Interiors Monthly August 2013

monthly

August 2013

Interiors first for flooring, furniture and accessories

Awards

The winners revealed

LVT

Competition hots up

Kingsmead Carpets launches the first carpet where all the wool has full ENco environmental certification

FURNITURE

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WINNER Best Customer Service George Hatton (N.West/N.Wales): 07944 542192 Philip George (Midlands): 07967 Â 093127 Stuart Paige (South West): 07505 303005 Roy Rodger (Scotland): 07711 565 600 Gavin Boden (N.East/Yorkshire): 07720 074906 Robin Humphrey (N.London/East Anglia): 07966 227121 Andy Clarke (S.London and South East): 07916 282683

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

Andrew Kidd EDITOR

Time for celebrations Congratulations are definitely in order for the industry’s very best retailers, suppliers and manufacturers.

The winners of the Interiors Monthly Awards 2013 are detailed in this issue (starting on page 25). Once again it was fascinating to see which suppliers and manufacturers you voted for, and who the suppliers and manufacturers rated as our top retailers.

I can say without fear of contradiction that the winners really are the cream of the interiors industry.

Many congratulations to all the winners and thanks again to everyone who took the time to vote.

There has also been some celebrating going on among retailers as well, but mainly those of you selling outdoor furniture. It seems shoppers have been enjoying the heatwave rather than touring retail parks looking at a new sofa, carpet or bed.

monthly

Editor: Andrew Kidd August 2013

Interiors

One man celebrating is Dwell founder Aamir Ahmed, who bought the company from administration just after the last issue went to press and has re-opened six branches.

And Furniture Village will be celebrating the opening of its 40th branch later this month when it makes its debut in Ipswich, Suffolk, on 22 August.

Congratulations in advance for that particular milestone, 24 years after it opened its first store.

While there will always be winners and losers in how consumers react to events, the comment from Darren Shapland, Carpetright chief executive (see page 10) that once money has been spent on the garden more won’t be spent later on something else, unlike in the boom years, provides a counter balance to the upbeat mood the fine weather created.

In response to my comment last month about online retailers and high street stores, Alison Fearns, md of etailer Kids Bedroom Boutique, has some interesting comments to make regarding the relationship between online retailers and suppliers (see page 15).

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

Furniture advertising (South): Tim Boden T: 01732 783 561 E: tboden@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

first for flooring, furniture and accessories

Awards

The winners revealed

LVT

Competition hots up

Furniture advertising (North): Jarrod Bird See Highland Fleece on stand C21 at The Flooring Show.

Tel: 01827 831 424

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

Carpet, flooring, lighting and accessories advertising: Joanne Paull T: 01732 783 561 E: jpaull@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

China sales agent: Jane Dai T: 00 86 755 8292 5229 E: jane@newbuddy.net Published by Interiors Media Limited Unit 11, Riverside Business Centre, Riverside House, Riverlawn Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1EP T: 01732 783 561 F: 01732 783 562 E: enquiries@interiorsmonthly.co.uk Registered in England no. 6397722 Print: Knockout Print Design by TSS DIGITAL © Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236

Kingsmead Carpets launches the first carpet where all the wool has full ENco environmental certification

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CONTENTS

Harmony Riser Recliner

INTERIORS MONTHLY AUGUST 2013

INSIDE THIS ISSUE NEWS 6

Headlam warns on first-half profits

10

Heatwave winner and loser

12

MBO at Buoyant Upholstery

FEATURES 25

Interiors Monthly Awards 2013 The winners are revealed

90

Carpet Natural fibres and stripes

96

New Designers The cream of this year’s design students

102 Beds and bedroom Brand heritage and the latest products

ale-Bridgecraft

106 LVT Entry into the UK market

108 Show guide The Flooring Show

S peri Bui Superior Build d Quality 25 Year Frame me Guarantee n £495 5 + Vat

Vale-Bridgecraft idgecraft The Art off The Craft

AWA AW AWARDS

A W ARDS 2011

WINNER NNER 20 2008 - 2013 WINNER Best customer service Best business support

116 Show review Manchester Furniture Show

122 Protection Making the most of aftersales service

REGULARS 15

Opinion

16

New products

NEXT ISSUE The Flooring Show preview Bed Show preview Beds and bedroom supplement www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

5

NEWS

CF website overhaul brands retailers as ‘experts’ Carpet Foundation retailer members are to be portrayed as flooring experts as part of its online relaunch.

The key objective of the CF’s move is to promote retail members as ‘the experts’ backed by recurring mentions of the TSI backed Code of Practice (which has replaced the original OFT version) to drive footfall into stores while being able to prove to members that CF is delivering for its members.

The retailer search facility is

highlighted throughout the new website, backed by SEO to achieve results.

The relaunch targets female shoppers and avoids technical descriptions, instead offering easy to find details of retailers and one page websites for them.

‘The new website heralds the beginning of a concerted digital drive by the foundation to increase and improve its online proposition. Increasingly consumers in the market for a new carpet do their research online and it is

essential that we have a website that is modern, well optimised and full of relevant information in bite-size chunks,’ says Andrew Stanbridge, CF chief executive.

‘Having made sure the website is up to the latest designs and ensured the content is picked up by Google analytics, the new website ticks all the boxes for consumers. This is the first step on our digital journey that will be rolled out to our members later in the year,’ he adds.

Profit warning from Headlam Flooring distributor Headlam Group has warned that profits for the first half of the year will be down by 10% and it will miss forecast profits for the full year.

The group blamed lower sales in the first quarter of the year for the shortfall of about £1m.

While sales in early May reflected the recovery seen in March and April, activity dropped as the month progressed leaving sales only marginally up. Sales in June were marginally down.

A statement says: ‘In the continued absence of any real improvement in our floorcovering markets, an element of uncertainty around the group’s trading performance during the second half is likely to prevail, notwithstanding that this is traditionally the group’s busiest period of the year. As a result, the board now believes it is unlikely that the company will meet market expectations for the financial year as a whole.

‘However, despite this outcome, the board remains confident subject to a reasonable second half trading performance that the dividend for the current financial year will be consistent with 2012.’

Homebase sales have fallen in the Republic Ireland

Future in doubt The future of Homebase’s presence in the Republic of Ireland is in doubt after the group placed its Irish operation into examinership. Homebase has 15 branches across the Republic and wants to close three – Fonthill in Dublin, Carlow and Castlebar in County Mayo – as soon as possible.

Homebase says the future of the remaining stores depends on renegotiating leases. Sales in the Republic have fallen by almost a third since 2009 and it has not made a profit in five years. It also says upward only rent reviews prevented cutting costs.

Services sector helps boost UK economy in Q2 The UK economy grew by 0.6% in the second quarter of the year, according to the Office for National Statistics’ initial estimates, thanks to higher growth in the services sector. The increase compares with a 0.3% rise in the first quarter.

All four main industrial groupings within the economy – agriculture, production, construction and services – rose in Q2 2013 compared with Q1 2013.

The largest contribution to Q2 2013 GDP growth came from services at 0.6%, contributing 0.48 percentage points to

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

the 0.6% increase in GDP. There was also an upward contribution (0.08 percentage points) from production; these industries rose by 0.6%, with manufacturing increasing by 0.4% following negative growth of 0.2% in Q1 2013. In Q2 2013, output in the construction industry was estimated to have risen by 0.9% compared with Q1 2013. In Q1 2013 construction output was at its lowest level since Q1 2001.

Before the sharp fall in output in 2008 and 2009 the economy peaked in Q1

2008. From peak to trough the economy shrank by 7.2%. In Q2 2013, GDP was estimated at 3.3% below 2008’s Q1 peak.

ONS warned that the forecast is based on initial results and only 44% of the information required for a final estimate. ● Discounts by department stores helped retail sales edge up in June. The ONS says the volume of retail sales rose by 0.2% in June compared with May. Sales for the second quarter were 0.9% higher than the first. On an annual basis sales were 2.2% higher.

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NEWS

Heatwave hits Carpetright sales but helps B&Q shine Carpetright emerged as a weather loser, with the chain saying the heatwave has deterred shoppers from buying flooring. UK sales dropped by 3.3% in the 13 weeks to 20 July and by 1.9% on a like for like basis. Like for like retail sales were down by 1%.

‘The sun has come out and people are spending [the good weather] doing outside projects,’ says Darren Shapland, Carpetright chief executive.

He conceded that some potential sales would not come back later in the year. ‘If you went back to when people had lots of disposable income, that would be the case. But some of the sales are now gone, as they’ve spent [the money] on other things.’

Gross margins rose by 80 basis points during the period and Shapland expects further improvement.

‘We saw solid growth in UK sales during May and June, reflecting the continued progress of our self-help activities.

During July this positive trend was reversed by the significantly warmer weather, with the decline being compounded by a period of strong, wet weather assisted comparatives in 2012 during which retail like for like grew by 5.3%. Excluding the expected decrease in sales from the wholesale business during the 12 week period, our core retail business would have reported a like for like sales decline of 1.0%,’ he says.

In contrast, B&Q emerged as a weather winner, with the heatwave boosting demand for garden furniture.

Sales in the 10 weeks to 13 July were up by 1.7% and by

B&Q lifted sales

1.6% on a like for like basis. Sales of outdoor products rose by almost a fifth, accounting for 40% of sales.

Overall UK and Republic of Ireland sales, including Screwfix, were up by 3.6% but down by 0.2% for the 23 week period.

‘Following a tough Q1, I am pleased to report that we have been able to capitalise on the better weather conditions in Q2, particularly in the UK, which has helped us to deliver growth,’ says Ian Cheshire, Kingfisher chief executive.

‘However, underlying consumer confidence remains weak in our major markets, so we continue to focus hard on our self-help margin and cost initiatives. We are on track to deliver a first half in line with our expectations.’

Kingsmead and Georgian merge Efficiency pays Kingsmead Carpets and Georgian Carpets have merged in an effort to increase the retail presence of the combined companies.

‘Both businesses have established a solid base in the marketplace over the past 10 years, however we feel that to take the businesses forward this can be best delivered through an enlarged single sales and marketing structure,’ says Martin West, new Kingsmead Carpets md.

‘We believe this will be a far more efficient deployment of our sales and marketing resource, particularly with regard to sales representatives having smaller but more concentrated geographical areas, and much greater presence through increased retail POS,

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

principally display stands,’ he says.

The two sales forces have been combined to a total of 14 sales representatives and two regional sales managers – Clint Carver and Ian Shopland – who have been promoted from within the existing teams.

Peter Kimmins, Georgian general manager has left the business. ● Meanwhile, Lano has taken over distribution for Western Europe of Mohawk’s residential broadloom products, including exclusivity of the Smartstrand, Smartstrand Silk and Everstrand ranges.

The move confirms a period of uncertainty over the European future of the carpet brands manufactured by Lano for Mohawk.

Furniture distribution firm F Edmonson and Sons, is to almost double its workforce after improving its management systems. The Morecambe, Lancashire company has updated its management, accounting and email systems so that they work together and are more efficient.

It received support from Regenerate Pennine Lancashire, which helped it to find a software developer and partially funded the project with a £5,000 grant.

The company employs 10 people and expects to create up to nine more jobs.

‘The project will vastly improve the speed at which we can complete orders, so we can take on more work,’ says Russell Edmondson, F Edmondson and Sons director.

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NEWS

NVM Private Equity has provided a £7m investment as Buoyant Upholstery’s management secured an MBO from Wade Group.

‘We recognise that it is imperative to stay at the forefront of our industry by continuing to introduce new concepts and designs. Upholstered furniture is moving up the consumer spending priority, so the new funding will help us to develop our products further to meet demand in the UK and overseas,’ says Mike Aramayo, Buoyant md.

In the year to 30 September 2012, Buoyant’s sales rose from £31.12m to £35.84m. Pre-tax profits increased from £1.87m to £2.63m. In the same period for 2008 it lost £1.738m on sales of £19.71m.

Joel Rosenblatt, former Christy UK and Welspun md, becomes executive chairman.

‘I’m delighted to be working with two great businesses, with NVM on the financial side as well as an exceptional management team at Buoyant – both of whom are held in high regard within their industries. We have a lot of positive things we need to do and with NVM’s support the team certainly has the energy to deliver their plans,’ he says.

‘The team and I also see huge growth potential in motion furniture where our first launch of four designs went down extremely well at the 2013 Interiors UK show.

We look forward to working alongside Joel and NVM to build our business further,’ adds Aramayo.

IKEA

MBO at Buoyant Upholstery Kitchens drove the market

Homeware sales rise Homewares sales continued to strengthen in June, as kitchens drove the market. The overall homewares market saw year on year growth of 2.8% in June, up from the 2.5% growth in May and 1.7% in April, according to research firm GfK. Increasingly it is the kitchen that is driving the overall market performance, with both big ticket furniture and smaller kitchenwares products experiencing growth. Here, growth has negated value declines in other major homewares areas such as textiles (-3.3%) and home accessories (-4.1%).

Continuing the trend seen throughout the first half of 2013, major domestic appliances, fitted kitchens and furniture sales rose 5.3%. This was accompanied by a 4.7% growth in kitchenwares, driven in particular by cookery (up 11.3%), as pots, pans and other products proved popular. Food storage sales also reflected the strong kitchen trend, seeing an 11.6% increase.

Also within the kitchen, the laundry area saw growth as ironing accessories jumped 7.1%. Containing airers, clothes lines and pegs, this category benefited from the better weather throughout the month as people used the fresh air rather than tumble dryers, which declined 14.2% in June.

Ikea says store will boost Sheffield Attitudes changing Ikea has insisted that its proposed store in Sheffield will not damage the city centre, after John Lewis said it would draw trade away. The chain wants to build a 398,000sqft store in Sheffield Road, Tinsley, but John Lewis objected.

‘The proposed Ikea store will compete with the city centre and draw trade directly from the city centre’s anchor stores, such as John Lewis, Debenhams and BHS,’ says a letter from John Lewis’ property agent CBRE. In response, Ian Nicholson, Ikea Sheffield project manager, says: ‘As part of the planning process, other retailers and stakeholders are invited to offer comments and representations on

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

applications. We will respond to these in due course through our continued discussions with the council during the planning process.

‘Our thorough assessment demonstrates an Ikea store in this location would not draw significant trade away from Sheffield city centre. Instead, we expect to add benefit to the whole city by bringing in new customers and keeping existing shoppers spending money in Sheffield.

‘Currently a number of people are shopping elsewhere, including at other Ikea stores. Our own investment in Sheffield will total £60m and will create up to 400 permanent jobs.’

Carpet Recycling UK director, Laurance Bird, says attitudes in the carpet industry are changing and it is embracing recycling.

‘Active projects revealed how attitudes have changed. Carpet is now regarded as a valuable resource from which valuable raw materials can be extracted for reuse in a second life, rather than just a bulky waste only fit for landfill,’ Bird said after the fifth CRUK conference last month.

‘The sector is embracing burgeoning opportunities in the circular economy and making the most of existing resources.’

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OPINION

Alison Fearns Kids Bedroom Boutique, md

5 ESSENTIAL WAYS TO MAXIMISE YOUR SALES AND PROFIT 䊉 ADVERTISING – Most advertising does not work, so if yours isn’t, stop wasting your money now and re-design your advertising campaigns using a benefits-orientatedstyle. Call Greenwood for effective copywriting know-how.

Time to accept there is a place for etailers Kids Bedroom Boutique was founded in June 2011. A showroom was set up in October 2011 and a website in March 2012. But from Christmas 2012 showroom sales fell while online sales increased. Footfall was low, and the landlord and other businesses were reluctant to work together. With some regret, I closed the showroom in May 2013.

Yes, I was a victim of customers showrooming, and yes, I found it hard to compete with etailers and, yes, I blamed them.

But I picked myself up and developed a joint SEO and sales strategy for an online shop.

I think there is another side to present about etailing; it isn’t all about fiercely undercutting traditional shops or being responsible for a dying high street. Rents and expensive parking are primarily responsible for this, combined with a major shift in customer shopping behaviour and technology.

Shopping behaviour drove me to change my business model.

In the high street, many small independent retailers are also adapting their business models, and suppliers should be sensitive to this. By being anti-competitive to etailers they may well be responsible for the demise of even more small independent retailers.

The high street decline began long before the erevolution, when many independent shops were forced out by multinationals and high rents. Then we had the out of town developments and mega shopping centres.

Ecommerce is a great leveller and many small independent retailers do well online. When you land on a good website, you cannot tell if it’s a small independent business or a large one.

What customers want is convenience and an assurance they are dealing with a reputable business.

I think half of the problem is that the physical fabric and infrastructure of our towns and cities cannot adapt at the same pace as society and technology. Customers, particularly busy parents, find eshopping convenient and etailers provide just as personable and knowledgeable service as traditional retailers.

A constructive way forward is to accept that both types of retail model can co-exist, but manufacturers and suppliers could be more discerning about who they offer trade accounts to.

It’s time for the furniture industry to embrace the societal shift and stop thinking etailers are the problem. They have adapted to survive. The future for small independent businesses not in an attractive ‘destination’ town is probably in etail.

What happens to the high street will not be caused by small independent etail businesses, the high street will adapt too.

There may be fewer shops, but other uses will flourish such as more town centre living, more public realm and probably an improved cultural, educational and leisure offer.

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

YOUR 2013 SUCCESS STRATEGY

15

䊉 PRODUCTS – Be ruthless with your precious floor space. If a product or collection is not pulling its weight after being given a fair chance to shine, then clear it and replace it with a better performing line. Test and measure the selling potential of all your products in a Greenwood Sale. 䊉 SELLING SKILLS – Get good at selling. Most retailers don’t bother with a proper sales process or sales training. The successful ones do! Invest time and money in quality sales know-how. Call Greenwood to arrange an effective sales training course. 䊉 COMPETITION – Check your competition to find out what they are offering. Avoid all-out price wars. Be sure to out-do your competition on the most relevant beneficial USP’s including choice, quality, value and service. Call Greenwood to mystery shop your competitors. 䊉 PROMOTION – Promote your business effectively.

Every good retailer from Tesco to Harrod’s does. Consider using a ‘Greenwood’ sales promotion to increase sales, turn stock into cash and win future market share, while protecting your profit at the same time. Call Greenwood!

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NEW PRODUCTS

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1 Hyder Living continues to diversify its guest bed collection with a white version of its popular Rio bed that is stylish and practical.

Upholstered in a plush white faux leather fabric, Rio features contemporary styling such as a high padded and buttoned headboard and contrasting dark feet.

Tel: 01484 531 000 2 Carpenter has launched four pillows under the Sleep Better brand.

The Outlast Fibre and Memory pillow offers the ‘best of both worlds’ with practical head and neck support from the memory foam and a soft sensation from the micro-fibre. The Biocrystal, Moulded Solo and Multi-purpose (pictured) pillows complete the range.

Tel: 01457 892 400 3 Stain Block Home Tiles, the collection of stain-resistant carpet tiles from the Balta Group is gathering pace as the choice for those looking for a practical and unique way of updating their homes, and is ideal for retailers looking to brighten up the shopfloor with its eyecatching compact POS unit.

Tel: 07973 194 252 4 The Joy collection of bespoke rugs from Lano Carpets has all design tastes catered for with its mix of fibres, textures and colours.

Offering a natural look, Natura and Natura Luxe are crafted from a fine blend of bamboo yarn for the ultimate in comfort and style.

Tel: 00 800 5266 5266 5 Quick-Step products and Master Installers are to star in the latest series of ITV’s 60 Minute Makeover. With hundreds of square metres of Quick-Step laminate and engineered flooring specified by the show’s designers, Quick-Step has also loaned its Master Installers to ensure the fitting is completed to the best possible standard.

Visit: www.quick-step.co.uk

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

Shanghai available in Cream, Nut Brown, Hazelnut, Chocolate and Black

Bonded leather continues to be a popular choice for upholstered products and Global Furniture Alliance offers a range of high quality bonded leather recliner chairs, in a variety of colours and styles to suit every customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s requirements.

The Shanghai, a traditional style recliner with star shaped base is one of GFA's best selling models and is available in Cream, Nut Brown, Hazelnut, Chocolate and Black in a high grade â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bellissimoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bonded leather.

This model is also available in a soft chenille fabric, under the name Shangri La, with colour options of beige, mink and chocolate, all accompanied with cherry finish legs. With a traditional style, comfortable sit and complementary colour array, it is clear to see why the Shanghai and Shangri La have remained favourites within the GFA range.

NEW PRODUCTS

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6 Balta Broadloom is proving its continued commitment to design development and diversity by introducing a striped version of its flagship carpet, Gala. Due to launch in September, Gala & Stripes has been reconfigured and now presents two designs in one collection, with a selection of plains and complementary stripes.

Tel: 00 32 5662 2211 7 Floorwise’s profiles, stair nosings and PVC trims add the finishing touch to any flooring project. There are ranges for both domestic and commercial use, including curvable profiles as well as the Classic, Max, Max Reflections, Wood Floor and PVC profiles and stair nosings.

Tel: 01509 673 974 8 The Quartz Pro PU collection of vinyl flooring from Leoline has been awarded the highest green credential possible – a BRE A+ Green Guide Rating for Homes, cementing its reputation as the ideal surface choice for domestic interiors, as well as educational and social housing facilities.

Tel: 0800 032 3970 9 Kettal’s Landscape, Net, Bitta, Vieques, Maia, Park Life and Cottage ranges have been selected to furnish Sana Hotel’s first resort: Epic Sana Algarve.

Visit: www.kettalgroup.com 10 The Linocork collection from Granorte is made entirely from natural materials. Linocork planks feature a 2mm Linoleum surface atop a cork layer, a high-density fibreboard core and an integrated cork underlay.

The designs contain 25% pre-consumer recycled content, and each floor has Greenguard Indoor Air Quality certification and FSC-accreditation.

Tel: 01785 711 131

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

Advertising feature: CIFF

Autumn glory After a record-breaking March event where 3,648 exhibitors attracted 141,072 buyers from 160 countries, China International Furniture Fair (CIFF) returns from 7-10 September. The 32nd edition of the exhibition will be held concurrently with Homedecor + Home-textile China (Guangzhou) 2013 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex, Pazhou, to build a one-stop platform for furniture and furnishing.

The autumn glory of the furniture industry will begin at CIFF with quality exhibits of modern, classical and outdoor furniture, home decor and home textiles with new product series and fresh designs on display. It will also bring together domestic and overseas designers of home decoration and interior furnishing in Guangzhou.

CIFF will provide the furniture and furnishing industry with a preferred trading and purchasing platform based on its favourable geographical position as a logistics and industrial distribution centre.

The 32nd CIFF attracts companies from key furniture bases in China including Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Sichuan, Shandong and Beijing as well as the international brand enterprises from Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and other South East Asian countries.

Exhibitors will include Landbond, Hing Lee,

Royal, Kinwai, Kinetic, Steel-Land, Violino, Xilinmen, Aris, Showwin, Zhida, Haoxuan, Fuli, Perfect, Century Yatai, Noble, Dingfeng, Guosen, Tian Yuan, Jin De Li, Ouevane, Armola, Meng Ying, Jiemei, Mydeco Living, Milan Impression, Perfur Town, Creative, Viva Bella, Better Home, Darture, World Live, Linggao, Laifei, Baina, Kingking, Shining Sun, City Kamtat, Marsden, Huan Yu, Jinhan, Sun Sister, Xianyi Jiadai, Hengsheng, Hongjia, Chao Liu, Beika, and Mousa.

China International Furniture Fair (CIFF) 7-10 September

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

CIFF is well known as the Weatherglass for China’s furniture industry and the ‘number one platform for world class’. It will hold diversified industry events such as the new product release marketing forum and design seminars to promote the information exchange among the industry professionals, inspire creation and decision-making, grasp the trends in the industry for the coming year and create positive conditions to boost the long-term development of the industry.

China Import and Export Fair Complex, Pazhou Visit: www.ciff-gz.com

NEW PRODUCTS

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11 Underlay company Ball & Young has updated its packaging to reflect the birth of Prince George. The packaging now says, ‘Simply The Best for all Princes and Princesses around the world. Proudly made in the UK – Congratulations’.

Tel: 01536 748 700

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12 Casa Bella Upholstery’s latest collection of 3+1+1 sofas and chairs are priced at £495 and the 3+2 at £475, all in the regular range of fabrics. There are more than 12 designs to choose from. The company also specialises in corner units and mid-range bespoke upholstery.

Tel: 01254 661 661 13 Essente from Kobe is a collection of chic, commercial and easy-care interior fabrics offering quality with affordable prices. With Kobe’s new automated warehouse and ERP system, Essente enjoys logistical excellence, allowing a broad range of clientele in the signature Kobe style.

Tel: 01344 466 288 14 The Geta sofa by Arik Levy for Modus takes references from the classic Japanese footwear that incorporates an elevated wooden base.

The sofa is a flexible, modular system available in two different versions with optional storage arm or plinth.

Visit: www.modusfurniture.co.uk 15 Staples & Co was among the Royal Warrant holders taking part in the Coronation Festival, held in Buckingham Palace gardens from 11-14 July, where it unveiled a celebratory edition bed: Ambrose by Staples, exclusively for the event.

Visit: www.staplesbeds.co.uk

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

Your good name is on your sale advertising, ours is behind it.

As a family-owned company, Lynch Sales Company’s integrity has kept us at the forefront of the sales specialist industry we created. After nearly 100 years, we’ve learned that the most effective sale advertising features honest price reductions. +igh Tuality, truthful advertising that reÁects your store’s reputation for honesty and value is a key element in a Lynch Sales Event.

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Control stock online, in branch and in the warehouse dŽ ůĞĂƌŶ ŚŽǁ Ă ĨƵůůLJ ŝŶƚĞŐƌĂƚĞĚ͕ ŵƵůƟͲĐŚĂŶŶĞů ƐŽůƵƟŽŶ ǁŝůů ƐĂǀĞ LJŽƵ ƟŵĞ ĂŶĚ ŵŽŶĞLJ Visit our website www.retailfusion.co.uk Telephone 02392 248 569 or Email sales@retailfusion.co.uk

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Winners 2013

Ekornes Stressless Wave

AWARDS

After months of voting, the winners of the Interiors Monthly Awards 2013 have been decided. The companies listed below are among the finest retailers, manufacturers and suppliers in the interiors industry.

Over the following pages you can read more about the category winners chosen by you. Covering all aspects of the industry, they are united by their desire for excellence. Congratulations to all the winners.

Best Furniture Retailer 1-2 Stores: Clarkes Furnishers, Maidstone Best Flooring Retailer 1-2 Stores: Chappells Carpets, Bradford Best Furniture Retailer 3+ Stores: Oak Furniture Land Best Flooring Retailer 3+ Stores: Mr Carpet, London Best Interiors Retailer: Dunelm Mill Best Online Retailer: Sofa.com Best Customer Service (Furniture): TCS Best Customer Service (Flooring): Brintons Carpets Best UK Furniture Manufacturer: Woodberry Brothers & Haines Best UK Flooring Manufacturer: Ulster Carpets Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer: Wiemann Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer: Balta Broadloom Best Accessory Supplier: Authentic Models Best Flooring Accessory Supplier: Ball & Young Best Furniture Buying Group: AIS Best Flooring Buying Group: Greendale Carpets & Floorings Best Furniture Exhibition: IMM Cologne Best Flooring Exhibition: The Flooring Show Best Furniture Website: G Plan Upholstery Best Flooring Website: Balterio Best Furniture Wholesaler: Julian Bowen Best Flooring Wholesaler: Hadfields Best Business Support (Flooring): SMG The National Flooring & Furnishing Group

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

Best Business Support (Furniture): Vale Bridgecraft Best Bed Manufacturer: Sealy UK Best Carpet Manufacturer: Cormar Carpets Best Bedroom Manufacturer: Kingstown Furniture Best Laminate Manufacturer: Quick-Step Best Underlay Manufacturer: Interfloor Best Dining Room Manufacturer: Old Charm Best Solid/Engineered Wood Manufacturer: Kährs UK Best Living Room Manufacturer: G Plan Cabinets Best Rug Supplier: Oriental Carpets and Rugs Best Children’s Furniture Manufacturer: Gautier Best Vinyl Manufacturer: IVC Best Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer: Parker Knoll Best Luxury Vinyl Manufacturer: Karndean Designflooring Best Leather Upholstery Manufacturer: HTL Best Software Supplier: Retailsystem Best Finance Provider: Hitachi Best Supply Chain/Logistics Company: Andrew Porter Best Marketing Support: Ekornes Best New Exhibition: May Design Series Best Recliner Manufacturer: Ekornes Best Home Entertainment Supplier: UK-CF Best New Supplier: East West Furniture Company Innovation of the Year: Gainsborough Sofa Beds – Sofa Bed Choice

AWARDS

Best Interiors Retailer Dunelm Mill In 1979 Bill and Jean Adderley founded Dunelm, selling curtains on a Leicester market stall. By 1984 they had their first store in Churchgate, Leicester, and in 1991 opened a superstore, in Rotherham.

Dunelm is now a chain of 135 stores with sales of nearly £700m in 2012/13 and pre-tax profits of £108m. It has plans to increase store numbers to 200 and is already market leader in the £11bn UK homewares market.

While many interiors retailers have struggled in recent years, Dunelm has grown and last year it generated so much cash that it returned £65.8m to shareholders.

Dunelm has positioned itself as the one-stop homewares destination with ranges covering 21 departments. Core ranges include exclusive designs and premium brands such as Dorma, supported by a frequently changing series of special buys.

The superstore format provides an average of 30,000sqft of selling space with over 20,000 products across a broad spectrum of categories, extending from the group’s home textiles heritage of

bedding, curtains, cushions, quilts and pillows to a complete homewares offer including kitchenware and dining, lighting, wall art, furniture and rugs.

Dunelm is one of the few national retailers to offer an authoritative selection of curtain fabrics on the roll, and owns a specialist UK facility producing made to measure curtains.

In recent years it has increased its online presence, which accounts for 4% of sales, and plans to significantly increase the number of products online from October.

Visit: www.dunelm-mill.com

Best Flooring Retailer 3+ Stores Mr Carpet

Mr Carpet has four branches in London: Fulham, Putney, Raynes Park and Sheen, and was founded in 1983. Most of its sales are domestic with what David Guyan, Mr Carpet md, describes as ‘a little’ new homes work.

Although focused on the middle to upper end of the market, and a Karndean Designflooring Platinum stockist, Guyan says it is debranding products as a result of consumers searching online for the lowest prices. Mr Carpet’s team is experienced, with most staff having been with it for more than a decade.

‘I’m delighted but surprised to win this award, we didn’t expect anything like this.

I’d like to thank everyone who voted for us, it means a lot to everyone,’ he adds.

Visit: www.mr-carpet.co.uk

Best Flooring Retailer 1-2 Stores Chappells Carpets, Bradford David Dyson and his son Paul took over Chappells Carpets in 1983 when the previous owner retired after 23 years.

They had been in the industry for a decade by then, including carrying out fitting for Chappells. They were later joined by fitter Robert Johnson.

The store carries the full range of flooring, with an emphasis on the mid to upper market. David says the store

avoids the bottom end of the market ‘as there are so many cheap products out there.’

Chappell also does well with wool carpets, he says. ‘People here want wool thanks to the city’s association with wool.’

The company also undertakes work for English Heritage and the National Trust.

Visit: www.chappellscarpets.co.uk

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AWARDS

Best Online Retailer Sofa.com Best Furniture Retailer 3+ Stores Oak Furniture Land

While much recent attention has been focused on the impact of online retailers on ‘traditional’ retailers, Oak Furniture Land has bucked the trend by being an online retailer that shunned the traditional model and opened stores.

In 2004 Jason Bannister, Oak Furniture Land founder, was the largest retailer on eBay UK. After years of requests from consumers he opened his first showroom in 2009. Finding it made no impact on the online business he now has 43 stores.

The chain has seen sales rise from £16.5m in 2009 to £83.4m in the year to 30 September 2012. Pre-tax profits increased from £1.3m to £9.17m in the same period.

Bannister says the business has maintained profitability despite the higher cost of running physical shops because it is still run in largely the same way as when he started. It uses its own delivery fleet and doesn’t buy furniture from wholesalers, but commissions it directly from factories in India, China and Vietnam, as it has from the outset.

Growth is likely to continue with Bannister having plans to open many more stores across the country.

Visit: www.oakfurnitureland.co.uk

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

Pat Reeves and Rohan Blacker founded Sofa.com in November 2005. By 2006 it had opened its first upholstery factory in Poland.

The company offers two-hour time slots for deliveries, with models in stock delivered within two weeks and six if it has to be made. This is backed by a no-quibble free returns policy.

As well as its London showroom, Sofa.com opened a showroom in Amsterdam in 2009 and in New York last year. As well as upholstery, the company also sells beds.

Sofa.com has sold more than 45,000 sofas in the UK with sales rising by 30% to £16.8m in the year to February.

Its combination of online ordering and speedy delivery has won it numerous fans among shoppers. Here are some of the most recent customer comments: ‘We were thoroughly impressed by the Sofa.com experience. Having looked – quite extensively – elsewhere and not enjoyed the experience or found what we wanted, Sofa.com was a breath of fresh air. The website is great and we found a visit to the showroom really helped us make a decision. We love that the products can be altered to personal taste. Our sofa and chair arrived a few

weeks ago and we love them – they look great and are just as comfy as you promised.’

‘We loved the showroom, we loved the helpful staff, and it was the only item of furniture that we ordered when moving into our new house that came on time, in perfect condition. Sofa.com was a dream compared to the other furniture companies we dealt with.’

‘Everyone I dealt with at Sofa.com was extremely friendly and helpful, including the delivery men who were on time and moved it in quickly. I can’t recommend Sofa.com products highly enough, both for their quality and level of service.’

‘I found my entire experience with Sofa.com fantastic. The sales team went out of their way to help me, were polite, friendly and patient. The delivery team were exactly the same, they even took away all the packaging and assembled the legs for me. I am very pleased with the product, it is super comfortable and I could even order the fabric by the metre to have matching furniture made.’

Visit: www.sofa.com

Best Furniture Retailer 1-2 Stores Clarkes Furnishers Founded in 1929 by Gerald and Ronald Clarke, brands are at the heart of Clarkes Furnishers of Maidstone, Kent’s offer. The products on show at its 16,000sqft edge of town store read like a Who’s Who of the industry, including G Plan Upholstery, Ercol, Nathan, Tempur, Parker Knoll, Sealy,

Stressless and Vale-Bridgecraft.

A member of AIS, Clarkes was runnerup in the buying group’s independent retailer of the year awards last year.

Clarkes is part of the Lenleys of Canterbury group.

Visit: www.clarkesfurnishers.co.uk

AWARDS

Best Customer Service (Furniture) TCS

Top: Tirano jumbo two-seater Below: Rhianna Below right: Latino

‘This is our fourth award from the readers of Interiors Monthly in five years and everyone at TCS is delighted to be placed as the leader in customer service in the UK and Republic of Ireland,’ says Thomas Small, TCS md.

Now celebrating its 15th anniversary, TCS has stood by its ethos of service, quality and value.

As well as the product offerings, the company prides itself on the work that goes on in the background of its operation and the people who make it all possible day to day.

‘It is the staff combined with their knowledge and experience that pulls the whole operation together to be the company we are and hold our position in the marketplace,’ says Small.

In recent months the team has been further strengthened with the appointment of Michael Rooney as general manager.

Rooney brings a wealth of experience,

having come from a management background working with companies including Samsung, The AA and Vodafone.

‘While other companies are focusing on retracting and reducing their services, such as dropping no minimum orders and offering deals on large one time shipments, TCS has developed new comprehensive systems aimed at helping retailers, with even lower prices on single item deliveries,’ says Small.

From the company that provides home delivery on single items for only £35, the launch of tcsforless.com at the start of the year aims not only to maintain the single item delivery, but to improve on it with lower prices.

‘This is one company that rather than pull out from helping individual retailers, would rather find ways of helping them maximise their profits even further,’ adds Small.

Visit: www.tcsimports.com

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AWARDS

Best Customer Service (Flooring) Brintons Carpets

Top: Bell Twist’s Smoke Below: Renaissance Classics’ Khali Fire Below right: True Velvet’s Tutti Frutti

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

‘Receiving the Best Customer Service (Flooring) award for 2013 cements Brintons as the leading manufacturer of high quality woven carpets,’ says Don Coates, Brintons md. ‘Our brand reputation is built on design innovation, product excellence, technical expertise and customer focus; it’s essential we continue to invest in all of these areas to ensure our future success.’

Brintons employs more than 500 people in the UK at its Kidderminster and Telford sites and recent investment has created jobs in both locations. Investing in the UK has boosted not only the local economy, but also to British carpet making as a whole, he says.

‘The intention is to build on Brintons’ illustrious heritage, ensuring this 230year-old brand maintains its worldwide leadership position.

‘We have a very clear view of how we deliver value for our customers; our mission is to make the world a more beautiful place, which we have been doing for over 200 years. We have a fantastic employee ethos with

tremendous commitment to the business and the Brintons brand: we will go the extra mile to help our customers achieve their goals. This customer service award means a great deal to us and we thank the Interiors Monthly readers for their support,’ says Coates.

Brintons customers are incredibly discerning, so Brintons works hard to stay one step ahead, he says. This year sees the launch of Brintons’ High Definition Weave, a pioneering technology developed by Brintons which allows it to weave carpets and rugs in up to 32 colours, giving customers unrivalled design definition and colour choice.

Coates says to expect upcoming design collaborations, new rug collections and the very best in carpet excellence.

This summer Brintons launched its first rug collection to mark the Queen’s Coronation Festival at Buckingham Palace, which consisted of a collection of stylish rugs inspired by 1950s designs from the Brintons’ archives.

Visit: www.Brintons.co.uk

For your brochure and samples, call: 0800 505055 or visit: www.brintons.co.uk Brintons - making the world a more beautiful place

AWARDS

Best UK Furniture Manufacturer Woodberry Brothers & Haines

Top: Caxton’s Bianca bedroom collection Right: Caxton’s Mistral living and dining collection Below: Caxton’s London bedroom collection

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

‘Once again, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the readers of Interiors Monthly for voting us Best UK Furniture Manufacturer for the second year in a row,’ says Mark Woodberry, Woodberry Brothers & Haines md. ‘While we’ve flown the flag for British manufacturing for over 60 years now, this sort of recognition goes beyond just our own internal pride and says so much about UK manufacturing as a whole.’

Woodberry says that at a time when the British public is increasingly interested in the quality of the source when making an important purchase, retailers also need to know that they can rely on manufacturers and suppliers to deliver what they need most – consistency in quality, design and manufacture, supported by a level of customer service that is second to none.

‘We declared last year the WBH year of service, taking some real steps forward in providing our customers, trade and consumer, with a more flexible, responsive and helpful service. This year we will be building on that success, with some exciting new service developments designed to enable retailers to take on today’s challenges. But I also realise that there’s more to receiving this award than just a first class service.

‘For me, it’s important we consolidate on the success of last year’s product launches,’ he explains. ‘We really pushed the Caxton brand into some unexpected

areas, which has paid off for us, and our customers – our contemporary and high gloss collections continue to perform well.’

This year’s new collections see more of a balance between commercially priced contemporary and traditional furniture collections, all designed to appeal to a variety of specific niches within the UK market – including a classic painted and a contemporary blond ash living and dining collection.

‘Further success has also come from our bedroom cabinet offer, which is now nearly as extensive, and varied, as that of our living and dining furniture,’ adds Woodberry.

Visit: www.caxtonfurnitureonline.com

Back to the future.

Featuring part veneered faces, discreetly curving edges and inset handles, the Bergen living & dining collection cleverly combines a contemporary blond ash finish with traditional styling to create an atmosphere of timeless quality and sophistication – easy on the eye and perfectly in keeping with today’s lifestyle. Designed and manufactured in the UK, Bergen sums up all that’s best about buying British.

To find out more, call 08700 600 555 today.

The H O M E of G R E AT B R I T I S H FURNITURE

AWARDS

Best UK Flooring Manufacturer Ulster Carpets

Top: Tamzin Shadow Motif Below: Open Spaces Wellington Stripe Reed Below right: Velvet Cloister

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

Ulster Carpets continues to innovate and lead the market in terms of technology, service and product offering and says it is delighted to win the Interiors Monthly Best UK Flooring Manufacturer award.

Given that all woven manufacturing remains in the UK and Republic of Ireland and is vertically integrated, Ulster controls all aspects of the manufacturing process.

All the wool that goes into an Ulster carpet is sourced through Bradford and the yarn is manufactured at its spinning plant, Ulster Yarns in Dewsbury, North Yorkshire. This enables Ulster to have total control over the quality of yarn and long-term security of supply.

Once received orders are delivered within five working days to anywhere in the UK and Ireland.

When a customer buys an Ulster carpet, not only can they enjoy the inherent quality of the product, but also the knowledge that their carpet has been manufactured with sustainability in mind. In fact, more than 90% of the total composition of Ulsterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wool-rich carpets comes from renewable resources.

In recent years Ulster has made significant investments in new ranges while continuing to refresh existing ranges and has some exciting offerings in development.

Its Heritage Twist, a two-ply product in eighth-gauge 45oz wool, will make its debut in the near future. Heritage Twist will have 24 fresh new colours in five colour-matching widths of 5m, 4m, 3m, 2m and 1m.

Visit: www.ulstercarpets.com

AWARDS

Best Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer Parker Knoll

Top: Parker Knoll made its Milan debut

‘We are delighted to have been recognised by the readers of Interiors Monthly following such a busy year,’ says Donna Bellingham, Parker Knoll brand director.

‘It is great to know that after all these years Parker Knoll is still designing and developing the best of British upholstery. With the help of our prestigious team of craftsmen and women, we continue to make quality products in the Parker Knoll tradition

which are celebrated by the industry.

‘Highlights have included exhibiting at ISalone for the first time and the Comfort in Motion collection. We are very proud of our new collections and as we move forward into September, we will be adding further additions to our LifeStyle collection as well as a fabulous new collection of fabrics. This exciting launch will mean we are well equipped for what is set to be an exciting season ahead.’

Visit: www.parkerknoll.co.uk

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AWARDS

Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer Wiemann

Top: Brooklyn has a high gloss finish, overhead bridging units and drawers in the base of the bedside towers – all in response to customer requests Below: Manhattan in walnut and sahara Below right: Monza in walnut and black glass

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

‘Winning this award is a massive boost for everyone at Wiemann,’ says Peter Hewitt, Wiemann UK md.

‘I can’t thank all those who voted for us enough. We are thrilled and delighted to know that so many of our customers have that sort of confidence in the products and services we offer. It’s all down to the hard work and dedication of a whole team of people, from the skills and relationship of our UK sales force, through to the understanding and cooperation of the production and administration teams back in Germany.

‘We’ve only been in the UK for eight years so it’s particularly encouraging to get this endorsement that we are indeed a recognised and trusted brand.

‘Wiemann’s products and service in the

UK has evolved over time to reflect the needs of our customers – it’s not about what and how we want to sell; it’s all about what our customers feel is right for them. We cover the whole of the middle market, based on the principle of “good, better and best” – good being our popular promotional ranges; best being our VIP models with many additional features as standard.

‘As well as providing a wide choice of designs and styles, our delivery and installation service is becoming an increasingly integral part of our better quality product offer. It takes all the hassle away from the retailer of delivery, installation and even after sales service – plus there’s little or no warehousing cost.’

Wiemann, tel: 01482 635 283

Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer of 2013 A huge thank you to all our customers for this vote of confidence in our products and service

Fall in love with your bedroom...

the

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Loft

Bedrooms of distinctive style, quality and value

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

AWARDS

Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer Balta Broadloom

Top: A Dozen Stripes Below: Grand Slam Below right: Marrakesh Twist

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

‘At Balta Broadloom we work hard to ensure that our carpets deliver UK consumers the very best combination of style, performance and value, and to receive the award for Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer for the sixth time is a real delight,’ comments Geert Vanden Bossche, Balta Group marketing director.

‘We firmly believe that our diversity of product, from the StainSafe collection of carpets right through to the recently introduced Stain Block Home Tiles, really helps retailers to provide customers with a fully rounded product offering to their customers. This, combined with our excellent value and quality, ensures that we reach thousands of consumers every month.’

In 2013, Balta Broadloom has made further developments to its portfolio with introductions such as Marrakesh Twist, made from wool-look StainSafe

berber yarn; the 20-year StainSafe promise of Grand Slam; a colour update to Funky Stripes; the introduction of A Dozen Stripes; the supersoft StainSafe Sensit yarned Timeless; the addition of a coordinating Gala Stripes to the Gala collection; and the launch of the innovative Stain Block Home Tiles.

‘Just like every year before, our research and development department has been keeping itself really busy in 2013, developing new carpet styles that help to shape the landscape of residential carpet sales throughout the UK,’ continues Vanden Bossche. ‘Through their efforts, as well as the hard work and dedication of our sales and distribution network, we are crowned Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer and I’d like to thank all retailers who voted for us in these prestigious industry awards.’

Balta Broadloom, tel: 00 32 5662 2211

& stripes Get ready for a gala performance With the stunning new Gala & Stripes carpet collection from Balta Broadloom you can create perfectly coordinated Čľoors with all the comfort and security of 100% StainSafeÂŽ yarn. With 4 stripe colourways combining with 14 plain colours, Gala & Stripes opens up a new world of possibility.

0032 56 62 22 11 www.baltagroup.com

AWARDS

Best Accessory Supplier Authentic Models

Authentic Models has an eclectic mix with UK bestsellers including searchlights and furniture

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

It began with a boat, a model of a Dutch East-India merchant vessel purchased in the 1960s. Reproduced by antiques dealer Haring Piebenga, this one purchase was the spark that launched Authentic Models in 1968 in Amsterdam as a renowned manufacturer of quality nautical reproductions and instruments.

Next came a reproduced antique globe, which led to hot air balloons, which led to a series of museum-quality model planes, games, instruments, writing sets… Seeking a home for all these items led Authentic Models into the arms of a French furniture atelier, and the rest is history.

Today, Authentic Models supplies furniture and accessories to stores all over the world. Its eclectic mix reflects Piebenga’s personal passion for history. A passion passed on to many retailers who share his love for travel and discovery.

The current product mix features such UK top-sellers as searchlights, trunk bars, desks and campaign furniture, artist’s models and of course model planes, ships and cars. UK

stockists range from gift shops and museums to AIS members and aviation enthusiast shops.

Sales are holding steady this year in a tough UK market, after several years of solid growth, and Authentic Models has been chosen for the second year in a row as Best Accessory Supplier by the readers of Interiors Monthly. Retailers report that Authentic Models offers great service, speedy deliveries and products that draw people into shops by sheer visual appeal.

Always searching for eclectic and inspired product ideas, Authentic Models will introduce a series of wooden polyhedron forms this winter, inspired by sketches by Leonardo da Vinci. There’s also a desk in the form of a piano, a collection of cabinetry featuring ‘secret spaces’ to add intrigue to your living room, and even a pending Spitfire model to meet long-standing customer demand.

Visit: www.authenticmodels.com

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Enjoy a touch of History.

Discover an ageless value and appeal. AM’s furniture and accessories provide defining design elements for upscale interiors across the globe. Our eclectic mix of high quality reproductions includes campaign furniture, lighting, cartography, and vintage flight, ship, car, and architectural models.

Antiques of tomorrow, objects to keep and cherish, transcending time and trends…

AM UK 24 Lintot Square, Fairbank Road, Southwater, West Sussex RH13 9LA Phone 01403-734999 Fax 01403-734888 info@am-uk.eu

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AWARDS

Best Furniture Buying Group AIS

Top: G Plan Elan: exclusive to AIS Below: Dreamworld Beds is an AIS own brand Below right: Rho, an exclusive AIS dining range

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

‘I am delighted that AIS has won the Interiors Monthly Best Furniture Buying Group award, which confirms our position as the leading furniture and home buying group in the UK and Republic of Ireland. We always strive to give our members utmost satisfaction with our services,’ says Peter Mallinson, AIS merchandise director – home.

AIS offers its members more than just the core buying group benefits that would naturally be expected of it.

Procurement across many non-retail areas, including insurance and utilities, and container importing through its Freight Club are just two of the other services that add value to membership that altogether generates positive endorsements from members.

‘AIS membership gives us a real advantage over bigger competitors in a highly promotional market: from exclusive merchandise to trade shows to procurement and marketing initiatives,’ says Peter Harding of Fairway Furniture.

‘We particularly value AIS’s exclusive merchandise that improves profit margins,’ comments Dominic Reynolds of Reynolds.

‘Not once in over 25 years have we regretted joining,’ reckons Paul Glasswell of Glasswells.

‘We have enjoyed advantageous and enduring financial benefits on settlement terms and facilities procurement.

Membership is unreservedly recommended,’ remarks Roe McCrossan of Lucas Furniture.

‘The AIS central payments facility (CENPAC) is extremely efficient and saves us money on our own internal accounts administration resource,’ explains Peter Mitchell of Jarrold.

‘We recently saved several thousands of pounds on the purchase and service contracts of delivery vehicles and have also enjoyed benefits on utility contracts,’ says Jonathan Stoker of Stokers.

‘We are part of the AIS Freight Club and have been absolutely delighted with the first class service and fixed pricing we receive,’ comments Steve Foster of Fishpools.

‘Sterling is a member of AIS for sound business reasons,' says Gordon Mearns, Sterling Furniture Group.

‘I’m proud to be part of an organisation that elicits such positive feedback from members and it gives me and my colleagues great satisfaction to continue to support them in many ways that have a positive effect on their businesses,’ adds Mallinson.

Visit: www.aistores.co.uk

ARDS AWARDS A WA ARD

AWARDS 2011

WINNER 2013 WINNER

great reasons to join AIS - the leading furniture and home buying group

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Benefits of membership You remain independent yet gain multiple benefits

We improve members’ profitability through better buying terms, exclusive ranges, show deals and rebates

Over £200m furniture buying throughput means AIS has considerable influence in the industry with major suppliers Two of the best furniture shows every year are held at our own first class exhibition venue in Solihull Exclusive branded and own brand ranges such as Dreamworld Beds give AIS members differentiation and higher margin opportunities AIS are also very strong in categories such as flooring, linens and housewares to drive additional footfall and give new margin opportunities The AIS procurement division saves members £’000s on non-retail goods and services from insurance to delivery vehicles to utility contracts Our AIS logistics team can help with imports and have beneficial shipping deals

We also support members with other services such as marketing, personnel and training

far exceed costs

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

AWARDS

Best Flooring Buying Group Greendale Carpets & Floorings

Top: Dedicated in-store POS is available Below: Greendale is unique among flooring buying groups in having its own warehouse which stocks more than 2,000 rolls of carpet

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

Greendale Carpets & Floorings is a multimillion pound, 120-member cooperative with its own warehouse and operational centre in Hereford. Greendale employs 16 staff covering sales ordering, accounts, customer service, merchandising and warehousing and stocks more than 2,000 rolls of carpet from all the main British and European manufacturers.

The members own the group which is run on a not for profit basis meaning that all savings negotiated – increased by purchasing rolls – are passed on to members.

Own labelling is a key ingredient of the Greendale offer with extensive in-store units in members’ outlets and more than 100 ranges provided, with each renamed down to colour level. The Greendale brand is complemented by the upmarket Elizabeth Grieves and budget Nice Price labels covering all price points from £4.99 to £100 per sqm. All main product types are covered with tufted twists, velvets, saxonies and loops as well as

woven ranges in wool and manmade fibres.

Additionally, a package of UK manufactured exclusive wool twists offers members outstanding margin opportunities and the ability to retail with confidence.

Members are given their own areas to enable them to promote and exploit the brand and are supported by Greendale’s merchandising team and twice-yearly visits from the group’s own agents.

Greendale ranges are not marketed on the Internet.

An annual show and dinner for members and suppliers takes place with over 250 members and suppliers attending. A wide package of other benefits includes membership of the British Independent Retail Association that offers a range of support services for independent retailers.

The group has some areas of the UK available and encourages any retailer who shares its ethos to contact it.

Greendale, tel: 01432 852 000

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AWARDS 2011

WINNER 2013 WINNER

AWARDS

Best Furniture Exhibition IMM Cologne

Bruhl (below), Tonon (top) and Die Mobelmanufakur (below right) are among the Pure exhibitors

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

Once again IMM Cologne takes the Best Furniture Exhibition accolade. The Pure segment of the next event (13-19 January 2014) is set to play a larger role, with Pure Elegance, the new format for the high end sector, and a stronger focus on young creative design in hall 1.

‘As a segment for the presentation of international high end design, Pure has undergone the most dynamic development in recent years – partly due to new exhibitor interest and exhibitors who are returning to Cologne, and partly due to new incentives from the trade fair in the form of new formats and themes,’ says Frank Haubold, Cologne Messe vice president trade fair management.

With its broadbased structures, the new format is designed to create generous spaces for brands whose exclusive product ranges will be staged in lavish stand designs that allow them to unfold their decorative and sometimes

flamboyant character. With big, themed entrances that tempt visitors to step inside, premium fittings and classic architecture, Pure Elegance provides a prestigious ambience for the presentation of this exclusive kind of interior design.

With this concept, IMM Cologne aims to develop the potential of this product category while heightening visitors’ perception of details.

‘Nowadays, as a design theme, luxury isn’t just apparent at the level of style, which is usually characterised by eclectic aesthetics. Pure Elegance will demonstrate that an exclusive lifestyle is expressed in the exceptional quality of processing techniques, finely crafted details, beautiful lacquers and woods, exquisite fabrics and premium leather,’ says Dick Spierenburg, creative director.

Visit: www.imm-cologne.com

WWW.IMM-COLOGNE.COM

The event for bathrooms, flooring, wallcoverings, lighting at imm cologne.

CREATE. FURNISH. LIVE. THE INTERNATIONAL FURNISHING SHOW 13.–19.01.2014 See the trends, discover new products and do good business. imm cologne featuring LivingInteriors : Leading international brands will be exhibiting at the world’s most important furnishing event. In other words, you will have a great opportunity to do good business. Don’t miss out !

Buy your tickets now and save over 30 per cent. www.imm-cologne.com/ticketshop

International Business Media Services Ltd., 42 Christchurch Road, Ringwood BH24 1DN Tel. : +44 1425 48 68 30, Fax : +44 1425 48 68 31, info@koelnmesse.co.uk

AWARDS

Best Flooring Exhibition The Flooring Show

This year will be the show’s 51st event with up to 120 companies exhibiting

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

Since its launch in Harrogate in 1962 as the Northern Floor Coverings Fair, The Flooring Show has proved to be durable, outlasting a number of rival events staged in venues as diverse as Blackpool, Brighton, Earl’s Court and Birmingham.

Despite the tough economic conditions, the 51st edition of the show – 1-3 September at the Harrogate International Centre – will feature up to 120 exhibitors representing all areas of floorcoverings and related products and services. A healthy and vibrant show covering 3,000sqm net floorspace is keenly anticipated.

New management took over in 2012 and this year enormous efforts are being made to develop a content-rich event.

This will include a new Trends Hub – conceived and designed by consultancy Scarlet Opus. This space will showcase an inspiring and valuable presentation of the latest products from exhibitors, alongside a unique preview of the major colour, texture, material and styling trends for 2014.

There will also be a new Business Enrichment Theatre featuring high quality free business growth advice relevant to the flooring industry and

delivered by experts. Alongside this will be a two-day Commercial Flooring Conference (2-3 September) featuring some 25 speakers: this is the UK’s only conference dedicated to commercial floorcoverings and how they can define how buildings are used.

As in previous years, there will also be a comprehensive three-day demonstration programme spearheaded by the CFA, FITA and NICF, and taking place in the Demo Zone in Hall B. What is significant is the emphasis this year’s event will place on the way floorcoverings influence other interior design decisions in the retail sector, and the increasingly specialist and high tech nature of floorcoverings in the commercial sector.

The exhibition, seminars, Commercial Conference, demonstrations and networking opportunities are all free to trade participants. Free parking at the venue’s underground car park is open to all visitors for all three days on a first come first served basis, and there will be free Internet access throughout.

Registration and more information is available online.

Visit: www.theflooringshow.com

FLOORING SHO W 1-3 SEPTEMBER 2013 HARROGATE www.theflooringshow.com Proud winner of the Best Flooring Exhibition Award for another year.

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

AWARDS

Best Flooring Website Balterio Balterioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website provides a wealth of information at a glance, including real consumer testimonials and showing how the laminate looks in their homes.

For choosing the right laminate flooring, the online consultant is a great help. Each decor is presented in a lifelike area such as bedroom, living room, hall and kitchen.

Installation videos provide support for consumers who are fitting the flooring themselves.

A useful dealer search function helps consumers to find the nearest Balterio dealer in their neighbourhood, while the FAQs section completes the offer.

Visit: http://balterio.co.uk

THANK YOU!

Best Flooring Website, 5th time in a row.

Discover a wealth of information on laminate ďŹ&#x201A;ooring on www.balterio.com.

WAKKENSTEENWEG 37B - B-8710 SINT-BAAFS-VIJVE - T. +32 56 62 80 81 - INFO@BALTERIO.COM

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

Style. Quality. Simplicity.

AWARDS

Best Home Entertainment Supplier UK-CF

‘As the UK-CF brand goes from strength to strength, we are delighted to have won the prestigious Interiors Monthly award.

Now into its third year, the brand continues to grow and this award is recognition for the quality and service that the business is built on,’ says Gary Naylor, UK-CF business development manager.

UK-CF’s business model is based on Room-Service, a room of choice two-man delivery service, allowing retailers to maximise profitability with minimum stock-holding. Most of the UK-CF product range is assembled or packed in the company’s Lancashire factory, which means orders can usually be shipped within 48 hours of being placed and delivered in three working days.

A new range is due to hit the market soon and will include modular storage solutions including coffee tables, drawer units and media units.

‘We are working hard to help our retail partners maximise sales through improved lead times and increased product offer. The new designs are backed up with HD video presentations which all help to affirm the brand quality and give increased consumer awareness of the UK-CF name,’ Naylor adds.

UK-CF, tel: 01706 235 215

** NEW ** 2013 PRODUCT LAUNCH A comprehensive range of furniture designed for today’s AV technology Available soon

*

*

ALL PRODUCTS NOW BACKED UP WITH OUR 3 YEAR WARRANTY

With RRPs starting at just £130.00, your profit is sure to increase with UK-CF Orders now delivered in 5 working days

OUR RANGE NOW INCLUDES FULLY MODULAR STORAGE SOLUTIONS INCLUDING COFFEE TABLES AND DRAWER UNITS

UK-CF 2013 Interiors Award Winners

Scan here for our new Brand Video

General enquiries: +44 (0) 1706 235 215 䊉 Email: sales@ukcf.co.uk 䊉 Web: www.ukcf.co.uk

AWARDS

Best Furniture Wholesaler Julian Bowen

Top: Ascot dining set Below: Scorpion Racer bed Below right: Marlborough chest

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

‘Everyone at Julian Bowen is delighted to have been voted the UK’s Best Furniture Wholesaler for the second consecutive year by Interiors Monthly readers. We are very proud of this accolade which is the result of all the hard work by our staff,’ says company founder Julian Bowen.

Children’s furniture continues to be an important product area for Julian Bowen.

It has introduced the Kimbo cabin bed available in white and pink and white and blue. The new Scorpion Racer bed is finished in high gloss red and comes with the option of a duvet and pillowcase set with free DHD. The company has expanded its bedroom offer with the introduction of the Marlborough collection.

This comprehensive collection of chests, wardrobes and dressing tables features 30mm chunky tops, solid oak frame construction doors, dovetail joints in the construction

of the drawers, with a waxed finish.

Additions to the Boston dining range include a coffee and lamp table. Also new are the Oklahoma and X frame lamp tables and the Bijou Bar stool in a walnut finish with a linen-style fabric seat. The contemporary Ascot dining set has a natural finish.

Julian Bowen continues to concentrate on product innovation together with a first class service. All its products are available on the Gold DHD service, offering 7-10 day delivery and a two-man delivery with a room of choice option.

Customers are contacted no less than 48 hours beforehand and given an am or pm slot. They are also contacted one hour prior to the delivery with an accurate arrival time.

Julian Bowen will be exhibiting at the Autumn Long Point show from 16-19 September.

Visit: www.julian-bowen.co.uk

Julian Bowen Limited

A big thank you to the readers of Interiors Monthly Magazine. We will continue to offer innovative new commercial products for the mass market featuring Home Delivery and short lead times.

Come see our latest creations between 16th & 19th September 2013 at The Autumn Long Point Show Harrington Mill, Leopold Street, Long Eaton. NG10 4QE

Julian Bowen Limited, Bentinck House, Park Lane, Kirkby in Ashfield, NG17 9LE Tel: (01623) 727374, Fax: (01623) 754555, e-mail: sales@julian-bowen.co.uk www.julian-bowen.co.uk

AWARDS

Best Flooring Wholesaler Hadfields

Hadfields has more than 150,000sqft of storage at Bredbury, Cheshire

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

Serving the North West of England, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire since 1920, Hadfields has developed a strong reputation for service over the decades, with some retailers being customers for more than 30 years.

There is a strong emphasis on cut length sales of carpet and vinyl alongside wood, laminate rugs and contract sales.

A key aspect is the company’s next day delivery service from leading suppliers such as Armstrong, Associated Weavers, Balta, BIG, Condor and IVC. A great amount of the success is down to the development of the Lifestyle Floors brand.

‘Whether the retailer is in Anglesey or

Barrow-in-Furness, if they place their order by 5pm it will be with them the next day from our 150,000sqft plus warehouse,’ says Dave Francis, Hadfields commercial director.

Hadfields employs some 90 staff to service its 1,400 customers.

‘We have a very loyal customer base and everyone at Hadfields would like to thank everyone who supported us so we could win the Interiors Monthly Best Flooring Wholesaler award,’ says Francis.

‘We are very proud to have won this award, and it will give us an incentive to deliver an even better service to our customers in the coming year.’

Hadfields, tel: 0161 430 1420

THANK YOU to all the Interiors Monthly readers for voting Hadfields the

Best Flooring Wholesaler Hadfields Bredbury Park Way, Bredbury Stockport, Cheshire SK6 2TJ T: 0161 430 1400 E: Hadfields@headlam.com

AWARDS

Best Recliner Manufacturer Ekornes

Top: Stressless Magic Below: Stressless Legend Below right: Twelve Stressless office models were introduced in 2013

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

‘Ekornes is absolutely delighted to have won the Best Recliner Manufacturer award. We hold this accolade in the highest esteem as they are judged on an independent basis by Interiors Monthly readers,’ says James Tate, Ekornes UK md.

‘Our primary function is as a manufacturer and Ekornes only exists because there are people around the world who want to buy our products.

There are oceans of products to choose from so we have to strive to ensure that Stressless remains superior in terms of comfort and quality to the other products in the market.

‘This is the very essence of the

Stressless brand and we strive to deliver this by continually innovating and looking to improve. This year, for instance, saw the introduction of 12 Stressless office models, which have already seen an excellent reaction from consumers.

‘For the brand to have real substance, every aspect of everything we do must focus around comfort and quality.

Winning awards such as Best Recliner Manufacturer is a confirmation that we are making positive moves toward achieving our goal of superior comfort and quality and this is something we will never lose sight of,’ adds Tate.

Visit: www.ekornes.co.uk

Double Award Winner Best Recliner Manufacturer Best Marketing Support

London oďŹ&#x192;ce: 0207 462 0440 www.stressless.co.uk

AWARDS

Best Business Support (Flooring) SMG – The National Flooring & Furnishing Group

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

‘SMG – The National Flooring & Furnishing Group – is again delighted to receive recognition from the readers of Interiors Monthly for the fourth consecutive year,’ says Mike Symonds, SMG head of group operations.

‘Our business support has been recognised again this year and it is fair to say that in these difficult trading times our efforts in this part of our membership package have helped save significant amounts of revenue for members of the group.

‘The package has developed and we now have more competitive credit card rates and an improved telecoms offer.

Recognition of our strength in this area has spread to other retail sectors and therefore we have decided to offer a Business Support Membership to retailers outside the flooring industry. We

have benchmarked ourselves against the FSB and BIRA and find that our solution is more comprehensive and offers greater value for money. We would be delighted to hear from any Interiors Monthly readers who want to join us,’ he says.

The main driver of the group remains flooring and 2013 has been a great year for members Symonds says, as it continues to develop its offering.

‘This year we are delighted to have added Penthouse Carpets to our approved supplier list and we have developed three private label opportunities with our suppliers to guarantee access to quality products and help protect margin. Group promotions have been at an all time high and have generated some fantastic additional income for a number of our members.’

SMG, tel: 0118 932 3832

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Contact Mike Symonds on 0118 932 3832 or join@smg-group.co.uk

www.smg-group.co.uk

AWARDS

Best Bed Manufacturer Sealy UK

Top: Augusta Below: Blenheim Below right: Napoli

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

‘Having been making beds for the past 125 years, and with the largest R&D function in the industry, Sealy probably knows more about beds than most. Our commitment to making everyone sleep better, on comfortable, well supported mattresses with innovative spring systems and now, coming shortly, new technologically advanced foams, is legendary, and that is why the name Posturepedic is synonymous with deep, restful sleep with no tossing and turning and no backache in the morning,’ says Neil Robinson, Sealy marketing director.

Sealy prides itself on always giving its customers the best quality and service – whether it is to the retailer, the hotelier or the consumer.

As well as innovations such as Smart Fibres and BugShield to enhance the mattress materials and keep them cool and pest free, there is a bed for almost everyone in its extensive range, Robinson says.

During the past three years Sealy has focused on quality in all its thinking, and this has been reflected through its existing product ranges and will be further supported in innovations it is bringing to market at the NBF Bed Show in September.

‘We believe in supporting our retailers and the roll out of the Sleep Studios this year means more support for them and a better shopping experience for their customers,’ he says.

‘Sealy is going from strength to strength in the UK bed market and leaving its competitors behind.

Customers want a quality product at the right price and the company’s latest award, one of a long stream, is a Which?

Magazine Best Buy for its Napoli 1200 pocket spring mattress. As Which? said: “It stood out from the competition.” That just about sums up Sealy perfectly,’ adds Robinson.

Visit: www.sealy.co.uk

As Britain sweltered, in what certain sections of the press have deemed “the hottest heatwave since the dawn of time,” it seems Sealy has also been raising temperatures in the bed industry, having been handed two prestigious awards in the past month.

Interiors Monthly has named Sealy ‘Best Bed Manufacturer’ (for the fourth time!) and Which? Magazine awarded Sealy’s Napoli Pocket 1200 mattress a ‘Best Buy’ in the pocket spring category, praising its durability and support ahead of the nine competitor products they tested.

Cool.

www.sealy.co.uk

AWARDS

Best Carpet Manufacturer Cormar Carpets

Top: Sensation Below: Cormar has its own delivery fleet Below right: Primo Ultra

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

Cormar Carpets has cemented its position as one of the leading independent carpet manufacturers by continuing its run of industry accolades – winning two this year, including the Interiors Monthly Best Carpet Manufacturer award. This follows winning buying group Flooring One’s Supplier of the Year for the ninth time.

‘It is great to see how the efforts of all those involved at Cormar Carpets are recognised. At Cormar we very much appreciate that while price is always going to be important, reliability, service and quality are still recognised as much as they have ever been,’ says David Cormack, Cormar marketing director.

‘We’re continuously evolving our

product collections to meet the demands of the consumer. Our latest hit has been the Sensation range of carpets which have really filled a niche in the market.

It’s still tough out there but retailers are looking for suppliers they can rely on. We listen to what they say – whether that’s about product or POS, etc.’

One of the success stories of the British carpet industry, Cormar continues to produce all its carpet ranges from its two production sites near Bury in Lancashire.

It also has its own fleet of 50 distribution vehicles to ensure a top class delivery service to customers, as well as a team of 23 sales representatives throughout Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

Visit: www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Thank you to all Interiors Monthly readers for voting Cormar Best British Carpet Manufacturer 2013 Cormar Carpets are proud of the fine manufacturing traditions and service to customers that have been and always will remain the cornerstones of our business.

Stand A17 at the HARROGATE FLOORING SHOW 1st - 3rd September.

www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

AWARDS

Best Bedroom Manufacturer Kingstown Furniture

Top: Elementi Aqua Blue Below: Signature bed Below right: Nicole bed

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

Kingstown Furniture has operated since 1976 and says each range is designed to provide customers with the greatest choice of value for money assembled bedroom furniture.

Its Elementi Collection shows good modern design with high gloss finishes.

These include Magnolia Pearl, Black Metallic, White and Aqua. The range includes a six-door wardrobe with integrated display Pod and all wardrobes have LED cornice lighting. Elementi also comes with a large selection of chests and a continental headboard that includes two bedside units with LED lighting.

Kingstown has also added some

upholstered bed frames to the white painted Nicole bedroom range and the hand finished antique cream painted Signature range. The Signature bed has a fully upholstered headboard, side rails and foot rail. Also available for the first time is a fully upholstered bedroom chair that matches the fabric used on the Nicole and Signature bed frames.

Holme is available in Vanilla with oak effect tops or an all oak finish. It has four sizes of wardrobes all with framed doors and four sizes of chests including a large five-drawer model.

There is also a living room Holme range, including a tall bookcase/display unit with a lower drawer, a sideboard with framed doors and a long entertainment unit with framed glass doors. Both ranges feature Iron effect knobs, thick 22mm tops with 2mm edge banding, plus chunky pilaster legs.

Visit: www.kingstown.co.uk

Kingstown’s Elementi Bedroom range was a big winner at the Manchester Exhibition in July.

High quality acrylic frontals and state of the art manufacturing techniques combine to bring the new Elementi collection from Kingstown.

Available in 5 finishes – a stunning pearlescent Magnolia, Black Metallic, a breathtaking Aqua and a Brilliant White, along with an all over Swiss Elm option.

This contemporary collection features soft-close doors, elegant chrome finish metal handles and overhead LED lighting to the wardrobes as standard.

Elementi offers a comprehensive collection of storage units with stunning feature pieces such as the Continental bed with generous upholstered pad and side units featuring LED lights.

Kingstown Furniture Victoria House, Leads Road, Hull HU7 0BZ. Telephone (01482) 701173 or 0844 880 5100 Facsimile (01482) 706248. www.kingstown.co.uk

ELEMENTI COLLECTION

AWARDS

Best Underlay Manufacturer Interfloor

The Underlay Selector benefits both retailers and customers

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

‘The whole Interfloor team is delighted to win this award from Interiors Monthly readers,’ says Steve Woodhead, Interfloor marketing director. ‘We’re working hard to provide our customers with the best solution in terms of product choice, brands and customer service. We’re honoured to get such an endorsement.’

Interfloor recently launched its Underlay Selector to help retailers identify and sell the best underlay to meet their customer’s needs. The Underlay Selector, featured on Interfloor’s website (www.interfloor.com), showcases dozens of the top selling Tredaire and Duralay branded underlays ‘Consumers are increasingly demanding the right product solution for them – whether that is for comfort, durability, sound insulation, heat insulation, underfloor heating, or for wood and laminate floors. We frequently get retailers asking for this kind of

information so that they can recommend the best product to the consumer.

Although we have detailed technical specifications we wanted to develop something which is more accessible and quicker and easier to use,’ Woodhead says.

‘The Underlay Selector does this. It enables the user to choose the best underlays for each of these six criteria.

The products are visually arranged in order – just like magic.’

Each of the products shown has its own information page and full technical specification. It enables the retailer to get all the information they need and can be used in real time in the store.

‘Branded underlays provide real benefits to the consumer and allow the retailer to maximise their margins. We hope it will become a really useful tool for retailers,’ he adds.

Visit: www.interfloor.com

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

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

UK Sales: 01706 238 810 www.interfloor.com

love your floor™

AWARDS

Best Dining Room Manufacturer Old Charm

Top: Chatsworth Below: Ludlow Below right: Windsor chair and Aldeburgh table

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

‘Old Charm recognises the very high standards of design and quality within the industry and we are absolutely delighted to receive the Interiors Monthly award for Best Dining Room Manufacturer, as voted for by the publication’s readers,’ says Malcolm Nix, Old Charm sales and marketing director.

‘As a business we have been working hard to continue to make ourselves relevant in this fast changing market and have put in place a number of initiatives to support our stockists in this demanding trading climate, the most recent being our Customer Charter. It

would seem these have been recognised which is very rewarding for all involved in the business.

‘Whilst the traditional Old Charm product continues to enjoy strong levels of growth, the more recent inclusion, Chatsworth, is starting to perform well,’ adds Nix. Old Charm is not standing still, and recently launched Ludlow, a dedicated occasional offer with pippy oak, an elegant new Windsor chair design and reintroduced upholstery to complete its lifestyle offer.

Old Charm, tel: 01920 469 241

Old Charm wins Dining Manufacturer of the Year Award!

Wood Bros (Furniture) Ltd, Marsh Lane, London Rd, Ware, Herts., SG12 9QH w: www.oldcharm.co.uk t: 01920 469241

AWARDS

Best Solid/ Engineered Wood Manufacturer Kährs UK

Founders Collection Oak Olof Inset: Founders Collection Oak Fredrik

Kährs’ range of wood floors provides a myriad of stylish and durable flooring options, underpinned by an ethical, high performance construction. With options available to suit many environments and budgets, designs span numerous wood species, patterns and formats, each offered with a choice of durable pre-finishes. A variety of designer treatments are also available, including on-trend brushed, bevelled and distressed finishes, as well as bespoke treatments by request.

Based on Kährs’ original design patented in Sweden in 1941, the awardwinning construction uses sustainable hardwood down to the joint only, with fast-growing timber below. This design, alongside the Woodloc joint, provides greater stability, promotes fast installation and eliminates gapping throughout the long lifetime of the floor.

A complementary range of accessories is offered alongside each flooring

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

collection, along with maintenance, display and marketing materials. Tailored sales and product training workshops and CPD programmes are also available, as well as a variety of resources at Kährs’ central London product gallery, at The Building Centre in Store Street.

‘We’re thrilled to receive the Interiors Monthly Award, for the fifth consecutive year,’ comments Harvey Booth, Kährs UK sales and marketing director.

‘We’re looking forward to working with Kährs’ Founders Collection this year. The demand for quality, ethical products with a heritage is growing and the new oak range has been developed specifically with this in mind. The eight designs are a celebration of Kährs’ Swedish tradition and fine craftsmanship, with each floor named after a member of the Kährs family – and featuring a stunning combination of hand-crafted finishing treatments.’

Kährs, tel: 023 9245 3045

AWARDS

AWARDS 2011

WINNER 2013 WINNER

Proud winner of the 2013 Interiors Monthly Award’s ‘Best Engineered Solid Wood Manufacturer’ - for the fifth time.

To become a brand partner - and access our high profit potential range and stunning display concepts - please contact Kährs (UK) Ltd: T 023 9245 3045

E sales@kahrs.co.uk

W kahrs.co.uk

AWARDS

Best Rug Supplier Oriental Carpets and Rugs

Above: Hong Kong HK 412 Multi Below: Hong Kong Grey-Black Below right: Prism

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

‘Oriental Carpets and Rugs is incredibly pleased to have been awarded the accolade of Best Rug Supplier. Over recent years OCR has been working hard to ensure that all aspects of our business are at the highest standard and would like to thank all of the readers of Interiors Monthly who have recognised this and voted for us,’ says a company spokesman.

OCR has increased the number of designers it works with across its ranges and is dedicated to product development which it believes has had a huge influence on the ranges it stocks.

It has now begun working with two branded designers from the USA and Australia and hopes to be launching ranges from both in early 2014.

As well as this, OCR has been concentrating on new website systems and rolled out its online stock check and ordering system this year which enables customers to check stock and place

orders anytime, day or night. Online retailers can now also link their websites directly to OCR’s stock systems creating an automatic live feed, which means that the rugs being sold are always available from its warehouse.

To help bolster sales both in-store and online, OCR has also invested heavily in photography with the aim of creating a high standard image for each rug.

OCR believes these developments, plus many more, are the reason behind this year’s recognition and is exceptionally pleased that its commitment to becoming the best supplier of rugs in the UK is being recognised.

The company has what it describes as ‘a very exciting development’ to announce in January 2014, which will be revealed exclusively in Interiors Monthly.

Visit: www.ocr-rugs.co.uk Tel: 01782 747 713

AWARDS

Best Children’s Furniture Manufacturer Gautier

Gautier built its reputation with children’s bedrooms

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‘Gautier is more than just a great human adventure, it is a daring challenge taken up each day: to create the necessary conditions for the expression and synergy of a whole succession of trades.

From design to manufacturing, from logistics to marketing, everyone brings and checks their vision of the company’s range of skills and knowledge in order to offer products and services which meet consumers’ demands in a responsible way,’ says Dominique Soulard, Gautier ceo.

‘Gautier built its reputation with children’s bedrooms and because of this we are delighted to have been given this award by the readers of Interiors Monthly.’

Since Patrice Gautier founded the company in 1958 the emphasis has been on the quality of the furniture and the checks carried out throughout the whole manufacturing process. Gautier was the first French furniture manufacturer to obtain the triple QSE certification

(Quality, Safety and Environment): in 1994 it obtained ISO 9001 certification for its quality approach management, in 2006 it secured ISO 14001 certification for its environmental operations and the following year it was awarded OHSAS 18001 certification for its safety policies.

‘Even before a product goes into production, and beyond simply considering aesthetics and use, our design teams have two main concerns: the performance and the safety of the product,’ says Pierre-Emmanuel Berthault, Gautier QSE manager.

‘Next, we rigorously select our components and suppliers and, along with the strong culture of quality instilled in our production teams, we are able to offer furniture that can be enjoyed for many years.

‘Finally, in listening to our customers we are committed to ongoing product and service improvements,’ he adds.

Visit: www.gautier.co.uk

BREM Invite the outdoors in!

With its “sawn wood” effect, asymmetrical fronts and bookcase with oblique lines, BREM evokes a certain authenticity and durability, its daring tones and shapes creating a highly personal interior

PREFACE A bold and contemporary range Available in 5 finishes and perfect for any room of the house, the PREFACE collection has been designed to optimise and enhance space with its bookcases and storage units. This range is distinguished by its modularity and boldness.

Discover Gautier’s many other ranges like Artigo and Adulis online at www.gautier.co.uk

AWARDS

Best Vinyl Manufacturer IVC

Top: Jakarta from Woodmark by Leoline Below: Stripes from Bubblegum and Liquorice by Avenue

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

With its established Leoline and Avenue cushion flooring marques, the IVC Group is delighted to be recognised as Best Vinyl Manufacturer by the readers of Interiors Monthly, says a company spokesman.

Dedicated to making the design-led Avenue and value-driven Leoline cushion flooring collections the best in the market, IVC Group has constantly innovated; improving performance, quality and most important, value, throughout its collections.

For 2013, IVC Group has refined its Leoline and Avenue brands further and retailers now have access to a collection of designs ranging from wood and stone through to architectural materials and

even abstract designs such as stripes and paint splatters.

With trend-leading designs, researched to provide UK consumers with floors matched to their homes, both Avenue and Leoline are packed full of addedvalue features. Along with PU Superguard that makes floors easy to maintain, IVC Group’s cushion flooring also features technologies such as Super Acoustic, with 21dB sound reduction, and the Luxatex textile backing that provides easier fitting, thermal insulation and improved acoustics.

Both Avenue and Leoline floors are backed by warranties of up to 15 years, and with Class 32 performance for Leoline’s Quartz Pro PU, the ability to be used in smaller commercial environments. With displays designed to showcase the diversity and performance of cushion flooring, Avenue and Leoline also have a commanding presence in-store.

Huge steps in improving the environmental footprint of IVC Group products have been made too, with heavy investment in green energy and the recycling of all manufacturing waste in a state of the art facility. Testament to this is ISO14001 and BRE certification for many products in the group portfolio.

From concept through to execution, attention to detail and expertise help both Avenue and Leoline lead the way in style, performance and value, says the company. Backed by IVC Group’s distribution channels and high levels of customer service, the combination is a winning one.

Visit: www.ivcgroup.com

Thank you We’d like to say a big thank you to all Interiors Monthly readers who voted for IVC Group as vinyl supplier of the year. With our Leoline, Avenue and Moduleo brands, the IVC Group has become the UK’s foremost vinyl flooring supplier, delivering excellent value, style and performance to homes across the UK.

Ultimate Minerals Country Oak

Woodmark

When it comes to design led low maintenance flooring for the home, look no further than Avenue Floors. With beautiful designs, ranging from natural takes on wood through to mineral inspired looks and truly fabulous retro and abstract styles, a floor from Avenue brings homes great looks, performance and value.

For homes that value value and ease of living, but that don’t want to compromise on great looks, Leoline leads the way. Packed full of performance features and with every range incredible value, Leoline is one powerful performer.

IVC group | Nijverheidslaan 29 | B-8580 Avelgem | Belgium T +32 (0)56 65 32 11 | F +32 (0) 56 65 32 29 info@ivcgroup.com | www.ivcgroup.com

With a diverse range of durable, stylish products as well as excellent customer service and unparalleled “green” credentials, Moduleo® has made a significant impact on the UK flooring market. Moduleo® comes in both a traditional LVT construction and a simple-to-install Click system, which holds a strong cross-consumer appeal, making it ideal for any modern space. Be it home, office, or commercial, Moduleo® offers luxury solutions for the ultimate in natural-looking and durable flooring.

Thank you to the readers of Interiors Monthly who voted Karndean Designflooring as the ‘Best LVT Manufacturer 2013’ We have plenty of exciting new plans for 2014 to help grow your business and promise to continue supporting the independent retail trade in everything we do.

Best LVT Manufacturer 2013

Blond Oak AP01, Art Select. 20 year guarantee.

Also winners of: Best LVT Supplier 2011 Best LVT Supplier 2012

AWARDS

Best Luxury Vinyl Manufacturer Karndean Designflooring ‘We’re thrilled with this award, particularly as it has come from within the industry,’ says Danny Walker, Karndean Designflooring marketing director.

‘We’ve had a busy year bringing our innovative product Karndean LooseLay and new POS units to market. With a clear focus on developing superior products and supporting our retail partners, it’s great to receive feedback like this from satisfied customers, especially after winning the Best Luxury Vinyl Supplier awards in 2012 and 2011.’

Karndean will continue to champion the independent retail trade into 2014 and beyond with support ranging from

advertising campaigns and events to product launches, while staying true to its commitment to flooring retailers throughout the UK, Walker adds.

Visit: www.karndean.com

Top and bottom right: New POS units have been key in driving sales for retail partners Right: Karndean LooseLay is the company’s latest product

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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AWARDS

Retailsystem uses the Cloud for storage

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

THEAUCITRON

Best Software Supplier Retailsystem ‘I must confess that I was absolutely stunned when we were told that Retailsystem had won the Best Software Supplier award for an unbelievable fifth year running,’ says Stephen Smith, Retailsystem md.

‘I knew we were doing good business and I knew that our clients were very happy with the work we had been doing for them, because we made absolutely sure we were.

‘After all, there’s no room for complacency in any business and when your clients are depending on you to help them keep their business healthy and blossoming – market forces permitting – then it’s essential that you keep up to the mark by working on every opportunity to give them the edge. You have to look at the world through your customers’ eyes so that you can anticipate their needs and develop the software to answer those needs. That’s why we also continue to have the edge.’

Smith says the company provides low cost, high value software solutions to organisations of all sorts and sizes in the retail furniture industry, and that means having a clear understanding of the overall nature of running any business as well as keeping up with the specific patterns and trends in this marketplace.

‘It’s really very simple. To gain competitive advantage, you either offer something the same only cheaper, or something better at the same price. And with Retailsystem backing you up with key, up to the minute information on every single aspect of your business, gaining that competitive advantage and being a winner in the marketplace becomes ever closer to your grasp.

‘That’s why our clients not only appreciate what we can do for them but also feel confident that we can design and implement software solutions according to their requirements, by making general suggestions or detailed requests,’ he explains.

‘We listen very carefully to our clients, to experts on the industry and to business leaders throughout the world to pinpoint improvements we can make in our offering. If there’s a general problem area, such as the efficient scheduling of ordering, delivery, transportation and planning, then we work to come up with an answer.

‘In the case of scheduling, we provide our clients with an interactive, virtual calendar that lets them see the whole realtime scheduling picture at a glance by store, by warehouse facility, by area, by van routeing, by postcode or by whatever parameter they want. It’s like having a completely interactive chalk board which is automatically kept up to date and can even be locked off for a specific day when a transport operation is full so that sales staff can’t make delivery promises they can’t keep.

‘We continue to use the massive and failsafe facility that is the Cloud so that we can provide our clients with immense computing and data storage power that they can access very simply using a PC, laptop or even a smartphone. We provide the IT thinking, designing, devising, upgrading, updating and improving so that our clients don’t have to. And that’s why, again, we have the honour of winning the Best Software Supplier award,’ adds Smith.

Visit: www.retailsystem.com

BEST SOFTWARE SUPPLIER

* THE BEST FOR A REASON * EASY TRANSITION FROM EXISTING PAPER SYSTEM OR OUTDATED SOFTWARE Typically the business owner only needs to commit between 6 and 18 hours over a time period to suit them in order to have the system running and to start seeing the benefits.

FLEXIBLE As an independent retailer you can’t be too big or too small to enjoy the benefits of Retailsystem – the information and control you need is at your finger tips.

AFFORDABLE No servers to buy, lease and maintain, no networking, no special hardware required and no capital expenditure, just a month by month contract based on the number of users within your business.

Take the next step towards running your business more efficiently & profitably – call us today to make an appointment for an online or onsite demonstration of Retailsystem.

Time — Control — Profit

t: 0131 440 7607 • e: info@retailsystem.com • w: www.retailsystem.com

AWARDS

Best Marketing Support Ekornes

Top: Retailer support is vital Below: Investment in marketing has increased Below right: Staff at Ekornes UK’s head office

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‘Historically Ekornes has always had a reputation for strong marketing support which this year’s win again reflects, and it is something year on year we will continue to develop. Having won for five years in a row is a tremendous achievement and we are so pleased that our retailers truly believe in the joint campaign we offer,’ says Duncan Box, Ekornes UK marketing manager.

Box says while the company always looks to offer the most effective marketing package possible, it can only do this with the support of its retail partners.

‘Their support is something that we never take for granted – we are acutely aware that every marketing plan we present needs to provide a compelling reason for our retail partners to invest in it,’ he says.

In 2013, Ekornes UK again increased its investment in marketing. It offers a multichannel approach with the key objective of driving greater footfall into retailers.

This comprises a number of categories not least TV, press and digital marketing.

‘At the forefront of these

developments has been the improving of our retailer in-store displays and digital presence and supporting these with activities through local marketing bespoke to each retailer,’ explains Box. ‘This year has seen a significant rise of our investment in joint marketing with our retailer partners resulting in increased sales, brand awareness and market share despite the challenges of the current economic climate. We have implemented several new initiatives including our unique Stressless World concept to wide acclaim from both retailers and consumers alike. We have significantly added to our retailer digital support programme and already have further ambitious plans to continue this positive progress in 2014.

‘Above all, we remain totally committed to supporting our retailers with all the marketing support they need to effectively advertise the Stressless brand to their consumers,’ adds Box. One retailer says: ‘The Stressless support is way ahead of the pack when it comes to marketing on behalf of its retailer base. From special promotions to consumer advertising, to the roadshow events held regularly around the country and joint campaigns, the support offered has really helped in these very difficult times.’

Visit: www.ekornes.co.uk

AWARDS

Best Supply Chain/Logistics Company Andrew Porter

Dormeo Octaspring became an Andrew Porter customer this year

‘The team at Andrew Porter would like to thank Interiors Monthly readers for their votes and for once again helping the firm to win the title of Best Supply Chain/ Logistics Company. It has been a fantastic year for us so far and this award has to be one of the highlights,’ says Tim Aspey, Andrew Porter md.

The firm has recently enhanced its advanced routeing and tracking system with a range of improvements to customer service and communications provisions. New systems have helped to reduce damage and minimise cancelled deliveries, while improving communications between all levels of the supply chain.

‘We realise that communication is the key to excellent customer service and is essential to operate efficiently. We have welcomed a number of new customers this year, who are already seeing the

benefits of our specialist vehicles and equipment and clean, modern warehousing, combined with our forward-thinking approach to furniture logistics,’ he says.

These include Nolte Mobel, Westbridge Furniture Designs, Dormeo Octaspring, Lebus Upholstery and New Trend Concepts.

‘Customers can remain confident that we will continue to invest and innovate to deliver the best quality furniture logistics and storage throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland,’ adds Aspey.

Visit: www.andrewporterltd.co.uk/logistics

Your NUMBER ONE choice for furniture logistics and storage F U R N I T U R E LO G I S T I C S & S T O R AG E

• Retail delivery • Direct home delivery • Storage and warehousing We invest in the latest technology and facilities to give you the ultimate in customer service Contact us now on:

0800 389 1222 or email

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

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AWARDS

Best New Supplier East West Furniture Company

From top to bottom: Reggae medium sofa with Columbia lamp table; Midi sofa and Vermont coffee table; Preview dining set with extending table; Funk sofabed

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

The East West Furniture Company was formed in January 2013 and has quickly become recognised as a powerful force in mainstream furniture design and supply.

‘I am of course very flattered that our business was selected to receive this award by the readers of Interiors Monthly,’ says Mark Symes, East West ceo.

‘When we first conceived the idea of East West we understood the key to success had to be more than just great product and outstanding value but that the business must have an advantage over its competition in the way we do business and how we service that business.

‘I am delighted that our customers believe we are fulfilling that ambition.

‘Later this year we will complete the trilogy within our product offer after launching cabinet and soft cover upholstery with the launch of Apricot leather upholstery at the Shanghai Show.

The team and myself look forward to welcoming you and unveiling a whole new revolution in leather upholstery,’ he adds.

Visit: www.eastwestuk.co.uk

t u b d o o g e b d l u o w it w e n “I K w o h t s u J y b d e lm e h w I’m over good the showroom is” Following the outstanding success of our new 6,500 sq ft purpose built showroom at Cranmore Drive, Solihull in June, getting the award of best, new supplier by the readers of Interiors Monthly is a delight to all of us at The East West Furniture Company.

When you start a new venture despite your confidence, there is always a concern that you may have judged the market wrong.

Thankfully those concerns were dismissed within hours of our showroom opening as retailers arrived and were struck by superb displays of furniture for today’s lifestyles, with a service and logistics operation that answers all the questions at truly affordable prices.

Comments such as “ I Knew it would be good but am overwhelmed by just how good the showroom is” and “I just don’t know how you do it!” were typical. One retailer even requested the entire showroom, including flooring, point of sale and room set accessories were transported to his store where the completion of a new extension would be designated entirely to East West.

We are fortunate to benefit from so many peoples knowledge and support. For all of this hard work to culminate in such an overwhelming response with a solid order book is extremely rewarding. Our whole team, look forward to continuing a fantastic relationship with those that have chosen East West, by continuing to provide inspiring design and above all maintain fantastic affordability.

Mark Symes, CEO, east west furniture company

ALL IMAGES SHOWN, ILLUSTRATE COMBINATIONS OF EAST WEST DINING AND UPHOLSTERY RANGES

East West

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

AWARDS

Best New Exhibition May Design Series

Top: Companies have already booked for next year’s event Below: The DX Freight area provided highlights of European shows Below right: Karim Rashid DJ’d and gave a seminar

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The May Design Series sprang on to the London design scene this year, with a new show concept that brought the industry together with beautiful products, innovative materials and leading brands. For three days (19-21 May), some 10,000 industry professionals were inspired by furniture, floorcoverings, textiles, kitchens, bathrooms, lighting and decorative accessories from the most forwardthinking and design-led companies.

They also partied with Karim Rashid, heard from speakers in the Conversation Series, saw the winners of the kbb Innovation Awards, and discovered the best of the European shows in the DX Freight area.

But this was a show about business.

With a full spectrum of design districts, the May Design Series gave buyers the opportunity to make informed purchasing decisions at the end of the European show season.

The 200-plus exhibitor list included Ligne Roset, Leicht, Erco, Timorous Beasties, iGuzzini, James Watson and Rolf Benz, and attracted buyers and specifiers from companies such as Conran and Partners, B&Q, Foster + Partners, John Lewis, Tesco, Zaha Hadid Architects, Redwood and Berkeley Homes.

‘We hoped to see a good cross section

of customers and that has proved to be the case – from high end retailers to property developers and interior designers. We had an excellent level of enquiries with good quality leads,’ says Graham Hopper, Leicht UK sales director.

‘The first May Design Series exceeded all our expectations. It was very rewarding to have so many compliments from exhibitors, visitors, designers and key industry press and associations on how great the show looked and how the new layout and attention to detail made the whole experience enjoyable and functional,’ says Andy Vaughan, May Design Series brand director.

‘Our immediate feedback indicated the majority of exhibitors surpassed their business targets and many actually signed substantial business deals at the show. This is a great platform to keep achieving greater things and really put London interiors back on the global map where it belongs. We’d like to thank everyone in the industry for making it such a great launch for 2013.’

The May Design Series returns on 18-20 May 2014. Companies already booked include Poggenpohl, Arredo 3, Armourcoat, Deirdre Dyson, Hitch Mylius, Morris Mirrors, Justin Van Breda, Fertini, Yask Furniture and Vivid Lighting.

Visit: www.maydesignseries.com

FOUR DISTRICTS. ONE GREAT DESIGN CITY

The design trade event that wowed London returns to ExCeL on 18-20 May 2014.

With its four design districts, this is the deďŹ nitive destination for the London-based design, property, architectural and retail communities sourcing for global projects.

Be a part of it for 2014.

To discuss your involvement, talk to Joel Butler on +44 (0)20 7921 8712 or email joel.butler@ubm.com www.maydesignseries.com

MAY DESIGN SERIES / 18-20 MAY 2014 EXCEL LONDON

FEATURING

ORGANISED BY

AWARDS

Innovation of the Year Gainsborough Sofa Beds – Sofa Bed Choice

Consumers can design their sofa online with more than 5,000 options available and a choice of four arm designs

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

‘We are delighted to receive the Interiors Monthly 2013 Award for our Sofa Bed Choice range. Considerable time and resources were invested in this project and it is very rewarding to be recognised as having something different and useful to offer our valued customers. We are genuinely overwhelmed by the reaction to this range and receiving this award makes all the effort so worthwhile,’ says Jerry Yates, Gainsborough Sofa Beds md.

Sofa Bed Choice allows retailers to offer more than 5,000 sofabed options but only need to have two models on the shopfloor. Every configuration available can be developed from two two floor placings, these being the standard three-fold and the upgrade two-fold mechanisms.

Starting with the basic seat cushion/

back cushion arrangement, the consumer can personalise their design by adding a variety of different options, such as a choice of arm shapes, colours, mechanisms, mattresses, feet and scatter cushions.

Key to the concept is that which ever arm shape is chosen from the four options available in conjunction with a particular mechanism and mattress, the comfort, feel and sit of the sofa remains consistent.

This means that the consumer can select a style without necessarily needing to sit on it to be assured that it will be correct.

Consumers can configure their design online before ordering with their local stockist.

Visit: www.gainsborough-beds.co.uk

SOFA BED CHOICE

AWARDS 2011

WINNER

From 2 floor models

4 arm shapes • 16 fabrics • 9 scatter cushions 4 mattresses • 2 mechanisms • 3 sizes • 2 feet colours

5,000+ combinations

Nouveau

Modern

Call Sales Office on 01225 779132 for more information. www.sofabedchoice.co.uk

Contemporary

Sofa Bed Choice will be supported in store with a full swatch as well as eye catching POS boards.

Art deco

We understand that retail floor space is at a premium which is why we have developed Sofa Bed Choice. From just 2 floor models your customer can choose from over 5,000 permutations. Each arm shape is the same trade price with mechanism and mattress upgrades available.

CARPET

Glen Shee

Best of Scotland Kingsmead is claiming an industry first for its latest wool range Kingsmead Carpets is to launch a range of carpets where all the wool in the carpet has full ENco environmental certification.

This, according to Martin West, Kingsmead md, is a first for the UK flooring industry.

The first range from the Highland Fleece collection will be Glen Shee, which will be debuted at The Flooring Show in September.

‘The breeds of sheep farmed in Scotland provide a resilient hardwearing wool, best suited to carpet manufacturing. The wool has a natural ability to spring back when compressed, creating a long-term hard wearing carpet,’ says West.

‘Hundreds of years of combined experience in the wool industry has enabled our suppliers to develop a unique and exclusive combination of fleece wool from different Scottish sheep breeds to produce the Highland Fleece quality.

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‘Specific wool grades have been selected that have certain unique characteristics to make this carpet so special,’ he explains.

The wool is scoured by Haworth Scouring Company in Bradford, which achieved its own ENco certification in November 2010 from Enco Global Testing Services.

‘Nothing goes to waste or to landfill. Haworth sets the bar to a level that all other scouring plants should aim for. Water usage, effluent treatment and disposal, the extraction of wool grease, the return of the soil and dust back to the land as a soil replenisher and fertiliser, are all parts of the process that makes this story complete,’ says West.

‘These Highland fleeces epitomise what is the very best of British wool for use in the manufacture of carpets.’

Kingsmead, tel: 01827 831 424

MAKE

THE

RUG

Bold? Subdued? Romantic? Classic?

Funky? Whatever look you’re going for, our easy-to-use online rug builder will help you unlock your room’s potential.

THAT

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crucial-trading.com

THE

ROOM

CARPET

All-out stripes

Left and above: Paignton

Kersaint Cobb has added to the choices in its Beach Hut Stripe range Kersaint Cobb has expanded its wool carpet collection with the extended Beach Hut Stripe range. Made from 100% wool and supplied in a 4m width, the linear striped range consists of nine designs with the addition of five new options – Aldeburgh, Cromer, Paignton, Scarborough and Southwold.

Drawing on a varying palette of soft greys, walnut browns and moss greens to vibrant reds and citrus orange, each design selects two contrasting shades to work together in a striped formation.

‘Making a statement in any room of the home, the linear line helps draw the eye along the pattern, helping to elongate the space, which is perfect for tight hallways or narrow living rooms,’ says Mike Richardson, Kersaint Cobb general manager.

The finely striped motif also lends itself to high traffic areas as it will withstand the effect of dirt and wear better than plain single colour flooring. Soft under foot, the 100% wool pile of the Beach Hut Stripe collection also makes it suitable for bedrooms.

Kersaint Cobb, tel: 01675 430 430

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

Aldeburgh

www.manxcarpets.co.uk

Our new look website is up and running, if any retailer would like there details added please speak with your territory manager.

Watch our amazing film showing EasyLiving and a food stain simply wiping away.

EcoStyle recently launched made from 90% PET (recyclable bottles) 10% Wool with the look and feel of wool in 10 modern hues.

Come and have a look on our stand (Hall C stand 5) at the National Flooring Show this September.

EcoStyle

G rah am H ar r is - G eneral Manager TER R ITO RY MANAGE RS & SALE S AGE NTS TERRITORY MANAGER

AREA

CONTACT NUMBER

EMAIL

Simon Hastings

Bucks, Herts, Beds, Essex, North London, Norfolk & Suffolk

07799 772992

simon.hastings@manxcarpets.co.uk

Rob Shergold

Kent, Sussex, Surrey, South London, Central London & Hampshire

07974 310952

rob.shergold@manxcarpets.co.uk

Kevin Reynolds

Leics, Warks, West Midlands, Northants, Cambs & Worcs

07793 944160

kevin.reynolds@manxcarpets.co.uk

John Binnie

Scotland, Northumberland, Durham, Tyneside, Tyne & Wear & North Cumbria

07976 844792

john.binnie@manxcarpets.co.uk

Martin Yates

Lancs, Merseyside, Cheshire, South Cumbria, North Wales, Staffs & Shrop

07778 260763

martin.yates@manxcarpets.co.uk

Gordon Ballantyne

South Wales, Avon, Glos, Here, Berks, Oxon, Wilts & Dorset

07976 641368

gordon.ballantyne@manxcarpets.co.uk

Tom Mackie

Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Cleveland & Wearside

07971 485383

tom.mackie@manxcarpets.co.uk

Tony Owen (agent)

Somerset, Devon, Cornwall & Channel Islands

07971 362087

Matt McKillen (agent)

Northern Ireland

07732 263678

Tony Dunne (agent)

Republic of Ireland

00353 872593060

RAISED FLOORING

Eco floors and designer style Modern raised floors can deliver environmental and financial benefits

The panels can be finished in many materials, are easily moved, and air leakage is minimised

Eye-catching architecture and bespoke interior design are no longer the reserve of elite housing and forward-thinking art galleries. Neither are they confined to new city centre, high-rise office buildings and lavish Dubai hotels.

With the advent of new materials and advanced building techniques, modern, engaging interior spaces and environments are being fused with buildings from many different eras, transforming their purpose and ambience. At the same time building designs are required to deliver greatly reduced environmental footprints and lower running costs.

Raised access floor systems have become an integral part of many designs for both new-builds and refurbishments, as they can deliver environmental benefits and cost savings, while maintaining the required building aesthetic. Offices, department stores, hotels, leisure centres, data centres, houses, libraries, government buildings and many other applications, are adopting raised access floors during refurbishments and environment enhancements.

‘Underfloor heating, ventilation and air conditioning, using the floor space as an air plenum, offers greater energy efficiency than traditional methods. They also provide superior control, improved air quality and a more comfortable working environment. Additionally, they deliver the benefits of substantial reductions in energy, heating and cooling costs,’ says Andrew Hubbard, Permaflor director.

Raised access floors are also more practical than traditional cable management systems for routeing power, data and

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communications cables – a requirement in most new-build projects or office refurbishments.

Modifications to work areas and desk layouts can be easily facilitated by lifting a few panels and redirecting the services, at a fraction of the cost and without operational disruption or damage to infrastructure.

‘There is nothing utilitarian about modern access floor systems at Permaflor. We offer a wide range of bespoke panels that are fully compliant with PSA or BSEN specifications and can be fabricated in many different materials and finishes. Surface finishes range from carpet tiles, wooden floors, veneers and vinyl, through to stone, marble and ceramics,’ he says.

The high density particleboard – sourced from FSC managed and sustainable sources – used in Permaflor panels incorporates a high percentage of recycled material while the panel construction uses a proportion of recycled steel, helping the company achieve its objective of using natural resources within sustainable limits.

‘The unique design and precision manufacturing techniques used for our floor panels minimises air leakage and reduces heat loss when the floor void is used as an air plenum, delivering operational efficiencies during the lifecycle of the installed floor. We constantly strive to provide environmentally conscious solutions to our customers, which is driven by our own determination to adopt an increasingly green manufacturing policy,’ adds Hubbard.

Visit: www.permaflor.co.uk

PRODUCT RANGE Softstep Film

All our underlay products are manufactured in the UK

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH

Carpet Cushion Paper This is the latest addition to our revamped range of products. A 100kgm3 density product finished off in a distinctive printed crepe paper to one side & the other in a polyester spunbond.

Available in March from your local distributor or contact Ezi Floor.

Density: Top: Bottom: Thickness: Application:

85 kgm3 Printed Film Plain Film 8mm, 10mm & 12mm General Domestic

Carpet Cushion Spunbond Density: Top: Bottom: Thickness: Application:

85 kgm3 Printed Spunbonded Polyester Plain Spunbonded Polyester 8mm, 10mm & 12mm General Domestic

Benefits include :

Carpet Cushion Paper

• Higher tensile strength • Easy to cut • Excellent thermal insulation properties

Density: Top: Bottom: Thickness: Application:

100 kgm3 Printed Crepe Paper Plain Spunbond Polyester 9mm & 11mm General Domestic/ Light Commercial

Air Cushion Spunbond Density: Top: Bottom: Thickness: Application:

100 kgm3 Printed Spunbonded Polyester Plain Spunbonded Polyester 9mm & 11mm General Domestic/ Light Commercial

Finess Paper Density: Top: Bottom: Thickness: Application:

Ezi Floor Ltd Units 1&2 Airedale Buisness Park Royd Ings Avenue Keighley BD21 4BY info@ezifloor.co.uk

145 kgm3 Printed White Crepe Paper Plain Spunbonded Polyester 11mm Luxury Domestic & Commercial

Softstep HD Contract 9mm Density: Top: Bottom: Thickness: Application:

145 kgm3 Printed Film Plain Film 9mm Double Stick

NEW DESIGNERS

Hannah Bowen, Leeds College of Art, Playful Drawings and Prints: Harlequin Award. Judges’ comment: ‘Fantastic, fun drawings and prints full of character. Playful and diverse, we feel this design hand will add a touch of humour to our future collections.’

Emily Phillips, Notttingham Trent University, Interactive Lighting: Pulse Award. Judges’ comment: ‘We’ve chosen Emily’s lights for their unique and versatile design. Coupled with her passion for her work and vision for product development, we believe her lights have huge commercial appeal within the retail market.’

Talent spotted

Natalie Ratcliffe, Leeds College of Art, Wild Flower Prints: John Lewis Award for Design Excellence and Innovation (Part One) and Wilkinson Award for Commercial Surface Design.

Judges’ comment: ‘A stand out collection – great composition and scale and directional approach to colour. It strikes the balance of making a real statement and having commercial appeal. The stories behind the collection and the interesting approach to techniques all add to the depth of the work.

Students showed off skills as the event broke records This year’s New Designers exhibition attracted 18,265 visitors making it the busiest year in the show’s 28-year history.

The two-part exhibition took place at the Business Design Centre, London, from 25-28 June and 2-5 July. Every year, New Designers showcases the work of 3,000 of the best graduates across a host of creative disciplines from 200 of the UK’s leading design universities, colleges and courses.

‘This year, the energy and vibrancy throughout each part of the show was unfailing and we were absolutely delighted with record attendance figures.

The leadership that our loyal partners and sponsors show demonstrates their Mihaela Ogarca, Cass Business School, Laser Cut Lights: John Lewis Award for Design Excellence and Innovation (Part Two). Judges’ comment: ‘A great example of material exploration and the effect a process can have on it. Ogarca has created a standout light with great potential.’

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passion to support the emerging talent they discover at New Designers. They are integral to the show’s continued success in introducing new talent into the commercial world,’ says Isobel Dennis, Upper Street Events director.

‘New Designers is arguably the most important design event in the UK for ensuring the lifecycle of the design industry continues and thrives. The careers and fresh thinking it generates and delivers year on year is hard matched elsewhere. The breadth, diversity and calibre of visitors makes New Designers out-rank any other emerging design talent event.’

Visit: www.newdesigners.com

‘We very much admired Natalie’s innovative technique and experimental processes, and the way her work is supported by an interesting narrative. Her portfolio revealed various inventive methods that have translated into a current collection with great commercial potential.’

Silvia K Ceramics: One Year On (Part One) Award.

Judges’ comment: ‘A clear understanding of target audience. A strong collection that pushed boundaries, bringing traditional craft into a contemporary environment.’

Julian Bowen Limited New Marlborough Bedroom Solid American Oak and Veneers with a Waxed Finish

Voted UK's Number 1 Furniture Wholesaler 2012

Voted UK's Number 1 Furniture Wholesaler 2013

Bentinck House, Park Lane Business Park, Kirkby in Ashfield, NG17 9LE Tel: (01623) 727374, Fax: (01623) 754555, e-mail: sales@julian-bowen.co.uk, www.julian-bowen.co.uk All products are available on the Julian Bowen Gold Direct Home Delivery Service

NEW DESIGNERS Harriet Riddell, Stitched Portraits: One Year On (Part Two) Award. Judges’ comment: ‘This person does something different – she captures the spirit of creativity. There is great scope to grow her brand and she will benefit greatly from the support that both Design Nation and The Design Trust [part of her prize] can offer.’

Judy Scott, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, printed textiles: BCFA Scottish Leather Group Award.

Judges’ comment: ‘A natural pattern maker and truly professional.

Spontaneous design skill and very distinctive.

Creative and highly commercial.’

Aaron Vure, University of Huddersfield, Signature: IDA Panaz Award. Judges’ comment: ‘The project showed wonderful breadth and depth in the design and in its documentation. It was commercially aware and showed excellent presentation skills. The university should be highly commended for the quality of their course and this year’s outstanding students.’

Henry Franks, Northumbria University, a range of products inspired by dyslexia: Business Design Centre New Designer of the Year Award (Part Two). Judges’ comment: ‘Henry reimagines everyday objects with the various attributes of dyslexia. He joyfully combines utility with human behaviour resulting in a clever, well-rounded collection, brimming with unique ideas.’

Leala Diamond, Bucks New University, Bungy Sofa: 100% Design Award.

Judges’ comment: ‘The sofa is playful and highly accessible, well chosen textures and colours with huge potential, plus a great name for it.’

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Kate Turton, De Montfort University, range of fabrics: Business Design Centre New Designer of the Year (Part One) Award. Judges’ comment: ‘She was a clear winner. Her use of colour, shape, mark and negative space was sophisticated and well considered. Her breadth of experimentation on a wide range of fabrics showed she has vision for its uses.’

Kyle Tetley, University of Huddersfield, The real social network: Velosocii: InterContinental Hotels Group Award. Judges’ comment: ‘A thoughtful and well executed scheme that shows good narrative development and a beautiful visualisation of his ideas. He displays a wide range of creative skills and is able to communicate his ideas with superb clarity.’

The Metal Collection

The Precious Metals Collection

The Hevea Collection

The Upholstered Collection

The Oak Collection

The Faux Leather Collection

ONLY BOB HAS A

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BEDS AND BEDROOM

Cashmere Luxury 2000 is one of Rest Assured’s bestsellers

Customer focus From manufacture to a good night’s sleep, Rest Assured caters for consumers’ needs

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With a heritage dating back 115 years and a brand built on reassurance, Rest Assured is responding to modern shopping habits by supporting customers every step of the way, according to Sally Hotchin, Rest Assured brand manager.

The 360 degree journey, which begins in Rest Assured’s Barnoldswick, Lancashire, factory and ends with customer reviews posted on the company’s website, is built around promoting the company’s focus on reassurance, quality and a brand that buyers can trust.

It all starts with Rest Assured’s experience, with beds handcrafted using traditional techniques for over a century.

‘Rest Assured bed-making experts use tried and tested techniques to combine pocket springs with premium fillings to create beds that are unrivalled for comfort, support and luxury, while providing ease of movement and optimum support for the back. The fact that all of our beds are handmade in the UK is a selling point that is helping the brand stand out to shoppers looking to support quality UK manufacturing,’ she says.

Hotchin cites research by Mintel in its Beds and Bedroom Furniture Report of October 2012 that found British-made furniture is becoming of increasing importance to buyers, especially those in the older demographic, with 62% of people aged 65 and over stating that country of origin plays a key role in the purchasing decision.

From factory to laboratory, once manufactured all beds are

Above: Mattress testing Right: Consumers are encouraged to review their new bed

‘The fact that all of our beds are handmade in the UK is a selling point that is helping the brand stand out’

rigorously tested for comfort and durability in Rest Assured’s BSI accredited testing lab. Mattresses are tested for durability using a 32stone weight which is rolled over the mattress 20,000 times.

Pressure mapping and thermal imaging tests establish the best springs and fillings combinations to provide optimum support for bad backs and to relieve aches and pains.

‘With a back story built on heritage, expertise and British manufacture, Rest Assured is supporting retailers in communicating its core messages to buyers with dedicated POS, supporting promotional activity and consumer advertising scheduled for later in the year,’ explains Hotchin.

The Mintel report categorises bed purchasers into four key groups: enthusiasts, discounters, value seekers and consulters.

Buyers aged 45 and over are enthusiasts. This group chooses a retailer based on staff and customer service, buying the best they can afford and opting for branded beds with longer guarantees: research that further emphasises the role that retailers play in supporting the reassurance message.

According to the Office for National Statistics, 80% of bed buyers aged 45 and above research their purchase online, so Rest Assured’s consumer website has been built with retailers in mind, allowing customers to find their bed and direct them to a stockist in just three clicks.

Once purchased, customers are encouraged to post a product review on the Rest Assured website to support other potential

customers and completing the 360 degree product journey.

‘Almost all Rest Assured beds receive at least 4 stars out of 5 – testament to the quality of products and rigorous manufacture and testing procedures. It’s no secret that the customer journey has changed. Consumers of all ages are increasingly turning to online sources to research and plan their next purchase, seeking advice and reassurance from review sites, blogs and social media channels,’ says Hotchin.

‘Our brand is built on reassurance, reassurance that our products are made to the highest quality in our British factory using techniques that have been tried and tested for over a century, and reassurance that our beds provide ease of movement and optimum support for backs.

‘In a world where customers are actively seeking out this reassurance online, it is important that this brand message is communicated – from the quality of our manufacturing process and products, the knowledge of our retailers, through to the customer reviews which support our product benefits,’ she adds.

Rest Assured’s Eloquence Collection contains 13 beds designed with the over 45s market in mind. Bestselling models include the Latex Luxury 2000, Cashmere Luxury 2000, Memory Luxury 800 and Silk Ortho 1400. There are three upholstery colours along with premium headboards, upholstered in one of three complementary floral designs.

Visit: www.rest-assured.co.uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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BEDS AND BEDROOM

1

5

2 1 Pocket springs are a feature in most of Sweet Dreams’ top end beds: the premier Well Being collection (including Tranquillity pictured); beds in the luxury Moonflower collection; the latest Cool Gel Pocket and Cashmere beds; and the Pocket Spring collection itself.

Tel: 01282 830 033

3

2 Dreamland says its Healthi Posture Ottoman is revolutionising the way we envisage storage in beds. Sleek and modern, these contemporary frames offer flexibility over a wide range of mattresses and give more than four times the storage capacity of a traditional divan for the same footprint. The bespoke gaslift mechanism offers effortless lifting and closing making it suitable and safe for young and old.

Tel: 0121 771 3663 3 The Royal Coil range from TCS has six comfort options, including the Spinal Max topper (pictured) – a comfortable top quality topper to use with the Spinal Master mattress that features natural horsehair. The Spinal Comfort Mattress topper, to use with the Spinal Master mattress, is just as luxurious and features pure new wool.

Visit: www.tcsimports.com

4

4 The Now! by Hülsta range not only offers a casual design, but also a clever concept that leaves plenty of scope for individual ideas. More than 60 units and six different finishes allow expressive combinations.

Now! also includes wood and lacquer versions.

Visit: www.huelsta.co.uk 5 Paris is the latest design in the 2013 Metal Collection from Serene Furnishings.

Traditionally styled and classically refined, Paris has a white gloss finish, answering the call from retailers for design-led, white metal bedsteads. It is available as a king size and single bed with a guest bed option. Paris also comes in black gloss.

Email: sales@serenefurnishings.co.uk

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ZAHRRA Divan Set

• 1000 pocket Mattress with a Latex top.

• Non turn available in Firm or Soft feel.

• Ultra soft knit Velvet fabric.

This product will be available with Airflow border system.

• free storage drawers to all stockists • Hand tufted with woollen tufts. during the seasonal sale period.

• Hypo Allergenic.

• Six Divan Base Colours.

(Terms & conditions apply please contact the sales office for further information)

Dreamland Beds UK Ltd. Unit 4, Bertha Road Greet, Tyseley Birmingham B11 2NN Telephone 0121 771 3663

DreamLand Beds

w: www.dreamlandfurnishings.co.uk e: orders@dreamlandbeds.co.uk

LVT

Step into luxury Quick-Step will enter the UK LVT market next month

Patina oak light grey

Classic oak natural

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Following a highly successful European launch, Quick-Step’s entry into the UK LVT market will come on 8 September. Such has been the reception to Livyn that the UK launch was delayed to enable Quick-Step to meet demand.

The LVT is currently being produced under license before being cut, milled and packaged in Belgium by Quick-Step.

Construction of a €30m LVT factory in Wielsbeke is due for completion in mid-2015. This will produce 7million sqm of Livyn a year – enough to cover the pitch at Wembley Stadium around 966 times.

There will be four ranges: Essential, Essential V4, Essential Click V4 and Essential Pro. Essential Click V4 has 178mm x 1,386mm planks and the rest have 185mm x 1,393mm planks.

Essential is a 2mm product that requires gluing and has no bevel. Essential V4 is a 2mm product with a bevel – Quick-Step claims its bevels are deeper than others as it cuts into the PVC – and requires gluing. Essential Click V4 is a 4mm product with a bevel and the Uniclic system, and is not suitable for conservatories. Essential Pro is a 2.5mm contract range with no bevel that requires gluing. All have a 20-year guarantee.

Accessories include matching skirting boards, Livyn glue developed with Soudal, multifunctional profiles in gold silver and bronze, and cleaning kits. Essential Click V4 has a 1.55mm non-sticky underlay with a top film removed before fitting.

There are 15 initial finishes: Classic oak natural, light beige, grey brown and black; Patina oak light white, light grey and natural; Painted oak light white; Ceruse oak light beige and dark grey brown; Reclaimed oak brown and light grey; Merbau and Walnut grey and dark. All are surface register embossed apart from the Merbau and Walnut finishes.

Essential has a rrp of £26.99 per sqm, Essential V4 £31.99, Essential Click V4 £39.99 and Essential Pro £35.99.

LVT

Ceruse oak light beige

Livyn will be promoted in the October issue of six home interest titles and the November issue of two others.

A 1.2m x 76cm display unit has been developed, the cost of which includes attendance at the Livyn fitting course at the Quick-Step Academy. Stockists must use a fitter who has passed the course, with Quick-Step offering a two-year installation guarantee. These fitters will be listed on the Quick-Step website.

While Livyn and sample books will also be available through Headlam Group wholesalers, the stands will not be. Retailers with display stands will have a different pricing structure to those who do not and it will not be sold to online-only retailers.

Visit: www.quick-step.co.uk

Reclaimed oak light grey

Painted oak light white

Walnut grey

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk

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The Flooring Show, Harrogate 1-3 September

SHOW GUIDE

The Flooring Show Harrogate International Centre 1-3 September 2012

Hall A Abingdon Flooring Ambadi Handmade Rugs Breakwells Central Flooring Computers for Flooring Cormar Crown Floors Cybergold Distinctive Flooring Furlong Flooring Gaskell Wool Rich Green Tree Distribution Hadfields Kersaint Cobb & Co Kervanci Iplik KJC Carpets

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A15 A25 A26 A7 A24 A17/18 A1 A4 A6 A14/20 A28/29 A10 A32 A13/21 A5 A8

Interiors Monthly August 2013

Lifestyle Floors Mr Tomkinson Merryfield Engineering Regency Carpets Stainshield The Stocklists Magazine Woolsafe

A12/22 A28/29 A30 A14/20 A2 A3 A33

Hall M Ball and Young BMK Carpet Recycling UK FloorSkills H&V Carpets Halls Flooring HBS Floor Trade Jiangsu Beier

M20/24 M15 M32 M31a M22 M25 M10/11 M36

Jiangsu Shalang Floor Co Koyunlu Rugs Lano Mercado Metro Group Mohawk International Oriental Weavers Plantation Rugs Rhys Davies Rowlson SMG Group Stroolmount Wilkies Carpets XPS Foam

M30 M33 M17 M27 M31 M17 M14 M12/13 M6 M8 M4 M9 M29 M5

Rusticana Original New colours now available Gaskell Wool Rich Sales:Tel: 01827 831525 Fax: 01827 831508 www.gaskellwoolrich.co.uk

The Flooring Show, Harrogate 1-3 September

SHOW GUIDE

Hall C Associated Carpet Group British Wool Marketing Board Brockway Carpets Cavalier Carpets Demart Carpets Haldon Thompson Interiors Monthly Kingsmead Leeds Architects Louis De Poortere Manx Master Weavers Masterpiece Systems Mayne Computer Technology Rawson Carpets Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Sebo SYR Teesside University

C34 C9 C11 C25 C16/26 C41 C3a C21/C43 C29 C4 C5 C38 C44 C6 C1 C30 C33 C8 C28

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The Flooring Show, Harrogate 1-3 September

SHOW GUIDE

Hall B Adore Floors Anbo Beaulieu Flooring Solutions Canadia Wood Flooring Contract Flooring Association Contract Flooring Journal DSI DS Supplies Earthwerks Easun Elegant Plastics EPI Flooring Exakt Tools F Ball & Co Fair Packaging Fair Underlay FITA Gekko Industries General Finishes Graboplast Jewel Blade Karpet King UK NICF Novostrat Perfil Star Personna Prestige Abrasives Primatech Quebec Wood Export Bureau Smart Direct Spotnails Stairrods Swiff Train Terragrip TFD Floortiles Tomorrows Flooring Tramex Unifloor Universal Mouldings Westco Wickham Hardwood Flooring WLD YTD

B43 B22 B26 B21 B10 B10 B36 B40 B23 B15 B14 B32 B11 B1 B24 B24 Demo Area Hall B B29 B34a B17 B16 B9 Demo Area Hall B B4 B20 B34 B35a B13 B28 B44 B33 B27 B23 B20a B18/25 B35 B6 B7 B19 B41 B28 B38 B2

Hotels Beaulieu Flooring Solutions Betap Classis Carpets & Rugs Condor Carpets

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St George Hotel Holiday Inn Holiday Inn St George Hotel

Interiors Monthly August 2013

1-3 SEPTEMBER 2013 STAND M17

PLEASE VISIT US AT HARROGATE

The Flooring Show Harrogate 1-3 September

SHOW GUIDE

Listen and learn The show will host a series of Business Enrichment seminars. Each seminar has the sole aim of ensuring that retailers will gain at least one action that can be implemented immediately to see fast business improvement.

1 SEPTEMBER 9.45-10.15am: The psychology of retailing. Sean Heneghan, RetailCentric Practical insights to some of the most prevalent factors that trigger and influence purchasing behaviour.

10.30-11.30am: Renovation with flooring. Sian Astley, interior designer and Channel 5’s Half Built House presenter 11.45-12.30pm: Social media – the how to. Helen Kitchen, PR consultant Get the most out of social media for your business, including tips on how to plot a route through the crowded social media landscape.

1.15-2.15pm: Interior design trends spring/summer 2014 – flooring focus. Victoria Redshaw, Scarlet Opus A thorough review of the key trends for the spring/summer 2014 season and develop an understanding of how design trends are forecast.

2.30-3.15pm: The basics of ecommerce and taking your business online. David Abbot, IPB Learn how to appeal to people who are searching or shopping online and how to turn them into spending customers.

3.30-4.15pm: Using LinkedIn to increase business. Michelle, Beckett, ClearlyLinked

2 SEPTEMBER 9.45-10.30am: Growing your business through customers

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and cash. Kate Cooper-Fay, RWA 10.45-11.30am: Design workshop. Vanessa Brady, Society of British Interior Design Insight into the technical information trained designers consider. It covers medium, format, planning and colour forecasting for contract specification.

11.45-12.30pm: Make the web work for you. Finlay Clarke, Google Learn from Google’s home improvement team about how to put the web to work for your business.

1.15-2pm: The case for recycling. Jane Gardner, Carpet Recycling UK CRUK’s retailer-focused presentation will inform delegates about opportunities to enhance their businesses through recycling carpet and carpet offcuts.

2.15-3pm: More profit without selling more. Peter Cruikshanks Taking an alternative view to making a business work better.

3.15-4pm: Selling flooring to women. Phil Pond, Scarlet Opus Translating design and consumer trends into practical business action.

3 SEPTEMBER 10-11am: Interior design trends spring/summer 2014 – flooring focus. Victoria Redshaw, Scarlet Opus 11.15-12pm: Selling flooring to women. Phil Pond, Scarlet Opus Translating design and consumer trends into practical business action.

The finest flooring under one roof Beaulieu Flooring Solutions is the partner for all your flooring projects, both residential and commercial.

Carpet

Needle Felt

Vinyl

LVT

Ideal will highlight its new ‘Ideal for Floors’ campaign, showcasing 3 new ranges: Embrace and Charisma, 2 luxury saxony carpets, and Moods, a combination of contemporary stripes and plains. Also on show will be the newly launched products Vogue, Marathon, Echo and Pegasus.

New vinyl collections for a new look. From homes to hospitals, Beauflor has it covered. Discover our 3 new ranges added to the UltraGrip collection: Contract, Style XL and Variety.

Wood

From high-tech laminate for commercial projects, to laminate for residential use and French-made parquet, BerryAlloc offers innovative products with its aluminum locking system, water-resistant floors, long boards of more than 2 m, ultra-resistant lacquers and above all contemporary and trendsetting designs.

REAL, specialist in contract carpet for commercial use, will present 2 new products, York and Canterbury, supplementing its well-known ranges Primavera and Ultracord. New on display by Orotex will be the artificial grass ranges Erba and Evergreen.

A complete range of top quality LVT: from peel&stick, dryback, xxl and click vinyl planks to our new and revolutionary DreamClick. Super easy to install, water resistant, quiet and pleasant to walk on.

Wharfedale Suite - The Saint George Hotel LVT DreamClick demo : Hall B, Stand B26

Manchester Furniture Show

REVIEW

G&P Furniture introduced the Rio circular glass table and metal chairs and the Springfield dropleaf oval and rectangular table (above).

Tel: 01429 280 200

Stompa introduced Spectrum, a range of four children’s beds for independent retailers retailing from £349-£799. The models include gift options including a half price mattress and two shelves. It also introduced a home assembly service. Tel: 01943 608 775

Hot

hot

hot

Temperatures soared at Manchester Central last month

Folio used the event to show its latest living room furniture, including Grosvenor. Tel: 01920 469 241

Cavendish Upholstery launched the compact contemporary Camden and the compact Padstow; Canterbury is a traditional scroll arm design; Sutton (left) is a slightretro look model with a lower sit and choice of button back.

Cavendish’s latest POS emphasises its UK manufacturing and 10-year frame guarantee. Tel: 01257 479 400

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Bouyant Upholstery Limited. Hallam Road, Nelson, Lancashire BB9 8AJ Telephone: 01282 691 631

Manchester Furniture Show

REVIEW Digio revealed a range of soft cover large corner units and compact sofas, including a selection sized for the UK market. Pictured is Charlotte.

Tel: 01604 832 955

Seconique introduced several TV stands; Abbey is a compact glass dining table; Vienna is a wooden compact dining set; Melba is a suede-effect bedstead and Tandy is a metal bunk bed. Wexford (above) is an oak veneer dining set with walnut inlays. Tel: 0121 506 4888

For enquiries and Show Van appointments call Dave Butler on: MIRRORS M: 07715 690 267

DB

E: dbmirrors@gmail.com F: 0161 796 8522

New Mirrors & Pictures now available

• Mirrors • • Mirror framed artwork • • Art Nouveau mirrors •

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Morris debuted the Polo oak living and dining collection with dovetail detailing on drawers and dowel detailing on corners. Relaxateeze introduced a collection of retro club chairs; the Knightsbridge lift and rise range; added swivel recliners and improved the specification of leather on recliners. Zone introduced the Brooklyn living and dining collection and Contrast (above).

All three brands have introduced a two-year warranty with the specification on cabinet increased. G Plan launched the Natur collection (below) with carved edges on the table and unit tops for an organic look and walnut

inlays. Tel: 0141 300 7200

Introducing the easy swing from himolla, and a new era of relaxation.

Easy swing is a collection of smooth recliners that swivel and adjust to suit you â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the integrated footrest, headrest and manual gas back can all be tuned in to your mood of the moment.

Armstrong

Crosby

Sinatra

For further stockist information please contact info@ultimaterecliner.co.uk

Manchester Furniture Show

REVIEW

Ideal Products debuted the six strong range of smart media units, including Windsor (pictured). The top is designed for large flat screen TVs, the two shelves hold media control boxes and there are two drawers. Tel: 01902 456 457

Old Charm introduced Ludlow (above), a pippy oak occasional collection that will be expanded into a full collection. A smaller dining table was added to Chatsworth and upholstery was reintroduced. Tel: 01920 469 241

Lebus unveiled a host of designs: the retro-Italian look Munich; Evie, a traditional high back design; Shelly features wrap-around arms, oversized cushions and fabric/faux leather mix; Pandora is a large corner unit in tweed fabric; Fantasia is a wide-armed modular sofa with corner option; Manhattan (inset) is a high back model with a tailored look; Anya (above) is an angled snuggle scaled down from the previous design; and Clarissa has flared arms and high pillow-back options. Tel: 01724 407 751

TCS brought its new upholstery models (pictured is Clifton), bedroom furniture and Royal Coil mattresses to the show for the first time, highlighting its tcsforless.com website concept, which sees low price point items for sale exclusively to members of the website sold directly to retailers on a first come first served basis. Visit: www.tcsforless.com

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Buoyant introduced the chesterfield inspired Lexington; the Harbour accent chair; the Carnival which has a slight retro look and includes a love chair; a corner unit has been added to Metro and Fantasia developed into a modular design; Nicole is now a two-piece corner unit; Liberty is a high backed motion model; Fairfield has had a sofabed added and Branson has a leather/fabric mix.

Tel: 01282 691 631 La-Z-Boy UK debuted the Pinnacle recliner chair range, with 72 different combinations of model, size and leather or fabric. The flagship XR+ rocker recliner has a remote control allowing the user to adjust the back and leg rest to many combinations of positions, along with the added flexibility of the power-tilt headrest and power lumbar. Pinnacle is also available as a handle-operated wall-away recliner, handle-operated rocker recliner and power rocker-recliner. Each model is available in small, medium or large sizes, and six options of leather or fabric upholstery.

Visit: www.la-z-boy.co.uk Greenapple extended its Z TV unit with coordinating lamp, console and coffee tables.

The Mirage coffee, console, lamp and tall tables have a wooden top in a choice of three finishes and metal legs. Tel: 01727 872525

PROTECTION

Taking care

Furniture Clinic offers care plans and care kits

With ever more demanding shoppers, aftersales service is important ‘Consumers today expect more in terms of quality and service than ever before. The days where a good salesperson, stylish product and standard manufacturer’s warranty would be enough to please are a distant memory. Poor service or sluggish reaction to claims on care plans, or substandard quality products in retailer provided care kits, are unnecessary stains that taint the customer experience,’ says Ben Staerck, Furniture Clinic md.

In a competitive environment, such negative experiences reflect on a customer’s overall satisfaction when dealing with retailers and can result in customers looking elsewhere for their next purchase, he says.

Recognising this need in the market, Furniture Clinic has developed a range of care kits and care plans.

‘By specialising in a tailored a package of solutions for furniture retailers, we have grown into a multimillion pound

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business in seven years, with an established brand name and national network of furniture repair technicians,’ says Staerck.

The company has aftersales care kits for leather, fabric and wood, supported by POS and flexible branding options for retailers that prefer to offer own-brand products.

‘The kits contain well established, award-winning cleaning and protection products, in an effort to ensure complete satisfaction for the end customer,’ says Staerck.

In addition to aftersales kits, a range of care plans lasting three to five years are available for retailers to offer customers.

‘The dedicated retail services team and national network of repair technicians, all of whom are trained and experienced, offer comprehensive coverage and boast a highly reactive, quality service to both retail partners and end users alike,’ adds Staerck.

Visit: www.furnitureclinic.co.uk

individuality in its most beautiful form AVAILABLE FEATURES: • Schnepel multimedia S1 TV cabinets bring together the very essence of quality, design and technology. If their sleek, beautiful design doesn’t win you over immediately, then the abundance of features to personalise it will.

Website: www.schnepel.com Telephone Enquiries: 01604 652 832 Email: info@demagio.com

TV LIFT FUNCTION Enables your screen to vanish inside the cabinet via remote control.

•

LED LIGHTING Tactile mood lighting which can be controlled by touch.

•

INTEGRATED AUDIO Fabric-covered front panels & integrated iPhone docks. Heard but not seen.

•

MULTIPLE FINISH COMBINATIONS Completely personalise your unit with four cabinets body finishes and eight front panel finishes to choose from.

Showroom in Northampton, call for appointment

Suite 416, KG Business Centre, Kingsfield Way, Dallington, Northampton NN5 7QS

Your furniture, safe in our hands Full range of Leather Master Care and Repair products Leather or Fabric Upholstery - Protect, Clean and Repair Products Leather Colour Matching Service New â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Portable Colour Matching Device Care Kits for all Upholstery Types - Generic and Personalised Consumer Care Plans Nationwide Furniture Repair Service Email: info@staingard.co.uk www.staingard.co.uk Tel: 01244 888247 / 888658

quality trust service

value...

...and a dedicated team of professionals who pride themselves on every aspect of furniture repair, with a Passion for Perfection, Guaranteed!

Homeserve Furniture Repairs Ltd, a business built on core brand values, are pleased to report continued growth and success during 2012. It is with great thanks to all our new and existing partners, with whom we have formed such strong bonds, for your loyal support.

Our client base has become widely diverse, enjoying the experience of new products and technologies and we look forward to continued success into the future.

How have we grown in such an adverse economic climate?

‘Team-work’!

We extend the same qualities that we value in our own company to our clients and partners. We have a team who care and are all well experienced in the furniture industry.

We aim to go that ‘extra mile’ and not only meet, but to exceed our clients’ expectations. These values are expected from every team member and it shows!

James Lane, Managing Director

fabric leather cabinet bed repairs repairs repairs repairs www.homeserverepairs.co.uk

Tel: 01384 473000 Email: info@homeserverepairs.co.uk

PROTECTION

Furniture whodunnit A lack of due care by consumers is causing retailers to face expensive repair bills ‘Very little sympathy would be given to a motorist with a damaged engine that turned out to have no oil in it or damaged tyres that had no air in them; the dealer or manufacturer would certainly not be considered responsible for the cost associated with such a manifest failure on the part of the owner,’ says Paul Aiston, Staingard director.

But, he says, when furniture develops a perceived fault or the appearance has apparently suffered, blame is routinely directed at the retailer or manufacturer.

‘There is no doubt that not all furniture is the same and not all retailers adhere to the high standards set by the more established and respected retailers, however, abuse is abuse and lack of care is just that – lack of care,’ he stresses.

‘It should come as no great surprise therefore that Staingard and Homeserve Furniture Repairs have flourished in these tough times and built an enviable reputation for providing goods and services to retailers that prevent the effects of product misuse or mitigate the costs associated with maintaining good customer relations.’

Staingard and HFR supply products specifically for furniture protection and maintenance, warranty care plans, advice and training and timely and cost effective furniture repairs.

‘The highly successful collaboration between Staingard and Homeserve is now in its fourth year and the flexible and affordable combined offering is constantly evolving to support all trading partners with up to date products and services. Systems development forms a fundamental part of the success of this collaboration and all clients have access to the best in class administrative systems,’ says Aiston.

Staingard, tel: 01829 771 444

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Interiors Monthly August 2013

Examples of what Aiston says are routinely blamed on manufacturing faults when their cause is the lack of due care taken by the consumer leading to expensive repairs

See us at 100%design 18-21 Sept, Stand O33A

Selecting or specifying furniture products?

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T: 01782 562522 F: 01782 562299 E: enquiries@maynetechnology.com W: www.maynetechnology.com

Unit 13b, Brindley Court, Lymedale Business Park Newcastle-under-Lyme Staffordshire, ST5 9QH

Julian Bowen Limited

International Trade Fair for producers of

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Upholstery, Window & Wall Coverings

Sales Representative North London Area including Essex, Herts, Middx, & Bucks

MoOD is organised by Textirama vzw, Poortakkerstraat 90, BE-9051 Gent, Belgium Phone +32 9 24 38 450 - fax +32 9 24 38 455 - email: info@moodbrussels.com

An exciting new sales opportunity has become available in the North London area. We are looking for an exceptional individual to join a highly respected furniture business and be part of one of the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading success stories. Julian Bowen, based in the East Midlands is one of the most dynamic and innovative furniture suppliers in the UK, renowned for its commercial products and exceptional value for money.

The successful candidate will be a full time representative and must possess drive, ambition and share our vision of continued growth in developing the Julian Bowen Brand.

You must have a successful sales track record and demonstrate the ability and contacts to open new accounts whilst maintaining the growth achieved over the last decade.

Send applications with a detailed CV to Emmett Lenaghan Commercial Director at: emmett@julian-bowen.co.uk or write to: Julian Bowen Limited, Bentinck House, Park Lane Business Park, Kirkby in Ashfield NG17 9LE www.julian-bowen.co.uk

AGENTS REQUIRED Selected Rug & Matting Ltd are looking for successful agents to sell our popular & repeating ranges of modern rugs to carpet & furniture outlets.

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Selected Rug & Matting Ltd. 74 Long Lane, London SE1 4AU. Email: srmlondon@aol.com

Willis & Gambier At Home

REVIEW

Left and right: Gloucester

Summer showcase The debut At Home event proved so successful for Willis & Gambier that a second is planned for the winter

Maine

130

Interiors Monthly August 2013

Willis & Gambier’s first At Home show was held at its refurbished Peterborough showrooms from 4-5 July. The event saw it introduce the Louis Philippe bedroom and Worcester dining ranges for Willis & Gambier and Jakarta bedroom for Originals.

Worcester is a fresh take on casual dining for Willis & Gambier that delicately follows the character of country styling, created from solid oak and oak veneers. The solid oak tops and painted bodies creates a contemporary twist to a traditionally rustic inspired range.

The Louis Philippe range has been revived with a new finish in solid poplar and cherry veneer. A mahogany and a lighter brandy mid-tone finish are available.

Contemporary rubberwood Jakarta is available in dark Java Oak and light Creole finishes, with its clean design suitable for urban and country settings.

The showrooms now offer a dedicated 4,520sqft to the entire Willis & Gambier portfolio with a further 1,560sqft being used to showcase the Originals range.

Customers also had the opportunity to preview designs at the concept stage for 2013/14.

‘We were really pleased with the number of customers who attended our very first At Home show, all of whom gave positive feedback on the new showrooms and the exclusive launches went really well. It’s really encouraging to know our customers are excited about our new concepts going forward too, it’s building our confidence as a premium supplier of design led furniture,’ says Kevin Stevens, Willis & Gambier sales director.

Another At Home event takes place from 10-13 November, with 14 launches planned across the Willis & Gambier and Originals brands.

‘Unveiling our new concepts to our customers gave us great confidence in where we see the market going and knowing we have our customer base to support it. The response was so successful it reinforces the importance of our November show and our ability for an even more successful event,’ says David Lane, Willis & Gambier commercial director.

Willis & Gambier, tel: 01733 318 400

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