businesses are incentivised to choose the sustainable route, reducing the need for landfill,’ explains Beckett.

‘Our pricing model establishes a clear and transparent price differential between products made from reprocessed materials and those manufactured from virgin components. No more disguising cheap, unregulated

recycled products as new.

‘By clearly identifying products that use reprocessed components and ensuring full legal compliance, we empower legitimate businesses to compete on a level playing field – and cut rogue traders out of the equation. By reprocessing materials into desirable, market-ready products, we transform waste into value, combining recycling, manufacturing and trade supply into one seamless system.’

With extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes on the horizon, many retailers fear an added financial burden.

But Beckett says the Reborn model removes the need for subsidies or consumer charges altogether by making recycling economically self-sufficient.

‘Rather than relying on regulation and enforcement to suppress fraudulent practices, we change the game entirely. By removing their financial advantage, rogue traders lose their grip – and control and profit return to reputable retailers and manufacturers who do things the right way.

‘The future of sustainability in the bedssector isn’t just about designing greener products: it’s about fixing thebroken system that enables landfillreliance and fraudulent trade. Reborn is leading that change. It’s timefor the industry to embrace acircular economy model that works – for businesses, for consumers and for theenvironment.’

Visit: www.reborn-products.com

Paul Beckett, Reborn Products md

Taking action

With a firm belief that sustainability is a shared industry responsibility, Breasley is tackling the environmental challenges with measurable action, with the mattress, pillow and topper manufacturer integrating responsible practices into all aspects of its operations. By signing up for the National Bed Federation’s Pledge for Our Planet, Breasley has aligned itself with industry best practices, reinforcing its commitment to eco-friendly production. ‘The support and guidelines provided through the NBF really help us focus on the key target areas,’ says Sarah Khan, Breasley head of sustainability and supply chain. ‘From there, we unite all internal departments to drive our sustainability objectives forward.’

The company is dedicated to minimising waste, ensuring materials are recycled and repurposed efficiently. A pivotal shift came in 2020 under new management, when the company set

out to identify new ways to reintegrate excess foam back into production.

Foam recycling: using a crumbing machine, Breasley developed the UNO Lite and UNO Lite Plus pillow ranges, delivering comfort at an affordable price while also cutting waste.

Repurposing offcuts: core and support foam scraps are sent to foam manufacturers, where they are reprocessed into new foam blocks used in mattress support layers, seating and insulation across multiple industries.

Beyond foam, Breasley ensures all packaging contains at least 30% recycled content, while surplus cardboard is sent to recycling facilities. ‘We continually assess what we are using and how, so we

can become better at reducing excess across all areas of the business,’ says Khan.

Data-driven sustainability: effective sustainability isn’t just about action, it’s about tracking impact. Breasley uses datamanagement to measure emissions and evaluate its carbon footprint, enabling its teams to implement smarter, more eco-friendly manufacturing, purchasing and forecasting strategies.

Sustainable sourcing and safe materials: Breasley’s suppliers also play a critical role in delivering high-quality, sustainable products. The company prioritises: OEKO-TEX Standard 100-certified fabrics for safety and sustainability; CertiPUREU-certified foams, meeting standards for emissions, durability and responsible production. and non-toxic hot-melt adhesive, which require less energy to apply. Breasley also encourages consumer awareness: although operating as a B2B manufacturer, it is committed to influencing the entire product lifecycle. Recent initiatives include placing flyers inside UNO and Salus packaging, guiding consumers to the Register of Approved Mattress Recyclers in an effort to reduce landfill waste by promoting responsible mattress disposal.

By embedding sustainability across every level of its operations, Breasley is proving that eco-conscious manufacturing isn’t just possible: it is the future of the bedding industry. Visit: www.breasley.co.uk

Sarah Khan

Foam is recycled to make pillows

Salus mattresses featured in a recent sustainability promotion

Integrity

With a mission to bring consumers comfort with integrity, British bedmaker Hypnos is focused on operating sustainably and ethically.

Since 2011, it has been certified Carbon Neutral by PlanetMark and in 2022 it became the first bedmaker to commit to certified wool from Responsible Wool Standard, whilst paying a fair price for wool directly to British farmers. It has also introduced theEden Project Collection of mattresses, which are made with plant-based fibres such as pineapple, banana and orange, and this year, launched a new mattress for hospitality clients. These collections have been developed as part of a working partnership with the educational charity and social enterprise.

Last month saw Hypnos’ latest PlanetMark Business Certification report

published, for the period 1 January –31 December 2024. Across reported Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions (marketbased), Hypnos, through strategic improvements, has recorded a 14.7% reduction (over 100 tonnes), measuring a total 604.8tCO2e. Initiatives that have driven this reduction include reduced energy use and efficiencies and the transition to biodiesel and electric across its delivery fleet, a programme which is still ongoing and targeting continued reductions in 2025.

Alongside its drive to reduce the environmental footprint of its operation, Hypnos is also acutely aware of its responsibility to positively impact society by supporting ethical sourcing practices, and demonstrating environmental stewardship through internationally recognised certifications such as Global

Organic Textiles Standard; Forestry Stewardship Council; Global Recycled Standard; Red Tractor and SEDEX. The manuafacturer is also supporting British farmers with the use of Woolkeepers Responsible Wool Standard wool in its products. This upholds responsible practices in the wool supply chain.

Through the Woolkeepers initiative, Hypnos supports British farmers like Dougie and Mary Steel. Dougie, a master shearer and Mary, with a background in textiles, farm land in Campsie Fells in central Scotland and play an active role in the resurgence of the UK’s wool industry.

A new campaign has been shared on social media around the journey of this wool, telling the story of craft and expertise from experts – how the wool isgrown, how it is quality graded, and then crafted into a Hypnos mattress.

‘As a proudly British brand, we have enjoyed getting to know Mary and Dougie, just one of the farms that supply the wool for our collections. The passion and commitment to healthy land management and animal welfare was amazing to see, but also the curiosity and pride around how Hypnos use the farm’s wool within our mattresses,’ says David Baldry, Hypnos md.

‘We’re a responsible, family-owned manufacturer that takes its commitment to the wellbeing of people and the planet seriously, so it is a core value of our business to operate sustainably and with good ethical practices.’

Visit: www.hypnosbeds.com

Hypnos uses Woolkeepers Responsible Wool Standard wool

Eden Project Harmony

By Royal Appointment

A sustainable future

As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Jay-Be has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining product quality. In 2022, the company set a goal to redesign its Folding Bed range to enhance efficiency and product performance, and ensure every component is fully recyclable at the end of its life.

It began by re-evaluating the materials in the Classic Folding Bed range. At the time, 99% of beds sold by Jay-Be featured steel frames powder-coated in-house: a process that was both energy and labour intensive. In the new Modern Folding Bed Collection, zinc-coated steel frames are used, which reduces production time and energy consumption while enhancing durability. As a result, the product lifespan has been extended.

As a Zero-to-Landfill manufacturer, Jay-Be also improved the bed base material by replacing PVC-coated polyester with a specially developed, high-density 100% polyester. This upgrade made the collection fully recyclable, significantly lowering the product’s overall carbon footprint while also reducing energy and chemical inputs during raw material production.

Mattress sustainability was another key focus. All Jay-Be mattresses feature e-Fibre primary comfort layers instead of foam, made from a minimum of 70% recycled plastic bottles (PET). The combination of e-Fibre and mattress fabrics makes them more fire-retardant, eliminating the need for additional FR treatments in most specifications. Where this is required, a natural saltbased treatment is used, ensuring

high standards for comfort, health and sustainability are maintained.

Durable, recyclable plastic components were another priority. Following extensive research, all hard plastic parts such as castors, clips and brackets are now made with at least 70% recycled polypropylene or nylon. Jay-Be established an internal waste stream for these materials and provides clear recycling guidance.

Efficiency improvements played a crucial role in the redesign. The new collection has reduced production time by 20% and minimised energy consumption. The click-and-connect frame design has replaced traditional single-unit frames, making it possible to replace individual components rather

than the entire bed. This innovation has helped reduce waste and lower the emissions associated with production, transport and disposal.

To support transparency and customer engagement, Jay-Be introduced Product Passports which can be accessed via QR codes on its products: providing access to product specifications, sustainability credentials and recycling guidance. Through thoughtful design and responsible material choices, Jay-Be continues to lower its carbon footprint, extend product life and advance the circular economy, helping to shape a more sustainable future within the bed industry.

Email: sales@jaybe.com

The folding beds have reduced production time and a lower carbon footprint

At Jay-Be, we believe a great night’s sleep shouldn’t cost the Earth. That’s why sustainability is at the heart of our Folding Beds, Mattresses, and Sofa Beds. We use FSC-certified wood, fabrics made with OEKO-TEX® certified materials, and thoughtfully chosen recycled materials to create durable, comfortable, and recyclable products, because eco-friendly comfort should never be a compromise.

Zero to landfill

100% Foam free mattresses

Full lifecycle consideration Sustainably made in the UK

Sleep innovation

After a ‘standout performance’ at January Furniture Show, Purecare is to showcase its sleep solutions at INDX Beds Show in April and The Spring Furniture and Bed Show in May.

‘The January show marked a major success for the brand, where Purecare proudly unveiled its latest innovations to an enthusiastic reception. Among the highlights were the innovative range of cooling pillows and the Bamboo Silk bed sheets, which were extremely well received. With their luxurious feel and breathable, durable weave, the Bamboo Silk sheets offer a fresh take on bedtime comfort and will feature again at both upcoming events,’ says the company.

‘Retailers visiting Purecare at the INDX and Spring Furniture shows can expect

to explore a suite of innovative products designed to elevate customer sleep experiences. At the forefront is Purecare’s cooling mattress protector range, developed using advanced technology to enhance comfort and temperature regulation throughout the night. Already a staple among retailers looking for premium, performance-driven protectors, the brand continues to set a high standard for mattress care.

‘Also returning are the cutting-edge pillows that blend innovation with customer-centric design: Nano Memory Foam Pillow featuring memory foam crumb and PureCool thermoregulating fabric – this pillow offers targeted comfort while maintaining a refreshingly cool surface; Groove Contouring Memory

Foam Pillow created with front sleepers in mind – offering adaptive zoning, airflow technology, and a cool-touch cover for a tailored and restorative rest; and Wave Pillow, ideal for side and back sleepers – this uses dual layers of gel memory foam and traditional memory foam for superior pressure relief and a touch of cooling luxury.’

Purecare continues to strengthen its presence in the UK market, building on the Good Housekeeping Institute Approved Award for its OmniGuard Advance Mattress Protector; approved supplier status to Minerva buying group and official mattress protector supplier to AIS (Beds Category), and its dedicated training and support programme.

Email: sales@purecarehome.co.uk

Groove

Sanctuary

‘I envisioned the Sedona bed as a personal sanctuary, an ideal everyday object. The ultimate refuge in our contemporary lives. I would like the process of choosing a bed, its comfort and its design, to become a way to honour that delicate foundation of well-being that is sleep,’ says Patricia Urquiola of her design for Moroso.

She sees the bed ‘as an object that reminds us of the importance of distancing ourselves from technology for at least part of our day. A place where we spend fundamental moments of our lives: our last thoughts at night; our first thoughts in the morning; moments of affection, relaxation; when we read, finally free from distractions; meditate; converse with our partner or children; where we take a break.’

Sedona is named after the town near the Grand Canyon, famed for its red earth. It reflects a philosophy that

conceives the bed as a room within aroom. ‘Its design invites us to cherish these moments. The fabric I chose for Sedona features a lilac base with bursts of orange and green, creating an abstract pattern reminiscent of the natural landscape surrounding the American town. Not only in a literal sense, but also as an idealised, personal vision of a place that exists solely in our desires,’ says Urquiola.

It will be launched during Milan Design Week.

Visit: www.moroso.it

Urquiola created Sedona as a personal sanctuary

Boost your credibility with the National Bed Federation

If you stock predominantly NBF-approved member brands, join the NBF Retail Champions scheme

Start your journey today at bedfed.org.uk/resources/training Find out more and apply for free

bedfed.org.uk/resources/retail-champions-scheme

Curated

Put together by buying and retail experts, INDX Beds is renowned for its business and innovation-focused format. Across beds, sofa beds and bedroom furniture, the show is an opportunity to explore the latest product designs and bestselling collections from a curated selection of industry-leading brands.

INDX Beds takes place at Cranmore Park, Solihull on 29 April (8.30am-5pm) and 30 April (8.30am-4pm). Day one is reserved for AIS members.

Visitors and exhibitors are invited to join the INDX team for drinks, canapes

and live entertainment at Cranmore Park’s new hospitality venue The Loft on 29 April from 4.30pm.

A Barista Bar is open on the ground

EXHIBITORS

floor throughout the show, and another at The Loft from 11am-3pm, providing complimentary refreshments. Visit: www.indxshows.co.uk

More than 30 companies will be taking part at the show: Alstons; Disselkamp; Dreamworld; Dunlopillo; Gainsborough; Harrison Spinks; Healthbeds; Hestia Living; Highgrove Beds; HTL; Hypnos; Kaydian; Kaymed; Loren Williams; MA Living; MiBed; Millbrook Beds; New Trend Concepts; Novaluna; Purecare; Relyon; Reveal by Xsensor; Savile Bed Company; Sealy; Silentnight; Sleepeezee; Sofa Source; Sweet Dreams; Tailormade by Brook & Wilde; Tempur; Vispring; Wiemann and Willis & Gambier.

As easy as…

Given the premium associated with LVT and customers’ high expectations, ensuring a flawless finish to every installation is vital.

‘A long-lasting, visually attractive finish when installing LVT involves following the basic principles of subfloor preparation, as well as taking precautions to avoid common causes of floor failure. This can be broken down into a few simple steps. Careful product selection at each stage of the process will also help optimise the installation,’ says Neil Sanders, F Ball and Co technical director.

‘Applying a smoothing compound over the subfloor to create a perfectly smooth base and ensuring that the visual appearance of an installation is notcompromised by imperfections showing through is recommended. Before you apply smoothing compound, 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.’

At this stage, a moisture test should be carried out to make sure the subfloor is dry enough to receive flooring. Where Relative Humidity levels are higher than 75%, a moisture management solution is required to prevent moisture attacking adhesives and causing the flooring to blister and lift. The usual solution for suppressing excess subfloor moisture is the application of a liquid waterproof

surface membrane.

‘The subfloor also needs to be primed. Primers promote adhesion between the subfloor and the smoothing compound applied over it. Applied over absorbent subfloors, they also stop the rapid drying of smoothing compounds, which can result in insufficient strength build-up and a reduction in the open time or wet edge of the compound,’ says Sanders.

‘Another benefit of priming is reducing pinholing: small holes in the smoothing compound that have the appearance of pinholes or blisters, caused by the slow escape of air from absorbent surfaces as the smoothing compound cures.

‘To adhere the LVT to the smoothing

compound, pressure-sensitive adhesives such as Styccobond F46 are usually the best choice. They form an instant grab upon contact, so fitters don’t need to worry about tiles or planks sliding about, making them ideal for installations with intricate designs or patterns.’

Styccobond F46 is part of F Ball’s System LVT range of waterproof surface membranes, primers, smoothing compounds and adhesives, which when used correctly and in combination F Ball guarantees will result in an aesthetically pleasing floor finish that lasts the lifetime of the installation. The range also features pressure-sensitive adhesives with a variety of other specialist attributes, including moisture tolerance and the ability to hold vinyl floorcoverings firmly in place in areas exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations (from minus 20degC to plus 60degC).

It is recommended that fitters always check the compatibility of particular flooring and adhesives by consulting the flooring manufacturer’s guidelines. Alternatively, F Ball’s Recommended Adhesives Guide lists adhesives recommended for use with more than 6,000 flooring products from over 200 manufacturers. The guide is available as a free app, printed booklet or online. Visit: www.f-ball.com

Careful product selection at each stage of the fitting process will help optimise the installation

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All together

Following Gallery Direct’s acquisition and integration of Art Marketing into Gallery Group last year, it is bringing everything together under one roof for a more streamlined and enhanced trading experience.

For customers this means: one trade account – simplifying the purchasing process with a single account; consolidated ordering and invoicing – greater efficiency with all orders and invoices from one supplier; broader product offering – access to an even wider range of home and outdoor furnishings, lighting, accessories, textiles and more, with more than 4,500 products; 24/7 online access; continued service – access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise within one team; faster deliveries – improved logistics network for more efficient order fulfilment; one trade showroom experience – view the full product range at the Chesterfield showroom.

‘We are delighted to officially welcome Art Marketing customers into the Gallery Direct family. This marks an

exciting new chapter, bringing together two highly respected brands with a shared commitment to quality, design and customer service. For our existing customers, this integration means an even broader product range. For our new

customers joining us from Art Marketing, we’re excited to introduce them to the full scope of what Gallery Direct has to offer,’ says Peter Delaney, Gallery Direct product and sales director.

Visit: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

Cobalt abstract framed canvas, Kubbe chair and Wycombe open display

Drift framed canvas, hand-woven willow storage basket, Cercola armchair and Oskar applique cushion

Following the successful acquisition and integration of Art Marketing into Gallery Group last year, we have now taken the next step in combining the strengths, expertise, and resources of both businesses into one unified company. Effective from 1st April, Art Marketing officially moved across and joined Gallery Direct to create a more streamlined and enhanced trading experience.

By seamlessly blending furniture with carefully chosen artwork, you can elevate any interior, adding depth, personality, and a sense of harmony. Our 2025 Collection boasts over 850 new lines, spanning multiple categories, and represents our largest launch of furniture and upholstery to date. Exciting new additions to best-selling ranges, along with unique standalone pieces, provide endless options for design inspiration.

View our full collection online at www.gallerydirect.co.uk

Scan the QR code for more

Take the power

Yunos is Fermob’s first solar floor lamp. With an ancient Greek vibe, the 1.8m tripod – available in three colours –holds the bowl aloft for illumination. Equipped with one of the largest solar panels integrated into an outdoor lighting fixture available to consumers, it covers an area of almost 1,200sq cm. Itis dimmable and has two power settings along with an automatic setting. It can also be charged by USB.

Tristan Lohner has designed five lights and a chair for Fermob. Swiing increases this to six. Simply by tilting it, the user can manage the light intensity and make the light dance within the space. Both indoors and in the garden, the Swiing table light diffuses a soft, intimate light thanks to its chiselled polycarbonate diffuser with a finish similar to milk glass. There is a charging tray for Swiing that charges six lamps in three hours, providing 10 hours of light.

After the simple Ø25 version and the Ø15 triplet, Mooon has been expanded with the Ø15 pendant lamp. Adjustable in height from 150cm to 178cm, it integrates seamlessly under a covered terrace, perfect for lighting up long, convivial evenings, while indoors its soft, warm light illuminates a bedroom, kitchen or hall. It can be remotely controlled via the Fermob Lighting app or the Ludo connected switch.

The portable version of Aplo can be held like a torch or placed on a table to

brighten up a dinner party or lounge area. Let it serve as a handy wardrobe light or as a night-light, and with the adjustable strap it becomes a hanging lamp to see your way through the trees in the garden or around your tent on

a camping trip. You can also use the colour co-ordinated metal wall bracket to turn it into a wall lamp. Perched on itsstand, it becomes an effective reading lamp for quiet moments. Visit: www.fermob.com

Yunos

Mooon

Swiing

Aplo

Completed

Valentina Up, one of Diabla’s debut collections, has been completed with the addition of a dining chair

Originally comprising an armchair, a sofa, a sunbed and various tables, Valentina Up has evolved, improving its ergonomics and enhancing its presence through versions that further emphasise the slenderness of its structure.

Its steel V-shaped frame is the secret to the design, supporting the cushions and providing contrast to the attentiongrabbing cushions.

‘I have attempted to design using minimal elements in order to give the cushions more prominence, as they do in Asian, Hindu or Spanish-Arabic cultures, and to make them a structural element rather than a decorative one or a complement to an armchair,’ says Alejandra Gandía-Blasco Lloret, Gandía Blasco Group creative and communications director.

‘Normally with chairs the cushions become complementary elements, not structural: we use them to make

us feel more comfortable. With the Valentina Up chair, the cushions are anintegral part of the design. It’s perfect for enjoying the outdoors all year roundand it also has a place inside the house, thanks to its ergonomics.’

A member of the third generation of the family company, Gandía-Blasco Lloret won the Ibero-American Design Biennial and Elle Decor’s EDIDA Spain award for Valentina Up’s debut. Visit: www.diablaoutdoor.com

Valentina Up now has a dining chair

Upwards

As the warmer months arrive, the gardenfurniture industry is experiencing a surge in demand. Homeowners are eager to transform their outdoor spaces into stylish, comfortable retreats, driving a strong market trend. This upward trajectory is fuelled by evolving lifestyle preferences: an increased focus on home improvement and a desire for premium outdoor experiences.

Amid this dynamic landscape, Maze reports ‘a phenomenal start to the season’, marked by record sales and arapidly expanding customer base.

The garden furniture sector is predicted to see continued expansion, driven by premium materials, eco-friendly innovations and smart technology integration. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that offer longevity, withstand diverse weather conditions and contribute to sustainable living. As these trends gain momentum, Maze is ‘perfectly positioned’ to meet and surpass these expectations.

‘With an exceptional start to the season, Maze has capitalised on this demand through meticulously curated product ranges, competitive pricing and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Our strategic approach has resulted in a significant surge in sales, reinforcing our position asa leader in the garden furniture market,’ it says.

‘As the season progresses, we remain focused on sustaining this momentum. Our dedication to expanding our productoffering; embracing sustainable

practices and delivering outstanding customer experiences is central to our success. With consumer interest at an all-time high, we are confident in our ability to maintain strong sales and cultivate lasting relationships with our valued customers.

‘In a competitive and ever-evolving

market, our early-season success is a testament to our dedication, adaptability and deep understanding of customer needs. We look forward to a thriving season ahead, helping create beautiful outdoor spaces consumers can enjoy for years to come.’

Visit: www.mazeliving.co.uk

Maldives

Milan

Solis pergola

Outdoor kitchen

Affordable?

We are a country where more than a fifth of people have had to use more credit or borrow more money than usual in the past month than a year ago and more than a quarter of women couldn’t afford to pay an unexpected bill of £850.

In contrast, 47% of people think they will be able to save money in the next year, particularly those aged 30-49.

So how are your potential customers coping with savings, bills and the cost of living? Is their position more likely to make them look for credit when they consider a new bed or carpet? It seems yes, as long as the payment isn’t too large.

While 47% are confident they can save, 34% are convinced otherwise, with 17% unsure. The most confident are 16-29 year olds (59%) and men (49%: 46% of women). The least confident are

those aged 50 and over (39%) and a third of men and women.

That confidence is reversed in dealing with unexpected bills, where 73% of those aged 70 and above would be able to pay the £850; 67% of 50-69 year olds and 59% of 16-29 year olds.

The ONS Opinions and Lifestyle Survey results published in late March show that while an average of about a fifth of people have had to use more credit or borrow more money than usual in the past month than a year ago, this jumps to 30% for 30-49 year olds. All other groups, by age and sex, are close to the average.

The cost of living compared with the previous month has risen for 59% of people, been static for 39% and fallen for 2%. Those aged 70 and over have

in 20 people has missed paying a bill in the past month

felt the increase the most, with 68% saying costs have increased.

And how have people responded?

Some 42% are shopping around more; 40% are spending less on food and essentials; 63% are spending less on non-essentials; 27% are cutting down on car journeys; 41% are using less gas or electricity; 30% are using their savings and 10% are not doing any of these, including food banks or using more credit.

The vast majority of people are able to cope with their outgoings: just 5% say they have not been able to pay a bill or standing order/direct debit in the past month. And it seems interest rates are not having a huge impact on consumers. Some 17% say affording their mortgage or rent is very easy and 44% think it is somewhat easy. For a quarter it is somewhat difficult and 7% very difficult.

One

Many shoppers are managing their outgoings

Almost a fifth of people says managing their mortgage or rent is very easy

Experience effortless comfort with the Portland Dual Motor Riser Recliner. Designed for smooth, independent adjustment of the backrest and footrest, it provides personalized support at the touch of a button.

Upholstered in soft, inviting fabric and available in two versatile shades, the Portland is a perfect ft for any home.

Duty

In a competitive retail landscape where increasing the bottom line is key, navigating regulatory laws, such as Consumer Duty, can be complex. For V12 Retail Finance, it’s not just about being a leading retail finance provider: V12 is a proactive partner dedicated to supporting your growth, helping you and your business, and in turn, enhancing your customer relationships.

‘This has never been more important as retailers across the UK face the dual challenge of delivering exceptional customer experiences while understanding and adhering to financial regulations. With the Financial Conduct Authority’s Consumer Duty standards now firmly established, ensuring fairness and transparency for consumers isn’t just advisable, it’s mandatory. Therefore, partnering with a trusted finance

provider is crucial,’ says Beth Jones, V12 Retail Finance marketing manager.

‘V12 Retail Finance stands out precisely because we don’t just understand these challenges, we live and breathe them. Our commitment extends beyond transactional relationships; we are a responsive and proactive ally to each retailer we partner with. This means providing not just financial solutions and the service you deserve but everything in between that helps keep your business both compliant and competitive.

‘Our extensive experience in consumer finance equips us to provide tailored guidance and solutions aligned with Consumer Duty obligations. Regular communication, transparent processes and detailed regulatory insights are at the core of our partnership ethos, empowering retailers to confidently offer

finance to their customers. Our Specialist Introducer Oversight Team provides industry-leading expertise, sharing a wealth of knowledge and insight into regulatory requirements, helping to support retailers beyond achieving sales.’

Jones says existing V12 partners will be familiar with its approach: bespoke training, regular catch-ups and reviews, and dedicated account managers are all standard. Partners benefit from ongoing support designed specifically to enhance customer interactions and streamline processes.

‘From initial setup to day-to-day operations, V12 Retail Finance is actively involved in optimising your finance offerings to enhance the outcome for your customers. For retailers considering V12 as a potential partner, our promise is clear. Choosing V12 means aligning with a finance provider renowned for our proactive approach, transparency and comprehensive support trusted by many of the UK’s leading retailers.

‘We understand that successful retail finance is not just the ability to provide ways your customers can make that all-important purchase: it’s also about building trust. It’s all about you being safe in the knowledge you’re working with a provider who can help your business to consistently enhance your customers’ purchasing experience. In partnering with V12 Retail Finance, retailers gain not just a finance provider, but a trusted ally, fully invested in your long-term growth and success.’

Visit: www.v12retailfinance.com

Retailers must deliver exceptional customer experiences while understanding and adhering to financial regulations

Reborn

In 2011, Freifrau made a name for itself with its debut collection Amelie. The company is marking that success with a limited edition Coco Living version, also paying tribute to Coco Chanel as a reminder that iconic design never goes out of style.

The distinctive aesthetics of the new Amelie dining chairs and bench come from the combination of the furniture’s clean lines with fabrics from Kvadrat and Dedar.

Since 2011, Freifrau has continually developed the Hoffmann Kahleyss design, not content to think the work was done at the first attempt.

Choice has always been an important aspect of Amelie – there are nine chair frame options along with several barstools, benches and armchairs – including the selection of fabrics. ‘Variety is part of our DNA and a key factor in the success of this chair,’ says Niklas Helweg, Freifrau co-md.

The unique jacquard velvet collection Amuleto by Dedar plays with the geometric perfection of the triangle and its infinite repetition on a textured ottoman background. Its luminous, vibrant colours evoke the brilliance of rare gemstones.

As a second option, Freifrau has selected Clifford, from Kvadrat, which offers a modern reinterpretation of the classic houndstooth pattern. The jacquard weave, combined with fine twisted yarns, gives the fabric a subtle sheen and a natural linenlike appearance. From a distance the

colours blend seamlessly, making it particularly well suited for upholstery.

The new edition of Amelie has beenpaired with Janua’s T-Rox table in smoked oak and stone, which combines elegance and femininity with its striking presence.

Visit: www.freifrau.com

Variety is key to Amelie’s success

DO YOU

LVT FITTER OF THE YEAR?

THE 2025 LVT COMPETITION FORMAT IS AS FOLLOWS:

1) You do NOT need to be an NICF member to enter. Applicants must be 18 years or over on 30.04.25.

2) NICF Council members and previous Carpet Fitter of The Year winners are excluded from entering.

3) Deadline for entry is midnight on 30.04.25.

4) 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 12 ftters will then be selected to progress to the Semi-Final practical trials.

5) Semi-Finals take place between 24.06.25 and 26.06.25 at the InstallerSHOW, Birmingham NEC, with 4 ftters taking part on each day. The top 5 ftters will progress to the Grand Final.

6) The Finalists’ briefng information will be supplied digitally in August.

7) The Final will be held at The Flooring Show, Harrogate, on Sunday 21.09.25 and Monday 22.09.25.

ENTER NOW @nicfltd.org.uk/FOTY-Competition

The Semi-Finals take place on 24-26 June 2025 at the InstallerSHOW, Birmingham NEC. The Grand Final takes place on 21-22 September 2025 at The Flooring Show, Harrogate.

Fitter of The Year LVT 2025 Competition is kindly sponsored by

national institute of carpet & floorlayers HOSTED BY

Boomerang combines beech and tempered glass

Back in time

Gebrüder Thonet Vienna has again returned to the archives to bring Enzo Mari’s Boomerang desk to today.

The desk’s structure is based on acur ved, layered beech plank inspired by the boomerang-shaped beams used in architecture, and four sturdy but slender solid beech legs. The top, in

extra-clear tempered glass, follows the curved shape of the base to create a dynamic yet graceful effect.

The simple, functional design reflects the approach of a designer who always favoured pure forms and rational construction, in which every element can be easily interpreted in

terms of its func tion. It harks back to the concept of autoprogettazione (selfdesign) – which the designer intended as individual exercises to improve one’s awareness of the true and honest reasons for design.

Mari’s 1974 book Autoprogettazione? contained a collection of instructions for mak ing simple furniture using accessible materials. In the book, the Boomerang desk interacts with a wooden mechanical installation made up of a wheel with arms that brush the desktop, turning the pages of a catalogue in a repetitive yet fascinating, at times hypnotic, action.

The desk will be officially relaunched at Salone del Mobile this month.

Visit: www.gebruederthonetvienna.com

Autoprogettazione? shows the desk interacting with a mechanical wheel which turns the pages of a catalogue

SHOW GUIDE INDX National Flooring Show

New ranges, new colours, new yarns plus new innovations in smooth flooring. We’ve got it covered.

INDX

Essential appointment

In partnership with flooring buying groups ACG, AIS Flooring One, Bond Retail Marketing, Greendale, Metro and SMG, the INDX National Flooring Show brings together market trends, insight and intel for a commercially curated exhibitor edit.

The 13-14 May show is open to allindependent retailers (membership of a buying group is not necessary), giving the sector the opportunity to make industry connections, discover fresh new product ranges and explore top UK and European brands across carpet, rugs, laminate, wood, vinyl, LVT, underlay and accessories.

INDX National Flooring Show takesplace at Cranmore Park, Solihull on 13 May (8.30am-5pm) and 14 May (8.30am-4pm).

Visitors and exhibitors are invited to join the INDX team for drinks, canapes and live entertainment at Cranmore Park’s new hospitality venue The Loft on 13 May from 4.30pm.

EXHIBITORS

The Barista Bar is open on the ground floor throughout the show, providing visitors with complimentary refreshments.

Visit: www.indxshows.co.uk

Almost 60 brands and organisations will be taking part: Abingdon Flooring; Artisan; Asiatic Carpets; Associated Weavers; Axminster Carpets; Ball & Young; Berry Alloc; Bostik; Brink & Campman; Brintons Carpets; BRM; Carpet Recycling UK; Causeway Carpets; Cavalier Carpets; Coretec; Cormar Carpet Company; CPS Group; Fells Carpets; Fibre; FITA; Floorify; Flooring One; Gooch Oriental Carpets; Greendale; Headlam; Interfloor; Invictus; ITC; Kidderminster Carpet Manufacturers’ National Charity Golf Tournament; Kingsmead Carpets; Kleen-Tex Industries; Lamett; Lano; Likewise; Louis De Poortere; Manx Tomkinson; Mastercraft Rugs; MasterPiece Systems; Melrose Interiors; National Carpets; NICF; Penthouse Carpets; QA Flooring Solutions; Riviera Home; SEBO; SMG; Stairrods UK; Tarkett; Telenzo; The Vintage & Modern Rug Company; The Woven Edge; Ulster Carpets; Universal Mouldings; Westex Carpets; Woodpecker and WoolSafe.

Set apart

Greendale Carpets & Flooring will again be exhibiting at the INDX National Flooring Show and highlighting what sets it apart from other buying groups.

‘Greendale has a unique standing among buying groups in that we have our own warehouse, where we store stock bought for the sole use of our members. This will include exclusive colours and ranges available only to Greendale members,’ says Eamonn Prescott, Greendale chief executive.

Greendale is also the only buying group with mutual trading status.

‘Mutual trading status is very important to us as we are a member-owned

cooperative: we only sell carpet to our members. They can access all the leading suppliers through our buying system, and it means that the group is exempt from corporation tax. This allows any surplus that we make to be placed back to the members tax free.’

Greendale is also actively involved in charitable work including reuse schemes with The Salvation Army and No Floor No More. ‘Our aim is to reduce our waste-to-landfill year on year. We have numerous projects to achieve this, such as upcycling old tombolas and lecterns. We have also found ways to donate our discontinued

samples to local charity shops for them to sell to raise money.

‘Our largest and most rewarding project is working with charities such as The Salvation Army and No Floor NoMore, who are carpeting rooms and homes of people less fortunate than others. So far we have donated carpet with a retail value of more than £40,000 and seen some fantastic photos of our carpets being installed into rooms that previously had just bare boards. This is what makes this group so special. Our members have a special place in their local communities,’ says Prescott. Visit: www.greendalecarpets.co.uk

Look good

Likewise Floors is delighted to return to the INDX National Flooring Show to showcase its new ranges. With a focuson supporting independent flooring retailers with a plethora of in-store POS and new ranges across all aspects of the flooring market, there will be something new for all visitors. The Cotswold Wood Collection is a premium engineered wood flooring range designed to combine timeless elegance with superior durability. Suitable for residential and commercial spaces, Cotswold Wood offers a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern performance. Built for enhanced stability and longevity, 125mm, 190mm and herringbone planks are available in six colours to suit all interior styles.

Laminate flooring ranges available on eye-catching yet space-saving bespoke display units include Vitality, a collection of 10 modern decors available in two specifications: Vitality Style and the water-resistant Vitality Aqua. With realistic surface structures and a subtle four-sided bevel, it offers the beauty of a real wood finish but with practicality. It has the Uniclic system for ease of installation.

Likewise Floors’ premium brand Floors by Lewis Abbott will showcase its recently launched collection of premium carpet ranges branded around The Classics. Displayed on bespoke POSunits, the ranges include pure new wool, loop piles, nylon luxury velvets and flatwoven contrast loops.

Vanity Fair and Sensibility are deep, luxurious nylon velvet piles in a palette of neutrals and greys. Expectations has superb tuft definition produced from bright polyester yarns and comes in a wide range of colours. Huckleberry and Pickwick are high-quality, 100% wool loop-pile ranges in neutral colourways, while Gatsby comes in a choice of herringbone and boucle flatweave designs with natural colours and with its unique felt backing for easy fitting.

The Herringbone range was recently relaunched with five additional colour options in a luxury collection of contemporary shades, with an elegant woven construction designed to create a unique fashionable look.

Email: enquiries@likewisefloors.co.uk

Debuts will be supported by POS

Preparing to land!

They’re looking forward to showing you how our pioneering campaign has been bringing the UK’s favourite underlay brand to new audiences, helping them discover the incredible feeling of Tredaire underlay.

You are invited to join our continuing mission to put the Tredaire name at the forefront of customers’ minds. Come and speak to us about our groundbreaking retailer support as it enters its next phase.

Don’t

New collections, new suppliers

Buying group SMG will be at the show talking tomembers about two new suppliers tothe group and launching a collection of modern Axminsters exclusive to members. ‘We are looking forward to seeing members on our stand to discuss new products and all the advantages exclusive to SMG membership, says Linda Thomas, SMG head of group operations.

‘SMG has something for every retailer, large or small, long established or just starting out. Members run their business as they see fit but gain advantage from the most comprehensive package of benefits which really can’t be beaten. Independent retailers are attracted to joining SMG as the group guarantees that members can retain their complete independence but at the same time benefit from preferential discounts, rebate schemes and promotions from a comprehensive range of approved suppliers. Not only that, they can access products from any approved supplier via our central purchasing scheme, even without a direct account.’

As well as access to and preferential terms with flooring manufacturers, SMG offers members the chance to sell own-branded product without the need to commit to complete re-branding of their store. With new products added all the time and the ability to own-brand as required, there is always something new to add to the retailer’s arsenal in the fight against online price

comparisons and multiple retailers.

Representing more than 450 retail outlets in the UK, not only is SMG regularly adding to the flooring proposition, it has also developed a comprehensive business support package that rewards retailers too.

‘Not only do SMG members benefit from great terms, SMG offers a business support package that is second to none. With a free-of-charge business

Members have access to exclusive marketing support

support helpline, bespoke SMG retail insurance, discounted utility brokerage and preferential credit card rates, it really is an all-round great deal.

‘The key driver for SMG has always been to create profitable partnerships between members and approved suppliers. They have the same goals and SMG is able to deliver more sales and greater profitability for both.’

Visit: www.smg-group.co.uk

SMG at 2024’s INDX National Flooring Show

Solved

MasterPiece is well known for the ease of take-up of its measuring, planning and estimating software for use by the estimator in the home and subsequently in the store for costing revisions. A hands-on two-hour session over Zoom equips the new user to tackle real jobs. It’s easy to set up on iPad, Android, Mac and Windows.

MasterPiece has developed answers to questions that commonly arise: Customer Payments Management: to support the interaction with accounting software such as Xero, QuickBooks or Sage, a ‘bookkeepers’ login streamlines the process by ‘checking off’ that payments have been entered into the accounting system. This eliminates time creating estimates and invoices in the accounting system itself.

Import Floor Plans: this impressive facility enables floor plans from Rightmove or from a builder/architect to be brought into MasterPiece and thentraced over to scale. ‘Is your property available on Rightmove?’ becomes a standard question to ask.

Part Fits Facility: part/split fits are

ABINGDON FLOORING

Abingdon Flooring will show the retail industry why itscarpet, laminate and vinyl ranges continue to be a favourite with householders nationwide. Some of the British manufacturer’s most celebrated recent carpets will be on its stand, including Stainfree Rustique Ultra and Love Story Soft Whisper, alongside some product reveals, five new designs and a new display unit for its Simply Smooth cushion vinyl floors.

Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

typically handled by a messy process of marking up plans and fitting sheets with coloured pens. With MasterPiece, part fits can be specified via the dashboard and a separate set of ‘info for fitter and warehouse’ is generated for each part fit: what to put on the van and what the fitter needs to do.

Fitter and Estimator Scheduling Diary: this supports the fittings manager by automatically assessing the duration of fit, enabling more than one team on a fit, with texting in advance. The fitter sees their own schedule on their phone and captures customer signature and notes.

In-store Sales: simple in-store sales such as remnants, special orders and supply only can be supported.

Visit: www.masterpiece-system.com

BALL & YOUNG

Ball & Young, part of The Vita Group, has successfully achieved EPD Certification for two more products in its portfolio. Cloud 9 Cirrus is perfect for luxury use and general domestic areas like living rooms and bedrooms, and Cosi 8 is ideal for light to general domestic areas with low to medium wear, adding a touch of luxury and comfort to homes.

Visit: www.ballandyoung.com

INDX National Flooring Show

INDX National Flooring Show

CORMAR CARPET COMPANY

Cormar Carpet Company is delighted to be attending the INDX National Flooring Show this year, showcasing its award-winning product portfolio alongside a selection of exciting new ranges, including the recently re-launched Primo Plus range from its popular easy-clean collection. In addition to this much anticipated launch, Cormar will also be unveiling a new range for spring.

Find Cormar on stand P500.

Visit: portal.cormarcarpets.co.uk

INTERFLOOR

The Tredaire-nauts are ready to touch down at the INDX National Flooring Show this May. Join the Interfloor team as it showcases how its pioneering campaign has been bringing the UK’s favourite underlay brand to new audiences. Come and chat with the team (and some Tredaire-nauts) about the groundbreaking retailer support as it enters its next exciting phase.

Visit: www.interfloor.com

GREENDALE CARPETS & FLOORING

Greendale Carpets & Flooring is one of the longest established buying groups in the UK. In 2025 it will celebrate 63 years as a member-owned cooperative. Run on a ‘not for profit’ basis, Greendale holds ‘mutual trading’ status, allowing any surplus it makes to be exempt from corporation tax.

Visit: www.greendalecarpets.co.uk

LANO CARPETS

Fairfield Design is a composition of two patterns and a plain to connect the designs. The collection is classy and classic, making Fairfield Design the perfect match for timeless and modern interiors. Patterns can complement an existing interior or become the statement of the room: the choice is all yours.

Visit: www.lano.com

LIKEWISE RUGS & MATTING

Likewise Rugs & Matting is delighted to be back at the INDX National Flooring Show, showcasing some fantastic new ranges including indoor mats, doormats and additions to its bestselling rug ranges. Silk Road

Tashkent (pictured) is timelessly elegant with a lustrous silky-soft touch. It is practical too, with a slip-resistant backing to prevent movement on smooth floors and machine washable.

The full range will be displayed on stand P380.

Email: info@likewisematting.com

SMG

As well as promoting the extensive benefits of SMG membership to the Independent retailer, SMG is showcasing new products and suppliers to the group at the INDX National Flooring Show. Each new initiative is designed to give members even more tools to maximise their product offer; increase link selling opportunities; and naturally, increase their profit.

Visit: www.smg-group.co.uk

PENTHOUSE CARPETS

Penthouse Carpets has been a part of Britain’s rich textile heritage since 1972. Its success depends on its customers being as happy with its carpets as it is. It is passionate about designing and crafting beautiful high-quality floorcoverings that set the benchmark for style, comfort and durability.

Penthouse quality, naturally.

Visit: www.penthousecarpets.co.uk

RECRUITMENT

If you are looking to recruit staff for your furniture or fooring 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 flled or you ask us to remove. Our weekly newsletter, which is mailed every Thursday to 8000 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

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Debuts

Proposte will see four companies make their debuts at the top-end fabric and soft furnishings exhibition, along with two notable returnees.

Some 78 companies will take part in the 6-8 May event held by Lake Como: 30 Italian and 48 international.

Italian firm Tessitura Enrico Sironi; Belgian exhibitor Tavelmo; German producer Hohmann and Finnish company Annala will take part for the first time as the show presents its 32nd edition.

Suffolk producer David Walters Fabrics and Italian company Imatex will return to the show.

‘These new entries and the two important returns provide evidence of the value and attractiveness of Proposte,’ says Massimo Mosiello, Proposte director.

‘Their participation will enrich the

offering by bringing new perspectives and innovative solutions to the world of furnishing fabrics, complementing the already prestigious products

EXHIBITORS

presented by our historic exhibitors every year during the three days of the event.’

Visit: www.propostefair.it

Alois Tessitura Serica; Annala; Antonio Ferre; Aquaclean Fabrics; B & T Textilia; Baumann Dekor; Belo Velvets; Burkay; Casalegno Tendaggi; Mario Cavelli; Clerici Tessuto & C; Crevin; Danzo; David Walters Fabrics; D’Decor Exports; D’Decor Home Fabrics; Deltracon Van Maele; De Negri Luxury; D’Etoffe; Dilhan; Dinole; Engelbert E Stieger; Enzo Degli Angiuoni; Evimteks; Fibertex; Francisco Jover; Froca; GM Fabrics; GM Syntex; Gemini Padana; Giber; Guleser Tekstil; Haezebrouck; Harris Tweed Hebrides; Hield; Hohmann; Imatex; Italette; Italtessil; Libeco; Linder; Lodetex; Mallalieus; Marteks Difference; Martinelli Ginetto; MTL; Munzert; Muvantex Bekaert Depla Fabrics; MYB Textiles; Nelen & Delbeke; Para; Penelope Dokuma; PIF; Pozzi Arturo; Print4 Group; Ratti; Rossini Della Quercia; Seteria Bianchi; Sirio Tendaggi; Sirpi Wallcoverings; Standfast & Barracks; Tavelmo; Tendaggi Paradiso; Ter Molst International; Tessitura Enrico Sironi; Tessutica; The Isle Mill; Thistle Mills; Tissage Mahieu; Tissus D’Avesnieres; Torri Lana 1885; Toscane Ta-Bru; Van Neder; Verbatex; Verstraete & Verbauwede Fabrics; Vigano; Wintex and Yutes Natural Fabrics.

The venue, Villa Erba, overlooks Lake Como

Long Point

Premier action

For more than 50 years the Long Eaton Guild of Furniture Manufacturers has hosted trade furniture exhibitions in the Derbyshire town.

The first Long Point of this year will see 33 furniture companies congregate, including four new exhibitors: Baker Furniture; Buoyant Upholstery; Master Sofas and Orbital Vision.

From 12-14 May, products on show willcover upholstery – the heart of the event for decades, living and bedroom cabinet, fabrics, accessories and software.

Visitors can easily reach Long Eaton by train or car (J25 of the M1 is a mile away). Visit: www.longeatonguild.co.uk

EXHIBITORS

33 exhibitors will be participating at nine venues:

l West End Mills: Abode; Couch & Co; Orbital Vision; Tamerisk and Warwick Fabrics.

l Harrington Mills: Alexander & James; Ashley Manor; At The Helm; Baker Furniture; Carlton Furniture; David Gundry; Duresta Upholstery; G Plan; Hjort Knudsen; Hunter Knight; Kesterport; Master Sofas; Michael Tyler; Parker Knoll; Siren Furniture; Violino; Wiemann Bedroom and Webs Training.

l Westgate Suite: Contrast Upholstery and Buoyant Upholstery.

l Wade Exhibition Centre: Hartmann Mobel and Ramaro.

l College Street: Andrew Paul Furniture.

l Bridge Street: Artistic Upholstery and Iain James Furniture.

l Bonsall Street: Steed Upholstery.

l Wilsthorpe Road: Gascoigne Design.

l Novotel Hotel: Ashwood Designs.

Hartmann’s Linea

Hartmann’s Audra

Wiemann Miami Plus with graphite carcase and pebble grey glass and mirrored fronts

On the up

With more exhibitors, visitors and positive feedback across the board, the second Furniture Component Expo cemented its position as a key event in the calendar for the supply side of the industry.

The show was created to meet the needs of large and small furniture manufacturers including beds, mattresses, cabinet and upholstery: providing a one-stop showcase of component products from a wide range of leading suppliers, as well as offering opportunities for delegates to gain industry insights, collaborate with colleagues and network with partners.

‘Once again, FCE was all about backing the British furniture industry and bringing together manufacturers and suppliers in a format that provided opportunities to review and purchase products from across the entire furniture supply chain. It’s proving to be a great formula and one we look forward to repeating in 2026 on 11-12 March. Comments from delegates and exhibitors have been extremely positive and we are delighted that, having recognised a need within the industry, we have provided an event that has been both useful and productive for manufacturers and suppliers. This year,

we achieved an 80% rebook rate – a clear testament to the value and ROI the expo delivers,’ says Phil Spademan, BFA md.

‘We also expanded the expo, with about 50% of exhibitors attending for the first time this year, drawn by the event’s growing reputation and the tangible benefits it provides.’

For Mike Crowshaw, Peak Converters md and many others, the show was an opportunity to showcase sustainability. Peak highlighted its use of chemical-free water-based glues, combined with its use of plastic bottles in its flagship Peak Pocket. A large screen updated

Fibreline topped the Excellence in Education awards

Ethan McGuigan of Harrison Spinks was named Sustainability Champion

visitors with the number of bottles recycled this year, which reached 297,284 during the show.

Spinks came to FCE keen to highlight the use of springs in chairs and exhibited micro-pocket spring potential in armrests as well as seat and back cushions. Going forwards, the sensitivity that micro-pocket spring technology brings will become amore common feature of furniture.

‘More springs offers flexibility of support, better comfort, and allows greater airflow. They are also more durable than foam, making them more sustainable because they have a life expectancy of 15 years – more than double that of foam,’ says Steaven Hodgson, Spinks sales director.

Leggett & Platt showcased its nanocoil technology, with the use of smaller springs allowing for the versatile sheets to be rolled or folded. The company also looked ahead to further product introductions including combined

springs and foam offerings.

Carpenter showcased its graphiteinfused foams, such as Aurora, alongside its Podz pocket cushioning. Up to 14cm deep, they allow increased airflow through their placement in different types of foam.

Enkev championed the company’s ‘engineered for sustainability’ approach to manufacturing circular and biodegradable materials for use in mattresses and seats, as it looked to gain traction across existing markets rather than target new markets, and highlighted the opportunity to showcase to sectors it was traditionally underexposed to, such as upholstery.

Handy promoted its green credentials through its chemical-free water-based glue; 100%-wool tape edging available in a vatiety of colours for mattresses and upholstery, and FSC-approved divan feet.

Fibre Components also highlighted itsapproach to sustainability with its

FSC-certified boards.

Plasfoils made its show debut and showcased Namuri. Chris Green, Plasfoils md says there is a trend towards woodtype foils, and Plasfoils’ colours are becoming more muted, with a shift away from greys and towards beige and other less intense tones. Also on show were high gloss foils available in PVC and PET.

Vita Group highlighted its Origin and Orbis next-generation foams: Origin integrates plant-based polyols, whilst Oribis is the company’s closed loop offering, incorporating recycled content from end-of-life products.

‘FCE was made possible through the support of our headline sponsors Vita Group, BeA Group and Prima Tooling, along with registration sponsor Carpenter. We are grateful to them and everyone involved in making the show, where furniture takes shape, a success,’ says Spademan.

Visit: www.fcexpo.co.uk

FUTURE WINNERS

The exhibition also saw the winners of the 2025 Future of Furniture awards revealed. These highlight excellence in sustainability, and education and training in the furniture sector.

Ethan McGuigan, Harrison Spinks sustainability systems manager was named Sustainability Champion; Fibreline secured the top Excellence in Education accolade and Peak Converters won the Excellence in Sustainability award.

‘Our Future of Furniture Awards are recognised as a hallmark of forward-thinking businesses. They provide an ideal opportunity to shine aspotlight on some of the excellent work around training and sustainability that is happening in the furniture sector,’ says Phil Spademan, BFA md.

Peak Converters won the Excellence in Sustainability award

Telford International Centre, Telford, UK

11 and 12 March 2026

Make a booking before 31 May to qualify for 5% early bird discount.

Precious metal

‘This was Associated Carpet Group’s seventh Platinum Event supplier show – and the first time at The Hilton at St George’s Park, the home of the England FA – and proved again to be hugely successful,’ says Jon Richardson, ACG group development manager.

‘The Platinum Event has gathered momentum annually, which resulted in this year’s event being the largest the group has hosted, with 28 manufacturers exhibiting and more than 160 attendees. Held to coincide with the group’s 40th anniversary, it began on the Friday witha golf day for members and suppliers at the nearby Mickleover Golf Club, followed by a buffet and casino evening.

‘Saturday was the main showcase, and the Platinum Event was followed

The Platinum Event took place at The Hilton at St George’s Park and attracted a record attendance

by a sumptuous three-course gala dinner for over 200 people.’

The show is exclusive for members and provides ‘on-the-day’ deals designed to help members secure more orders whilst increasing margin, and is held in conjunction with the group’s Smart

Choice brand. Members who took advantage of all of the whole weekend’s activities also received significantly subsidised hotel accommodation and were able to enjoy the hotel’s superb spa facilities.

As a continuation of the group’s

anniversary celebrations, ACG is taking 80 retailers – along with representation from 10 suppliers – to Palma for four nights in June, which marks the culmination of a 40th-year group promotion held last year.

Visit: www.acgcarpets.com

FINANCIAL REWARDS!

If it sounds too good to be true, you would be right to ask –

1 ACG offers membership without interference and a change in practice.

2 ACG offers its members actual ‘best trade pricing’.

3 ACG members receive all their ‘turnover rebates’ directly from suppliers.

4 ACG members have access to the hugely successful, multi award winning and largest of the group rebrands - Smart Choice.

5 ACG are a friendly, member owned and not for profit buying group. So where’s the catch? Honestly, there isn’t one! Want to become

Calvin and Tracy Skinner of Home Comfort Carpets & Vinyl, Crook, County Durham receive the Alan Ashworth Award – presented annually to members or associated suppliers for their services and support to the group – from Trevor Witts, founding ACG member

Jon Richardson, ACG group development manager and Andy Polhill, ACG vice chairman and director of Superior Finish Flooring, St Ives, Cambridgeshire

ABINGDON FLOORING

Abingdon Flooring showed its new Stainfree loop pile, Country, available in herringbone, weave and linear designs with a fleece backing in 2.5m, 4m and 5m widths. Its Rustic Ultra has a 1/10th gauge construction for better feel and resilience, and also enjoys a tri-colour yarn palette in 16 neutral and pastel tones.

Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

BALL & YOUNG

Ball & Young, part of The Vita Group, has successfully achieved EPD Certification for two more products in its portfolio. Cloud 9 Cirrus is perfect for luxury use and general domestic areas like living rooms and bedrooms and Cosi 8 is ideal for light to general domestic areas withlow to medium wear, adding a touch of luxury and comfort to homes.

Visit: www.ballandyoung.com

ASSOCIATED WEAVERS

Associated Weavers promoted five Smart Choice ranges at the event, including two additions to the market featuring the latest on-trend colours. It also highlighted its enhanced delivery network that now sees rolls delivered to mainland UK within three to five working days. This follows on from the hugely successful cut-length service of the same time frame, introduced in October 2023. Also on show was the new customer portal and the AW Academy.

Visit: www.associated-weavers.co.uk

BROCKWAY CARPETS

Brockway Carpets expanded Beachcomber with the addition of four two-tone products: Beachcomber Bay and Galloway Elrig. Recently launched are two new items in the Lakeland Herdwick collection, both featuring a stippled yarn: Kentmere Loop available in 4m and 5m widths and Kentmere flatweave in a herringbone style in a 4m width.

Visit: www.brockway.co.uk

CAUSEWAY CARPETS

Causeway Carpets offers high-quality tufted wool loop pile, polyester soft-touch and flatwoven carpet ranges. It has received an ‘overwhelmingly positive’ response from ACG members and is investing in new branding to position Causeway Carpets, part of the Lusotufo Group, as a premium brand in the market. Recent launches include Natural Coordinates; Galway and City Twist.

Visit www.causewaycarpets.com

CORMAR CARPET COMPANY

Award-winning British carpet manufacturer Cormar Carpet Company relaunched its Primo Plus collection, with 16 shades, including six new colourways: Chenille; Beachcomber; Manilla; Resin; Snowdrift and Muscovado. Primo Plus comes in a new heavier weight, produced on 1/10th gauge machinery. Thanks to the increased pile density, the range now benefits from a more defined appearance.

Visit: portal.cormarcarpets.co.uk

CAVALIER CARPETS

Cavalier Carpets has just launched its Velveteen range in 100% polyester with 10 colours and 4m and 5m widths. Altitude is a two-ply polyester in 11 colours, while Cosmopolitan, Criterion, Pennine and Country Collection are receiving colour updates.

Visit: www.cavaliercarpets.co.uk

HUGH MACKAY

Hugh Mackay highlighted its plans to relaunch part of its product offer, including the 80/20 Riverside Revival (Riverside Twist) with a dozen warmer colours in 4m and 5m widths. Development work continues on the updates, with Riverside Revival expected in the early summer.

Visit: www.hughmackay.co.uk

INTERFLOOR

For Interfloor, the Platinum Event was all about the Tredaire brand and consumer awareness as it promotes the benefits of Tredaire underlays – including significantly enhanced carpet feel and lifespan and improved acoustic and thermal insulation – to both retailers and consumers via the Tredaire-nauts campaign.

Visit: www.interfloor.com

STAND FROM THE CROWD OUT

ITC

ITC is more than just a carpet and rug company: it prides itself on the quality of yarn, supports Goodweave and offers five-star service. Clients are thought of as partners, and as 80% of ITC’s carpet is stocked in Hereford, it allows quick delivery options and exceptional service. Visit: www.itcnaturalluxuryflooring.com

WHO ARE WE?

We further the interests of our members by promoting excellence in the felds of Carpet, Laminate, LVT, Naturals, Sheet Vinyl and Timber ftting and an understanding and awareness of British Standards Codes of Practice. NICF, along with the CFA, co-founded FITA*.

KINGSFORD

Kingsford showcased its offer of heatseal labels, rebranding deals and website offer. Retailers are able to label carpets using their own branded heatseal labels, helping to protect their margins and give competitive advantages. The rebrand package gets your business noticed with a fresh new identity, while the website offer has an eight-page website and hosting package.

Visit: www.kingsfordcreative.co.uk

MASTERPIECE SYSTEMS

MasterPiece measuring, planning and estimating software runs on Android, iPad, Windows and Mac for on-site estimator and in-store operations and is easy to pick up and use. Visitors also saw how MasterPiece works with accounting systems; estimating from Rightmove or builder floor plans; the scheduling diary; Part Fits manager; in-store sales handler and ballpark estimator.

Visit: www.masterpiece-system.com

LANO

Lano focused on three new qualities designed for ACG members: the polypropylene Fairfield Design and Bellelux and the polyester Sienna. Smartstrand has seen the introduction of QR codes so shoppers can easily find moreinformation on the collection and its USPs.

Visit: www.lano.com

PENTHOUSE CARPETS

Penthouse Carpets has been a part of Britain’s rich textile heritage since 1972. Its success depends on its customers being as happy with its carpets as it is. It is passionate about designing and crafting beautiful high-quality floorcovering that sets the benchmark for style, comfort and durability. Penthouse quality, naturally.

Visit: www.penthousecarpets.co.uk

QA FLOORING SOLUTIONS

QA Flooring Solutions is a leader in underlays and accessories, supplying retailers and wholesalers throughout the UK. It supplies a vast range of carpet underlays for domestic and contract applications, as well as all essential flooring accessories. With a huge stockholding near Liverpool, and an online ordering portal, customers can expect first-class service, fast delivery and a solution to suit all applications and budgets.

Visit: www.qaflooringsolutions.com

VICTORIA

Victoria is launching a European engineered wood collection in herringbone and plank (in two sizes) along with bespoke POS. A selection of accessories (ends, ramps, t-bars, pipe covers and scotias) in complementary shades will also be debuted. The new Universal Design collection, which accompanied the Universal refresh, has been well received. There is an appetite for the herringbone and fishbone designs showing the market is still looking to design floors.

Visit: www.myvictoria.co.uk

TELENZO

ACG members were updated on the relaunch of Telenzo’s bestselling Barbican range and the introduction of the Delft Square Herringbone range, which is the first herringbone in the collection. Made from 100% New Zealand wool, it is available in eight modern colours, blending warm and cool tones to complement any interior. Perfect for all areas of thehome, it boasts a heavy domestic rating.

Visit: www.edeltelenzocarpets.co.uk

WESTEX FLOORING

Westex Flooring launched the Origins Wood in five colours and three designs: herringbone, fishtail and plank. It also showed its Elysian collection in two grades and five colourmatching widths with 15 colours in total. The Fired Earth collection has a flat weave in two designs and a loop velvet twist that coordinate with the retailer’s tile and paint ranges.

Visit: www.westexflooring.com

Crucial bridge

Vietnam’s furniture industry has experienced remarkable growth, fuelled by its strong export performance and competitive manufacturing advantages, making it a key player in the sector.

The 16th Vietnam International Furniture and Home Accessories Fair (VIFA EXPO 2025) attracted 659 exhibitors, including 317 from Vietnam and 342 exhibitors from 19 other countries and territories, from 5-8 March.

The product mix was diverse, featuring 61% furniture; 19% furnishings; 8% handicrafts and 12% hardware, machines, wood materials and services.

VIFA EXPO 2025 saw 20,215 visitors, including 7,546 international visitors from 83 countries and territories. These visitors primarily hailed from China, USA, UK, EU, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, India, Malaysia and Australia alongside new markets such as Argentina, Nepal and Ghana. The international buyer breakdown

saw 56% from Asia; 17% from Europe; 18% from the Americas; 8% from Oceania and 1% from Africa.

The event was highly successful in fostering business connections, with 42% of buyers expressing interest in placing orders; 23% seeking new products and services, and 14% aiming to expand their networks. 8% of surveyed buyers were interested in orders exceeding US$1m. Initial findings from exhibitors found that84% secured contractual agreements during the event and orders of at least US$200m were placed.

The exhibition solidified its position as a leading furniture exhibition brand

in Asia and the oldest in Vietnam, with its 17-year history and 16 successful editions, drawing international buyers seeking high-quality, export-standard furniture sources.

VIFA EXPO offered engaging activities and support programmes for visitors andinternational buyers, such as industry seminars; shuttle buses; official hotels; VIP buyer complimentary hotel stays; factory tours; airport support and agala dinner: not only a trade event but also a crucial bridge for the global furniture community to meet Vietnamese suppliers.

Visit: www.vifaexpo.com

Busy times

‘This is proving to be a really busy year for Castelan, with more and more clients trusting us as their preferred partner for both insured schemes and in-guarantee service solutions,’ says Martin Napper, Castelan Group ceo.

‘We offer personalised solutions for large and small clients, ensuring that services are aligned with your specific needs. Whether you’re looking to launch a market-leading insurance scheme or seeking service support, Castelan can craft strategies suited to your situation.’

Castelan’s protection plans include leather, fabric, dining and bedroom cabinet, beds and carpet, and the business continues to attract new clients at local, regional and national levels. ‘We have

worked tirelessly to create the very best compliant schemes, to ensure we are able to deliver the best possible outcomes for your customer and provide a service that meets their – and your – expectations. This is not only a key expectation of the regulator, the FCA, but is also, quite simply, the right thing to do for your customer, and means that we become an extension of the service you want to deliver.

‘All our protection schemes are fully insured with an A+ rated insurer: offering you, and your customers, complete peace of mind. We always seek to work with the most reliable partners to ensure that you can offer the security that your customers expect.

‘We are the best-placed business in the furniture warranty market with which to partner. Our national network of expert technicians consistently delivers a high-quality experience in the home, reflecting the value you place on customer service. With lead times to appointment being less than five days, we are the best partner to look after your in-guarantee service delivery too.

‘We would be delighted to meet and demonstrate our commitment to you and your customers. Now, more than ever, is a time to put your trust in a business that delivers on its promises, apar tner who understands the insurance market and responds accordingly.’

Visit: www.castelangroup.com

Protection plans are available for a wide range of products, from flooring to upholstery to beds

New journey

‘OV25 is a revolutionary SaaS solution and 3D product configurator, designed to empower retailers and manufacturers. OV25 isn’t just another platform; it redefines how products are showcased, customised and sold. With Orbital’s extensive 3D asset library, businesses can connect with customers like never before as OV25 offers unparalleled speed,flexibility and affordability compared to traditional photography and CGI,’ says Alice Clarke, Orbital sales and marketing director.

In an increasingly competitive market, presenting products effectively and efficiently is essential. OV25 bridges the gap between consumers, retailers and manufacturers by eliminating the limitations of static imagery and costly photoshoots, providing a more dynamic way to showcase furniture.

‘Traditional methods can take weeks or even months to produce visuals, delaying sales and marketing. With OV25, businesses can create, customise and share assets almost instantly, gaining a significant competitive advantage. The platform delivers exceptional quality at an accessible price, making incredible visuals available to businesses of all sizes.

Designed for ease of use, OV25 ensures that anyone, from sales teams to end customers, can navigate and utilise its features effortlessly,’ says Clarke.

OV25 introduces features that Clarke says are designed to transform furniture sales. With 360deg product views, customers can interact with models in an immersive experience, bringing

products to life in a way static images never could. Real-time customisation allows users to change materials instantly, offering creative freedom to visualise every possible SKU. Live pricing updates are based on selected customisations, ensuring transparency and reducing friction in the buying process. App-less augmented reality enables customers to place products directly into their homes without downloads or complex technology: eliminating barriers and enhancing decision-making with realistic visuals.

‘This is only the beginning. OV25 is set to evolve in the coming weeks with animated products, ideal for showing recliners or adjustable furniture. A global flash sale module will provide a dynamic tool to drive urgency and boost sales.

Advanced analytics will give businesses valuable insights into customer preferences and trends, optimising product offerings. AI-generated lifestyle imagery will enable the creation of stunning, photorealistic room scenes in minutes, providing endless possibilities for marketing and branding.

‘OV25 is more than just a tool: it’s a complete solution designed to elevate visuals, streamline processes and increase sales. Whether you are a retailer seeking to provide customers with an immersive shopping experience or a manufacturer looking to enhance your product catalogue, OV25 is the answer.

The future of furniture visualisation has arrived, and it is changing the way the industry connects, sells and innovates.’

Visit: www.orbital.vision

OV25 is set to ‘to transform furniture sales’

models and fabrics.

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Create roomset imagery in minutes.

Cut product launch times from months to hours.

Flexible subscription plans - there’s an option for every budget.

Track

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The automated way

For many businesses operating in the competitive furniture and bedding retail environment, the key to driving efficiency lies in automation. With increasing pressure to do more with less, rising customer expectations, tight margins and the growing complexity of made-to-order products and multichannel sales, operational efficiency hasnever been more critical.

Manual processes such as stock reordering, commission calculations, delivery scheduling and data entry can be time-consuming, prone to error and expensive. These tasks drain valuable time from teams, whilst also introducing risks that can directly affect profitability and customer experience. That’s where automation, powered by Ordorite’s intelligent retail management systems, is making a measurable difference.

Furniture retail, in particular, presents unique challenges. Products often come in a wide range of variations – different fabrics, finishes and dimensions –meaning inventory control and order accuracy are critical. Automating

product creation, inventory tracking and replenishment ensures that retailers can keep up with demand without overspending on stock.

One feature of Ordorite’s platform is that it enables furniture retailers to set up automated stock alerts, so reorders are triggered as soon as key lines dip below a set threshold. This removes the need for manual checks and guesswork, helping reduce both stockouts and surplus inventory. Similarly, automated sales commission and SPIV reporting eliminate the hours of administration typically spent each month calculating complex commissions across stores and teams, saving time while ensuring sales staff are paid accurately and on time.

Beyond stock and finance, automation also streamlines logistics and delivery. With built-in route optimisation and delivery tracking tools, including mobile apps, orders can be scheduled and assigned to vehicles without human intervention. Retailers no longer need to juggle spreadsheets or manually manage drop schedules: Ordorite’s system can

do it for them, minimising delays and improving the customer experience.

Ordorite’s automation also plays a key role in data handling and reporting. Instead of manually compiling performance metrics, store managers and senior teams can receive scheduled, real-time reports, giving them the right insights to make faster, smarter decisions.

Ultimately, automation allows retailers to reallocate time and energy away from routine tasks and towards value-driving activities such as customer service, sales strategy and business development. As more furniture retailers embrace digital transformation, retail management systems like Ordorite, which streamline and automate daily operations, will become not just a competitive advantage but a necessity.

For businesses looking to cut costs, reduce inefficiencies and future-proof operations, automation offers a clear path forward, with platforms like Ordorite ensuring the future of furniture retail is smarter, faster and more agile than ever.

Visit: www.ordorite.com

Start the journey

In today’s competitive market, thriving businesses need more than great products: they need streamlined operations and a strong online presence.M-Solutions provides integrated accounting and digital marketing services that boost growth and offer significant cost savings.

Specialising in the UK and Republic ofIreland furniture industr y, M-Solutions delivers tailored accounting services that ensure precision and compliance. Its expertise spans comprehensive bookkeeping, strategic tax planning and payroll processing. Utilising software such as Xero, QuickBooks and Sage, it streamlines operations, allowing clients to enjoy substantial cost reductions and focus on core business activities.

Evolving into a full-service marketing agency, M-Solutions has enhanced its offer to include SEO, social media management, email marketing and graphic design. Each strategy is designed to increase online visibility, engage target audiences and build brand loyalty.

‘Our cost-effective marketing solutions ensure maximum return on investment, delivering both immediate savings and sustained growth. We are dedicated to understanding and addressing each client’s unique needs. Our customised approach ensures that every solution maximises efficiency and effectiveness. With teams in the UK and India, M-Solutions offers competitive rates without compromising on quality, making top-tier business solutions

accessible to all sizes of enterprises,’ says the company.

‘Choosing M-Solutions means partnering with a company committed to your success. Our unique combination of accounting prowess and marketing expertise provides a comprehensive approach to business management. We optimise every aspect of your operations, ensuring performance enhancement and significant cost savings. As your partner, M-Solutions invests in your growth and guides you every step of the way.’

M-Solutions is ready to transform your business and offers a free, no-obligation consultation to help retailers start their journey towards streamlined operations and an enhanced market presence.

Tel: 0117 4411 746

M-Solutions offers integrated accounting and digital marketing

Accounting Services: Specialized in bookkeeping, tax returns, payroll, and software solutions like Xero, QuickBooks, and more, tailored for the furniture industry across the UK and Ireland.

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WHY CHOOSE M-SOLUTIONS?

At M-Solutions, we are dedicated to fueling your business's growth with a comprehensive suite of services that now spans beyond expert accounting to include full-scale digital marketing solutions. Whether it’s streamlining your financial processes or boosting your online presence, we’re here to ensure you succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. INTEGRATED BUSINESS SOLUTIONS

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We pride ourselves on providing customized solutions that not only meet but exceed our clients' expectations. With a highly skilled team operating in both the UK and India, we offer top-tier services at competitive rates.

Knowledge is power

Independent marketing agency Boutique specialises in media, PR and digital, with particular expertise in the home and garden sector. With decades of experience and a strong portfolio of clients in the industry, it has launched the B@HOME platform, dedicated to providing brand marketers with expert insights, valuable knowledge sharing and fostering meaningful peer-to-peer connections.

Under B@Home, Boutique runs several initiatives, including its annual Home & Garden conference and the Home Masters club, which launches in London this month to complement the established northern group. It publishes the annual The Home Report, which is complemented by mini-reports that take an in-depth look into specific categories, such as the recently published Fitted Furniture

Report which highlights the standout brands in the category and key lessons for those looking to succeed in the space.

‘As editors and commentators, we are committed to uncovering the facts, doing the legwork to analyse existing knowledge and engaging with brands to understand the sector even more,’ says Jennifer Ferrier, Boutique head of growth.

‘However, we found a critical gap: while much of the research focused on consumer behaviour, when it comes to home improvement activities or product purchase frequency, there was little exploration into how consumers actuallyenter the market, how they discover and research brands, and critically, how they ultimately choose which brand to buy.

‘That’s why we launched our own primary research.

Partnering with our friends at Relish, we set out to break new ground with Changing Rooms, Changing Minds: The Role of Brand in Purchases for the Home & Garden

This study delves into the complexities of consumer decision-making, offering fresh perspectives that go beyond traditional research to uncover what truly drives purchase behaviour in the home and garden sector.

‘The report shows that consumers prioritise value for money, seeking a balance between quality and affordability; the purchase journey is not always needbased, with aspirations

and lifestyle playing a significant role. Digital platforms, especially search engines, arecrucial for initial research, but physical stores remain essential for influencing final purchase decisions.

‘Beyond providing data, we designed this report as a practical tool for marketers, offering actionable takeaways that can help brands shape their strategies and make a tangible impact in the market,’ says Ferrier.

Boutique’s Home & Garden conference is now in its fourth year. ‘What makes our conference truly unique is its focus on the home and garden space: the line-up is carefully curated, blending expert partners and brand leaders who share openly and candidly with the room. As we are so close to the sector, we understand what’s on our audience’s minds, allowing us to evolve the agenda based on what we know they want to hear about and from whom.

‘Last year, we sold out and received anincredible response: 100% of those who attended rated us four or fivestars, as well as everybody saying they would attend again, which was areal pinch me moment.

‘To us, that’s a testament to the quality of the content and the unique energy that the conference has.’

The 2025 conference takes place on 18 June in Leeds.

Visit: www.weareboutique.co.uk/be-at-home