interiors monthly december 2014

F U R N I T U R E F L O O R I N G B E D S C A R P E T R U G S A C C E S S O R I E S

Interiorsmonthly

f i r s t f o r f u r n i t u r e , f l o o r i n g a n d a c c e s s o r i e s

Decem

ber

2014

Carpet2014’s bestsellers

JFSPreview

Telephone: 00353 42 682 0 682 SERVICE QUALITY VALUE

TCS - Solely Committed to Serving Independent Retailers

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pply . . . Think Carpet Specialists . . . Think Client Strategies . . . Think Consumer Satisfaction . . . Think Constant Support . . . Te Carpet Specialists . . . Think Cost Savings . . . Think Customer Service . . . Think Changing Supplier . . . Think Creative Solutio

Think Combining Supply . . . Think Carpet Specialists . . . Think Client Strategies . . . Think Consumer Satisfaction . . . Think Constant Support . . . TCS The Carpet Specialists . . . Think Cost Savings . . . Think Customer Service . . . Think Changing Supplierhink Creative Solutions . . . Think Combining Supply . . . Think Carpet Specialists . . . Think Client Strategies . . . Think Consumeisfaction . . . Think Constant Support . . . TCS The Carpet Specialists . . . Think Cost Savings . . . Think Customer Service . . . Th

anging Supplier . . . Think Creative Solutions . . . Think Combining Supply . . . Think Carpet Specialists . . . Think Client StrategThink Consumer Satisfaction . . . Think Constant Support . . . TCS The Carpet Specialists . . . Think Cost Savings . . . Think Cha

stomer Service . . . Think Changing Supplier . . . Think Creative Solutions . . . Think Combining Supply . . . Think Carpet Cost Secialists . . . Think Client Strategies . . . Think Consumer Satisfaction . . . Think Constant Support . . . TCS The Carpet SpecialistThink Cost Savings . . . Think Customer Service . . . Think Changing Supplier . . . Think Creative Solutions . . . Think Combining Spply . . . Think Carpet Specialists . . . Think Client Strategies . . . Think Consumer Satisfaction . . . Think Constant Support . . . Te Carpet Specialists . . . Think Cost Savings . . . Think Customer Service . . . Think Changing Supplier . . . Think Creative Solutio


anging Supplier . . . Think Creative Solutions . . . Think Combining Supply . . . Think Carpet Specialists . . . Think Client StrategThink Consumer Satisfaction . . . Think Constant Support . . . TCS The Carpet Specialists . . . Think Cost Savings . . . Think Cost

stomer Service . . . Think Changing Supplier . . . Think Creative Solutions . . . Think Combining Supply . . . Think Carpet Speciaecialists . . . Think Client Strategies . . . Think Consumer Satisfaction . . . Think Constant Support . . . TCS The Carpet SpecialistThink Cost Savings . . . Think Customer Service . . . Think Changing Supplier . . . Think Creative Solutions . . . Think Combiningpply . . . Think Carpet Specialists . . . Think Client Strategies . . . Think Consumer Satisfaction . . . Think Constant Support . . . Te Carpet Specialists . . . Think Cost Savings . . . Think Customer Service . . . Think Changing Supplier . . . Think Creative Solutio


anging Supplier . . . Think Creative Solutions . . . Think Combining Supply . . . Think Carpet Specialists . . . Think Client StrategThink Consumer Satisfaction . . . Think Constant Support . . . TCS The Carpet Specialists . . . Think Cost Savings . . . Think Con

stomer Service . . . Think Changing Supplier . . . Think Creative Solutions . . . Think Combining Supply . . . Think Carpet Speciaecialists . . . Think Client Strategies . . . Think Consumer Satisfaction . . . Think Constant Support . . . TCS The Carpet SpecialistThink Cost Savings . . . Think Customer Service . . . Think Changing Supplier . . . Think Creative Solutions . . . Think Combining Spply . . . Think Carpet Specialists . . . Think Client Strategies . . . Think Consumer Satisfaction . . . Think Constant Support . . . Te Carpet Specialists . . . Think Cost Savings . . . Think Customer Service . . . Think Changing Supplier . . . Think Creative Solutio

Think Combining Supply . . . Think Carpet Specialists . . . Think Client Strategies . . . Think Consumer Satisfaction . . . Think Crnstant Support . . . TCS The Carpet Specialists . . . Think Cost Savings . . . Think Customer Service . . . Think Changing Supplierhink Creative Solutions . . . Think Combining Supply . . . Think Carpet Specialists . . . Think Client Strategies . . . Think Consumeisfaction . . . Think Constant Support . . . TCS The Carpet Specialists . . . Think Cost Savings . . . Think Customer Service . . . Th

anging Supplier . . . Think Creative Solutions . . . Think Combining Supply . . . Think Carpet Specialists . . . Think Client StrategThink Consumer Satisfaction . . . Think Constant Support . . . TCS The Carpet Specialists . . . Think Cost Savings . . . Think Cust

stomer Service . . . Think Changing Supplier . . . Think Creative Solutions . . . Think Combining Supply . . . Think Constant Suppecialists . . . Think Client Strategies . . . Think Consumer Satisfaction . . . Think Constant Support . . . TCS The Carpet SpecialistThink Cost Savings . . . Think Customer Service . . . Think Changing Supplier . . . Think Creative Solutions . . . Think Combining Spply . . . Think Carpet Specialists . . . Think Client Strategies . . . Think Consumer Satisfaction . . . Think Constant Support . . . Te Carpet Specialists . . . Think Cost Savings . . . Think Customer Service . . . Think Changing Supplier . . . Think Creative Solutio

Think Combining Supply . . . Think Carpet Specialists . . . Think Client Strategies . . . Think Consumer Satisfaction . . . Think Constant Support . . . TCS The Carpet Specialists . . . Think Cost Savings . . . Think Customer Service . . . Think Changing Supplierhink Creative Solutions . . . Think Combining Supply . . . Think Carpet Specialists . . . . TCS The Carpet Specialists . . .

CCOMINGSOON

VISIT US INHALL 3 STAND G40

t h e c a r p e t s p e c i a l i s t s

EDITOR’S COMMENT

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 3

Cause for concern?

Andrew KiddEDITOR

To register for the JanuaryFurniture Show visitwww.januaryfurnitureshow.com

Editor: Andrew KiddT: 01273 930 029 E: [email protected] advertising (South): Tim BodenT: 01732 441 130 E: [email protected] advertising (North): Jarrod BirdT: 01565 631 397 E: [email protected], flooring, lighting and accessories advertising:Joanne PaullT: 01732 441 130 E: [email protected]

Published by Interiors Media LimitedMinerva House, Kinnings Row, Bordyke, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1NPT: 01732 441 130 F: 01732 362 919E: [email protected] in England no. 6397722Print: Knockout Print Design by TSS DIGITAL © Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236

F U R N I T U R E F L O O R I N G B E D S C A R P E T R U G S A C C E S S O R I E S

Interiorsmonthly

f i r s t f o r f u r n i t u r e , f l o o r i n g a n d a c c e s s o r i e s

Decem

ber

2014

Carpet2014’s bestsellers

JFSPreview

Mortgage lending fell to its lowest level for17 months in October. The British Bankers’Association says that 37,076 mortgages wereapproved in the month, the fourthconsecutive monthly fall and well belowJanuary’s high of 48,649. The number ofmortgages was 16% lower than a year agoand their value was down 13%. The RoyalInstitution of Chartered Surveyors alsoreported that in October buyer enquiries fellfor the fourth month in a row.

With the interiors sector’s strong link to thehousing market, such statistics could beregarded as alarm bells warning of worsetimes to come. More likely is the effects ofrecent house price rises deterring peoplefrom crossing the surveyor, estate agent orsolicitor’s door as they think they cannot

afford to move. Add to that the unwantedconsequence of the Mortgage Market Reviewthat was designed to ensure borrowers couldafford to pay back what they borrow, but hasrestricted access to mortgages to anyonewho would not have paid it off by the timethey retired – anyone over 40 – and it’s nosurprise that mortgage numbers are down.And understandably, some may be reluctantto commit themselves ahead of next year’sgeneral election and the economic policiesthat may follow.

So does this mean it’s time to get back onthe roller-coaster? Unlikely, as interest ratesdo not seem to be moving anytime soon andas Mark Harris, chief executive of upmarketfinancial services firm SPF Private Clients, putit: ‘there is an astonishing array of rock-bottom fixed rate mortgages available.’

The general cooling of the housing market,which is still forecast to increase by 3%-5%next year, will be welcomed by those tryingto get on the property ladder and it is thosebuyers who have historically been the mostimportant.

From everyone at Interiors Monthly a MerryChristmas and a prosperous New Year toeach of you.

With the housing marketshowing major signs ofslowing down, is it just acorrection or somethingmore worrying?

Telephone: 00353 42 682 0 682 SERVICE QUALITY VALUE

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Show Stopping OffersAcross all Ranges

upholstery dining bedroom

EVERYTHING ON SHOW STOCKED FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

CONTENTS


INSIDE THIS ISSUENEWS6 UK sales up for Victoria Carpets

8 Camp Hopson taken over by Morleys

12 Farewell to John Mackenzie

FEATURES20 Retail

Tesco’s themes for spring and summer

30 CarpetThis year’s bestsellers and Adam Carpets upgrades

its dye house

36 UpholsterySpink & Edgar takes a different route to comfort

38 AccessoriesThe latest curtain poles and finials

40 Buying groupsIncreasing membership and a marketing initiative

44 LVTWhat the future holds for manufacturing

46 Beds and bedroomPillows and toppers and learning about sleep

52 PreviewLatest news for the January Furniture Show, Domotex,

IMM Cologne, Heimtextil, Home, Top Drawer and Craft

68 ReviewBrussels Furniture Fair

REGULARS15 Warranties

16 New products

NEXT ISSUEJanuary Furniture Show guide

Flagship of flagship stores

Celebration time

INTERIORS MONTHLY DECEMBER 2014

NEWS

6 Interiors Monthly December 2014

Westex delivers UK profitsand sales boost for VictoriaVictoria Carpets boosted UK sales byalmost 60% and delivered more than£2.5m of profit in the past six months,thanks largely to its ownership ofWestex. UK sales jumped by 57.6% to£22.14m in the six months to 28September as a pre-tax loss of £5,000became a profit of £2.524m.

‘Progress continues at Victoria, with a record (pre-exceptional items)first-half profit. Despite significantincreases in some raw material prices,particularly wool, a continued focus onoperational efficiencies and the fullintegration of Westex into the group

has resulted in a very satisfactoryoutcome,’ says Geoff Wilding, Victoriaexecutive chairman.

‘Although Victoria has grownsignificantly in the last 12 months,revenues still represent only a tinyfraction of the markets in which ittrades. There is both potential for salesto increase in line with the market andthe opportunity to grow market share.’

Victoria has made two acquisitions –Westex and Abingdon – aimed atdelivering a comprehensive productoffering to retailers. Wilding saysalthough the group is executing a

number of synergies, each businesswill continue to retain managementautonomy to provide flexibility, ensureaccountability, and keep managementcloser to the customer where needsare more readily identified and met.

‘This is not to say we will have it allour own way,’ he says. ‘Competitionremains intense and raw materialprices are increasing, both of whichkeep margins under pressure. We aretherefore constantly exploring ways tooperate more efficiently. Our increasedscale is helping materially with thistask,’ he adds.

Spink & Edgar Upholstery is to introduce its first designs thismonth, with springs replacing 60% of foam and other man-made materials in the seat cushions and frame.

‘Still using traditional hand-craftsmanship, we wanted toreinvent comfort and completely revolutionise the wayupholstery is made. Harrison Spinks’ out of the box thinking iswhat has made it a world leader in innovative springtechnology, and we wanted to do the same for the Spink &Edgar sofas,’ says Jason Hibbert, Spink & Edgar Upholsteryoperations manager (see page 36).

‘It’s surprising what’s possible when like-minded people gettogether with nothing but a shared vision. With both Jo [Moore,commercial director] and Jason’s combined experience withinthe upholstery industry, they have developed an amazingproduct which I’m so proud to be associated with HarrisonSpinks,’ says Simon Spinks, md of parent company HarrisonSpinks.

From left: Jo Moore, Spink & Edgar Upholstery commercial director; JasonHibbert, operations manager; Simon Spinks, Harrison Spinks md; andHarrison the sheep

Springing into upholstery

ScS nears century asowner eyes flotation

The problematic relaunch ofMarks & Spencer’s website hithome sales in the six monthsto 27 September.

When the chain relaunchedmarksandspencer.com earlierthis year shopperscomplained it was hard tonavigate and that they had tore-register their details.

Online accounts for more

than a third of the chain’shome sales.

Total online sales, whichwere 6.3% lower in the firstquarter, improved to be down4.6% in the second quarter.

Marks & Spencer isforecasting growth ahead ofChristmas helped by a guestcheckout facility andimproved navigation.

Upholstery and carpet chainScS has taken another steptoward reaching 100 branches.

The company has opened a15,000sqft store – its 96th – onCroydon’s Purley Way RetailPark, creating 25 jobs.

Its 97th branch opens inSlough before Christmas. The95th store opened in Paisley inAugust.

David Knight, ScS chiefexecutive, says: ‘Ourinvestment in these newstores, which exceeds £2.5m,provides great opportunities

for the local communities inCroydon, Paisley and Slough.’

The openings came asowner Sun European hasappointed bankers Investec toexamine a possible sale orreturn to the stock market. Theprivate equity firm bought thechain from administration in2008.

Sales climbed by 17.9% to£245m with a pre-tax profit of£4.1m in the year to 27 July2013. The 2.3% margincompared with a previous lossof £1.1m

M&S home sales hit

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NEWS


Morleys buysCamp Hopson For Camp Hopson 160 years of family ownership has cometo an end after department store chain Morleys bought itsNewbury rival, making it its eighth store.

Although it adopted the Camp Hopson name in 1921,the company can trace its beginning back to 1854 whendecorator Joseph Hopson began selling furniture.

Morleys owns seven other independently brandeddepartment stores across the south of England includingElys in Wimbledon, Pearsons in Enfield and Morleys ofBicester. It plans to spend £3m upgrading the Newburystore, with the deal pushing group sales above £100m. Inthe year ended January 2014, Morleys had sales of £90.6mwith a pre-tax profit of £7.1m. In the first nine monthstrading of the current year, group like for like sales are 6%higher.

‘We’re delighted that Morleys Group will keep the CampHopson name, retain our existing staff and make asubstantial new investment in the business,’ says JonathanHopson, Camp Hopson chief executive.

‘Camp Hopson always sought to provide the bestpossible service to the people of Newbury. Thedepartment store and furniture store will benefit hugelyfrom being part of a bigger independent department storegroup given the skills, expertise and buying power itbrings,’ he says.

‘The long-established expertise of both businesses willhelp to drive the store’s success going forward,’ says DavidHordle, Morleys md.

Camp Hopson has a two-storey furniture, flooring andfurnishings store opposite the full-line department store.

Some 32 years after Hopson began selling furniture inthe town’s West Street, Alfred Camp opened Camp’sDrapery Bazaar at Northbrook Street (pictured). AfterHopson’s death in 1899 his two sons, Joseph Jnr andFrederic, inherited the business. Joseph Jnr’s son Paulmarried Camp’s daughter Norah and in 1921 the twobusinesses merged to form Camp Hopson and take overthe Northbrook Street premises.

Carpet manufacturer Desso isto become part of Tarkettafter venture capital companyBencis Capital and Dessomanagement agreed atakeover offer.

Although terms have notbeen disclosed, venturecapital experts have said thedeal gives Desso anenterprise value of €160m –seven years worth of profit.

Desso had sales of €202min the past year, of which 13%came from residential carpet,77% contract carpets and10% sports surfaces.

It has two plants in Hollandand one in Belgium and hasabout 820 employees.

Bencis acquired Desso inApril 2011 from NPM Capitalvia its €375m Bencis BuyoutFund III, which typicallymakes equity investments of€10-€35m in Beneluxcompanies with enterprisevalues of €25-€150m.

‘We are very excited to joinTarkett with whom we sharethe same vision andentrepreneurial values, as wellas a strong commitment tosustainability, both applyingthe cradle to cradle principlesat each step of the product’slife and supporting thedevelopment of the circulareconomy,’ says AlexanderCollot d’Escury, Desso ceo.

Tarkett snaps up carpet maker Desso

Carpet Craft Flooring hasboosted its environmentalefforts and reduced its skipcosts by investing in a carpetcrushing machine fromKenburn to support its zero tolandfill policy.

By using the crusher all its waste polypropyleneoffcuts are recycled intoequestrian flooring and all its carpet waste mixed withold underlay is converted

into refuse derived fuel. ‘As part of our commitment

to the environment we’reoperating on a zero to landfillpolicy which not onlyprevents hundreds of tonnesof waste carpet and underlaygoing to landfill every year, italso at the same time saves usthousands of pounds a yearin skip costs, so it’s a win-winscenario,’ says Mark Lilleker,CCF md.

Crusher aids green effort

Tarkett provides flooring and sports surfaces

A new direction in flooring

www.furlongflooring.co.uk

Looking for a new direction in flooring? You need a partner that delivers this and more.

Furlong Flooring offer market leading products, at competitive prices with excellent service levels – add to that most orders are delivered next working day through our national distribution network and you’ve got a compelling proposition.

Quality runs deep whether it’s our high-impact display systems or our extensiveportfolio of polypropylene carpet, wool carpet, vinyl & wood flooring.

Choose the path to increased success and contact Furlong Flooring.

T H E F U R LO N G F LO O R I N G P O R T F O L I O

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Ring in the New Year for 2015We will make sure you are first for sales in 2015. Be at the head of the queue to seethe new Associated Weavers collection at Domotex by visiting Hall 6, stand A20. Wewill be adding new ideas to our incredibly successful iSense brand, supported by morestunning POS. AW will again be at the cutting-edge of product development with anew collection of carpets designed to give you something unique to appeal to yourcustomers. We will also be launching innovative ranges to further increase sales inour StainAway collection. If you can’t make it to Hannover, your AW sales managerwill be calling on you to give you a full new collection update.

iSense is a unique fibre manufactured withinthe group exclusively for Associated Weavers.The individual look of Sensuality using thenewest technical innovation of iSense hastaken product development to a new level. AllSensuality iSense branded carpets are availablein 4m and extra wide 5m widths incorporatingthe new fusion bac. This backing is easy to fit,keeps the heat in better than other backingsand is compatible with underfloor heating.In addition all Sensuality ranges have a new

20 year wear guarantee. The Sensuality displaystands continue to be introduced to AssociatedWeavers retail customers and will continue tobe fitted in the market during 2015. In additionnew ranges are being developed for launch atDomotex to further establish the brand as amarket leading carpet collection. To view thecomplete Sensuality range and its back-upmarketing support contact your AssociatedWeavers sales manager to bring Sensuality toyour store.

Sales office Christmas opening timesTo ensure you get the carpet you require, our salesoffice is open until 23 December including Saturdaymornings until 6th December. We have invested in ourdelivery fleet throughout 2014 and will continue ourprogramme of investment into 2015, ensuring youcontinue receiving your orders on time and as efficientlyas possible.

AssociatedWeavers

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EVERYBODY HAS A SOFT S IDE

The Sensuality CollectionSix qualities giving six unique experiences. Each range has its own specific

features when it comes to its composition, look and feel. Sensuality adds another

dimension to broadloom carpet.

James Summerskill

Marketing Manager Associated Weavers

“”

NEWS


Farewell to John MackenzieJohn Mackenzie, a bed industry stalwart of almost 30years, died in October after some months of failing health.

Mackenzie was born in Greenock in 1935 and in his earlycareer served as a police officer in the town. He joined RestAssured as marketing director and from 1976 to1986 wasSealy UK md, establishing the US brand in the UK market.

After a brief period as Slumberland md, he moved toSleepeezee in 1987, when it was part of Christie-Tyler andalso served on the main C-T board. He became chairman ofFrench-owned Continental Sleep Holdings in 1995, whichpurchased Sleepeezee, Cumfilux and Nestledown (nowknown as the Simmons Group).

Mackenzie was passionate about the bed industry andserved on the National Bed Federation council for manyyears and as its president in 1988-1989, where he steeredthrough its name change, from the National BeddingFederation.

He will also be remembered for taking part in many BigShots clay pigeon shooting events, raising money for theFTBA, the industry charity now called The Furniture MakersCompany. He retired in 2000.

Mackenzie is survived by his wife Jacki, brother Duncan,four daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Judges inspired by Ikea’s sustainable plan

AEE Interior Design’s Visionidecorative panels won theResidential Product categoryat this year’s Society of Britishand International Designawards.

The panels are created byinternational artists usingnatural pigments, preciousdust, leaves and acryliccolours, that are coated withanti-UV resins.

In addition to the 12collections and 180 designs,clients can have custom-made panels to bring theirideas to life without

compromise, working side byside with the artists.

The panels are waterproof,UV resistant and anti-scratch,therefore can be used forshower walls, sliding doors,kitchen backsplashes, indooror outdoor walls, steamrooms or ceilings.

Fifteen products wereshortlisted includingKingsmead Carpets’ GlenShee, Sylka Carpets, WilliamPedersen’s Loop de Loopchair, Splinter Works’ BodiceRocker and Trend GB’sMetropolis flooring.

AEE gets SBID award

Ikea UK was named as ICAEW SustainableBusiness of the Year at the 2014 NationalBusiness Awards.

Focusing on corporate longevity, theaward recognises organisations that haveembedded business sustainabilityprinciples and practices and are reapingthe benefits in terms of improvedcommercial performance,competitiveness, customer perception,staff engagement, and prospects forcontinued financial strength.

The judges said: ‘Ikea stood out as aleader in its field and we were inspired

by the scale of its ambition to have agenuinely net positive impact on theworld. We were also particularlyimpressed that its CFO was as literate insustainability as its sustainabilitymanager.’

‘Winning the award is an extraordinaryacknowledgement of the steps that we’re taking at Ikea to embedsustainability within our business. In oursector there’s a real opportunity in 2015to embrace sustainability as a chance forgrowth, and engaging the customer incompletely new ways,’ says Joanna

Yarrow, Ikea head of sustainability.Richard Spencer, ICAEW head of

sustainability, said: ‘It is now more crucialthan ever that companies embedsustainability at every level of theirbusiness. ICAEW believes passionatelythat finance professionals have a role toplay in driving sustainability and bestpractice, and it was evident that Ikeatakes this as seriously as we do; puttingsustainability first right across itsoperations. We are delighted tocongratulate it on a well-deservedaward.’

A Visionidecorative panel

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CALL TODAY 01565 650101 BUY BRITISH

QWe’ve recently expanded our offer by stocking somecarpets. Although several manufacturers emphasisethe cleanability of their carpets, some customers have

asked if they can protect it with a warranty, as they have withtheir furniture. What can I offer them?

AYou can offer them a Guardsman five-year CarpetProtection Plan. Many manufacturers produce carpetswhich you can clean with bleach, however, many

consumers still prefer wool and natural fibre carpets to the new,modern synthetic options.

But these can be more difficult to clean as the structure oftheir fibres means that spills can easily penetrate deep into thepile and cause a stain.

With a Guardsman protection plan, Safeclean technicians areon hand to visit consumers’ homes and use their specialistknowledge and equipment to remove even the most difficultstains.

Furthermore, the plan also provides cover for accidentaldamage such as rips or burns so your customers will have evengreater peace of mind.

Sponsored by

Your questionsansweredHelen Kershaw, Guardsman head of marketing,answers your questions on product protection

Carpets can be protected against rips

NEW PRODUCTS


1

2

1 Jetclass’s Venezia sofa has a

comforting and welcoming appearance.

The company says its finishing is the

noblest possible and promises to make

any moment memorable.

Visit: www.jetclass.pt

2 Louis de Poortere has introduced four

rug designs, bringing autumnal tones

and on-trend greys to its Vintage and

Cameo collections. Colours of spiced

orange and cinnamon, warmed with ruby

reds and deep browns, parade through

Multi Foliage and Multi Spicy, while greys

and contrasting tonal blues give new

meaning to the organic shapes and

eastern influences on Multi Lavender and

Multi Vesuvio.

Visit: www.louisdepoortere.com

3 With eight new agents covering the UK,

Granorte is ensuring that retailers and

design practices across the country can

enjoy the benefits that cork can bring.

The natural properties of cork make it an

excellent choice for flooring. Granorte

offers an

extensive

collection of

cork and cork

hybrid floors.

Tel: 01785

711 131

4 The

Academy for

Excellence in

Flooring has

recently

undertaken a

bespoke course programme for flooring

retailers looking to convert customers to

higher value purchases of Quick-Step

flooring. Looking at the numerous

up-selling opportunities for Quick-Step

laminate, hardwood and LVT flooring, the

course delivered insight through

additional product knowledge, features,

benefits and the valuable additional

revenue stream offered by accessories.

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

5 SBT Design was contracted to design

two bedside cabinets and a large dresser

durable enough to withstand the knocks

of daily living. To ensure optimum

protection, SBT Design treated the wood

with Osmo Cherry #3137 Wood Wax

Finish Transparent. The satin-matt wood

finish combines all the advantages of oils

and waxes in one product providing a

protective base and a rich warm

colouring to the wood.

Tel: 01296 481 220 ��

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INSPIRING BUYING IN 2015THE NEWEST PRODUCTS, INNOVATIONS AND TRENDS FROM OVER 3,000 EXHIBITORS.REGISTER FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY TICKET AT WWW.SPRINGFAIR.COM/INTERIORSMONTHLY


6 9

107

8

6 L’Abbate’s 2015 catalogue features 96

pages and covers its table, stool, chair,

upholstery and storage collections.

Visit: www.labbateitalia.it

7 The Stainfree Classic Collection from

Abingdon Flooring has 20 fresh fashion

colours to give customers choice,

multi-widths to save them money and

a three weight ‘good, better, best’

offering to enrich any room. Each range

has the added benefit of Aqua Pro-Tec,

a protective barrier that makes any

liquid spill sit on top of the carpet and

not soak in.

Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

8 Continuing to expand its naturals

offering, Kersaint Cobb has added two

colours to the Sisal Fine Boucle range,

which is now available in eight earthy

tones. The 100% Sisal range is both

practical and durable, and creates a

contemporary yet rustic look for living

spaces.

Visit: www.kersaintcobb.co.uk

9 The reduced footprint at the back of

Wewood’s Orca chair means it takes up

less floorspace and is therefore ideal for

confined dining spaces. Orca is a versatile

chair, adapting to the taste and function

that the user wants to give to it, available

in solid oak or walnut, and optional

leather or fabric cushion.

Visit: www.wewood.eu

10 Kährs’ Oak Arctic wood floor received

the Gold Award for Best Flooring in the

House Beautiful Awards 2014. The

stunning design, from the Unity

Collection, beat seven shortlisted finalists

and reflects the key ‘whitewashed’ floor

trend, while providing environmental,

performance and practical benefits.

Visit: www.kahrs.co.uk

NEW PRODUCTS

RETAIL


Seasonal stylesTesco’s spring/summerhome collection includessix key themes. Visit:www.tescodirect.com

Inject a hint of theWild West intohomes with layersof desert hues andrugged textures.This season’s ranchchic is easy living atits most stylish.Twinned withburnished leathers,cool cottons andpatchwork prints,this is a look that issure to be wellloved and lived-in.Whatever theweather in thesummer, this styleinvites warmth withrich woods andchunky recycledglass.

Snapshot: key materials/prints/patterns

Floral Brush StrokesMeadow Flowers

Woven BlendGeometric Prints

Contour PrintsTextured Cotton

Printed LandscapesWood Grain

Embroidered FaunaBurnt Velvet

Subtle OmbréKnits

MetallicsPainted Abstracts

Woven Prints

New WestIdaho large sofa, Lausanne armchair in leather and fabric, Arizona coffee, console and side tables, MultiBean rug, Indiana table lamp, Chunky Knit throw and various cushions

Wood and metal Arizona dining table and bench paired with a mismatchof yellow and grey Marseille metal chairs for an industrial feel

Lausanne armchair in horizontal patchwork

��

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Better service, better price withKettle Interiors.01536 [email protected]

See for yourself just how this new era of ordering can transform your furniture supply at the Furniture Show, 13th-15th January, NEC. Find Kettle Interiors in Hall 3, Stand F60

Stamford Oak 3 Door Sideboard.Alternative handles available.

£179.99

£135.00

£159.99

Wholesale.

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£139.99

£99.99

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Enjoy fast supply and with free delivery on orders over £500.

Based on average spend of £2,500 per month. Delivered from UK stocks

Direct container delivered in just 6-8 weeks

RETAIL


Pastels are here to stay for spring 2015 but this season’s palette is bolder and moreimpactful for a refreshed romantic vibe with an edge. Photographic prints and chalkytones have been teamed with flashes of black to capture the essence of this pictureperfect look. The grandeur of a velvet sofa, bold floral prints and whitewash backdropcome together for a sophisticated, more modern take on shabby chic design. Floralprints bring the outdoors in for spring.

The retailer has also targeted the lower-cost end of the market, with a basicscollection including upholstery (pricesfrom £149), tables (£29) cushions (£5)and crockery (£1) in a neutral colourpalette of muted blue, taupe, black andwhite.

Modern Romance

BasicsBasic cushion

Crockery costsfrom £1 each

Miamioccasionaltable

Snapshot:key materials/prints/patterns

Painterly FloralsRococo

Linear LaceVintage/Treated

Photographic FloralsIridescent Sequins

BeadingTwo Tone Velvets

Soft MetallicsMatt Ceramics

Pastel HuesDelicate Embossing

PearlGlassware

Henley headboard, Lille lamp, Amazing framedprint, Sienna floral duvet set, Rose and BeautifulWord cushions

Mediumsofa inVelvet Slat,Ameliesmall sofa,Butlers traytable,Modena tallbookcase,Moroccanstylepouffe,ModernRomancerug

Stanza small sofa

��

colours. The result - a stylish look and luxury feel, perfectly at home in any high quality interior.

drawers glide slowly and quietly to a closed position.www.winsor.co.uk...it’s the design

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Copyright 2014 Lynch Brothers Licensing Corporation

RETAIL


A whole host of fun and colour arriveswith the graphic, retro-inspired MidCentury collection. A colour palette ofzesty lemon, pale woods and pops ofblue and red make this range stand outfrom the crowd for all of the rightreasons. Add print cushions for instantcharacter. Cool calm and collected…breathe light into the bedroom byteaming chevron prints with blockcolours for a modern take on the mid-century look. ��


Broken Coloured Stripes

Retro BirdsTypographyGeometricsReflective

Graphic BrushstrokesChunky Open Stitch

AnimalsFun Graphics

EnamelTwo Coloured

CeramicsIntense Colour Glass

Painted Wood

Palermo dining chairs are a vibrant addition for kitchen diners, with theadded practicality of stacking easily

Mid Century

Capri large sofa andarmchairs, Miamicoffee table, Oslobookcase, Dorsetoutsize floor lamp,Devon tripod lamp,Dashes rug andAcctim clock

Geometric, Multi Triangles and Birds cushions

Stockholm upholstered bedframe and three-drawer chest, Palermo stacking chair, Dorsetdesk lamp, Hexagonal Ditsy duvet set, Dashes rug and Chevron cushion

This is THE Show for all furniture retailers. AIS Ltd have brought together over 40 leading

Brands, the first day is exclusively for AIS Members then we’re opening the doors to non

members to show the very latest in furniture and accessories. THE Show takes place at one

of the UK’s premier exhibition venues - Cranmore Park with unrivalled show facilities, excellent

catering and ample FREE car parking just minutes from J4 M42, only 8 miles from the NEC.

Complimentary lunch for all pre-registered guests.

12th - 14th January 2015

or visit www.thefurniture-show.co.uk for more information

e: [email protected] Follow us: twitter.com/FurnitureShowUK

Opening Times: Monday 12th 8.30am - 6pm AIS Members ONLY;

Tuesday 8.30am - 5pm Members & Trade; Wednesday 8.30 - 5pm Members & Trade.

Cranmore Park Exhibition CentreCranmore Avenue, Shirley, Solihull, West Midlands B90 4LF

AIS Furniture Show12th - 14th January 2015

RETAIL



Water ColoursShells

DamaskSmall Geometrics

Washed LinenPhotographic Images

Reflective SurfacesMetallic Knits

SequinsTonal Stripes

OceanicYou don’t have to live by the ocean to immerse yourself in a sparkling palette ofglistening turquoise, cobalt and seafoam. Dive into this cool, contemporary rangeof indoor and outdoor furniture and accessories to be assured of a look that’sperfect for summer. Swapping brighter blues for more muted, mineral tonesbrings an oasis of coastal calm to the living space.

Stockholm desk/dressing table and chairs

Kensington scatterback corner sofa, Mekong Acacia side table, sideboard and coffee table, Tripod floorlamp, Aldeburgh recycled glass table lamp, Multi Bean rug, Blue Watercolour Spot and Sequin cushions,seagrass and plaited water hyacinth trunk

Mekong dining table, Lucca chairs, Mekong bench and Barbican metal pendant light

��

BORN ANDRAISED WITH MAISON&OBJETBLANC D’IVOIRE, AT M&O SINCE 1995

PARIS / JANUARY 23-27, 2015 / SEPTEMBER 4-8, 2015P A R I S N O R D V I L L E P I N T E

[email protected]

SAFI ORGANISATION, A SUBSIDIARY OF ATELIERS D’ART DE FRANCE AND REED EXPOSITIONS FRANCE / TRADE ONLY / DESIGN © BE-POLES - IMAGE © FRANÇOIS COQUEREL

WWW.MAISON-OBJET.COM

RETAIL



Beach ScenesColourful Stripes

ButterfliesFlorals

Hand PaintedPrinted and

EmbroideredColoured Wood

Brightly ColouredGlass

Embossed Patterns For Ceramics

Bright, breezy and beautiful,lie back and enjoy theisland-style vibe.

Tropics

Above: Metal Pineapple tealight holderLeft: Metal frame folding deckchair; Hawaii embroideredcushion; metal Hurricane large lantern; metal tealightholder

Above: PalmLeaves cushionRight: Tropicalmetal bucket

Axminster Carpets™

feel for any interior décor.

��

CARPET


1

2

11

Bestsellers in 2014Manufacturers and suppliers reveal this year’s top sellers

RYALUX1 V&A Twist 2 William Twist 3 Desert TonesInspired by the jewellery collections of theVictoria and Albert Museum, London, Ryalux’siconic V&A Twist has recently been refreshed andits 70-colour palette includes 15 newcontemporary shades. Stain protected andmothproof treated, V&A Twist is available in anywidth to 5m, and two qualities. Visit: www.ryalux.co.uk

KINGSMEAD1 Ayrshire 2 Artwork 3 Glen SheeThe Artwork collection offers consumers a range of22 fashionable plain shade carpets accompanied by15 coordinating stripes. This creative collectiontargets design-conscious consumers who want tomake floor styling a key focus in their home. Visit: www.kingsmeadcarpets.co.uk

ADAM CARPETS1 Fine Worcester Twist 2 Castlemead Twist 3 InspirationsVisit: www.adamcarpets.co.uk

1 Open Spaces 2 Glenmoy 3 Boho CollectionULSTER CARPETS

Visit: www.ulstercarpets.com

CARPET


BALTA1 StainSafe Noble SaxonyWhether vibrant red, charcoalgrey or rich brown, the 100%StainSafe Noble Saxonycollection delivers a highperformance, trouble-freecarpet that scores high in thestyle stakes thanks to its fourmulti-coloured stripes thatcoordinate with 12 on-trendplains.

2 Gala Gala is a tufted loop pilecollection made from 100%StainSafe polypropylene andavailable in a broad range ofcolours. Comprising 18 plainand stripe styles, Gala hasbecome an establishedfavourite for retailers andhomeowners alike thanks toits easy maintenance andwide appeal.

3 StainSafe Moorland Twist StainSafe Moorland Twist &Stripes makes getting thatcoordinated look in the homesimple. Made from 100%bleach-cleanable StainSafeyarn, the collectioncoordinates four carefullyconsidered stripe colourwayswith a range of 12 plainshades to make the most ofthe trend that is provingparticularly popular withconsumers.Balta, tel: 0032 5662 2211

32

1

DESIGNMEETSBUSINESS

London ExCeL17–19 May 2015

Be a part of it now

maydesignseries.com/im

Trade only. No children

Organised by

Be a part of a unique exhibition

with five curated sectors: Furniture |

Kitchen, Bedroom + Bathroom | Lighting

incorporating Arc | Decor | DX.

The setting is London

The time is May

The range is international

The spirit is collaborative

The show is May Design Series; the

most commercially focused interiors

trade show in the calendar.

CARPET


Colouring thefutureAdam Carpets hasinvested in its dye houseAdam Carpets has completed a majorupgrade to its dye house to ensure thelong-term future of manufacturing at itsKidderminster factory.

Being able to dye its own plain coloursonsite has become increasinglyimportant, so Adam Carpets decided toreplace the existing boiler with twosmaller ones, meaning an increase inefficiency as well as a reduction in energyusage.

‘The old boiler, although fully capable,was coming to the end of its lifespan,’explains Chris Adam, Adam Carpets md.‘The opportunity to secure the long-termfuture for continued dyeing of our plainranges by purchasing these new boilerswas too good to turn down.’

The six-figure project includedextending the existing boiler house tohouse the two new boilers. A 90tonnecrane was brought in to lift the old boilerout through the roof, the new ones intoplace and also to erect two 9m chimneys.

‘This has been an unbelievable projectthat has been completed in a matter ofweeks. To have turned this around soquickly, and with no disruption to outputto prevent any effect on our customers,has been a credit to all of the staffinvolved here at Adam Carpets,’ he says.

Both new boilers are up and runningand the company has already seen amajor improvement in dyeing efficiencyand as a result lead times for all its plaincolours that are dyed in Kidderminster.

‘As all of our ranges are made here andall of the plain colours are dyed here too,it is important that we continue to investfor the long-term in the factory andmachinery so that we can serve ourcustomers more efficiently in the future.The fact that it is good for theenvironment and reduces the carbonfootprint is an added bonus for us,’ addsAdam.Visit: www.adamcarpets.co.uk

The old boiler wasremoved (above) andnew boilers werelowered into place(left). The investmenthas reduced leadtimes

Drawing from our many years of vinyl flooring experience, the Camaro Loc collection of interlocking planks and tiles in a range of authentically

reproduced designs, eliminates the need for adhesion to reduce installation time. Order your free samples today, plus a copy of our new

exquisite 48 page brochure online at www.polyflor.com.

POLYFLOR LTD. PO BOX 3 RADCLIFFE NEW RD WHITEFIELD MANCHESTER M45 7NR

TEL: 0161 767 1122 FAX: 0161 767 1128 E-MAIL: [email protected] WWW.POLYFLOR.COM0161 767 2551

NEW

DESIGN & FUNCTION. LOCKED IN

UPHOLSTERY


Reinventing comfortSpink & Edgar has expanded into upholstery, withsprings and natural fibres at the heart of the designs

‘Our new sofa collection is differentbecause we have removed at least 60%of the foam and other man-madematerials found in traditional sofas, andreplaced it with our patented pocketsprung technology. This not only makesthe sofa more comfortable butsustainable too,’ says Jo Moore, Spink &Edgar Upholstery commercial director,describing its USP.

Parent company Harrison Spinks feelsvery strongly about reducing its impacton the environment and even has itsown farm in Yorkshire where it growsnatural fibres – including hempure andflax as well as a flock of sheep for theirwool – which goes into the luxurymattresses.

‘It is this ethos that is ingrained intothe upholstery business and where wetake our inspiration from to create ourrevolutionary new sofa range. Inspired by

nature but driven by technology. As wellas developing a product that was moresustainable, we wanted to create abeautiful and high quality piece offurniture that consumers would be proudto have in their homes. A sofa is aninvestment and many consumers want itto make a statement in their livingrooms; and we’re confident that our newrange has achieved that goal,’ saysMoore.

She explains that some of the bestcraftsmen in the industry have workedhard to make the vision become a reality.In particular, operations manager JasonHibbert, who has more that 20 years ofexperience making high-end upholsteryand who she describes as the geniusbehind the collection.

‘Still using traditional hand-craftsmanship, we wanted to reinventcomfort and completely revolutionise

the way upholstery is made. HarrisonSpinks’ out of the box thinking is whathas made it a world leader in innovativespring technology, and we wanted to dothe same for the Spink & Edgar sofas,’says Hibbert.

‘Foam and other man-made materialsare not sustainable and we need to lookat alternative ways to manufacturefurniture, especially as so much can endup at landfill. Our springs and naturalfibres are recyclable and biodegradablewhich means the sofas are better for theenvironment and our customers’ homes,’says Moore.

The collection comprises five ranges –Harewood, Hazlewood, Hornington,Oulton and York, and the Ripley chair.The company will open a showroom atthe Harrison Spinks farm near Leeds nextmonth.Visit: www.spinkandedgarupholstery.com

Right: HarewoodBelow left: YorkBelow right: Oulton

Reinventing

from the inside out

A revolutionary new sofa has arrived. Combining traditional handcraftsmanship, award-winning spring technology and natural fillings grown on our own farm in Yorkshire, for a more comfortable, sustainable and stylish sofa. Only available from Spink & Edgar.

spinkandedgarupholstery.com

ACCESSORIES


Curtain callSwish has introduced Elementsand brought back RomanticaSwish has launched Elements, a comprehensive collection ofmetal curtain poles designed to complement any windowdisplay.

Elements features split length and extendable pole setscomplete with Swish’s bestselling finial designs. The finialsavailable in each diameter have been selected to complementthe size of curtain pole and all poles are available in a choice offour finishes: Graphite, Satin Steel, Antique Brass and Chrome.

Elements pole kits come with fixed eyelet lined rings and astrong extendable bracket design. The 28mm and 35mmbrackets are compatible with the Swish Design Studio range.

The 28mm Belgravia design is also available as a bay pole kitalong with rings, joiners and holdback accessory packs. Inaddition, Swish also offers end, top fix, recess and passingbrackets.

Designed to appeal to those who prefer a softer look, Swishhas reintroduced the Romantica collection of wood poles. In35mm diameter poles only, there is a choice of decorative ballor urn finials available in six new finishes: Burnished Bronze,Antique White, Panna Cotta, April Cloud, Pewter and AntiqueSilver. Combine Romantica with beautiful, elegant fabrics tocreate a truly exquisite display.

Romantica pole sets are supplied with brackets and rings.Additional ring packs are available in all finishes along withmatching holdback sets.Visit: www.swishproducts.co.uk

Left: Elementsoffers four finishes

Below: Elements’Belgravia isavailable as a baydesign

Bottom: Romantica hasbeen reintroduced

BUYING GROUPS


Word is spreadingSMG’s membership is growing, particularly among retailersthat have not been part of a buying group beforeCelebrating its 46th year, SMGmembership continues to increase andnow represents more than 375 retailoutlets throughout the UK.

‘SMG members expect the best fromus and we have to keep evolving to keeppace with changes in retail and in theindustry. We have first-hand proof ofwhat can happen if we don’t maintainthis drive which is why we provide themost comprehensive retail supportpackage in the industry, that covers allaspects of our members’ retailbusinesses,’ says Mike Symonds, SMGhead of group operations.

SMG has developed long-termpartnerships with key manufacturers andsuppliers so extra profitability is availablehowever retailers choose to structuretheir business, with group price lists,turnover-based rebates and promotionspart of the membership package.

‘We have also created a strongbusiness services offer to provide valueand support for our members. With offerson notable items such as credit cardrates, energy pricing, retail finance,commercial vehicles and a free business

support helpline, there is great value tobe had by joining SMG,’ he says.

According to Symonds, retailers willsee further benefits in the coming year.

‘Clearly we are looking to developstronger partnerships between oursuppliers and members by working onnew projects and ideas that presentmore value. This isour priority and wehave discussed anumber ofopportunities alreadythat will deliver this.

‘We want tocontinue growing themembership and Iwould love to have theopportunity todemonstrate how SMGwill benefit allindependent retailerswithout losing theirindependence. Eighty percent of our new membersthis year have not previously been partof a buying group,’ he adds.SMG, tel: 0118 932 3832

Members are offered a variety ofpromotions and receive regular updates

3 reasonsto join SMG...

SMG The National Furnishing Group9 The Markham Centre, Station Road, Theale, Reading, Berkshire RG7 4PETelephone 0118 932 3832 Fax 0118 930 4515 Email [email protected] Web www.smg-group.co.uk

Voted ‘Best Flooring Buying Group’

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Design on the doorstepMetro has developed a mobile marketing schemeEach independent retailer has their ownidea of how they want to market theirbusiness. The Metro Group has alwaysrespected its members’ independenceand has taken the concept of providinginnovative marketing ideas even furtherby bringing experienced staff, materialsand machinery to their members’doorsteps.

Metro has an in-house marketingdepartment producing design and printapplications and has now introduced afully equipped mobile marketing andmerchandising vehicle.

The vehicle has been refitted as amobile studio, printer and workshop thatcan visit retailers anywhere in the UK andprovide not only standard merchandisingmaterial but completely bespokesolutions for members.

Shop merchandising for multiple

outlets is simple: you print up lots ofsimilar material in the same shape andsize and deliver it. With independentretailers no two outlets are the same andbusiness owners are all in differentmarketplaces with their own ideas andgoals. Metro took this on board and cannow visit a retailer, discuss, design, print,manufacture and install on-site,immediately.

‘The concept is completely unique andas far as we are aware no other businessin any marketplace has used such aninnovative idea,’ says Steve Depport,Metro operations manager.

‘We are able to offer retailers thebenefit of more than 25 years’ worth offlooring marketing experience on-site,combined with the practical ability tomanufacture and install. These skills areso unique this service gives the Metro

Carpet Style’sbanners andsignage wereproduced on-siteRight: POS isproduced in thevehicle

Group a real unique selling point,’ hesays.

Being able to measure, create andvisualise designs on-site means that allwork can be completed without theneed for time consuming reports, emailsor travel.

One of the first retailers to trial thescheme was Carpet Style in Nottingham.Owner Ray Chilton discussed his needsfor 4m outdoor banners and directionalsignage plus themed event posters andinternal service messages to besuspended from the store ceilings. Theitems were designed, approved andprinted for fitting on-site within twodays.

Once the retailer is visited, futuresignage can be replicated remotely andthen sent via courier.Metro, tel: 01204 393 539

BUYING GROUPS

www.fira.co.uk/gold01438 777 700

[email protected]

FIRA Gold celebrates 30 yearsThe only industry-recognised mark of qualityfor furniture products and installation��

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LVT


The LVT industry is at a crossroads,providing major opportunities forWestern manufacturers, according toPaul De Cock, Unilin flooring divisionpresident. Speaking to the interiorsmedia at the recent Domotex preview inBerlin, De Cock outlined his views.

LVT is the hottest category in theflooring business. We are nearing

finishing the construction of a worldclass LVT plant in Wielsbeke, Belgium [inApril]: only the second LVT plant inEurope [after IVC’s in Avelgem, Belgium].

‘Customers tell us they love laminatebut it has a hollow sound when you walk on it. So we have to find a solutionto that. The solution is LVT. It has seengrowth rates in Europe of 15%-20%. In Germany, for example, the past fiveyears have seen up to 30% growth everyyear.

‘Ninety five per cent of all LVT floorsare today manufactured in Asia. Theworld is consuming enormous quantitiesof LVT, the market is growing at 30% butvirtually all the manufacturing is inChina. The industry is at a crossroads.LVT will become part of the clickableworld. The clickable world is easy toinstall, clickable folding products.

‘If you look where the LVT industry

Coming homeManufacturing will return to the West,driven by service demands,environmental concerns and technology

Production is forecast to move away from China

Paul De Cock speaking in Berlin

‘

LVT


comes from it is very thin 2mm glue-ableproducts. What we have seen is lots ofcompanies modifying LVT, making it alittle thicker, changing some recipes,adding a little “pepper and salt” to themaking of the floor. They are putting aclick system in a LVT floor, straight intothe LVT. So all the innovation that hasbeen achieved is all the people makingthe dryback glue-down floor clickable.

‘There is a tremendous amount ofinnovation happening, we don’t knowwhere the industry will go becauseobviously innovation is vital. There is lotsof activity based on derivatives of vinylfloors. The market is going floating. It’snot so clear which platform as differentplatforms are emerging, but the marketis going for floating and the market isgoing clickable.

‘There is a great opportunity forWestern companies to grab this productwhich is technologically not matured.The perfect floating solution does notexist yet, that’s why at this stage there isa tremendous opportunity for Westernmanufacturers to take this problemapart, redevelop the product and createstable, floating, clickable LVT floors.

‘The second interesting dynamic in theindustry is that LVT was invented in the

UK in the 1960s. And with manyindustries, production was offshored inthe 1990s. Today there are probably 200to 300 manufacturers, from very small tovery big, in China supplying the worldmarkets. As we went offshore to China,my prediction is that we’re going to goback onshore.

‘In 5-10 years from now 80% of LVT forEurope or the Western world will bemanufactured in the Western world. Ourdealers and our distributors don’t wantthe hassle of the working capital, theydon’t want the hassle of very high leadtimes and they don’t want the hassle ofbad service. Today in this industry whenyou talk to professionals involved in thedistribution of LVT, they will hold up toone year of stock in LVT to guaranteeacceptable service to their clients. That isjust unacceptable.

‘The onshoring of the supply chain is

going to completely change thedynamics of this industry. It’s going tobring lower working capital, betterservice and very short lead times.

‘There are environmental factors.People want to know where it was made,how it was made and what is in it. If youas a company want to know how it wasmade, and guarantee to consumers whatis in it and if you want to guarantee toyour consumer that an acceptable part ofit is the transportation of it, you needonshore manufacturing.

‘There is tremendous opportunity, notonly from a technological point, but froma pure design innovative offer: thedesigns, the way the product looks, thesharpness of the print, the surfaces, thescratch resistance of the product. There isstill so much technology to find its way into this product.Visit: www.unilin.com

‘There are environmental factors’

‘There is a great opportunity for Western countries to grab this product’

’

BEDS AND BEDROOM


Gifts that keep on givingPillows and toppers are becoming a popular present‘Luxury home products are always inhigh demand at this time of year, withpeople increasingly on the lookout forgifts that are not only indulgent butserve a useful purpose,’ says Gillian Finch,national sales manager for the consumerdivision of Carpenter, the world’s largestmanufacturer of cushioning products.

‘Luxury sleep accessories arebecoming a popular gift choice. A highquality mattress topper or pillow is aboutmore than just indulgence; it’s aninvestment in the user’s long-term healthand well-being too, and discerningconsumers are well aware of this.Combining the latest technology inmemory foam with other luxury fillings

and cover fabrics, the Sleep Bettercollection is designed to offer theultimate in comfort and support,’ shesays.

The memory foam mattress toppersuse state-of-the-art cutting and profilingtechniques to create unique designs thatprovide zoned support and comfort inthe right places, plus a softer feel, greaterflexibility and enhanced airflow.

Carpenter’s range of traditional,contoured or anatomically-styled pillowsare designed to create perfect alignmentbetween the spine, neck and head. A U-Neck memory foam pillow can supportthe neck or back and is suitable for use inbed, the car, on the sofa, or in the office.

The 4.5cm deep Dual Density MattressTopper is encased in a super-soft outer and being reversible, it a popularchoice for people who want the optionof two different feels. It bonds togethertwo different grades of high densitymemory foam to provide firm support on one side and a softer feel on theother.

This can be complemented with eitherthe matching Micro Fibre Pillow encasedin super-soft fabric or the QuiltedMemory Foam Cluster Pillow, filled withmemory foam that moves and mouldswith the head as the user sleeps,promoting correct neck alignment. Carpenter, tel: 01457 892 400

Left: Micro-fibre and memoryfoam mattress topperBelow left: Dual Comfort pillowBelow: U-Neck pillow

Made with pride, made for comfort, made in Yorkshire.

NEW Showroom – Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LF. 01422 885000

At Vale Bridgecraft, we’ve been making exceptional sofas andchairs in our workshops near Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire, forover 100 years, and supporting furniture retailers nationwidefor just as long. �� guarantee and is hand upholstered in your customer’s choiceof fabrics, many of which are our exclusives from the Belgiumand Italian mills. Our 10 show centres support this time intensive process andcreate a haven for the most demanding shoppers, prior to usreferring these valuable orders back to you.

For more information call Sales Director ��or visit valebridgecraft.co.uk

From 1st March to 31st October2015 we will be running our excitingFlorence sales incentive, for allretailers displaying at least 3 piecesof our new Florence range. Yoursales team can collect Florins withevery Vale Bridgecraft sale theymake and the top salesperson ineach region will win a 3 day break inthis beautiful and historic city.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh KG KT PATRONHRH The Duke of York KG KCVOCHAIRMAN OF THE TRUSTEES

The Outward Bound Trust

BEDS AND BEDROOM


Sleep talkingThe Sleep Council Sales Academy is designed to give sales staff vitalknowledge about sleep that they can use to benefit customers

The Sleep Council Sales Academy is celebrating its firstgraduate: Matt Scott, a salesman for Scott’s Home Furnishers,Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset.

‘I’m honoured to be the very first graduate of this industryinitiative. Bed retailers are well placed to explain the featuresand benefits of the different products that they sell. However,understanding more about sleep and advising customers howchoosing certain types of product, changing their sleepenvironment, bedtime routine and even what they eat anddrink, can all help them achieve better sleep, is what it’s about.I’m now much better placed to offer this advice to mycustomers,’ says Scott.

The academy was launched at The Bed Show in September,which Simon Williams, National Bed Federation marketingmanager, says was the ideal launch platform. ‘The feedback andsupport received from both member manufacturers andretailers has been extremely positive. We’ve already had wellover 100 bed retail sales professionals sign up to theprogramme, which is a very encouraging start. The majorityhave been individuals from smaller independent businesses,although we have had some companies buying “team credits”to enrol all their bed sales staff,’ he says.

The NBF is also in discussions with large bed specialists,furniture multiples and department stores to see how theacademy can complement their in-house learning anddevelopment programmes. As with the smaller retailers, theystill rely, to a certain extent, on specific product trainingprovided by their suppliers. This can either be via factory visitsor in conjunction with in-store demonstrations.

Although some manufacturers incorporate basic informationon sleep in their training and how choosing the most suitable

bed from their range will benefit certain health issues, there isstill a heavy bias towards product specifications such as springdesign, spring counts, foam technology, gel crystals, multiplefillings and intelligent fabrics without necessarily explainingwhat that means for the consumer.

What the Sleep Council Sales Academy course aims to showthe sales staff is how to use the technical information to helpsolve a particular sleep issue the consumer may have, forexample an arthritic joint, a dust mite allergy, or disturbancefrom their partner.

It’s been well reported that the UK is a sleep deprivedcountry, with many now getting far less than the recommendedeight hours per night.

‘Leading researchers from universities including Oxford,Cambridge and Harvard believe that consumers have becomesupremely arrogant in ignoring the importance of sleep. Thislack of sleep is having increasingly serious implications on thecountry’s health, so ensuring that consumers have the bestpossible bed for their needs is arguably more important nowthan it has ever been,’ says Williams.

The Sleep Council programme shows how to use informationto build a rapport with the customer to help solve their sleeprelated problems. Instead of being seen as a bed sales person,they become more of a trusted sleep adviser. Solve theirproblems efficiently, professionally and with authority, andyou’ve got a customer for life who will recommend you toothers, says Williams.

For those retailers worried that their sales staff don’t have thetime to take the course, Williams points out that one of the keyobjectives during the development was to ensure that thelearning was enjoyable and not onerous.

Matt Scott(left) waspresentedwith hisSalesAcademycertificateby PaulLittle,Relyon salesdirector, amember ofthe NBFworkingparty thatdevelopedtheprogramme

Simon Williams

BEDS AND BEDROOM


‘It has been designed in such a way that you can progress atyour own speed. So we have some who are steadily workingtheir way through the learning modules, choosing to study atwork when their busy schedules allow, while others have optedto either do the course entirely in their spare time at homewhere they may have fewer interruptions or are logging onfrom both their workplace and from home. The programme hasbeen constructed in such a way that if you have to exit amodule mid-way through to serve a customer, you can pick upexactly where you left off once you log in again, rather thanhaving to go back to the start of that module,’ he explains.

Although it takes four weeks to complete the course, eachlearning module takes about 30 minutes, with a shortknowledge check at the end of the module. Users must also fillin an online weekly sales conversion rate form which preventsthem from starting the next module until they’ve completedthe sales conversion rate form.

According to Williams, this not only stops users from whizzingthrough the course, it gives them the opportunity to practicewhat they’ve learnt in the module and, importantly, it monitorstheir progress.

The feedback so far from those undertaking the programmeis that it has been pitched at about the right level, is engagingand informative, has some useful tools for interacting withcustomers and, done properly, will improve sales performance.

‘Our first priority is to continue to promote the academy tothe retail trade to encourage them to enrol their sales staff. If wereally want to raise the profile and professional standing of bedretailing in the UK, it’s important that we have sufficientnumbers of retailers supporting this industry initiative. We willcontinue to promote the benefits of gaining academy

accreditation and how that can boost not only the individual’sdevelopment, but the image and reputation of the retailer as abusiness that invests in their people and provides theircustomers with the very highest standards of sleep knowledgeand expert advice,’ he says.

‘In turn, as with the NBF Code of Practice, it would makesense to raise consumer awareness not only of the importanceof buying products that carry the NBF Approved Member labelbut also to buy from a reputable retailer employing staff withSleep Council Sales Academy accreditation. To this end, we arelooking at the feasibility of publishing a database on the SleepCouncil website of accredited advisers and retailers whosupport the academy,’ Williams adds. Visit: www.sleepcouncilsalesacademy.org.uk

The academy waslaunched at The BedShow and thetraining can also bedone on tablets

UNDERLAY


Wheelie workingCarpenter UK’s underlay recycling schemecontinues to prevent its products going to landfill

As the cost of disposing of wastecontinues to increase and availability atlandfill sites decreases, Carpenter UK’sunderlay recycling scheme is helpingwholesalers responsibly offloadunwanted underlay.

Carpenter’s recycling scheme was a UKfirst when it was introduced two yearsago to help boost the business’senvironmental credentials whileencouraging its customers to be moreconscious of the environment.

It works by providing participants with

wheelie bins, which are specifically forCarpenter PU offcuts and uplifts. Thewholesaler then provides its customerswith recycling bags to fill that arereturned to the wholesaler.

The wheelie bins are collected andreturned to Carpenter’s UK headquartersin Glossop to be used again to makemore underlay.

‘At a time when businesses are lookingto trim down on unnecessaryexpenditure, we are offering a servicethat is extremely useful and encourages

fitters to get rid of waste in a responsiblemanner. Our recycling scheme onlycollects Carpenter underlay. This is purelyso that we have chemical traceability,which we wouldn’t have with anothercompany’s product,’ says Helen Rowberry,national sales manager for Carpenter’sunderlay division.

The scheme now operates in 22regions across the UK, with its successput down to the ease and convenienceof the way it works.Carpenter UK, tel: 01457 892 418

Top: Helen Rowberry

Above: The schemebegan in 2012

Left: The PU underlaycan be recycled at itsGlossop headquarters

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New dawnThe January Furniture Show makes itsdebut next month, marking 25 years of a furniture exhibition taking place during January at the NEC. Here are some highlights. Visit:www.januaryfurnitureshow.com ��

Comfort ZoneSofas will showa wide range ofBritish-madeupholsteryincluding cornerunits, chaises,sofabeds,traditional sofasand chairs, and morecontemporarymodels

Ashley Manor will introduce soft-cover models in classical and contemporarystyles

Core Products’ Farmhouse range usespine planks with a golden finish andmetal rustic effect hardware

Ancient Mariner willhighlight its latestvintage leather chairsthat are hand-aged andalso available in a button-back version

Furmanac will show its Hestia, MiBed, MiChair and Upholstered Bedframes andOccasional Furniture brands

Baker Furniture promises new collections including additions to itsreclaimed ranges alongside established collections

Alexander & James will be exhibiting its latest upholstery designs that are‘guaranteed to create a stir’

Serene Furnishings is proud to be exhibitingit’s iconic range of beds at

We Look Forward To Seeing You At The January Furniture Show

Hall 2, Stand 2G30, NEC Birmingham, 13th-15th January 2015

You are invited to witness the launch of new designs and view key collections in a variety of materials, including

metal, wood, fabric and faux leather; accompanied by a wide choice of ottomans, sofa beds and headboards.

Visit Hall 2 stand 2G30 and be among the first to see what will have so many people talking in the aisles of the

UK's definitive interiors event for furniture, lifestyle & design.

Innovative design and quality

manufacturing, all at exceptional value.

www.serenefurnishings.co.uk

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N E C B I R M I N G H A M 1 3 - 1 5 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 5

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Metal Beds willshowcase itslatest metal,wood and fauxleather beds

Westbridge Designswill be displaying newand existing modelsacross its threecollections

Kelston House International’s

launches includethe hand-carvedFlower consoletable in an antiquegrey finish

Furniture Originswill debutbedroom anddiningcollections anddisplay itsbestsellers

Sweet Dreams isshowing divansand bedframesincludingsurround-soundmodels

Seconique’s introductionsinclude the Corona sideboard,Tortilla occasional range and theMonaco white and distressedwaxed pine beds

TCS adds to its leather upholstery, solid American oak dining ranges and theRoyal Coil bed brand

Serene Furnishings will show aselection from its PreciousMetal, Faux Leather, Oak andHevea Wood collections, alongwith several new designs

Rowicohighlights the modernScandinavianLiving with cleanand simple lines,alongside itsestablishedvintage designs

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3,000 Individual Pocketed Springs75mm Temperature responsive Unique cool memory foam

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Piaggi Art & Living will show its mosaic mirrors, glass art panelsfurniture

Libra debuts its2015 interiordesignaccessories,homeware,giftware,lighting,furniture andwall decorcollections

Paul Martyn Furniture presents the Country, Aubusson, Manor, Elegance, Temple(pictured), Courtier and Chancellor furniture ranges

Blue Bone’sPainterProvence ishand-paintedand distressedevoking thecharacter ofold furniture

Wintech’s introductions include mid-centurydesigns updated with a modern feel

Gallery Direct highlights its expanding collection offurnishings and accessories

Willis &Gambier willshow off itsbedroomand diningcollections inclassic,modern,revival andcasual styles

Lebus will introduce its2015 upholstery collections

Wood Bros adds Weybourne and Hemsby to its existing upholstery, includingBurnham (pictured) along with cabinet designs and bespoke fittings

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The hits keep comingJulian Bowen’s latest designs are helping to increase sales

Julian Bowen has reported anothersuccessful year. Sales are on track toincrease 10% over 2013, with salesduring October and November showingdouble digit increases against last year.

Beds continue to be a strong productarea, with the company selling 15,000each month.

Recently launched Knightsbridge is afaux leather bed that has been a hugehit. It is available in two sizes – 135cmand 150cm – with two colour options,Chocolate Brown and Taupe. The designfeatures a distinctive upholsteredgeometric panel and trimmed with a soft

roll around the headboard and polishedmetal feet.

The Corsica Metal bed is in threesizes – 90cm, 135cm and 150cm – with aclassic wrought iron look in a rustic blackfinish. Features include elegant scrolldetailing, subtle castings and a 1.3m highhead end.

Children’s furniture and novelty bedscontinue to be an important area forJulian Bowen and none more so than the3ft London Bus bunk bed, in a redlacquered finish. Stella is a compact lowsleeper offering shelving space and twodeep pull-out drawers with the option of

pink and white or blue and white colourcombinations.

The new Slocum is a cleancontemporary 90cm bed in a boxavailable in Stone White or Pine colourfinishes. These and the latest 2015designs will be on show at the NEC.

All Julian Bowen products are availableon the Gold Star home delivery service,offering a door-to-door, two-man servicewith 7-10 day delivery to the room ofchoice. Customers are booked in no lessthan 48 hours beforehand and given amorning or afternoon slot. Visit: www.julian-bowen.co.uk

Knightsbridge

Stella

Slocum

Corsica

Julian Bowen Limited

Bentinck House, Park Lane, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Notts NG17 9LETel: (01623) 727374 Fax: (01623) 754555 e-mail: [email protected] www.julian-bowen.co.uk

All Products are available for Direct Home Delivery

Don’t miss the Bus at the Furniture Show!

Get off at Julian Bowen Stand 3G20

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Avenue will introduce Ultimate Elements, usinga scuff and mark-resistant SuperGuard PUlacquer for lasting looks and lowermaintenance. The range of stone and mineraldesigns features hues of grey and warmingneutrals, including the marble-like textures ofRapallo Marble, charcoal mineral of Modus andlimestone look of French Limestone.

Its Bubblegum and Liquorice collection hashad a makeover, with just four designsremaining from this year’s collection. Additionsinclude the shocking pink and acid green of Unicolour blocking, the Mondrian roadmap of City,Moroccan influences in Sagres, the playfulAlphabet and Pieces, hexagonal graphic mosaicof Cortille and the eternal black and whitediamond of York, the collection explores thecreativity of cushion flooring.

Balta Broadloom will introduce 10 ranges,across polypropylene, wool and nylon.

Royal Sovereign (80% Wool/10% PES/10% PP)will be available in Super (37oz), Deluxe (53oz)and Supreme (65oz) qualities, in 12 plaincolours and 4m and 5m widths. There will be astripe design in three coordinating colours in a4m width. Lothian Wool Berber, made from100% British wool, comes in eight plain styles in4m and 5m widths, with four coordinatingstripes in a 4m width.

Based on the Noble Saxony, the NobleHeathers collection is tufted from 100%StainSafe polypropylene in 10 natural coloursand greys, and offers two backing options:synthetic or Ultratex Quick+ felt in 4m and 5mwidths. The StainSafe Pop Art stripe offers ninecolourways and a giant-size sample book.

Two ranges using the two-ply X-Tron fibre willbe debuted. Royal Oxford sports a heavyweightsaxony pile in a dozen colours and 4m and 5mwidths. Paramount Twist also has 12 shades,including grey, and 4m and 5m widths.

Mystique Wilton and super softpolypropylene Tender Joy will also beintroduced.

Two carpet tile collections will be debuted.Mix to the Max offers four colours and fourqualities in a 100cm x 25cm plank formatallowing the creation of herringbone andparquet-style layouts in carpet. Smart Step, Art,Patch and Lineo are 50cm x 50cm tiles in a 800gper sqm weight.

Saxon King will see an updated colourpalette, as will Prima.

Ideal introduces super-soft Sweet Harmonysaxony and 60oz Carlton Elite saxony. Heathertwists Country Heather Supreme and EasyLiving and heather saxonies Mystique andMystique Stripe are debuted. Flashtone andBerbertone are stain resistant berber loops,Piccadilly is a patterned loop with tonal square

Step intoHannoverA glimpse of what will be on show

Cormar’s Home Counties

Balta’s Pop Art

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motifs while Aintree and Ascot arepolypropylene ranges in similar colours.

A year after debuting Oryzon artificial grass, itwill be expanded with ranges in the 20mm-30mm pile sector and new colours for CypressPoint and Pine Valley. Domotex will also see thelaunch of the recently acquired Turfgrass brand,with soft high-pile grass products.

Lano Carpets adds to its Fascinationcollection with an Eccelena yarn range; debutsGranada; rolls out polyamide ranges andexpands its SmartStrand collection.

In Leoline’s Tile Styles collection a mineraldesign has been introduced in Terrazzo.Available in three colourways – dark and lightgrey and beige – the design adds an extradimension to the range, bringing acontemporary look reflective of the trend forarchitectural finishes in the home. TheWoodmark range has been given two newdesigns: the coastal weathered look of palewood Azur and the rustic Scandinaviandarkened pine of Cardassian.

Wools of New Zealand will have its largeststand at the show, as it co-hosts ninemanufacturers and spinners using New ZealandWool.

The show will also see the launch of theWools of New Zealand Innovation Award, opento the co-exhibitors who can enter three Laneveor WoNZ products, judged on innovation,colour, styling and texture. There will also beawards for Best Laneve range, Best Wools ofNew Zealand range and Best Wool YarnInnovation.

Visitors can also enter a prize draw by visitingthe presentation boards around the stand.

The co-exhibitor manufacturers are Brockway,Cavalier, Cormar, Flock and Noble Bond, joinedby spinners Danspin, Martinelli and Grentex.

Brockway will debut wool loop products andits latest POS.

Flock trials a number of designs exclusivelycreated for it by the Wools of New Zealanddesign studio.

Cormar adds a wool range and showcases itsHome Counties Plains collection. Manufacturedfrom 80% pure New Zealand wool, 10%tuftbond and 10% polypropylene, HomeCounties Plains is a premier quality 10th gaugecarpet in two pile weights (42oz and 50oz),making it ideal for high traffic areas such asstairways and hallways.

Noble Bond will launch the Midas RugCollection using Aulana, a unique blend ofprecious metals, natural fibres and science.Aulana uses fine particles of pure gold to shiftlight into delicate shades of grey, pink andpurple.Visit: www.domotex.de

Top: Leoline’sWoodmark willbe enlargedLeft: Lano’sFascination willbe expandedAbove:Avenue’sRapallo Marble

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Objects of desireDomotex sees the official launch of Desire and more from Millennium Weavers

Millennium Weavers will officially launch Desire and DesireStripe (pictured), the latest products for its ever-expandingpolypropylene collection.

‘Development samples were shown at The Flooring Show inSeptember and following huge interest in the product, we havecomplemented the nine stylish and modern colours initiallyexhibited at the show with four coordinating stripe designs,’says Gary Alp, Millennium Weavers sales director Europe.

Manufactured with the company’s Millsoft polypropyleneyarn system, the product has the benefits of a 10-year wear andstain warranty and is bleach cleanable.

‘The response we had at The Flooring Show to this productwas incredible, we were complimented by our customers on allthe key components: colour, design, pricing, the soft-touch andthe finish of the carpet particularly,’ says Alp.

The objective was to develop and produce a product with thelook and soft-touch of a high-end carpet normally associatedwith the more expensive yarns such as polyester and

polyamide, but to make it more widely available to theconsumer by working with polypropylene.

‘The fantastic reaction and comments from our customerstoward the product was that we had most definitely achievedthe objective we had set out to,’ he says.

Sampling of Desire and Desire Stripe will be available toretailers via Millennium Weavers’ partnerships with carpetwholesale and distribution companies throughout the UK inJanuary.

‘As the reputation of Millennium Weavers continues to grow following our entry into the UK floorcoverings market in 2012, the focus and attention has turned to developments for the Domotex exhibition. Without giving anything away,I can say that from the initial trials and strike-offs I have seen, I am confident that we will match the reaction fromcustomers in Hannover to what we received in Harrogate,’ Alpadds.Millennium Weavers, tel: 00 32 5550 9050

Visit us at

DOMOTEX, Hall 6

BoothF12

[email protected]/enwww.beaulieuflooringsolutions.com

IDEAL Showroom

Boffonstraat 3, B-8710 Wielsbeke – Belgium

BIG Floorcoverings

Rijksweg 442, B-8710 Wielsbeke – Belgium

T +32 (0)56 67 66 11

F +32 (0)56 67 48 30

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New Sweet Home sample books / sets now available.

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• On EXTRA THICK

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stain warranty

• For heavy domestic use

Created with yourlife in mind

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Thrills of the theme parkHeimtextil has widened its trends coverageFor Heimtextil 2015, its trend forecast hasbeen expanded to a trend theme park inhall 4, supported by the trend book andnew website. It has four main themes: Sensory: the well-being factorDesigners create products for the home,which appeal to our growing interest intactile and sensory impulses. They findsolutions via the link between scienceand design and thus increase our feelingof well-being.

To this end, they use intelligent textileswith built-in responsive technologiesthat, for example, react to changes in thesource of light. Inspiration also comesfrom the beauty and wellness industry.Super-sensory fabrics draw on the hugevariety of tactile effects that excite oursenses: light, feminine and transparent.As a sensory contrast, fabrics withpolished surfaces or varnish-like lustreand uniformity are used together withpaper surfaces and oily finishes.Mixology: inter-cultural exchangeVariety is trumps. Cultural fusion has

given rise to a modern ethnic heritage.From now on experimentation and theinteraction of different identities is thename of the game. Patterns, prints andcolours collide almost chaotically witheach other. African tribal design meets3D rave motifs, retro with futuristic,digital with organic.

At the same time, people areenthusiastic about recycling and producthacking. New applications are found forwaste materials with due considerationbeing given to material properties. Theresult is valuable design objects and – noless important – the feeling ofindependence from conformity of anykind.Discovery: predicting the futureDesigners are taking ever-greateraccount of our planet’s valuableresources. They look over the shoulder ofastrophysicists and investigate theproperties of lunar rock and meteorites,the haptic qualities and dark strength ofwhich are particularly fascinating.

Observing the cosmos and the micro-cosmos, they come across dark, light-absorbent space black and stellarcoruscation. Light plays a key role in thisconnection: it dazzles and illuminates, itsketches and plays tricks with the eye.Memory: reflection and re-evaluationPeople strive for a simpler, purer andmore ethically correct way of modernlife: away from consumption stress andrigid must-haves – towards favouritesand a genuine feeling of well-being. Thematerials that decorate life together inthe home will be honest, useful fabrics,for example denim, wool and linen.Familiar patterns stimulate the capacityfor recall.

Tomorrow’s designers will combinehandicrafts and tradition with aninnovative sense for modernity, wherebytheir software abilities are an additionalbenefit. Thus, handicrafts and technologycan join forces to create timeless values.Visit: http://heimtextil-theme-park.com

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Diamondsand pearls

Mac’s table from Tonon uses a base element thatallows innumerable combinations, meaning thereis no limit to the table length. The element isavailable in 12 colours and the glass table top canbe circular or rectangular or in bespoke options.

The bevelled faces ofSnip’s Diamond is agame of dimensions anddirections, symbolisingbalance and harmony.

Camilion will be among Calia Italia’s launches. Available inleather, fabric or microfibre, it can also be chosen inmulticovering or in different colours. It has liftable headrests,reclining backrests and adjustable footrests, which can beoperated manually or via a touch pad. With the addition of afoam mattress it can become a sofabed.

A selection of what’s in store.Visit: www.imm-cologne.de

Opium’s Evo sideboard isa bold and avant-gardedesign combiningclassic, vintage andcontemporary styleswith detail such as goldplated knobs, whiteceramic and mosaics.

Lema’s Aberdeen is available as a two or three-seater, with a vintage but comfortable look thanksto the softly embracing fabric covering. The fabricfolds highlight the arms while its wheeled feet addan industrial look.

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Triple billThree shows, one venue – Olympia London

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Home opens the UK spring buyingseason this January at Olympia London,providing the opportunity to sourceproducts from brand leaders, as well asbeing the first to see launches andexclusive companies. There is everythingfrom classic to vintage to modern andcontemporary products.

Presenting buyers with an edited yetdiverse range of products, Homeencompasses the kitchen, dining, softfurnishings, lighting, outdoor living,occasional furniture and interioraccessories sectors.

The show will welcome a dynamic line-up of international and UK brandsalongside newer design studios andnever before seen young designers.

Companies joining Home exclusivelythis January include Bliss Home, LSAInternational, Haus, Make International,

Grand Illusions, Skandium, PAD Home,Makers & Merchants, Forma House, TVS Spa, White Brand Agency andUniversal Expert.

A host of international exhibitors arejoining Home. Find the likes of AUMaison, Broste Copenhagen, Alessi, EvaSolo, Ethnicraft, Atomic Soda and Seletti.

Making a welcome return is Belgiancompany Ethnicraft with its timelesscollection of furniture and accessoriesincorporating minimalistic design with abig impact.

Notre Dame and Universo Positivoenjoyed a welcome to the UK marketduring the Home Autumn 2014 show,and are anticipating the same reactionthis January.

Danish company Broste Copenhagenwill bring an array of launches andproducts including a range of pastel

accessories. The fine combination ofcolours and materials creates a coherentand bright look inspired by the workinglife of an artist.

As well as a hub of new visitorattractions, many successful aspects ofprevious shows will return. One suchhighlight is the Retail Masterclassprogramme; a curated selection of short, informative and live presentationsfrom industry experts. Keynote speakersthis January include Will Hobhouse,Heal’s chairman; Sebastian Conran andTrend Bible.

A visit to Home also gives access tosister shows Top Drawer and Craft.Together, the three shows bring morethan 1,000 exhibitors to the market – allspecialising in design-led homewaresand gifts. Visit: www.home-london.net

Top left: EthnicraftAbove: PAD HomeLeft: BrosteCopenhagen

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Innovateand celebrateBrussels saw those that hadgone the extra mile rewarded

There were a strikingly high number of major innovations,numerous new concepts and changes that could almost bedescribed as structural at the November event. Mintjens, forexample, overhauled its collection and enjoyed success with thecomprehensive solid-wood Canyon range and the atmosphericMMood by Pascale Naessens. Mecam introduced Moome andIndera made its debut in the upmarket, contemporary area,Square.

This year saw the presentation of the show’s eighth Balthazarawards, with winners judged to have gone the extra mile inproduct development rewarded with a 12 litre bottle ofDrappier champagne.

The Best of Belgium Balthazar went to Moome, the latestoffshoot of the Mecam group. With this fresh collection ofseparate pieces, Moome is responding to the new buying habitsof 30 and 40-somethings. Most products were created byBelgian designers and everything is manufactured in Belgium.

The trophy for Country Today was awarded to a design thatinterprets the country trend to create a contemporary lifestylepiece – the Ramo bed by Nill Spring. This elegant designinspired by the natural proportions of the golden ratio (Ramo isItalian for branch), really makes this box spring stand out.

In the Ecology category, the winner was Dutch companySlide-Art. Another fresh collection from a small-scale

Top: Antanais

Above and inset: Moome

Below: Part of the show’strend section

Sales agents requiredRadici is a manufacturer of high quality tufted and

woven carpets.

We are looking for sales agents to cover the following three areas:

Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambs, Beds, Bucks and Oxon

Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset

Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester,Lancashire and Cumbria

The ideal candidates will be self motivated, enthusiastic and have experience of selling into

the mid to better end of the retail market as well asdesigners and architects.

We offer generous commission, full support and anexisting customer base.

Please send your CV and covering letter to [email protected]

http://www.sit-in.it

Surplus stock?

End of lines?Please consider donatingit to our Charity Furniture

Warehouse, the salesfrom which help to fund

our work with singlehomeless adults. Contactour Warehouse direct on

01732 365988.The Bridge Trust, Tonbridge, Kent

Registered Charity No. 1050291www.thebridgetrust.org.uk

Contact Balta Group HR – Ilse [email protected]+32 56 622 299

Sales Manager Wanted!As it continues to take the UK carpet industry by storm, Crown

Floors is looking for a Sales Manager with style.

Wholly owned by Balta Industries, Europe’s largest carpet manufacturer, this is a rare chance to be part of one of the brightest brands in flooring. Working with our expanding UK-wide network of enthusiastic

and committed agents, you will be responsible for ensuring that Crown Floors continues to enjoy its phenomenal success and keeping the brand a jewel in the crown for retailers across the land.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and motivated Sales Manager keen to leave a lasting impression and to become part of one of flooring’s biggest recent success stories.

Competitive salary and benefits package available for the right candidate.

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company. The choice of a single material, the absence of fittingsand the inventiveness of the design, which means that all itemscan be flatpacked and are easy to assemble, made this an easydecision, according to the judges.

The choice for the Most Innovative was far from simple. Twonominated exhibitors were head and shoulders above the rest,but ultimately, the Balthazar was awarded to D-Woods by NDJ.This traditional family firm is chiefly known for its classic, solid-wood furniture, and with D-Woods it is making the leap into anew market. The inventiveness of the programme was muchlauded by the awards jury.

While the number of Belgian visitors fell by 8.8%, reflectingthe state of the Belgian market, the show attracted healthyincreases in its two largest export markets of France and theNetherlands, alongside the UK and Germany.Visit: www.furniturefairbrussels.be

Clockwise from topleft: D-Woods; Veldaintroduced VersusBeds, Velda Physioand Gelfresh;Mintjens overhauledits collection; Slide-Art; Bodilson;Nill Spring’s Ramo

www.underlay.com t: 01536 200502

The Caviar & Champagne Collection Made With You In Mind Pure Luxury.Proudly made in the UK to BS 5808 (1991) and BS EN 14499:2004

interiors monthly december 2014

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