Interiors Monthly September 2023

most trusted with the UK’s sleep brand

When choices run out

Desperate times saw desperate decisions that came home to roost for UK Flooring Direct and Wilko

While the future of Wilko remains in the balance as I write this, and the staff’s union ask how it got into such trouble and the administrators ponder if breaking it up would raise more money for creditors, the flooring retail sector saw its own tale of woe for creditors: UK Flooring Direct.

Carpetright parent Nestware paid £6.4m for the failed etailer, but unsecured creditors who are owed £3.7m will get nothing. Secured creditors HSBC (£2.55m) and Business Growth Fund (£6m, thanks to a £4m bill for the retailer defaulting on its £2m loan) will get most of their money back but HMRC, ie us, won’t.

Like Wilko having to turn to Hilco to borrow £40m after selling its distribution centre for what turned out to be about half of what it could have raised, UKFD didn’t have any choice but to accept the penalty clause: its auditors doubted its going concern status so it couldn’t file its accounts, meaning suppliers wouldn’t provide credit terms. It’s a bit surprising administration didn’t happen sooner.

Lisa Wilkinson, Wilko’s chair until January and the granddaughter of the firm's founder, has insisted that there wasn’t one disaster that lead to the chain’s administration. ‘When people are looking at how this happened, they want it to be a single big thing that was seismic, and it wasn’t. It’s a whole load of things that have just added up to a seismic thing over time and which mean we have ended up in the place where we’ve ended up, which is a very sad place,’ she told The Times That’s all very well, but she was meant to be in charge and should have noticed management were getting the ‘load of things’ wrong.

I hope you’ve made sure there is plenty of life left in your comfy shoes, as September sees the return of exhibition season, with a bang. There are at least 11 interiors events this month, starting with Autumn Fair and ending with The Bed Show, via Paris, London, Helsinki, Valencia and Harrogate. I hope to see you at some of those.

Editor: Andrew Kidd

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

Furniture advertising (South): Tim Boden

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

Furniture advertising (North): Jarrod Bird

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

Carpet, flooring advertising: Joanne Paull

M: 07817 624 922 E: jpaull@interiorsmonthly.co.uk

Representative in India: Amarjeet Singh Gianni

T: 0091 98390 35458 E: as_gianni@yahoo.co.in

Annual furniture sales steady while flooring enjoys jump

The value of furniture and lighting retail sales dropped by just 0.55% in July.

Sales in England, Scotland and Wales were £1,204,552,000 in July, according to Office for National Statistics data. This compares with £1,211,248,000 in July 2022.

Compared with June 2023, sales followed the historical trend and were 24.57% lower.

Of the 451 months since January 1986 when comparable data began, July 2023 saw the 55th highest value of sales. The value of retail flooring sales enjoyed a double-digit

Flagship revamp for Dreams

Dreams has completed the revamp of its Welsh flagship.

The chain has invested £300,000 expanding the Cardiff store and distribution centre, with work taking 12 months.

The distribution centre now covers 31,000sqft and can store more than 2,290 mattresses and bases. The increased capacity is designed to help to improve product availability and provide shorter lead times.

As part of its People-First strategy, the space for staff facilities has been quadrupled and electric vehicle charging points installed.

Thirteen delivery vans will operate out of the distribution service centre six days a week. In 2022, those vans made 45,000 deliveries across the local area and travelled more than 500,000 miles.

The store now covers 12,500sqft, offering an airier shopping environment and a larger clearance section.

increase in July.

Sales in England, Scotland and Wales were £228,342,000 in July. This compares with £203,848,000 in July 2022: a rise of 12%.

Compared with June 2023, sales followed the historical trend and were 7.13% lower.

Of the 451 months since January 1986 when comparable date began, July 2023 saw the 42nd highest value of sales.

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

July inflation: mixed fortunes

Retail furniture inflation fell for the eleventh consecutive month in July, but flooring saw price rises accelerate.

The annual rate for household furniture inflation dropped from 6.2% in June to 6% in July.

In July 2022 the rate was 15.1%.

The rate for garden furniture dropped from 3.4% to 0.2%. In July 2022 it was 21.1%.

Lighting saw deflation, with prices 0.2% lower.

While table linen and bathroom linen saw the inflation rate drop from 5.9% to 5.6%, bed linen and furnishing fabrics and curtains

saw price rises increase, from 2.9% to 3.4% and 4.1% to 6% respectively, according to ONS data.

Retail flooring price inflation rose to almost double-digits in July, reversing June’s fall. The rate rose from 9.1% to 9.9%.

In July 2022 it was 6.4%.

Carpets and rugs were again responsible for most of the increase, with the inflation rate rising from 9.4% to 10.6%.

In July 2022 it was 4.9%.

Smooth flooring continued its helter-skelter pattern of recent months, falling from 10.3% to 7.3%.

In July 2022 it was 16.9%.

Benson’s capital moves

Bensons for Beds has reshaped its presence in Edinburgh.

The chain has relocated its Straiton Retail Park store to a 7,000sqft unit, while it has opened a 4,500sqft unit on the city’s Craigleith Retail Park.

Both stores will have five staff and offered customers a 10% discount on the opening weekends.

‘We’re delighted to be expanding the Bensons portfolio. Both stores will be showing off the best of what Bensons for Beds has to offer to customers in and around Edinburgh. The store teams will be dedicated to one thing – giving our customers everything they need to get the best night’s sleep,’ says Peter Doyle, Bensons regional manager.

Cardiff staff celebrate the project’s success

THE FUTURE IS FURnature

Nothing for UKFD creditors despite £6.4m sale

Unsecured creditors of UK Flooring Direct will not receive any money, while its administrators will not recover their fees, despite the company being sold for £6.4m to Nestware.

In a report to creditors, Teneo Financial Advisory says that UKFD lost £3.1m in 2021 and £2.7m in 2022 and received a £2m loan from Business Growth Fund in December 2022. BGF bought a 14.5% stake in the company in 2020 for £8m.

However, UKFD owed HMRC £2.8m, which had rejected the company’s fifth attempt to reschedule the debt. The company also lost credit facilities from its suppliers as it was unable to file its accounts, after its auditors doubted its going concern status.

BGF then turned down a request for a further £3m, despite UKFD moving to EBITDA profitability.

UKFD had debts of £10.3m at the time of its administration. Of these, £8.55m were secured, with HSBC owed £2.55m and BGF owed £6m, including a £4m bill in the event of default on its £2m loan.

Teneo Financial Advisory says it does not expect these debts to be repaid in full. It also says HMRC will not recover all of its debt and the 100 unsecured creditors owed £3.7m will receive nothing.

Google is UKFD’s largest unsecured creditor, owed £669,032. Other major creditors are delivery companies.

Teneo Financial Advisory told creditors it estimates its fees to total £507,236.

ScS sees orders accelerate

ScS says it has seen orders pick up in the past quarter.

The chain says like-for-like orders grew by 6% in the quarter to 29 July. This compares with 5.7% in Q3, and means orders for the full year were in line with 2021/2022.

‘The group expects to report full-year profit in line with market expectations, driven by effective cost management and improved trading in the second half

Victoria margins improve

Flooring group Victoria has told shareholders that margins have improved in the past quarter.

‘Q1 trading was in line with the board's forecast and consistent with consensus expectations for FY24. Demand remains generally stable across the group's markets and margins are improving

Nevins restructures Belfield

Rachael Nevins, Belfield Group ceo has restructured the upholstery and furnishings manufacturer’s structure and management.

The changes by Nevins, who joined the £130m turnover group 10 months ago, see Paul Myerscough, Westbridge md become group technical product director, leading product development and innovation plans across all business units: Westbridge, Tetrad, soft furnishings manufacturer Belfield Leisure, leisure and mobile home upholstery and soft furnishings producer Belfield Home and foam soft furnishing component manufacturer Clinchplain.

Allan Rowan, who joined the group as chief commercial officer in July, has been given responsibility for all sales and marketing activity across the group, and Tom Prestwich, who joined as coo in April, has assumed responsibility for all operational sites.

Steve Olds remains as group creative director.

Increasing demand

Heimtextil’s new dedicated flooring section continues to attract new participants.

of the year. Following the acquisition of Snug in January 2023, we have re-established operations from an effective standing start. This included rebuilding supplier relationships, restoring stock levels, improving brand awareness, and ultimately building order momentum. Order growth was initially slower than we had hoped but we are pleased that current run rates are now in line with our expectations.’

Organiser Messe Frankfurt says more than 75 international manufacturers of fitted, hand-woven, custom-made or machine-woven carpets, mats, runners and rugs are planning to exhibit in Hall 5.1, with other interested manufacturers ‘on the horizon’.

‘The high number of new exhibitors underlines the positive response to the launch of the carpets and rugs product segment and offers buyers the opportunity to network with new suppliers. This rounding off makes Heimtextil an even more diverse and comprehensive business platform,’ says Bettina Bär, Heimtextil home textiles segment director.

in line with a fall in input costs. The company's integration projects remain on schedule,’ it says.

Participating exhibitors include: Oriental Weavers Group, Rugs Inc, Mittal International, The Rug Republic, Sarla Handicrafts, Flora International, Heritage Overseas, Rugs in Style, Fini Cop, Royaltex, Nikotex Carpets and Vini Decor.

RECRUITMENT

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Our online package is just £175 Your advert will appear in our jobs section on the website until the position is filled or you ask us to remove. Our weekly newsletter, which is mailed every Thursday to 7000 industry professionals, also includes a list of these latest jobs.

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John O’Connell

John O'Connell, Ball & Young area sales manager has died.

‘It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, John O’Connell, who worked with us at Ball & Young for an incredible 22 years. John, often affectionately referred to as “Our John”, was an exceptional individual with the biggest heart, and his presence made a lasting impact on all of us,’ says Ann Shaw, Ball & Young md.

‘Throughout his tenure, John proved to be more than just a salesman: he was a versatile and capable individual who could handle various responsibilities with unmatched skill.

Keyworth retires after five decades

Isle of Wight flooring retailer John Keyworth has retired after 50 years in the industry.

Management of Islandwide Carpets has passed to his son Martin.

Keyworth Sr has also been a board member of buying group Metro for a quarter of a century and chairman for three years.

Joining Ryde department store Hills aged 16, Keyworth worked in the flooring department for a decade before joining Islandwide as manager in 1983. He bought the company in 1991.

John's dedication to his work and the people around him was truly unparalleled. He not only excelled in his professional life but also showed genuine care and concern for his colleagues and customers alike. His kindness, warmth, and ability to connect with others will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

‘At this difficult time, we extend our heartfelt condolences and support to his partner, Caroline, and their four children, as well as the rest of his family. We recognise the profound loss they are experiencing, and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this challenging period of grief.’

‘The only thing I would want to change is how flooring is seen by the general public. As the only real money was ever spent on discount advertising by the big boys, the general perception became that carpeting was cheap, when we all know quality carpet, vinyl and good fitting is not. We should as a trade never have let that advertising become the accepted norm,’ he says.

…while West makes flooring return

Sixteen months after retiring from the flooring industry, Martin West has taken up a new role. He has become general manager at Floors by Lewis Abbot.

Neptune turns to Kernan

£65m furniture chain Neptune has recruited a new chairman.

Former The White Company and River Island ceo Will Kernan has become chairman.

John Sims-Hilditch and Giles Redman founded the company in 1996, selling hammocks, before opening the first store in 2012. They remain the controlling shareholders.

Last year they recruited former Soho Home md Aalish Yorke-Long as ceo.

‘I look forward to building on these strong foundations and working with Aalish and her team to move the brand forward,’ says Kernan.

Here come the women

Marks & Spencer has named an all-female leadership team to head up its latest flagship stores.

Justine Brook is in charge of the Leeds White Rose store, which opened on 25 May; Kirsty Williams is spearheading the Liverpool ONE opening; Laura Smith is in charge of the Manchester Trafford Centre relocation, Dior Hudson is overseeing the Lakeside Centre, Essex relocation, while Emily King and Naomi Hartley will job-share the Birmingham Bullring store.

Together the six have more than 115 years of retail experience.

Pictured L-R are Smith, Hudson, Hartley, Brook, King and Williams

1 Simon Gee, GNG Flooring owner, is a Quick-Step Laminate & Wood Master Installer and has long-been an advocate of the Belgian brand’s quality and ease of fitting. Having completed the Vinyl Foundation Installer course at the Academy for Excellence in Flooring, Gee is now gearing up for the Vinyl Master Installer course kicking off this month, and is looking forward to making full use of Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl for future LVT herringbone installations.

Visit: www.quick-step-academy.co.uk

2 As summer moves into autumn, Elvang’s new Tartan throw will add cosy elegance to any home. The throw is crafted in Peru from recycled fibres including alpaca. Weaving with alpaca wool is a Peruvian tradition that dates back to Inca

times. The fibres are soft and durable, while their insulating, breathable properties bring warmth in chilly weather yet keep the body cool and dry when temperatures rise, making them ideal across the seasons.

Visit: www.elvangdenmark.com

3 Umage is introducing four new 100% recycled Horizons textile colours to its The Reader and A Conversation Piece collections. The captivating hues –Summer Shine, Mocca, Morning Meadows, and Tangerine – reflect the changing seasons, evoking joy and tranquillity, for a harmonious space for relaxation.

Visit: www.umage.com

4 Lighting studio Cameron Design House has introduced its first furniture

range, returning to founder Ian Cameron’s background as a furniture designer. The use of domed steel tubes as the primary material creates a curvaceous and contemporary look for the Kupoli table collection, available in countless colours and finishes from hot pink to orange chrome.

Visit: www.camerondesignhouse.com

5 Granorte’s answer to LVT and WPC flooring, SolidTREND is now available in four herringbone designs and features a sustainable cork backing for impressive thermal insulation and sound absorption. Each feature-packed design uses an embossed texture on its wear layer for a more natural appearance and comes with micro-bevel for a defined plank or tile look.

Visit: www.granorte.co.uk

FLOORING INSTALLATION PRODUCTS

LOOKING AFTER FLOORS AND REPUTATIONS FROM THE GROUND UP.

6 Kave Home’s Anley sofa-bed stands out for its large dimensions and its exclusive Kave Home mattress, made of viscoelastic with a thickness of 16cm, which guarantees a comfortable and restful sleep for both you and your guests. It also boasts a practical design, as both the seats and the backrest have removable covers, facilitating cleaning and maintenance.

Visit: www.kavehome.com

7 For its new Roots collection, Moduleo teamed with trend forecasters and visual artists to create six interior worlds, mixing and matching samples from Roots with different fabrics, minerals, plants, furniture and art till everything felt just right. The results are explored in themes that show

what’s possible and that will inspire people to create their own unique spaces.

Visit: www.moduleo.co.uk

8 Alongside its laminate and engineered wood collections, Quick-Step will bring the innovation of Alpha Vinyl to The Flooring Show, showing why the updated collection is now the premium vinyl floor with easy installation, better comfort and true-to-nature design. Discover Quick-Step at The Flooring Show in Hall C, Stand 29. Visit: www.quick-step.co.uk

9 LeoLine will use The Flooring Show to preview a new display concept that is the next step in the brand’s development. Bringing the design and Made in Belgium quality of LeoLine to the fore, the new

display shares similarities with premium flooring POS – clever lighting, floating samples and a smart back finish – and puts LeoLine firmly in the realm of desirable flooring choices.

Visit: www.leoline.co.uk

10 Floorwise’s F597 Heavy Duty Spray Adhesive is the 100% dichloromethane (DCM)-free answer to a range of on-site fixing challenges. The solvent quickly disperses into the atmosphere, in contrast to the layer of invisible, odourless gas left at ground level by DCM-based spray adhesives, which has been proven to create a significant risk of asphyxiation for installers working on their knees in poorly ventilated spaces.

Visit: www.floorwise.co.uk

Richard Renouf

A strong message

French markets are olfactory experiences. That’s a polite way of saying smelly –but for some the delights of ‘aromatic’ cheeses and saucisses are mouthwateringly enjoyable whilst for others they are nostril-pinchingly avoidable. I’m somewhere between the two extremes, not least because the saucisse I ordered in all innocence turned out to be andouillette, a sausage skin hiding all the blood vessels and other gristle that shows the French are far ahead in the nose-to-tail eating stakes.

Once I’d discovered what to the locals was a gastronomic sensation, I spent my time watching how long it took them to chew a single mouthful. I didn’t have the appetite to do so myself, nor enough time to see how long it was before they had reached the end of the meal. It was probably not before I was already on the way home.

The streets were lined with cartloads of wild boar heads, onions and smoked garlic, melons, mirabelles and artisanal boulangerie. There were clothing stalls, healing rocks and crystals, nougat in every imaginable flavour, and huge pans of paella and other street foods. What surprised me most, however, was to see two beds with adjustable bases proudly displayed under a gazebo, with a smartly dressed salesperson ready to engage with anyone showing an interest. In contrast to the stalls around, it did not look busy; but knowing the normal footfall in a typical bed shop, it looked to be very successful.

My French is limited, so I was not able to find out much, but it was clear that this was a regular spot in a regular market, and the display was transported from one town market to another, day by day, on a weekly rotation. A different set of customers every day for a week, whilst maintaining a very visible

presence in each location on the very day everyone comes to town. Genius.

But it wasn’t the only unusual place where I spotted beds for sale. The local supermarket was pretty much like any supermarket in the UK, but with a French ambiance. Around the perimeter there was the usual key-bar, barber’s shop and other typical convenience outlets. And there was also a display of beds. Crammed into an area off the entranceway, any regular shopper – or visitor – could take the time to explore an adequate selection without having to seek out a specialist

retailer in another part of town.

I can’t imagine the retail space was cheap in such a prime location, but it must have been cost-effective enough for an enterprising retailer to invest in.

The market and the supermarket. For most of the community, essential places to visit. You may not wish to purchase a bed most times you go, but it’s clearly a strong message week after week.

Visit: www.richard-renouf.com

Being visible – even if in unusual places – can deliver

Richard Renouf is an independent furnishings consultant

Around the next corner another surprise was in store for Monsieur Renouf…

School’s out for summer

THE RETAILER Fludes Carpets

It was rock’s Alice Cooper who brought us that classic ballad about how everything would be chaotic for a wee while whilst the young people were not in class. These days, retailers dread the period when customer numbers tail off because parents are child-minding and not buying new flooring. It could be worse: they might be brave and come shopping and bring their children with them! Be careful what you wish for – noisy children or a few extra customers.

We are also used to hearing: ‘It’s too hot for customers.’ Then there are the other reasons for people staying at home: the Women’s Football World Cup, The Ashes cricket, the Women’s Netball World Cup… In short, we have wall-to-wall sport, too much hot weather, or cold wet days when no one wants to venture out.

I am an eternal optimist: my thoughts are that if someone comes into one of our

stores during this summer, they will be a genuine customer. They need to be looked after and treated like royalty. And the key to this is that you must make sure the stores are tidy, well laid-out and appealing to the eye. All staff should be welcoming and attentive. After all, you only have one chance to make a good first impression.

We have seen some growth in business over the past month, but this is not down to increased numbers of customers. It’s the result of larger orders, generally with a higher quality of floorcoverings. People are still asking for discounts but they seem to be more reasonable and realistic in their requests. And our staff are careful in the level of discount they offer in order to secure an order.

We are lucky to have great staff working in our business. They understand the economics of our business model. We have not made any huge changes in the way

that we run the firm. Our key principles are to provide a high level of service for our customers, to have good-looking stores offering great value, to be happy in our work and to make a profit each year. If we are able to continue doing these four things, we will all be happy.

The Flooring Show at Harrogate is almost upon us, and looks to have a good number of suppliers attending. I wonder what new products will be presented to us, which will then surface in our stores in October and November? I think it’s time to say farewell to greys and beiges and hello to bright new colours. The change would certainly be welcome. Since first impressions are key, an assortment of colours on entering a store would be welcome and inviting.

Enjoy the best of Summer and bring on a busy Autumn.

Andy Laird, Fludes Carpets owner

This time of year brings different challenges and a choice of noisy children or a few extra customers…

Customers often have their children in tow

BREAK THROUGH WITH AT THE FLOORING SHOW A25 STAND

Welcome back

Material Matters returns for a second year

After a hugely successful debut last year, Material Matters returns to the Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf, for London Design Festival between 20-23 September. The event features world-class brands, manufacturers, designers and makers, a talks programme and installations focused on celebrating the importance of materials in design.

Material Matters 2023 occupies all five floors of the iconic London venue within the Bankside design district. It investigates and spotlights leaders across design working to develop new and innovative ways of using materials and illustrating why material intelligence is so important to our future.

Visitors will experience a spectrum of expertise, innovation and products reflecting the future of design. At the entrance, Danish textile designer Tanja Kirst demonstrates the beauty of combining orange peel, seaweed and hemp into textiles without compromising aesthetics. Along with this year’s headline sponsor, Bert Frank, the Planted installation sets the tone.

The Tyre Collective will demonstrate its process for capturing and re-constituting rubber particles.

The third floor is dedicated to marketready, cleverly designed products that have a material focus. It will play host to a wide range of companies, makers and manufacturers, including a significant area curated by the Milan platform Isola, with a selection of designers from across its international community.

The fourth and top floor is a spectacular 50-metre-long loft containing the event’s talk space and a roster of designers, makers and smaller manufacturers working in various materials. The line-up will include HagenHinderdael, Mixed Metals, BC Joshua, and Solidwool

featured in 2022’s event. They will sit alongside brands new to the event such as Novavita Design; Ana Bridgewater; The Wicker Story; Goldfinger; Planq; Regular Concrete, and Yair Neuman.

Meanwhile, the Wood Awards exhibition will showcase the buildings, furniture and products shortlisted for the Wood Awards 2023 at gallery@oxo, adjacent to Bargehouse. The shortlist will provide a window onto the way timber can transform and enrich our lives and contribute to positive change in the built environment, with exceptional wood-centric work from some of the UK’s most interesting contemporary architects, designers and makers. Visit: www.materialmatters.design

Further into the building, visitors will experience displays by innovators and experimentalists whose practice is at the cutting edge of materials and products, some straight from research laboratories. The floor above includes a room dedicated to Hydro, the global aluminium manufacturer, including the London debut of the Bello! bench by Lars Beller Fjetland. Clean-tech start-up The

event returns to the Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf

Above left: Bert Frank Riddle pendant chandelier in dark bronze

Middle: Material Matters 2022

Above: Novavita Design

NY style

Giorgetti’s international expansion has reached the Big Apple

The roof provides space for the outdoor collection, and views of the New York skyline

The Alegra chair features a stylish and quirky Mid-Century inspired design with its hand-shaped sleek dark wood frame which curves around the seat creating soft and flowing lines that are perfect for both modern and vintage-inspired interiors. Upholstered in retro feel yellow ochre fabric with a padded seat cushion and comfortable back cushion for added luxury. Also available in a subtle taupe fabric, sure to suit any interior.

Scan the QR code for more

Alegra Armchair 872631

Giorgetti’s new New York showroom occupies the 6,546sqft eighth and penthouse floor on 349 Fifth Avenue, along with a 4,304sqft rooftop space. Across the street is the Empire State Building.

The store is Giorgetti’s fourth in the USA, after Boston, Houston and Los Angeles. It will be followed by Miami and Washington DC. In March it opened its The Place showroom in Milan as it celebrates its 125th anniversary.

The space has been styled as a family home, with the roof providing a location for the company’s outdoor collection.

‘In recent years we’ve decided to invest in spaces that allow us to communicate to the market the enormous capabilities of “using Giorgetti”: the creation of products that combine beauty and functionality – the result of unyielding research on finishes, shapes and colours – as an essential tool to deliver the design and creation of 360deg interior proposals. New York is the epicentre of art and creation: culinary and shopping capital, cradle of fashion and trends, New York has something irresistible for everyone. Opening in one of the most important cities in the USA, and the

world, is not only a fundamental step on our path of international growth, but it is the natural answer to our desire to intercept and influence new trends and ideas,’ says Giovanni del Vecchio, Gruppo Giorgetti ceo.

The outdoor space was designed in collaboration with landscape designer James Doyle, while a full-height mural features on the staircase, commissioned

from David Paul Kay. Curator Kipton Cronkite has brought works by artists such as Chaaban Designs, Alexandria Hilfiger, Shay Kun, Brandon Lomax, Karin Mørch, Tom O’Connor and Rotem Reshef to the showroom, while a liaison with Oblong Contemporary Art Gallery sees an exclusive selection of sculptures by Gustavo Vélez.

Visit: www.giorgettimeda.com

The store has been styled as an apartment

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Non-conformist

Eileen Gray’s gouaches, drawings and collages have been revisited

Eileen Gray was a multi-faceted artist and a non-conformist, and is one of few women mentioned in the same breath as Le Corbusier, van der Rohe and Marcel Breuer. As a designer as well as a woman, she chose not to adhere to boundaries, in either her professional or personal life.

Irish-born in 1878 to a well-off family, she studied at Slade School of Fine Art in London, and moved to Paris at the beginning of the 20th century, where she became a cheeky garçonne with a bob cut and a successful businesswoman.

Aram Designs has added to the available portfolio of Gray’s rug designs with four new models.

‘Gray is well known for her modernist furniture designs and architecture, but less prominent is her love of colour, which characterised her early Art Deco style and her gouaches. Her rug designs display these different sides of Eileen Gray: sometimes minimalist modern, sometimes colourfully playful, but at all times innovative and interesting,’ says Daniel Aram, Aram md.

Monolith is characterised by horizontal and vertical lines, elegantly accentuating an earthy, dark grey background. La Lune is a series of overlapping rectangles in deep burgundy, vivid red, black and white, and is made from a combination of wool, nettle and silk. Cassis is in the same rich burgundy shade, which serves as a background for a small white circle

encircling a larger beige coloured circle, positioned off-centre to the left.

De Stijl combines vertical and horizontal black lines against a brown and tan background with a vibrant blue circle. All rugs are made in the Sarlahi region of Nepal from 100% hand-spun New Zealand wool, with 80 knots per square inch, and are Label STEP certified.

Gold and red, brown and black were the colours of the time when Gray moved to the French capital: in her 20s she created Japanese-influenced lacquer works and set up an exhibition featuring a lascivious boudoir. Her furniture inspired the avant-garde circles of the Rive Gauche. In these buzzing ‘left bank’ circles, Gray not only found great loves, freedom and inspiration, but also her first clients.

From 1909 to 1930, Gray and a friend ran weaving workshops producing her abstract rug designs. Small-format pictures, painted on paper using matte opaque watercolours, served as weaving templates. Gray also created collages, whereby individual geometric elements such as squares or circles could be repositioned to explore design variations.

Each design was a challenge because, unlike a painting, a rug has no clearly defined top or bottom, right and left. In addition, the pattern had to work when enlarged by a factor of 10 to 20, and woven or knotted. Gray developed an unerring eye for this.

Classical modernism had radically disposed of all musty, plush interiors. As a designer who loved to experiment, Gray brought rugs back into the home: featuring modern colours and graphic patterns, they formed an almost symbiotic relationship with her furniture. In an article from 1929, she postulated that a ‘space for retreat and tranquillity’ and ‘a harmonious atmosphere’ were prerequisite to ‘create a home for people’, and for her, this included these textiles.

Beige and sand, these natural tones were particularly popular among buyers. As early as 1904, during her travels and field studies in North Africa, Gray had discovered these warm colours, as well as her love of rug design. She envisaged thick rugs in the apartment on Rue de Lota, the first home she was commissioned to design entirely (for the fashion designer Juliette Mathieu-Lévy) in 1919. She boldly chose black and white, silver and grey for the interior. ‘Dreams translated into rooms,’ is how one critic praised her design.

This much-acclaimed commission encouraged the then 44-year-old designer to open her own gallery in 1921 under the masculine-sounding name Jean Désert – a name that conveyed competence at a time when a female designer, a self-taught one at that, was an exotic exception. Gray subverted social prejudices in both her professional and private life by

Above from left: two untitled gouaches on paper from 1920-29; De Stijl gouache on paper 1922-24

Untitled gouache on paper from 1920-1929

without compromise

Find out how Alpha Vinyl is redefining premium luxury vinyl at The Flooring Show

A premium collection for contemporary living, new Alpha Vinyl brings unrivalled natural authenticity in a floor that’s waterproof, wonderfully silent and that lets homes mix and match between plank and herringbone. Now with attached underlay across the range. quick-step.co.uk

boldly playing with identities. The same scheme defined the interiors of the new showroom: instead of lustrous wood, bare steel tubing shone on furniture and fixtures. The ambiguous Désert et Gray adorned the gallery‘s letterhead: performing gender, the fluid staging of gender and identity, remained a motif at the core of her life.

The Bibendum club chair, which she designed in 1926, also plays with this notion. She knocked the heavy feet off this insignia of the cigar-smoking, cardriving old-boy networker and replaced them with an airy base of tubular steel –the statement of a woman who preferred wearing trouser suits, loved women as well as men and drove a car herself.

Stagnation was alien to Gray, and so she moved to the Côte d‘Azur with her new muse, the architect Jean Badovici. He had encouraged his companion, who was still inexperienced in architecture, to design and build a house there. In 1929,

she completed her Villa E1027 on the Mediterranean coast near Monaco, today the iconic Gray Gesamtkunstwerk. Blue, yellow and white – during this auspicious time, the Mediterranean summer colours shone brightly for Gray, whose work was published by Badovici. In 1929, he dedicated an entire issue of

his magazine L‘Architecture vivante to the now proud architect and her design manifesto. New rug motifs such as Blue Marine or Centimetre told of the sea and of sea voyages, soon also in a second house in nearby Castellar, where she lived alone from 1940.

After the Second World War, during which Gray, fell into oblivion, she continued to work in a disciplined manner until old age. Drawing, collage and painting were comforting activities. She never exhibited publicly.

Shortly before her death, Grey destroyed most of her private documents, but she carefully preserved the sketches, gouaches and collages that she still had. Many are ‘untitled’, others bear the names of mythical characters or recall the stations of her life – such as Bonaparte, the street where her Paris flat was located.

When the estate of Jacques Doucet, one of her first buyers and perhaps the most important from her Paris days, came up for auction in 1972, the world realised the real significance of her work: the lacquered screen Le Destin achieved a record £18,000 – about £203,000 at today’s values. In the same year, the British Royal Society of Arts awarded her the title Royal Designer of Industry. Gray did not appear at the ceremony: selfpromotion had never been her thing. She died in 1976, at the age of 98, in her adopted home of Paris.

In 2003, Aram Designs, the worldwide license for Eileen Gray designs, introduced the first commercially available rug designs, followed in 2004 by Classicon, the licensed manufacturer of her designs. Aram will showcase the new rugs at its London showroom during London Design Festival from 16-24 September. Visit: www.aram.co.uk; www.classicon.com

Eileen Gray, by Berenioe Abbott, 1926

De Stijl

Monolith

Superior presence

Updating its displays has boosted one leading independent retailer

Aberdeen independent retailer Sainsbury & Sons Flooring & Furniture has recently updated its Moduleo in-store displays with the new Roots collection. Opened in 1932, the thirdgeneration family-run store stocks a wide variety of flooring brands.

Since 2017, the 12,000sqft store has been a Moduleo retailer and it is now home to the Moduleo Showroom concept featuring the Roots LVT collection and LayRed engineered acoustic flooring. Serving a loyal customer base, the local community and undertaking contract work, the store is an example of the country’s unique strong independent flooring retail market.

Richard Sainsbury runs the store alongside his brother, Philip.

‘We’ve been a Moduleo retailer for six years after a recommendation from an industry peer. With great price points across the collection, good quality and the right designs, Moduleo has been a strong addition to our residential offering,’ he says.

‘We’ve recently updated to the new Roots collection with the Moduleo

Showroom and it’s given the brand a superior presence in our store. Customers are drawn straight to the stand, which beautifully showcases the design and quality of Roots. As it’s organised by collection rather than colours, it’s also easy to navigate.

‘We enjoy our status as a Moduleo Showroom retailer. The constantly evolving designs and innovations like LayRed, which is also really popular with customers, keeps Moduleo ahead of the

competition. Most importantly, we’ve the confidence to recommend Moduleo as it’s a worry-free product that’s always good to install. Ordering, delivery and build of the display was also seamless.’

Along with the Showroom concept that can be configured to suit store requirements, Moduleo offers 36 and 72-board displays for Roots, showing the variety, authenticity and detail of the new collection.

Visit: www.moduleo.co.uk

Coastal Spirit Spazza

Richard Sainsbury

Future Planet Cantera

Triple hit

Unilin Flooring UK & Ireland will make its debut

For the first time, Unilin Flooring UK & Ireland will be at The Flooring Show, as the company brings together its leading residential flooring brands: Quick-Step, Moduleo and LeoLine.

On Stand 29 in Hall C you’ll be able to find the latest product innovations from three of the country’s most recognisable brands. The new Alpha Vinyl collection from Quick-Step; the Moduleo Roots collection including a new herringbone plank; Moduleo LayRed engineered vinyl flooring, and LeoLine’s new collection will all be on show.

‘Unilin Flooring brings together two hugely successful companies in Unilin, manufacturer of Quick-Step, and IVC Group, the company behind Moduleo and LeoLine. As a single entity, Unilin Flooring now commands a position as one of the country’s largest flooring companies,’ says David

Bigland, Unilin Flooring UK & Ireland sales and marketing director.

‘Each brand designs and makes floors in Belgium, so it made sense to align together and share distribution and warehousing capacity so that we could service our retail customers better. However, Quick-Step, Moduleo and LeoLine still remain as individual brands with unique products aimed at different parts of the market. We’ll bring this collective strength and unique individuality to The Flooring Show at the House of Unilin Flooring.’

Alpha Vinyl is Quick-Step’s premium LVT collection with integrated underlay, which makes the floor easier to install, more comfortable and much quieter. The underlay is precision made to fit seamlessly so there are no concerns about gaps underneath, and uses highquality materials that ensure the ultimate in durability and stability.

The new Alpha Vinyl Bloom collection features an innovative surface structure that redefines authentic LVT flooring. Whereas most vinyl floors have three or four depths of texture, Alpha Vinyl Bloom now features up to 75. The result is a floor that tracks the depth of every detail and a design that’s more realistic than any other LVT on the market.

Alpha Vinyl also includes Ciro herringbone flooring. The collection features the innovative Unizip click profile which needs just one plank type, allowing for a much simpler and faster installation. This system also minimises installation waste, as it’s much easier to know how many planks are required.

Designed and made in Belgium with the future in mind, the reimagined Moduleo Roots collection embraces the newest interior trends for a LVT floor that’s appealing, aspirational and in tune with nature. The Flooring Show

Moduleo LayRed Blackjack Oak

Moduleo Roots Tropical Forest

Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Elegant Oak in Natural

will be a chance to see how Roots can transform your LVT offer. Alongside, there will be an exclusive preview of the new Roots herringbone format, which brings a more versatile plank size suitable for a wider range of rooms.

Moduleo’s award-winning LayRed engineered LVT collection will also be on show. The multi-layered floor with integrated underlay offers exceptional pattern variety and realistic natural design along with easy installation, excellent acoustics and impressive strength.

A market-leading residential flooring brand for 25 years, LeoLine recently unveiled a smart new look as it sets out to make cushion vinyl cool again. With a manifesto to create the next generation of flooring, LeoLine is on a mission to engage with a new wave of flooring

buyers through floors that bring choice, colour and vibrancy for any space. Across nine cushion vinyl flooring collections, homeowners can now discover a LeoLine floor that’s as unique as they are. Whether they are hunting herringbone or tracking down tiles, the LeoLine collection holds the perfect look.

The Flooring Show will be the first chance to see LeoLine’s new display that continues the brand’s journey to position cushion vinyl as a desirable option. With clever lighting, floating samples and a smart back finish it puts LeoLine firmly in the realm of desirable flooring choices. Visit: www.unilin.com

LeoLine Atomic XT

Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl Ciro in Pure Oak Blush

LeoLine Aspire York

HYPNOS

Richard Naylor, Hypnos sustainable development director celebrates the company’s sustainability award

ORBITAL VISION

‘We are over the moon and cannot thank our clients, and the readers of Interiors Monthly, enough for voting for us for the Best CGI Software Supplier Award. This fantastic award is one to add to our ever-growing collection. It’s truly so rewarding to be recognised by the furniture industry as one of, if not the, UK’s leading CGI agency for furniture and interiors,’ says Alice Clarke, Orbital Vision sales and marketing director.

GUARDSMAN

‘This is such a great honour for us to win this accolade again. I am so proud of everyone in our team, who work so hard to maintain our retail partnerships and make sure consumers are receiving the best possible service and outcome,’ says Mark Potter, Guardsman md.

ORDORITE

‘Our team has worked tirelessly to provide a software solution that meets the evolving needs of the furniture industry. This award is a testament to their dedication, expertise and creativity. We'd also like to express our gratitude to our clients and partners, who have been instrumental in our journey,’ says Stephen Connolly, Ordorite ceo.

CORMAR CARPET COMPANY

Ian Ford, Cormar md and David Cormack, Cormar marketing director celebrate being voted Britain’s Best Carpet Manufacturer for the past 11 consecutive years.

CORE PRODUCTS

The directors and staff at Core Products celebrating their success in winning two awards.

‘Everyone at our head office in Perth is delighted to yet again be recognised by Interiors Monthly readers,’ says Stuart Wallace, Core Products director.

CASTELAN

NBF

‘We are thrilled that the NBF has not only been awarded Best Marketing Support (Furniture) again, but our annual trade exhibition, The Bed Show, has again clinched the Best Furniture Exhibition award. We work hard to support the bed trade, and the show has strived to provide a high-quality platform for members to showcase products to bed retailers and specifiers,’ says Tristine Hargreaves, NBF executive director.

Thanks to you

‘Thanks again to all those who voted for us as Best Warranty Provider 2023. It means a lot to us and we value your trust in us to deliver the best, compliant warranty schemes to your customers,’ says Martin Napper, Castelan Group ceo, pictured centre with Stuart Armstrong, Castelan Group finance director and Ian Annand, Castelan Group chairman.

SHIRE BEDS

Fara Butt, Shire Beds director with the company’s Best Bed Manufacturer (Value) awards certificate in the company’s showroom

GREENDALE

‘Everyone at Greendale is delighted to have received this award for Best Flooring Brand, as is it recognition of all the hard work the team has put in over the past year,’ says Eamonn Prescott, Greendale chief executive.

JULIAN BOWEN

‘As a team we are very proud of achieving these awards for another consecutive year. Delivering customers satisfaction is at the forefront of our business and we believe it is our place to ensure that we are providing a much easier and more accessible customer fulfilment. We are honoured that our customers continue to show their support,’ says Emmett Lenaghan, Julian Bowen md.

BFM

‘We were particularly honoured winning the award for Best Business Support (Furniture). This award is a testament to the hard work of everyone at the BFM, including our staff, board and wider team. We are committed to supporting our members and the industry as a whole, and this award is a recognition of our efforts. We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to excellence. We look forward to continuing to support our members and the industry in the years to come,’ says Phil Spademan, BFM md.

ADJUSTAMATIC

‘We take great pride in continuously pushing the boundaries to create sleep solutions that truly enhance the way people rest and rejuvenate. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our loyal customers for their trust and support, driving us to maintain the highest standards in the industry,’ says Ben Payne, Variamatic group marketing manager.

LA-Z-BOY UK

‘The award reinforces our brand’s presence within the industry. Our valued retailers have witnessed increased sales, further strengthening our bond with our dedicated La-Z-Boy consumer base and enhancing overall customer satisfaction,’ says Georgia De Courtin, La-Z-Boy UK ScS account manager.

STAINGARD

Rob Jones, Staingard national sales manager counts the group’s Interiors Monthly awards

LEBUS UPHOLSTERY

‘We are proud and honoured to received this award. This is a huge achievement for us and it demonstrates the hard work and commitment from our workforce. Clearly our goal is to deliver value for money whilst still retaining modern design, and this kind of recognition from the interiors industry indicates that we are delivering on our promise. We would like to thank all our customers and readers who voted for us,’ says Karl Walker, Lebus md.

Animal

Black and white is the key

Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors’ adoption of black and white as a theme has also been applied to its new outdoor designs.

The Dahlak sectional sofa is the iconic element of the line, featuring contemporary-inspired geometric shapes and a combination of outdoor fabrics presenting various animal patterns, including giraffe, zebra and jaguar.

Functional and versatile, the Iranja chairs capture the attention thanks to their slim and seductive design. Available also as a bench version, they

can be used both inside or out, and are equipped with a cushion upholstered in animal print.

The director’s chair revisits a classic in an outdoor version with the typical Cavalli stylistic hallmarks. Compact and functional, it consists of a bleached Iroko with gold metal details and a fabric upholstery in the prints and colours of the outdoor line. Together with the Kalahari table, it recreates an elegant dining area outdoors.

The table, also available in a low

version, has a base of calendered iron with a laser-cut pattern that recalls both the iconic animal motifs and the desert dunes evoked by the name. The top in porcelain lends a natural and elegant touch.

The range has two suspended seats: Mai Tai with its metal cage frame and the Wild swing chair.

It is completed by a deck chair and a sunbed.

Visit: www.robertocavallihomeinteriors. onirogroup.it

Mai Tai

Animal prints define the range

Kalahari

Countdown

The Bed Show returns later this month

The countdown is now on until the Bed Show opens its doors on 26 September, for two days entirely dedicated to beds.

Last month, the Bed Show was crowned Best Furniture Exhibition in the Interiors Monthly Awards for the second year running, and for good reason. The annual exhibition, hosted by the National Bed Federation and held at Telford International Centre, is regarded as the biggest and best event in the UK bed sector. It is a unique celebration of the very best in British and Irish

bed manufacturing, their component suppliers and bed retailers from across the country.

As well as seeing all the best names in the industry under one roof, visitors can network and speak face to face with an unrivalled number of experts in the field of beds. ‘When the industry comes together, invaluable friendships are forged, and new opportunities are discovered,’ says Tristine Hargreaves, NBF executive director.

This year, more than 60 top industry

brands will reveal the latest products and innovations for the autumn buying season. For 2023, visitors can see the likes of Deluxe Beds, Harrison Spinks, Highgrove, Hypnos, Jay-Be, Millbrook, Relyon, Sealy UK, Shire Beds, Silentnight, Sleepeezee and Vispring to name a few. Setting the show apart from other furniture and bed exhibitions is the NBF’s stringent Code of Practice. Every Approved NBF Member manufacturer has undergone rigorous independent auditing to certify that they

More than 60 brands will take part

comply with UK regulations on safety, cleanliness of fillings and trade descriptions. Essentially, visiting retailers can be assured that the beds they buy will be everything they say they are.

‘A brilliant opportunity to connect with other industry leaders, The NBF Bed Show allows us to get closer to the newest technology and latest products. Experiencing the latest developments in the industry to this level helps us to continue to offer our customers the best products on the market,’ says Martin Seeley, MattressNextDay ceo.

‘The excellent selection of products on display at the show provides a superb opportunity for us to plan our new ranges, and there are always plenty of new innovations being launched to keep our bed department on top of current market trends,’ said Glasswells bed buyer Julie Valentine. The chain

clinched last year’s Large NBF Retail Champion of the Year and Outstanding Bed Store of the Year awards.

‘The Bed Show is a real highlight in the calendar, giving us the opportunity to touch base with our suppliers and peers and discover products and innovations that are new and upcoming to the industry. We look forward to the camaraderie and excitement of the annual event,’ says Sharon Robson, MattressOnline head of PR and communications.

The hugely successful Supplier Innovation Zone returns for 2023 and should be the first port of call for all purchasing managers of bed manufacturers and those that run their own mattress production units. The zone will host a selection of key component suppliers, including Apropa, Boyteks, CPS Group, Enkev, Handy,

John Cotton Nonwovens, Kayfoam, Leggett & Platt, Maes Mattress Ticking, Nestor Springs, Rawsons, Spinks, The Vita Group and Wolf Components.

Once again, visitors will receive complimentary refreshment vouchers to use at the five on-site cafes. Both parking and entry to The Bed Show are free of charge, and a fun surprise is planned in one of the halls.

The industry is encouraged to dust off its glad rags for the glittering event of the year, the Bed Industry Awards & Gala Dinner, which returns on the evening of Tuesday 26 September. The awards, sponsored this year by The Vita Group, honour all that is good about the UK and Ireland’s bed industry and provide a perfect opportunity for bed retailers, manufacturers and suppliers to highlight their achievements over the past year.

Guests are invited to attend the drinks reception, sponsored by Hypnos, before comedian compere Maisie Adam welcomes and entertains guests, and crowns this year’s winners. Despite only starting on the comedy circuit in 2016, Maisie’s anecdotal material and selfdeprecating charm have quickly won her praise across the country. The Yorkshire-born comedian recently appeared at the Royal Variety Performance and participated in the women’s football World’s Cup coverage, following her ‘Buzzed’ tour which took her all around the UK and finished in Australia.

Visitors are encouraged to read the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the Bed Show website before attending the show.

Visit: www.bedshow.co.uk

The best in the industry will be revealed at the Bed Industry Awards

Durability

Highgrove is celebrating 21 years of success

When Wazarat Ali took over ownership of a small bed manufacturing business in Ravensthorpe, West Yorkshire in 2001, he had little knowledge of the industry. But he did have a strong belief that he would build Highgrove into a successful brand.

Fast-forward 21 years and Highgrove is now one of the UK’s fastest growing bed brands, reporting year-end sales in 2022 of more than £28m: a £5m increase.

The ambition of Ali to compete at all

levels with the well-established traditional brands hasn’t been easy; however, his long-term commitment to investing in all aspects of the business has paid dividends. Now, the Highgrove operation based in Liversedge is one of the largest and most modern in Europe, producing up to 5,000 beds a week. Ali purchased the 22acre site in 2017 and following £12m of further investment now has about 600,000sqft of manufacturing and

warehousing, which also includes a 100,000sqft distribution centre and a foam conversion plant.

The latest site investment is a new headboard manufacturing unit, which will soon have the additional capability of producing fashionable bed frames, primarily for the UK market.

Ali puts the success of his business down to several key factors, top being the partnership approach Highgrove has

The company continues to invest

The adjustable bed offer has been expanded

to its customers. ‘Without their continued support over the years it certainly would have taken us much longer to get where we are today,’ he says.

‘On our part, we give them the widest choice of product available in the marketplace, high quality and great value, and on top of this we provide our seven-day Fastersleep delivery service for 98% of orders placed.’

He also praises his employees. ‘Their efforts throughout the business and at all levels have been instrumental to Highgrove’s success.’

The company has three brands in its product portfolio: HG at the entry level, the flagship Highgrove brand targeting the mid-market, and Sanctum which provides traditional hand-crafted luxury to the premium price sector.

Ali’s son Saleem is now very much involved in taking the business forward and is confident that it will achieve £50m sales within the next five years as the company targets new markets both at home and abroad.

‘We now have the foundations to take the business to its next tier of development. We are particularly pleased and proud to have attained both the SEDEX and ISO 9001 standards in recent years, which further highlights our ongoing commitment to the highest quality, environmental and ethical standards,’ says Saleem.

Highgrove made a strategic decision several years ago to continue support

the high street at a time when some established brands were looking to sell direct to consumers on the Internet. Since then, more than £750,000 has been invested in high-impact in-store displays, which have been made available free of charge to appointed stockists.

‘Clearly, our brands can be found on the Internet via our customers’ websites; however, our high street collections are still exclusively available to independent retailers and not available

for online sales,’ says Saleem.

So what does the future hold for Highgrove? Saleem is confident despite the difficult economic forecast. ‘The business has invested well in people, plant and machinery and is well placed to take advantage of new opportunities. Our aim is to establish Highgrove as a well-known consumer brand that is a fitting legacy to my father’s original aims when he founded the business.’

The Bed Show will see Highgrove present every model in its range, including the recently introduced Coppersleep and ChiroGel models featuring an upgraded AdvantEdge spring system. Highgrove will also expand its adjustable bed offer and add several new cover innovations. HG will have a wide range of roll-up mattresses, and the Sanctum stand will feature the full collection of hand-crafted models. Highgrove will be exhibiting on stands F120 and G70.

Visit: www.highgrovebeds.co.uk

Wazarat and Saleem Ali

Coppersleep

ChiroGel

The latest Highgrove range has all your customers covered.

Highgrove is delighted to unveil its 21st Anniversary Collection at The Bed Show, with virtually every brochure model represented on the stand plus a few new and exciting specifications.

These range from innovative new comfort and support technologies, including our latest AdvantEdge ® Pocket Spring System, health promoting CopperSleep®, temperature controlling ChiroGel® and our latest ErgoMatic adjustable and Ottoman specifications being unveiled for the first time.

Total Support all the way.

There has never been greater customer choice from Highgrove. Each of our beds has clear benefits for better sleep and is backed up by high quality in-store point of sale supplied free of charge to our appointed stockists.

Whatever your customers want, we’ve got it and available with our 7 day Express Delivery Service.

We’ve got some great Show Offers and look forward to you visiting our Stand F120 at the Bed Show, 26 and 27 September, Telford International Centre.

Engineered by nature

Silentnight will be harnessing the power of natural materials

Silentnight boasts more than 75 years’ experience and expertise in the bed industry. With Superbrand status for almost two decades, it has continued to embark on a successful journey of advancement this year, propelling a wave of innovation and continuous development. The company harnesses its influential position to accelerate advancements, ushering in a new era of affordable and sustainable products that cater to every customer channel.

Visitors to The Bed Show will be able to discover the latest products from Silentnight: it has harnessed plant power and combined it with its expertise in sleep to develop a new range of plantbased mattresses. The mattress comfort layer is made using a combination of bamboo, kapok, flax and aloe vera; sustainably sourced from nature, then designed and adapted using Silentnight’s expertise in sleep. Comfortable, breathable and hypoallergenic, the Plant Based mattress collection has harnessed all the sleep-enhancing benefits that plants provide naturally.

mattress range. Engineered by nature, the British Wool range weaves together the cosy comfort of natural British wool with Silentnight’s experience and expertise in sleep. It combines craftsmanship with a flexible, breathable and sustainable material. The collection features 100% traceable British wool. The Traceable Wool scheme provides clarity as to the product’s provenance: from farm to shopfloor, complete transparency provides full peace of mind.

Elsewhere on stand D50, the Just Sleep collection offers a choice of seven rolled mattresses with convenience and quality at the forefront, alongside the best of the Rest Assured mattresses collection. Guided by 125 years of expertise and excellence, the range is renowned for exceptional quality, craftsmanship and commitment to innovation. Visitors can also explore the latest in trend-led bedframes, fabrics and headboards. Visit: www.silentnight.co.uk

Alongside the launch of Plant Based, Silentnight will launch its British Wool British Wool

Plant Based

Crafted by expert hands right here in the UK using the very finest natural materials, Sanctum is the epitome of luxury and comfort in a premium bed brand. Luxurious viscose damask covers, an engineered pocket spring system for total body support, plus an extensive range of base options with enhanced drawers and exceptionally stylish headboards. All supported by stunning in-store POS and unrivalled delivery service. Sanctum really does represent excellent value for money.

We look forward to you visiting our Stand G70 at the Bed Show, 26 and 27 September, Telford International Centre

Just exquisite

Sealy will debut a trio of models at The Bed Show

Sealy will reveal its latest product innovation at The Bed Show, showcasing three new models.

Exquisite sits at the top of the Sealy Posturepedic range. Developed through scientific research from the Orthopaedic Advisory Board and Sealy’s research and development facility, it boasts unique technology and a new spring geometry.

With a host of debut features, Exquisite introduces new speciality comfort materials and is meticulously crafted and tailored to provide the perfect finish. The latest addition to the range offers the Sealy Posturepedic credentials of genuine support, true comfort and dependable durability.

‘Our latest product launch is one we are extremely excited about, to say the least. It is exceptionally designed, with careful attention to every detail. It is this level of luxury, combined with unique coil systems, that continues to build Sealy Posturepedic as a premium

offering. The future looks bright for Sealy, and the launch of Exquisite later this year is set to end the year in style,’ says Mark Tuley, Sealy chief commercial officer.

He adds: ‘Setting ourselves apart with meaningful product innovation not only enables us to further enhance our brand,

but also brings greater opportunities to our retail partners by providing them with exclusive products for their customers.’

Exquisite will be unveiled on Stand B40 at the exhibition. Visit www.sealy.co.uk

Exquisite sits at the top of the Sealy Posturepedic range

Below: The Orthopaedic Advisory Board helped develop Exquisite

Sealy continues to look to set itself apart

Award Winning Home Care

Market leaders in the provision of care plans and products for the furniture, beds and flooring industry.

Mattress Protectors

Mattressgard have led the way for many years in the development of innovative products that both protect your mattress and provide a healthy and hygienic sleeping surface. By harnessing the most natural products such as Tencel™, Cotton and Bamboo.

Care Kits and Products

Staingard is widely acknowledged as the leader in the supply of the best products for the protection, cleaning, repair and care of all furniture types including Leather and Fabric Upholstery, Carpets, Wood and Glass furniture and beds. Our products are used extensively by consumers and professionals alike.

5 YEARS

F URNITURE P ROTECTIO N PEACE OF MIND

Furniture Protection Care Plans

Staingard Furniture Care plans cover structural failure, accidental damage and accidental staining. Staingard’s Care plans are available for: Fabric and Leather Upholstery, Cabinet Furniture, Beds, Mattresses and Carpets.

Celebrations

Sleepeezee is marking its centenary with several launches

Sleepeezee will be launching a host of products and collections at The Bed Show, backed with marketing and in-store support for its retail partners, as well as a promotional calendar for the new year.

In celebration of the company’s upcoming 100-year anniversary, a new collection named Centurial will be launching, focusing on luxurious natural materials such as British wool, alpaca and cashmere. Each mattress will have a chemical-free, soft damask cover, will be genuinely hand side-stitched for additional support and tailoring, and will be finished with unique gold embroidery with a 100-year logo. POS support will be supplied for retailers to use in store. Every model is made using some of the finest materials and is available in two different comfort tensions to ensure the perfect comfort level for every consumer.

Alongside will also be two memory foam ranges featuring new technologies, one of which will be exclusive to bricksand-mortar retailers. A refreshed adjustables collection featuring three new models and an updated motion base with additional technology built in will also be launching at the show, along with a children’s mattress collection. Sleepeezee will have its own children’s book to support the children’s bed collection.

A new Which? award-winning Hybrid model will be the final new launch on the Sleepeezee stand.

‘We’re excited to be attending The Bed Show again and look forward to showing our retail partners all the great new products we have on offer and to kicking off celebrations for our 100-year birthday.

‘Everything we are taking to the show this year is new, so there is plenty for retailers to come and see. Not to mention we will also have a mixologist making celebratory 100-year themed cocktails and mocktails on the stand, in the Sleepeezee bar,’ says Amy Curtis, Sleepeezee head of marketing.

Visit: www.sleepeezee.com

Sleepeezee is celebrating 100 years this year

Celebrating 100 years of sleeping on it

LEAVE THE REST TO US

Momentum

Deluxe Beds has been investing in staff, manufacturing, sustainability and product

‘As a well-established challenger brand, Deluxe Beds’ goal is to produce the highest quality yet affordable beds. We punch above our weight with our value-for-money products whilst enabling retailers to enhance their profit margins, and are continuing the momentum despite the hostile economic climate,’ says James Appleyard, Deluxe Beds sales director.

‘Thanks to increased HR processes and systems management, passing the strict four-pillar SMETA ethical audit strengthens our SEDEX membership, which now allows us to approach the best UK and overseas retailers. It also provides the springboard for embarking on ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 in pursuit of quality and sustainability excellence.

‘We believe in investing in our people. We provide training opportunities for our employees to foster growth and skill development. From boosting leadership apprenticeships, we have grown and progressed our remarkable staff, whilst the acquisition of a well-qualified and experienced QC manager shows that we are not afraid to go externally to find what we need. These efforts made us proud finalists in the West Yorkshire Apprenticeship Awards 2023.

‘The diversity in our people is shown by the 10 nationalities and nine different languages that are spoken by our workforce, all of whom communicate

well together to make really great beds.

‘We successfully launched the ecodesigned, 50% recycled mattress in 2022, demonstrating how sustainability is ingrained in our ethos in line with the NBF’s Pledge for Our Planet, eco-friendly sourcing and waste reduction.

‘At this year’s The Bed Show we will officially introduce the innovative and luxurious Detachable Pillow-Top mattress range combining the best sleeping experience with unrivalled longevity, which also scores our highest ever mark in the NBF’s eco-design scoring tool.

‘Successful CRM system implementation allowed us to vastly reduce paper waste, contributing to our paperless production

goals. The new QR code system that runs throughout the factory elevates customer service standards and experience through accuracy, speed and quality, and helps achieve a returns rate of less than 1%.

‘It has been a winning year for Deluxe Beds. We attribute our success to financial stability, innovation, sustainability, strong networking and customer service. We are deeply grateful to our valued customers, partners and dedicated team members who have created this springboard for what we believe will be a hugely successful year ahead,’ says Appleyard.

Visit: www.deluxebedsltd.com

Splendour

Lockwood

Skipton

Development

Innovation is helping GNG widen its offer

GNG Group has further enhanced its diverse range of products. Using its experience as an approved supplier to the NHS, it has developed the KomfiMed range, an industry-first that combines medically proven foam with TrueGel technology, plus the environmental benefits of Ecofoam. This product delivers excellent pressure relief while minimising motion transfer and regulating temperature to provide a peaceful night’s sleep.

Specifically engineered for enhanced support, the range gives excellent spinal alignment and relieves stress on joints. A highly advanced material known for its exceptional comfort and therapeutic benefits, medically proven foam is crafted with precision and adherence to strict quality standards. It offers a supportive sleep surface while conforming to the body’s contours. The range is available in soft, medium and firm options.

The Komfi collections include the vacuum-packed Unity range, launched last year, which provides an affordably priced mattress and is proving very popular. Offering excellent value as well as quality and comfort, Unity also delivers the benefits of Ecofoam, which is made from 100% recycled and re-engineered foam and is able to be entirely recycled when it reaches the end of its natural life.

Many products in the Komfi Unity range have recently achieved Crib 5 (Ignition Source 5) accreditation, making them suitable for the contract market. Following rigorous testing, these models have passed UK Fire Regulations 1988 and are now categorised as being Crib 5 Medium Hazard in line with BS7177.

The Komfi range is ideal for the rental market, student accommodation, hotels, holiday parks and boarding schools.

The luxury Sonlevo brand is also available from GNG. Complete with the

unique TrueGel grid system technology, the range gives maximum support while minimising pressure and regulating temperature. Offering correct posture support and ultimate comfort, the full Sonlevo range is recommended to its members by the Football Medicine and Performance Association, as these mattresses help achieve the best sleep and, consequently, the best performance.

GNG also represents Nectar Sleep. With a focus on exceptional comfort, combined with a 365-night trial and lifetime warranty, Nectar Sleep mattresses are designed to meet the demands of modern living.

‘Our team are constantly looking for ways of improving our products while retaining great price points for customers across all of our ranges, from the popular vacuum-packed Komfi models to our premium Sonlevo brand. We offer stock discounts and quick lead times, and do all we can to support retailers and enable them to offer their customers an affordable, quality product, which is more important than ever in the current challenging economy,’ says Richard Gretton, GNG commercial director.

GNG will be exhibiting at The Bed Show on stand D40.

Visit: www.gnggroup.co.uk

Above and below: KomfiMed is the group’s latest development

Richard Gretton

New name

Breasley is to rebrand its mattress collection

‘A lot has changed since our last outing at the January Furniture Show. As we continue to evolve and grow the business into a strong British brand that we are proud of, one that serves our customers with the best products at the best prices, we have continued to analyse, ask questions of ourselves and make tough decisions,’ says Mark Hughes, Breasley sales director.

‘Firstly, our planned addition of a new 45,000sqft space and investment in machinery took place at the start of the year, enabling us to increase our production and storage capacity. This is an objective we had been working towards since 2021 and one that signals our desire for growth and to become the number one sleep brand across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

‘Second – and one that we are immensely proud of as it signifies our intent to create the best products for our customers – the Uno EcoBrease Lite Memory Pocket and Uno EcoBrease AstroTech 1000 mattresses were recognised by Which? as a Which? Best Buy Double Mattress for June 2023. The

mattresses scored in the top 5% of all those tested by the independent body.’

Describing the mattress, Which? said: ‘This is both tantalisingly cheap and one of the highest-scoring mattresses to emerge from our recent tests. Brilliant durability coupled with good levels of support make it a Best Buy.’

‘It is an honour to have the Uno EcoBrease Lite Memory Pocket and Uno AstroTech 1000 mattresses tested by an independent governing body and receive such a high accolade. It further demonstrates the quality of our products and shows the strides we are making within our manufacturing business,’ says Hughes.

‘And we have not stopped there. September is set to top everything as we launch our new core and online retail range under the newly revamped Uno brand name. The collection will consist of new fabrics and design specifications that further enhance the quality and feel of our products, making them even more competitive and more desirable for consumers. Simplifying our product range under one brand was common

sense as it gives us the springboard to create a stable of products that our customers can move forward with, knowing that we are providing the best quality and competitively priced products for their needs.

‘The new brand launch signals months of research and development within the business and comes at an exciting time. Not only does it bring an easier to understand yet wide range, but it also gives us the opportunity to create a more exciting look and feel as we head towards the end of 2023 and springboard into 2024.

‘Visit us on stand C20 at The Bed Show to find out more.’

Visit: www.breasley.co.uk

The company received a Which? Best Buy Uno EcoBrease Lite Memory Pocket

On show

Wiemann is taking part in a trio of exhibitions

Leading German bedroom manufacturer Wiemann is looking to build on a successful first half of the year with a busy Autumn of trade exhibitions. The award-winning company will show off a selection of its most popular and market-leading collections at Long Point (Long Eaton, 18-20 September), The Bed Show (Telford, 26-27 September) and the Autumn Furniture Show (Stoneleigh, 3-4 October). On the stands will be a curated display of products perfect for customers seeking versatility, style, quality and outstanding value for money. New for 2023, VIP choice Denver is an eye-catching, award-winning collection. Its unique decking-style panel offers versatility and striking looks. A sliding and hinged wardrobe, it is available in a range of bestselling finishes, and with options for outer or centre doors in matching or contrasting colours, the range gives a variety of bold or subtle finishes to suit every bedroom. Every

finish combination gives a different look, demonstrating Denver’s flexibility.

Versatility is a central theme for Wiemann wardrobes. The company prides itself on making products that offer a total bedroom solution, whatever the style or size of home. Slider range Miami Plus and hinged choice Tampa come in plenty of contemporary colourways and are enjoying strong sales this year. Timeless classic Cambridge, a Shaker-style design, is also driving a full order book offering a long-lasting look.

The Monaco system, a VIP offering, comes in virtually any variation imaginable, suiting any style of bedroom, and is also a market leader for Wiemann. Options include sliding, hinged and bi-fold doors, plus a clever corner unit to maximise space.

Wiemann has enjoyed a list of endorsements, with award wins across the UK and Ireland crowning a year that has seen its latest ranges hit the sweet

spot with customers. Strong sales have followed valued accolades. It was named Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer in the Interiors Monthly Awards, and Denver was named Best Bedroom Collection at the IFHS Show in Dublin in July.

‘We are delighted that our products continue to satisfy those seeking stunning, top quality, long-lasting wardrobes and accessories. We are looking to offer more of the same and strive to do even better as we move into the later months of the year. The Autumn trade shows are a vital part of this and we are looking forward to catching up with existing friends as well as meeting new people as we take our products around the country,’ says Simon Hewitt, md of Litmus Furniture, Wiemann’s sole agent for the UK and Ireland.

Wiemann also has two permanent showrooms at Harlow, Essex, and Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire.

Visit: www.wiemannuk.co.uk

Quito

Denver

Monaco

Cambridge

Centrepiece

Ovidio makes a statement

Molteni&C’s Ovidio bed by Vincent Van Duysen is designed to be the centrepiece of the bedroom: a combination of sober elegance and utmost comfort, where no detail is left to chance and the leading role is played by the headboard.

‘This new bed is characterised by a blend of many details, a very elegant object that converses with a modern style,’ says Van Duysen, Molteni&C creative director.

The headboard, a synthesis of research

and refinement, is available both in leather and fabric. A discreet smoked metal frame with rounded corners carefully defines the structure.

The front part, where the profile is straight, is covered in leather, available in the same colour as the upholstery (tone-on-tone) or in contrasting shades, allowing for the choice of a bolder or more subdued aesthetic. The facade is further enriched by ‘diamond’ stitching that runs vertically throughout the

element. The bed is available in three sizes: 160cm, 180cm and 193.5cm, for maximum flexibility within the space, and a bespoke option.

Ovidio is a contemporary classic that combines modern design with unparalleled comfort. The bed’s attention to detail, including the handstitched vertical seams in contrasting thread and its flat aluminium frame, make it a true standout in the bedroom. Visit: www.molteni.it

Ovidio is available in three standard sizes and a bespoke option

Ovidio ‘converses with a modern style’

The headboard has hand-stitched vertical seams

The True Bedmakers

We have been creating the ultimate in luxurious comfort since 1840, making mattresses that have been lovingly homegrown and handmade in the heart of Yorkshire.

From growing our own natural fillings, to designing glue free spring systems and weaving our own fabrics, we are passionate about leading the way in luxury sustainable sleep.

Start the party

Hypnos will kick off its 120th anniversary celebrations at The Bed Show

Hypnos is preparing to mark an extraordinary milestone in 2024: its 120th anniversary. Celebrations kick off at The Bed Show, promising an exciting event and an array of new products and thought-provoking concepts.

As its next chapter unfolds, Hypnos continues to rejoice in its bedmaking heritage while embracing progressive values. As a Royal Warrant holder since 1929, with innovative collaborations with respected partners and trusted retailers, the brand offers handcrafted luxury and comfort to consumers.

Recent notable collaborations with distinguished hotels such as The Other House, Royal Lancaster and Soho House have been featured in the original and exclusive Hotel Hypnos series. Each project not only exemplifies the brand’s commitment to promoting sleep and wellbeing but also underscores the importance of luxurious comfort, design, and craftsmanship.

Over the past six years, Hypnos has refined its approach to comfort and sustainability, forging pioneering partnerships and embracing its mission to become a global leader in innovative luxury bed design, and adopting ‘Comfort with integrity’ as its mantra.

Last month, Hypnos was thrilled to receive Interiors Monthly’s Editor’s Choice Award for Sustainability (Furniture). This came shortly after success at the Best of Organic Market Awards 2023 with its

Organic mattresses. Recognised by multiple certification bodies, and holder of the Planet Mark and a Queens Award for Enterprise for Sustainability (2020), Hypnos is wholly committed to sustainable thinking in its bed design and manufacture, with an ethos to encourage healthy, sustainable and responsible sleep.

In 2022, Hypnos introduced the Responsible Wool Standard to British wool farming, elevating the brand’s traceable British wool narrative. As the first brand meeting this globally acknowledged standard across any industry using British wool, Hypnos’ innovation brings benefits for farmers, animals and the environment.

Hypnos’ pioneering partnership with the Eden Project and its dedication to circular design and biodiversity conservation has sparked the exploration

of innovative plant-based solutions. These aim to absorb carbon and harness naturally available materials, aligning with Hypnos’ journey towards sustainability.

‘Our unique partnership with the Eden Project is really important to us, and evolving,’ says David Baldry, Hypnos group md. ‘It’s been incredible to meet and work with their knowledgeable and visionary team, to understand their objectives and learn about how businesses, like Hypnos, can make a difference to tackling social and environmental problems.

‘The show will bear the fruits of these discussions, and introduce new and exciting collections to our retailers and consumers. We are looking forward to showcasing these in this very special year of celebration and at this fantastic industry event.’

Visit: www.hypnosbeds.com

Hypnos received the Interiors Monthly Editor’s Choice Award for Sustainability (Furniture) last month

Hypnos has a partnership with the Eden Project

The company will celebrate its heritage

Agility

Shire Beds is responding to environmental and economic pressures

Multi-award winning bed manufacturer Shire Beds’ strength comes from its ability to respond with agility, ensuring it puts the retailer and their customers at the forefront of everything it does.

The appointment of Stuart Hibbert to the role of coo demonstrates the ambition the company has to ensure it continues on its growth trajectory. Hibbert, experienced in the industry, has hit the ground running. Working closely with Sajid Butt, Shire Beds md, the duo

initially rationalised then developed the range. The new Shire Beds ‘Generators’ products are proving hugely popular.

The Ravello and Capri ranges are hand side-stitched, tufted, pocket-sprung ranges. With the option of personalising with own-brand labelling and POS, they have seen huge take up.

The bestselling Artisan range continues to lead the market in the encapsulated sector – particularly Picasso, a cool blue gel encapsulated product.

The NBF Product of the Year 2021-2022 Signature Collection of luxury high-count pocket-sprung mattresses maintains good sales as an award-winning product.

While most products have eco design principles at their heart, Shire Beds’ EverLife range goes further, being made from recycled products and recyclable at the end of life.

EverLife by Shire Beds offers comfort that both feels good and does good. Launched in January 2023, it has seen significant interest and good sales. Often sustainable products are at significantly higher price points, but Shire Beds understands that in challenging economic circumstances, doing good should not be at a price.

As a leading responsible and experienced manufacturer, Shire Beds, believes in the circular economy model

as a vital element to protecting our precious planet. The company employs ethical and sustainable practices and processes in its manufacturing. In line with this, it has attained FSC certification as a company, and signed the NBF Pledge For Our Planet to further its sustainability journey.

Shire Beds’ EverLife sustainable range saves bottles from going to landfill and polluting the earth’s oceans. The range combines comfort and sustainability to give a restful night’s sleep. The EverLife soft touch sustainable fabric is made of 76% upcycled plastic bottles and is 95% recyclable at the end of the life of the mattress. It also uses eco-clean chemical-free FR.

EverLife complements Shire Beds’ biodegradable Heaven 7 range. EverLife is available in 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 pocket-spring models. The comfort layers as well as the insulator pads are also made of recycled materials and are recyclable or reusable at the end of life. With high specification and attractive pricing EverLife is rapidly gaining floor space with retailers.

Shire Beds is becoming a strong, desirable, must-have brand for retailers, while at the same time providing excellent sales opportunities. Visit: www.shirebeds.co.uk

Ravello 1,500

Capri 1,000

Learning

Insight from health professions is helping to develop products

‘We’re fortunate to work closely with health professionals and organisations in the health and wellbeing space who share their valuable insights with us. Whether it’s clinical psychologists, sleep scientists, physios or even personal trainers, understanding the challenges these experts are encountering is valuable information for us. For example, we know that coming out of Covid, stress and anxiety was causing dramatic sleep loss – known in some quarters as Covid-somnia. We also know that recent changes in habits are having a detrimental impact on both physical and mental wellbeing,’ says John Tuton, Mammoth founder and ceo.

‘Hours spent at a computer, particularly when working remotely from kitchen tables or even sofas, are resulting in all kinds of musculoskeletal issues such as neck, back and hip pain. Similarly, reduced social interaction and increased screen time – whether it’s work-based or social media scrolling – is causing spikes in anxiety and depression, exacerbated by poor sleep habits.

‘To my mind, these are all key considerations for those of us working in the furniture trade. We have an important role to play in helping to educate people about how their sleeping and sitting habits can have a profound effect on their broader health. And, of

course, to help them to see where valuable investments in the best quality products can make a genuine difference.’

These issues ensure that Mammoth never rests on its laurels, says Tuton.

‘As someone who’s always been interested in elite sport and continues to compete at an amateur level in my 40s, I’m always inspired by the constant quest for improvement I see in this high-performance field. Training methodologies evolve as scientific research advances, new tools and techniques are brought in, and the

search for marginal gains never ends. That’s the approach that we take at Mammoth and it’s the driver behind the new products that we will be bringing to The Bed Show this month.

‘From finding new ways to improve cooling through the night with our IceClass cool-touch fabric, to optimising hygiene with our AirSpace technology, we are doing everything we can to make a difference to the quality of people’s sleep.’

Mammoth is exhibiting on stand A20. Visit: www.mammothuk.com

Mammoth has a partnership with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy

Tuton continues to compete as an amateur in his 40s

Lifting results

‘Focus on each customer who walks through the shop door is paramount: maximising every sale is vital. With lower footfall in stores, increasing the average order value has never been so important. Protect-A-Bed has continuously demonstrated its ability in helping retail partners significantly grow sales. This September, for the second year running, Protect-A-Bed will be showing at The Bed Show,’ says Gowsh Shan, Protect-ABed national sales manager.

‘We’re extremely excited to be at The Bed Show this year. As a business we are constantly looking to help drive sales for all of our retail partners, and the show allows a perfect opportunity to discuss how we can significantly grow

sales. Product innovation is one small element of how we unlock greater sales for our partners. The Therapeutics range featuring copper, graphene and charcoal mattress protectors have already been a great success. Supporting our innovative mattress protectors is our specialist sales training, which is vital to unlock the sales potential. Our Protect-A-Bed team are incredibly adaptive to support this in any retail environment, driving attachment rates to more than 70%.

‘We support this training through a bespoke reward system via the ProtectA-Bed Platinum Club. The Platinum Club has been running consistently for several years now and the results have been excellent. Both existing and new partners

have joined and are benefiting from the focused approach and rewards for growing sales. The Platinum Club has been designed to build, recognise and reward success with unique promotional and discount opportunities, sponsored incentives and tailored POS solutions as well as membership rewards.

‘Our ability to upskill your team and increase your sales revenue by maximising every sales opportunity has been well documented. We can manage every step of the process for you and build a reward scheme through the Protect-A-Bed Platinum Club.’

Protect-A-Bed will be exhibiting on stand D28.

Visit: www.protectabed.co.uk

Increasing the average order value has never been so important

The Therapeutics range

Fulfilling the pledge

Landmark is the first result of Sweet Dreams’ environmental commitment

Landmark is Sweet Dreams’ latest collection, designed to be more sustainable and eco-friendly.

‘After signing the NBF Pledge For Our Planet last September, Landmark is our first launch of more sustainable, eco-friendly products. We are really excited about the impact Landmark will have at The Bed Show. It puts Sweet Dreams on the path to the five pillars of the pledge: demonstrating our commitment to becoming a more sustainable business; reducing our global warming impact; reducing our waste; reducing our product’s impact on the environment, and taking responsibility for our actions,’ says Nick Williams, Sweet Dreams sales manager.

Landmark is a range of six beds featuring foam-free fillings, sleep surfaces made from eco-friendly sustainable fabrics. The mattress offer is based on three best-selling spring systems, 1,000 and 2,000 pocket and

the 12.5gauge open coil. Non-storage, two and four-drawer, front and side ottoman options are available as standard and Landmark comes in double, king and super-king sizes.

Eco-friendly fillings include Platinum, free from chemicals with sustainability to the fore and 100% recyclable at the end of life. The mattresses also feature a co-ordinated border manufactured from the same sustainable fabric as the bases, affording the bed a luxurious look and feel.

The base comes with a choice of six 100% GRS-certified, 100% recycled base fabrics. The GRS standard applies to the full supply chain and addresses traceability, environmental principles, social requirements, chemical content and labelling.

‘ The benefit of GRS is that our Landmark base, border and headboard fabrics will feature 94% less water use, 59% less energy use and 32% less CO2 emissions in the production process. The

Landmark base fabric is the first of its type available from Sweet Dreams. Continuing with the sustainable story, all Landmark bases and matching headboards feature FSC certified timber,’ says Williams.

‘Components are responsibly sourced using many recycled elements, making the product more recyclable at the end of its life, with the aim to make beds better for the environment.’

Landmark will be on display at The Bed Show on stand G50.

Visit: www.sweetdreamsuk.com

The range is designed to be greener than previous collections

Circular

The Vita Group has developed sustainable PU foams from post-consumer foam mattresses

At the heart of innovation, The Vita Group stands tall as a pioneer in European flexible polyurethane foam solutions. With an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainability and progress, The Vita Group proudly introduces a notable and sustainable leap forward in the form of its Orbis collection. These sustainable PU foams, made from recycled materials, reshape the landscape of highperformance and eco-conscious comfort solutions.

Orbis is Europe’s first flexible PU foam manufactured with recycled raw materials, sourced from post-consumer foam mattresses. This breakthrough innovation doesn’t just represent a step forward; it signals a paradigm shift towards circular economy practices, according to the company. By transforming post-consumer foam into Orbis, the group effectively mitigates the need to send to landfill or incineration, realising a holistic and regenerative product lifecycle. This strategic change leads to significant reductions in carbon footprint, promoting a healthier environment while retaining the unmatched quality, durability and comfort inherent in traditional flexible polyurethane foam mattresses and furniture.

fostering sustainability on a global scale. Collaborations with prominent players in the industry further enhance its endeavours to drive towards a future with net-zero impact. The Vita Group’s dedication to environmental welfare is not just a proclamation but a substantiated reality.

The group has become the first flexible polyurethane foam manufacturer to have emission reduction targets validated by

independent climate scientists through the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). It also has a Gold Sustainability Rating from EcoVadis, a globally trusted provider of business sustainability ratings. This accolade positions The Vita Group amongst the top 3% of evaluated entities worldwide. The Vita Group is also a signatory of the UN Global Compact and Race to Zero initiatives. Visit: www.thevitagroup.com

At the core of The Vita Group’s mission is a resolute commitment to Orbis

uses post-consumer foam mattresses

BEDS AND BEDROOM

NBF Members

VISIT OR ENTRANCE

Bonaldo’s Olos collection is characterised by rounded lines, ideal for creating a clean, relaxing atmosphere. The 2023 novelties also include two products that complement each other in terms of functionality: the Luigio valet stand, a practical solution for keeping personal items in order, and the Roll walk-in wardrobe, thanks to which clothes can be stored in an accessible way,

optimising space. The Venus vanity unit is an attractive element that offers ample space to place make-up and accessories, as well as a generously sized mirror.

The Luigio valet stand, designed by Marconato & Zappa, offers an extra service for the bedroom. Three tubular metal elements emerge from the oval-shaped ceramic base, at the ends of which are mounted wooden elements

with well-defined functions. The first ends in a coat hanger, carved in solid wood, while the second element curves to form a support for trousers but can also be used as a bag hook. The third, parallel to the first, ends with a storage container and a pocket emptier.

In its formal elegance, Luigio is a slender object, ideal for giving order to the daily routine thanks to its

Luigio

Olos bedside table

Roll closet

naturally was just the right thing to do.

PURe H & PURe H XL is ideal for distributing pressure over pocket springs without limiting the point elasticity teh the pocket springs provide. PURe H's flexibility means it can even be used as a comfort layer.

Its open and resilient structure allows PURe C & PuRe C XL to create a good micro-climate (which is an advantage with mattresses, furniture, car seats, filters, etc).

practicality in use. The ceramic base is available in different finishes, even contrasting with the framework, thereby giving Luigio both a strong character and an original style.

The Roll walk-in wardrobe is inspired by the bookcase of the same name designed by Dondoli and Pocci. lt is a functional piece of furniture with a striking theatrical effect. It is completely open, designed for linear solutions with wall fixings: its frame is in lead, while the shelves are available in lead-coloured painted wood or Canaleno walnut for an elegant contrast. Wooden containers and space-saving storage boxes can be positioned according to needs.

The Venus vanity table, by Marconato & Zappa, is a functional piece featuring a metal structure and wood and ceramic

top with an irregular shape. The soft lines of the structure with its curved frame are topped by a chunky surface of a wood frame and ceramic top. Venus has many accessories: a mirror and handy storage box with a wood cover, useful for storing small objects.

The bed from the Olos family, designed by Mauro Lipparini and inspired by Nordic design, represents a new and evolved stylistic vision, characterised by a universal modernity and the ability to gracefully interpret the ‘night’ world. Thanks to a unique aesthetic sensitivity and considerable harmony of volumes, the Olos collection allows you to fully enjoy that intimate serenity that the bedroom requires.

Contemporary elegance, purity of form and personality are the characteristics

of this bed. The sober details of the curved wood represent the outer sections of the bed and their design extends into the elliptical, naturally enveloping headboard.

The Olos bedside table features the contemporary elegance and purity of form that is the hallmark of the other elements of the collection. In its formal simplicity, the curved wood gives the top of the bedside table a sense of sophistication and lightness, while the whole piece is supported by long, slender metal legs that raise the top and give character to the outline.

Soft and discreet, the pouf from the Olos collection is an element of the furniture found in the sleeping area but is also perfectly at home in other areas of the house. The Olos pouf stands out both on account of its generous and rounded padding, and also because it is slightly raised off the ground, thanks to the curved wooden base – a typical feature of the Olos collection.

The Olos family also consists of a bench, notable for its generous padding, while what really catches the attention is the side detail in curved wood, the common thread that runs through the whole collection with its sober details and harmony of volumes. The bench is supported by slender metal legs that fit discreetly into the overall design. The Olos bench completes the collection designed by Mauro Lipparini for the sleeping area, making it even more comfortable and functional.

Visit: www.bonaldo.com

Venus

Olus bed

Olus bench

Olus pouf

Bed and mattress testing at SATRA

At SATRA we offer a comprehensive range of bed and mattress tests to our customers. To complement the existing range of furniture testing equipment we have recently invested in a second roller tester for assessing the durability of all kinds of mattresses to BS EN 1957:2012.

Testing to this standard includes;

• Rigorous fitness-for-purpose assessment

• 30,000 cycles test duration

• Firmness rating, correlating with subjective human assessment

• Firmness and hardness measured before and after rolling

• Bed edge testing

• Overall construction assessed, for issues such as broken springs and displaced filling

Consultation on the new approach to the fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture is underway. Contact us or visit our stand at The Bed Show if you have any questions.

Contact our furniture testing team at furniture@satra.com to discuss your bed or mattress testing requirements

Confidence

The finishing details can make all the difference

‘When it’s used well, paint can completely transform an interior, and as with most things it’s the careful attention to detail that can make all the difference, elevating a space and revealing the true beauty within it,’ says Helen Shaw, Benjamin Moore UK marketing director.

‘This bedroom is a perfect example. The walls are painted a soothing sea green – “Scenic Drive”, a tranquil hue that

sets a restful mood. So far, so lovely, but it’s the unexpected yellow cornice that lifts this look to the next level.

By painting this elegant architectural element in “Golden Bounty” – an eyecatching turmeric yellow – the detail is highlighted, bringing a professionally ‘designed’ vibe to the scheme and providing a visual anchor for the rest of the space. It’s such a small thing and

so easy to achieve, but the impact is dramatic.

‘I love the current trend for warm and welcoming, rich chestnut colours, which work so well at this time of year in particular. With these small but powerful ideas, plus a little confidence and creativity, paint really can make decorating dreams come true.’

Visit: www.benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk

Developed through consultation with the bio-mechanical engineers of the Orthopaedic Advisory Board, Exquisite introduces expert-perfected innovation.

The NEW patented coil system provides the next level in performance - providing more of the genuine support and true comfort you would expect from a Sealy Posturepedic.

Meticulously crafted with speciality comfort materials and signature tailoring, Exquisite embodies luxury.

Experience Exquisite at The NBF show | Stand B40 www.sealy.co.uk

Solve the colour puzzle

Abingdon Flooring is marking its 20th anniversary

2023 marks Abingdon Flooring’s 20th year of making carpets in Britain. As it celebrates in style at The Flooring Show, you’ll be able to explore its cost-competitive collections, including the wool-rich carpets of Wilton Royal, Love Story polyester fibre styles and the next generation polypropylene yarns of Stainfree.

Throughout the entire range, you’ll find a carpet to fit any customer’s taste. From the classic and unmistakably elegant wool loops with Wilton Royal’s Charter Berber Loop and Charter Plain Loop, right through to the silk-like Love Story Deep Feelings and the rich colours of Stainfree Caress, the Abingdon Flooring range is awash with beautiful carpets engineered to bring a proposition that gives value at every turn.

With such a diverse collection comes an incredibly wide selection of colours. The almost-white of Champagne, the natural fleece-like Romney, countless sophisticated greys and resplendent Old Gold, Azure and Terracotta: it’s an intoxicating mix. That does leave a bit of

a puzzle in deciding which to choose, but the stand – Stand 21, Hall A – is designed to point you in the right direction.

‘We’re happy to be marking 20 years of business at this year’s show and look forward to celebrating with all our customers, colleagues and friends from across the industry. Our stand will be unmissable and will help you to solve

the riddle of colour using our collections. We’re also launching five new carpets, including our most luxurious carpet ever, so our stand should certainly be on your must-see list. We can’t wait to show you what we’ve been working on,’ says Charlotte Coop, Abingdon Flooring, head of marketing.

Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

Stainfree Finesse in Pink Whisper

Stainfree Caress in Old Gold

Wilton Royal Charter Berber loop in Green Plain

Better and stronger

New designs and improved service wil be highlighted

Balta returns to The Flooring Show with a stronger product offer and better service levels than ever before, thanks to its status as an independent brand of Victoria plc.

With new products, consistent quality and faster service, Balta is back and ready to reassert itself on the UK residential carpet scene. Kicking off its drive to provide UK customers with improved value, quality and service, Balta’s appearance at The Flooring Show is one not to be missed.

The Stainsafe collection features top-quality polypropylene ranges that prioritise cleanability and easy use in everyday home life. With the focus on providing peace of mind, Pinnacle is the most recent introduction, boasting fresh colours sure to enhance living spaces.

The Made in Heaven collection offers strong carpets that are not only visually stunning but also offer a super-soft feel that will transform spaces into cosy havens. The additions of Crescent, Eclipse and Sublime embody modern elegance and showcase Balta’s ongoing commitment to innovation and style.

additions are Luxury Weave, Prestige Design and Prestige Twist 50, and exude sophistication and durability.

In addition to the refreshed product offer the company is dedicated to providing an even better service and stronger support. Over the past few months, Balta has been diligently working on expanding its business operations in the UK in order to provide a better service to customers. The

opening of the Alliance warehouse in Worcester allows it to ensure faster delivery and closer proximity for cuts and rolls, enabling it to better meet customers’ needs. Its enthusiastic sales team is ready to assist with any enquiries, guiding customers through the process of selecting the perfect carpets for their home or project.

Balta will be exhibiting on stand C30. Email: sales@baltafloorcoverings.co.uk

For customers seeking the epitome of luxury and elegance, the Woolmaster collection is the ideal choice. New Woolmaster

Luxury Weave

Made in Heaven Sublime

Made in Heaven Crescent

Front and centre

Cormar will showcase new ranges and colour updates

Voted Britain’s Best Carpet Manufacturer for the past 11 consecutive years by readers of Interiors Monthly, Cormar Carpet Company is delighted to return to The Flooring Show with a selection of enticing new ranges, alongside a refreshed palette of Primo Ultra.

Cormar will be showcasing its high quality, affordable ranges that meet the demand of today’s consumers with the recently launched wool loop ranges Fairisle and Malabar Two Fold alongside the latest addition to its wool twist collection, Hampstead.

Combining the natural beauty of wool with long-lasting looks, Hampstead offers a choice of two hard-wearing qualities, providing the ideal resilience for all areas of the home together with desirable warmth and comfort. The Flooring Show will also see the unveiling of a new range that will enjoy the spotlight at the show.

Cormar will again be exhibiting at the front of Hall A, displaying the newest addition to its range of in-store carpet displays: a wool textures lectern, as well as live demonstrations of its trade portal and its latest features.

‘With the number of customers choosing to use our trade portal growing more and more, we are excited to showcase our recent enhancements,

which we believe will help towards our aim of further transforming the portal into a one-stop-shop. Our focus being to enable customers to carry out most of

their interactions with Cormar online, should they choose to do so,’ says David Cormack, Cormar marketing director.

Visit: www.portal.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Use of the trade portal is growing

Hampstead

New

Hampstead by

A new heavyweight, wool twist carpet in two qualities, Supreme & Deluxe.

Durable and resilient, Hampstead is a fine quality, tenth gauge carpet, made from 80% Pure New Wool in a palette of popular plain and heather shades.

MADE IN BRITAIN

SINCE 1956 www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

With the tide

Condor will showcase its efforts to be greener

Condor Group, which is exhibiting at the Majestic Hotel, will showcase its use of recycled ocean-bound plastic waste in a partnership with Tide Ocean.

Tide Ocean collects waste plastic near coasts and rivers in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Mexico, and converts it into #tide ocean material as granules, yarn and filament which can then be used in products instead of virgin plastic.

‘Our solution does not only contribute to reduce CO2 and cleaner oceans, but we also work closely with NGOs and local communities to close the circle of plastic waste pollution. We organise beach clean-ups and pay fair wages to wastepickers and fishermen collecting plastics. And we don’t stop there, because prevention beats collection. To solve the problem of plastic pollution once and for all, it is more important and impactful to prevent new plastic waste from ending up in the environment to begin with,’ says Thomas Schori, Tide Ocean co-founder.

‘Condor Group has years of experience producing products with recycled content, but this collaboration is next level. The thinking fits perfectly with Condor Group. The important CO2 reduction is not the only benefit of using #tide ocean material; the ecological and social impact is also an important part of this cooperation, giving local communities

new opportunities and empowering them into restoring nature,’ says Jan Hoekman Jr, Condor Group director.

‘The products can be traced back to their origin at all times. By using advanced blockchain technology, it is possible to see the exact location where the plastic waste was collected. The tool provides clear insight into the origin of the material and increases transparency in the supply chain. In this way, we rule out greenwashing.’

Condor is developing a number of qualities which should be ready by the

end of the year, and an artificial grass range. POS will have QR codes explaining to shoppers where the waste plastic comes from and how it is transformed into new products.

Schori set up Tide Ocean in 2019 while working in the Swiss watch industry and discovering no company was using ocean-bound plastic in watch straps. Brands using #tide ocean material include Karim Rashid, Tom Ford, Muvit, Meister, Winter & Company and Yamamay.

Visit: www.condor-group.eu/en/group

Tide Ocean collects waste plastic from coasts and rivers in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Mexico

The plastic is recycled into new products

Bespoke

Metro’s marketing service offers subsidised solutions for almost everything

The Metro Group prides itself on allowing members to retain their independence. Therefore, having a bespoke marketing service allows members to pursue their own marketing identity while being supported by a group with more than 30 years of advertising and marketing experience. Work is carried out remotely and/or on-site, with a fully equipped marketing vehicle with display and signmaking printers and access equipment allowing the team to work on-site and at height if required.

Created in 1979, Metro is a buying group that represents independent flooring retailers. And for over 20 years it has also recognised the importance of assisting retailers in marketing the products they sell.

Following the introduction of Metro’s own label, Carpet 1st, in the mid-1990s, the group has constantly looked for ways to support retailers and the sale of not only own-label products but any products to help members make a profit.

Metro’s marketing service in 2023 is

at its most versatile yet, with a dedicated marketing team who assist not only with flooring displays but with any possible project that a retailer may wish to undertake. From a label to a poster, all printwork is designed and printed in-house at subsidised rates, covering almost anything a member requires.

Metro’s members are spread across the entire UK, and work has been carried out from Aberdeen to the Isle of Wight and Northern Ireland.

The group has continuously invested in equipment and facilities to make sure no job is too large or small to handle. The marketing team recently created nine aluminium composite panels for Carpet Mill in Halifax. The entire job was prepared remotely, then fitted in one morning, with a group subsidy of more than 50% towards the cost of the work.

Not every job needs to be done on-site and smaller projects are completed in its own studio and production unit and despatched nationwide. Price cards to pavement signs, everything is designed, printed and completed in-house.

Not every job is this large though. From a price card to a full size sign –Metro does it all, providing the most versatile and diverse marketing support scheme available today.

Visit: www.carpet1st.co.uk

Wooden pavement directional sign for Carpet 1st Plymouth

Aluminium composite signs at Carpet Mill, Halifax

Ahead of the curve

Egger is updating its choice of finishes

Get ahead of the design curve and experience Egger’s new decor collection at The Flooring Show. With 19 new finishes, Egger is ready to update your flooring collection and meet your customers’ needs.

The new decors offer a wide range of finishes suitable for various applications. As with the Egger PRO Collection 2021+, these are designed with versatility in mind, and will be readily available from distributors across the UK and Ireland, ensuring easy access for all.

Introductions at the event include refreshed variants of the Berdal and Sherman Oak finishes, available in both

laminate and Design Greentec. Egger will also introduce the laminate flooring featuring Aqua+ CLICit!. This budgetfriendly solution provides protection against moisture ingress and is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and hallways. In a diverse range of woodgrain colour tones, it offers a variety of design options.

Egger remains committed to sustainability, with all coreboards being 100% PVC-free and made using PEFCcertified wood and renewable materials. By choosing Egger, you can ensure that your flooring not only meets the highest quality standards but also contributes positively to the environment.

‘We are looking forward to introducing our new updated decors to the industry at The Flooring Show on stand B47. Our expert decor team has carefully curated a fantastic selection of new designs that meet the current needs of our market. Don’t miss this opportunity to book an appointment with the Egger team during the show or simply drop by to catch up while enjoying an Egger beer. Get ready to be inspired, discover the endless possibilities, and elevate your flooring portfolio with our new decors,’ says Craig James, Egger Flooring UK national sales manager.

Visit: www.egger.com

Egger is adding 19 new finishes

The big one

The show will see RAG turn 50 as F Ball debuts its latest smoothing compound

F Ball and Co will use this year’s The Flooring Show to debut Stopgap 1600, a fast-drying, fibre-reinforced smoothing compound that is formulated for use over underfloor heating systems, as well as unveiling a new packaging design for its range of floor-smoothing compounds, and celebrating 50 years of its industry-leading Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG).

Stopgap 1600 can be used to encapsulate electrical wired or water-fed underflooring heating and cooling systems installed over a wide range of internal subfloors in both domestic and commercial environments. It is walk-on hard from three hours after application and ready to receive floorcoverings in as little as 12 hours.

The packaging of F Ball’s floor smoothing compounds has been redesigned to aid selection and achieve visual consistency across the range. Distinctive icons highlight key features and support identification and

differentiation together with productspecific colour schemes. Stopgap 1600 will be the first product to feature the new packaging, with designs for other smoothing compounds being phased in over the coming months.

RAG lists the compatibility of F Ball adhesives with more than 6,000 branded floorcoverings from over 200 leading international manufacturers. Each year since 1973, the company has published an update to what has evolved into the foremost guide to floorcovering/ adhesive compatibility. In addition to an A5 printed book, a constantly updated version of the guide is available on the F Ball website and as a mobile app.

Visitors are invited to a drinks reception at the F Ball stand on the Monday afternoon of the show to celebrate the 50th edition of RAG. The stand will also be hosting demonstrations of F Ball products delivered by F Ball’s head of training plus experts from the company’s technical service department.

‘We are particularly excited to reveal the latest addition to F Ball’s range of flooring installation products, which combines high-performance features. We are also looking forward to seeing some of the first reactions to the new packaging for our smoothing compounds, which we expect to be well received,’ says Darren Kenyon, F Ball sales director. Visit: www.f-ball.co.uk

The stand will host demonstrations and a drinks reception

Heritage

History and interior trends combine at Hugh Mackay

Hugh Mackay Carpets has been designing and manufacturing high quality wool and synthetic carpet for more than 100 years. Its history in this sector is extensive and has laid the foundation on which it continues to grow.

It is consistently updating its ranges to accommodate new trends, designs and colourways within the interior design market. It has a team of skilled Axminster designers that can create a flooring masterpiece from a wide and varied colour palette. From as little as 20sqm, shoppers can create their own

personalised carpet, selecting specific colourways and designs to suit their interior setting.

Keeping up with design, Hugh Mackay recently launched two products. Natural Origins is a 100% wool loop, made in a single-ply yarn. The three designs of rib, boucle and herringbone give the consumer a varied choice. It is available in 4m and 5m widths, in a selection of eight colourways. Durham Alternates is an award-winning, 100% New Zealand wool loop, in a three-ply yarn. This range complements the Durham Twist range

and is available in 10 colour options, two designs of herringbone and boucle and in 4m and 5m widths.

The rest of the Hugh Mackay portfolio consists of wool and synthetic twists, wool loops and a collection of hard flooring.

The next product launch will be the Deco range, consisting of wool loops in plains and stripes, jacquarded flatweaves and generic natural flatweaves. The range contains 43 selections heavily focused on design and colourways. Visit: www.hughmackay.co.uk

The Flooring Show will be Hugh Mackay’s first exhibition since Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show in May

On a mission

Sustainability is at the heart of Parador

Parador is a leading international interior brand, born from passion and a desire to create outstanding spaces in a sustainable way. Working directly with the design industry and retailers, it provides quality flooring for its clients, who are looking for a modern and luxurious aesthetic.

Its mission is to create beautiful rooms by offering exquisite flooring and décor to its customers. Its passion for craftsmanship and innovation is displayed in its extensive collection of products, suitable for a variety of different spaces. With its customers at the heart of everything it does, its teams offer tailored services and expertise to ensure a superior experience.

Established in 1977, the foundation of Parador has been to provide the very best quality flooring to its clients. With a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and European production, its expertise and know-how has been handed down through generations, producing innovative designs to inspire customers and enhance their interior spaces.

Its two production sites in Germany and Austria are at the heart of Parador. With sustainability at the fore, it cares about the planet and is committed to constantly improving how it behaves and manufactures to ensure minimal impact on the environment. Its ecological standards are high, it operates with a transparent supply-chain, and has a holistic approach to everything it does.

Safety standards and the wellbeing of its people are of the utmost importance,

and it strives to deliver optimal working environments for its teams. Its products are sustainable because they are made of the highest quality, which guarantees longevity. To produce its engineered wood and laminate floors, it only uses wood from sustainably sourced forests. All the parts of the tree are used for the different components in production, resulting in minimal wastage. By being resourceful with the raw materials it also provides a greater variety of different

All the parts of the tree are used for the different components

grades and formats, that allows for a more creative décor result. Any waste is then recycled and returned to the production cycle.

Parador is proud of its eco-friendly design flooring Modular ONE. It is incredible durable, easy to maintain and with its innovative technology is free of PVC and plasticisers, allowing for a healthy living environment.

Parador will be exhibiting on stand A38. Visit: www.parador.de

Durability matters

Manufacturers as well as others in the supply chain need to be able to test the durability of floorcoverings, since premature wear can prove costly in terms of complaints, product recalls and damage to reputation.

SATRA realises that durability is a vital issue and has developed a method for testing different floorcoverings to help determine how they will wear and how well they retain their appearance. This test involves the interaction between a moving shoe and flooring, based on SATRA’s comprehensive gait research.

The SATRA STM 528 Pedatron provides an accelerated wear simulation under realistic conditions and can be used as an effective means of assessing the wear characteristics of floorcoverings. It is applicable to many flooring surfaces and also flooring hardware such as stair nosings.

The flooring is subjected to a cyclic walking action from a standard shoe, where the sample rotates incrementally while the forepart of the shoe is in

contact with the floor. These individual footsteps are designed to replicate a mixture of walking in a straight line and turning a corner. The floorcovering under test rotates such that it completes a full 360deg rotation every 150 footfalls. The flooring is visually assessed and a subjective assessment of wear and appearance retention made.

For stair nosings, the flooring remains stationary during the test, with the footfall positioned to ensure that the centre forepart of the shoe strikes the nosing edge, representing walking down or up the stairs. The floorcovering is visually checked for any movement of the nosing insert and also to ensure if any damage or cracking has occurred.

As well as checking the floor for wear, SATRA can use the STM 528 Pedatron to replicate wear on floorcoverings in order to assess slip resistance of worn products, and it can simulate wear in relatively short periods of time. As a result, it is able to give manufacturers and suppliers an indication of the

long-term effects of wear on the slip resistance of their floors. This is undertaken in conjunction with the pendulum test EN 16165:2021 Annex C, with a test preformed on a specific area of the flooring after various numbers of footfalls: normally every 250,000.

Use of the STM 528 Pedatron is valuable, whether to assess an existing product or a product under development before being released onto the market. Email: floorcoverings@satra.com

Ensuring that floorcoverings are fit for purpose is important to suppliers and specifiers alike

The tests are designed to simulate real-life usage – and quickly

ABINGDON FLOORING

HALL A – STAND A25

This year marks Abingdon Flooring’s 20th anniversary of making carpets in Britain and it is celebrating in style at The Flooring Show. Join the colourful celebrations and explore the creative carpet collections, including the wool-rich carpets of Wilton Royal, Love Story polyester fibre styles and the next-generation polypropylene yarns of Stainfree.

Tel: 01274 655 694

Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

ACG

HALL C – STAND C11

ACG is a national buying group whose sole focus is to ensure that members enjoy the industry’s best buying prices, subsidised award-winning Smart Choice displays and over 23 rebate initiatives that, unlike with other groups, are paid directly to members. ACG is confident that you will receive the best financial returns for your subscription investment.

Tel: 01942 825 520

Visit: www.acgcarpets.com

BALL & YOUNG

HALL M – STAND M27

Home of the brand leader Cloud 9 underlays. Proudly made in the UK from recycled PU trim and manufactured to BS EN 14499 standards. Ball & Young has been championing sustainability for more than 25 years and its many green initiatives have helped its parent company, The Vita Group, achieve a Gold rating from EcoVadis, in recognition of its advanced sustainability credentials.

Tel: 01536 200 502

Visit: www.underlay.com

BALTA

HALL C – STAND C30

The Balta team is back at The Flooring Show with new products, consistent quality and faster service, thanks to its new status as an independent brand of Victoria plc. It is back better and stronger than ever before.

Tel. 0330 3411 410

Visit: www.balta-carpets.com

Barrisdale Bay Moon Shimmer

Runswick

Made from PET recycled plastic bottles

BETAP READING ROOM – MAJESTIC HOTEL

Betap will once again make the Reading Room at the Majestic Hotel its home during The Flooring Show. It will be showcasing new 1/10th gauge ranges such as Winchester, a new fusion-back and new developments. Visitors will also see the unveiling of BACK-AGAIN which features two new backings made from recycled materials. The wool collection will highlight new bouclé and herringbone designs and sit alongside recent successful launches.

Tel: 00 31 38 386 1060

Visit: www.betap.com

CARPET RECYCLING UK

HALL A – STAND A45

Carpet Recycling UK is the only membership association dedicated to helping the UK carpet and textile flooring sector become more sustainable. Its mission is to promote the diversion from landfill of textile flooring in the UK to resources for sustainable use. It does this by working with businesses in the supply chain, government and academia to foster collaborations and networks to achieve viable market-based solutions, encouraging design for recyclability.

Tel: 0161 440 8325

www.carpetrecyclinguk.com

CARPENTER HALL M – STAND M38

Carpenter is a world-leading producer of flexible polyurethane foam carpet underlay. Its high-quality underlay products make carpet soft, luxurious and resilient, making all the difference in how carpet feels and performs. It has a range designed to perfectly cater for both domestic and commercial carpet underlay requirements.

Tel: 01457 861 141

Visit: www.carpenter.com

CONDOR CARPETS

DRAWING ROOM – MAJESTIC HOTEL

Condor Carpets is one of Europe’s largest carpet producers, supplying wall-to-wall carpet products for residential and contract applications. Condor Group members will bring numerous novelties to Harrogate, including new collections with sustainable products. Meet them in The Majestic.

Tel: 0031 3 8477 8911

www.condorcarpets.nl

FURLONG FLOORING HALL A – STANDS A22/A36

Furlong Flooring continues to grow, develop and supply innovative flooring solutions for every room. The Flooring Show gives it the perfect platform to showcase its latest developments across its carpet and hard flooring product ranges. See for yourself on stands A22 and A36.

Tel: 01322 628 700

Visit: www.furlongflooring.com

HUGH MACKAY CARPETS HALL A – STAND A33

Hugh Mackay Carpets has been designing and manufacturing high quality wool and synthetic carpet for more than 100 years. Its history in this sector is extensive and has laid the foundation on which it continues to grow. It is consistently updating its ranges to accommodate new trends, designs and colourways within the interior design market

Tel: 01429 892 555

Visit: www.hughmackay.co.uk

The Flooring Show

CORMAR CARPET COMPANY

HALL A – STAND A28

Cormar Carpet Company is delighted to return to Harrogate and unveil its sixth range launch of the year. The awardwinning product portfolio will be on display and includes the newest additions to its popular wool loop collection, Fairisle and Malabar Two Fold. Cormar will also be providing live demonstrations of its trade portal and showcasing its new features.

Tel: 01204 881 234

Visit: www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

F BALL

HALL B – STAND B1

F Ball & Co will use this year’s show to debut Stopgap 1600, a fast-drying, fibre-reinforced smoothing compound that is formulated especially for use over underfloor heating systems, as well as unveiling a new packaging design for its range of floor smoothing compounds, and celebrating 50 years of its industry-leading Recommended Adhesives Guide. Visitors are invited to a drinks reception on Monday afternoon to celebrate the anniversary.

Tel: 01538 361 633

Visit: www.f-ball.co.uk

EGGER

HALL B – STAND B47

Visit stand B47 at The Flooring Show to view Egger’s new update decors and connect with its dedicated and knowledgeable flooring team. The flooring collection showcases exceptional design, durability and water resistance. From realistic wood, stone, and marble reproductions to environmentally friendly choices, Egger flooring is the perfect choice for residential and commercial spaces.

Tel: 01434 602 191

Visit: www.egger.com

FELLS CARPETS

HALL A – STAND A8

Bringing high fashion, in fusion with the very latest colour and tones, Fells Carpets gives you the most up-to-date collections from around the globe. Its non-woven products include luxurious deep-pile Saxonys along with hard-wearing twist piles also made to the same high standards. It offers colours, tones and textures to reflect the latest trends in the home furnishing market. Its philosophy is one of supporting local retailers and therefore local communities.

Tel: 0113 307 1900

Visit: www.fellscarpets.co.uk

Create your dream home with Chester Square flooring designed to perfectly suit your interior. 12 luxurious and eye-catching designs, available in classical and parquet styles.

The Flooring Show

INTERFLOOR

HALL B – STAND

B22

Interfloor is back with some new and exciting products for this year’s The Flooring Show. It can’t wait to show you its new renu and Gripperrods Premier metals products alongside its bestselling Tredaire Premier range and Sonixx acoustic collection. Visit the stand and experience its luxury underlay for yourself: give your feet a rest!

Tel: 01706 238 810

Visit: www.interfloor.com

HALL M – STAND M24

Felicity is a new addition to the Touch Down Premium collection, ticking all the boxes: performance and durability; stain resistance; 12 on-trend shades with a luxurious lustre. Scala Combinations sees Lano go on the more trendy tour by proposing a combination of different graphics, heathers and plains in matching colours.

Customers can combine all the qualities of Scala Combinations, a unique concept for a contemporary result.

Tel: 00 32 5665 4000

Visit: www.lano.com

LEOLINE

HALL

C – STAND C29

LeoLine is on a mission to engage with a new wave of flooring buyers through cushion vinyl that bring the choice, colour and vibrancy for any space. See just how much LeoLine has been transformed and catch an exclusive look at a new display concept.

Visit: www.leoline.com

LIKEWISE FLOORS

HALL M – STAND M28

Likewise is delighted to be back at The Flooring Show and looks forward to welcoming you to showcase its fantastic new ranges. The new LVT collection, Chester Square, is a premium range of 12 distinctive neutral designs, emulating the natural texture and colours of real wood, and is available in both plank and parquet options to provide style and practicality for both home and commercial interiors.

Email: enquiries@likewisefloors.co.uk

LANO

Premium carpet underlay, with a difference you can feel

Introducing

Calendar Trail the first wool loop made with Wool Britannia®, an exclusive 100% British yarn. This wool is sourced from all four countries within the British Isles. Available in 12 colours Inspired by the calendar year, seasonal changes and our ever-changing landscapes.

The Flooring

MASTERPIECE SYSTEM

HALL C – STAND C76

MasterPiece Cloud runs on Android, iPad and Windows, to suit both on-site estimator and in-store operations. It is easy to pick up and run with. Beyond measuring, planning and quoting, options include LVT estimating (Amtico, Karndean); scheduling diary; ballpark estimating and customer own measures in-store. For commercial/new build, Windows

MasterPiece includes import of PDF floorplans.

Tel: 07789 262 175

www.masterpiece-system.com

MODULEO HALL C – STAND C29

Designed and made in Belgium, the new Moduleo Roots collection embraces the newest interior trends and uses the latest technology for a luxury vinyl floor that’s appealing, aspirational and in tune with nature. Also discover the brand-new Roots Herringbone and award-winning LayRed engineered vinyl flooring.

Visit: www.moduleo.co.uk

METRO GROUP HALL M – STAND M53

In the 40 years since Metro conceived the concept of pooling buying power to compete against the national chains, it has been expanded dramatically to also assist its members to sell the best performing products in the marketplace at a profit. What has been developed is a group of independent retailers, from the smallest one-man operation to multiple-outlet businesses. Retaining independence is important to Metro members.

Tel: 01204 393 539

Visit: www.carpet1st.co.uk

PARADOR HALL A – STAND A38

Parador is a leading international interior brand, born from passion and a desire to create outstanding spaces in a sustainable way. Working directly with the design industry and retailers, it provides quality flooring for its clients, who are looking for a modern and luxurious aesthetic. Its mission is to create beautiful rooms by offering exquisite flooring and decor to its customers.

Visit: www.parador.de

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QUICK-STEP HALL C – STAND C29

Quick-Step will present new Alpha Vinyl. With surface that’s just like real wood, Unizip to speed up herringbone installation, and an edge-to-edge built-in underlay, new Alpha Vinyl is packed with advances. Also discover Quick-Step’s laminate and wood floors, including new Capture laminate that comes closer to wood than ever.

Tel: 028 3025 0477

Visit: www.quick-step.co.uk

VICTORIA CARPETS AND DESIGN FLOORS HALL A – STAND A20

Having won the Interiors Monthly award for UK Flooring

Manufacturer of the Year for the second time in a row, Victoria Carpets and Design Floors will be proudly showcasing what it has been working on throughout the year. On the stand you will see both new and refreshed ranges that elevate its already outstanding product offer. Make sure you pop over to stand A20 to see what’s been happening.

Tel: 01562 749 300

Visit: www.myvictoria.co.uk

STROOLMOUNT

HALL B – STAND B44

Stroolmount has flooring protection needs covered for retailers, manufactures, architects and interior designers, from Self-adhesive Felt tips, the award-winning interchangeable Quickclick Glides, to Furniglides for moving the heaviest furniture without scaring your flooring and Move-it Pads – fitters’ best kept secret – while the Protect and Care Rug & Mat Stayfast underlay has dual layers for both carpets and smooth floors in one underlay.

Visit: www.stroolmount.co.uk

WESTEX

HALL C – STAND C41

Westex was originally founded by a master dyer who wanted to offer a wider range of colour and quality within carpet manufacture. It still draws on and develops that legacy today, weaving luxury and durability into its carpets by utilising the best blend of wools, spinning techniques, dyeing and tufting processes. Every style and every colour is designed in-house.

Tel: 01274 861 334

Visit: www.westexflooring.com

Image courtesy of Kronospan

Hall A

Hall B

Hall C

Hall M

King's Suite

Hotels

Betap

Classis

Condor

Cream of the crop

Almost 30 companies will take part

Some 27 companies across seven town centre locations will make up the participants of this year’s Autumn Long Point.

Since 1952, Artistic Upholstery has been at the forefront of high-quality manufacturing using traditional skills and craftsmanship. Building on its heritage, it has constantly adapted to an ever-changing market, offering a wide choice of design, size and comfort. Its

EXHIBITORS

Wilsthorpe Road: Gascoigne Designs

West End Mills: Couch & Co;

Kesterport: Tamarisk; Violino; Warwick Fabrics

Bonsall Street: Steed Upholstery

Westgate: Ashwood Designs; Contrast Upholstery; Libra Designs

Bridge Street: Artistic Upholstery,

Iain James Furniture

Harrington Mills: Alexander & James; Ashley Manor; Carlton Furniture; David Gundry; Duresta; Ercol; G Plan; Parker Knoll; Siren Furniture; Wiemann

Village Hotel: Alpha Designs; Baker Furniture; Bluebone; Spink & Edgar; Tetrad

in-house studio makes outstanding quality braid, bullion and fringes woven on hand looms, and tie backs assembled by hand to enhance certain designs.

Baker Furniture is launching a fusion of modern eclectic living with a keen reference to 20th-century design, using a mixture of beautiful materials and highly skilled craftsmen.

Contrast Upholstery will launch three inspirational collections alongside its

existing loose cover and heritage models. The new ranges will challenge the marketplace with creative and commercial designs including innovative fabrics.

Couch & Co officially launched in January with its static upholstery collection, and followed this at the Spring Long Point with its Scandinavian Collection offering multi-function recliner sofas and chairs.

Baker Furniture

Artistic Upholstery

Iain James Furniture

English-made cabinet from Iain James Furniture is a genuinely niche commodity in a marketplace where so many ranges are imported. Visitors to the Bridge Street showroom will see a full range of classic furniture in many different finishes, including a new collection of open bookcases. Most of its production is available in bespoke sizes.

Parker Knoll will showcase its upholstery collection, with new designs in its bestselling ranges alongside fabric updates.

Founded 32 years ago, Tamarisk Designs emerged to meet a market demand for lavish, stylish and cosy sofas, chairs and footstools.

Visit: www.longeatonguild.co.uk

Couch & Co

Parker Knoll

Tamarisk Designs

Opportunity to join the Brand Leader

Cloud 9 Underlay Manufacturer

We’re Hiring...

Territory Manager

East of Scotland/Borders

Cormar Carpets is the UK’s leading manufacturer of tufted carpets, supplying contemporary, quality carpets to the retail, contract and wholesale trade throughout the UK.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed individual with the ability to realise the full potential of the territory. Knowledge of the carpet trade is not essential, however previous sales experience is required as applicants must be able to demonstrate a proven successful sales record.

The ideal candidate would live within the territory described, although the defined territory will be subject to the successful candidates recruitment.

Previous applicants may apply.

Please send your CV and covering letter summarising your relevant skills and experience for the attention of:

Carla Grant, HR Manager Cormar Carpets, Brookhouse Mill, Greenmount, Bury, BL8 4HR Or email carla.grant@cormarcarpets.co.uk

AREA SALES MANAGER

Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Dorset, Hampshire, Hereford

This position would suit a well-structured and professional sales individual with experience selling to senior buyers. Knowledge of the carpet trade is required.

Do you have a proven track record of sales growth? You need to be organised, ambitious with good communication skills.

An excellent benefits package will be offered to the successful candidate.

Please send C.V to bysales@ballandyoung.com

For the Attention of Graham Batters Closing Date: 31st October 2023

Our finest underlays, made with comfort in mind and quality you can trust.

Tredaire Premier includes a highspec backing with an eye-catching design. Not forgetting the layer of 100% recycled foam to add a wonderful, sumptuous feel like no other.