Interiors Monthly July 2025

Big and brave decisions

Welcome to internationalisation 2025 interiors-style, as retail moves again show how the UK evolves

The sector has long seen international retailers eye the credit agreements and debit cards of UK shoppers, but with the rare exception – Ikea and BoConcept spring to mind (and does ScS now count?) – their time here has been relatively short-lived. Castlery has the advantage of having learned from its early mistakes (entering Australia without any research to Australian shoppers); having the experience of combining international production, shipping and local deliveries; the need to develop UK-specific designs isn’t the problem it once was, and no store costs. And the simple fact that it makes a profit.

The decision by Shackletons and Gallery Direct to open a store together brings the relatively rare sight (outside of franchises and pop-up shops) of a monobrand store. While commonplace across Europe, the idea has never really got going here (Natuzzi and Vale Upholstery are the only ones I can think of), which perhaps says something about the specialisation and consumer strength of brands in the sector. Gallery has never been known to do anything by half and if anyone was going to try the monobrand route, it’d be it, helped enormously by the breadth of its product offer. Initial trading is described as well beyond what was forecast, so congratulations to both companies for taking the brave move.

It will be interesting to see in the coming months how ‘fully combining’ the strengths of Belgotex International and Lano differs from ‘operating as partners in a joint venture’. Expect moves into areas the Associated Weavers parent has never been. After all, you don’t buy companies just to maintain the status quo.

Last month saw the deaths of Mike Smith, Mike’s Carpets md and Louis Rose, Sofa Club co-founder. They seemed to have shared the same attribute of exploring ways of communicating with shoppers that were far from the norm at their respective times (TV and social media). Our thoughts are with their families, friends and colleagues.

Introducing Attraction by Kellars. Create your space. Visit: www.kellars.co.uk

Coming soon, ne w chapter

LVT New look for bestseller

30 Beds and bedroom

Supporting stockists, centre stage, hat-trick, debut 40 Lighting New reality 42 Rugs

Lines of thought, frozen in time

Manchester Furniture Show, MFFM, IHGF, VIFA 57 Review

Flanders Flooring Days 66 Trade products and services

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Castlery heads to the UK

International furniture retailer Castlery will debut in the UK this autumn as it looks for ‘the sweet spot’ of style, quality and price while offering next-week delivery.

The 12-year old company will begin selling online in the UK in September as its first expansion into Europe.

The retailer already operates in Singapore, Australia, the US and Canada, which it entered in April. It declined to disclose its global turnover, but sales were US$180m in the year ended March 2023.

‘We have grown profitably and responsibly, investing in logistics infrastructure, local warehousing, and product localisation to better serve each market,’ it says.

The offer will initial concentrate on Castlery’s bestselling ranges, including the Auburn and Jonathan sofas; Harper dining table and

58 and 50,000sqft

Furniture Village has opened its largest store, and 58th branch, offering almost 50,000sft of retail space.

The converted former car showroom near Glasgow Airport is twice the size of a standard Furniture Village branch and a third larger

than its previous largest, in Croydon. It has more than 90 upholstery groups on display, alongside over 90 dining ranges and 70 beds.

The chain’s 58th store is located on one of Scotland’s busiest roads and is near J26 of the M8.

Sloane storage range. It has signed a 10-year deal with Maersk to handle deliveries.

‘This collaboration ensures end-to-end freight and fulfilment services – from factory to front door – bringing greater speed, reliability and transparency to customers across the UK,’ it says.

Castlery was founded as response to the personal experience of four friends who went through the painful process of shopping for home furnishings in Singapore. They came across inconsistent discounting practices, long and uncertain lead times, and questioned whether they were getting fair prices.

‘When we launched Castlery, we felt that our only options were to settle for furniture within our price range that was lacking in style, quality and durability, or pay high prices for high-end designer pieces. Little was available between the two extremes. We still think that there is a significant gap in the “sweet spot” of style, quality and price in many countries around the world, including the UK,’ says Declan Ee, Castlery co-founder.

‘We make products for the design-obsessed and so the UK is the perfect market for us. British shoppers have always appreciated quality craftsmanship and design, and they share our belief that furniture should be built to last. We’re here to help British homemakers create beautiful, liveable spaces with furniture that stands the test of time.’

‘We are thrilled to officially open the doors to our brand new flagship store in Glasgow. This is a bold new chapter for Furniture Village. We’ve taken everything our customers already love about us and scaled it up – making it the ultimate destination for style, inspiration and expert home advice,‘ says Charlie Harrison, Furniture Village managing director.

‘We have also built an amazing team of 32 passionate people across the store and fulfilment.’

Last year Sterling had planned to convert the showroom into its latest store, which was scheduled to open in December 2024.

Tapi extends branded offer

Tapi has expanded its branded flooring offer through a tie-up with two consumer home interest magazines.

The flooring chain has updated its House Beautiful collection with new designs and added Country Living ranges.

‘These 12 collections have been carefully selected to align closely with the audiences of both brands,’ says Charlie Harris, Tapi Carpets & Floors director of buying.

Prices range from £29.99 to £54.99 per sqm for Country Living and from £26.99 to £79.99 per sqm for House Beautiful.

Marlow sofa

The store is twice the size of a standard Furniture Village unit

Retail sales see annual and year-to-date growth

The value of furniture and lighting sales edged up in May, which was also higher than a year earlier, while year-to-date performance saw growth.

Sales in England, Scotland and Wales rose by 0.47% compared with April 2025, reaching £1,176,103,000, according to Office for National Statistics data.

Sales were 2.5% higher than May 2024.

2025 sales for the year-to-date totalled £6,509,660,000 –an increase of 8.89% on 2024.

The value of monthly sales of flooring dropped in May,

but the sector enjoyed annual double-digit growth and year-to-date growth.

Sales in England, Scotland and Wales fell by 3.17% compared with April 2025, dropping to £251,151,000 according to ONS data.

Sales were 17.7% higher than May 2024.

2025 sales for the year-to-date totalled £1,412,635,000 –an increase of 27% on 2024.

The figures are not seasonally adjusted, do not take inflation into account and are subject to revision.

Furniture inflation hits 12-month high

Furniture retail inflation jumped to its highest level in at least a year last month.

CPI for household furniture rose from 0.5% to 1.8% in May, according to ONS data.

A year ago the sector was

experiencing deflation of 2.7%. Bedroom furniture saw the largest increases.

Garden furniture ended a run of at least a year of deflation, with inflation of 0.2%. This was in contrast

Shop to the animals

Arighi Bianchi has transformed the façade of its Macclesfield store to display a host of South African animals, including a 50ft giraffe.

As part of its Postcards From… series, the retailer has joined with Chester Zoo to celebrate the zoo’s new Heart of Africa habitat and luxury accommodation The Reserve.

For the summer the showroom will be a ‘safari of style’, complete with South African-inspired decor and brands, and family events.

‘We’re two iconic Cheshire brands joining forces in the spirit of adventure,’ says Sarah Bianchi, Arighi Bianchi ceo.

‘South Africa also has a phenomenally cool

to deflation of 22.4% in May 2024.

Deflation continued for lighting, although the rate dropped from 4.2% to 1.7%.

The sector has seen deflation since July 2024.

Inflation returns to flooring

Flooring retail inflation returned last month for only the third time in the past year.

A CPI deflation rate of 0.2% became inflation of 0.2% in May, according to ONS data.

Inflation for carpets and rugs was 0.6%, after ONS was unable to provide data a month ago.

contemporary design scene. Cape Town Design Week is jaw-dropping for its vibrant celebration of creativity rooted in cultural authenticity, sustainability and social impact.

‘The country is a design powerhouse that’s spawned brands like Dokter and Misses, Wiid Design and Weylandts; and artisans working with rattan, ceramic and leather. Our new Postcards from South Africa collection embraces it all – from Afrominimalism to authentic, sustainably made homewares, and bold colour palettes that play with sun-bleached tones and raw natural textures.’

Proceeds from the campaign will support Chester Zoo’s conservation work across Africa.

Smooth flooring saw deflation increase: from 2% to 2.8%. This is the seventh consecutive month of deflation (where data is available) and the tenth in the past year.

Household textiles saw a large jump in inflation, climbing from 0.3% to 1.7%. This is the highest level in more than a year.

CPI for furnishing fabrics and curtains continued to be erratic, rising from 1.1% to 2.8%. Since December 2024, the sector has seen inflation of 1.3%, deflation of 0.1% and inflation of 1.8%, 3.3%, 1.1% and 2.8%.

Bed linen saw the second consecutive increase, rising from 0.4% to 1.2%. After two months of deflation, table and bathroom linen saw inflation return at 0.6%.

The Macclesfield storefront

RECRUITMENT

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Costs for larger recruitment adverts are available upon request.

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Mike Smith dies aged 79

Mike Smith, founder of Yorkshire carpet chain Mike’s Carpets has died. He was 79.

Smith became one of the most recognised faces on Yorkshire TV after starring in his own TV commercials. He died on 17 June after suffering heart failure, a condition he’d lived with for six months.

He began selling carpets at Leeds Market in 1970 and after a fire temporarily closed the market, moved to a former church in Armley, which was emblazoned with large signs advertising Mike’s Carpets. At its height there were 13 Mike’s Carpets stores across the region.

Batley-born Smith officially left the carpet trade eight years ago to concentrate on a successful property portfolio.

Furkan Sharif took over Smith’s Armley store in 2022 but continued to work with him until recently. ‘He was so much fun. He defined a new way of doing things, plus he was never afraid of doing something new – that’s what being an entrepreneur is,’ he says.

Discussing his career last year, Smith said the art of a sale

people

ceo confirmed

Sterling Furniture has confirmed Stewart Robertson as chief executive, six months after he took on the role in an interim basis. The group says his appointment reflects the momentum it has developed under the leadership of Robertson and chairman Bernard Dunn.

‘I am proud of how the company has responded to what has been a difficult and challenging period. As a business, we are putting the right structures in place to lay the groundwork for sustainable growth,’ says Robertson.

Lewis steps down

Patrick Lewis has stepped down as Oak Furnitureland cfo down after 11 months. The greatgrandson of John Lewis founder John Spedan Lewis had been cfo at John Lewis between 2015 and 2020 and then took on a number of non-executive roles. Grayham Dibb-Fuller has been named as interim cfo.

Peerage for White

Sharon White, former John Lewis chairman has been made a peer. She had been made a dame in 2020 for public services, and chaired John Lewis between 2020 and 2024.

included ‘giving good service’ and ‘a product at the right price’, but ‘don’t give them any porky pies.’

He is survived by his widow Carol, two children (his eldest daughter pre-deceased him) and three grandchildren.

AW parent buys remaining 40% stake in Lano

Associated Weavers and Balsan parent Belgotex International has completed the full takeover of Lano, three years after buying a 60% stake.

Olivier Decouttere, former md of Mattex Fabrics in Dubai, where he also led global sales for carpet backings, has been appointed as Lano ceo.

‘We are committed to preserving the rich heritage

Future Prouve

Vitra has issued a limited edition of Jean Prouve’s Antony chair, with a European pine seat replacing the original plywood.

Originally made for student accommodation in the early 1950s, it is one of Prouve’s final designs and the first chair added the Vitra Design Museum, which now has more than 7,000 furniture designs.

Vitra has manufactured selected Prouve designs since 2000. The chair, in the original Rouge Corsaire colour, will be sold until the end of 2025. In the UK this is exclusively through Aram.

and expertise that Lano brings to our group. This deeper partnership is a strategic move that enables us to serve customers even better. Where we previously operated as partners in a joint venture, we can now fully combine our strengths. This will bring several advantages that will benefit customers,’ says Luc Blommaert, Belgotex International group ceo.

‘Belgotex International is committed to a smooth cooperation and is focused on leveraging the combined talents and resources of both companies to drive future growth.

‘We believe this partnership will create new opportunities for innovation and product development, benefiting our customers and stakeholders worldwide,’ he says.

Smith earlier this year, and (inset) in a Mike’s Carpets commercial

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Visit: www. giorgetti.eu 1 3 4 5 2

1 Turri’s Joel bed sees the play of contrasts between leather and fabric add visual width by defining an aesthetic that combines firm shapes and softer volumes, while the wood frames and leather details of the bedside table and chest of drawers invite touch.

Visit: www.turri.it

2 S-CAB’s Marisco outdoor rug reinterprets the ancient Sardinian tradition of cane coverings. Its weave recalls the timeless craftsmanship of roofs and mats, enriched by a coloured thread that moves with its own rhythm. www.s-cab.it

3 New from LeoLine, Comfytex Deluxe Max is a textile-backed cushion vinyl floor in a range of 16 stylish and trending wood and stone designs. With small and large herringbone, large and medium planks and smart tile designs, Comfytex Deluxe Max is without doubt for those who take their quest for the right interior style seriously.

Visit: www.leoline.co.uk

4 Oluce’s Berlin has been expanded with an outdoor collection: Berlin-Out. The new colours, a completely ivory version and one with a black base, stem

and British racing green lampshade, provide a timeless aesthetic.

Visit: www.oluce.com

5 Together, Giorgetti and Maserati have created Giorgetti Maserati Edition. Inspired by the sinuous lines of the luxury car brand, Seidon unites form and function in a sculptural sofa and armchair. A monochromatic sofa, with a compositematerial structure and padding in different densities, Seidon can be upholstered with textiles from the Giorgetti collection or in satin leather.

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6 Ragno has expanded the Look collection, inspired by hand-glazed brick tiles, with three new colours: Lino, Turchese and Verde. The surfaces are covered with a thick glaze, with drips, irregularities and colour variations that enhance the handmade look. The new 3D Yubi structure visually divides the classic size into three rods: the soft ingot shape with marks of fire and wear further emphasising the handmade look.

Visit: www.ragno.it

7 The SpaceMakers Home Young collection from Zalf explores the evolution of the bedroom, evolving

alongside those who live in it. The system interprets youthful living not as a transitional phase but as a fluid landscape, capable of embracing growth, change and identity.

Visit: www.gruppoeuromobil.com

8 Lapalma has updated its LEM stool by Shin & Tomoko Azumi, with new blue and green galvanised finishes to mark the design’s 25th anniversary. Visit: www.lapalma.it

9 Illulian has introduced Balthazar Dégradé, which seamlessly blends the elegance of ancient decorative motifs

with a fresh, contemporary aesthetic as part of its Palace Collection. Balthazar Dégradé is testament to the brand’s ability to merge history with modern artistry.

Visit: www.illulian.com

10 Gianfranco Ferré Home’s Bern sofa embodies defined geometries, fluid lines and sartorial details that enhance the fusion of design and heritage fashion. The leather straps, an icon of the fashion world, add a touch of sophisticated tailoring, underlining the elegant and refined soul of the piece.

Visit: www.gianfrancoferrehome.com

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Richard Renouf

A question of time

The length of shoppers’ rights can be a complex affair

How long does a customer have to complain about something faulty? Six months? A year? Six years? More than that? It may be a horrendous prospect, but there are circumstances where a complaint can be raised a very long time after goods are purchased.

A customer’s rights may change as time goes by (for example, the right to demand a full refund only exists for a limited time after delivery), but there are two things that limit the time within which a complaint should be considered.

A County Court will only accept claims for breach of contract within six years of the date on which the contract is performed. This does not mean a consumer will have the right to a full refund or replacement, as the court would consider the use the customer got from the goods before the fault arose.

But if goods are supplied with a warranty or guarantee (the words essentially mean the same) for a longer period, a claim could still be made under the warranty within this longer period.

I was recently asked to look at some kitchen units that were eight years old and had started to bubble along the edges. They had a 10-year warranty, and if the issue was due to a fault, the homeowner would be entitled to claim whatever the guarantee stipulated.

If the guarantee is for less than six years, it cannot be used to suggest the

customer cannot claim beyond this period, as this would be restricting their statutory rights. It’s not uncommon for guarantees to offer less than a customer’s statutory rights, but if this is picked up by Trading Standards or another statutory authority, the terms of the guarantee may be deemed unfair and misleading.

There are always difficult cases and exceptions. A customer I have got to know well over recent years is one such. He contacted me three years ago. He had found a leak in his bathroom and so called the emergency plumber through his insurers. The plumber did not visit for several days, then decided he could not fix the leak but needed to come back. He did not isolate the pipe and the leak not only continued but got worse and caused considerable damage to the bathroom floor. The leak was repaired by a different plumber on the next visit simply by tightening a joint, so a claim was made for the damage caused by negligence. That resulted in my first visit.

The report resulted in a successful settlement and so when the customer had a kitchen fitted and found issues with the granite worktops, I was appointed again and was able to help.

A second visit is a rarity, so I was surprised to receive a third call. This time he was concerned about a kitchen installed in a new garden building. There were significant problems and

the claim was going through his legal expense insurers, as had the others. It seemed they had the impression this might be a bogus claim and responded with a question, then another – in effect, challenges for more proof. I received frequent calls and emails for more than 18 months, which I dealt with honestly, and when I could not answer, I said so. It was then that he asked me to add some comments about the damage caused to his flooring. This had never been on his list of issues, but he was sure a case could be made as it was in the form of scratches where units had been dragged across the floor. The flooring had been installed at the time the kitchen was put in and it had not been protected very well during the works.

It was, at the time, about three years after the kitchen had been installed. In the interim period the kitchen had not been (and could not be) used. I advised him to tread very carefully: to complain after such a long delay about an issue that should have been raised at the time would not be well received.

I had just been out to see some engineered wood flooring that was alleged to have had a rippled surface at the time it was laid, although the customer had only just raised a complaint. I had reported that the issue may well have been present, but was something the floorlayer should and would have noticed during the fitting.

This complaint was rejected, and I used it to illustrate to my frequent caller that the same principle would almost certainly apply to his late claim. Fortunately, he took my advice and only his original issues are being pursued.

Visit: www.richard-renouf.com

Richard Renouf is an independent furnishings consultant

When it comes to reporting a fault, how long is too long?

Silken Serenity by New

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08 - 09 OCT 2025

TELFORD INTERNATIONAL CENTRE TF3 4JH

UPCOMING EVENT - SAVE THE DATE!

Step into the future of furniture at the Autumn Furniture Show 2025.

Taking place on October 8–9 at Telford International Centre, this premier trade event showcases the latest in furniture and accessories from top UK and international brands. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with suppliers, discover new collections, and gain a competitive edge for the upcoming season.

More information: autumnfurnitureshow.co.uk

Coming soon

International retailer Castlery will arrive in the UK in the autumn. Here’s what to expect. Visit: www.castlery.com

OFFER

Of the 269 sofa options (some chairs are included), 44 are three-seater sofas ranging from US$929 to US$5,347, with 17 under US$2,000.

The 25 dining tables (not including dining sets) range from US$499 for a small circular table and US$649 for a 59in acacia mid-century table to $1,899 for a stonetopped table. The majority are priced US$999 – US$1,299.

Castlery offer 23 rugs, from the US$169 Yara jute 5ft x 8ft, to the US$719 New Zealand wool 5ft x 8ft Bardez. Six are US$299 and nine are US$399.

These prices exclude state sales tax, where applicable, and delivery. Delivery is free on orders of US$999 and above.

Brighton dining table

Marlow three-seater sofa

Lucent glassware

What’s Next

With so many additions to come over the summer months & beyond

• New! Large distribution centre with operational capacity to serve the whole south of England opening July

• Fully national Coverage

• Continued portfolio investment with lots of new launches to look forward too

• Huge increase in our storage, operations and stock holding capacity over doubling previous years

• Large scale saleforce investment and creation of a new Hard Flooring Division adding 10 ASM’s to the team

Contact

on 0161 443 0970 or apply by email to HR@kellsrs.co.uk

REVIEWS

Consumer reviews are always a mixed bag, with one person’s five-star delight another’s one-star disaster. The Auburn Performance sofa has 76 reviews from US customers: 10 are one and two-star, with most complaints about the fabric and lack of comfort (something even the 10 four-star reviews mention), five are three-star and 51% are five-star.

The Dalton bed has 266 reviews across Castlery’s four locations. Just 18 are one, two or three-star.

SERVICE

The replies given to shoppers’ reviews are, as might be expected, of an unremittingly upbeat tone, even where there are major complaints.

Where the customer, for example, complains a queen-size mattress doesn’t fit a queen-size bed or the return window has ended, the tone is much more to the point. If this is the only feedback the customer receives, with no follow-up from help@, it seems unlikely that these and other customers will be placing repeat orders.

DELIVERY

Castlery has promised next-week delivery for UK customers. How does that compare with the US? The Dalton, Auburn and Seb shipping from Las Vegas to Las Vegas would all be delivered on 7-14 July (if ordered on 25 June). For Oklahoma City’s mostpopulous zip code area of 41,000 people, it is 10-17 July for each.

Desmond leather armchair

Harper bed

Dalton storage bed

Auburn Performance extended L-shaped sofa

Point of Sale available to order now.

Expanding

Building on the success of our luxury vinyl tile range, we’re proud to introduce Victorious, our brand-new collection of engineered wood flooring. Crafted for character and built for performance, Victorious brings the natural beauty of real wood into a format that’s as practical as it is premium. It’s the next step in our commitment to delivering stylish, hardwearing floors — with something for every space and every customer.

New chapter

Shackletons and Gallery Direct have opened the first exclusively Gallery branded store

Shackletons and Gallery Direct marked a major milestone with the opening of the first exclusively Gallery branded flagship store, at Fox Valley retail park, in Stocksbridge, South Yorkshire at the end of May.

This represents the beginning of a new chapter for the Gallery brand, as it works alongside key retailers, such as Shackletons, to establish dedicated retail spaces that bring its full lifestyle offering directly to consumers.

The 14,726sqft former Sandersons department store now showcases Gallery’s collections, from statement furniture to finishing touches, offering a cohesive lifestyle solution under one roof.

The initial weeks of trading have exceeded expectations, with sales comfortably double the forecast, helped by Gallery’s additional DHD service, which will allow retailers to offer an extensive product range without large stock commitments or warehousing costs. The store also features bespoke display concepts that demonstrate Gallery’s ability to help create immersive spaces that drive sales and enhance the customer experience.

‘From start to finish, the process of bringing this concept to life with Gallery Direct has been seamless. Its team’s

knowledge, creativity and professionalism made what could have been a complex project refreshingly straightforward. Gallery has proven itself as a supplier of exceptional design-led product with real commercial appeal. The trend-focused collections and ability to deliver at scale made the decision to proceed an easy one,’ says David Shackleton, Shackletons director and co-founder.

‘We’re extremely grateful to David and Paul Shackleton for approaching us to develop a shared vision of establishing

the first exclusively Gallery branded store,’ says Peter Delaney, Gallery Direct’s sales and product director.

‘The process itself, and the expert Shackletons’ team, have taught us a great deal about the evolving needs of our retailers, and we are committed to applying these insights to shape future product development, services and support,’.

Gallery is also actively offering exclusive concession opportunities. Visit: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

The store only sells Gallery Direct products and occupies the former Sandersons department store (far left)

longeatonguild.co.uk/longpoint

Bestseller boost

Karndean Designflooring is expanding Knight Tile with fresh designs

Karndean Designflooring is expanding its bestselling Knight Tile collection with a fresh, curated selection of wood and stone designs launching summer 2025. Introduced to offer sought-after tones not yet available in the range, these new classics reflect the rising trend of restorative, nature-inspired spaces while maintaining the practicality and affordability the collection is known for.

The extended Knight Tile collection includes six new wood planks, four matching herringbones and three stone designs – all aimed at homeowners looking to upgrade their interiors with design-led, budget-conscious flooring.

The new additions are available in Karndean’s classic 36in x 6in gluedown plank format, with four designs also available as slim 18in x 3in herringbone. Stone looks come in 12in x 18in tiles, ideal for brickbond layouts and seamless transitions across open-plan spaces.

‘Knight Tile has always been about offering great design at an accessible

price. These new additions reflect emerging home trends and colour stories, particularly the move towards restorative, nature-inspired interiors. Whether it’s a compact hallway or a full renovation project, this collection makes it easy to achieve a stylish, hardwearing finish without compromising on budget,’ says Richard Allen, Karndean Designflooring sales director.

‘It’s perfect for any stage of living, from first-time buyers putting their stamp on a space to empty nesters looking for a fresh update. It continues to be a go-to in newbuild homes, offering on-trend, durable floors that work with modern lifestyles.’

Inspired by nature and informed by interior trends, the new wood designs span a wide range of tones and styles: from the soft, natural grain of Norfolk Acacia to the rich espresso tones of Cocoa Limed Oak and the striking multi-toned Duxbury Acacia, inspired by traditional shipbuilding timber.

Planks can be laid straight or in fullplank herringbone for a contemporary twist, while coordinating 18in x 3in herringbones in Nutmeg Limed Oak, Cocoa Limed Oak, Wells Acacia and Duxbury Acacia allow for more intricate designs in smaller spaces or clever zoning in open layouts.

Norfolk Acacia

Nutmeg Limed Oak

Wells Acacia

WOOD DESIGNS

Russet Character Oak: inspired by reclaimed planks from an old wind-powered sawmill in Amsterdam, this rich smoked oak design brings antique charm and character in a 36in x 6in plank.

Nutmeg Limed Oak: a blend of straight grain and flowing patterns, this warm, milky brown oak, enhanced by liming, is available in both 18in x 3in herringbone and 36in x 6in planks.

Cocoa Limed Oak: with deep brown and espresso tones, this timeless floor suits both modern and traditional spaces. Available in 18in x 3in herringbone and 36in x 6in planks.

Norfolk Acacia: the lightest of the bunch, this design features soft contrasts and natural knots inspired by America’s resilient acacia trees, and is available in 36in x 6in planks.

Wells Acacia: a rich, medium brown floor that instantly makes any space feel warm and inviting – with its timeless appeal, it’s available in 18in x 3in herringbone and 36in x 6in planks.

Duxbury Acacia: the boldest of the new designs, this floor features a sophisticated blend of blue, green and grey tones, inspired by acacia used for shipbuilding. Available in 18in x 3in herringbone and 36in x 6in planks.

The characterful Russet Character Oak draws on reclaimed wood from an Amsterdam sawmill, bringing a sense of heritage and warmth to both modern and traditional interiors.

Also new to the Knight Tile range are three versatile stone-effect designs: Lunar Limestone, Natural Limestone and River Marble, all in 12in x 18in tiles.

From the subtle elegance of pale limestone to the soft veining of marble inspired by flowing riverbeds, these tiles provide a chic alternative to traditional stone, with the added benefits of warmth underfoot, underfloor heating compatibility and easier maintenance.

Karndean’s Knight Tile collection is designed with everyday life in mind, offering the beauty of natural wood and

stone in a durable, waterproof and easyto-clean format. With a 0.3mm wear layer and 2mm thickness, each product in the gluedown range is covered by a 35-year residential guarantee.

Customers who purchase through a Karndean retail partner can also benefit from the Transferable Purchase Warranty, ensuring peace of mind whether they stay in their home or choose to sell during the warranty period.

‘The expanded Knight Tile collection continues to meet the growing demand for flooring that combines authentic aesthetics with affordability,’ says Allen. ‘It gives our independent retail partners a versatile, design-led offer that really connects with today’s homeowners.’

Visit: www.karndean.com

STONE DESIGNS

Lunar Limestone: elegant and understated, this off-white limestone effect brings subtle depth and character to any space. Available in 12in x 18in tiles.

Natural Limestone: with soft, earthy tones and gentle textures, this classic stone look fits both contemporary and traditional interiors. Available in 12in x 18in tiles.

River Marble: inspired by the natural veining of marble that’s found in riverbeds, this soft and neutral-toned design adds a touch of luxury underfoot. Available in 12in x 18in tiles.

Lunar Limestone

Wells Acacia

Nutmeg Limed Oak

Smarter sleep

Enhanced comfort, tailored support and advanced cooling combine

As the UK’s most trusted sleep brand, and with 80 years of expertise, innovation and a deep understanding of what people really need for a great night’s rest, Silentnight’s latest models have been designed to meet the growing demand for enhanced comfort, tailored support and advanced cooling technologies that help regulate temperature throughout the night.

For consumers who want cooler, fresher sleep without sacrificing comfort, the new UltraGel collection has been

created to deliver the perfect blend of flexibility and support with an instant cooling touch. The responsive gel layer actively adapts to the body’s movements, while SensICE technology offers an instant cooling effect.

The Memory collection has been refreshed with a modern look and cutting-edge cooling technology, providing the sink-in feeling with a twist. The new graphite-infused Memory Cool range helps draw heat away from the body for a cooler night’s sleep,

providing all the comfort of memory foam without the build-up of heat.

The company is committed to giving retailers the tools they need to succeed. Dedicated POS support packages, continued brand investment and innovations hitting the shopfloor help retailers grow. Its ongoing marketing activity keeps Silentnight front of mind with shoppers, while in-store assets help bring products to life and make it easier for stockists to convert interest into sales. Visit: www.silentnight.co.uk

Memory Cool

UltraGel

sleep great, Britain

More comfort for sleepers. And for you.

At Silentnight we’re always looking for new ways to make sleep better. Our new UltraGel™ collection provides freedom, support and instant cooling. While our new look Memory range includes new, graphite-infused memory cool™ for a cooler night’s sleep. And, with POS support packages and continued brand investment, you can sleep easier too.

To make Britain’s most trusted sleep brand your most reliable partner, contact your Silentnight representative or call 0333 123 0892.

Refuge

Voluminous curves invite you in

A refuge from the frenzy of everyday life is provided by Patricia Urquiola’s Mon-Nid for Cassina, thanks to its ample proportions and soft, continuous curves. Mon-Nid picks up and renews the formal language of the Mon-Cloud sofa, bringing the bed back to centre stage. It takes its energy from the experimental beds of the 1970s, when volume became a space to be lived in.

Unlike the 1970s, consideration has been given to the environmental impact, and the bed is polyurethane-free and built to be disassembled at the end of its life cycle.

The generously sized bedframe embraces the perimeter of the bed, even shaping its headboard. In a visual interplay of soft joints, the structure of the bed is embellished at the connection points by iconic top-stitching.

Its sinuous shapes are sculpted in recycled polyester wadding.

Characterised by softness, the use of recycled polyester fibre allows the creation of a voluminous, fluffy product. The only foam-filled elements are the optional cushions and these are crafted in Circularrefoam, polyurethane made with 15% recycled polyols. Developed to offer greater support and ensure maximum comfort, these cushions also contain recycled polyester fibre.

With no glued parts, Mon-Nid can be completely disassembled at the end of its life cycle., facilitating recycling and recovery of the components.

The bed also offers the practicality of a storage compartment under the slatted base.

Visit: www.cassina.com

Soft, continuous curves are at the heart of Mon-Nid

Mon-Nid can be disassembled at the end of its life cycle

The bed is brought back to centre stage

From the biggest brands to smaller niche players

The ONLY place to see so many UK and Irish bed manufacturers and component suppliers all under one roof

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT

• Unprecedented gathering of UK bed manufacturers and suppliers

• Latest innovations, offers and promotions in one place

• Prime networking opportunities

WE’RE AWARD WINNING!

Voted ‘Best Furniture Exhibition’ 2024

• Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony with TV & radio star host, Vernon Kay

• Supplier Zone

• FREE parking

Hat-trick

Spinks debuted designs for beds, upholstery and transport

Spinks launched four innovations at Interzum, with the spring manufacturer notching up a hat-trick in the Interzum Awards.

Spinks’ latest microcoil and pocket spring technologies showcased its next-generation approach to comfort innovation, with the Microlution microcoil taking home the Best of the Best accolade – the highest recognition available – while Quadrolution and Micro Copper were awarded High Product Quality in the awards. The company could have secured a haul, but for Micro Trio’s delayed launch missing the awards deadline.

All of the spring systems debuted at Cologne are designed to be recyclable and created in-house without the use of glue at the company’s Yorkshire facility.

Microlution features Spinks’ two-stage approach: two springs working together to provide initial comfort, with secondary support in a single layer. The level of comfort and long-term support this patent-pending technology provides has never before been possible within a microcoil layer.

Quadrolution is an evolution of Spinks’ glueless QuadCore spring technology. The recyclable system has infinite customisation opportunities, allowing response coils to be positioned between each group of QuadCore springs to create a secondary support

system that then allows for zoning, phased zoning or a firm edge. Made with just two raw materials, this design offers revolutionary recyclable core technology to the bedding industry.

Micro Trio is a microcoil like no other, with three active coils formed from a single piece of wire, to provide unrivalled comfort for mattresses and bedding. The system seamlessly transitions from pressure-relieving comfort to adapt to personalised support for every body type.

Micro Copper is the world’s first microcoil to feature copper-infused nonwoven fabric, resulting in a product with anti-microbial and anti-fungal benefits. The technology utilises the hydrophilic nonwoven currently used in medical applications, and the fine-wire microcoils can be positioned close to the application surface, making it extremely useful where hygiene is paramount, such as transportation seating.

‘To launch four technologies that

set new standards for comfort and performance is a great milestone and to see three recognised with one of the most prestigious awards for our industry – and our first Best of the Best – has been a real honour. These innovations reflect growing demand from bedding and seating manufacturers for customisable solutions and versatile designs,’ says Darren Marcangelo, Spinks cco.

‘We’re the pioneers of microcoil technology, and we challenged ourselves to deliver even more comfort and support into our range of coils. Copper is a key trend in bedding at present. Customers want innovative products and want to be able to differentiate, so we’re responding to that with innovations that offer high levels of customisation, developed to give our clients a real competitive advantage.’

Micro Copper and Micro Trio will be available this year, and Microlution and Quadrolution in early 2026.

Visit: www.spinks.co.uk

The Spinks team with the Interzum awards Left: Micro Copper (top) and Microlution

Beds cut from a different cloth

Bedside trio

Best known for its textiles, Mille Notti has expanded into furniture

Mille Notti has been enriching bedrooms with exclusive textiles for more than three decades. Now it has its first furniture collection, featuring three bedside tables – Luca, Carla and Franca – by Swedish designer Eva Schildt.

Together with Catherine Wehtje Hustad, Mille Notti creative director, she has designed tables that are both elegant and functional, with a timeless appeal, made from solid oak or birch.

‘Our ambition was to create bedside tables that truly make a statement. They should be unique, serve a practical function, and at the same time serve as design objects,’ says Hustad.

‘A bedside table is a sidekick: it should complement, not replicate, the design of the bed. It must have its own identity and add something distinctive to the room,’ says Schildt.

Luca’s combination of oiled oak, brass details and warm, earthy colour palette gives it a sense of genuine craftsmanship and classic style. Carla is designed to integrate seamlessly into its surroundings with understated elegance. Its pure lines and handcrafted details evoke a sense of calm, quality and timeless beauty: ideal for a classic home. It is made from painted birch with an MDF top. Franca is youthful, playful and modern: a piece for those who want to create a unique atmosphere in their bedroom. It is available in oiled oak or painted birch with an MDF top.

The collection reflects Mille Notti’s core values of quality, sustainability and

timeless design: the tables are meant to become part of your life. By using sustainable, solid materials, Mille Notti has created furniture that will endure for generations, in both design and function.

‘We wanted to bring Mille Notti’s signature softness and warmth to these pieces, while staying true to our focus on highest quality and sustainability,’ says Schildt.

Visit: www.mille-notti.com

The tables are Mille Notti’s first furniture pieces

Luca

Carla

Franca

By Royal Appointment

More than style

Trust, innovation and quality are key

Standing out in an ever-evolving furniture market requires more than just style: it needs trust, innovation and an unwavering commitment to quality.

With four decades of experience, Aquinos Group brings those attributes to the table. Founded in 1985, it has become a trusted name across Europe for premium upholstered furniture and bedding products, building a strong B2B presence and serving as a reliable manufacturing partner for retailers, wholesalers and designers.

The success of the Portuguese group is no accident: it is the result of decades of craftsmanship, innovation and an ongoing dedication to customer satisfaction.

Aquinos doesn’t see tradition and innovation as opposing forces. Its heritage is deeply rooted in artisanal excellence, and it proudly honours the techniques passed down through generations of furniture makers. At the same time, it embraces cutting-edge technologies, sustainable materials, and contemporary design thinking, resulting

in upholstery that combines timeless aesthetics with modern comfort and style. As sustainability becomes an ever more vital part of the furniture industry, Aquinos is focused on environmentally conscious manufacturing. It integrates eco-friendly materials and processes at every stage of production, from sourcing fabrics to reducing waste.

The company will be among the exhibitors at August’s INDX Furniture Show. On 27–28 August (day one is AIS members only) it will showcase the Jeremy and Poppy designs, reflecting its hallmark blend of traditional craftsmanship and fresh design sensibility.

Visit: www.aquinosgroup.com

Aquinos is focused on environmentally conscious manufacturing

Poppy

New reality

Arctic is always present

Arctic is designed by BIG

Artemide’s Arctic is a collection of lamps that ‘reflect and deconstruct reality’, brought to life through their own light, natural light and the surrounding environment.

Designed by long-term design partner BIG, they are formed from geometric elements that break apart and reassemble in modular compositions, playing with reflections.

The final shape is an Archimedean solid without external faces, where the structure emerges from the projection of the pentagonal sides radiating from the centre.

At its core is a diffusing sphere, into which truncated pentagonal pyramids are fitted. As these align at their vertices, they reconstruct the solid form. This creates a multitude of mirrored surfaces, positioned side by

side and facing each other, multiplying in perception and generating a dynamic figure that shifts with the viewpoint and its surroundings.

The heart of the lamp contains all its active components, with a heat-dissipating structure that supports a series of LED circuits, ensuring an even 360deg light distribution while maintaining optimal efficiency. The result is the perception of a perfectly diffused, uniform sphere.

Once fully assembled, this sphere appears visually interrupted by the reflectors, yet is perceptually restored through the continuous interplay of reflected light.

The overall shape is semi-regular, not uniform but animated by the contrast between pentagonal and triangular faces formed where elements meet. Its structure is lightweight,

and the shifting reflections make its perception fluid and dynamic.

The lamps are assembled by the end user, as part of the company’s sustainability efforts. The diffuser surfaces can be either transparent or mirrored, interacting differently with light. In both versions, they are horizontally etched with incisions to control and diffuse the light. While these details define the product’s aesthetic, they also serve an optical function, enhancing luminous efficiency through reflection and refraction.

Arctic can be suspended, ceilingmounted, placed on a surface, or integrated into a space. It is always present – when on, it spreads light evenly; when off, it reflects and interacts with its surroundings and natural light.

Visit: www.artemide.com

Arctic can be suspended, ceiling-mounted, placed on a surface, or integrated into a space

Arctic is assembled by the end user

Lines of thought

Spontaneous sketches, drawn in one fluid motion, form Lelièvre’s collaboration

Didier Beautemps draws everywhere, all the time. He fills sketchbooks, doodles on the corner of a table and traces shapes during meetings: drawing is a natural extension of his thinking.

The founding architect of Atelier COS, Paris thinks through drawing. For him, drawing is not just a tool but an instinctive gesture, a way of structuring ideas.

In collaboration with French fabric company Maison Lelièvre, Beautemps has brought his drawings to life, developing hand-tufted rug designs that preserve the energy of the line and anchor it in material.

Each pattern originates from a spontaneous sketch, drawn in on fluid, almost automatic motion. Lines intersect,

overlap, break off and resume elsewhere, like a thought taking shape. The rug, made from New Zealand wool, becomes a surface where the drawing retains its movement – think of an imaginary map where each line becomes a possible route – and the impulse of the hand continues through the material. Visit: www.lelievreparis.com

The first two designs, Street and Fil, are available as 250cm x 350cm rugs

Captured

Leaf Time freezes time

As in a snapshot, Carpet Edition’s new Leaf Time rug, designed by Emanuele Missaglia, freezes time by grasping at the ephemeral to pause it in an infinite moment.

Leaf Time not only captures the essence of an eternal moment, but also illustrates the structural complexity of a leaf. The realistic reproduction of its anatomy, crafted using various pile heights, gives depth to the surface

of the rug. The leaf blade, midrib and veins rise in a sharper relief, following the delicate branchlike network that gives structure and definition to the design.

In contrast, the irregular carvings and jagged shapes – which evoke the image of slow decomposition which evidences the change of seasons that has passed since that moment – are distinguished by a lower pile height, creating interplay

between full and empty spaces.

Combining viscose and bamboo, Leaf Time is offered in two sizes: 250cm x 300cm and 300cm x 400 cm, and in a choice of two colours. Blue is distinguished by cool tones in shades of blue and grey, while Mart, which explores a warmer colour palette, features elegant shades of gold and beige.

Visit: www.carpetedition.com

BORN TO CREATE

Emanuele Missaglia’s grandfather was a cabinet maker. Emanuele grew up surrounded by the scent of wood, discovering his first designs and learning the techniques of furniture production. He graduated with honours from the Politecnico di Milano in 2002, and since then has been an architect of homes and stores, designer and art director. Clients include Abitare, Beamy, Bergomi 1944, Carpet Edition, Inkiostro Bianco, Porada and Reflex.

Leaf Time Blue

Leaf Time Mart

3GREAT POS WAYS

Grab attention, explain benefits and Gain Add-On Sales With

P.O.S .

They’re so easy and convenient. You can see at a glance which pieces will fit the legs of furniture

Point-Of-Sale is as important as Stroolmount’s flooring and furniture protection products.

There are two Protect and Care Display Stands, plus Factsheet Boards.

1

2

Cardboard Retail Display Stand holds up to 90 packets, depending on the packet you choose.

Wooden Counter-Top Rotary Display Stand In 4 quarters it has 8 prongs and holds up to 96 packets, depending on the packets you choose.

3 Great on counters

Factsheets

Ideal on walls

Factsheet Boards for Self-adhesive Felt, Furni-glides and Quickclick Glides. Lightweight, easily fixable to a wall or bring out by the till when closing a sale.

• Place Factsheet Boards on walls around your store…

• …or bring them out by the till when closing a sale.

• Gain add-on sales. See exactly which item fits best.

Upgrade

Maze is building on a successful year with premium additions

The 2025 season is shaping up to be a standout chapter for Maze, with a growing presence in the outdoor living design market. Demand for stylish, functional garden furniture continues to grow, and Maze’s commitment to comfort, innovation and timeless design continues to resonate with a wide and diverse customer base.

From expansive modular sofa sets to the launch of a refined eight-seat square dining set, Maze’s versatile collections are helping customers to transform their gardens into true extensions of their homes: spaces to relax, entertain and enjoy.

This year has also marked meaningful progress in Maze’s sustainability journey, a core pillar of its company

ethos. Maze now has a Forest Stewardship Council licence, ensuring that all wood used in its products is responsibly sourced from sustainably managed forests. In addition, the company is approaching 100% recyclable packaging across all product lines, underscoring its vow to reducing waste and minimising environmental impact throughout the full life cycle of its furniture.

Maze remains focused not only on creating long-lasting, high-quality furniture but on doing so in a way that supports a greener, more responsible future for outdoor living.

As the company looks toward 2026, it is preparing to introduce a range of bold product developments, blending

timeless design with forward-thinking features. Two of its rattan collections, Winchester and Oxford, will see the introduction of ceramic tabletops. Featuring deep, luxurious seating and enduring charm, Winchester and Oxford will soon feature sleek, ultradurable ceramic surfaces, a premium upgrade from glass that offers both elevated performance and a refined, modern aesthetic.

The 2026 range will also include fresh design concepts; new outdoor fabric colourways; and expanded options across several of the brand’s top-performing 2025 collections, giving customers even more flexibility to personalise their outdoor spaces.

Visit: www.mazeliving.co.uk

Bali

Oxford Havana

Jakarta and Monaco

Problem solving

Using the correct adhesive can be key to successful LVT installations

Certain adhesives can help with meeting customers’ high expectations for LVT installations, including achieving precise alignment. Pressure-sensitive adhesives are ideal for the installation of LVT because they form an instant grab upon contact, so once positioned, tiles or planks won’t move about as fitters work. They also offer an extended open time, reducing the risk of late placement and making them ideal for installations where more complex designs or patterns are being created. Some pressure-sensitive adhesives are also formulated to reduce the incidence of trowel serrations showing through thin floorcoverings (‘grin-through’), affecting the appearance of the finished installation.

There are specific applications where additional performance characteristics will be important to maintain the long-term aesthetic appearance of an installation. ‘When installing flooring in areas subject to extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations, it is recommended to use a temperaturetolerant adhesive. High temperatures or extreme temperature fluctuations can cause the floorcovering to expand and contract significantly, which may lead to unsightly tenting and gapping at the edges of LVT over time. This can be the case in conservatories or rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that are subject to solar gain, such as extensions with bi-fold doors,’ says Tim Green, F Ball Centre of Excellence head of training.

‘Temperature-tolerant adhesives develop the high bond strength required to hold flooring securely in place in such environments, ensuring a long-lasting flooring finish. However, such adhesives have traditionally been wet-lay, and fitters requiring this type of adhesive have had to forgo pressuresensitive benefits.’

Advancements in hybrid polymer adhesives have enabled development of high-performance vinyl adhesives with combinations of properties once thought impossible, including combined pressure-sensitive and

temperature-tolerant characteristics.

‘F Ball’s Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS is a water-based, pressure-sensitive vinyl adhesive that develops the extremely high bond strength and dimensional stability required to hold vinyl floorcoverings firmly in place in areas exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations (from minus 20degC to 60degC). Whilst providing high initial tack, the adhesive allows the floor to be lifted and repositioned in the initial stages of drying, making it a great choice for installing tiles and planks, intricate patterns and bespoke designs that need precise alignment. Styccobond F49 is also resistant to moisture, meaning it is suitable for use in areas subject to water and high humidity, including kitchens and bathrooms.’

As well as selecting adhesives suited to the requirements of a particular project, it is always advisable to check the compatibility of particular flooring and adhesives. ‘For these purposes, F Ball produces its industry-leading Recommended Adhesives Guide. It is available on the F Ball website and as a free app, as well as a printed booklet.

“We are so confident in the recommendations featured in RAG that we guarantee the resulting bond performance for the entire lifetime of the flooring installation, as long as

the advised subfloor preparation and installation procedures are followed.’

F Ball’s technical service department is available from 8.30am–5pm on weekdays to answer questions via telephone and email on F Ball products and how to use them.

‘The F Ball Centre of Excellence training and demonstration facility at F Ball’s Staffordshire headquarters hosts training courses on achieving optimum results when installing LVT, which are free to attend for both flooring retailers and contractors. You can find details of upcoming courses and book a place for yourself or colleagues on the F Ball website,’ says Green.

Visit: www.f-ball.com

The fast-drying formulation of Styccobond F58 PLUS enables LVT tiles and planks to be secured in minutes

Styccobond F49 Hybrid PS combines temperature-tolerance, pressure-sensitive and moisture-resistant properties

F. Ball’s System LVT range is a comprehensive subfloor preparation system that helps you achieve the best results when installing LVT floorcoverings. The range includes the full system of products that flooring installers need to ensure a perfect installation every time. Use the right products from the System LVT range and follow our installation guidance for a lifetime guarantee. Not only is the installation protected but so is your reputation. Find out more: f-ball.com/systemlvt

Clean and modern

CarpetFirst, Metro Group’s own-label branding, has a new look

After 22 years in its current guise and three decades in total, Metro’s CarpetFirst branding has had a refresh. Originally created by Metro member Phil Cotton, and modernised in 2002, the logos are a familiar sight in members’ stores across the UK. Now the Metro marketing and design team has given them a modern, clean and professional look.

Metro Group always aims to achieve the best terms and prices from more than 25 dedicated suppliers, which allows its members to sell the bestperforming products in the market at a profit. This is just one of a number of benefits to being part of the group. The ability to rebrand those products with the CarpetFirst branding has long been appreciated by most members.

Metro Group has developed over the past 46 years into a large membership of independent retailers, from one-man operations to multipleoutlet businesses. Retaining independence is very important to members, who are always given the option of participating in group activity, allowing them to use the best benefits of group membership while being 100% in control of their own businesses.

Use of the group’s marketing and merchandising service has a distinct advantage: it is completely bespoke to the individual member. Retailers all have different wants and needs, so having the ability to access a whole host of marketing resources means that members have a wealth of experience and facilities available to them, custom made to suit their needs. Members currently benefit from £600 plus VAT per year to be used on any merchandising. Nothing is out of the question and the dedicated team will work alongside each member to create what they require.

Connaught Carpets recently turned to the bespoke service for its new showroom in Mytholmroyd, West Yorkshire. Having a good roadside presence it was decided a 6m framed sign with complementary window and shutter lettering was best. Every aspect of the work was carried out by the

Metro Group marketing team, on time for the completion and opening deadline. All signs were fitted in one working day. The marketing service is fully mobile and equipped with printers, cutters, tools and access equipment. Backed by

a studio in the north-east of England, the team travels to all parts of the UK, working on-site with members on whatever project they require assistance with.

Tel: 01204 393 539

Connaught Carpets’ signs and window graphics

CarpetFirst logos over the years

Manchester Furniture Show

And relax

Social, summer and sourcing combine

The Manchester Furniture Show returns to Manchester Central from 6-7 July, bringing with it a strong mix of retailready launches, engaging networking opportunities and a refreshingly relaxed buying experience.

MFS is now firmly established as the UK’s second-largest furniture trade event, and its value is clear. The key date in the mid-year calendar offers a vital opportunity for retailers, department stores, interior designers and project buyers to source fresh products just as the second half of the year gets underway. For many, the

show provides the perfect moment to top up on core lines, explore trendled collections and make meaningful connections, all within a friendly and focused setting.

More than 120 brands are confirmed for this year’s edition, with a broad mix of long-standing British manufacturers, international names and fresh design talent. Headline exhibitors include Bluebone, La-Z-Boy UK and Lebus, while newcomers include Scatterbox, Seconique, Furnish 365, Meta Sofa, The Woodford Collection, WP Home and Express Beds.

The product offer spans from living and bedroom furniture to lighting, soft furnishings and home decor.

What sets MFS apart is its format. The two-day event is compact, accessible and easy to navigate, allowing visitors to cover a great deal in a short space of time. Its location at Manchester Central, combined with a warm, sociable atmosphere, ensures a commercially valuable and enjoyable experience.

This year’s event also features a number of networking highlights.

The Wimbledon-themed Show Party returns on Sunday evening, offering a chance to unwind with contacts and colleagues after the first day. The Women in Furniture Network brunch and panel discussion will take place on Monday. Hosted by Zoe Bonser, WIFN founder and Clarion Events portfolio director, the panel will include Kellie Wyles, DFS head of upholstery and brands; Jan Duckworth, Cox & Cox md and Fara Butt, Shire Beds director.

With the demand for newness, differentiation and smarter buying stronger than ever, MFS arrives at a critical moment for many in the sector. Whether looking for exclusive ranges, exploring new supplier relationships or simply taking stock before autumn, the exhibition is a mid-year event that delivers both inspiration and results.

Visit: www.thefurnitureshows.com

MFS returns to Manchester Central this month

Building on success

MFFM provides a mid-year opportunity to restock before the winter sales

The Malaysia Furniture Furnishings Market (MFFM) returns for its second edition from 4–6 September at Kuala Lumpur’s World Trade Centre, building on the success of its 2024 debut.

With an expanded line-up of 150-plus exhibitors from Malaysia, China, Japan and south-east Asia, MFFM 2025 takes place during Asia’s second major buying season and bridges the gap between key regional markets – Vietnam, Indonesia and Shanghai – giving buyers a critical mid-year opportunity to restock before the winter sales. And for those who missed March sourcing trips, MFFM offers a second chance to discover the trends and innovations.

The trade show will highlight Made-in-Malaysia furniture, known for its craftsmanship, durability and competitive pricing. Exhibitors will showcase dining, bedroom, living room, children’s, office, home office and upholstered furniture, kitchens, beds and commercial furniture.

Qualified international buyers can benefit through the show’s Hosted

Buyer Programme, which includes: complimentary two-night hotel stay at select partner hotels; priority meeting scheduling with top exhibitors, and exclusive networking opportunities with industry leaders.

MFFM 2025 enjoys the official endorsement of the Malaysian Ministry of Plantation and Commodities; Malaysian Timber Industry Board; Malaysian Timber Council and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation.

Beyond the exhibition floor, visitors can have exclusive factory tours and the networking night, forging connections in a dynamic, business-friendly setting.

‘MFFM isn’t just a trade show – it’s a launchpad for global opportunities. With Malaysia’s reputation for quality and affordability, we’re thrilled to welcome buyers and exhibitors to experience the innovation driving our industry,’ says Karen Goi, MFFM project director. Visit: www.mffmfurniture.com

Future Manufacturer Paragon

Delano Furniture

Inception Design

Luxury Sleep

Celebrations

IHGF Delhi Fair marks a significant milestone in October

The IHGF Delhi Fair will celebrate its 60th edition this autumn. Founded in 1995, the show – reputedly the ‘world’s largest gathering of handicraft exhibitors under one roof’ – continues to evolve in response to global sourcing trends, delivering a future-ready, buyer-focused trade platform.

Strongly supported by leading manufacturer exporters in India and a thriving international community treating India as their preferred sourcing hub, the forthcoming 60th edition will feature more than 3,000 exhibitors from across India, representing key product segments in home, lifestyle, fashion, furnishings, furniture, gifts and interiors.

IHGF Delhi Fair attracts thousands of global buyers, including importers, retail chains, department stores, wholesalers, designers and buying agents, drawn by its variety, customisation capabilities

and competitive pricing. Successive editions have consistently seen trade visitors and sourcing representation from well over 100 countries.

With increased focus on eco-conscious manufacturing, handcrafted value additions and artisanal creativity, this edition ‘will set new benchmarks for international trade fairs’, say the organisers: buyers can expect expressive surface finishes, emotionally resonant designs and trend-forward collections that blend tradition with modernity.

The show boasts 16 categories including: home decor and accents; home furnishings; carpets and rugs; textiles and linen; gifts; lighting; kitchen and dinnerware; cane, bamboo, paper and eco-friendly products; Christmas and festive decor; bathroom accessories; outdoor and gardens, and furniture and interiors, displayed across 16 halls

and 900 mart showrooms at the India Expo Centre in Delhi.

Visitors will also benefit from a dedicated mobile app for seamless navigation and scheduling; hospitality lounges; refreshment areas; cultural showcases and interactive zones, in a celebration of Indian craftsmanship, design and global collaboration. Visit: www.ihgfdelhifair.in

VIFA ASEAN

Multi-sector, multi-benefit

The show connects global markets with Vietnamese and ASEAN businesses

Vietnam’s furniture industry has emerged as a global leader in manufacturing and exports. VIFA ASEAN 2025 builds on this success, serving as a crucial platform to connect Vietnamese and ASEAN businesses with global markets.

As Asia’s opening autumn furniture exhibition for 2025, VIFA ASEAN is a prime destination for international furniture buyers. It also enhances its B2B platform with unique handicraft products, driving business cooperation and trend discovery.

Taking place from 26-29 August, the

show is the region’s premier international exhibition for furniture, home decor and handicrafts. It showcases diverse indoor and outdoor furniture, from residential to large-scale projects, gathering a wide community of Vietnamese and ASEAN businesses.

The third VIFA ASEAN has significantly expanded its scope, adding contract furniture to the mix. This creates a comprehensive B2B platform, making it an ideal destination for architects, contractors, builders, and interior designers. Professionals can discover

innovative solutions and advanced technologies, fostering strategic partnerships.

To enhance the visitor experience, VIFA ASEAN 2025 offers exclusive hotel booking discounts (30%-50% off), free airport pick-up and complimentary shuttle bus services from select hotels.

VIP buyers receive a complimentary two-night hotel stay and a special package.

Full details will be available on the VIFA ASEAN website from 15 July.

Visit: www.vifaasean.com

Coming together

FFD saw almost 5,000 visitors for the fourth edition

The fourth edition of Flanders Flooring Days furthered its position in the exhibition sector after enjoying a 5.5% increase in visitors.

The 2-5 June event saw 4,480 visitors, as the 17 participating showrooms across the Flanders region, and Kortrijk Xpo showcased the latest products, technology and POS.

Some showrooms reported a 19% jump in visitor numbers.

Visitors were treated to a powerful mix of innovation, Flemish hospitality and in-depth content. The seminar programme at The Hub at Kortrijk Xpo provided inspiration and interest. Speakers such as Judith Van Vliet and Christine Boland shared insights into current trends and the various thought

processes behind them, while during ‘Sustainable Tuesday’ the results of a CISUFLO research project into flooring manufacture were revealed, alongside a series of seminars covering the subject.

The Flanders Flooring Night was also highly appreciated by the invited

guests, as visitors and exhibitors mingled and enjoyed food, refreshments and entertainment from across the Flanders region.

Next year’s event reverts to May, taking place from 18–21 May.

Visit: www.flandersflooringdays.com

The Flanders Flooring Night saw visitors and exhibitors relax after the showroom and Kortrijk Xpo activities

Twist again

Celebrations were joined by new carpets and LVT

Associated Weavers used FFD to showcase its new polypropylene twist collection, which officially launched in June after previews at TFS and INDX. Aries and Taurus are available in 12 colours using 1/10th gauge for

a cleaner finish, something the company has focused on.

The colour palette leans towards more neutral, warmer tones, and with its shorter, denser pile, the collection is expected to enhance Associated

Weavers’ presence in this market. It will be expanded later in the year with Aquarius, which will sport 10 shades, maintaining extreme softness in a short, dense pile.

Also on show was Associated Weavers’ latest Heather collection, which will debut in August. As pioneers in this style, Associated Weavers is modernising the offer with five trusted colours and seven new shades in Harrogate and Coniston. The bicolour Soho and Tribeca will be relaunched and recoloured towards the end of 2025 with a more contemporary look in 12 colours.

The Sarno Collection will feature two new designs this month: Tiber and Brenta. The loop polyester carpets offer the appearance of wool with a silky touch, while being easy to maintain and bleach cleanable.

The show also saw Invictus Ultimus previewed before the LVT’s official launch at Harrogate.

Visit: www.associated-weavers.co.uk

Associated Weavers celebrated its 60th anniversary at FFD

Aries and Taurus are available in 12 colours

Sarno will see Tiber and Brenta added

Bold and beautiful

Beauflor provided inspiration alongside product and

environmental updates

Among the ducks, croaking frogs and pétanque game of its Wielsbeke showroom surroundings, Beauflor opened its doors at FFD to show its latest trend-inspired collections for release in 2026, the refreshed Create digital design programme and its path towards sustainability.

Over four busy days, visitors were also the first to get up to speed with product developments headed for the UK, including revamps to the Quintex and Tex-Style entry-level collections and the introduction of Novo, a stand-out range with a fresh design twist.

In the studio, Beauflor’s new-look Create programme came to life, with giant shapes adorned in brave and

bold contemporary geometric designs. Exploring how Create brings unlimited potential to collaborate on amazing flooring designs, the installation was a bridge between the programme’s expansive design library and a reimagining of what’s possible.

Having introduced Twilight in 2024, this year’s FFD saw Beauflor highlight another significant step in its commitment to sustainable product innovation: Traces. Sharing the same attributes as Twilight, Traces broadens the reach of its 100% bio-circular attributed PVC portfolio to both residential and contract use. Now homeowners and specifiers can select high-performance, high-style,

sustainable solutions that offer a 40% CO2 reduction compared to the Belgian manufacturer’s traditional vinyl flooring.

The Experience Room provided the opportunity to play and see how Beauflor’s new designs develop with the changing light of the environment and the shift between night and day. Switching between rooms and Beauflor’s designs, inspired by home trends and influenced by the natural world, the immersive ‘in room’ experience delighted those who stepped inside.

‘It’s tempting to get lost in the digital technology and limitless creativity of our Create programme. But as our Experience Room shows, there’s beauty and variety in our conventional ranges. These affordable floors play their part in turning houses, apartments and studios into homes through design, quality and practicality,’ says Chris Roberts, Beauflor regional sales director.

‘It was a pleasure to show colleagues from the UK how Beauflor is a cushion vinyl brand that sits at both ends of the spectrum: equally adept at beautiful one-off designs that have an installationlike quality, as at producing quality loose-lay cushion vinyl floors for social and affordable housing. All this while working hard to reduce our impact on the environment through responsible material use and resource consumption, production practices, product innovation and longevity in use.’

Visit: www.beauflor.com

Double choice

Betap enjoyed growth from wool and man-made fibres

Betap presented a modern, casual look at FFD’s The Hub at Kortrijk Xpo and highlighted product launches across wool and man-made fibres. Reaction from visitors was extremely positive, with the manufacturer enjoying doubledigit growth among wool products.

The Yarn by Nature collection now includes the 1,325g Belcanto in 11 colours, while Valencia, Lisbon and

Barcelona are available in nine shades with three distinct patterns.

Betap’s polypropene products, Bombay and Bombay Plus, offer a cleaner aesthetic, and a new collection of five heavy loop products – Linen, Knitted, Diamond, Trojan and Chevron – is available in eight colours.

The Graphics Collection provides design flexibility in eye-catching,

on-trend colours.

The show also saw strong polyester sales, with Betap showcasing a host of products including the Dumas cut-pile collection, which is available in different weights.

The company’s Baltic polyamide loop pile commercial tile saw the introduction of a new colour bank. Visit: www.betap.com

Betap presented a modern, casual look at The Hub

The Hub saw wool and man-made fibre launches

Breadth

Visitors saw the diversity of Condor Group’s offer

For Condor Group, FFD provided the opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of the group’s activities.

Condor Carpets launched a new carpet tile available in multiple loops, with the capability for various patterns. Also on show was Paris, in 11 colours with a move towards natural tones. Visitors were also able to see the

recolouring of Carousel: the collection is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Edel Carpets introduced a new product structure featuring both cut and loop pile options across two collections. The Disegno concept allows customers to personalise designs and colours. Also showcased was a woven wool range with three designs,

available in eight colours.

For Vebe, a major focus was on its new 645,000sqft manufacturing facility in the Netherlands. Products on show included Xana, Strong 956, Atlantic, and the new machine-washable Sarah and Emma collections.

Intercarpet showcased several products, emphasising its Alloa PET collection in a flat-weave single-DNA polyester. The collection can be produced in diverse patterns and colours utilising the same yarn. Intercarpet is known for its latex-free backing system enabling 100% recyclability.

Condor Grass has enhanced its bestselling products, including Megan in a polyethylene yarn with improved resilience and a more realistic feel. The new Intense is available in pile heights of 40mm-55mm, while Parq by Condor is targeted at the wholesale sector. Visit: www.condor-group.eu

Left: Paris has 11 shades. Above: The group has been a supporter of #tide for many years

Edel Carpets

Carouse

Step into the future

Explore innovations in more sustainable vinyl flooring

IVC offered visitors the chance to step into a circular future at FFD, on a journey exploring the company’s innovations in more sustainable vinyl flooring.

The company told how innovation in production, product and recycling set a path to IVCircular, its vision for a looped product life cycle. Antonin, IVC AI ‘artist in residence’ created five intriguing artworks that zoom into a single number – including a tonne, a bottle and a kilowatt – and invite a look beyond. Giant eggs and skyscrapers of flooring offcuts, ocean-bound plastic turned into clothing: the artworks celebrate the company’s commitment to circularity and developing more sustainable floors.

‘IVCircular is our vision for a better way to design, produce and recycle sheet vinyl floors, and we used FFD as a way to get behind the stories and innovations of our sustainable actions, rather than just the numbers. Our AI artworks sparked conversations, and we were delighted to explore this inspiration in depth with the official preview of our revolutionary Floorward range,’ says Mäité Valck , IVC marketing manager.

‘The Egg that Closes the Loop’ artwork symbolises Floorward’s significant

innovation: the use of Circul’Egg, a waste by-product of food production.

IVC estimates that it will use as many as 20tonnes of egg shells a year as a filler in the production of Floorward. Reimaging sheet vinyl for new generations with premium design and a strong brand image, Floorward is a leap in material use and market positioning for sheet vinyl.

Alongside exploring its actions, such as the Recover programme for reclaiming

installation waste and old floors, and the use of recycled plastic bottles including Ocean-bound Social Plastic for Texmark’s and Floorward’s textile backing, IVC also showed its newest product developments. With on-trend looks, rich variety and creative flexibility across Texmark, Texas, Nerutex, Ultimate Surfaces and Fibretex, the designs show how momentum is with the group. Tel: 01332 851 5000

Flexible and agile

Lano continues to respond to customers’ needs

At the 2025 Flanders Flooring Days Lano opened its doors to visitors from all over the world and showcased in full its diversification, flexibility and agility.

By understanding customers’ needs and demands, Lano – one of only a few successful carpet producers remaining in Belgium – has been able to find niches in the market and provide carpet solutions for wide-ranging applications including residential, hospitality, professional sport, aviation, maritime and healthcare.

Despite the wider economic environment in recent years, Lano has continued to invest in the business. In the factory, this has seen the latest tufting machines, beaming set-up,

weaving looms and a water purification station: the end goal is that all waste water will be reused back in the factory.

As a responsible producer, Lano achieved ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management) certification earlier this year and delivers consistent quality in everything it does, minimising its environmental impact and continuously improving its processes to better serve its customers, people and the planet.

The investments haven’t stopped there. Over the past 12-18 months the company has been busy refreshing its collections with new qualities and colours. The high-end residential collections X, A Touch of Luxury and SmartStrand were relaunched, along

with the polypropylene Essenz and Touchdown collections, including bestselling evergreen qualities such as Fairfield, Star Twist and Heather Twist. Pilotis 2, Lano’s contract offer, has also been relaunched.

Launches have included Sienna, a luxury solution-dyed polyester with the look and feel of high-end nylon at an affordable price, and Scala Combinations in the healthcare sector.

Continued developments and revamped qualities were shown at FFD including the upcoming updates in Sweet Elegance and Soft Distinction launching later this year, and Décor, Lano’s newest quality.

Visit: www.lano.com

In the house

The Moduleo villa – and garden – showed off the latest flooring

Moduleo’s life-size villa concept took visitors to FFD on a journey through its product innovations, design developments and floor-to-floor sustainability journey.

Showing how the brand is making it easier to bring beautiful flooring to homes, the bedroom being renovated showed how LayRed’s integrated pad and Uniclic installation, as well as new matching length accessories, make it easier to install in rooms. The new click-fit skirting system is now made from the same material as the floor, giving homeowners the same colour, texture and performance throughout their installation.

The bathroom demonstrated LayRed’s scratch-resistant and waterproof properties and how it reduces impact sound. In the kitchen, LayRed’s new terrazzo, wood and stone designs showed how to bring 100% waterproof LayRed into today’s homes.

Stepping into the sunken lounge gave a chance to reflect on what had come before and what the future holds, with the preview of the range’s refreshed marketing materials.

A journey through the Recover garden treading on LayRed stepping stones among recycled PVC granules told how

the brand’s path to circularity is taking shape, while the home fitness studio with creative Moduleo Moods patterns showed how the floor-to-floor future is getting nearer. Flexpro Pure is a self-adhesive underlay that means no more glue for Moduleo’s classic dryback floors and a better way to reclaim and recycle them at the end of their life.

‘FFD lets us build connections with

Moduleo in experiential ways that are surprising, intriguing and exciting. This year, our villa presents a home under renovation and how our design floors can not only create a beautiful home, but one that’s also easier to achieve, easier to live with and that has the potential for a more sustainable future,’ says Laurence Dupas, Moduleo brand manager.

Visit: www.moduleo.co.uk

Visitors toured the show villa

Left: LayRed stepping stones among recycled PVC granules in the Recover garden Above: new marketing was available to view

Innovation immersion

Trends, technology and textures combined at Quick-Step

Renowned for its passion for design and innovation, which has seen it at the forefront of the industry for more than 30 years, Quick-Step presented FFD visitors with an immersive audiovisual experience on two major product developments: the new Impressive laminate collection and Lumic, the result of a 10-year development journey to create the perfect floor. Lumic will be launched in 2026.

Impressive has been a mainstay in the Quick-Step laminate offer for over a decade, when it was introduced as

the world’s only 100% waterproof laminate floor. Now it is being revamped through two new wood surface structures inspired by the minimalism and thoughtful maximalism trends.

The structures reflect the essence of these trends: refined, subtle elegance that echoes a minimalist approach, and a rougher and expressive texture that is bold and courageous. Both are available in colours to complement the trends that inspired them, and are joined by a selection of the collection’s retained bestselling decors. Each new look also

carries 20 different planks for less repeat, to give a more natural effect.

Visitors also saw Impressive Design for the first time, the only 100% waterproof and creak-free laminate herringbone. The new collection uses Unizip for a single plank that’s less complicated to install, and retains all the detail and quality of Impressive. Sharing similar colours, it can also be used alongside standard planks to add refinement and an elevated design in rooms. With 56 planks available in each colour, it stands out as a laminate herringbone floor that looks just like real wood.

‘Our immersive experience at FFD placed customers in the stories behind our products: the creation of our new minimalist and maximalist structures and how our designers experiment with materials and techniques to create the unique colours,’ says Niall Cassidy, Unilin Flooring retail sales manager UK.

‘It’s going to be an exciting few months as we get ready to officially launch it to our retailers around the UK and Ireland.’

Visit: www.quick-step.co.uk

Visitors were treated to an immersive AV experience

Investment in growth

Infrastructure upgrades are boosting provision

‘2025 continues to be a year of growth for Castelan as we invest in people and infrastructure to further consolidate our commitment to providing marketleading insured schemes and in-guarantee service provision,’ says Martin Napper, Castelan Group ceo.

‘We were delighted to welcome Zeyn Kassam to our team as national head of sales. He has a passion for the sector and has a tremendous desire to build strong, long-term relationships, both internally and externally. We’re really pleased to have him on board and look forward to his valuable input in building the business further.

‘We are also making significant investment in our infrastructure, which is key in being able to support the growth we are experiencing and being able to deliver on our promises. We have upgraded the EV charging infrastructure at our head office with more efficient units: demonstrating our ongoing commitment to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. We have also improved the power distribution boards to safeguard our operations from unexpected power outages, ensuring minimal disruption to our customer and retail services.’

Castelan will be taking delivery of a new fleet of vehicles in September, which will be rolled out to its furniture technicians. This investment will help ensure timely and reliable services across all UK locations and further reduce its carbon footprint.

‘All of these, and future investments, mean that we are able to back up the commitments we make to our clients and their customers. We already have the best insured schemes in the market: offering the highest levels of cover to provide

even greater peace of mind. Our national network of expert technicians consistently delivers a high-quality experience in the home, reflecting the value our partners place on customer service. With lead times to appointment being less than five days, we are the best partner to look after your in-guarantee service delivery too.

‘Now, more than ever, is a time to put your trust in a business that delivers on its promises. We would be delighted to meet up and demonstrate our commitment to you and your customers.’

Visit: www.castelangroup.com

Technicians usually visit within five days

Left: Castelan POS

Zeyn Kassam

The future of visualisation

OV25 seeks to redefine how products are showcased, customised and sold

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

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

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

teams to end customers, can navigate and utilise its features effortlessly.

‘OV25 introduces features designed to transform furniture sales. With 360deg product views, customers can interact with models in an immersive experience, bringing products to life in a way that static images never could. Real-time customisation allows users to change materials instantly, offering creative freedom to visualise every possible SKU. Live pricing updates based on selected customisations ensure transparency and reduce friction in the buying process. App-less augmented reality enables customers to place products into their homes without downloads or complex technology – enhancing decisionmaking with realistic visuals.

‘This is only the beginning. OV25 is set to evolve in the coming weeks with the introduction of animated products,

ideal for showing recliners or adjustable furniture. A global flash sale module will provide a dynamic tool to drive urgency and boost sales. Advanced analytics will give businesses valuable insights into customer preferences and trends, optimising product offerings. AI-generated lifestyle imagery will enable the creation of stunning, photorealistic room scenes in minutes, with endless possibilities for marketing and branding.

‘OV25 is more than just a tool; it’s a complete solution designed to elevate visuals, streamline processes and increase sales. Whether you are a retailer seeking to provide an immersive shopping experience or a manufacturer enhancing your catalogue, OV25 is the answer. The future of furniture visualisation has arrived, and it is changing the way the industry connects, sells and innovates.’

Visit: www.orbital.vision

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Connections

Every part of a retailer’s business needs to be connected

‘Among everything shaping tomorrow’s retail landscape, one thing is clear: the future is connected. In the world of furniture retail, the role of technology has moved far beyond the service desk. A simple till system may once have sufficed, but today’s retail environment demands more – more insight, more efficiency and more flexibility.

‘As expectations grow and operations expand, furniture and bed retailers need an end-to-end solution that connects every part of their business. That’s where Ordorite comes in,’ says Stephen Connolly, Ordorite ceo.

‘Ordorite is not just another point-ofsale system. It’s an award-winning, fully integrated retail management platform built specifically for the furniture and bed industry. From showroom to warehouse, it provides the digital infrastructure to manage operations seamlessly, bringing together sales, inventory, delivery logistics, customer service, marketing and reporting into one intelligent system.’

Where generic systems often fall short is in the inability to handle the sector’s

unique complexity. Furniture retailers deal with customisable products, madeto-order configurations, long delivery lead times and high-value stock: all of which demand precise coordination. Ordorite has been designed with these challenges in mind. Whether it’s generating a multi-option product using the tile builder, tracking sales commissions in real time or scheduling deliveries based on vehicle capacity and route efficiency, Ordorite can ensure every department works in sync.

As a cloud-based platform, Ordorite enables real-time visibility across all locations, from shopfloor to back office. Managers can track sales, monitor KPIs, and make data-driven decisions instantly, while store teams benefit from intuitive interfaces that simplify processes and boost productivity. At the heart of this is Vision IQ, Ordorite’s reporting engine, which allows retailers to customise dashboards, automate reports and gain insights that drive business growth.

Customer experience also benefits from a connected system. With integrated

CRM and Grow Hub marketing tools, retailers can segment customers based on past behaviour and re-engage them with personalised campaigns via text message, email, or newsletter. Customer service teams can track delivery feedback, handle aftercare and maintain high standards with full visibility of order histories and customer interactions.

‘In an industry where margins are tight and customer expectations are high, disconnected systems slow you down. The future of furniture retail lies in streamlined, scalable technology that supports growth without increasing complexity. For retailers ready to move beyond outdated POS setups, Ordorite offers the clarity, control, and customisation needed to stay ahead,’ says Connolly.

Ordorite is again exhibiting at Manchester Furniture Show on 6–7 July, on stand D2, demonstrating how its technology can help retailers scale, automate and get connect to succeed. Visit: www.ordorite.com

On a journey

Create a strong online presence and streamline operations

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

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

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

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

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

M-Solutions offers a free, no-obligation consultation to help retailers start their journey towards streamlined operations and an enhanced market presence. Tel: 0117 4411 746

M-Solutions offers integrated accounting and digital marketing

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

Digital Marketing: From SEO and social media management to email marketing and graphic design, start empowering your brand’s digital identity with strategic marketing crafted to meet your business goals.

WHY CHOOSE M-SOLUTIONS?

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

CUSTOMER-CENTRIC APPROACH

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

“UKAS accredited testing laboratory specialising in flammability testing. LTS Ltd follows a business philosophy that is the soul of our company. It incorporates our mission and vision, high professional business ethics and values.”

received

Record-breaker

Big Shots, the furnishing industry’s annual charity clay pigeon shoot, raised a record-breaking £46,000 last month.

Principally sponsored by Furniture Village and held at the event’s regular home of the Holland & Holland shooting grounds in Northwood, Middlesex, more than 160 members of the furnishing industry and 22 sponsors took part, with the funds raised going to The Furniture Makers’ Company in support of people from the sector facing hardship and to inspire new talent entering the industry.

After breakfast, the day got underway with a blast from Holland & Holland’s antique cannon, before teams made their way around 10 shooting stands set across 60 acres of countryside. Alongside the main 100-bird competition, participants tested their skills on novelty stands such as flash clays and the eight-straight.

Following a lunch and reception, the celebrations continued with a lively auction and charity raffle, including a wine collection worth more than £2,000 donated by Hypnos – and the much-enjoyed wine pull, where guests paid for a mystery bottle ranging from

fine vintage to cheeky plonk.

‘It was a fantastic way to mark 30 years of Big Shots – a brilliant event full of friendly competition and an incredible total. We’re proud to continue supporting an industry charity that means so much to us all,’ says Charlie Harrison, Furniture Village md.

‘Big Shots’ 30th anniversary was truly exceptional. Thank you to everyone who took part, donated, and helped us raise a record £46,000. Your generosity helps us continue our essential work across the industry,’ says Jonny Westbrooke, TFMC ceo.

Top Gun Male was Tom Prestwich (Belfield Group) with 106 points; Nicky Hutten (Minotti) was Top Gun Female with 81 points; and Top Gun Novice was Jack Cochrane (Furniture Village) with 89 points.

Top Team was The Fighting Twenty Fifth (RAF) with 431 points, and Sharpes Shooters (2 Rifles) was runner up with 405 points. Clay-Z and the Snipers (Furniture Village) was Top Novice Team with 378 points, while Sharpes Shooters won the Four Man Flurry with 83 points.

CARINA’S STORY

advice

Susie Bartlett (Furniture Village) and Billy Sanchez (Furniture Village) won the coveted Worst Shot honours with 28 and 29 points respectively.

Sponsors and supporters included Biglight, Blum UK, Bodahl Mobler, Brave Bison, Buoyant Upholstery, Castelan Group, Celtheath, Colourfast, Davy’s, Emmiera Group, Ercol, Furniture Village, Holland & Holland, Hydeline, Hypnos, London School of Furniture, Luke Macdonald of Sworders, MasterSofa, Minotti, RAF 25(F) Squadron, Tempur UK and Whitemeadow Furniture.

The 31st edition of Big Shots will take place on 10 June 2026.

Visit: www.furnituremakers.org.uk

Carina, a successful interior designer, and her husband Anthony, a skilled cabinet maker, had built their lives around their careers in the furniture industry. However, 10 years ago Anthony became paraplegic. Despite the challenges, Carina was resilient, supporting him and seeking assistance from The Furniture Makers’ Company, which provided aid for medical equipment. In 2021, Carina faced her own health crisis, when cysts on her spinal cord necessitated major surgery. The ordeal left her reliant on a wheelchair and battling severe neuropathic pain. A customised wheelchair was recommended, but financial constraints posed a hurdle. With a welfare grant of £2,000 from the charity, Carina was able to bridge the gap and apply for additional support from the BHS Trust Fund. The wheelchair has been transformative for Carina. Not only does it provide practical mobility assistance but also offers relief from her pain, and has enabled her to reclaim her independence and quality of life. Carina expressed her profound gratitude to The Furniture Makers’ Company for its unwavering support.

Concentration was high during the auction

Participants

expert

from the Holland & Holland staff