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“Upholstery requires skilled hands, and recruiting, training and retaining suitable craftspeople is no mean feat

The World Cup is squarely in the rearview mirror, but there’s no need to leave the sofa. Furniture News’ spotlight is on upholstery this month, as one of the biggest players changes hands and others make key hires, establish new footholds, and emerge victorious as our readers’ favourites.

Ashwood Designs’ owner DMIG created a UK manufacturing giant last month with the acquisition of Buoyant Upholstery (p7), Whitemeadow recruited Nichola Bell (who better?) to lead its newly acquired Westbridge and Alexander & James brands, Lebus secured new funding, and Alpha Designs Upholstery won crucial CVA approval.

In partnership with Man Wah Holdings/Cheers, Meta Sofa opened its 224,000ft2 showroom, warehouse and distribution facility in Leamington Spa (p18), sofa stars aplenty came together at the Manchester Furniture Show (p26) to flaunt their latest models, and the likes of Swyft, Lebus, Whitemeadow, Tetrad, At The Helm, Celebrity, Ashwood, La-Z-Boy, Kyoto and Buoyant were voted this year’s champions in our Readers’ Choice Awards (from p34).

The sector is a hard-fought arena, but most involved would agree that, with the right product, marketing and fulfilment, there are serious gains to be made.

However, as the manufacturer/supplier landscape evolves and the battle for retail market share heats up, an inescapable truth remains – that upholstery requires skilled hands, and recruiting, training and retaining suitable craftspeople is no mean feat.

Maybe it’s time for more joined-up (sewn-up?) thinking. While the Buoyant behemoths of this world each boast a good number of employees (more than 550 in that case), the trade is also growing at a grassroots level, with many a fabric-fingered amateur or independent specialist picking up the thread.

In recent months, we’ve looked at what gives Britain’s upholstery brands cause for optimism, shared Samarah Dawson’s (WEBS Training) exploration of Long Eaton’s micro businesses and sole traders, and flagged the return of the Festival of Upholstery.

Now we turn to upholsterer, teacher, author and podcast host Vicky Grubb (p8) for her take on the disconnect between big business, smaller enterprises and solo artisans, and how bringing the craft into greater focus could benefit everyone.

“I think manufacturers can learn from small-scale upholsterers, and vice versa,” she says. “While the scale of our businesses may be very different, many of the challenges we face are surprisingly similar. Whether you’re employing two people or 200, rising costs, attracting and retaining skilled staff, training the next generation and adapting to changing customer expectations are all ongoing concerns.”

Vicky’s Sit on This! podcast, which she co-hosts with Ray Clarke, takes a wide-ranging look at the realities of running a small upholstery business – and serves as a reminder for makers big and small that this “deeply human craft” is fundamentally about “creating furniture that people love and that stands the test of time”.

With mounting appreciation for traditional craftsmanship, and a growing community, is there a world in which today’s hobbyist becomes tomorrow’s designer/upholsterer/cutter/framemaker?

Elsewhere in this month’s issue you’ll find an interview with Loom Loft’s Katie Neary (p14), advice on handling losses, planning for Christmas, holding the line and AI search strategy (from p112), and our new feedback panel share their biggest supplier turn-offs (p122) – plus, of course, our bumper Readers’ Choice Awards feature, celebrating your favourite businesses and individuals from across the industry (p34). A huge well done to this year’s winners, and our thanks to everyone who voted.

I hope you’re sitting comfortably …

Paul Farley

AUTUMN

LONG POINT

2026

Discover the latest furniture, upholstery and cabinet collections from Britain's leading manufacturers.

SEPTEMBER 2026

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RH London, The Gallery opens in Mayfair

lifestyle brand RH has opened RH London, The Gallery in Mayfair. Located between the fashion houses of New Bond Street and the tailors of Savile Row, and spanning five levels connected by a glass lift, the retailer describes the showroom as being “at the epicentre of luxury and design”.

The opening on 25th June was attended by

celebrities including Margot Robbie, Theo James, Henry Cavill, Guy Ritchie, Janet Jackson, Hayley Atwell, Poppy Delevingne and Tom Dixon CBE. Originally designed by architect Giacomo Leoni, the venue reflects three centuries of London’s architectural and cultural heritage, combining three properties to create the “most inspiring and immersive retail and hospitality concepts” in the brand’s history.

It marks the UK debut of RH Estates (the brand already operates from its Aynho Park showroom) and also serves as a base for RH Interior Design, one of the world’s largest residential design firms. Featuring artistic installations of furniture, antiques, artifacts and art in a gallery setting, each level boasts exhibits created by global artists, and curated pieces “not only chosen to furnish your home, but also define it”.

Long Eaton Guild looks ahead with new chairman

The Long Eaton Guild of Furniture Manufacturers has appointed David Gascoigne, MD of Gascoigne Designs, as its new chairman. He succeeds Andrew Mitchell, MD of Artistic Upholstery, who is stepping down after many years of leadership.

Iain Mitchell, MD of Iain James Furniture, will continue in his role as treasurer, providing continuity and support as the guild enters “an ambitious new chapter”.

Having been a member of the guild for 25 years, David brings extensive manufacturing experience, a deep commitment to British furnituremaking and a clear vision for the organisation’s future, at a time when the guild is expanding its ambitions beyond Long Point, with a renewed focus on promoting British manufacturing, supporting its members, and raising the profile of Long Eaton’s furniture industry across the UK and overseas.

He also hopes to explore the creation of an official Long Eaton Guild Quality Mark, and to encourage the transfer of traditional skills to the next generation.

“Long Eaton has something incredibly special,”

he says. “We have generations of knowledge, exceptional craftsmanship and businesses that continue to manufacture world-class furniture here in Britain. My ambition is for the guild to become recognised not simply as the organiser of Long Point, but as the collective voice of British quality upholstery – championing our manufacturers, protecting our heritage and promoting Long Eaton as the home of British craftsmanship throughout the UK and overseas.”

David also pays tribute to the outgoing chairman: “Andrew has made an enormous contribution to the guild over many years. His leadership, commitment and passion have helped strengthen both the guild and Long Point, and I know everyone associated with the organisation is extremely grateful for everything he has achieved. I look forward to building on the strong foundations he has helped create.”

Andrew comments: “It has been a privilege to serve as chairman and to work alongside so many passionate people who care deeply about the future of furniture manufacturing in Long Eaton.”

Lenleys celebrates 90 years of business

Retailer Lenleys Home marked its 90th anniversary on 29th June, welcoming visitors to its Canterbury showroom for an evening to commemorate nine decades of family ownership since the business was founded in 1936 by Leonard Watts and Stanley Adsett. Visitors enjoyed an evening dedicated to “design, craftsmanship and community”, with live music, refreshments, a makers market featuring local businesses, interactive demonstrations from Vispring, Duresta and JAB, and exclusive offers.

Owner and third-generation family member Lavinia Watts says: “It was incredibly special to see so many people join us to celebrate this milestone.

We were overwhelmed by the support shown by our customers, friends of the business, suppliers, local makers and the wider community. Reaching 90 years in business is something we’re immensely proud of, and the event was a wonderful reminder of the relationships and loyalty that have helped Lenleys reach this point..”

Now led by Leonard Watts’ grandchildren Lavinia Watts and Oliver Greenfield, with stores in Canterbury and Maidstone, the retailer says it remains focused on “helping customers create beautiful homes through quality furniture, expert advice and exceptional service”.

Leekes will close its store in Bilston, West Midlands on 2nd August, but says the business remains “as strong as ever”.

Flair Furniture Group, which owns online brands Bedkingdom and Cuckooland, has reported £34.3m revenue for the 25/26 FY, up 22% YoY. The business achieved a 461% increase in operating profit, reaching £1.2m.

Bensons for Beds has appointed Emma Forbes (ex- Boots, Aldi) as director of owned brands.

SWFMARF says its annual South West trade show will not take place this year, but will return in 2027.

Lebus Upholstery has secured an undisclosed flexible asset-based lending facility from Independent Growth Finance (IGF) to accelerate its growth.

The National Bed Federation (NBF) says broadcaster Clare Balding will host its awards ceremony at the Bed Show in Telford on 22nd September.

himolla Polstermöbel has filed for a “protective shield proceeding” – a restructuring process under court supervision – that it hopes will enable it to reposition its German business.

DFS has enlisted climate and nature analytics firm Risilience to help it strengthen its approach to climate risk, business resilience and disclosure readiness.

The Furniture Makers’ Company’s second annual Tug of War Tournament & Family Fun Day, held in June at Long Eaton Rugby Club, raised £2,400 for the industry charity.

US

Magnet Group has proposed a CVA to “address historic property costs, strengthen the business and support its return to sustainable profitability”. It will close 15 stores.

Swyft opened its second store, in Battersea, on 16th July.

Ashwood Designs Group acquires Buoyant Upholstery

DFS Furniture has issued a trading update for the year ended 28th June 2026, in which it notes a strong performance despite softer market conditions. It says full year PBTu(A) in FY26 is expected to be around £45m, within its previously upgraded guidance of £43-50m and up some £15m YoY despite weaker market demand in H2.

Alpha Designs Upholstery’s proposal for a CVA has been approved. Director Charlotte Floate says it will enable the manufacturer to complete financial reconstruction and secure its future trading.

ercol Furniture has taken ownership of its flagship Chelsea store, bringing the King’s Road showroom fully in-house.

Whitemeadow has announced the appointment of Nichola Bell, who will lead sales for its Westbridge and Alexander & James brands.

Bensons for Beds has appointed Nick Thomas (ex-Blinds2go) as chief customer officer, and opened a new 8,173ft2 store in Burnley.

Fira-International has welcomed Jim Taylour as its new head of ergonomics.

Furniture Village was named Retail Family Business of the Year at the 2026 Family Business of the Year Awards.

Buoyant Upholstery has been acquired by Ashwood Designs Group, in a deal it says creates “the UK’s largest sofa manufacturing group”.

The acquisition sees Ashwood Designs Group,

led by CEO John Rennie and owned by Dunham Massey Investment Group (DMIG) since 2023, take ownership of Buoyant from NVM Private Equity, which has backed the company for a number of years. Buoyant says the transaction marks the natural conclusion of NVM’s investment as its fund approached the end of its life.

Buoyant’s MD Mike Aramayo (pictured) says: “Ashwood Designs Group understands this sector, and that gives me real confidence in what lies ahead

for Buoyant. Every director remains in their role. The same team that has led Buoyant will continue to lead Buoyant. It is business as usual, with amazing new backing.” Mike also paid tribute to outgoing chairman Joel Rosenblatt.

Buoyant, which boasts a workforce of over 550, says it expects the acquisition to “provide a platform for further growth while preserving the values and craftsmanship the company has built its reputation on”.

DMIG operates across several sectors and currently manages some £140m of assets in the UK alone. John Rennie comments: “This acquisition represents an exciting opportunity to bring together two exceptional British manufacturers who share the same values of craftsmanship, quality, innovation, and customer focus. By combining our expertise, resources, and talented teams, we are well positioned to strengthen our offering and continue investing in British manufacturing.”

BFC responds to furniture flammability proposals

The British Furniture Confederation (BFC) has submitted a sector-wide response to the Government’s consultation on proposed reforms to upholstered furniture fire safety regulations, saying it welcomes the ambition to reduce the use of harmful flame-retardant chemicals where it can be achieved safely, while warning that aspects of the current proposals could weaken consumer protection. While supporting the principle of reducing unnecessary chemical use, the BFC does not support replacing the current testing regime with a smoulder-only standard, noting that open-flame ignition sources remain commonplace in UK homes.

The BFC also raises concerns over the consultation’s limited detail on enforcement, postmarket surveillance, and how an equivalent level of consumer protection would be maintained under the proposed regime.

On proposals to introduce composite, representative or component testing, the BFC adopts a neutral position. While recognising the potential for greater flexibility, reduced costs, and innovation, it believes insufficient detail has been provided to determine whether these approaches would deliver

consistent, reliable and enforceable compliance.

The BFC argues that clearer guidance is needed on testing methodologies, responsibilities throughout the supply chain, and how enforcement authorities would recognise approved testing routes.

The BFC neither supports nor opposes proposals to regulate ‘re-upholstery, repair and secondhand furniture’ under the General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR). While strongly supporting circularity and the responsible reuse of furniture, it warns that the absence of clear legal definitions for terms such as repair, refurbishment and remanufacture could lead to uncertainty and inconsistent enforcement. It adds that any due diligence requirements must be proportionate, particularly for charities, small businesses, and retailers of secondhand goods that may have limited access to the original product information.

The BFC has invited the Government to continue working closely with the industry to develop a regulatory framework that reduces reliance on flame-retardant chemicals while maintaining high levels of protection against both smouldering and open-flame ignition risks.

Dunelm reports “solid performance”

Dunelm Group has published a trading update for Q4 and FY26 as a whole, noting continued sales growth and cost delivery, with full year profit in line with expectations, in all delivering “a solid performance, both in the quarter and across the year”, says CEO Clo Moriarty.

The group says the total sales for Q4 (ended 27th June) were up 2.9% YoY to £428m. Dunelm’s Summer Living category traded particularly strongly,

both at full price and on promotion, with good sellthrough across the range.

“Growth in the quarter was achieved despite trading being impacted by two separate weeks of exceptionally warm weather, during which we saw lower levels of store footfall,” the retailer adds.

Across the year, total sales of £1,825m grew by 3.1% YoY, with digital participation up to 42% (an increase of 2ppts on FY25).

Sitting comfortably?

Upholsterer, author, teacher, researcher, consultant, podcaster … you name it, Vicky Grubb has turned her hand to it, and the craft is all the richer for her efforts. This month, Furniture News asks Vicky about her podcast, why people upholster, and how they can learn from one another, no matter the size of their business …

Vicky’s journey into upholstery began in 2005 when “something just clicked” in a simple evening class. She went on to open her own studio, teach hundreds of students, launch multiple creative ventures, and write The Beginner’s Guide to Upholstery and the Teach Me Upholstery series.

Today, she runs The Upholstery Cabin, a training facility and base for “commissions, collaborations, and creative exploration”, and co-hosts the Sit on This! podcast with upholsterer Ray Clarke.

Vicky’s passion for “transforming furniture and helping others discover the joy of making with their hands” is contagious, and a career of making upholstery more accessible and fulfilling has won her a sizeable following.

“Whether I’m behind the mic, teaching a room full of beginners, or deep in the process of restoring a chair, everything I do is about keeping this beautiful, skilled craft alive and building a vibrant, supportive community around it,” she says …

What’s been keeping you busy this summer?

Summer is always a busy time at my workshop, The Upholstery Cabin, in Ringwood, Hampshire. Nestled on the edge of the New Forest and just a stone’s throw from the coast, no two weeks are ever quite the same.

Alongside taking on upholstery commissions, I spend much of my time teaching the craft that I love. I like to bring a bit of structure to the week, with Mondays reserved for the less glamorous side of running a business – admin, planning and paperwork – before Monday evenings and Tuesdays through to Thursdays are dedicated to teaching students of all abilities in the workshop.

Beyond my own business, I also serve as a director of the Association of Master Upholsterers and Soft Furnishers (AMUSF), a role that allows me to contribute to the wider industry through training, professional development and championing the future of the craft. It’s a responsibility I care deeply about and one that keeps me closely connected to upholsterers across the UK.

Outside of the studio, I travel around the country visiting fellow upholsterers, workshops and industry leaders to record conversations for our podcast, Sit on This!, where we talk about everything from traditional techniques and modern methods to fabrics, furniture and the future of the trade.

This summer, however, there has been an added focus. In September, The Upholstery Cabin will welcome its first intake of students onto our AMUSFaccredited diploma courses. Much of the season has therefore been spent preparing the studio for this exciting new chapter – rethinking the space, refining systems and making sure everything is in place to give our new students the very best start to their upholstery journey.

Why did you launch the podcast?

Back in 2023, Ray Clarke and I had the idea of creating a space where the upholstery industry could talk openly about the realities of running a small business. We had

both spent a similar amount of time in the trade and found ourselves asking many of the same questions, facing similar challenges and looking for reassurance that we weren’t the only ones navigating them.

Ray had a sign hanging in his workshop that read ‘Sit on This!’, and we thought it made the perfect cheeky name for an upholstery podcast.

After recording our introductory episode no fewer than five times, we finally felt brave enough to put it out into the world. Since then, our aim has simply been to explore as many topics as possible that affect upholsterers across the UK. From practical techniques and business advice to mental health, training and industry debates, we want the podcast to spark conversations, share experiences and remind people in our trade that they’re not doing it alone.

What sort of topics do you discuss?

The topics we cover are incredibly varied and often stem from our own experiences in the workshop. Ray and I regularly compare notes on how we each approach upholstery and chat about the differences we’ve noticed when speaking to upholsterers from different parts of the UK.

One of the things we try to reinforce is that there is rarely only one ‘right’ way to tackle a chair – the craft is full of problem-solving, and we can all learn from each other’s methods and experiences.

We also aren’t afraid to tackle some of the bigger

“No matter how experienced you become, you never stop learning

“Manufacturers who embrace repair and refurbishment … will only strengthen their reputation

issues affecting the industry. Recent discussions have included the consultation around fire retardants used in foam and fabrics, and what the implications could be for both upholsterers’ health and the future of the trade.

Personally, I love speaking to upholsterers who have successfully scaled their businesses. I’m fascinated by what prompted them to take that leap, the challenges they faced, and the secrets behind making growth work in such a hands-on industry. Ray, meanwhile, is drawn to the personal stories – what first sparked someone’s interest in upholstery and the journey that led them to the workshop bench.

We’re both naturally curious about innovation too, particularly how emerging technologies might influence our craft in the years ahead. Ultimately, the podcast is about sharing knowledge, encouraging conversation and reminding upholsterers that, whether they’re just starting out or have decades of experience, we’re all still learning.

How do your own experiences at the bench inform your approach?

My own experience has been one of hard work, plenty of struggles and a flurry of successes along the way. Like many upholsterers, I’ve had moments of self-doubt, alongside the satisfaction that comes from creating something beautiful and solving problems that initially felt impossible.

I’m naturally quite optimistic and tend to believe that things have a way of working out. That mindset has helped me take opportunities, push myself out of my comfort zone and keep moving forwards, even when things haven’t gone to plan.

I also build confidence by learning from others.

One of the wonderful things about upholstery is that no matter how experienced you become, you never stop learning. There is always a new technique, a different approach or another upholsterer willing to share a piece of wisdom that makes you rethink how you work.

What does Ray bring to the table?

Ray is incredibly inquisitive and exceptionally knowledgeable. He’s endlessly curious about the craft and has an impressive ability to absorb information and connect ideas. He also tends to arrive with the right tools for the job – often introducing me to gadgets and equipment I didn’t even realise I needed!

What I admire most about Ray, though, is his artistry. He’s what I would describe as an artistupholsterer. He approaches furniture creatively, always looking for imaginative ways to transform a piece, whether that’s through textile design, unexpected details or gently encouraging clients to be a little braver with their fabric choices.

He’s also a true ideas person. Ray is constantly thinking of new possibilities, new projects and new ways of doing things. Between his creative flair and my practical optimism, I think we strike a good balance – and that dynamic is very much reflected in the conversations we have on the podcast.

How is the market looking for small upholstery businesses right now?

I actually think it’s a really exciting time to be an upholsterer. Of course, there are challenges. Like many small businesses, upholsterers are navigating rising costs and customers who are increasingly mindful of how they spend their money. As an industry, I think we still have work to do in helping the public understand the skill, time and expertise that go into restoring and creating furniture by hand. Building that relationship between customer and craft is something I’m particularly passionate about.

That said, working as a director of the AMUSF gives me a unique insight into the energy and enthusiasm within the trade, and it makes me genuinely excited about what lies ahead. There is a real appetite to support upholsterers, improve training pathways and champion the value of the craft.

What also encourages me is the number of people entering the industry as a second career. Many are setting up workshops in garden studios, documenting their journeys on Instagram and introducing upholstery to entirely new audiences. Rather than seeing this as competition, I see it as a positive. The more people talking about upholstery and sharing their passion for it, the greater the awareness and appreciation of what we do.

At the same time, television programmes, social media and live events are bringing upholstery into the public eye in a way we’ve not seen before. People are becoming more interested in sustainability, repairing what they already own and investing in pieces with meaning rather than replacing them.

Despite all the advances in technology and artificial

Ray and Vicky preparing to record in the workshop

intelligence, upholstery remains a deeply human craft. It relies on touch, judgement, creativity and the ability to solve problems with our hands. It’s not something that can simply be outsourced to robots. For that reason, I believe the future for skilled upholsterers is bright.

Can you suggest any remedies to the challenges they’re facing?

I can – and it’s something we often discuss on the podcast. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is that you don’t have to tackle everything on your own. If rising running costs are becoming a concern, could you collaborate with others? Whether that’s sharing workshop space, buying materials collectively or pooling resources, there are often creative solutions to be found.

If you’re struggling with a particular upholstery problem, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to fellow upholsterers, connect with AMUSF members or put the question out on Instagram. One of the joys of this industry is how generous people can be with their knowledge and experience.

Equally, upholstery can sometimes feel quite isolating, particularly if you’re a sole trader working from a garden workshop. My advice would be to get out there. Attend the trade fairs, festivals and supplier events. Join the socials. Introduce yourself to people. These gatherings aren’t just about products and demonstrations – they’re where you find your tribe.

We’re incredibly fortunate to be part of such a welcoming and supportive industry. While the challenges facing small businesses are real, so too is the willingness of upholsterers to lift one another up. There is always someone who has faced a similar hurdle and is willing to share what they’ve learnt.

Perhaps the biggest solution of all is to stop seeing

other upholsterers as competitors and start seeing them as colleagues. The stronger our connections, the stronger our industry becomes.

Do you think larger manufacturers also face many of these challenges?

I think manufacturers can learn from small-scale upholsterers, and vice versa. While the scale of our businesses may be very different, many of the challenges we face are surprisingly similar.

Whether you’re employing two people or 200, rising costs, attracting and retaining skilled staff, training the next generation and adapting to changing customer expectations are all ongoing concerns. Sustainability is another shared focus, with consumers increasingly asking where products come from, how they’re made and whether they can be repaired rather than replaced.

I also think there is a mutual respect to be gained. Small upholsterers have the advantage of agility – we can adapt quickly, offer highly personalised services and build close relationships with our customers. Larger manufacturers, meanwhile, often have robust systems, clear processes and valuable insights into efficiency, innovation and long-term planning.

At the heart of it, though, we’re all trying to achieve the same thing – creating well-made furniture that people value and want to live with for years to come. We all care about craftsmanship, quality and ensuring that the skills needed to produce great furniture continue to thrive for future generations.

How might those bigger manufacturers make use of the skills outside their workforces?

I think there is a real opportunity to bridge the gap between manufacturers and independent upholsterers. Manufacturers are often focused on designing and selling furniture at the beginning of its journey. As small-scale upholsterers, we’re the ones who see those same pieces five, 10 or even 20 years later when they come back to us for repairs, alterations or reupholstery.

We get a unique insight into how furniture performs over time – where it wears well, where it fails, how customers use it in reality and what can make a piece easier or more difficult to repair. That knowledge is incredibly valuable.

I would love to see more dialogue between manufacturers and the independent upholstery community, whether through consultation, product testing or sharing feedback from the workshop bench. Small upholsterers could offer practical insights into longevity, repairability and the customer experience after the PoS.

As consumers become increasingly conscious of sustainability, manufacturers who embrace repair and refurbishment as part of a product’s lifecycle will only strengthen their reputation. Designing furniture that can be maintained, repaired and reupholstered isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for customers too.

Ultimately, we’re all working towards the same goal – creating furniture that people love and that stands the test of time. Independent upholsterers

“There is immense satisfaction in taking a tired piece of furniture and giving it another life

“We want the podcast to spark conversations … and remind people in our trade that they’re not doing it alone

have a perspective that could play an important role in helping manufacturers achieve that.

What reasons are there to be optimistic about the trade’s future?

For me, the biggest reason for optimism is that people are rediscovering the value of craftsmanship. We’re living in a world of fast fashion, flat-pack furniture and instant gratification, yet there is a growing appreciation for objects with a story and for the skilled hands that restore and create them. More customers are asking where things are made, how long they’ll last and whether they can be repaired rather than replaced.

I’m also encouraged by the diversity of people entering the trade. Upholstery is attracting career changers, creatives, retirees looking for a new challenge and, increasingly, younger people who want to work with their hands while building meaningful businesses of their own.

The craft itself is evolving too. We have access to better training, stronger industry networks and new ways to connect through podcasts, social media and events. We can honour traditional techniques while embracing innovation where it enhances what we do.

Most importantly, upholstery offers something that many people are searching for – purpose. There is immense satisfaction in taking a tired piece of furniture and giving it another life. That feeling never gets old.

As long as there are people who value quality, sustainability and creativity, I believe there will always be a place for skilled upholsterers.

What can we expect from future episodes of the podcast?

Ray and I are about to embark on season 3 of Sit on This!, and we’re incredibly excited about what’s ahead. We’ve recently secured sponsorship from our brilliant partners, BEA Group and Martins Upholstery Supplies, which will allow us to continue having the conversations that matter to the industry while broadening the scope of the podcast.

One of our priorities this season is to shine a spotlight on the suppliers who support our trade. Upholsterers rely on an incredible network of

manufacturers, distributors and specialists, and we’re keen to give listeners a greater insight into the people, products and innovations behind the scenes.

As we plan the new series, we’re also exploring the idea of themed episodes, allowing us to take a deeper dive into subjects that really resonate with our audience – whether that’s sustainability, business growth, health and wellbeing in the workshop, training, or emerging technologies.

We’re definitely keen to travel more too. We’d love to visit workshops and suppliers across the UK, and perhaps even venture further afield. Personally, I’d be fascinated to see how upholstery and furnituremaking are approached in other countries and what we can learn from different cultures, techniques and ways of working.

At its heart, though, the aim of the podcast remains the same – to celebrate the people behind the craft, encourage honest conversations and keep our industry connected, curious and inspired.

How can readers give it a listen, or get involved? Sit on This! is available on all the major podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, so it’s easy to tune in whether you’re at the bench with a tack hammer in hand or commuting to work.

We’d also love for people to get involved. Some of our best episodes have come from listener suggestions, questions and recommendations. If there’s a topic you’d like us to explore, an issue affecting your business, or someone in the industry whose story deserves to be told, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re always keen to chat with upholsterers, suppliers, manufacturers and anyone connected to the world of furniture who has insights to share. The podcast has never been about having all the answers – it’s about creating conversations and learning from one another.

You can follow us on Instagram at @sit_on_this_workshops for behind-the-scenes snippets, episode updates and opportunities to contribute to future shows, or email us at info@sit-on-this.com if you’d like to suggest a guest, share an idea or simply join the conversation.

www.sit-on-this.com

GETTING PERSONAL

Katie Neary

Katie is the operations director at five-store independent furniture and interiors retailer Loom Loft Furniture & Interiors. Her role covers everything from operational strategy and people leadership to HR, warehousing, logistics and customer service, but at the heart of it is a focus on making sure the growing business’ teams and processes support “an exceptional customer experience” …

“Back yourself earlier. You don’t need permission to step into bigger responsibilities – you grow into them by working for them

How might a child describe what you do?

Lots of different stuff every day!

What’s the biggest long-term challenge you face?

Balancing growth with operational consistency and keeping Boyd [Hargreaves, founder and CEO] and Rachel’s [Hargreaves, head of buying] original concept at the heart of the company culture. It’s essential that the level of service and attention to detail remain central to what we do as we grow.

If you had 10 x your working budget, what would you spend it on?

A purpose-built warehouse and a new fleet of EV vans to increase efficiency and reduce overall costs. I’d up the training budget too, to include leadership programmes and wellbeing initiatives.

What would be the title of your autobiography?

The Woman Who Showed Up.

What does ‘work/life balance’ mean to you?

Giving 100% whilst at work but setting boundaries for when the workday ends. Working late is needed at times but not as a default, and this is achieved by intentional working, not firefighting, and with a very strong team. If you can’t take a week off without chaos, then the balance is broken.

Who’s been your most influential professional mentor?

Our CEO Boyd has taught me that if you get the culture right, the performance follows.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Back yourself earlier. You don’t need permission to step into bigger responsibilities – you grow into them by working for them.

What’s been your best day in business to date?

The day we launched the Preston store. It was a major project, and seeing it all come together felt like a huge team achievement. We saw all the hard work align into an incredible store and team.

What’s the biggest myth about our industry?

Customers only care about price. We’ve learnt that trust, quality of service, brand confidence and UK manufacturing matter just as much (and often more).

What should everyone in our industry either stop or start doing?

Stop racing to the bottom on price. It erodes margins, brand value and customer confidence. Retailers should focus more on service, expertise and creating genuine value rather than constantly discounting.

Where do you see the industry going in the next 5-10 years?

Hopefully more emphasis on UK manufacturing, with shorter supply chains and lead times driven by customer demand. The customer’s digital and in-store

journeys will become one seamless path as opposed to two separate channels.

What question do you wish we’d asked? How would you have answered?

Q: What do you love about your job?

A: The team I work with. We solve problems together, support each other and each add a valued contribution that brings everything together. I often hear employees say it’s a great place to work.

www.loomloft.co.uk

“Stop racing to the bottom on price

Uncertainty dominates the global outlook

Widespread disruption to global trade continues to cloud the outlook for the industry’s economic growth, reports Giulia Taveggia, partner and senior researcher at Milan-based economic research institute, CSIL …

By Giulia Taveggia

In 2025, global trade policy was marked by heightened uncertainty due to shifting tariff policies, geopolitical tensions, and changing trade relationships among major economies. Businesses faced challenges in planning investments and managing supply chains because of unpredictable policy changes and the risk of new trade barriers.

Tariff shock turned out to be smaller than initially expected. Households and businesses front-loaded consumption and investment in anticipation of higher tariffs, giving a temporary boost to global activity early in the year. Trade flows partially rerouted toward third countries.

This also applies to the international furniture trade, showing almost no growth in 2025, with the effects of tariffs introduced in October becoming evident in 2026.

Future prospects are negatively affected by the war in the Middle East, by the complex geopolitical situation and trade policy uncertainty that remains persistently high.

The main furniture exporting country is China, followed at a distance by Vietnam, Poland, Italy, and Germany. In 2025, China’s furniture exports decreased by 6% in current US$.

While the US remained the country’s most important export market, shipments to the US contracted by a double-digit percentage. On the other hand, exports to Europe, South America, the Middle East and Africa have increased.

The leading furniture importers are the US, Germany, the UK, France, and the Netherlands (a trading hub).

Over the course of 2025, the US average effective tariff rate for furniture increased substantially. As a result, US imports fell by nearly 10%, and the ratio of imports to consumption has therefore decreased by approximately three percentage points. This pattern is not evident globally, suggesting a reconfiguration of trade flows.

The CSIL World Furniture Outlook 2026/2027 report, issued in June 2026, assumes that the international scenario will be as follows: World GDP will grow by 3.1% in 2026 and 3.2% in 2027 (annual percentage change in real terms); growth in advanced economies will be 1.8% in 2026 and 1.7% in 2027; and growth in emerging and developing economies will be 3.9% in 2026 and 4.2% in 2027.

The war in the Middle East and the world geopolitical landscape are a major concern for the world economy in 2026, with global growth projected to slow to 3.1% even if the conflict is limited

in duration. According to the IMF, downsize risks dominate the outlook. A longer conflict, worsening geopolitical fragmentation and continuing trade tensions could further weaken growth.

Renewed pressure on the world economy stems from disruptions to maritime trade and damage to energy infrastructure. Together, these developments have caused a sharp increase in energy and raw material costs, fuelling inflation, weakening sentiment, and slowing household spending and business investment.

Across the world (100 countries), after a challenging 2025, furniture consumption is expected to stagnate in 2026 in real terms, with a marginal recovery in 2027.

CSIL’s World Furniture Outlook 2026/2027 report provides an overview of the global furniture industry, combining industry statistics, trade data and macroeconomic indicators. www.csilmilano.com

“A longer conflict, worsening geopolitical fragmentation and continuing trade tensions could further weaken growth

Complete the look with Gallery’s new Autumn / Winter collection – featuring over 200 fresh new lines across home accessories and textiles.

Key ranges featured: Woodland Embroidered Tree Table Runner, Woodland Embroidered Tree Napkins, Woodland Embroidered Tree Placemats

Meta Sofa goes above and beyond

With the opening of a 224,000ft2 state-of-the-art showroom, warehouse and distribution facility in Leamington Spa, rising star Meta Sofa – in partnership with Man Wah Holdings and Cheers – says it is bringing a complete home furnishing solution to UK retail …

“There are moments in a company’s journey that define its future, and the opening of our new threestorey showroom has undoubtedly become one of them,” begins Meta Sofa, fresh from hosting a successful opening event last month.

“More than simply an expansion of our footprint, it represents the evolution of our business and our ambition to become one of the industry’s most complete furniture suppliers.”

Since opening, the showroom has exceeded every expectation, says Meta Sofa: “The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with visitors recognising not only the breadth of our product offering but also the investment being made in supporting retailers for the future.”

Going beyond upholstery

Indeed, it could be said that the showroom itself reflects the direction of the business. Spanning three floors, it allows customers to explore complete room settings across multiple categories, providing inspiration while demonstrating how Meta Sofa’s collections work together.

“It reflects our continued ambition to offer retailers a complete home furnishing solution

“Among the most exciting developments is the launch of our new dining collection,” the supplier continues. “Responding to growing demand for contemporary living, the range introduces an impressive selection of both fixed and extendable ceramic dining tables.

“Ceramic has become one of the industry’s most sought-after materials, valued for its exceptional durability, scratch resistance, heat resistance and effortless day-to-day practicality. Combining these performance benefits with refined contemporary design has allowed us to develop a collection that is equally suited to modern family homes and designconscious interiors.”

Alongside the tables comes the introduction of an entirely new dining chair collection.

“Carefully developed to complement the ceramic ranges while offering retailers maximum flexibility, the collection features a variety of upholstery options, finishes and contemporary silhouettes,” Meta Sofa explains. “Whether customers are looking for understated elegance or bold statement pieces, the range allows retailers to create complete dining solutions that combine comfort, style and lasting quality.”

The supplier explains that the addition of dining represents more than the launch of another category: “It reflects our continued ambition to offer retailers a complete home furnishing solution, enabling them to increase both choice and value for their customers.

“Continuing that philosophy, this year also marks our entry into the bedroom furniture market, with the introduction of an exciting new bed collection. Designed with the same commitment to quality and detail that has underpinned our upholstery success, the range brings together contemporary styling, premium

Meta Sofa’s new Leamington Spa facility

The new dining collection responds to growing demand for contemporary living

upholstery and carefully selected fabrics to create beds that combine comfort with sophisticated design.

“The launch strengthens our position as a multicategory supplier, while providing retailers with greater opportunities to furnish every room in the home through a single, dependable partner.”

Slide rules

Meta Sofa continues: “Innovation, however, remains central to everything we do, particularly within our motion upholstery collections. One of the stand-out developments for the year is the introduction of our latest Power Slider technology, bringing a new level of comfort and functionality to modern reclining furniture.

“Designed specifically with today’s homes in mind, the Power Slider mechanism enables the sofa to glide, dramatically reducing the clearance required behind the furniture. This intelligent engineering allows customers to enjoy the full comfort experience while making far more efficient use of valuable living space, which is a significant advantage as homes increasingly favour open-plan layouts and compact interiors.

“It is exactly the type of innovation that reflects changing consumer lifestyles, while providing retailers with meaningful points of difference within an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

Ireland incoming

“The momentum created by these product developments, coupled with the exceptional reception of our showroom investment, has naturally led to the next stage of our growth strategy,” the supplier reveals. “Having firmly established ourselves throughout the UK, we are now significantly expanding our presence across Ireland.

“The Irish market represents an exciting opportunity, and one that has grown organically through increasing retailer demand and the strength of relationships already established. Building upon the success achieved throughout the UK, we are committed to delivering the same levels of service, product innovation and customer support to retailers across Ireland.

“This expansion represents far more than geographical growth – it reinforces our long-term commitment to becoming one of the leading furniture suppliers across both markets.”

Delivering differentiators

Supporting that ambition is one of the most significant partnerships in the company’s history – its collaboration with Man Wah Holdings, the global force behind the internationally recognised Cheers brand.

“This partnership introduces an exciting new MTO programme for retailers throughout the UK and Ireland, significantly expanding the level of personalisation available to consumers,” says Meta Sofa. “Retailers will have access to an extensive selection of models, fabrics, leathers, configurations and comfort options, enabling customers to tailor products to their individual tastes and lifestyles without compromising on quality or lead times.

“For retailers, the programme delivers greater flexibility, increased sales opportunities, and the ability to differentiate themselves within an increasingly competitive marketplace. For consumers, it offers the reassurance that their furniture is designed around their individual preferences, combining world-class manufacturing with exceptional comfort and craftsmanship.”

Lasting value

As the business continues to evolve, Meta Sofa says every investment shares the same purpose –supporting retailers with better products, greater choice and stronger partnerships.

“The success of our new showroom, the expansion into dining and bedroom furniture, continued innovation within motion upholstery, strategic growth across Ireland and our collaboration with Man Wah/ Cheers are all part of a wider vision for the future,” the supplier explains.

“It is a future built not simply on growth, but on creating lasting value for our retail partners. By continuing to invest in innovation, broadening our product portfolio, and strengthening relationships with some of the industry’s leading manufacturers, we are creating a business that is well positioned for the next generation of furniture retail.”

To find out more, or to arrange a visit to the new showroom, call 02477 299299 or email info@metasofa.co.uk.

www.metasofa.co.uk

“Designed specifically with today’s homes in mind

In this month …

From encouraging trading news to rapid retail roll-outs, Furniture News puts today’s issues in perspective, looking back at what happened in the industry five and 10 years ago today …

Five years ago (August 2021)

In the news, retail sales were proving strong, but slowing, reported BRC-KPMG, the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions not quite delivering the anticipated in-store boost – yet furniture continued to fare well, both online and in-store. IMRG’s Andy Mulcahy pointed to the return of the established online sales trends, saying “we might be starting to see what the much-feted ‘new normal’ will actually look like from a retail perspective”.

shortened to a four-day show.

In the magazine, we shared the results of our first-ever Readers’ Choice Awards, and looked at how the industry, when faced with punishing trading restrictions, had handled the ethical dilemmas presented by the pandemic. We also interviewed OKA’s Jennie Farmer, looked at manufacturer-brand rolled mattresses, and asked when the shipping situation might become more stable.

“We might be starting to see what the muchfeted ‘new normal’ will actually look like

JYSK’s UK roll-out continued with its 24th store opening, on South Retail Park in Leeds, and the proposal of 10 new openings in its upcoming FY. ScS traded ahead of expectations despite the mandated store closures, and John Lewis Partnership signed an agreement with Tesco to lease a 1,000,000ft2 distribution centre in Milton Keynes. Bensons opened new stores in Orpington, Paisley and Colindale, launched a £3m ad campaign, and said it was seeing “significant pent-up demand” as it reopened its network.

Housing Units opened a “cool and edgy” Modern Living department aimed at the urban living market (a stark contrast with its famed top-hatted doormen), and Arighi Bianchi appointed Sarah Bianchi, who had joined the family business at the age of 23, as MD, signalling ambitions to cement the business as a national brand. Fifth-generation family member Lucy Mather was appointed head of communications.

Emma – The Sleep Company strengthened its international retail business by appointing a new regional team in the UK led by industry veteran Neil Robinson.

On the supply side, Wren opened a £20m quartz manufacturing facility in Scunthorpe, Sleepeezee invested in solar power at its Kent facility, and Gallery Direct repositioned its operations, securing a long-term lease on the new OrionOne warehouse near Chesterfield. To better ensure supply chain resilience, Whitemeadow bought a significant stake in one of its key foam suppliers, Breasley, while Harrison Spinks launched its offer in North America. TCM Living CEO Mark Smith stepped down, to be replaced by CFO Jonathan Fearn.

The BFM says furniture was performing in the top tier of manufacturing sectors, MD Nick Garratt saying: “As we emerge from lockdown, furniture manufacturers are showing a high degree of confidence going forward, with sustained levels of demand, although labour shortages are becoming a concern.”

In show news, INDX Furniture returned for its first live event since January 2020, CIFF Shanghai was postponed by three weeks to enable added safety measures, and Spring Fair announced it would be

Ten years ago (August 2016)

In the news, retail sales grew modestly but the home categories continued to suffer during weeks of very hot weather. “We’re reporting some recovery in the index this month as consumers settle into the new wait-and-see reality of a post-Brexit, pre-exit UK,” said GfK’s Joe Staton.

Dwell opened in Southampton, Oak Furniture Land in Salisbury, and Sofa.com announced new showrooms in Bankside and Glasgow.

BHS’ Oxford Street store officially closed its doors following its administration earlier in the year, while Hammerson confirmed that Victoria Gate, its £165m development in Leeds – including anchor tenant John Lewis – would open in October. DFS and ScS reported sustained momentum, Next adding that trading remained “extremely volatile” and highly dependent on the weather.

Following the retirement of owner Ken Forrest, Glasgow retailer Forrest Furnishing was bought by Sterling Furniture.

Silentnight celebrated its 70th year and record sales, Libra rolled out a dedicated shop-in-shop model, and Relyon entered a partnership with regional retailer AHF. With bedding buoying its UK sales, Steinhoff International Holdings revealed plans to acquire the US’ biggest bedding retailer, Mattress Firm, for $3.8b, creating the world’s largest multi-brand mattress retail distribution network and facilitating Steinhoff’s entry into the US.

Sofa Brands International revealed the launch of omnichannel retail brand The Lounge Co, and The Shire Bed Company expanded its Dewsbury manufacturing facility. Lord Kirkham CVO was appointed the new charity president of The Furniture Makers’ Company, and the National Bed Federation appeared on BBC investigative programme Fake Britain to uncover so-called ‘bargain’ mattresses being sold from the backs of vans.

In the magazine, we interviewed Martin Holland, winner of the BBC’s Great Interior Design Challenge 2015, profiled Bristol’s Swanglen Furnishings, and looked at the implications of Brexit for the UK industry.

23rd - 25th August

IFHS set to be efficient and effective

For more than a decade, the Irish Furniture & Homewares Show (IFHS) has been the meeting place for Ireland’s furniture and homewares industry, bringing together retailers, suppliers, manufacturers and designers to shape the future of the market – and it’s back this month …

Today, that reputation extends beyond Ireland, attracting an increasing number of buyers seeking one of the industry’s most commercially focused buying events.

“There has never been a better opportunity to accomplish more in less time

Returning from 23rd–25th August at the National Indoor Arena, Blanchardstown, Dublin, the IFHS promises “three days dedicated to sourcing new products, discovering emerging trends and building the supplier relationships that drive retail success.

“Whether you’re an independent retailer, buying group member, regional chain or national business, the show provides an efficient way to plan for the season ahead.

“In today’s competitive retail environment, every buying decision matters. Retailers need products

that combine great design with proven commercial performance, dependable supply and long-term value, while finding more efficient ways to source new collections without multiple overseas buying trips. That is exactly where the IFHS delivers.”

Less travel, more buying

Rather than travelling between international exhibitions, buyers can discover hundreds of new product launches, compare leading suppliers side by side and build valuable business relationships, all in one trip to Dublin, says the IFHS: “Bringing together Ireland’s leading furniture and homewares suppliers alongside innovative new exhibitors, the IFHS provides a comprehensive buying opportunity in a professional, business-focused environment.

“Visitors can explore upholstery, dining, bedroom and occasional furniture, lighting, accessories and homewares, while gaining valuable insight into the products and trends shaping the season ahead.”

This year’s exhibition reflects the continued growth of the show, with an exhibitor line-up that combines established industry leaders with first-time participants. Returning favourites including Respa Beds, Scatter Box, Bluebone and Wiemann will again showcase their latest collections, while Shankar, Urban Furniture and Surya Rugs make their IFHS debut.

“In a significant endorsement of the show’s growing international reputation, Surya Rugs has chosen IFHS 2026 as the venue for its first-ever European trade exhibition,” states the organiser.

“The exhibition also responds to changing consumer demand with an expanded outdoor furniture offering. Rattan Republic and Onora Living

join the exhibitor line-up, giving retailers even greater access to outdoor furniture and lifestyle collections. Together, these additions strengthen the IFHS as a destination where buyers can discover trusted suppliers, emerging brands and fresh commercial opportunities across every major product category.”

One show, countless opportunities

But IFHS is about far more than displaying products, its organiser continues: “Every exhibitor is there with one objective – helping retailers build stronger, more successful businesses.

“Visitors aren’t simply browsing beautifully presented collections – they’re identifying future bestsellers, evaluating new supplier partnerships and making buying decisions that will shape their retail offering for the coming season.

“The ability to compare products side by side remains one of the exhibition’s greatest strengths. Buyers can experience quality first-hand, and discuss lead times, merchandising opportunities and product development directly with suppliers, making informed purchasing decisions with confidence.

“While digital communication has transformed the way business is conducted, nothing replaces the opportunity to see products in person, understand craftsmanship and develop the relationships that underpin successful long-term partnerships. For many visitors, those conversations become just as valuable as the products themselves.”

Find the next bestsellers

As consumer expectations continue to evolve, retailers need collections that strike the right balance between design, comfort, quality and commercial performance, IFHS continues: “Across the exhibition, visitors will discover proven bestsellers, exclusive new launches and trend-led collections developed for today’s retail market. With an expanded exhibitor base spanning long-established suppliers and first-time exhibitors, IFHS offers buying opportunities for every style of retailer and customer demographic.

“Whether refreshing an existing showroom, expanding into new product categories or seeking additional supplier partnerships, visitors can source with confidence knowing they’re meeting businesses that understand today’s retail market.

“The exhibition also provides valuable market insight, with suppliers sharing knowledge from across multiple retail sectors to help buyers better understand changing consumer preferences, merchandising opportunities and emerging design trends.”

“Where business gets done”

“What continues to set the Irish Furniture & Homewares Show apart is its strong sense of community. Each August, the event brings together the people, products and partnerships that drive the industry forward, creating an environment where relationships are strengthened, new partnerships begin and ideas are exchanged openly between retailers and suppliers.

“This collaborative atmosphere is one of the reasons so many visitors return year after year. It is where conversations become opportunities, introductions become long-term partnerships and new collections become tomorrow’s bestsellers.”

As preparations continue for IFHS 2026, exhibitors are finalising new product launches, planning inspiring stand displays and preparing to welcome visitors from across Ireland and beyond.

“For buyers, there has never been a better opportunity to accomplish more in less time,” says IFHS. “With leading suppliers gathered under one roof, visitors can compare collections, strengthen supplier relationships and make informed buying decisions – all within three productive days.

“The Irish Furniture & Homewares Show continues to evolve alongside the industry it serves, but its mission remains unchanged – to provide a professional platform where businesses connect, ideas are exchanged and commercial opportunities are created.

“Registration is now live, and with the exhibition fast approaching, now is the time to secure your place. Join the industry from 23rd–25th August 2026 at the National Indoor Arena, Blanchardstown, Dublin, and discover why the IFHS has become one of the furniture industry’s most valuable buying events.”

To register or find out more, visit the show’s website.

www.ifhs-tradeshow.ie

“One of the furniture industry’s most valuable buying events

INDX Furniture reveals strong line-up

INDX Furniture is gearing up for another “unmissable” edition, returning to Cranmore Park from Wednesday 26th (reserved for AIS members) and Thursday 27th August for two days of design innovation, commercial insight and retail inspiration.

Attendees can look forward to a curated selection of industry leaders alongside emerging talent, says show organiser Associated Independent Stores (AIS).

Confirmed exhibitors (correct at time of publishing) include Abode, Actona Group, ALF Italia, Alstons, Ashwood, At The Helm, Bellstone Furniture Distributors, Best Warranty, Bluebone, Buoyant Upholstery, Carlton Furniture, Celebrity Motion Furniture, Cófra, Contempo 1993, Devonshire Living, Furniture Link, Furniture Sales Solutions, Guardsman, Hestia Living, Highgrove Beds, HomeDecoHub, HTL, Hydeline, Image, Incanto Italia, Innovation Living, iONE360, ISM Networks Furniture Services, Kettler, LCK International, Livabliss, LPD Home, Maxfurn, Meta Sofa,MiBed, Mosiga, Novuna Consumer Finance, Ordorite Software, oti, Primavera Furniture, Rohlig Logistics, Sofitalia, Surya, The Branded Furniture Co, Torelli, Value Mark Furniture and Vintage Sofa Company.

Key highlights include an array of newness from a wide range of upholstery, cabinet and bed exhibitors, including a new upholstery model from Ashwood (featuring as part of this year’s trend area) alongside its latest bedframe introductions.

“The ultimate destination to connect, collaborate and thrive

Alstons will use the INDX show as an opportunity to showcase a selection of brand-new fabrics, chosen to meet current market demand, as well as updating one of its most successful models.

HTL plans to debut a comprehensive collection of commercial models, with features including Homestage, Zero Wall Recline and a selection of promotional pieces designed to hit key price points.

“All models deliver the comfort and commercial appeal that has become synonymous with HTL,” says the supplier.

Abode will launch its Lille range as a dining

collection, following the success of Lille bedroom, which launched at INDX earlier this year.

Reflecting current market conditions, the exhibitor mix spans a wide range of price points, from promotional offers through to high-end collections.

“We are also delighted to welcome Contempo to their first INDX show, alongside guest supplier Whitemeadow,” says the show’s organiser.

“INDX Furniture remains a trend-responsive trade show, shaped directly by the AIS buying team and their expertise in supporting its own members and independent retailers.

“The ultimate destination to connect, collaborate and thrive, the show is organised by AIS, the UK and Ireland’s leading buying, services, and event group – ensuring its trademark blend of community and commercially driven focus.

“Be part of it. Grow your business, close deals, and build connections.”

Register to attend via the web address below.

www.indxshows.co.uk/shows/furniture

2026 AUTUMN FAIR

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Industry backs face-to-face business

Event organiser The Furniture Shows says this year’s Manchester Furniture Show (MFS) reaffirmed its position as the UK’s essential midyear furniture and interiors buying event, bringing together retailers, buyers and brands for two days of business, networking and product discovery at Manchester Central …

“The 2026 event welcomed a highly engaged audience

“Throughout the two-day event, the exhibition floor remained busy with commercially focused buyers spending quality time with exhibitors, progressing conversations, placing orders and strengthening relationships with both existing and prospective suppliers,” says the fair organiser.

“Visitor attendance remained in line with the 2025 edition, demonstrating sustained demand despite ongoing economic challenges. The show also welcomed 50% more new brands than the previous year, underlining continued investment from exhibitors despite wider market pressures. This

commitment reflects growing confidence in MFS as the industry’s most important mid-year marketplace and a platform where meaningful business gets done.

“The 2026 event welcomed a highly engaged audience representing every sector of the furniture industry, including independent retailers, multiples, department stores, ecommerce businesses, buying groups, contract buyers, interior designers and manufacturers, highlighting the show’s continued relevance across every buying channel.

“The quality of visitors was equally impressive. VIP attendance continued to grow, with buyers in the £2-5m annual purchasing bracket increasing by 5% YoY, alongside growth across several other significant spending categories. These figures further strengthen MFS’s reputation as the place for retailers to make key buying decisions ahead of the second half of the year.”

Feedback from the floor

The Furniture Shows adds that buyers consistently praised the show’s efficiency, welcoming atmosphere and breadth of product on offer.

One visitor comments: “It was really good to see new product with key suppliers in one place. The show is great for ideas and newness.”

Another says: “Compact, friendly and there’s always some new ideas and suppliers.”

The Furniture Shows continues: “The feedback reflects MFS’s continued strength as an efficient buying event where retailers can maximise their time, discover new products and build valuable supplier relationships.

“That confidence was reflected by exhibitors themselves. Early rebookings from leading brands including Whitemeadow, La-Z-Boy, Furnico, Baker, Buoyant, Lebus, Image Furnishings and Avriio demonstrate exhibitors’ confidence in the quality of buyers and commercial opportunities generated during the show.”

Exhibitors also highlighted the value of the event in helping them launch new collections, strengthen customer relationships and generate new business.

The owner of Scatter Box, Caroline Horgan, says: “It’s great to exhibit at Manchester. This year the hall was full and there was a great buzz about it. We met the people we wanted to meet, as well as some fantastic new customers.”

La-Z-Boy UK’s head of marketing, Adam Morley, adds: “MFS has been a very successful show this year. The show is one of the foundations of our business and is the essential place for retailers to gather, with all the key players in the furniture industry, to launch new products into the market.”

Image Furnishings also highlighted the show’s role in supporting long-term business growth, saying: “We have been exhibiting at MFS for more than 20 years because it’s a pivotal part of our business. We meet the right retailers, including some we have been trying to reach for several years.”

More to explore

This year’s edition showcased a strong mix of established market leaders, returning favourites and new names. Buyers explored collections from brands including Hill Interiors, La-Z-Boy UK, Buoyant Upholstery, Scatter Box, Whitemeadow and Ashwood, alongside more than 100 exhibiting brands spanning upholstery, cabinet furniture, beds, mattresses, accessories and interiors.

A new addition for 2026 was MFS Springboard, giving emerging furniture and interiors brands a

and innovation into

Beyond the exhibition floor, MFS continued to strengthen its sense of community through networking and professional development. One of the most talked-about highlights of this year’s show was the Women in Furniture Network (WIFN), whose Networking Brunch attracted a full audience and exceptional feedback.

Archie Baker, commercial manager at Loxa, comments: “One thing the Women in Furniture panel highlighted for me was how often the advantages of the female perspective are still overlooked. The industry remains male dominated, and men need to recognise that progress is not a threat but an opportunity.

››

“MFS has always occupied a unique place in the industry calendar

dedicated platform to introduce themselves to buyers and retailers, helping inject fresh creativity

the exhibition.

“Businesses that make room for female voices in leadership will simply make better decisions than those that do not.”

Reflecting on the event as a whole, its head of sales, Paddy Wallace, concludes: “MFS has always occupied a unique place in the industry calendar, and this year’s event demonstrated exactly why. The quality of buyers, the calibre of conversations taking place on the stands and the level of early rebookings

all point to a market that continues to value doing business face to face. It was fantastic to welcome so many new brands alongside established names, and to see the industry come together once again in Manchester.”

Manchester Furniture Show will return to Manchester Central for its 30th year on 4–5th July 2027.

www.thefurnitureshows.com

ASHWOOD DESIGNS

www.ashwood-designs.co.uk

“The Manchester Furniture Show once again proved why it remains such an important date in the industry calendar,” says Ashwood Designs. “Despite ongoing economic challenges, there was a genuine sense of optimism, with strong retailer attendance and meaningful conversations throughout the event.

“Our stand-out launch was the Hansson ottoman

bed, which received an excellent response thanks to its contemporary styling, elegant proportions, and practical hidden storage. It was particularly encouraging to see the continued appreciation for quality British craftsmanship and thoughtful design.

“Overall, the show delivered new opportunities, strengthened existing relationships, and provided real confidence for the months ahead.”

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La-Z-Boy UK builds momentum

This year’s Manchester Furniture Show (MFS) marked another important step forward for La-Z-Boy UK, which says it continues to invest in product innovation and long-term growth across the UK upholstery market.

“Over two successful days at Manchester Central, our team welcomed existing customers, independent retailers and new prospective partners to discover what is next for La-Z-Boy UK,” says the supplier.

“More importantly, it gave us the opportunity to strengthen relationships through valuable face-toface conversations. These meetings reinforced our commitment to supporting retailers with products that combine outstanding comfort, durability, commercial appeal and meaningful innovation.”

MFS also provided the ideal stage to introduce the latest additions to La-Z-Boy’s portfolio, the supplier says: “Retailers were among the first to experience our three new collections – Alexander, Harris and Hunter – alongside new upholstery options including the Nico and Gabrio fabric collections and our new Enzo leather range.

“The

response was overwhelmingly positive

“The response was overwhelmingly positive. Visitors enjoyed seeing the balance of contemporary styling and practical innovation throughout the collections. From ambient lighting and integrated Bluetooth speakers to hidden storage, power recline, adjustable headrests and lumbar support, our latest designs demonstrate how La-Z-Boy continues to evolve while staying true to the comfort the brand is known for.

“Alongside reconnecting with valued retail partners, the exhibition generated a strong pipeline of new commercial opportunities. We met with retailers looking to strengthen their upholstery offering and explored how La-Z-Boy UK can help them grow with a trusted brand that continues to invest in product development, marketing support and retailer success.

“Independent retailers remain at the heart of our business. Discussions throughout the show focused on joint business planning, local marketing initiatives and practical ways to increase consumer traffic into stores. These conversations reflect our collaborative approach and our belief that successful partnerships are built on shared ambition and long-term support.

“The exhibition also showcased the breadth of our offering across both the La-Z-Boy and Furnico brands, giving retailers greater flexibility through branded and own-label solutions designed to meet a wide range of customer needs and market sectors.

“While the show has come to an end, the momentum is only just beginning,” La-Z-Boy continues. “Follow-up appointments are already under way, with showroom visits, demonstration van appointments and commercial reviews scheduled across the country. These next steps will help turn promising conversations into lasting partnerships and successful retail opportunities.

“We would like to thank everyone who visited the La-Z-Boy UK stand during MFS. Your enthusiasm, feedback and continued support made the event a tremendous success. We look forward to working together as we bring these exciting new collections into stores and continue building a stronger future for our retail partners across the UK.”

Off with a bang

Big Shots / Wednesday 10th June / Holland & Holland, Middlesex

The 31st edition of The Furniture Makers’ Company’s annual clay pigeon shooting fundraiser raised £30,000 to support people working in the furnishing industry.

Held at the Holland & Holland shooting grounds in Middlesex, the event brought together industry professionals, suppliers and supporters for a day of friendly competition, networking and fundraising.

This year’s top individual honours went to Chris Shaw, Rebecca Mayes and Lee Bruckland. Sharpe’s Shooters emerged victorious in the team competition.

The Furniture Makers’ Company extends its sincere thanks to all sponsors, supporters and volunteers, including At The Helm, Biglight, Blum UK, Brave Bison, Castelan Group, Colourfast, Davy’s, Emmiera Group, (principal sponsor) Furniture Village, Graham Marley, Holland & Holland, HTL, Hypnos, Luke Macdonald of Sworders, McLaren, Porsche Centre Swindon, RAF 25(F) Squadron, Richland Furniture and Tempur UK.

www.furnituremakers.org.uk

Premier league

The votes for Furniture News’ sixth annual Readers’ Choice Awards have been counted, and we’ve another definitive roster of the suppliers – and representatives – that are proving a hit with our readers. Here’s this year’s cream of the crop …

When the going gets tough, businesses soon find out who has their back. Whether it’s a product category, a service or salesperson, our Readers’ Choice Awards were created to help recognise the companies and individuals going above and beyond for our readers, and this year’s roll-call features many of the industry’s best.

“Once again, you’ve voted, and I have the privilege of revealing your winners,” says Furniture News’ editor-in-chief, Paul Farley. “Well done to all of them for proving that the best businesses don’t just weather hard times, they do everything within their power to make things better – for the bottom line, yes, but also for their people, customers, and their customers’ customers. The furniture these businesses make, supply, support and sell is in a league of its own.”

The Readers’ Choice Awards were created to ensure the industry’s stand-out players get the recognition they deserve. Each year, members of the trade cast their votes, selecting a chosen business in each category, or nominating their own. As well as

Best Bed Supplier: Harrison Spinks

Best Supplier Training Support: Sealy UK (p42)

“Sealy are delighted to receive this accolade. This award recognises the effectiveness of the Sealy training programme, and it is a real testament to the training team’s hard work and dedication.

“The training team hold a key role within Sealy, supporting our customers and front-line sales staff, offering the knowledge to provide exceptional service, supporting sales and helping our customers to build a bigger business. The Readers’ Choice Award holds a special meaning because it is voted for by our customers, making this both a huge compliment and a great honour.”

Best Bed Component Supplier: Spinks (p44)

“We’re honoured. This recognition reflects the strength of our innovation-led approach and the expertise of the people behind our pioneering spring technologies.

“At Spinks, we focus on developing advanced components that help manufacturers deliver exceptional comfort and performance – and this award is testament to that. Thank you to everyone who voted for us, and to our talented team for their ongoing expertise, creativity and commitment, which continues to underpin our success.”

Best Bedroom Cabinet Supplier: Wiemann (p46)

“The best businesses don’t just weather hard times

“We are delighted to have been recognised by our industry peers with this much-valued award,” says Simon Hewitt, MD of Wiemann’s sole agent for the UK and Ireland, Litmus Furniture. “It is both humbling and an honour.”

“Kai Schwenke, export manager for the 125-yearold family-run business, adds: “To top the poll and win this award is pleasing and much appreciated

a seal of approval from Furniture News’ readers, a win reflects the achievements of the people behind the business, from product design, assembly and testing to sales, administration, management and beyond, and reminds every member of those teams that what they are doing matters.

“Thanks again to everyone who voted this year,” Paul adds, “and congratulations to those who topped the vote – you should be very proud of what you’re accomplishing.”

This year’s winners are …

by us all. Huge thanks to everyone who voted for us. Everyone at Wiemann, both the German and UK team, works extremely hard to produce and deliver amazing products which are loved by our customers.”

Best Boxed Mattress Brand: Simba Sleep

“Being named Best Boxed Mattress Brand by Furniture News is a fantastic achievement for us at Simba,” says marketing and ecommerce director, Jon Moore. “This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and our focus on developing technology that enables and supports better sleep.

“We’re grateful for the trust and support of our customers. With more than 350,000 five-star reviews, we’re proud of the confidence people place in our products.

“Thank you to Furniture News for this recognition and their continued support. As the sleep industry continues to evolve, we remain committed to driving innovation and helping more people achieve better rest.”

Best Boxed Sofa Brand: Swyft (p48)

Best Buying Group:

Associated Independent Stores (AIS, p51)

Best CGI Visualisation Provider: Chilli Pepper Designs (p52)

Best Children’s/Nursery Furniture Supplier: Julian Bowen (p50)

Best Decorative Accessories Supplier: The Libra Company

“We are delighted to be recognised as the Best Decorative Accessories Supplier. Receiving this

award is especially meaningful because it reflects the confidence and support of our valued retail partners place is us. This achievement is a testament to the dedication, creativity and commitment of the entire Libra team, who work hard to deliver inspiring collections and exceptional service.

“We would like to thank everyone who voted for us and for their continued support. We look forward to building on this success and continuing to create collections that inspire our retail partners and their customers.”

Best Dining Furniture Supplier: World Furniture NI (54)

Best Display Support Provider: FeelingReborn.com (p56)

Best European Exhibition: Brussels Furniture Fair

Best Fabric Supplier: Warwick Fabrics

Best Fabric Upholstery Supplier: Lebus Upholstery (p58)

Best Flatpack Furniture Supplier: Furniture To Go (p60)

Best for Customer Service: Emmiera Group (p62)

Best For Innovation: Whitemeadow Furniture (p64)

Best for Staff Welfare: Sleepeezee

“We are incredibly proud to receive this award. This recognition reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Our team is at the heart of everything we do, and we believe that investing in their wellbeing, development and work-life balance is essential to both personal and business success.

“This achievement belongs to every member of our organisation, whose dedication and positive culture make our workplace what it is today. We are humbled by this recognition, and remain committed to putting our people first.”

Best for Sustainable Thinking: Castelan Group (p66)

Best Fulfilment Provider: F Edmondson & Sons (p68)

“Thank you so much for this incredible honour. Winning Best Fulfilment Provider for the second consecutive year is an absolute privilege. We credit this award to all our team, the office, warehouse, drivers and maintenance section. When we all move in the same direction we can make real progress.

“A huge thank you to those that voted for Edmondsons, and our loyal clients and partners. Your trust pushes us to innovate and raise the bar every day. We promise to keep moving forward, delivering excellence, and leading the way. Thank you all so much!”

Best Furniture Care/Repair Provider: Emmiera Group (p62)

Best Furniture Component/Material Supplier: Carpenter (p70)

Best Furniture Packaging Provider: Woods Packaging

Best Garden/Outdoor Furniture Supplier: Gallery Direct (p72)

“We’re incredibly proud to have been named Best Garden/Outdoor Furniture Supplier. Receiving this recognition from our customers and industry peers makes it especially meaningful, and we’d like to sincerely thank everyone who voted for us.

“Outdoor has become an increasingly important category for Gallery, with our involvement in LOFA and exhibiting at SOLEX helping to strengthen our presence within the sector. This award reflects the dedication of teams across the business, from product design and buying through to operations, delivery, customer care, sales and marketing. We’re committed to continued investment in product development, stock availability and service, and are extremely grateful for our customers’ continued support.”

Best Home Office Furniture Supplier: Jual Furnishings

“This award means so much because it was chosen by customers, partners and industry peers,” says director Julie Powell. “We would like to give a huge thank you to everyone who took the time to vote and to all our loyal customers for your continued support and trust in our products. We’re passionate about creating stylish, innovative home office furniture that enhances the way people work and live, and this recognition inspires us to keep raising the bar. Thank you for being part of our journey!”

Best Importer: Bluebone Imports (p74)

Best Insurance/Aftersales Support: Guardsman Industries (p76)

“We are honoured to receive this award, and extend our thanks to everyone who supported Guardsman with their vote,” says Guardsman MD Russell Philpott. “To be recognised by the readers of Furniture News – and to celebrate our third consecutive award in this

“We are humbled by this recognition

Emmiera Group – Best for Customer Service and Best Furniture Care/ Repair Provider

“It still feels enormously rewarding to win

publication – is something we are incredibly proud of.

“This achievement reflects the collective effort across our business, from our customer support teams to our technician networks – all of whom are dedicated to delivering consistent, high-quality aftersales support. We are extremely proud of our people, and this award stands as recognition of the difference they make every day. Many thanks to all involved.”

Best International Exhibition (outside Europe): CIFF Guangzhou

Best Leather/Leather-Look Upholstery Supplier: Tetrad Furniture (p78)

Best Lighting Supplier: At The Helm

Best Living Room Cabinet Supplier: Devonshire Living

“It means a great deal to us here at Devonshire Living to win Best Living Room Cabinet Supplier for the second year running. A sincere thank you to everyone who took the time to support us.

“Over the past year, we’ve continued to refine our collection, focusing on furniture that’s practical, looks great in the home, and offers genuine value for money. We’re always listening to feedback and looking for ways to improve, so it’s especially rewarding to know that our efforts are making a difference. Thank you again to all our customers for your continued support.”

Best Machinery Manufacturer: Leggett & Platt Springs UK

Best Machinery Technology Provider: Lectra

Best Marketing Support:

British Furniture Association (BFA, p80)

“We’re proud to be recognised by the industry for the support we deliver to our members. We remain committed to providing our members with high-quality marketing tools, insights and promotional opportunities that help businesses grow and thrive. From campaigns and content to events and partnerships, our focus is on delivering practical, effective support for retailers, suppliers and manufacturers.

“Thank you to everyone who voted and continues to engage with our work – we’re proud to be at the heart of such a dynamic and resilient industry.”

Best Mattress Supplier: Harrison Spinks

“To be recognised as both Best Bed Supplier and Best Mattress Supplier by the readers of Furniture News is a fantastic achievement for everyone at Harrison Spinks.

“These awards reflect the dedication and expertise of our hard-working teams, who are committed to handcrafting luxury mattresses in the most responsible way. As a fifth-generation British bedmaker, we’re passionate about driving sustainable innovation while staying true to the values that have

shaped our business for more than 185 years.

“We’d like to thank everyone who voted for us, as well as our customers and retail partners for their continued support.”

Best Mobility Furniture Supplier: Celebrity Motion Furniture (p82)

“Being recognised by the industry is a fantastic achievement and reflects the hard work, dedication and passion of our entire team.

“We’re especially proud that all four of our sales representatives were voted best in their respective regions. To have every member of our sales team recognised in this way is an incredible achievement, and reflects the exceptional service and support they provide to our retail partners every day.

“A huge thank you to everyone who voted for us and for your continued support. These awards wouldn’t be possible without the trust and loyalty of our customers and partners.”

Best Newcomer: Loxa (p84)

Best Occasional Chair/Recliner Supplier: Ashwood Designs

Best Product Protection Supplier: Staingard (p86)

Best Retail Finance Support: Buyline (p88)

“We’re absolutely delighted that Buyline has been recognised as the winner of Best Retail Finance Support. What makes this especially meaningful is that it has been voted for by the industry itself.

“Our offer is designed to support retailers with simple, flexible finance that helps customers buy with confidence while helping businesses grow. We’re particularly pleased that this resonates with so many small businesses across the furniture industry, because they are the lifeblood of UK retail. A huge thank you to everyone who voted, and to our team for continuing to support our partners every day.”

Best Retail Point of Sale: La-Z-Boy UK

Best Retail Technology (In-Store) Support: Sci-Net Business Solutions (p90)

“We’re proud to have been recognised once again

Celebrity Motion Furniture – Best Mobility Furniture Supplier, plus winning regional representatives Dilwyn Waymouth (South West), Billy White (Scotland), Greg Noble (South East) and Mike Greasley (Midlands)

in the Readers’ Choice Awards. With over 30 years of industry experience, this achievement reflects our continued dedication to delivering reliable, industry-tailored ERP solutions that help retailers stay competitive in a fast-changing landscape. Now, as part of ANS, Microsoft’s Partner of the Year, we’re even better positioned to bring innovation, expertise and value to our customers.

“We’re proud to play a role in helping businesses grow through technology, and we’re truly grateful for the trust our customers place in our team. A sincere thank you to everyone who voted and continues to support Sci-Net on this journey.”

Best Retail Technology (Online) Support: Iconography

“Iconography are very proud to be recognised for the work we’re doing in furniture retail, especially with an award that is voted for by the industry itself,” says director Wayne Robbins.

“Over recent years, speaking with many leading independent furniture retailers, we’ve set about resolving one of the key issues they all face – running a truly effective and efficient business online and in-store.

“We recognised some years ago, as omnichannel retailing became a thing, that managing, maintaining and working around the quirks of an integration between an ecommerce website and legacy EPoS and retail management software is often the source of day-to-day operational headaches impacting the business in numerous ways.

“OMNIS Retail enables furniture retailers to use a single, coherent system for omnichannel selling, order processing, purchase ordering, warehouse management, delivery scheduling, customer service, marketing and the associated retail management and reporting activity.”

Best Rug Supplier: Think Rugs (p92)

Best Sale/Promotion Support: Greenwood Retail

“We have been fortunate enough to have won many trade awards since I founded Greenwood back in 2002 and, after 24 years, it still feels enormously rewarding to win again” says MD Bernard Eaton.

“Now, with over 1,200 completed Greenwood sales under our belts, I simply put it down to my fabulous

team who work hard every day, all over Britain and Ireland, to build and maintain the record of success and the good reputation we are kindly told that we have. “This award means a lot, and is received with my grateful thanks.”

Best Sofabed Supplier: Kyoto (p94)

“We’re delighted to be recognised as the Best Sofabed Supplier. This award is a testament to the superb team at Kyoto, whose dedication and hard work consistently deliver outstanding products with exceptional quality and service. Our thanks go to everyone involved, and to our customers for their continued support. We’re excited about what lies ahead, with significant new developments planned for 2026, alongside further improvements to our stock availability and delivery platforms.”

Best Soft Furnishings Supplier: Scatter Box (p96)

Best Staff Training Provider: Furniture Sales Solutions

Best Testing Services/Certification Provider: Fira-International (p98)

Best Trade Body/Association: National Bed Federation (p100)

“We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to be voted the Best Trade Body/Association, and would like to thank all those readers who voted for us. Our small team works tirelessly to support all our manufacturer and supplier members across technical, regulatory and compliance, sustainability, market intelligence and promotion. We are considered by many to be ‘the voice of the UK bed industry’ and we strive to champion the UK and Irish bed sector – and in particular, those companies that share our values and ambitions.”

Best Trade Showroom: At The Helm

Best UK Bed Manufacturer: Highgrove Beds (p102)

Best UK Exhibition: January Furniture Show

Best UK Upholstery Manufacturer: Buoyant Upholstery (p104)

Best Upholstered Bed Supplier: Hypnos

Best Vehicle Manufacturer: MaxiMover (p106)

“This recognition inspires us to keep raising the bar

Sci-Net Business Solutions – Best Retail Technology (In-Store) Support

National Bed Federation (NBF) – Best Trade Body/Association

“This business is all about relationships, trust and teamwork

Best Agent/Rep (North West): Anthony Quinlan

“I am absolutely over the moon, and very honoured. I’d like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate and support me.

The industry is tough at the moment, so to receive this recognition halfway through a showvan tour it’s really put a spring in my step.

“Being a representative of any company isn’t just about selling – it’s about listening, building relationships, and always going that extra mile for your customers.

“I’d also like to thank Lebus Upholstery and Maysons Bedroom Furniture for providing me with the support and the right tools to perform my role successfully throughout the North West. This award means a great deal to me, and I am genuinely grateful for the trust and support shown by both my customers and colleagues. Thank you once again.”

Best Agent/Rep (North East): Mike Brown

“I’m thrilled to have received this award again! It’s a great feeling, and a great innovation from Furniture News – and for the sales guys out on the road, it’s very much appreciated to be highlighted by our customers in this way.”

Best Agent/Rep (South West): Dilwyn Waymouth

“I am incredibly honoured to have received this prestigious award and would like to sincerely thank all my customers for voting for me.

“The last year has been a very difficult one for me as I overcame my personal cancer battle, and the support I have received from Wayne Hollis, MD at Celebrity Motion Furniture, and everyone at Celebrity, plus all my customers and friends in the trade, has been amazing.

“Over the years, I have built strong and lasting relationships across the trade, and I’m proud to now call many of my customers friends. These relationships are the foundation of my work and one of the most rewarding aspects of this industry. I proudly represent Celebrity, a British company recognised for its innovation and leadership in the motion-chair and sofa markets. I work alongside a highly skilled and dedicated team committed to delivering award-winning products of exceptional quality from our Nottinghamshire base.

“To all my customers, thank you once again for your continued and unwavering support, especially over the last year.”

Best Agent/Rep (South East): Greg Noble

“I’m absolutely delighted to have been recognised with this award, and a huge thank you to everyone who voted. Having worked for Celebrity Furniture for over

25 years, it’s a real privilege to receive recognition for the relationships I’ve built with so many fantastic retail accounts over that time. I’ve always believed that a handshake, a positive chat and doing what you say you’ll do still count for a lot – thankfully, it seems they still do! I’m proud to represent Celebrity Furniture, and am very grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way.”

Best Agent/Rep (Midlands): Mike Greasley

“A huge thank you to all my retailers across the Midlands for voting for me. Your existing and continued trust and support is very much appreciated.

“I must also mention take this opportunity to thank the fantastic support team we have at Celebrity, led by MD Wayne Hollis – they’ve all contributed to our innovation and success in recent years, including this award.”

Best Agent/Rep (Scotland): Billy White

“Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to vote for me – it means a great deal. I’m also proud to represent Celebrity, a fantastic British manufacturer that consistently produces innovative, high-quality furniture. Our skilled factory teams, dedicated head office staff, excellent customer service and retailer-focused promotions make it a pleasure to represent the company every day.

“Finally, my thanks go to Wayne Hollis. His leadership, vision and attention to detail have created a culture of excellence that runs throughout the business. I’m proud to be part of the Celebrity team.”

Best Agent/Rep (Northern Ireland): Peter Westbrook

Best Agent/Rep (Republic of Ireland): Phil Cotton

“Thank you so much for this award. I’m genuinely honoured to be recognised as Best Furniture Agent/ Rep for the Republic of Ireland (and for the second year in a row).

“This business is all about relationships, trust and teamwork, so this award is as much a reflection of the incredible retailers, manufacturers and colleagues I work with every day. Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout the year. I’m truly grateful, and I look forward to building on this success together.”

Best Agent/Rep (Wales): Anthony Palmer

The Furniture News Readers’ Choice Awards will return in 2027!

TRADE SHOWROOM AVAILABLE

A unique opportunity has arisen to take a 3,815sqft Trade showroom in the prestigious Harrington Mills building, Long Eaton.

Enjoy the benefits of two Longpoint shows every year as well as having permanent access to recently refurbished showroom.

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Immediate occupation.

This will be a sub lease with Landlord’s consent. Incredible Natural light throughout the showroom.

Recent 2025 £80,000 Refurbishment. Showrooms in Harrington Mill rarely become available.

Please email me on mikcon218@yahoo.com

Please include all Company details and the email must be from a person of significant control.

All information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Please note – This is not a retail opportunity.

SELLING AND SOURCING

September’s issue (and supplement) puts you right in front of the buyers, and features: Our NBF-endorsed Bed Buyer supplement, dedicated to the federation and its members, featuring our Bed Show preview Previews of autumn Long Point and Minerva’s Autumn Furniture Show

A look at Retail Technology

The latest in Living, Dining, Bedroom and Trade Services

On top of our regular distribution, this issue will be available at Long Point, the Bed Show (together with Bed Buyer) and the Autumn Furniture Show. Make the most of show season before peak begins!

BOOK BY FRIDAY 7TH AUGUST

Contact Sam Horscroft on 07764 650655 or email sam@lewisbusinessmedia.co.uk

“We are very happy

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Your Event Manager was brilliant once again, worked very well with our people and really helped make the difference.

The Greenwood Sale is a unique process and a great method of winning market share for the future as well as the obvious immediate benefits.”

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BEST SUPPLIER TRAINING SUPPORT

Sealy UK

Sealy, the world’s biggest sleep brand, has again demonstrated its commitment to excellence by winning the prestigious award for Best Supplier Training Support.

This accolade recognises Sealy’s industryleading training programme, and is testament to the training teams’ dedication. Here, Natasha Bennett, Sealy’s sales training development manager, explains what winning this award means to her …

Tell us a little about your background … I was born in 1984 in Wordsley, West Midlands. I have two sons, Elliot (5) and Isaac (3), and I worked with Nespresso as a coaching and development manager until I joined Sealy in 2021 as a regional training executive.

When I joined Sealy, the idea of a training team was a completely new concept for the Sealy UK business. The team’s purpose at that time was primarily to help train Sealy customers and in-store salespeople on the new Sealy Posturepedic technology and product range.

My background with Nespresso meant that I arrived with a solid background and knowledge in how to develop people, deliver impactful training, and create engaging learning experiences.

I was one of the founding members of the original team, and we have seen steady growth in our training team ever since. In 2024 I was extremely proud be promoted to sales training development manager.

How do you feel about winning this award?

It really was a lovely surprise to win the award, and we are all thrilled. This award has extra special meaning for us as it is voted for by our customers. We really do care about their opinions, and there’s no better compliment than this.

Awards like this are a great honour for the whole team. It’s real recognition that reflects the hard work and dedication we all put in. I am so proud of the team and what they have achieved to get us to this point.

“We take great pride in helping our customers drive sales and build a bigger business

What’s the training teams’ purpose?

The central purpose of our training programme is to support and enable front-line sales staff, giving them knowledge to provide exceptional service to their customers.

Our ultimate aim is to build ‘Posturepedic Conviction’ amongst our customers and our store staff. This means creating an understanding of the Sealy Posturepedic technology and products, and belief in the Sealy brand.

The key to Sealy UK’s success, and the training team, is rooted in the product range. Our R&D is pioneering, our product technology is unique, and our quality is exceptional. We truly believe that every single one of our consumers is getting the best product possible for them.

Tell us more about your team of trainers … We have a wide mix of different skill sets within

the team, but we all share a strong sense of belief in our product and a dedication to what we do. Sharing our passion and knowledge with the industry is really rewarding.

We have played a key part in the Sealy relaunch here in the UK, and we take great pride in helping our customers drive sales and build a bigger business.

Looking ahead, what’s in store for Sealy?

There are so many exciting things in store for Sealy! We have a wide range of developments coming through this year, including the introduction of a two brand-new collections.

The team and I are really looking forward to bringing the launches to life with our retailers and consumers, and I can’t wait to see what further innovation the future holds for the team at Sealy UK! www.sealy.co.uk

Sealy

UK’s training team (Natasha pictured second from left)

Sealy

UK’s team at the brand’s

Aspatria HQ

WINNER

Best Training Support

“To receive this award is a real honour. Our ultimate aim is to build both understanding and belief in Sealy and the Sealy Posturepedic product range. We are so proud to be voted for by our customers and to receive this recognition. This feels like a testament to the hard work and expertise of the entire team.”

The Sealy Team

If you would like a visit from the Sealy Training Team, get in touch: training@sealy.co.uk

BEST BED COMPONENT SUPPLIER

Spinks

Spinks has turned its microcoil into a global industry standard and a blueprint for growth – as the innovative business continues to make a big impact on the industry, it is little wonder it has been named Best Bed Component Supplier in the Furniture News Readers’ Choice Awards …

Founded in 2009 as the innovation arm of its sister company, luxury mattress manufacturer Harrison Spinks, Spinks has become a leading producer of pocket coils and wire for the furniture and bedding industry. The company continually evolves its products, helping clients customise solutions across a range of options, including fabric.

Speaking about how Spinks continues to lead the innovations it pioneered, CCO Darren Marcangelo says: “Microcoils – advanced, miniature pocket springs – which we invented, are now a main product category in the mattress industry.

“As well as the largest range of microcoils in the industry, we now offer a selection of full-height pocket coils. ECore has successfully launched in the UK, with ECore Air also being in development and due to launch shortly. IndeCore is progressing well, with promising early results, as it reduces motion transfer by having an elasticated top and bottom sheet.”

Spinks now has more than 100 patents for its inventions. COO Richard Essery notes: “As a business we are driven by innovation, so we always strive to have at least two new machine or product releases every year.”

The company continues to invest in the digitisation and improvement of its wiredrawing process, enhancing efficiency and product quality, and improving consistency and consumable cost.

Spinks plans to further invest in digitisation in spring technology, focusing on product quality and efficiency. It is also looking to invest in additional spring-related equipment, built inhouse and some sourced externally, enabling improved output from a smaller footprint.

Speaking about another key component in the pursuit of continuous innovation, Darren says: “People make the difference – without our people we wouldn’t have such a forwardthinking business. From our highly skilled engineers and electricians to our machine

“We are driven by innovation

operators and expert wire drawers, our people are what set us apart.”

Sustainability is also key for Spinks. Its machinery, which is largely built in-house, allows for minimal energy consumption. Spinks manufactures its components and products with end-of-life in mind to reduce waste. It also says it is the first component supplier in the industry to offer a CO2/kg calculation for any product that leaves the facility.

With a patent portfolio, award-winning products, and a pipeline of next-generation technologies already in development, Spinks says it is well positioned not just to grow, but to continue leading the industry.

BEST BEDROOM CABINET SUPPLIER

Wiemann

German bedroom manufacturer, Wiemann, says it is delighted to be a winner in Furniture News’ Readers’ Choice Awards. The family-run business, which has long been a favourite in the UK and Irish market, scooped Best Bedroom Cabinet Supplier, as voted for by readers …

Kai Schwenke, export manager for the 125-year-old family-run business, comments:

“This award is chosen by readers of Furniture News magazine and as such is extra special to us. It also gives us the best possible feedback on our products and service. It endorses Wiemann’s reputation for high-quality products backed up by enviable customer service. We are incredibly pleased, grateful and honoured to receive it.”

Wiemann says the secret to its longevity and success is in its “sweet spot of quality and service”. “It is a tried, trusted and reliable brand which prides itself on truly offering something for everyone, regardless of size or style of room or home. Its products are stylish, appealing and practical, plus it looks after its customers, and it is this combination which has appealed to voters.”

Kai continues: “We are proud to bring beautiful contemporary bedroom furniture to the market. Monaco, for example, has been an award-winning and bestselling range since its launch. Its flexible modular system combines innovative design with practical storage, offering a huge choice of sizes, colours and finishes to suit any space or style. Continually evolving, our designers regularly introduce new options and features, making Monaco a complete bedroom solution.”

Other ranges in the Wiemann catalogue bring innovative and stylish lighting and texture features, and the brand’s new-for-2026 VIP ranges Ambiero and Macao have both been popular at this spring’s trade shows.

Simon Hewitt, MD of Wiemann’s sole agent for the UK and Ireland, Litmus Furniture, says: “We had buyers take one look at Ambiero and

“We are proud to bring beautiful contemporary bedroom furniture to the market

say, ‘I want that in my shop.’ It’s a striking and chic product featuring hinged and hinged-combi doors with a unique horizontal textured glass dimple-effect panel. It’s a new and distinctive kind of look which is so far proving popular

“Wiemann’s designers working on Macao have added clever lighting features which are both practical and beautiful. With sliding doors, Macao comes in a variety of finishes, including glass and mirror, plus horizontal and vertical lighting options.”

Wiemann’s Home Delivery and Installation (HDI) service completes the package.

Simon concludes: “Wiemann supports sales by keeping its HDI and customer service effective and affordable. We ensure we get consistent, great-looking product into the endconsumer’s homes.

“We are delighted to win this award, and thank everyone who voted for us.”

Macao

Ambiero

BEST BOXED SOFA BRAND

Swyft

Swyft has been voted Best Boxed Sofa Brand in the Furniture News Readers’ Choice Awards for the fourth year running, capping off a raft of recent achievements …

Back in 2019, Swyft set out to change how people buy sofas, combining speed, convenience and style. “Fast-forward to today, and that same idea – that a sofa in a box could feel this well made – still drives everything we do,” says Swyft. “We’ve gone from a single sofa to a full range of sofas, sofabeds, beds, dining and garden furniture, without losing sight of why we started.

“Our products are timeless. They steer clear of trends, sticking to styles built to last, in any home, in any era. We’ve always pushed back against traditional furniture retail, because furniture shouldn’t be restrictive. It should make the spaces we live in better, not harder to live in while you wait for it.

“We’ve built our reputation on accessibility. Designed in London, competitive pricing, 24-hour delivery, and assembly that takes minutes, not a Saturday. Guaranteed to fit through your door, whatever the space. Time was never meant to be a barrier to choosing a piece you love.

“And we back every sofa we make. A 15year frame guarantee and a two-year fabric guarantee come as standard, because quality shouldn’t need convincing.

“This kind of recognition matters because it comes from people who know the industry inside out – retailers, manufacturers and press who see hundreds of brands come and go every year.

“Being named Best Boxed Sofa Brand by Furniture News for the fourth year running is a strong signal that we’re still doing something right.”

It has been a big year for Swyft, which expanded into dining and garden furniture, opened new showroom spaces in London, and continued growing its presence across the UK, Ireland, and Germany.

“This kind of recognition matters because it comes from people who know the industry inside out

“Our biggest collaboration yet – Swyft x Morris & Co – blended our modular designs with their iconic heritage patterns, and the response has been overwhelming,” enthuses the brand.

“We’ve also kept building on the foundations that got us here. Our modular sofas, sofabeds … and now beds, dining and garden furniture, all designed with the same brief – no compromise on quality, no unnecessary wait.

“Looking ahead, the plan hasn’t changed. Furniture that fits your home and your life, not

the other way round. We’ll keep investing in design, in service, and in the small details that make Swyft, Swyft, from the frame inside a sofa to the box it arrives in. More collaborations, more categories, and more ways to make furniture buying feel less like a chore.

“To everyone who’s supported us, our customers, our retail partners, and our team, thank you. Awards like this aren’t really about us. They’re about the community that’s grown up around better, easier furniture. Here’s to another year of furniture made easy.”

www.swyfthome.com

BEST CHILDREN’S/NURSERY FURNITURE SUPPLIER

Julian Bowen

Julian Bowen says winning Best Children’s/ Nursery Furniture Supplier in the Furniture News Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is a significant milestone, recognising the company’s continued commitment to designing furniture that supports families through every stage of childhood …

“Voted for by Furniture News’ readers, the award reflects the trust retailers place in Julian Bowen to consistently deliver children’s and nursery furniture that combines thoughtful design, dependable quality and exceptional value,” the supplier explains. “It is recognition of a category that has become one of the company’s strongest, with collections developed to meet the changing needs of modern family living.

“From beautifully crafted nursery furniture to innovative mid-sleepers, bunk beds, gaming beds and space-saving bedroom solutions, Julian Bowen’s children’s collection is designed with both practicality and style in mind. Every product is developed to help retailers offer solutions that maximise space, encourage organisation and create inspiring bedrooms for children of all ages.

“It’s recognition from the retailers who work with our collections every day

“As families increasingly look for multifunctional furniture, Julian Bowen has continued to invest in designs that offer more than simply a place to sleep. Clever storage, integrated desks, adaptable configurations and contemporary finishes allow the collection to grow alongside children’s changing lifestyles while remaining accessible at competitive price points.

“Safety and durability remain central to every product. From robust construction and carefully considered designs to rigorous testing and quality assurance, each collection is created to provide parents with confidence and retailers with products they can recommend with pride.”

Supporting retailers extends far beyond the product itself. Julian Bowen says it continues to invest in premium lifestyle photography, merchandising support, digital brochures and marketing assets that help customers showcase children’s furniture effectively both online and in-store. “Combined with strong stock availability, dependable fulfilment and dedicated customer service, these investments ensure retailers have the tools they need to maximise sales within this important category,” the supplier adds.

“The award also reflects the wider values that underpin the business. Julian Bowen continues to strengthen its sustainability commitments through responsible sourcing, increased use of certified timber, plastic-free

packaging across all new product launches, renewable electricity and ambitious sciencebased carbon reduction targets. These initiatives help ensure that future generations can enjoy furniture created with long-term environmental responsibility in mind.”

Mark Pickup, buying director at Julian Bowen, comments: “Winning Best Children’s/ Nursery Furniture Supplier is something we’re incredibly proud of because it’s recognition from the retailers who work with our collections every day.

“We’ve invested heavily in creating children’s furniture that combines imaginative design, outstanding quality and practical solutions for modern family life. Whether it’s a first nursery or a teenager’s bedroom, our aim has always been to help retailers offer products that parents can buy with confidence. This award is a testament to the passion and hard work of every member of the Julian Bowen team.”

Looking ahead, Julian Bowen says it remains committed to expanding its children’s offering with innovative new collections that respond to changing consumer trends while continuing to deliver the quality, value and service that retailers expect: “Winning this award is not simply recognition of what has already been achieved, it provides even greater motivation to continue setting the standard for children’s and nursery furniture,” the supplier adds.

www.julian-bowen.co.uk

Celeste high sleeper

BEST BUYING GROUP AIS

Associated Independent Stores (AIS) is celebrating a dual milestone in 2026 – its 50th anniversary, and being voted Best Buying Group by Furniture News’ readers …

AIS says it has focused on ensuring independent retailers remain competitive and profitable for half a century: “It has been a remarkable year so far, with many of our members also celebrating milestone anniversaries, sharing their heritage on social media and in the industry press.

“This year, we’ve taken to the road more than ever as part of our regional meeting series, sharing retail insights and celebrating key moments with members. This winning format, hosted by our members, includes an in-depth store tour, valuable business updates and insights from AIS, followed by an informal and relaxed dinner featuring a 50th anniversarythemed quiz and commemorative goodie bags.

“A huge thank you to Stringers and Stokers for showcasing their incredible stores. Next up are

Sterling and Barbours as we head north to visit our Scottish members, with trips to Yorkshire and the Channel Islands planned for next year.

“Earlier this summer, we announced the winner of our Golden Ticket competition –furniture member, Lees of Grimsby. An AIS member since 2016, the business is managed by Graham Lees, representing the fourth generation of family leadership. The team are regular visitors to and dedicated supporters of the INDX Furniture and INDX Beds shows. As competition winners, Lees of Grimsby will receive a full-day consultancy session and a strategic report from the AIS team and Scarlet Opus.

“Behind the scenes, we’re continuing to support our members through an ongoing campaign available on our online platform, featuring our member benefits pack, trend lookbooks, product folios and an expanding portfolio of exclusive brands. Also, INDX Furniture is just around the corner, and members can look forward to discovering the latest exclusive products while taking

advantage of negotiated settlement terms and pricing from AIS supplier partners.”

Emma Rackley, director of Home at AIS, says: “Winning this award as we celebrate our 50th anniversary is a significant milestone. This recognition belongs entirely to our dedicated members and supplier partners. We are proud of what we achieve together and excited about what lies ahead as we look towards the next 50 years.”

www.aistores.co.uk

50 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE. STILL NUMBER ONE.

As we celebrate our Golden Anniversary in 2026, this recognition means more than ever. For half a century, our mission has remained unchanged: supporting independent retail to stay competitive, profitable, and relevant. A monumental thank you to the readers who voted, our loyal members and our exceptional suppliers. 50 Years of Helping Independent Retail Thrive.

BEST CGI VISUALISATION PROVIDER

Chilli Pepper Designs CGI

“Winning Furniture News’ Best CGI Visualisation Supplier 2026 is an incredible honour, and we would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who voted for Chilli Pepper Designs CGI,” states the winner. “Your support, trust and confidence in our team means the world to us.”

“Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming many new clients, while continuing to build lasting relationships with some of the most respected names in the furniture industry,” Chilli Pepper Designs CGI continues.

“What makes this recognition particularly special is that it comes directly from the people we work with every day – manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers and designers who understand just how important exceptional visualisation has become.

“The furniture industry is evolving rapidly, and so is the technology behind it. AI has undoubtedly become an exciting tool, capable of generating ideas and speeding up certain processes.

“We’ve embraced AI where it genuinely adds value, but we’ve also witnessed first-hand its limitations. More and more companies come to us after investing time trying AIgenerated lifestyle imagery, only to discover warped furniture, impossible room layouts, incorrect proportions, inconsistent lighting, unrealistic materials and countless small details that simply don’t look right. Fixing these issues often takes longer than creating the scene correctly from the outset.

“That trust is something we never take for granted

“That’s why our philosophy has evolved. Rather than relying heavily on AI to create final imagery, we’re investing even more in the experience, creativity and attention to detail that only skilled artists and professional interior designers can provide. Every room we produce is carefully directed by real people who understand furniture, styling, scale, lighting, architecture and, most importantly, what actually sells products.

“For us, great CGI has never been about creating a beautiful picture – it is about creating an environment that feels authentic, believable and aspirational. Every cushion placement, every shadow, every reflection and every accessory is considered with one purpose – to present furniture exactly as it deserves to be seen. Those details are often overlooked by automated systems, yet they are the difference between an image that simply looks good and one that genuinely connects with customers.

“As our client base continues to grow, we’re incredibly proud that so many leading furniture brands trust us to represent their products with accuracy, realism and creativity. That trust is something we never take for granted, and every project motivates us to push the boundaries of what CGI can achieve.

“This award belongs to our entire team, whose passion, dedication and relentless

pursuit of quality continue to raise the standard of furniture visualisation. It also belongs to every client who has trusted us with their brand and challenged us to deliver something exceptional.

“Thank you once again for voting for Chilli Pepper Designs CGI. We remain committed to combining creativity, technical expertise and a human touch to deliver hyper-realistic furniture lifestyle imagery that inspires confidence, drives sales and gets it right the first time.

“Here’s to another year of creating beautiful spaces, without the glitches.”

BEST DINING FURNITURE SUPPLIER World Furniture

This month’s cover star sincerely thanks all the Furniture News readers to have voted it top of this category, and explains why dining remains the heart of the modern home – and what it is doing to meet demand …

“The dining room has evolved,” says World Furniture NI. “Once considered a purely functional space, it has become the social heart of the home – a place where families gather, friends connect and everyday moments become lasting memories.

“As lifestyles continue to change, consumers are demanding furniture that not only looks beautiful but also delivers exceptional comfort, versatility and lasting quality.

“At World Furniture, we’ve spent more than 27 years helping retailers meet those changing expectations. Since 1999, we’ve established ourselves as one of the UK and Ireland’s leading wholesale suppliers of dining furniture by combining inspiring design with dependable service, competitive pricing and exclusive collections that offer genuine retail appeal.

“We believe that great design should be available to everyone. Every day, our team focuses on curating and developing furniture collections that exceed expectations, combining contemporary styling with commercial practicality. Beautifully engineered interiors begin with furniture that balances aesthetics and functionality, allowing retailers to offer consumers products that enhance modern living without compromising on value.

“Our latest dining collections, launching at this month’s Irish Furniture & Homewares Fair (IFHS), perfectly reflect this philosophy. Designed around today’s interiors, the new ranges embrace warm natural oak finishes, luxurious stone and ceramic surfaces, sculptural metal bases and elegantly upholstered dining chairs that deliver both style and comfort. Neutral colour palettes, tactile materials and refined detailing create versatile collections that sit effortlessly within contemporary homes while maintaining broad consumer appeal.”

Quality remains central to every decision

“We believe that great design should be available to everyone

World Furniture makes, says the wholesaler: “Nothing excites us more than exceptional design, beautiful materials, exquisite tailoring and genuine craftsmanship. Every table, chair and dining collection has been carefully developed to combine durability with sophisticated styling, ensuring retailers can offer products that customers will enjoy for years to come.

“As a family business, relationships have always been at the centre of our success. We are proud to be the trusted wholesale partner of many of the UK and Ireland’s leading furniture retailers. Through continued investment in product development, stockholding and logistics, we provide exclusive ranges backed by impressive lead times, exceptional availability and the level of service our customers have come to expect.

“Innovation continues to shape our business. Consumer tastes never stand still, and neither do we. Our buying and design teams work closely with manufacturing partners around the world to identify emerging trends and translate them into commercially successful collections that help our retail partners stay ahead of the market.”

Looking ahead, World Furniture says its commitment remains unchanged: “We continue to invest in people, quality, design and sustainability while remaining true to the values that have defined World Furniture since 1999.

“As we prepare to unveil our newest collections at the forthcoming IFHS, we look

forward to welcoming both existing and new retail partners. More than simply launching new products, we’re introducing carefully considered collections designed to inspire consumers, create beautifully engineered interiors and help retailers grow with confidence.

“Because at World Furniture, we believe exceptional design isn’t a luxury – it’s something every home should enjoy,” the wholesaler concludes.

Find World Furniture at IFHS, which returns to Dublin from 23rd-25th this month.

www.world-furniture.biz

NOMA

SAMARA

EDEN

BEST DISPLAY SUPPORT PROVIDER

FeelingReborn.com

“To the readers of Furniture News, a massive thank you! We are absolutely thrilled and incredibly proud to have been named the UK’s Best Display Support Provider for the fourth consecutive year,” says the team at FeelingReborn.com.

“At FeelingReborn.com, this milestone belongs to the incredible industry pioneers we collaborate with daily. Your trust drives us to keep pushing creative boundaries – that’s why we don’t just build displays, we bring creative marketing ideas to life!

“For those looking to start or expand their marketing and design efforts, we are here to help you shine across every touchpoint. We offer a fully integrated suite of creative services tailored to the furniture sector, including: showrooms and exhibitions – captivating physical spaces that draw a crowd; branding and marketing – strategic identity design and campaigns that resonate; online and print, from seamless digital experiences to high-quality brochures; and media production – stunning photography, video, and social media content that tells a story.

“Whether you are a household name or an emerging brand ready to scale, we’d love to collaborate and elevate your presence. Let’s make the year ahead your most successful yet.”

www.feelingreborn.com

founder, Adam Ashborn

Timeless quality, luxurious comfort

BEST FABRIC UPHOLSTERY SUPPLIER

Lebus Upholstery

In the world of furniture manufacturing, there is no accolade quite as meaningful as one voted for by the industry itself, states Lebus Upholstery, which is “absolutely thrilled” it has been crowned Best Fabric Upholstery Supplier in this year’s Furniture News Readers’ Choice Awards …

“To receive this recognition from our peers and partners is a profound honour,” says the sofamaker. “It serves as a testament to the hard work, passion and commitment that drives our entire operation.”

Lebus says the award – which it received at the same time as Interiors Monthly’s Best Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer accolade –belongs to many people: “First and foremost, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every single person who took the time to vote for us. Your support and continued belief in the Lebus vision mean the world to our team.

“We also want to shine a well-deserved spotlight on our incredible internal design team. Their dedication to innovation, comfort, and trend-led aesthetics was the driving force behind the new models showcased at the Manchester Furniture Show (MFS). This award is a direct reflection of their creativity, and the tireless hours they spent refining every detail to ensure we deliver market-leading products.

Success at MFS

“The energy surrounding our presence at the recent MFS has been nothing short of extraordinary. The feedback from buyers has

“Thank you for being part of our journey

been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting the exceptional build quality and design versatility of our latest collections.

“Beyond the praise, the show has been a resounding commercial success. We are pleased to confirm that we have secured significant new business on the back of the exhibition, further cementing our relationships

with existing retailers and welcoming exciting new partners into the Lebus fold.”

Coming soon

The momentum generated at the show is already translating into action on the factory floor, explains Lebus: “We are excited to announce that our stand-out bestselling models from the event – Nova, Sylvie and Summer – are moving into full production very soon.

“Our manufacturing teams are working diligently to ensure that these highly anticipated pieces hit retail floors by late summer. We are confident that these models will not only meet the high expectations set at the show but will become staple additions to showrooms across the country.

“At Lebus, this award is not a finish line – it is a catalyst. We are more motivated than ever to continue pushing boundaries, delivering quality, and supporting our retail partners with the best in fabric upholstery.

“Thank you for being part of our journey.”

Sylvie Lebus’ talented design team

BEST FLATPACK FURNITURE SUPPLIER

Furniture To Go

“Retaining the Furniture News Readers’ Choice Award for Best Flatpack Supplier for the second consecutive year is something that means a great deal to everyone at Furniture To Go,” says Paul Sheldon, the supplier’s director of sales and operations …

“Awards voted for by retailers carry real significance because they reflect the experiences of the people we work with every day,” Paul continues. “On behalf of the whole business, I’d like to thank every customer, partner and Furniture News reader who took the time to vote for us. Your support is genuinely appreciated.

“The past 12 months have been challenging for our industry. Consumer confidence has fluctuated, costs have remained high and competition has intensified. Retailers have needed suppliers who can provide consistency, reliability and genuine partnership, and that’s exactly where we’ve continued to focus our efforts.

“Rather than standing still, we’ve invested. We’ve expanded our product portfolio with exciting new collections, strengthened relationships with leading European manufacturers and continued improving our UK and Ireland dropship operation.

“We’ve invested in logistics, product content, stock availability and the systems that help our customers trade more efficiently. These improvements are not always visible, but they make a real difference every day.

“If our customers succeed, we succeed

“Our philosophy has always been simple – if our customers succeed, we succeed. That principle drives every decision we make, whether it’s launching a new range, improving service levels or finding better ways to support retailers in an increasingly competitive market.

“If there is one thing I am most proud of, however, it is our people. Awards like this are never won by one person. They represent the commitment of every department across the business. From purchasing and product development to warehousing, customer service, sales, marketing, finance and logistics, everyone plays a part in delivering the experience our customers receive.

“Behind every order is a team working together to ensure the product arrives on time, in perfect condition and backed by outstanding support. Their professionalism, dedication and willingness to go the extra mile are the real reasons we have retained this award.

“I’d also like to thank our supplier partners

for their continued investment in innovation, quality and design. Together we continue to offer one of the UK’s broadest flatpack furniture ranges, giving retailers the choice, value and availability they need.

“Looking ahead, our ambition is clear. We’ll continue listening to our customers, investing in the categories that offer the greatest opportunity and building long-term partnerships based on trust, transparency and consistent delivery. Markets will continue to change, but our commitment to supporting retailers with dependable products and service will remain exactly the same.

“Retaining this award doesn’t mean we’ve reached the finish line. It motivates us to keep improving. We’ll continue investing in our products, our people, our technology and our service because we believe long-term partnerships are built on trust, consistency and continuous improvement.

“To everyone who voted for Furniture To Go, thank you. Winning this award for a second consecutive year is something the entire team is immensely proud of, and we’ll continue working hard every day to justify the confidence you’ve placed in us,” Paul concludes.

BEST FLATPACK FURNITURE SUPPLIER - BUILT FOR RETAIL SUCCESS

Winning Readers’ Choice – Best Flatpack Supplier 2026 reflects our commitment to delivering furniture retailers can trust.

Furniture To Go is your one-stop shop, offering high-quality, best-selling furniture with nextday delivery, no minimum order quantity, and UK & Ireland dropship services.

Become a Furniture To Go retailer – we’d love to help grow your business.

Call us at 02380 517067 - Let’s see how we can help. sales@furniture-to-go.co.uk | www.furniture-to-go.co.uk

ALICE SPRINGS BRANDE

LUSAKA

BEST FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE BEST FURNITURE CARE/REPAIR PROVIDER

Emmiera Group

“Winning industry awards is always special, but receiving recognition from the people we work alongside every day makes it even more meaningful,” begins James Lane, CEO at dual award winner, Emmiera Group …

“On behalf of everyone at Emmiera Group, I would like to say a sincere thank you to all of our clients, partners and industry colleagues for voting us Best for Customer Service and Best Furniture Care/Repair Provider in the 2026 Furniture News Readers’ Choice Awards,” James continues.

“To receive both awards is a tremendous honour, and one that belongs to every member of the Emmiera team. From our customer service advisors and support teams to our field technicians, technical managers and leadership team, everyone plays an important role in delivering the service our clients expect.

“Our philosophy has always been simple – put the customer first. Furniture is one of the most challenging products to support once it reaches a customer’s home. Every repair represents an opportunity to protect a retailer’s reputation, improve the customer’s experience and avoid an unnecessary replacement. That responsibility is something we never take for granted.

“Whilst these awards recognise what has been achieved over the last year, we are equally focused on what comes next. Behind the scenes, our teams continue to invest significant time and resources into improving every stage of the customer journey.

“We have enhanced our triage process to maximise first-visit fix rates, introduced smarter appointment scheduling to give customers greater flexibility, improved communication and narrowed technician arrival windows so customers know more precisely when we will arrive.

“We have also upgraded our job management systems to provide better information and analysis, helping retailers and manufacturers identify recurring issues and implement preventative improvements. Alongside this, our next-generation mattress inspection technology has now been rolled out nationally, providing an even more accurate, consistent and professional inspection process.

“Every improvement is driven by one objective – making life easier for our clients while delivering the very best experience for their customers.

“Innovation never stands still at Emmiera.

We continually analyse performance data, customer feedback and technician insight to identify opportunities for improvement. Whether it’s refining our processes, investing in new technology, strengthening communication or enhancing technician training through our in-house academy, our commitment is to keep raising the standard of furniture care across the UK.

“These awards also reflect the strength of the partnerships we have built over many years. We genuinely value the trust our clients place in us every day, and see ourselves as an extension of their own customer service teams

“By working together, sharing data, listening to feedback and embracing innovation, we continue to improve outcomes for customers, reduce unnecessary replacements and support a more sustainable future for our industry.

“Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to every member of the Emmiera Group team. These awards are a reflection of your professionalism, commitment and passion for delivering outstanding service every single day. Whether you work in customer service, operations, account management, HR, finance, IT, our technical support teams or out on the road visiting customers, your hard work has made this achievement possible.

We are incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together.

“To our clients, thank you once again for your continued support, trust and partnership – and to everyone who took the time to vote for us, we are truly grateful.

“While we are honoured to receive these awards, we remain focused on the future and committed to delivering continuous improvement, investing in innovation and providing the exceptional service that our clients and their customers deserve

“Thank you for being part of our journey,” James concludes.

www.emmieragroup.com

Emmiera’s office team. Holding the certificates are Natalie Richards (customer service manager) and Samantha Harding (call centre manager)

Jason is “incredibly proud” of his team’s accomplishments

Emmiera’s management team, from left: FD Emma Gowland; head of insurance, risk and compliance, Andrew McDonald; commercial director Jason Grinnal; CEO James Lane; executive assistant Lyndsey Turner; sales and marketing director Craig Hart; call centre manager Samantha Harding; and IT director Dav Pattar

for your continued support

Being recognised as Best for Customer Service and Best Furniture Care & Repair Provider in the 2026 Furniture News Readers’ Choice Awards is an incredible honour.

What makes these awards truly special is knowing they were voted for by the people we are proud to work alongside every day.

To all of our clients and partners...

Thank You James

Thank you for your trust, your collaboration and the confidence you place in Emmiera Group. Together, we share a common goal — delivering the very best experience for your customers.

We are incredibly proud of the partnerships we have built over the years and never take your support for granted.

To every member of the Emmiera team...

Whether you’re supporting our clients from the office or visiting customers in their homes across the UK, thank you for your professionalism, commitment and passion.

These awards belong to every one of you.

Together, we’re raising the standard of furniture care across the UK.

Thank you for being part of our journey.

Best for Customer Service

Best Furniture Care & Repair Provider

BEST FOR INNOVATION

Whitemeadow

Thrilled to be named Best for Innovation in this year’s Readers’ Choice awards, Whitemeadow is also celebrating a positive few days in Manchester, where the team unveiled its latest upholstery collection and reconnected with retail partners at the summer show.

For more than three decades, Whitemeadow has built its reputation on designing and manufacturing upholstery that balances style, comfort and commercial appeal. Working alongside independent retailers across the UK, the family-owned manufacturer continues to evolve its collections in response to changing consumer tastes, while maintaining the quality, service and collaboration that have become synonymous with the business.

This year’s Manchester Furniture Show proved to be another opportunity to strengthen those relationships. The latest collection was met with an encouraging response from visitors, with particular interest in Whitemeadow’s newest cover stories. Warm, toasty browns emerged as a clear favourite, sitting alongside grounding greens and a selection of soft, tactile fabrics that reflected the growing demand for inviting, comfort-led interiors.

“The collection demonstrated how trendconscious upholstery can also deliver the practicality and versatility that today’s retailers are looking for,” says the sofamaker.

Receiving Furniture News’ Best for Innovation award added another memorable moment to this year so far. Voted for by industry partners, the recognition reflects Whitemeadow’s ongoing commitment to developing products that respond to the needs of both retailers and consumers, while continuing to invest in fresh thinking and contemporary design.

Oliver Keating, sales director, independents and key accounts, says: “Manchester gave us the chance to spend quality time with our customers.

“While it’s great to showcase new products, it’s equally valuable to hear how trade is performing, understand what’s resonating with consumers and keep in touch with what our retail partners need from us. We

“It gives us real fire in our belly to keep pushing forward

were delighted with how the collection was received, and it’s given us real confidence in the products we’re bringing to market over the coming months.

“Winning the Best for Innovation award was also incredibly special. We’d like to sincerely thank everyone who voted for us. That support and acknowledgement from our retail partners means a huge amount to the entire team, and it gives us real fire in our belly to keep pushing forward and delivering the very best of what we have to offer.”

As the industry looks ahead to the second half of the year, Whitemeadow remains focused on working closely with its retail partners, developing collections that reflect evolving consumer lifestyles, and continuing to deliver upholstery that is designed to perform both in the showroom and in the home.

“Following an encouraging Manchester Furniture Show, there’s plenty to look forward to,” Oliver concludes.

www.whitemeadow.com

Huge thanks for voting for us!

We’re thrilled to receive the Best For Innovation award, your support means a great deal to us and we’d like to thank you for your continued partnership.

Celebrating the design details we’re most proud of, Toronto blends flexible modular living with clever wood top tables and a contemporary aesthetic.

BEST FOR SUSTAINABLE THINKING Castelan Group

“On behalf of everyone at Castelan Group, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the readers of Furniture News for voting us Best for Sustainable Thinking,” says Castelan Group CEO Martin Napper. “Being recognised by our industry peers makes this award particularly special, and is something of which the entire team is incredibly proud.”

“For those unfamiliar with Castelan, we are one of the UK’s leading providers of furniture protection plans, warranty solutions, repair services and aftercare support,” Martin continues. “For more than 30 years, we have partnered with retailers, manufacturers and consumers to protect products, resolve issues and, most importantly, extend the life of furniture and home furnishings.

“Sustainability has become one of the most important topics facing our industry, and at Castelan we have long believed that the most sustainable piece of furniture is the one that doesn’t need replacing. Our business is built around helping customers maintain, protect and repair their furniture, reducing waste and ensuring products remain in use for as long as possible.

“Sustainability is not a box-ticking exercise for us

“The past 12 months have been particularly rewarding for the business. As consumers place greater importance on responsible purchasing and retailers seek meaningful ways to improve their environmental credentials, demand for repair and aftercare services has continued to grow. We have strengthened our repair-first approach, invested in our service capabilities and continued to work closely with retailers and manufacturers to identify recurring issues, improve product performance and support a more circular economy.

“Our sustainability efforts were also recognised recently when we won the Sustainability Award at the inaugural Excellence in Furniture Awards 2026. The judges highlighted our focus on maximising the life of furniture and reducing waste, acknowledging the role that repairs and aftercare play in preventing unnecessary disposal and keeping furniture out of landfill.

“Today, Castelan is in a strong position, and remains focused on growth through innovation and service excellence. We continue to explore new ways to use technology to enhance the customer experience, improve operational efficiencies and support our retail partners. As expectations around sustainability continue to evolve, we will remain committed to developing solutions that help retailers meet both customer and environmental objectives.

“So, why do I believe Castelan topped this category? Quite simply, sustainability is not a box-ticking exercise for us. Every successful repair, restoration or service intervention helps extend the life of a product and reduces the likelihood of unnecessary replacement. This is not about detracting from future sales but rather, ensuring that your customers get the best value from their furniture.

“What truly differentiates Castelan is the combination of our experience, expertise and nationwide service infrastructure. We don’t just solve problems when they arise – we analyse trends, share insight with our partners and help drive continuous improvement across the furniture supply chain. This collaborative approach creates better outcomes for retailers, manufacturers, consumers and the environment alike.

“As we look ahead, we remain committed to supporting a more sustainable future for the furniture industry and helping our partners deliver outstanding customer experiences.

“To find out more about Castelan Group and our services, visit our website. We also look forward to meeting industry colleagues at upcoming trade events throughout the year and continuing the conversation around service, sustainability and product longevity,” Martin concludes.

BEST FULFILMENT PROVIDER F Edmondson & Sons

F Edmondson & Sons is a family-owned business that has operated for over 75 years. It has navigated the furniture and transport industry through good times and bad – somewhat similar to Morecambe, the town where it is based, says director Sam Edmondson …

“Morecambe, as with many UK seaside towns, was once booming with visitors,” says Sam. “Sadly, those halcyon days have since passed, as we took up the increasingly more affordable offer of Iberian sunshine.

“Edmondsons, like Morecambe – and, I am sure, many businesses across the UK – have seen the tide of business come and go over the last 75 years. There have been times when it has felt that the tide has gone out so far that it will never come back … thankfully it does.

“The arrival of the Eden Project hails the tide turning in Morecambe’s favour, hopefully reviving tourism and bringing new business to the area. Similarly, the recent uptick in the economy is a positive sign that will hopefully boost the furniture industry.

“Businesses must evolve with time to match new expectations, and Edmondsons is no different, as it adjusts to customer needs.,” Sam explains. “Furniture transport is a straightforward arrangement, but you have to get the simple things right to succeed – handling furniture is a skill that is honed with experience.

“We care personally about what we do

“You then overlay this with new customer demands – order status, immediate digital PoDs (proofs of delivery) and evolving means of communication. A phone call is no longer the single and most commonly accepted mode of engagement (though I do remember the TV advert in the 90s – it’s good to talk!). Out with the handwritten notes, and in with glass signatures.

“Edmondsons make around 100,000 deliveries a year – a far cry from the parcel delivery service of a well-known courier that goes by the name of a tropical rainforest, but you have to consider the nature of what we deliver, namely three-piece suites, bed settees, rise-and-recliners, tables, chairs, sideboards and fitted kitchens … all shapes and sizes of high-quality furniture that require handling with the utmost care. Not the kind of items that can be left on your doorstep from among the 100 other boxes delivered by a transit van each day.

“We rely on knowledge, a can-do attitude,

and keeping pace with the evolving digital world. We continue to learn and adapt and to listen to customers. We are human and we may, on occasion, get things wrong but we work extremely hard to make every delivery go well, whether that be a home or a trade delivery. Where we don’t succeed, we try to rectify as quickly as possible.

“It is because we care personally about what we do that we make such efforts to get deliveries right first time and ensure any issues are swiftly resolved.”

Sam concludes: “I hope that, with the Eden Project, Morecambe returns to being a popular seaside town. But I’m positive that Edmondsons, in its third generation, with new business and a shift to a more digital capability, will continue to provide a niche furniture logistic service to UK and European customers for another 75 years.”

www.edmondsonfreight.co.uk

BEST FURNITURE COMPONENT/MATERIAL SUPPLIER Carpenter Co

“Winning the Readers’ Choice Award for Best Furniture Component/Material Supplier is a fantastic achievement for the Carpenter Co team,” says UK divisional manager Alan Hibbert …

“Awards are always special, but recognition from industry professionals makes this honour particularly meaningful. It tells us that the hard work we put into developing quality products, delivering excellent service and supporting our customers is valued by the people we work with every day.

“On behalf of everyone at Carpenter, I would like to give a huge thank you to the readers of Furniture News for their votes and continued support. We are incredibly grateful for the confidence you place in us, and this award would not have been possible without the strong relationships we have built with our customers, suppliers and retail partners over many years.

“The award is also a reflection of the people behind Carpenter. From our production teams and R&D specialists to customer service, logistics and sales, every team member has played a part in helping us achieve this success. I am extremely proud of what the team has accomplished and what we continue to achieve together.”

Based in Glossop, Carpenter manufactures PU foam, supplying both block foam and converted products to the furniture, bedding, automotive and medical sectors.

“We also manufacture carpet underlay, incorporating recycled foam trim from our production processes as part of our ongoing commitment to reducing waste,” Alan adds.

“The past 12 months have been exciting and productive for Carpenter. We have introduced several new products, including Aurora+, our graphite-infused foam, and Serene Foam (Firm). We have also launched Podz Pocket foam springs, an innovative comfort technology that delivers the performance and feel of a metal pocket spring unit while offering built-in edge-to-edge support and improved

“We are incredibly grateful for the confidence you place in us

recyclability at the end of its life.

“Sustainability continues to be a major focus for Carpenter. Our R&D team in Wetteren has been working on mass-balance foam solutions for the UK market, allowing Carpenter to offer verification of renewable content featured in our products. To support this initiative and provide full traceability, Carpenter UK achieved ISCC+ accreditation last November.

“Over the last two years, we have invested significantly in innovation, technical expertise and training. Customers increasingly want evidence behind product claims, and our R&D team provides the testing and technical support needed to give them confidence in the solutions we offer.

“We have also invested in our people through additional training in health and safety, sustainability and product development, ensuring that everyone across the business is working towards the same goals and delivering the highest standards for our customers.

“We are committed to investing in a more sustainable future. A newly installed solar panel field at our Glossop site is expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 287,000 kilograms of CO₂ annually while supplying a significant proportion of the site’s electricity requirements. By generating renewable power

on-site, investment helps support lowercarbon manufacturing and demonstrates our continued commitment to reducing the environmental impact of our operations.

“Later this year, we will launch a softer version of Serene Foam to provide an even more luxurious comfort experience. We are also expanding our range of graphite-infused foams to meet the growing demand for coolerfeel comfort products. Recent machinery upgrades will also allow us to introduce ventilation channels into foam, improving airflow and enhancing consumer comfort.

“Innovation, sustainability and customer support will remain at the heart of everything we do. Winning this award is a tremendous honour and motivates us to continue investing in new products, new technologies and, most importantly, our people.

“Thank you once again to the readers of Furniture News for this recognition. We are genuinely grateful for your support and look forward to continuing to work with our customers and partners in the years ahead.

We hope to see many of you at the Bed Show in September and the Furniture Components Expo next March,” Alan concludes.

www.carpenter.com

Carpenter on the road

BEST GARDEN/OUTDOOR FURNITURE SUPPLIER

Gallery Direct

Award winner Gallery has described this year’s SOLEX exhibition as its strongest yet, following three busy days of meetings with independent retailers, national accounts and garden centre groups, all looking ahead to the 2027 outdoor season.

Building on its debut appearance last year, Gallery reported a significant increase in visitor numbers to its stand, with particularly strong interest from independent retailers seeking the reassurance of UK stock availability alongside the flexibility and value offered through FOB container programmes.

A key talking point throughout the exhibition was Gallery’s ability to offer customers the opportunity to personalise proven outdoor collections through bespoke weave colours, fabric selections and tabletop finishes. With larger outdoor furniture programmes making MOQs more achievable, retailers showed considerable interest in creating exclusive versions of established best-selling ranges while benefiting from the confidence of products with a proven sales history, says the supplier.

Alongside these bespoke options, Gallery also introduced new parasols and complementary outdoor accessories, reinforcing its ambition to offer far more than standalone furniture collections.

“One of the most consistent pieces of feedback received throughout the show centred around the overall presentation of the stand itself,” says Gallery. “Rather than simply displaying furniture sets in isolation, Gallery created a fully styled outdoor lifestyle environment, incorporating accessories, lighting, textiles, parasols and decorative finishing touches to demonstrate complete merchandising solutions. The result was a polished, design-led presentation that reflected how consumers increasingly shop for outdoor living spaces as complete environments rather than individual pieces of furniture.

“This wider lifestyle proposition continues to differentiate Gallery within the market. Already recognised as one of the UK’s leading suppliers across furniture, home decor, lighting, textiles and accessories, the business

“This wider lifestyle proposition continues to differentiate Gallery

has continued to establish itself as a major force within outdoor living, offering retailers the opportunity to source multiple product categories from a single supplier.

“That growing reputation has also been recognised by the industry itself. Gallery has received multiple awards for its outdoor category, including Furniture News’ Best Garden Outdoor Furniture Supplier 2026, providing further recognition of the investment the business has made in developing the category.”

Chris Lewis, head of independent sales, comments: “There was a noticeable increase in both visitor numbers and the quality of conversations compared with last year.

Independent retailers and garden centres are looking for suppliers who can offer flexibility, reliability and something that helps them stand apart, and that’s exactly where our proposition resonated. The response to our bespoke capabilities, UK stockholding and complete outdoor lifestyle approach was extremely encouraging, and we’re excited by the opportunities already developing for 2027.”

Patrick Collins, head of national accounts, adds: “The feedback from national retailers and buying groups was overwhelmingly positive. There is a growing recognition that Gallery isn’t just a leading indoor supplier – we’ve firmly established ourselves within outdoor living too. Customers appreciated seeing fully styled lifestyle displays rather than isolated furniture sets, and there was genuine enthusiasm around planning future collections, bespoke developments and early buy-in for our 2027 ranges. It’s given us tremendous momentum heading into the next season.”

Following another successful SOLEX, Gallery says it now looks ahead to working with customers on 2027 programmes, “continuing

to combine proven product design, bespoke development opportunities and a complete outdoor lifestyle offering” that helps its customers create distinctive and commercially successful collections.

In addition, as attention turns back indoors, Gallery’s new Autumn/Winter 2026 Home Accessories & Textiles Collection launches this month. Consisting of more than 200 new products across home accessories, soft furnishings and decorative accents, the collection has been designed to complement Gallery’s wider furniture offering while providing customers with fresh opportunities to refresh interiors for the season ahead.

The launch follows Gallery’s recent recognition as Best Accessory Supplier 2026, adding to its Best Garden/Outdoor Furniture Supplier 2026 accolade. Together, these awards highlight the breadth of Gallery’s product offering and the continued investment being made across multiple categories, reinforcing its position as a trusted lifestyle supplier.

Gallery’s complete collection is available to view online, and with its Big Summer Sale running until 31st August, there is still time to secure savings across many of its award-winning ranges before the offers come to an end.

Gallery’s winning team at SOLEX

Explore an extensive selection of outdoor furniture and accessories, including lounge and dining sets, benches, mirrors and pergolas. Designed to help create seamless outdoor living, each collection brings together considered design and enhanced durability, allowing style and performance to work in harmony.

Key ranges featured: Salcombe Lounge Set & Messina Pergola

BEST IMPORTER Bluebone

“Winning the Readers’ Choice Award for Best Importer is something we are incredibly proud of, and we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for us,” begins the supplier …

“To receive recognition from our customers and industry partners makes this award especially meaningful,” Bluebone continues. “It is a reminder that the passion, care, and hard work we put into everything we do is appreciated, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

“What really makes us proud is the amazing group of people behind the award. Every member of our team contributes to making our business what it is today, and this recognition truly belongs to all of them.

“A special thank you goes to our fantastic team in Indonesia. Their dedication, knowledge and enthusiasm are at the heart of everything we create. Over many years they have built close relationships with an extensive network of talented small suppliers, family workshops and specialist manufacturers. These are partnerships built on trust, shared values, and a genuine love of craftsmanship.

“Because we work so closely together, we’re able to develop collections that are unique to us. We don’t simply buy products – we work alongside our suppliers from the earliest design ideas through to the finished piece, refining every detail along the way. It’s this collaborative approach that allows us to create collections that combine beautiful design with exceptional quality and authentic craftsmanship.

“Attention to detail has always been one of our guiding principles. Whether it’s the choice of materials, the finish of a piece, or

“We don’t simply buy products

the smallest design feature, we believe these details make all the difference. Our Indonesian team oversees every stage of production with great care, ensuring that the products arriving with our customers are made to the highest standards. We are incredibly proud of the skill and commitment shown by everyone involved, and we know that quality starts with the people who make it happen.

“The timing of this award made it even more special as it came during what was a fantastic few days at our open showroom event that ran to coincide with the Manchester Furniture Show. It was a real pleasure to welcome customers to Our Home, just five miles from Manchester Central. Visitors explored our latest collections and were among the first to preview our new autumn launches.

“The response to our autumn collection was incredibly encouraging, and it was wonderful to see so much enthusiasm for the new designs. It gives us real confidence that the months of planning, designing, sourcing and refining have resulted in collections that our customers will be excited to offer in the seasons ahead.

“Winning this award, while enjoying such a successful showroom event, is a reminder that our greatest strength lies in the relationships

we have built – with our dedicated team in Indonesia, our talented suppliers and manufacturers, and the loyal customers who continue to support us year after year.

“We can’t wait to share what’s next, and will be exhibiting at both the Irish Furniture and Home Show (IFHS) in Dublin, and INDX Furniture, Solihull, in August, so we hope to see you there,” Bluebone concludes.

www.bluebone.co.uk

Mammoth

Bluebone’s Indonesian team oversees every stage of production

SIMBA HYBRID® ULTRA

With 11 layers of our most advanced tech, our highest spring count ever & luxurious natural materials, this really is our dream mattress.

BEST INSURANCE/AFTERSALES SUPPORT Guardsman

Guardsman is delighted to have been recognised once again in the Furniture News Readers’ Choice Awards, topping its category for the third time.

“For a business built on long-standing retailer relationships, customer confidence and practical aftersales expertise, this latest award is especially meaningful,” says Guardsman. “The Furniture News Readers’ Choice Awards are voted for by the industry, making the recognition a strong endorsement from the retailers, suppliers and partners who understand the value of dependable support beyond the point of sale.

“Winning the Best Insurance/Aftersales Support category for a third time reflects the continued strength of the Guardsman proposition and the dedication of the people who deliver it every day.

“From sales team support and retailer training to customer service, claims handling, technical guidance and our national technician network, each part of the business plays an important role in creating a smoother, more reassuring experience for retail partners and their customers.

“In today’s market, aftersales support is no

“A reminder of the trust placed in the brand by the wider furniture industry

longer simply a service add-on. For retailers, it is a key part of the customer experience and an important factor in protecting brand reputation. Guardsman works closely with its retail partners to provide clear, compliant protection plan solutions, practical support and specialist expertise that help customers feel confident in the furniture they choose and the service they receive if something goes wrong.

“Central to this is Guardsman’s ability to combine insurance knowledge with handson furniture care experience. The business supports retailers not only through protection plans, but through product expertise, technical advice, claims management and access to skilled technicians who understand the importance of restoring furniture wherever possible and delivering positive customer outcomes.

“This award also comes at an exciting time for

Guardsman, as the business continues to invest in service improvements, digital processes, retailer education and product innovation

“As customer expectations continue to evolve, we are also taking a more considered view of the environmental impact of our care products, kits and packaging. This includes looking carefully at how products are developed, used and supplied, with one of the first steps being the development of a stain remover solution that moves away from a single-use wipe format.

“For Guardsman, being recognised by Furniture News’ readers for a third time is both a proud achievement and a reminder of the trust placed in the brand by the wider furniture industry.

“The business remains committed to building on that trust by continuing to raise standards, strengthen partnerships and deliver furniture care solutions that support retailers and customers long after the initial purchase.

“Thank you to everyone who voted for Guardsman and to every retailer, technician, partner and colleague who continues to support the work we do.

“This award is shared across the whole business and is a reflection of the commitment behind our service.

“If you would like to speak to our awardwinning team about our insurance and aftersales support, or learn more about our new PFAS-free protector product, please contact head of sales (UK and ROI) Ryan White (ryan.white@guardsman.co.uk) or head of strategic partnerships Andy Leech (andy. leech@guardsman.co.uk),” category winner Guardsman concludes.

www.guardsman.co.uk

BEST LEATHER UPHOLSTERY SUPPLIER

Tetrad

Tetrad Furniture is delighted to have been named Best Leather Upholstery Supplier in the Furniture News Readers’ Choice Awards, a recognition that it says reflects the continued support of its retail partners and the dedication of the team behind the brand.

Manufacturing from its Lancashire factory for almost 60 years, Tetrad has built a reputation for creating premium upholstery that combines “exceptional craftsmanship with timeless design”. Every sofa, chair and footstool is handcrafted using carefully selected materials and traditional upholstery techniques, “ensuring each piece delivers the comfort, quality and distinctive character that have become synonymous with the Tetrad name”.

While proud of its heritage, Tetrad continues to evolve. The past 12 months have marked a new chapter for the business, with significant changes to the leadership team and a renewed focus on investing in product development, customer relationships and manufacturing capability.

Throughout this period of transition, one thing has remained constant, says Tetrad – an unwavering commitment to delivering quality products, excellent service and dependable lead times to retailers across the UK and Europe.

And that investment is already delivering results. This year, Tetrad enjoyed one of its most successful January Furniture Show launches to date, with new collections receiving an “exceptional” response from retailers. The Dakota range, featuring a distinctive rug-inspired aesthetic, quickly became a stand-out collection, while the introduction of 100% New Zealand sheepskin accent chairs in Nappa and Merino generated significant interest from customers looking for statement pieces that combine comfort with contemporary styling.

The brand has also continued to strengthen its long-standing partnership with Harris Tweed, introducing the new Bute model to complement the successful Arbroath and Bowmore collections. Meanwhile, the Spink & Edgar collection has expanded with the elegant Greta model, showcased in rich

“This gives us even more motivation to keep investing

coffee and chocolate-toned velvets that reflect current interior trends while remaining true to the collection’s timeless appeal.

As these latest designs continue to reach retail showrooms, Tetrad remains focused on supporting its stockists through new product innovation, marketing investment and strong collaborative relationships. Visitors to the Long Point exhibition in September will have the opportunity to see many of the latest collections first-hand, as well as meet the team and discover the direction the business is taking under its new leadership.

Rowena Allen, head of sales and marketing, comments: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive this award, particularly because it’s been voted for by the readers of Furniture News. It’s wonderful recognition for everyone at Tetrad, whose skill and dedication go into every piece we make.

“As the business continues to evolve, this gives us even more motivation to keep investing in innovative collections, outstanding service and strong partnerships with our retail customers.”

www.tetrad.co.uk

Romney Chair displayed in Comanche Rawhide leather

BEST MARKETING SUPPORT

British Furniture Association

“To receive this recognition – especially as it is voted for by the industry itself – is highly valued, and we’re incredibly grateful to every person who has acknowledged our work with their vote,” says Phil Spademan, MD of the British Furniture Association (BFA).

Behind every successful furniture business is a strong story – and many of those stories are being shaped with support from the British Furniture Association (BFA), helping its members communicate more confidently, promote their brands and showcase the craftsmanship and innovation behind Britishmade furniture.

Phil says the association’s marketing activity is central to its role as a collective voice for the industry. “As a trade body we act as a collective voice for the British furniture industry with a view to raising the profile of the sector as a whole,” he explains. “We also endeavour to provide useful and meaningful information and advice to businesses across our membership, helping them to promote their own brands and represent the deep craftsmanship and skill that has a long-standing association with Britishmade furniture.”

Members can tap into a wide range of marketing-focused resources, from high-quality tools and insights to promotional opportunities that help businesses “grow and thrive”. Alongside this, the BFA delivers practical support for retailers, suppliers and manufacturers through campaigns, content, events and partnerships that are designed to reach customers and stakeholders more effectively.

One of the association’s major initiatives is its Future of Furniture campaign, which sharpens the focus on education and sustainability. Designed to attract talent into the sector, the campaign highlights the opportunities to learn and develop across multiple career pathways, while also shining a spotlight on the strides BFA members are taking to become more sustainable.

At the heart of the campaign sits the

“Providing opportunities for businesses to celebrate what they do

Future of Furniture Awards. These recognise businesses that demonstrate excellence in Education, Sustainability and ESG Reporting, and also celebrate an individual Sustainability Champion. The awards are presented at the BFA’s Furniture Component Expo (FCE), which brings the furniture manufacturing supply chain together under one roof to explore the latest components, products and services.

The show itself has become a key platform for showcasing innovation and ideas. As well as a programme of panel discussions, the 2026 edition debuted the Innovation Trail, highlighting cutting-edge developments from across the industry and offering exhibitors and visitors new ways to connect.

For many businesses, marketing support is one of the most tangible benefits of BFA membership, sitting alongside technical advice, free legal support, discounted services and guidance on ESG. Together, these resources are aimed at helping members build stronger, more resilient and more visible businesses.

“Our aim as an organisation is to ensure our members and their businesses experience real benefit from their BFA membership,” Phil adds. “A vital element of that is providing

opportunities for businesses to celebrate what they do and to promote the value of the sector as a whole.

“This acknowledgement of the BFA’s work in providing marketing support over the last year is highly valued and we’re grateful to every person who has recognised that with their vote.”

www.bfa.org.uk

The BFA’s Furniture Component Expo unites the supply chain

BEST MOBILITY FURNITURE SUPPLIER

Celebrity Motion Furniture

“Being named Best Mobility Furniture Supplier in this year’s Furniture News Readers’ Choice Awards is something I, and everyone at Celebrity Motion Furniture, am incredibly proud of,” says Celebrity’s MD Wayne Hollis – who is also celebrating the success of four reps in this year’s vote …

“To be recognised by our customers makes this award especially meaningful,” he continues. “It reflects the hard work, dedication and passion of our entire team, and I would like to sincerely thank everyone who took the time to vote for us.

“This year’s awards were made even more special by the recognition of our sales team. We are immensely proud that all four of our sales representatives were voted best representative in their respective regions.”

The winning representatives were Dilwyn Waymouth (South West), Greg Noble (South East), Billy White (Scotland) and Mike Greasley (Midlands).

“To have every member of our sales team recognised in this way is a fantastic achievement and highlights the exceptional knowledge, service and support they provide to our retail partners every day,” Wayne continues. “Their close relationships with customers and commitment to delivering the very best experience are something we value enormously.”

The British manufacturer has been designing and manufacturing high-quality rise

“These awards recognise much more than the furniture we manufacture

and recline chairs, recliners and sofas at its Nottinghamshire factory for over 40 years.

Throughout that time, it has remained committed to producing furniture that offers “outstanding comfort, reliability and value”, says Wayne, “while providing the levels of service and support our customers have come to expect”.

And the past 12 months have proved to be another positive chapter for the business, he adds: “Like many businesses, we’ve continued to navigate a challenging market, but we’ve remained focused on investing in the future rather than standing still.

“Earlier this year, we launched our new Ashfield range, which has received an excellent response from retailers. Combining traditional styling, exceptional comfort and British craftsmanship, the Ashfield range has quickly become one of the stand-out additions to our collection.

“Alongside Ashfield, we introduced our exclusive SmartSense Technology, one of the most significant product developments we’ve

undertaken in recent years. Fitted as standard on all Dual Motor and Cloud Zero riserrecliners, SmartSense intelligently monitors chair movement and automatically pauses if resistance is detected, helping to protect both the furniture and its surroundings. As the only UK manufacturer currently offering this technology as standard, it demonstrates our continued commitment to innovation and enhancing the customer experience.”

Looking ahead, Wayne says Celebrity remains focused on supporting its retail partners with innovative products, dependable service and continued investment across the business.

“We are continually developing new ideas, enhancing our manufacturing capabilities and looking for ways to improve both the retailer and end-user experience,” he explains.

“I believe these awards recognise much more than the furniture we manufacture. They reflect the trust we’ve built with our retail partners over more than four decades, the dedication of every member of our team and our commitment to continuous improvement.

“By listening to our customers, investing in British manufacturing and developing innovations such as SmartSense, we’ve continued to deliver products and service that retailers can rely on. That’s what sets Celebrity apart, and we’re incredibly proud that our customers recognised that through their votes.

“On behalf of everyone at Celebrity Motion Furniture, I would like to thank everyone who voted for us, and for your continued support,” he concludes, adding that a selection Celebrity’s newest products will be on show at INDX Furniture later this month.

Celebrity’s winning team, from left: Dilwyn Waymouth; production manager Lorina Craddock; Billy White; works director Jackie James; Wayne Hollis; head of sales and marketing Madeleine Hollis; product design engineer Daron O’Neill; Greg Noble; transport manager Jordan Webster; and Mike Greasley

BEST NEWCOMER Loxa

“Furniture retail has changed. Customers buy sofas and beds online as readily as they do in the showroom, but the protection on offer never made that journey with them,” says Loxa, winner of this year’s Best Newcomer award …

“Furniture is one of the most considered purchases a shopper ever makes. It is expensive, personal, and meant to last,” states the embedded insurance specialist.

“Yet for decades, the protection sold alongside it was a basic add-on from another era – a leaflet at the till, a form on the showroom floor, built for a world where every sale happened face to face. Customers never lacked the desire to protect what they buy –they lacked access to protection where they actually shop.

“And where they shop has changed. Nearly two in five UK furniture purchases now happen online, and the share is still climbing,” says Loxa. “Traditional protection programmes stayed where they started, so when the sale moved to the product page, protection did not follow. That left a gap at the moment of purchase, exactly when customers are most likely to say ‘yes’ to protecting what they have just chosen.”

Loxa, an FCA-authorised firm, says it closed the gap by bringing embedded insurance built for furniture retail, online and in-store: “Cover for accidental damage, stains and structural defects once the manufacturer’s warranty ends. Offered in the same flow as the purchase itself, at the point of sale.

“Pricing is fair and transparent – the onetime premium is calculated dynamically on the price the customer actually pays, moving with promotions and discounts rather than sitting in fixed bands.

“Loxa fits wherever a retailer sells, offline or on any ecommerce platform. Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, PrestaShop or a custom build, Loxa integrates natively or through a flexible API, with retailers live in days.

“Customers never lacked the desire to protect what they buy – they lacked the option

In-store, an intuitive portal brings the same protection seamlessly to the showroom and the phone, and Loxa’s team walks every retailer through launch and beyond.

“The benefit runs both ways – retailers earn a new revenue line with zero operational lift, while their customers get years more from the furniture they love, with every part of the aftercare, claims, repairs and ongoing support, all managed by Loxa.”

And it seems the industry has responded. Loxa now works with more than 40 UK furniture retailers, including Dusk, Harbour Lifestyle, Nectar Sleep, Rowen Homes, Zofa, Furniturebox and Bed Kingdom, and says some furniture retailers are seeing organic attach rates of over 20% – a sign of real customer demand.

“Winning Best Newcomer means a great deal to the whole team,” says Jamie Hamer, Loxa’s co-founder. “This recognition reflects the impact embedded protection has already made in helping the industry modernise. When leading retailers choose seamless, transparent, comprehensive protection for the furniture their customers love and invest in, it tells us furniture retail is ready to evolve,

and that customers are ready with it. We’re sincerely grateful to Furniture News and its readers, and we’re only getting started.

“Great retail doesn’t end at the sale. It’s proven in the aftercare, and Loxa is setting the standard.”

Loxa is an insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA no 1018666).

www.loxacover.com

From left: Loxa’s

co-founders

Tori Hutchinson and Jamie Hamer, and commercial lead (furniture)

Archie Baker, celebrating

Loxa’s Best Newcomer win

Loxa’s furniture protection is now live with Dusk

BEST PRODUCT PROTECTION PROVIDER

Staingard

As Staingard marks its 20th anniversary, the company is celebrating two decades of innovation, trusted partnerships and continued growth, while also recognising a major industry accolade from the Furniture News Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, which saw it named Best Product Protection Provider.

Founded in 2006 by MD Paul Aiston, Staingard has grown into one of the UK’s leading furniture care specialists, supporting retailers, manufacturers and consumers with protection plans, aftercare products and customer service solutions.

Its anniversary year began at the January Furniture Show, where the team reflected on the company’s journey and its continued commitment to helping retailers enhance the customer experience.

A major focus for 2026 is Protect6, Staingard’s innovative product protection proposition.

“Developed to meet the changing needs of today’s furniture market, Protect6 offers retailers greater flexibility while giving consumers a simple, transparent protection plan that delivers genuine peace of mind,” says Staingard.

“Unlike many product protection programmes that offer a maximum of five years’ cover, Protect6 extends protection to six years, providing customers with an additional year of reassurance while helping retailers increase the value of every furniture purchase. The programme has also been designed to allow retailers to retain control of their pricing and margins, creating a flexible solution that supports long-term profitability.”

Alongside Protect6, Staingard continues to offer a comprehensive range of furniture care products including care kits, mattress protectors

“Twenty years on from its founding, the company’s focus remains unchanged

and specialist aftercare solutions, supported by personalised branding and PoS materials that help retailers strengthen customer engagement and generate additional revenue.

Staingard says partnership has remained at the heart of the business throughout its 20-year history. It works closely with retailers and manufacturers across the UK, providing training, claims management, aftersales support and customer service designed to deliver a “seamless ownership experience”.

“This collaborative approach has helped build long-term relationships based on trust, service and shared success,” says Staingard.

The company’s expertise has also supported expansion into complementary sectors through Gliptone, its specialist automotive leather care brand, and WeFill, its fulfilment and logistics business, allowing Staingard to apply its customer care and service expertise across multiple industries.

People continue to be central to the company’s success. As a family-run business, Staingard says it remains committed to teamwork, long-term relationships and delivering consistently high levels of service for both retailers and consumers.

That commitment has been recognised once again with Staingard being named Best Product Protection Provider in Furniture News’ Readers’ Choice Awards 2026.

National sales manager Robert Jones says: “As we celebrate 20 years of protecting and caring for customers’ furniture, we are

incredibly proud to receive this award. To be recognised by Furniture News’ readers makes this achievement especially meaningful. We’d like to thank everyone who voted for us and, above all, our customers and retail partners for their continued trust and support.”

Looking ahead, Staingard says it continues to invest in innovation, digital solutions and environmentally responsible products that help retailers “improve profitability while enhancing the customer experience”.

“Twenty years on from its founding, the company’s focus remains unchanged –supporting retailers, protecting consumers’ furniture investments, and delivering exceptional service through products that continue to evolve with the needs of the industry,” Staingard concludes.

www.staingard.co.uk

BEST RETAIL FINANCE SUPPORT

Buyline

Offering “retail finance built for the lifeblood of UK retail”, Buyline says it is proud to have been named winner of the Best Retail Finance Support category in the Furniture News Readers’ Choice Awards.

“What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it has been voted for by the industry itself,” says Buyline. “For us, that is the strongest endorsement we could receive, because our business exists to support the retailers, suppliers and partners who keep the UK furniture sector moving.

“At Buyline, our purpose is simple – to help retailers grow by making finance easier to offer, easier to understand and easier for customers to use. We believe retail finance should be a practical growth tool, not a complicated process. It should help customers buy with confidence, while helping businesses increase conversion, improve affordability and build long-term customer relationships.

“That matters more than ever for small and independent businesses. Across the furniture industry, these retailers are the lifeblood of UK retail. They bring choice, expertise, personal service and local employment to communities across the country. Our role is to give them the support, technology and finance options they need to compete with larger operators without losing the personal service that makes them special.

“Buyline works with partners to provide simple, flexible finance solutions designed around real retail environments. From customer experience to onboarding, compliance and ongoing support, we aim to make the process straightforward for both retailers and their customers.

“This award is a proud moment for the whole Buyline team, but it is also a reminder of why we do what we do. We are here to support ambitious retailers, help them unlock more sales, and deliver finance in a responsible, customer-focused way.

“Thank you to everyone who voted for Buyline, and to every furniture retailer who continues to trust us as their finance partner.”

www.buyline.co.uk

“A reminder of why we do what we do

BEST RETAIL TECHNOLOGY (IN-STORE) SUPPORT Sci-Net

Reflecting the growing importance of specialist support for the furniture industry, Sci-Net, now part of ANS, was voted Best Retail Technology (In-Store) Support for its ERP>Retail system, built with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.

Sci-Net explains why its services matter more than ever: “Supply chain disruption. Shifting consumer spending habits. Rising operating costs. Together, they have tested furniture retailers’ resilience across a challenging few years

“Consumers continue to think carefully about big-ticket purchases. Competition remains fierce. Every investment decision carries greater weight than it did a few years ago.

“As the uncertain market conditions continue, the retailers best positioned for growth are those able to make confident decisions quickly – whether that’s adjusting stock levels, refining product ranges, managing supplier relationships or identifying where margins are being won and lost. And most businesses already have the right information. They just don’t always have access to it when it matters.

“Over time, many retailers have built up a patchwork of systems, spreadsheets and manual processes. Sales data sits in one place. Stock information in another. Financial reporting somewhere else. Teams spend valuable time gathering information instead of acting on it.

“When markets are buoyant, these inefficiencies can go unnoticed. In a more cautious trading environment, they become far more visible and problematic. A delayed report can mean a missed opportunity. Issues with stock availability can lead to lost sales. Decisions made using incomplete information can have a direct impact on profitability.

“For furniture retailers, the challenge is particularly acute. Long lead times, complex supply chains, extensive product ranges and high-value inventory all increase the need for accurate, real-time visibility across the

“The right technology can become a strategic enabler of growth

business. This is why more retailers are looking beyond individual systems and focusing on the bigger picture. The goal must be to create a connected operation where finance, purchasing, inventory, warehousing and sales work from the same information, giving teams the clarity they need to respond faster and plan with confidence. That’s driving increased interest in modern ERP platforms and specialist implementation partners.

“That growing importance of specialist support was reflected in this award win which, significantly, was determined by the readers themselves, showing the value retailers place on expertise, partnership and technology that delivers measurable business outcomes – and this award follows Sci-Net winning

the Superior Service award at the January Furniture Show earlier this year.

“The right technology can become a strategic enabler of growth, helping retailers simplify complexity, improve operational efficiency and make better-informed business decisions. But success depends on choosing solutions that fit the realities of furniture retail and working with partners who understand the sector’s unique challenges.

“If your current setup is holding back growth, learn more about how Sci-Net can transform your business and why many growing businesses are moving to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central.”

Think Rugs

“There is no recognition we value more than the vote of the retailers who sell our rugs every day, so to everyone who put us top, thank you,” says category winner Think Rugs. “This one belongs to you as much as to us, and we have no intention of sitting still on the strength of it. The 2026 collection is how we mean to keep earning it.”

“Good interiors follow a mood, and this collection has been built to read it,” the winning supplier continues. “Fourteen new ranges and 95 colourways trace the currents shaping how people want to live, turned into floors that feel of the moment without reaching for novelty.

“Texture leads the conversation this year, and it carries through the whole range. Apollo makes the point with a high and low pile that plays with light, Havana brings a textured geometric surface, and Nova builds depth through a multi-textured, high-density weave. The flat, one-note rug is giving way to floors you want to touch.

“Natural fibre is making a quiet comeback too, and wool is firmly back in favour. Arcadia and Quartz keep things pure with wool flat weaves, while Vesper and Suzani step up to a richer 80% wool blend that feels wonderfully soft and substantial underfoot.

“Then there is the idea that has grown into a design language all its own – washability. Together, Bohemia and Heirloom add 15 fully washable colourways in florals and traditional motifs that look considered rather than clinical. Easy living no longer means settling for less on style.

“Colour is where the mood is clearest. Warm, grounded tones set the pace, with rust, teal, gold and layered multi-shades running through Vesper and Bohemia and echoing the wider shift towards richer, more enveloping rooms. Neutrals still do the anchoring, only warmer now, in cream, beige and soft grey.

“Style, meanwhile, is heading two ways at once. On the modern side there are paredback, linear looks in Drift, Brixton, Camden and Laguna, and on the traditional side, florals in Kingsley and classic motifs made for rooms that want a sense of story.

“The 2026 collection is how we mean to keep earning it

“If there is one trend showing no sign of slowing, it is the traditional. Its appeal has grown steadily YoY, and 2026 embraces it wholeheartedly, with florals, classic motifs and heritage patterns running through Kingsley, Bohemia, Heirloom and Suzani. These are rugs with warmth, character and a real sense of story, and their popularity only continues to build.

“None of it stays behind closed doors. The launch arrives alongside a brand-new Think Rugs website, rebuilt from the ground up to show the collection at its best. Cleaner navigation, richer photography and full room settings let every range be seen as it should be, on a phone just as easily as at a desk.

“Behind it sits something built purely for our trade partners – a high-specification B2B portal. It puts live stock, simple online ordering and full order tracking in one place, with product data and marketing imagery ready to drop into your own channels. Less time chasing information, more time selling.

“See the full 2026 collection in our brandnew brochure, or explore every range online at any time,” Think Rugs concludes.

BEST SOFABED SUPPLIER

Kyoto

Kyoto has been named Furniture News’ Best Sofabed Supplier 2026, marking the third consecutive year the company has received this prestigious industry recognition …

“We are absolutely delighted to have won this award for the third year running,” says Kyoto’s sales and marketing director, Paul Little. “It is a real reflection of the hard work, consistency and commitment across the entire Kyoto team, as well as the ongoing support from our valued retail partners. To be recognised consecutively in such a competitive category is something we are incredibly proud of.”

Alongside this achievement, Kyoto is entering a new phase of growth, underpinned by the strengthening of its leadership team. Mark Ballard has joined the business as operations manager, bringing extensive experience to further enhance operational efficiency and production performance. In addition, Shelley King has been appointed as HR manager, supporting the company’s continued investment in people, culture and organisational development.

“These appointments are key to our next stage of growth,” Paul adds. “Mark and Shelley both bring valuable expertise and fresh

“We are building something very resilient and progressive

perspective, and together we are building a leadership team that will support the business as it scales.”

Further demonstrating its commitment to growth and service excellence, Kyoto is also investing in significant infrastructure expansion. A new 25,000ft2 warehouse facility is currently being developed and is expected to be fully operational by mid-August 2026. This major investment will significantly increase stockholding capacity, improve fulfilment performance, and enhance service levels across the customer base.

“The new warehouse is a major step forward for us,” Paul continues. “It will allow us to hold more stock, react faster to customer demand,

and improve overall delivery performance. This puts us in a strong position to support our customers’ growth and our own ambitions as we move towards 2027.”

MD Nick Cancea comments: “It’s incredibly pleasing to see the direction the business is taking – the investment in our facilities, alongside the strengthening of the leadership team, giving us a strong platform for the future. We have a very clear focus on development and longterm growth, and I’m confident we are building something very resilient and progressive.”

Further information on Kyoto’s innovative offer can be found at online or by contacting the sales team on sales@kyoto.co.uk.

www.kyoto.co.uk

Austin

BEST SOFT FURNISHINGS SUPPLIER Scatter Box

Scatter Box has been named Best Soft Furnishings Supplier at the Furniture News Readers’ Choice Awards for the fifth year in a row.

“Voted for by readers, this award is one of the most valued recognitions we can receive,” the brand comments. “It reflects the trust our customers place in us and acknowledges the dedication of the entire Scatter Box team, who work tirelessly to design, manufacture and deliver products that help our retail partners grow their businesses.

“As a second-generation family business, we have always believed that long-term relationships, exceptional customer service and continuous product innovation are the foundations of our success. Winning this award again is a tremendous honour, and we would like to sincerely thank everyone who voted for us. Your continued support motivates

“Your continued support motivates us to keep raising the bar

us to keep raising the bar and developing collections that inspire both retailers and consumers alike.

“The award follows the successful launch of our Edition 2 2026 Collection, which made its debut at this year’s Manchester Furniture Show (MFS) in July. The response from visitors exceeded our expectations, with retailers embracing one of our most comprehensive collections to date.

“Edition 2 2026 reflects Scatter Box’s continued evolution as a complete home interiors brand. While cushions and throws remain at the heart of our collection, this season introduces exciting new launches across rugs, wall art, lighting, home accessories and curtains, creating our most comprehensive and co-ordinated offering to date.

“We are also delighted to welcome back our bedlinen collection with three beautifully designed new ranges, while the luxurious new Presley faux fur collection adds another layer of comfort and sophistication.

“Carefully curated to work seamlessly together, every category has been designed to help retailers create inspiring displays and offer consumers a complete home styling solution, combining exceptional quality, timeless design and the co-ordinated aesthetic that has become synonymous with the Scatter Box brand.”

Building on the success of MFS, Scatter Box will next exhibit at the Irish Furniture & Homewares Show (IFHS), taking place from 23rd–25th August at the National Indoor Arena, Blanchardstown, Dublin.

“We’re excited to bring the Edition 2 2026 Collection to the IFHS, and look forward to meeting both existing customers and those discovering Scatter Box for the first time,” says the supplier. “The show will provide the opportunity to explore our latest collections across cushions, throws, rugs, wall art, lighting, home accessories, curtains and bedlinen, while spending time with our team and seeing how the complete collection comes together.

“As Scatter Box continues to grow, our focus remains the same as it has always been – creating beautifully designed products, supporting our retail partners and building lasting relationships. Being recognised once again with the Furniture News Readers’ Choice Award is something we are incredibly proud of, and we are grateful to everyone who has supported us throughout the journey.

“We would like to thank our customers, retail partners and the readers of Furniture News for

their continued support. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand in Dublin this August and sharing the next exciting chapter in the Scatter Box story.”

Discover the complete Edition 2 2026 Collection online, view the collection by appointment at the supplier’s showroom in Navan, Co Meath, Ireland, or arrange for a local Scatter Box sales agent to present the collection in-store. To book a showroom appointment or arrange a store visit, contact the team via the website.

www.scatterbox.ie

BEST TESTING SERVICES/CERTIFICATION PROVIDER Fira-International

Fira-International, part of the Element Group, has been named Best Testing Services/Certification Provider for the sixth consecutive year.

“This achievement reflects the trust our customers place in us and the expertise, dedication and commitment of our team,” says the Stevenage-based testing specialist. “We help customers understand not only how to test and certify their products, but also why it matters.

“Because this is a readers’ choice award, this recognition is especially meaningful. Thank you to everyone who voted for us and helped make it six consecutive years at the top of this category.

“For those unfamiliar with Fira-International, we provide a comprehensive range of independent testing, inspection, certification, technical and training services. We support customers in ensuring their materials, products, systems and operations meet the highest standards of safety, performance, quality and compliance.

“One area where this expertise is particularly valuable is structural testing. As expectations continue to rise, manufacturers and retailers face increasing pressure to demonstrate that furniture is not only attractive and functional, but also durable, safe and fit for purpose.

“In today’s competitive manufacturing and retail environment, furniture is often judged on appearance, cost, and speed to market. Yet beneath every chair, desk or storage unit lies a more important consideration –structural integrity.

“Structural testing is fundamental to ensuring safety, durability and long-term performance. By simulating real-world use, it helps manufacturers understand how products will withstand everyday demands, identify weaknesses before launch, and build confidence in product quality.

And the benefits extend beyond compliance, Fira-International continues: “Structural testing improves durability and reliability, reduces product failures, protects brand reputation and strengthens customer confidence. It also supports product improvement by providing valuable performance data.

“Beneath every chair, desk or storage unit lies a more important consideration

“Its importance becomes particularly evident when considering risk. Structural failure is not simply a quality issue – it can pose genuine safety hazards. A collapsing chair, unstable workstation or failing storage unit can result in injury, financial loss, legal liability and reputational damage. In workplaces, educational settings, healthcare facilities and public spaces, where furniture is subjected to intensive use, robust and repeatable testing is essential.”

“Testing plays an equally important role in supporting sustainability objectives. Furniture designed and verified for durability remains in service longer, reducing waste and conserving resources. By identifying weaknesses early in development, testing helps manufacturers create products with greater longevity while balancing environmental responsibility with commercial performance.

“Importantly, structural testing is not a barrier to innovation – it is an enabler. Datadriven insights allow designers and engineers to refine materials, construction methods and manufacturing processes, ensuring products balance aesthetics, functionality and resilience.

“Through independent testing, certification, consultancy, technical training and product assessment services, Fira-International helps customers evaluate and validate product performance. Structural testing provides assurance that products are safe, reliable, and fit for purpose.

“As industry expectations continue to evolve, structural testing should be recognised not as an obligation, but as an essential part of delivering responsible, high-quality furniture. In a market where first impressions matter, structural testing reminds us that true quality lies beneath the surface.”

BUILDING ASSURANCE. YEAR

BEST TESTING SERVICES / CERTIFICATION PROVIDER 2026. VOTED #1 BY YOU, SIX YEARS RUNNING.

Our success is built on a simple belief: excellence isn’t a goal to reach - it’s a standard we strive to exceed every day.

Our commitment to continuous improvement gives customers confidence that their furniture materials, products, and operations are fit for purpose

It’s about making tomorrow safer than today. fira-international.com

BEST TRADE BODY/ASSOCIATION

National Bed Federation

“We are absolutely thrilled and honoured to be voted the Best Trade Body/Association and would like to thank all the Furniture News readers who voted for us,” the NBF begins …

“The award is particularly meaningful because it was voted for by the industry itself, reflecting the trust placed in our longstanding organisation by representatives of businesses across the bed sector and the wider furniture industry,” the federation continues.

“The accolade belongs not only to the NBF secretariat, but also to our bed manufacturer and supplier members who actively support and engage with the federation. A special thank you should also go to those individuals who share their expertise and give up their time to be part of our various committees covering marketing, quality and standards, and the circular economy, and our suppliers’ council.

“The bed industry has rarely faced more change. From sustainability requirements, potential landmark changes in regulation, and the threat of non-compliant imports, to ongoing economic pressures and geopolitical conflicts, there has never been a more crucial time for a trusted organisation to support and represent the UK and Irish bed sector.

“As the ‘voice of the industry’, the NBF acts as a trusted industry advocate, technical adviser, sustainability leader, market intelligence provider, and impartial educator through our consumer-facing Bed Advice channels.

“Whether we are helping members prepare for new regulations, influencing Government policy through our seats on British, European and international standards committees, or promoting the value of buying NBF-approved

“There has never been a more crucial time for a trusted organisation

brands from reputable retailers, our role is to help businesses thrive in an increasingly complex and often volatile marketplace.

“Possibly the jewel in our crown is the NBF Bed Show, taking place once again at Telford International Centre on 22nd and 23rd September. Now in its 16th year, the show has become far more than just an exhibition. It is where the industry comes together to discover new products, explore emerging trends and build valuable business relationships. It provides NBF-approved manufacturers with the opportunity to launch new collections, while suppliers of components, fillings, fabrics, machinery and specialist services showcase the innovations helping to shape the future of bed manufacturing.

“The continued success of the Bed Show reflects what the NBF stands for – bringing the industry together, encouraging innovation and creating opportunities for businesses, no matter their size, to grow and succeed.

“Beyond the Bed Show, we are continually working to support our members and those retailers that predominantly stock NBF-

approved brands and strive to do the things by the book. Our ongoing due diligence testing programme, now in its eighth year, is a key tool in helping to protect our members’ interests. Working closely with Trading Standards, we highlight those products and traders that blatantly flaunt UK fire safety regulations and trade description laws. We know it’s a major issue for reputable manufacturers and retailers, and we all want to see a level playing field.

“Over this next year, we will continue to listen to our members, raise standards, champion the UK and Irish bed industry and help businesses succeed. We look forward to uniting the industry at the Bed Show next month and continuing that work together.”

The NBF invites bed manufacturers and suppliers to contact the team with any membership enquiries. Qualifying retailers interested in gaining further support can apply to join the free Retail Champions Scheme via the NBF website. www.bedfed.org.uk

BEST UK UPHOLSTERY MANUFACTURER

Buoyant Upholstery

“Winning the Furniture News Readers’ Choice Award for Best UK Upholstery Manufacturer is a proud moment for everyone at Buoyant Upholstery,” says the Lancashire-based business …

“Voted for by readers across the furniture industry, the award reflects the confidence and support of retailers, customers and industry colleagues, making the recognition particularly meaningful.

“Over the past 12 months, Buoyant has continued to invest in its people, products and partnerships while strengthening its position as one of the UK’s leading upholstery manufacturers.

“A busy calendar of exhibitions and trade shows has allowed the team to showcase new collections, meet customers face to face and strengthen relationships with retail partners across the country.”

At the same time, the business has continued to evolve through strategic growth, most notably with the acquisition of the Ashley Manor brand and the addition of the Prestige Collection.

“Together, these developments have expanded our offering and reinforced our commitment to delivering exceptional Britishmade upholstery across a wider range of styles and price points,” the manufacturer adds.

For MD Mike Aramayo, the award is a recognition of the people who make the business what it is: “This award genuinely means a lot to all of us. To be recognised by the readers of Furniture News – the retailers and people we work with every day – makes it incredibly special.

“We’ve had a fantastic year at Buoyant, from getting out to more exhibitions and meeting customers face to face, to welcoming Ashley Manor and the Prestige Collection into the business. It’s been a busy year, but one that’s shown what an amazing team we have.

“I’m incredibly proud of everyone across the company – every single person has played a part in this achievement. We never stand still, and while it’s important to celebrate moments

It’s been a busy year, but one that’s shown what an amazing team we have

like this, we’re already looking ahead to what’s next. We’ll continue investing in our people, our products and our customers because that’s what has got us here, and that’s what will keep driving us forward.”

That commitment to continuous improvement has long been at the heart of Buoyant Upholstery’s success. From the skilled craftspeople on the factory floor to the sales teams, customer service and support teams, every employee has contributed to a year of significant achievement.

“We also extend our sincere thanks to our retail partners, suppliers and customers, whose continued trust and support have helped make this recognition possible,” states Buoyant. “Their collaboration remains central to our ongoing success and future ambitions.

“While winning the Furniture News Readers’ Choice Award is a significant milestone, Buoyant Upholstery sees it as another step on its journey rather than the destination. With an expanded portfolio, stronger customer relationships and exciting opportunities ahead, the business remains committed to investing in British manufacturing, developing outstanding upholstery collections and delivering the quality, value and service that customers have come to expect.

“As the company looks ahead, this latest accolade serves as both a celebration of an exceptional year and an inspiration to continue raising the standard for British upholstery manufacturing.”

www.buoyant-upholstery.co.uk

"This award genuinely means a lot to all of us. To be recognised by the readers of Furniture News – the retailers and people we work with every day – makes it incredibly special.”

Managing Director - Mike Aramayo

BEST VEHICLE MANUFACTURER

MaxiMover

MaxiMover says it offers the largest and most diverse range of ultra-lightweight, low-loader delivery van conversions across the UK and Ireland. Providing a complete end-to-end turnkey solution, the company works alongside world-class manufacturers, suppliers and industry specialists to design and build what is regarded as one of the most comprehensive and innovative ranges of lowloader delivery vehicles available today.

“Receiving this prestigious award marks a significant milestone for MaxiMover and reflects the company’s continued commitment to quality, innovation and exceptional customer service,” says the manufacturer.

“The recognition is a testament to the passion, expertise and dedication of the entire MaxiMover team, whose collective efforts continue to drive the business forward.

“MaxiMover extends its sincere thanks to everyone who voted for the company and continues to support its journey. Customer trust and loyalty have played a vital role in establishing MaxiMover as a leading name in low-loader van conversions for the furniture industry, and the business remains dedicated to delivering the highest standards of quality, reliability and service.

“The company is also entering an exciting new era following its acquisition by Lifco, the international group renowned for acquiring and developing market-leading niche businesses. Becoming part of Lifco represents a significant step in MaxiMover’s evolution,

“A

significant milestone for MaxiMover

creating new opportunities for investment, innovation and sustainable long-term growth, while further strengthening its ability to deliver outstanding commercial vehicle solutions and customer service across the UK.”

Supporting this next stage of growth is MD Tom Brennan, who joined MaxiMover in January 2026. With extensive industry experience and a strong customer-focused approach, Tom is already building on the company’s established foundations while leading innovation across the business, says MaxiMover: “His leadership is focused on strengthening customer relationships, expanding capabilities and ensuring MaxiMover continues to deliver the quality, reliability and service standards that have defined the brand for decades.”

At the heart of MaxiMover’s success is its bespoke range of furniture delivery vehicles, purpose-built to meet the unique requirements of transporting high-value furniture safely and efficiently. Designed and manufactured in-house, and refined through decades of industry expertise, each vehicle combines

high payload capacities, industry-leading load volumes and specialist loading solutions to maximise efficiency while protecting products from warehouse to home.

More than simply delivery vans, MaxiMover’s vehicles are engineered to become highly effective mobile workspaces, helping retailers and logistics providers improve operational performance, reduce product damage and deliver an “exceptional” customer experience. By tailoring each conversion to the individual needs of its customers, MaxiMover says it continues to set the benchmark for innovation within the furniture delivery sector.

“For businesses looking to upgrade their fleet, MaxiMover offers a wide selection of low-loader vans available from stock, providing customers with the opportunity to access market-leading vehicles quickly and efficiently. Explore MaxiMover’s current range of in-stock low-loader vans and discover the latest models available for immediate collection by following the link below.”

www.maximover.co.uk/low-loader-vans/ in-stock

LOUIS DE POORTERE

The Louis De Poortere Ecorugs collection is not only completely recyclable but also completely washable, making it “the best choice for low-hassle, high-style rug ownership”.

Boasting attractive designs and textures crafted in lasting, recycled and recyclable polyester, the range celebrates both contemporary and traditional design in a collection that is made to last.

“But just like anything that lives on the floor, from time to time an Ecorug will take the brunt of life’s accidents, rendering its beauty a little below par,” says Louis De Poortere.

“Thankfully, for those moments, every Ecorug is also machine washable. Polyester is inherently stain-resistant, but the flatweave construction and durable polyester make every Ecorug also completely machine washable, so there’s no need to worry with even the lightest of colours or most delicate design.”

Sales director Alan Russell adds: “Polyester’s recyclability was one reason for choosing it for the Ecorugs circular rug project, but its other qualities shone too – it’s more durable than our previous cotton and easier to care for.”

Adding value to sleep conversations

As consumers become more aware of the factors affecting rest and wellbeing, the retail conversation is expanding beyond comfort and support alone, says bedding brand Purecare …

“Pillow choice, temperature regulation, mattress hygiene and protection can all influence the quality of the sleep environment, giving retailers an opportunity to offer more complete and relevant solutions,”

Purecare continues. “Our focus is on helping retailers turn these wider conversations into better customer outcomes and stronger commercial performance.”

This approach will be central to Purecare’s presence at the Bed Show. Returning on 22nd-23rd September, the show will give retailers the opportunity to see Purecare’s complete sleep wellness portfolio and discuss practical ways to present, recommend and sell complementary products in-store.

“Rather than simply viewing individual ranges, visitors will be able to explore sales strategies, retailer training, merchandising options and methods of building stronger attachment rates across pillows and mattress protection,” says Purecare.

alongside premium feather and down pillows offering traditional breathable comfort.

The innovative Fusion Fibre collection adds a different proposition. Its dual-core, hollow-fibre construction is designed to provide lasting comfort and enhanced durability, while integrated air chambers help reduce heat build-up during sleep. These products sit alongside Purecare’s established Wave, Nano and Groove collections, creating a comprehensive pillow offer for a wide variety of customer needs.

“It is about understanding the customer’s wider needs

One of the key developments retailers will see is the expanded Norfolk Feather pillow programme, which enjoyed a successful launch this year. The collection combines Norfolk Feather’s long-standing bedding expertise with Purecare’s research-led approach to sleep wellness, to offer retailers a broad selection of pillow constructions, comfort levels and price points – helping them recommend products according to sleeping position, temperature preferences and individual support requirements.

The programme includes the Wool Lux collection, designed around wool’s natural temperatureregulating and moisture-management properties,

Beyond pillows, mattress protection remains another essential part of the complete sleep conversation. Purecare’s OmniGuard Protection Range has received Good Housekeeping Approved 2026 recognition for Allergy Protection, reinforcing the importance of creating a cleaner and healthier sleep environment. Effective protection can help defend the mattress against moisture, allergens and everyday wear, while preserving comfort and breathability.

“For retailers, pillows and mattress protectors represent more than additional products,” says Purecare. “When recommended according to genuine customer needs, they add value to the mattress purchase, while supporting stronger attachment rates and increased average transaction values.

“Purecare’s retailer support therefore extends beyond the product itself. Its training programmes help sales teams ask better questions, identify common sleep concerns and confidently recommend appropriate solutions. In-store presentation options can also make the category easier for customers to understand and simpler for retail teams to explain.

“At the NBF Bed Show, Purecare will bring these elements together, giving retailers the opportunity to see the products, discuss their sales approach and consider how sleep wellness could be incorporated more effectively into their own stores.

“Creating more value from every sleep conversation is not simply about selling additional items. It is about understanding the customer’s wider needs and providing a complete solution that supports better rest, protects their investment and improves their overall sleep environment,” Purecare concludes.

www.purecarehome.co.uk

Losing, gracefully

Retail is a game of winning and losing, says our US correspondent Gordon Hecht, writing for trade magazine

Your Source News – but the manner in which the losses are handled can make a significant impact on your business …

By Gordon Hecht

The first 12-team College Football Playoff is in the books. In case you missed it, the Ohio State Buckeyes played the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Both teams had to win three post-season matches just to get into the final. In total, the championship round marked the 16th game for the Bucks and the Irish.

The game had more ups and downs than a theme park rollercoaster. It went from blowout to nail-biter in a matter of moments.

You probably know who won, or you can look it up. The noteworthy part of the contest was the grace displayed by the losing and winning players. It must have been a huge disappointment for the guys on the short end of the score. And boasting rights go to the winner. But at the final whistle, the athletes met on the field for handshakes and hugs. The winning coach took the day to praise his adversary. The losing coach commented on the strength and talent of the winners.

In our retail world, we love to win. But the fact is that retail is a game of winning and losing. If you are the dominant store in your marketplace, you may still lose 80% of the available business to the dozens of other competitors in your neighbourhood, or online. Best-in-class salespeople close 50-60% of the traffic that your paid-in-advance advertising brings through the door. That means you lose 40-50% of the time.

The most difficult loss is cancelled sales. You write the sale, then order the goods or yank them out of inventory. And somewhere between purchase and delivery, your shopper changes their mind, cancels the order, and wants their money back. It’s (almost) worse than no sale at all!

The manner in which you handle cancellations can have a long-term effect on your business. Let me share three experiences I had, just in 2025 alone.

The full spectrum

There it was, printed on page one of our recent internet bill. Our sweetheart discounted rate had expired, and we were charged a new rate with a 25% rise. Luckily, in our area we have a choice of providers. I was ready to make the switch.

I made the call to our provider to tell them that our love affair was over. I was transferred to a cancellation agent. She listened to my break-up speech (it’s not you, it’s me).

She offered to process the cancellation. No hassle. But also offered to match the competitor’s rate. Or, for

$2 more a month, she would double our speed. I happily agreed. No need to switch all of the equipment. And the provider collected an incremental $24 dollars from me that year.

Snow happens!

The polar vortex in January last year took the country, literally, by storm. Southern and Gulf Coast cities were shut down by inches of snow. Here in Del Boca Vista (Phase III) I was told, got a light dusting. Me and my everlovin’ bride were in Tennessee during the mess. We decided to extend our trip a couple of days so we wouldn’t have to travel the frozen highway. That meant cancelling a hotel room on the same day we were scheduled to arrive. Right there on the reservation it was noted that

“Our bank’s delay tactics resulted in them keeping our money for an extra six weeks. But they have sadly lost a customer for life

the cancellation policy required 48 hours’ notice. I rang the hotel directly to let them know we wouldn’t be staying there. I also asked if they could waive the cancellation fee.

Without hesitation, the front desk clerk said he would waive the fee. To paraphrase him, “We would rather you be safe than take your money.”

Roadblocks ahead

I’ve heard horror stories about people trying to cancel cellphone service and gym memberships. There are more hoops to jump through than the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. But if you really want to experience the ring of fire, try to close an account to move to another financial institution.

We had that experience with our own (aptly named) institution. I won’t reveal the company, but they did not merrily help us make the change. They threw up more roadblocks and potholes than the Belt Parkway in Brooklyn.

We filed the recommended form three times. Each time, it was rejected due to errors. On attempt #4, we were told that we filed the wrong form. And every phone call to them means enduring a hold time of 45 minutes while listening to 101 Strings’ cover of Cliff Richards’ hit song We Don’t Talk Anymore I imagine that exasperated customers will give up the fight and stay.

Acting with grace Cancellations happen in every business. My internet

company likely gets hundreds of requests each day. They figured out how to save the sale by matching offers, but also understand that they can use the opportunity to add on services to increase revenue. When I reserved my hotel room, I essentially removed it from their inventory, meaning no-one else could rent it. Our hotelier lost the revenue via our cancel, but they also knew that weather was a factor. Their graciousness means they will be my #1 choice for travel. In fact, when we started out trek back home, I booked the same hotel, same location.

As for our bank … their delay tactics resulted in them keeping our money for an extra six weeks. But they have sadly lost a customer for life.

You also will lose a customer now and then. Each one of them has a megaphone, TV channel and newspaper column. All in the palm of their hand. It’s called social media. You will get a negative review. Get a dozen of them, and your marketing spend becomes useless.

I’m not sure who the bear is, but it’s told that sometimes you get the bear, and somedays the bear gets you.

Someday – and that day may never come – the bear will get you, and your customer will request a cancellation. Be prepared for it, act with grace. You will lose that battle but win the long-term war.

PS, Go Bucks!

This article was originally published by Your Source News. Gordon can be reached at gordon.hecht@aol.com.

“The most difficult loss is cancelled sales

Making Christmas count

With furniture retailers starting to lay the framework ahead of this year’s peak season, Clare Bailey suggests taking a fresh look at how Christmas – and the costs and opportunities that come with it – might call for a more considered approach …

By Clare Bailey

Christmas isn’t a cost, it’s an investment strategy.

Every year, I hear businesses asking the same question: “How can we do Christmas more cheaply?”

It’s the wrong question. The better question is: “How can every pound we invest deliver the greatest possible return?”

Those two questions might sound similar, but they lead to completely different decisions.

I’ve never criticised businesses for investing in Christmas. Quite the opposite. Christmas can’t be done well on the cheap. Decorations cost money. Seasonal staff cost money. Marketing costs money. Technology costs money. Creating memorable customer experiences costs money.

The issue isn’t whether you invest. It’s whether you invest with intent.

Customers don’t see your budget. They only experience the result. If your showroom feels uninspiring, your website is difficult to navigate, your delivery information is unclear or your sales team lack confidence, customers won’t stop spending because you’ve saved money. They’ll simply spend it somewhere else.

Christmas has long been regarded as retail’s ‘golden quarter’, with November and December representing the most significant trading period of the year for many retailers. For furniture businesses, where purchases are considered and customer confidence is everything, those weeks can influence not only year-end performance but the momentum you carry into the year ahead.

Too often, businesses view festive trading through the lens of cost reduction. Can we spend less? Can we cut back? Can we make do?

I’d argue that every investment should instead be judged by one simple measure – what customer behaviour will it change?

Before spending a single pound this Christmas, ask yourself whether that investment will: bring more people into your showroom, increase conversion, encourage customers to buy an additional item, remove friction from the buying journey, or create an experience customers will remember and recommend. If the answer is none of those, it may not be the right investment.

For furniture retailers, this mindset is particularly important because you’re rarely selling a product in isolation. You’re selling aspiration, confidence and a vision of home.

Customers don’t simply buy a dining table in December. They’re buying Christmas dinner with the family. They don’t buy a sofa. They’re imagining where

everyone will gather on Christmas Day. They aren’t choosing lighting. They’re creating atmosphere.

The most successful retailers understand this. They merchandise complete room settings instead of individual products. They style homes rather than display furniture. They make it easy for customers to picture themselves living with the products, not simply owning them.

The same principle applies online. Customers expect the journey between your website and your showroom to feel seamless. They want accurate stock information, transparent delivery times, clear finance options and the reassurance that the experience instore will match what they’ve already seen online.

The businesses that outperform during peak trading are rarely the ones that spend the most. They’re the ones that remove the most uncertainty.

The same applies to your people. Seasonal pressure exposes weaknesses very quickly.

Customers don’t remember whether you employed temporary staff. They remember whether someone made the buying process easy, answered their questions confidently and helped them make the right decision. Busy doesn’t have to feel chaotic.

Neither does technology replace good service. It should simply remove unnecessary friction. Whether that’s appointment booking, better stock visibility, digital ordering or clearer communication around deliveries, every improvement should make it easier for customers to buy.

Finally, I’d encourage every retailer to think beyond December. Christmas should never be viewed as a finish line. It’s an opportunity to build relationships that continue into January, February and beyond. Did customers enjoy the experience enough to recommend you? Will they leave a review? Will they return when they’re furnishing another room? Will they remember your business when friends ask for recommendations?

Saving money can sometimes be an expensive decision. Cutting £5,000 from a Christmas budget might look sensible on a spreadsheet. But if that decision results in fewer customers, lower conversion and missed opportunities, was it really a saving at all?

The strongest furniture retailers don’t ask how little they can spend. They ask how every pound can work harder. Because Christmas isn’t simply another trading period – it’s an investment in customer relationships, reputation and future growth. And that’s where the real ROI begins.

www.retailchampion.co.uk

“The businesses that outperform during peak trading are rarely the ones that spend the most

The value of quality in a changing industry

With consumers increasingly seeking greater product and business integrity, working with a compliance and testing expert before going to market has never been more important, writes Johnny Worthington, commercial business area manager – furniture and floorcoverings at SATRA …

By Johnny Worthington

Having spent nearly three decades within SATRA, progressing from laboratory technician through to my current role overseeing furniture and floorcoverings, I’ve had the opportunity to see our industry from multiple perspectives. From hands-on testing to leading teams working with international standards, one principle has remained consistent throughout –the importance of quality.

I still remember early in my career being involved in the testing of a seating product that, on the surface, looked perfectly sound. It had passed initial inspections and met the visual expectations desired for a retail environment. However, under cyclic durability testing, it failed far earlier than anticipated. What struck me at the time was how easily that issue could have gone unnoticed without robust testing, and how different the outcome could have been had that product reached the consumer. That experience has stayed with me and continues to shape my view that while quality is not always visible, it is always critical.

At SATRA, we operate at the intersection of technical performance, safety and compliance. Working within an internationally recognised centre for testing and certification means we often see how products perform long before they reach the enduser. That position provides a valuable lens on the challenges and opportunities currently shaping the furniture sector.

One of the most notable shifts in recent years has been a growing focus on product integrity. Customers are asking more questions about what they are buying, including how it’s made, how long it will last, and whether it meets expected safety and environmental standards. This has placed greater emphasis on rigorous testing and robust quality assurance processes across the supply chain.

towards more responsible design and manufacturing practices. Materials selection, product longevity and end-of-life considerations are all moving higher up the agenda. Increasingly, we are engaging with clients on how products can be designed not just to meet current standards, but to remain relevant and compliant over a longer lifecycle.

Encouragingly, I have also seen a greater degree of collaboration across the industry. Manufacturers, retailers, testing bodies and standards organisations are working more closely together than in the past. This relationship is essential, particularly as new materials, technologies and regulatory expectations continue to emerge. A more connected industry is better equipped to respond to change and maintain confidence in the products it delivers.

From a technical standpoint, the industry is becoming increasingly complex. Compliance is no longer a simple tick-box exercise. Manufacturers and retailers must navigate evolving standards covering fire safety, structural performance, material safety and durability. In many cases, these requirements differ, depending on the intended market or application –whether domestic, office or contract use. Supporting businesses through this landscape is a key part of the work we do at SATRA.

The future of furniture

Sustainability is also playing a defining role in shaping the future of furniture. There is a clear shift

“Customers

Of course, the sector is not without its challenges. Cost pressures and supply chain uncertainties remain a reality, and keeping pace with regulatory change can be demanding. However, the businesses that take a proactive approach to quality and embed it into their design, manufacturing and testing processes are far better positioned to succeed.

In my experience, quality should never be viewed as a barrier or an added cost. Instead, it should be seen as an investment in credibility and long-term performance. A well-designed, well-tested product not only meets requirements but builds trust with the consumer. Having grown within this industry, it is rewarding to contribute to its continued development. The furniture trade has always been rooted in craftsmanship, but today it is equally defined by technical knowledge, data and accountability.

www.satra.com

Cheap, fast or perfect? Pick two

In business, everything is open to negotiation. But when customers ask for a rate reduction, it generally pays to remember the value of your offer rather than capitulate, suggests retail sales and operations consultant Ben Wain, the founder of Wain Consultancy & Coaching …

By Ben Wain

Recently, I found myself having a conversation with the owner of a growing maintenance business who was facing a dilemma many furniture retailers will recognise.

One of their largest customers had approached them asking for a reduction in rates. This wasn’t a customer representing a small portion of their turnover either, it accounted for around 80% of their work. Losing the account would have a significant impact on the business, so understandably, the owner was concerned.

As we talked through the situation, I asked the obvious questions. Had service levels slipped? Had there been complaints? Had they failed to deliver on their promises?

The answer to all three was no. In fact, quite the opposite. They answered the phone, turned up when they said they would, travelled long distances when needed and consistently delivered a high standard of work. The customer simply wanted to improve its own margins and had suggested there were other companies willing to do the job for less.

My advice surprised them. I told them not to reduce their rates.

Now, before anyone throws this magazine across the showroom, I’m not suggesting retailers, suppliers or service providers should never negotiate. Of course they should. Every successful business regularly reviews costs, tenders contracts and looks for opportunities to improve profitability. But this wasn’t really a conversation about price. It was a conversation about value, and it’s a conversation I believe our industry needs to have more often.

Of course, the same principle applies throughout the supply chain. Furniture retailers regularly receive cost price increases from manufacturers and suppliers and, whilst nobody enjoys those conversations, they should create an opportunity to ask important questions.

What is driving the increase? Has the product improved? Is there additional investment in service, stockholding or support? Does the supplier add value beyond simply delivering furniture?

The strongest retailer-supplier relationships are built on transparency and mutual understanding. Equally, retailers shouldn’t be afraid to review product performance when repeated increases begin to push a range beyond what the market is willing to pay.

Sometimes the answer is accepting the increase because the value remains strong. Sometimes the answer is having a difficult conversation. And occasionally, it may mean replacing a product that no longer represents good value for either the retailer or

the customer.

Furniture retail has always faced pressure on pricing. Whether it’s customers asking for “a little bit more off”, competitors launching another sale event or online retailers pushing aggressive promotions, the temptation to compete on price is ever-present. In challenging markets, it can feel like the easiest lever to pull. Reduce the margin, secure the order and worry about the consequences later. The problem is that this approach rarely creates long-term success.

Many years ago, I heard a phrase that has stayed with me ever since – you can have it cheap, you can have it fast, or you can have it perfect, but you can only pick two. If you want it cheap and fast, it won’t be perfect. If you want it perfect and fast, it won’t be cheap. If you want it cheap and perfect, it certainly won’t be fast. Yet many businesses spend their lives trying to deliver all three and, inevitably, somebody ends up paying the price.

More often than not, that somebody is the retailer. Margins become squeezed. Teams come under pressure. Investment in training gets delayed. Store standards begin to slip and customer experience suffers.

Ironically, the very things that customers value most are often the first casualties. Over time, businesses find themselves working harder, taking more risk and earning less money. It’s a race to the bottom and, in my experience, very few businesses win that race.

The strongest furniture retailers I’ve worked with understand something important. Customers don’t always buy the cheapest option. More often, they’re buying confidence, trust, expertise and peace of mind. They’re buying from businesses that consistently deliver on their promises and from people who make the process easy.

Think about your own customers for a moment. How many return because you were the cheapest? And how many return because they trust your advice, your service and your team?

Some of the most successful retailers in our sector have spent decades building reputations based on experience rather than price. They’ve invested heavily in their people, their showrooms, their delivery standards and their customer service because they understand that value extends far beyond the product itself. Customers may compare prices online, but they still remember how they were treated. They remember whether promises were kept, and whether problems were solved. They remember whether somebody genuinely cared.

“You can have it cheap, you can have it fast, or you can have it perfect, but you can only pick two

At the beginning of any business journey, there are times when you need to work harder than everyone else. You travel further, stay later and go the extra mile to build a reputation.

That’s how trust is earned. That’s how credibility is built. But once you’ve established that reputation, don’t be too quick to give it away simply because somebody asks for a discount.

There comes a point where every business owner

and retailer must decide what they stand for. Not arrogantly. Not emotionally. Professionally. Because if you don’t value what you do and what you offer, don’t be surprised when nobody else does either.

The strongest businesses aren’t built by winning every order. They’re built by understanding which orders are worth winning.

www.linkedin.com/in/benwain

F Edmondson & Sons European Furniture Transport

“There comes a point where every business owner and retailer must decide what they stand for

How retail crime is impacting independents

This month, Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), reflects on the findings of the association’s latest retail crime survey and what they mean for independent furniture retailers across Britain …

By Andrew Goodacre

Every six months, we ask our members about their experiences of retail crime. Every six months, the results make for difficult reading. But our latest survey findings have given me real cause for concern – not just because the numbers are moving in the wrong direction, but because of what lies behind them.

Almost 77% of respondents told us they had experienced theft in the past 12 months. Nearly 90% of those said it had got worse compared to the year before. Those are significant figures on their own, but what strikes me most is the human reality our members describe alongside them. Theft that happens weekly, sometimes daily. Thieves who laugh at staff as they walk out of the door. Retailers who told us, simply and bluntly: “We are on our own.”

That phrase has stayed with me. Because in many ways, that is exactly what our members are being asked to be – on their own. Over 45% of those who experienced theft did not report it to police, not because they did not care, but because they have lost confidence that anything will come of it. Of those who did report, police attended in 67% of cases, and of those, just 35% led to a prosecution. When you see those numbers repeatedly, year after year, you stop reaching for the phone.

The financial impact is also growing. More than one in 10 of our respondents estimated their total annual cost from retail crime – stolen stock, security investment, staff time – at over £10,000.

For furniture retailers, who often operate on tight margins with high-value display stock on the floor, the challenge is particularly acute. Many have had to rethink how their showrooms look and feel, pulling items back from prominent display positions or increasing staffing levels simply to deter opportunistic theft.

Over a third of our survey respondents told us those kinds of changes had hit sales or damaged the customer experience. In a sector where the whole point is for customers to see, touch and imagine a piece in their home, that matters enormously.

I am also concerned about the direction of travel. Our members are telling us that theft is becoming more organised, more deliberate, and more targeted. They are describing repeat offenders known by name, groups using distraction techniques, and incidents they believe are connected to drug dependency and informal resale networks. Staff of all ages are being verbally abused – and in some cases physically threatened – simply for trying to do their jobs. Over

two-thirds of respondents said verbal abuse had increased in the past year. That is not a small or isolated problem.

What do our members want? The answer from this survey is consistent with what we hear every day. Stronger sentencing. A better police response rate. More visible presence on high streets. Clearer guidance on what evidence is needed to pursue a case. These are not unreasonable asks. They are the basic conditions that allow a business to trade with confidence.

I want to be clear that we are not pointing fingers without context. Retail crime is a complex problem, and we know that police resources are stretched and that wider social factors are at play. But independent retailers are absorbing costs and pressures that are not of their making, and they deserve better support than they are currently receiving.

We will keep asking. We will keep publishing. And we will keep making the case that the high street cannot thrive if the people who run it feel they are fighting crime alone.

www.bira.co.uk/resources/podcast

“For furniture retailers, who often operate on tight margins with high-value display stock on the floor, the challenge is particularly acute

Why sales directors must learn before they lead

The first 90 days in a new sales director role is crucial – but understanding the business is much more important than making your mark, writes

John D Moulton, author

of The Instant Sales Director – Ready from Day One …

By John D Moulton

One of the biggest mistakes new sales directors make is believing they’ve been hired to fix everything fast. It’s understandable. Most arrive with a track record and a natural urge to prove their appointment justified.

But the first 90 days should be less about proving yourself, and more about understanding what you have inherited. Early actions often shape success or failure. Observation and diagnosis in your early months is critical.

I once observed at close quarters a newly appointed furniture trade sales director who had been instructed by the group’s hierarchy to ‘hit the ground running’. They wanted big improvements fast as the division was losing market share. The company had a magnificent plant, manufacturing dining room tables and chairs.

The new appointee went to work immediately. His plan – to introduce a range of cabinet furniture to complement the company’s current offer. Within his first three months he spent a great deal of money opening a dedicated manufacturing facility and buying new equipment.

He looked busy. His bosses were impressed. 90 days done, a new pilot plant and equipment installed – and a sales director well connected with the trade, ready to fire on all cylinders. What could possibly go wrong?

And so to the truth of it.

Despite a wonderful manufacturing facility, the company habitually cut corners on raw materials. Blocks of wood, probably still growing branches a few weeks before, were being put through lathes to create table legs and pedestals. The result – regularly thrashed timbers and blunted blades. The company’s answer? More cheap blades and the dumpster for those piece parts that would not sand down.

This was just one example of quality leaving much to be desired. One manager of a national group retail chain told me with a smile, “These days we bring a fresh returns book to the loading bay when a delivery arrives!”

The new sales director’s answer to a poor trade reputation? Change the company name. That very thought is worthy of a column of its own.

The end result? The trade didn’t buy it. The whole business was shut down, and the new sales director –and 100-plus operatives – out of work.

Lesson learned – the structure of the sales organisation itself deserves careful attention during

the early months of leadership. Quality assurances, territory design, incentive structures, reporting practices and communication between teams often reveal more about organisational health than falling revenue numbers alone.

It’s critical to get close to everyone that influences the customer’s perception of the company. They are watching you, too. When approached, many will be keen to offer their thoughts.

Credibility is built less through authority and more through considered judgment. They want to know that the person guiding the sales organisation understands the strengths and weaknesses of the environment in which they operate. Only then does the authority to guide change become earned.

The role of the sales director is not simply to maintain or tinker with existing structures. It is to ensure that the organisation evolves meaningfully in response to market realities. It’s rarely a revolution, more often a series of thoughtful adjustments that gradually align quality, strategy, structure and market opportunity. Stability and momentum must coexist. The judgment to recognise that balance is one of the defining characteristics of effective sales leadership. Speed may create the appearance of leadership. Clarity builds the authority that allows leadership to endure.

www.theinstantsalesdirector.com

“The role of the sales director is not simply to maintain or tinker with existing structures. It is to ensure that the organisation evolves meaningfully in response to market realities

Thinking beyond traditional search

Today’s furniture shoppers are making more considered buying decisions, often turning to AI platforms for answers – so independent retailers ready to become part of that conversation can get ahead of the crowd, explains Jimmy Connoley, the founder of UK-based AI search agency Rank4AI …

By Jimmy Connoley

For years, online visibility has largely meant one thing: Google. Retailers invested in SEO, paid search and product feeds because that’s where customers went when they were ready to buy.

And that remains true today. Millions of people still search directly for products every day, whether that’s a dining table, a pair of trainers, a coffee machine or a new sofa.

What is changing, however, is how customers discover those products in the first place.

Increasingly, consumers are turning to platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity and Claude to help them make decisions before they know exactly what they want. Rather than searching for a specific product, they are having conversations.

Instead of typing ‘best extendable dining table’, a customer might ask: “I have a small dining room and regularly host six people. What type of table would work best?”

Instead of searching for a sofa, they might ask: “What type of sofa fabric is best for a house with dogs and young children?”

Someone shopping for garden furniture may ask: “What material will last longest outside in the British weather?”

These are not traditional product searches. They are discovery conversations.

Historically, most retailers focused on being visible when a customer was ready to purchase. Today, more and more retailers are focusing on being present at the point of inspiration and discovery, not simply at the point of transaction.

The reason is simple. Customers are spending more time researching, comparing options and seeking advice before they buy. And AI platforms are becoming part of that process.

When someone asks an AI platform for guidance, the system has to decide which brands, retailers and sources it trusts enough to reference. The retailers that appear in those responses have an opportunity to influence purchasing decisions long before a customer lands on a product page.

For retailers, this creates a new layer of visibility. Success is no longer just about appearing when somebody searches for a specific product. It is increasingly about being part of the conversations that happen before the search itself.

For independent retailers, this can be particularly

powerful. Large retailers often win on scale, stock levels and advertising budgets – but independent retailers frequently win on expertise. They understand their products, their customers and the questions buyers ask every day. The challenge is making that expertise visible online in a way that both people and AI systems can understand.

So, what does this mean in practice?

Retailers need to think beyond product pages and category pages. The businesses that are becoming more visible in AI platforms are often the ones that clearly explain who they are, what they sell, who they help and why customers should trust them. They create useful content around customer questions, build consistent signals across their website and wider online presence, and make it easier for both people and AI systems to understand their expertise.

The good news is that many of the foundations are already familiar. Strong content, clear positioning, trustworthy information and a well-structured website matter just as much in AI-driven discovery as they do in traditional search.

Google is not disappearing. SEO is not dead. Product searches still matter enormously. What is changing is the number of places consumers go before they reach that final search.

The retailers who recognise this early have an opportunity to become part of the conversation long before a customer is ready to buy. And in a world where recommendations increasingly come from AI systems as well as search engines, that visibility may become one of the most valuable assets a retailer can build.

www.rank4ai.co.uk

“Increasingly, consumers are turning to platforms such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity and Claude to help them make decisions before they know exactly what they want

THE FURNITURE MAKERS’ COMPANY

The industry’s heart and home

There’s more than meets the eye to the industry’s livery company and dedicated charity – newlyappointed master Jessica Alexander explains why The Furniture Makers’ Company is the heart and home of the UK furniture and furnishings industry …

By Jessica Alexander

I spend a lot of time explaining to friends what a City of London livery is. That’s OK – I live in Yorkshire, so London is a long way away (although there are linked guilds in York and Sheffield!).

Originally, the livery companies were the professional associations in the City of London that were responsible for regulating training and trade in the square mile for their respective industries. Today – across a movement of 114 companies, with new ones still coming on board – they are still membership and networking organisations, but no one description fits all.

They differ vastly in size, activity, influence. But almost all have fellowship and philanthropy as their core reason for being – supporting their linked trades and industries, schools, colleges and other educational establishments with a raft of bursaries, grants, awards, scholarships and much more.

Which brings me to how the Furniture Makers fits in with this largely invisible-to-the-wider-world movement.

We’re a modern livery company, set up in 1951 as a guild, achieving livery status in 1962 and incorporated by Royal Charter since 2013. We’re also what is called a closed livery company – which means you have to be associated with the furniture and furnishings industry in some way to join.

But why would anyone want to join this strange thing called a livery company – especially if you don’t live anywhere near London, so attending livery events is not particularly convenient?

Two reasons – because we are also the only charity solely focused on supporting our industry, and because you’ll benefit enormously from the networking and community we offer (particularly if you embrace your membership and get involved). And we need you, because as a volunteer-led organisation, we need our members to ensure we keep operating.

So don’t join us just for a few posh dinners or lunches in London, or bizarre events such as pancake racing or herding sheep over Southwark Bridge (although they are amazing – members should definitely attend some). Join us to sit on a committee and further our objectives of supporting those in

need of a helping hand, promoting our industry and rewarding the highest standards of making, design and manufacturing.

The Furniture Makers’ Company holds a unique position in our industry. No other organisation brings together people from across so many different sectors and so many different roles – from bespoke furnituremakers and restorers through to the largest companies in our sector in retail, manufacturing and everything in between. From specialists in sales to marketing, design, finance, HR, technical, legal, making and manufacturing, antiques and restoration and more. Tapping into this pool of experience and knowledge is endlessly fascinating and illuminating.

If you’re younger and at the start or mid-way through your career, you can connect and learn from the best. If you’re older and near the end of it, you can enjoy the satisfaction of passing on your knowledge and helping others develop their skills.

So what are you waiting for? Don’t wait to be asked. Apply to join us now and open the door to a rewarding future full of fun and satisfaction. You won’t regret it.

www.furnituremakers.org.uk

“No other organisation brings together people from across so many different sectors and so many different roles

What’s your biggest turn-off in a supply partner?

Being let down on delivery deadlines

Sunayna Azam, Sofa.com

A lack of communication. Things don’t always go to plan in business, but suppliers who are proactive, transparent and honest when issues arise build long-term trust. Silence is far more damaging than bad news

Boyd Hargreaves, Loom Loft Furniture & Interiors

Lack of communication

James Leach, JRL Agencies

Dishonesty or deception during discussions. I’ve personally experienced this, and the professional and emotional impact can be devastating. Transparency and integrity are non-negotiable

Victoria Ross, Furniture Flow

A partner who goes quiet when something’s wrong. I can work with a delay, a fault, a hard conversation – what I can’t work with is silence. The relationships that last are the ones where bad news travels as fast as good

Tim Hudson, CIAR and Nisi Group

Lack of response and not bringing new ideas to their customers

Richard Gretton, GNG Group

Unprofessional behaviour, particularly when they speak negatively about or show a lack of respect towards other suppliers

Jemma Frame, AIS

Poor communication. Delays happen, mistakes happen, challenges happen – that’s business. But ghosting people or overpromising and underdelivering creates far bigger problems than honesty ever will. Most people can work around issues if they’re communicated clearly and early enough

Kirsty Whyte, creative director and consultant

I hate having to chase people. Life is busy enough without asking for the same thing multiple times!

Natasha Shillingford, strategic marketing consultant

Poor communication. Problems happen in every business. Not communicating them is what damages relationships

Paul Sheldon, Furniture To Go

Lack of transparency and failing to meet agreed terms. We need absolute honesty from our suppliers because we believe in building long-lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships. It needs to be a two-way street, where if they are facing issues we support them, and if we have challenges they do the same. That kind of symbiotic relationship is exactly what creates a strong partnership

Lloyd Bellis, Furniture Outlet

Arrogance. Brand strength alone is not a sustainable USP, particularly in an environment where collaboration, flexibility and mutual respect are increasingly important. More specifically, I pay close attention to internal culture – particularly how senior leadership interacts with their teams. It can be very revealing. If there is a lack of respect or a top-down, dismissive approach, it often filters through into how they engage with retail partners. I was at a trade show recently where another retailer and I were speaking with a supplier, and one of their buying team made a passing comment, “I don’t like him,” referring to a member of the supplier’s senior leadership. It was said almost casually, but it stuck with me. It raised a broader question – would that perception ultimately influence whether they chose to do business with that supplier? In many cases, I suspect it does. If a supplier’s internal dynamics create friction or discomfort, it inevitably undermines trust and confidence externally. Strong partnerships are built on more than just product – they rely on aligned values, open communication, and a sense of mutual respect at every level of the organisation

Matt Randle, Dreamland Bedding Centre

A supplier who forgets it’s a partnership. The best relationships are built on mutual respect, open communication and a shared commitment to each other’s success

Kirsty Allsopp, Gorgeous Little Things for Home

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