may 2012

EDITOR’S COMMENT

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 5

A stirring of interest?

Andrew KiddEDITOR

Put 15-18 July in your diary andpre-register online:Visit: www.manchesterfurnitureshow.com

Editor: Andrew KiddT: 01273 930 029 E: [email protected] advertising (South): Tim BodenT: 01732 783 561 E: [email protected] advertising (North): Jarrod BirdT: 01565 659 414 E: [email protected] and flooring advertising: Joanne MillerT: 01732 783 561 E: [email protected] executive: Ben WatkinsT: 01732 783 561 E: [email protected] sales agent: Jane DaiT: 00 86 755 8292 5229 E: [email protected]

Published by Interiors Media LimitedUnit 11, Riverside Business Centre, Riverside House,Riverlawn Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1EPT: 01732 783 561 F: 01732 783 562E: [email protected] in England no. 6397722Printed by Headley Brothers Design by TSS DIGITAL © Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236

The decision of David Kipping to launch aflooring buying group after his departurefrom Metro (see p12) should come as nosurprise to anybody. But what might be a surprise is the impact the move could have on the other buying groups andindependent flooring retailers.

One of the largest problems for buyinggroups is convincing independent retailersthat the group has no interest in running theretailer’s business. Just because a retailer is amember of a group, it doesn’t have to buythe products at prices that have beennegotiated by the group. Unfortunately it is amessage a lot of retailers have not beeninterested in hearing.

As we’ve fallen back into recession, you’dbe forgiven for thinking retailers would be

clamouring to take advantage of the pricesand other facilities available through thebuying groups. But given that only about afifth of retailers are members of groups, thisis not the case.

With its no-strings, no membership fee,leave whenever you like approach, Carpet-Force is likely to tempt some of thosepreviously unwilling to join a group to signup if all they want is to get the products theyalready sell at lower prices. And it may alsoencourage others to re-examine what theother groups have to offer.

After 37 years at upholstery manufacturerParker + Farr, Norma Kerry is to retire afterthe company’s 14-17 May At Home show. Asher 2010 Women In Furnishing LifetimeAchievement Award showed, she has beenan inspiration to many women in the stillmale dominated industry. We wish a longand happy retirement to Norma.

Many thanks to those of you who havevoted in the 2012 Interiors Monthly Awards.There is another opportunity to have your say on which companies are the best in the interiors business on p10 or you can download the form atwww.interiorsmonthly.co.uk if you prefer.

By offering a no-stringsdeal and free membership,Carpet-Force could createinterest in the buyinggroup sector.

CONTENTS


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INSIDE THIS ISSUENEWS12 Kipping to launch buying group

14 Carpetright enjoys refurbishment success

16 House of Reeves: ‘Wilful vandalism’

FEATURES10 Awards

Vote in the 2012 Interiors Monthly Awards

26 Carpet2012’s movers and shakers

34 Living and diningMust have coffee tables

42 Wood and laminateSustainable labelling

44 Branded furnitureBeing adult and gathering momentum

47 Beds and bedroomA royal connection, being enchanted, overhead success,

the return of a brand, sleep partners and awards

64 ReviewThe best of ISalone

74 ReviewPrize time at IFFS

REGULARS5 Comment

19 Opinion

20 New products

80 Entertainment

82 Final polish

NEXT ISSUEPreview: Manchester Furniture Show

International Exhibitions Show Guide

Buying groups

INTERIORS MONTHLY MAY 2012

AWARDS

10 Interiors Monthly May 2012

Retailers to complete only

Best Customer Service (Furniture)

.................................................................................................................................

Best UK Furniture Manufacturer

.................................................................................................................................

Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer

.................................................................................................................................

Best Furniture Buying Group

.................................................................................................................................

Best Accessory Supplier

.................................................................................................................................

Best Bed Manufacturer

.................................................................................................................................

Best Bedroom Manufacturer

.................................................................................................................................

Best Dining Room Manufacturer

.................................................................................................................................

Best Living Room Manufacturer

.................................................................................................................................

Best Children’s Furniture Manufacturer

.................................................................................................................................

Best Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer

.................................................................................................................................

Best Leather Upholstery Manufacturer

.................................................................................................................................

Best Furniture Wholesaler

.................................................................................................................................

Best Fabric/Soft Furnishings Manufacturer

.................................................................................................................................

Best Furniture Exhibition

.................................................................................................................................

Best Furniture Website

.................................................................................................................................

Best Customer Service (Flooring)

.................................................................................................................................

Best UK Flooring Manufacturer

.................................................................................................................................

Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer

.................................................................................................................................

Best Flooring Buying Group

.................................................................................................................................

Best Carpet Manufacturer

.................................................................................................................................

Best Rug Supplier

.................................................................................................................................

Best Laminate Manufacturer

.................................................................................................................................

Best Solid/Engineered Wood Manufacturer

.................................................................................................................................

Best Underlay Manufacturer

.................................................................................................................................

Best Vinyl Manufacturer

.................................................................................................................................

Best Luxury Vinyl Supplier

.................................................................................................................................

Best Flooring Exhibition

.................................................................................................................................

Best Flooring Website

.................................................................................................................................

Best Flooring Wholesaler

.................................................................................................................................

Best Software Supplier

.................................................................................................................................

Best Finance Provider

.................................................................................................................................

Best Supply Chain/Logistics Company

.................................................................................................................................

Best Business Support

.................................................................................................................................

Best Marketing Support

.................................................................................................................................

Best New Exhibition

.................................................................................................................................

Innovation of the Year

.................................................................................................................................

Suppliers to complete only

Best Flooring Retailer (1-2 stores)

.................................................................................................................................

Best Flooring Retailer (3+ stores)

.................................................................................................................................

Best Furniture Retailer (1-2 stores)

.................................................................................................................................

Best Furniture Retailer (3+ stores)

.................................................................................................................................

Best Online Retailer

.................................................................................................................................

Please fax your completed form to 01732 783 562or email your nominations to: [email protected]

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Position ................................................................................................................

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NEWS


Ex-Metro boss to launchflooring buying groupDavid Kipping, former Metro Group chief executive, is tolaunch a buying group: Carpet-Force.

Kipping, who left Metro at the end of March, says hewants the group to focus on selling as much as buying andwill look to recruit retailers who are not members of existingbuying groups.

‘What retailers need is a selling and buying group not justa buying group,’ he says.

Membership is free, with no commitments and membershave the freedom to negotiate their own prices if they cando better than the group on individual products.

Kipping says the group will focus on buying and sellingbetter. With no risk of any downsides and the option toleave at any time, he says retailers could at least try

something that has real potential to dramatically improveprofits.

Running costs will be kept ‘lean and mean’, for examplenot having board or regional meetings. On top of the rebateoffered to members, the group will negotiate an additionalrebate to help offset the group’s running costs meaning thatthere is no membership fee.

‘In challenging economic conditions, with record numbersof retailers going to the wall, survival instincts should beleading retailers to ever more closely examine their businessmodel and explore ways of improving profitability. Theseshould be halcyon days for buying groups,’ says Kipping.

The group should be in place this month and has set upan information website, www.carpet-force.info.

Five interiors companies have wonQueen’s Awards for Enterprise.

Marks & Spencer won a SustainableDevelopment award for environmentalmanagement under its Plan A strategy.

B&Q won the same award for thecontinuous implementation ofsustainability initiatives.

Vi-Spring won an International Tradeaward after continuous export growth inthe past six years which saw overseassales rise by 310%.

Mike Meehan, Vi-Spring md, says: ‘Weare extremely honoured to receive thiscoveted award. We believe that key toour success is our commitment to usingexpert craftsmanship, combined with ourdetermination to using only the verybest materials to create an unparalleledproduct that is loved throughout theworld.’

Leather producer Bridge of Weir andappliances firm Glen Dimplex also wonInternational Trade awards.

Queen’s Awards for interiors firmsVi-Spring has won its first Queen’s Award for Enterprise

Michael O’Connorwins Race businessMichael O’Connor Furniture has doubledto four branches after buying Stocktonretailer Race For Furniture fromadministration.

The brands will operate separately,along with Race’s Home Interiors sistercompany.

‘We have great respect for the Race ForFurniture brand, heritage and people andwe are delighted that the Race name willcontinue its association with high qualityfurniture. We will be honouring allexisting orders and I am personallylooking forward to continuing the RaceFor Furniture legacy,’ says Chris O’Connor,Michael O’ Connor Furniture md.

To breathe fresh life into the businessand improve service, product ranges willbe updated and there will be a move tonew warehouse premises.

Ian Race, former Race for Furniture md,will continue with Michael O’ConnorFurniture as a manager.

‘I am really pleased Michael O’ConnorFurniture has stepped in to save jobs inthe business and ensure a longestablished local firm survives,’ says Race.

‘It is an exciting venture for allconcerned and I look forward tocontributing to the future success of thebusiness.’

NEWS


Roll up for a prize: Underlay firm Ball & Young is running aWilly Wonka style competition during the summer tocelebrate the Queen’s Jubilee, Olympics and Paralympics.Prize cards contained within a number of rolls of Cirrusunderlay award the retailer a free roll on their next order.

Refurbishment aidsCarpetright growthCarpetright has seen like-for-like salesgrowth return, helped by its storerefurbishment programme.

UK like-for-like sales rose by 1.4% inthe 11 weeks to 14 April, helped bythe 32 refurbished storesoutperforming the rest of the chainand a wider laminate offer.

Bed sales growth was not up toexpectations, despite sales beingmarginally ahead and accounting for6% of sales, and increased margins.Total sales fell by 3.2%.

But the chain says the decline inmargin for the full year to 28 April willbe lower than previously expectedalong with greater than expected costcutting. Debt will also have been cutby more than £20m to less than £45m.

Operations in Belgium and TheNetherlands were hit by lower footfallbut the Republic of Ireland businesscontinues to see sales growth.

‘The fragile confidence of ourcustomers continues to produce aweak and volatile floorcoveringsmarket. We are encouraged to see theUK floorcoverings business return tolike-for-like sales growth and arecautiously optimistic that this trendwill continue into the new financialyear,’ says Lord Harris, Carpetrightexecutive chairman.

‘In contrast to this, bed sales, whilestill showing growth, have been belowmanagement expectations andtougher trading conditions in TheNetherlands and Belgium have alsocontributed to a weaker group resultfor the final quarter.’

He says the board expects thecombination of disappointing bedsales and the deterioration in tradingin Continental Europe will result inunderlying profit before tax for theyear being in the range of £3m to £4m.

Expansion for KitchensInternationalScottish retailer Kitchens Internationalhas opened another showroom, in Perth,expanding the chain to six branches.

‘In these tough times it is hard for abusiness to expand, but at KI we arepassionate about offering as manypeople as possible across Scotland andbeyond access to our aspirationalkitchens and design service,’ says PaulO’Brien, Kitchens International businessdevelopment director.

He says Perth and Tayside are key areasfor the firm and the new showroom willallow it to service central Scotland andthe north.

‘With highly competitive prices, a hugeportfolio of products, great designservice, experienced installers and ameticulous aftercare team, we believe weare offering the people of Perthsomething unique in kitchens,’ saysO’Brien.

The 1,500sqft showroom was openedby chef Nick Nairn and joins stores inAberdeen, Broxburn, Edinburgh (two)and Glasgow.

Davies to leave VictoriaIan Davies, Victoria Carpets group finance director, is to return to thetechnology sector in August, joining £50m turnover broadcast andsurveillance company Vislink as finance director.

‘Ian has been an important part of the group’s development during thepast five years and has made a valuable contribution to the company’ssuccess. We are most grateful for all Ian has done whilst at Victoria, butunderstand his decision to further his career in the technology sector. Wewish him all the very best for the future,’ says Alan Bullock, Victoria group md.

Davies’ departure, a month after the Alexander Anton led consortiumtook control of the board, came as the group enjoyed a strong quarter withsales 12% higher. ‘The insurance replacement market continued to performwell and there was a good finish to the year in both export and homecontract markets, with robust sales to the hospitality sector,’ says the firm.

But sales fell by 9.6% for its Australian division, which is almost twice thesize of its UK operations. ‘There was a further rapid and significantsoftening of market conditions in February and March, as consumers savedmore and reduced spending,’ warned the company.

Pre-tax profits for the year to the end of March will be in line withprevious forecasts but will be hit by a £700,000 bill for restructuring its Irishbusinesses and the cost of the sale process before the board changes.

There will be further costs in the 2012/2013 financial year afterrestructuring its Australian wool mill operations in response to what it says‘may be a permanent structural change away from wool carpets towardssynthetic carpets.’

NEWS


peo

ple

Willis & Gambier Originals has appointed Paul Irwin, former G Plan Cabinets national sales manager, as agent for the NorthWest and North East of England. He succeeds Richard Brittonwho remains with the group developing its studio programme.

Jonny Westbrooke, FIRA chief operating officer, has beennamed as clerk of the Worshipful Company of FurnitureMakers. Phil Reynolds, FIRA principal technical manager, hasbecome interim chief operating officer until a permanentsuccessor is named.

Harrogate retailer Richard Grafton Interiors has recruited KarenDraper and Val Blakey as interior designers.

Reeves’ arson: ‘A deliberate, wilful act of shocking vandalism’The looter who burned down the House of Reeves store lastAugust has been jailed for 11.5 years.

Gordon Thompson, 34, was told by Judge Peter Thorntonat The Old Bailey: ‘This day was a bad day for Croydon andthe people of Croydon. Perhaps the most shocking eventwas that the House of Reeves was set alight and burned tothe ground, putting lives at risk.’

He said the store ‘had stood on the site for over 140 years,proudly giving its name to its location, Reeves Corner. Youwere about to bring all that to an end.

‘This was a deliberate, wilful act of shocking, dangerousvandalism. The Reeves family lost their historic business,something they and generations before had lived andworked for all their lives. Their loss is priceless.’

In a victim impact statement, Trevor Reeves, House ofReeves director, said: ‘The total destruction of the site hasbeen a bereavement to me, I just can’t understand what Ihave done to make someone do this to me. I wonder withdespair what my father and grandfather would make of thesituation.’

He added that the sentence ‘will not bring it back. Myfather built that store up. That store was his baby. I livedthere as a child, played there as a child, I lived there as anadult, I worked there for most of my adult life, and whenyou lose something like that it’s like a bereavement.’

After sentencing, owner of the store, Maurice Reeves, 80,said: ‘He’s [Thompson] done tremendous harm foreverybody, but we have to fight back and that’s what wewill do. That’s the typical Reeves family. He has apologisedand it is accepted by the Reeves family and me.’

Thompson, who has 20 previous convictions was filmedon mobile phones and by CCTV cameras during the arson,the court heard.

Thompson changed his plea to guilty at the end of theprosecution case.

Remains of the House of Reeves’ store in Croydon

GoodWeave, the not-for-profitorganisation that combats childexploitation in the rug industry, hasexpanded its ethical labelling schemeacross Europe.

This reflects growing concern in theWest about the exploitation of childrenin the Third World and increasing interestamong designers and consumers for

more ethically produced, sustainable andenvironmentally friendly producedproducts for the home, says SamanthaTowle, GoodWeave executive director.

‘Given the international nature of therug industry and the increasing publicitysurrounding the abuse of children in themanufacture of goods for Westernconsumption, the time is right to expand

the scheme across Europe,’ she says.The organisation already has five

European licensees, including Germanchain Otto. Towle says she is looking toincrease this number threefold in thecoming year.

Two licensees recently joined theorganisation in the UK: Land Rugs andNaja Utzon Popov.

GoodWeave ethical scheme branches into Europe

Growth for DunelmFurniture, flooring and homewares chain Dunelm has seen sales growthdespite a drop in footfall. The 124 store chain had sales of £154.1m in thequarter to 31 March, a rise of 10.7% and a like-for-like rise of 0.6%.

‘Although we saw strong store performance in January and growth inmulti-channel revenues throughout the quarter, these were partially offsetby more depressed store footfall patterns in February and March,’ says NickWharton, Dunelm chief executive.

He says Dunelm achieved a solid sales performance in a ‘very demandingretail environment’ through development of the Simply Value for Moneyproposition and growth through new stores and multi-channel offerings.

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Some retailers are focused purely on price. To be fair, withoutsales or marketing skills this tactic probably offers the easiestroute to sales. If you offer the lowest price on anything someconsumers will be attracted to that. It is however fraught withproblems and a major reason why so many retailers go to thewall.

If you get your customers by offering the lowest price you willlose them the same way – they will ditch you when you are nolonger the cheapest.

Selling cheap most often involves the cheapest goods. Fewconsumers who buy a flimsy felt-back PP twist carpet willexperience high levels of satisfaction and harbour a burningdesire to become a loyal customer.

It is inconceivable you will be buying your products better

than hundreds of others, so retailers wanting to be thecheapest simply have to work on the lowest margins.

However, if you are good at selling and marketing there is amuch easier and profitable route to sales.

Selling a product for 10% more is more achievable thanbuying it for 10% less. If you do the maths you will see thatbuying at the same price and selling at 10% more deliversaround 9% more profit than buying 10% less and selling at thesame price. And it is far more likely that you could sell a £5 persqm product for £5.50 than to squeeze another 10% out of yoursupplier.

What retailers need is a selling and buying group – not just abuying group. To this end I am launching Carpet-Force – aimedat persuading those 80% of retailers not in a group that thereare compelling reasons why they should join.

Membership will be free, with no commitments andmembers retain the ability to negotiate their own prices if theycan do better than the group on individual products.

The group will focus not just on buying better but on sellingbetter. With no risk of any downsides together with the optionto leave at any time, it is hard to imagine why retailers wouldnot want to at least try something that has real potential todramatically improve profits.Visit: www.carpet-force.info

David KippingCarpet-Force chief executive

Focus on buyingand selling better

If you get your customers byoffering the lowest pricethey will ditch you when youare no longer the cheapest


1 32

1 The elemental form of stone is the

inspiration behind the Classic Limestone

collection from Avenue, resulting in an array

of natural effect cushion flooring offering

style and luxury. It has excellent acoustic

properties including 19db sound reduction

for improved living quality.

Tel: 00 32 5665 3211

2 The Crown Wilton collection from Crown

Floors comprises a mix of four contemporary

and traditional exclusive designs providing

great value stylish patterned carpet. The

carpets are available in 4m widths in 100%

EasyClean polypropylene with a 10-year stain

warranty for peace of mind.

Tel: 0800 077 3301

3 EverStrand XtraSoft proves Mohawk’s

commitment to offering customers high

quality, luxurious carpet with reduced

detriment to the environment. XtraSoft will

appeal to the increasing number of shoppers

who are concerned about the environment

but do not want to compromise on comfort.

Tel: 01480 479 830

4 The Bamboo Luxe carpet from Lano

Carpets’ Ultimo collection is a soft carpet

with a subtle silky thread. Available in a 4m

width in 18 colours, these stylish carpets are

crafted from a bamboo blend.

Tel: 00800 5266 5266

5 Brintons’ Pierrot large scale filigree design

captures old school glamour with

contemporary style and on-trend colour

treatments using tones of inky black with

shades of greys and opal whites. It is

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen’s latest design for

the company.

Tel: 0800 505 055 ��

NEW PRODUCTS

4 5


6

8

7

6, 7 Victoria Carpets’ Options 288

collection of twist pile carpets in a

mixture of plains and heathers provides

288 combinations. With a palette of 36

contemporary colours the collection

offers a mixture of warm neutral shades

such as Flapjack and Cane Heather and

also boasts bright, inspiring colours such

as deep Cobalt blue and rich Carmine red.

Each colour can also be ordered in four

different weights: 32oz, 40oz, 50oz and

60oz and 4m and 5m widths.

Tel: 01562 749 300

8 The Quick-Step Academy in

Manchester officially opened on 17 April

to flooring fitters looking to hone their

laminate and wood flooring installation

skills. The short courses on offer at the

6,880sqft centre also provide fitters with the business benefits of

becoming a Quick-Step Master Installer.

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

9 Balta’s Funky Stripes collection gets a style injection with three

bright colour combinations, including an Union Flag inspired pattern

sure to be a hit this summer. This vibrant, bold carpet features stripes

of differing thickness for a textured and interesting look.

Tel: 00 32 5662 2211

10 Cormar Carpets has expanded its portfolio of wool twist products

with Heather Classics. Made from 80% pure new wool, 5% tuftbound

and 15% polypropylene, it is 1/8th gauge twist pile, tufted in 40oz and

50oz weights. In 4m and 5m widths it has 12 neutral heather shades.

Visit: www.cormarcarpets.co.uk ��

NEW PRODUCTS

10

9


11

13

12

11 With its natural upholstery and more

than 1,350 pocketed springs in the 150cm

x 200cm mattress, Gainsborough Beds’

Doyle provides a high quality divan set.

The natural upholstery includes cashmere,

mohair, merino wool and cotton felt. The

Monterey divan base is available in seven

colours of chenille fabric.

Tel: 01225 779 132

12 Bergman is the top of the range model

in the Gainsborough Beds Pillow Top

collection. A sumptuous feel is achieved

by inserting latex into the pillow top. More

than 1,450 pocket springs are at the heart

of this no-turn mattress.

Tel: 01225 779 132

13 Promising a fresh approach to the UK

LVT market, Moduleo is launching its

UK operation, offering an alternative

for retailers and consumers. Moduleo

comes in both a traditional LVT

construction and a simple to install click

system, which holds a strong cross-

consumer appeal, making it suitable for

any modern space.

Tel: 0800 032 3970

14 Novostrat has an underlay for every

application. Its flagship underlay, Sonic

Gold Excel, reduces noise penetration by

up to 22dB while the Comfort underlay

meets most budget constraints yet still

provides excellent performance. Combat

and Combat Plus are the latest for general

purpose use or for use with underfloor

heating systems.

Tel: 00 353 6133 9287

15 Kobe’s Sindara is a colourful

contemporary collection inspired by the

ethnic authenticity of traditionally

produced Indonesian ikat dyeing

techniques for fabrics.

Tel: 0844 7420 800

NEW PRODUCTS

14

15

CARPET


FloorchangeIf you think consumers arereluctant to spend and playingsafe, think again

��

There are two main schools of thought when itcomes to British consumer spending during badeconomic times: A Spending is restricted to those things that have tobe bought, food for example, and non-essentials willnot be replaced, and B Consumers eventually get bored looking at thesame thing, a 10 year-old carpet for example. Butrather than replacing it with the cheapest or safestoption they ‘cocoon’ and opt for a better endproduct to make their house look nice as they can’tsee themselves moving home any time soon.

So have we reached point B yet? We asked leadingcarpet suppliers how the market has changed in thepast year.

Sustainable story: ‘From the signs this year,as well as last, our range of eco carpets,SmartStrand and EverStrand, have reallytaken off,’ says Howard Lyndsay, Mohawk vicepresident of the UK, Ireland and South Africa.‘It’s clear from these collections that thestories behind the carpet can have a massiveimpact on its sales potential and withimprovements made to EverStrand with theintroduction of EverStrand XtraSoft to make iteven softer and more appealing, we areexpecting another busy year.’Mohawk, tel: 01480 479 830

Twists and turns: ‘We’ve seen a drop in our more cost competitive ranges and there’s been anupturn in our premium products with luxurious velours really taking off, particularly among theLondon set,’ says Ian Hammond, Vorwerk Carpets sales director UK. ‘We are known for oursumptuous textures so this trend comes as little surprise, but it could be the first indication of amove into something away from twists further down the scale.’Vorwerk Carpets, tel: 020 7096 5090

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Polis Xinaris, OwnerPolis Xinaris Furniture • Nicosia, Cypruss

2nd April 2012

Contact Gareth Price29 Warblington Road, Emsworth, Hampshire PO10 7HE

Tel: +44 (0) 1243 378369 • www.lynchsales.co.uk

®LYNCH

Sales CompanyEstablished 1914

Don’t take ourword for it,

take theirs.

S I N C E 1 9 1 4

"This was the first Lynch event to take place in Cyprus and we couldn't be happier to be the ones to do it......Thebeginning was amazing!! The first three days we had no

time to eat, drink or sit for a moment! Thousands of peoplecame into the store and kept buying like there was no tomorrow!.....My father says he is the happiest man

in Cyprus today!"

"During the first five days we exceeded two month'sturnover figure with a foot flow of customers that was quite

remarkable. The sale has allowed us to clear excess anddated stock whilst maintaining profit margins at above

average and generate new orders, of which we will feel thebenefit in the weeks to come as the new orders arrive."

Spencer Glover, Managing DirectorGFS Furniture World27th March 2012

"Having had a phenomenally successful sale in 2007, we didn't believe that this sale would be able to reachthose record-breaking figures. However, much to our

astonishment especially when considering the economicclimate, the sale exceeded previous figures by 15%"

Rhian Francis ACA, Finance DirectorThe Place for Homes27th February 2012

The quotes from Lynch Sales Company clients are genuine andwe hold signed and dated copies of all client testimonials.

Call us or visit our website for an outline of our copyrightedSALE PLANS and our ONE PAGE contract.

L

CARPET


Good looks and comfort: ‘Trends continue to support a move away from wood to amore comfortable and decorative option,’ says Charles Annable, Brockway Carpets md.‘Our Regatta and Vogue ranges from our Designer Collection have been our top sellersduring the past year. Both remain extremely popular as more consumers opt to usestripes to make a statement, especially on stairs and hallways. The desire to know theprovenance of our carpets has also seen sales increase for our Herdwick range. There hasbeen a noticeable move away from plain beige to soft pastel shades.’Brockway Carpets, tel: 01562 828 200

Good value: ‘Value-for-money and practicality is first on the agendawhen it comes to flooring this year as people look for hard wearing,lower priced and low maintenance carpets,’ says David Cormack, CormarCarpets marketing director. ‘As the raw material price of wool increasesand the economic conditions for most households tighten, it makessense to look at options like a 50/40/10 wool mix. On the back of thiswe’ve seen both our Forest Hills and Glendale 50% wool collectionsselling really well.’ Visit: www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Easy living: ‘There’s certainly been an uplift in colour and pattern,particularly stripes, but we are still seeing that consumers want the easeand maintenance of stain-resistant carpet. We’ve created Fairfield Creationsto answer this trend,’ says Birger Karlsson, Lano UK and Ireland salesmanager. ‘Based on the popular Fairfield collection, the carpet introducesan easy-to-fit stripe with coordinating colours and with the ease of livingthat comes from being part of our Easy Care collection, I guess you couldsay it is a range of the moment.’Lano, tel: 0800 5266 5266

Colourful options: ‘Victoria Carpets’ Sisal Weave wasrecoloured in September and since then we’ve seen anincrease in sales with a number of the new colours in thetop five. Four new colours were added to the collection torefresh and update the colour palette so that Victoriastayed on trend and offered the retailer a fresh variety ofproducts,’ says Natalie Mclaren, Victoria Carpets, marketingmanager.Victoria Carpets, tel: 01562 749 300


You probably don’t know it but the chances are that you arealready selling Wang Yulin’s products, either his yarn or his wooland polypropylene carpets.

Wang is the founder of China’s Fuxing Group and its carpetsubsidiary F&X Carpet.

At the heart of Wang’s operations is a 1.6million sqft facility inHangzhou in eastern China that transforms plastic bottles andother PET into polypropylene yarn. Three million tonnes of carpetwas produced there last year, with a target of 20million tonnes by2014. F&X’s carpets are sold in China through about 200 F&Xbranded stores and Wang expects to have 1,000 stores by 2014.

Most important, the raw material for that volume offloorcovering will be bought by Fuxing Group employees,processed by Fuxing Group equipment, and spun into yarn atFuxing-owned spinning mills: vertical integration is all.

Finally, in collaboration with Hermion, a leading Dutchplastics recycler and equipment maker, Fuxing is building athriving business exporting the technology and equipment thathas aided its remarkable ascent to the top of China’s carpet andplastics recycling industries.

‘We will build 25 recycling plants in China’s major cities overthe next three years, so we can demonstrate to the variousprovincial governments that we are using our own technology,our own selling channel, and our own product,’ Wang says.

And this is no small boast: each recycling centre costs millionsof pounds.

The plant already has 25 tufting machines using its Softouchyarn that is made from recycled PET bottles and a backing plantfor 4m and 5m width carpets.

After years in paper and plastics brokerage, Wang set up afibre mill in 1998 and six years later decided he could makemore money if he made the carpets himself rather than sellingfibre to other manufacturers.

So he bought a European mill and set it up in Hangzhou,even though neither he or any of his employees had anyexperience of running one.

‘It took us two years to learn how to do this,’ he says. ‘It wasvery difficult.’

Having learned how to run a mill, he bought a second: whatwas once the UK’s second largest, S Lyles which collapsed in2009, and had it shipped to Xinning in Tibet in 115 containers.Reassembled in six months, the mill has provided a market forlocal herders.

‘We collect the wool direct from the farms as well as buyingwool worldwide. We have our own washing line, we scour thewool, we hank and stock dye, we spin all our own wool andhave 20 wool tufting machines,’ Wang says.

In addition to being able to produce almost any type of woolcarpet, the company has recently purchased 10 Wilton looms soit can supply carpet to Chinese and international airlines.

For a man who started off collecting newspapers for recyclingin Shanghai it is an incredible journey. But one that could haveanother twist. Wang has said he plans to float the group in twoor three years and travel the world teaching in universities.

‘I will be 45. The young people can take control. This businessis for young people and new ideas. They should have a chance,’he says.F&X, tel: 07976 607 657; email: [email protected]

A king of

recycling

CARPET

F&X is on course to make 20million tonnes of carpet from recycled PET by 2014

© P

ICSF

IVE

–FO

TOLI

A.C

OM

CARPET

Combining software andlaser measuring canmake a large difference

‘It’s how we invest time that ultimatelymakes a difference,’ says Nigel Welsh,Laser Measure UK’s businessdevelopment director.

‘FEP 360 software is designedspecifically for the flooring industry, itsfeature rich interface is capable ofestimating any typeof flooring productor service,’ he says.

Welsh claims FEP360 has changedthe estimationprocess for thebetter for manythousands ofbusinesses acrossthe globe.

He cites the example of one UKcustomer:

‘We have been using the FEP Prosystem for a couple of months now, andit has made a significant difference onhow we are able to look at and tendernew work.

‘It is so much more accurate and

quicker to take off quantities and workout the overall quantities for materialrequirement, without the need forprinting large A1 size drawings.

‘We are able to quote more projectsusing the system – the system is veryeasy to use and understand, with the

help of the manualand onlinedemonstrations fromLaser Measure’ssupport team.’

Welsh claims thesoftware has thecapability of reducingthe overall estimationprocess by as much as80% for commercial

flooring businesses.‘Our software is available in a number

of versions catering for the individualstore owners as well as large flooringgroups requiring an enterprise solution.FEP 360 has true mobile estimationcapability,’ he addsVisit: www.lasermeasure.com.au

Savetimeand liftprofits

FEP 360 software is user friendly


��

LIVING AND DINING

Coffee societyNo living room is complete without a coffeetable. Here are some of the latest models

Available in five sizes and with a topin rough-cut smoky oak, B&B Italia’sMichel tables reinterpret the designand finishes of the frames of theupholstery collectionB&B Italia, tel: 00 39 0 3179 5213

Old Charm has expanded itscoffee table offering with theH-frame model 2842 while the2326 model (pictured) hastwo drawers that open onboth sides and a display shelfunderneathOld Charm, tel: 01920 469 241

Draenert’s Maras table can betransformed from a coffee table to ahigher side table, and is available inAmerican walnut or lacquered glassDraenert, tel: 00 49 7545 2080

Walter Knoll’s Mason is available in five sizes andthe range also includes a leather magazine rackWalter Knoll, tel: 00 49 70 3220 8250

No 20FT delivery Surcharge and 5% off 40FTcontainers! Over the duration of the show, wewill be offering trade visitors fantasticwholesale and container offers. Don’t forgetthat our huge wholesale warehouse is just astone’s throw away and show appointmentscan easily be arranged to coincide with astock collection.

This exciting two week event is taking place atour head office in Coventry from Monday 21stMay - Friday 1st June from 9am-5:30pm.

Viewings for the weekends during the showcan be accommodated by prior arrangement.Our showroom is located only 15minutesaway from Birmingham airport, a ten minutestroll from Coventry rail station and fifteenminutes away from the NEC.

Complimentary refreshments will be providedthroughout the event and accommodation,which is conveniently located opposite theshowroom can be arranged as well as flightswhere required.

For further information and to confirm yourattendance, simply contact Hanna Latham UKMarketing Manager;

e: [email protected]:+44 (0)24 7663 2148 f:+44 (0)24 7623 1628

21st May – 1st June 2012

The May Show

Head Office & Showroom Ringway House, Hill Street,

Coventry, CV1 4AN

Our sensational portfolio of products is bigger than ever before and the May in house show givesyou the perfect opportunity to see over 1000 new, innovative and exclusive items first-hand. Thestunning 25,000SQFT showroom in Coventry includes an inspirational Besp-Oak Home & NEWLoft Apartment displaying Besp-Oak’s top quality products in a realistic setting, making it easierthan ever to create the perfect order.

w w w . b e s p - o a k f u r n i t u r e . c o . u k

Stylish rustic chic furniture, hand-craftedusing reclaimed railway sleepers andbrushed or chrome stainless steel.

Even more innovative new items have been added tothe Vancouver Petite® collection which is now alsoavailable to order in a stunning whitewash finish.

An array of striking sculptures,communicating passion andserenity.

Oozing sophistication, this bold and beautiful collectionmust be seen to be appreciated. New items have beenadded for the show & samples are in the showroom now.

®

Over 60 beautiful hand painted acrylicsand oils are now available to mix withAnteak.

New for 2012, the Industrial collection features solidoak and heavy duty steel castors - flawlesslycombining old and new.

Offering style and functionality at anaffordable price, this eco-friendly collection ismade using recycled wood and used palletsto reduce damage to the environment.

Besp-Oak’s innovative new range of eco-friendlypatio heaters use carbon fibre heating technologyand are available to order from wholesale now.

200+ items of environmentally friendlyteak root furniture are available to ordercontainer and wholesale.

A beautiful collection of natural lamps hand-crafted using reclaimed driftwood – availableto order from wholesale now


LIVING AND DINING

Designed to coordinate with theupholstery collection of the same name,COR’s Jalis offers several coffee tablesCOR, tel: 0796 739 9759

Domicil’s Box I collection comprisesthree coffee tables, two offeringstorageDomicil, tel: 00 49 83 8296 2020

Christie-Tyler’s Windsor, part ofan eight-strong collection, hastwo drawers and is available inoak veneer with an elm greywash finishVisit: www.christie-tyler.com

G Plan Cabinet’s Davenport ispart of an 18-piece collectionand features golden crown teakin solid wood and veneerG Plan, tel: 0141 300 7300

FUSION DESIGNS UKNOW IN STOCK!!

CHANTILLY BEDROOM RANGEAn appealing and popular range of shabby chic bedroom furniture, finished

in antique white with wooden tops and quality brass handles.All items in stock and ready to go!!!

To place an order or for any further information please contact us on;Freephone:0333 666 1230

[email protected]

Fusion Designs UK Ltd, Units 2&3, Wood Farm, Moreton Rd, Ongar, Essex CM5 0EY.

We will also be showing at the Manchester Furniture Show 15th-18th July,on stand D69, why not come along and see our full range of products, including our new reclaimed Teak Driftwood range and our ever popular Fusion collection.

*Please note all prices shown are strictly COD and exlude vat and delivery.

£70 £330

£170

£200

£290 £200 £285 0

Profitwith UK-CFroom service� You make the sale

� You place your order with us

� Your work is complete –

Your profit is in the till!

� Room Service delivers direct

� No cash tied up in stock

Apply now to be an exclusive UK-CF authorised dealer in your area.

Web: www.ukcf.co.ukEmail: [email protected]

General enquiries: +44 (0) 1706 235 210

a comprehensiverange of AV furniture

LIVING AND DINING


Besp-Oak is displaying its latest collectionsand showroom enhancements this month

Visitors to Besp-Oak Furniture’s At Homeshow later this month in Coventry will be able to see the latest addition to thecompany’s 25,000sqft, six-floorshowroom: a loft apartment built toshowcase its Vancouver Industrial urbanoak range.

Launched at Interiors UK in January,the collection combines old and newwith heavy duty steel castors andreinforced corner brackets, joining the 10collections launched last September for

pine, contemporary glamour, indoor andoutdoor teak, teak root, flooring, patiofurniture, ECO-NRG patio heaters,recycled lamps, statues, model ships andboats and a new art range.

Products are available by the containerand on a wholesale basis.

‘With the largest oak stock-holding inthe country, our 70,000sqft wholesalestorage and distribution depot supportsprompt collection and deliveryscheduling,’ adds Latham.

Despite increased shipping rates, thereis no delivery surcharge on 20ftcontainers, which are a good way tosample a new collection. For evengreater value, she says, the company isoffering 5% off all 40ft containers.Besp-Oak, tel: 02476 632 148

Top right: Vancouver PetitelarderLeft: Natural Lamps Below left: Coast Right: Vancouver Industrial

its bestselling VancouverPremium range.

‘We are inviting retailers tovisit our inspirationalshowroom, whichencompasses a full scale showhome in addition to the newloft apartment, from 21 May to1 June,’ says Hanna Latham,Besp-Oak marketing manager.

Viewings for the weekendsduring the show can be

accommodated by priorarrangement. Refreshmentswill be provided throughoutthe event and accommodation,conveniently located oppositethe showroom, can be

arranged as well as flights whererequired.

The showroom is only 15 minutesfrom Birmingham airport, a 10 minutewalk from Coventry railway stationand 15 minutes away from the NEC.

‘Visitors will be able to seethousands of products including many

exclusive and innovative items,’ she says. Besp-Oak’s portfolio includes oak,

Urban edge

WOOD AND LAMINATE


Fair wayTimber from the Curacautin Valleyproject has made it to market

Kährs has launched a world-first range offloors made from FSC and Fairtradecertified wood from Curacautin in Chile,as its involvement in the CuracautinValley project reaches fruition.

Last year Kährs became the firstcompany to commit to a timber schemeto restore the economy of the CuracautinValley region.

Timber stocks have now recoveredsufficiently in the area to help provide asustainable living to local people basedon fair trade and responsible forestmanagement principles.

One of the first regions in Chile to re-establish its native forest, theCuracautin Valley has – as part of thepilot – put in place responsible forestryregulations and rights for the indigenouspeople.

On the initiative of SSC Forestry Groupin Sweden, a sawmill has been built inCuracautin, the local community hasbeen provided with forest education andforest farmers have been organised tomanage the forest resources sustainably.

Prior to depletion of timber stocks,1,000 employees and their families weredependent upon the valley’s formersawmill, which was constructed in 1938.

Forest mismanagement led tounemployment, landscape alterations,changes in water flow, and destruction ofwildlife habitats, all of which negativelyaffected the livelihoods of the Mapuchepeople.

The two-strip flooring is made from acombination of sustainable native Rauliand Roble hardwood timber, andfeatures Kährs multi-layer constructionand glueless Woodloc joint. The surface iscrafted from 100% FSC-Fairtrade certifiedwood while FSC Mix certified wood isused for the core layers. The products canalso contribute to BREEAM or LEEDcertified projects.

Forming part of Kährs WorldCollection, designs include: Roja, an evengrained floor with a warm, red tone and

lots of colour variation; Tierra, a rich, darkbrown stained floor with a more eventone and subtle colour variation; Piedra,an on-trend grey toned floor for amodern, urban look; and Cautin, with theboldest colour variation and warmnatural hue.

Each floor, except for smooth-finishedCautin, is brushed and all products arefinished with Kährs Nature Oil.

As part of its Beauty with a Consciencestrategy, Kährs only purchases tropicalspecies that are FSC certified. Kährs, tel: 023 9245 3045

Right: PiedraBelow: Roja

BRANDED FURNITURE


For Gautier 2012 will be important for itsUK operations as it concentrates onexpanding its stockist base.

In recent years the company hassuccessfully built a worldwide network of franchise stores so that the consumercan see the whole product portfoliorather than just the children’s furniture itis best known for. Following the closureof the Cheltenham franchise store inMarch, the company is now looking toincrease the number of stockists.

‘Although the business model will still

be explored where suitable, it is clearretailers will be key to the developmentof the business going forward,’ saysMartyn Lincoln, Gautier UK md.

‘We’re best known for children’sfurniture but with more and more of thisbeing sold online, we’re concentrating onadult furniture.

‘Gautier is a brand in children’sfurniture, and as in Europe we intend tobe a brand in adult furniture as well.

‘Ideally we will have 50 to 60 stockistsfor adult ranges UK wide and 20 to 30

Building on foundationsGautier is targeting an expansion of its stockist base

retailers adopting the studio conceptincluding adult and junior products.’

This year has seen Gautier double itsproduct introductions to six, includingthree adult collections debuted atISalone.

Cocktails features a display unit thatexpands to reveal a dining table that canseat five people. With the extensionleaves stored externally, the mechanismfolds back into the unit. Featuring apepper/grey finish, the range alsoincludes a four-drawer coffee table,sideboard, chair with metallic detailingand triptych mirror.

With a smoked oak end-grain lookfinish, the Brem living and diningcollection includes a bookcase that withtwo or more units can be used as a roomdivider, sideboard, coffee table, bar/dresser and cupboard.

The Alisa bedroom range sports anasymmetric relief design on theheadboard, chest of drawers andchiffonier. Its open wardrobe has asliding mirror door while the bed hasaluminium feet.

Other items include a TV unit, four-drawer chest of drawers, six-drawerchiffonier, vanity mirror, pedestal table,seat and a bedside unit.Gautier, tel: 01727 877 977

Left: AlisaRight: CocktailsBottom: Brem

BRANDED FURNITURE


Gathering forceThe return of Christie-Tyler is gaining momentum

The reintroduction of what was probablythe best known name in the industrycontinues apace. Since the turn of theyear Christie-Tyler has held a series ofroadshows and show-van tours acrossthe country, attracting retailers at everyevent.

According to Peter Hopper, C-T ceo,the response has been encouraging, withnew customers signing up at everyvenue. He says the company is steadilybuilding its customer base and hasexceeded targets already.

‘We are determined to make C-T,Cambria and Pendragon brands for theindependent retailers. It’s obvious fromtalking to the retailers at the roadshowsthat they are getting a raw deal from thebig boys on attention, lead times andmargin and support. They just don’t feelloved or respected,’ he says.

‘That’s why everywhere we go they areembracing the three brands and reallyappreciate the support we are giving.’

Hopper says upholstery designs have‘gone down a storm’ and reflect C-T’smore traditional style, while some of thenew fabric and leather designs are takingthe brand to where it would previouslynaturally have evolved to.

‘It’s important to us to retain thedesigners who worked for C-T, and whounderstand the history and values thatthese great brands still generate today,and to use the best materials,’ heexplains.

As well as upholstery, the offerincludes lighting, occasional and brandsand will be expanded into dining andbedroom furniture.

‘We have been asked specifically byretailers to come up with a stylish, valuebedroom range and discussions are welladvanced,’ he says.

More designs will be debuted at July’sManchester Furniture Show.Visit: www.christie-tyler.com

Casablanca

Paspe

Classic Pocket 2000 mattress and divan

BECOME A DEEPER

SLEEPER

Beds and bedroom

BEDS AND BEDROOM


Regal endeavoursHypnos’ connection with the royal householdsince 1929 continues to reinforce its reputation

As the only active bed supplier to theroyal household, Hypnos supports anumber of high profile UK-based projectsinitiated by the Queen and othermembers of the Royal family.

Most recently, Hypnos signed up andbecame a committed supporter of TheCampaign for Wool.

To support the campaign, Hypnoslaunched the Regency Collection; arange of mattresses comprising layers ofBritish wool, all of which are 100%recyclable so will never need to go tolandfill.

A Royal Warrant from HM QueenElizabeth II further reinforces thecompany’s long-standing reputation forservice excellence and the best of Britishquality.

Winner of the National BedFederation’s Bed Manufacturer of theYear 2011 award, Hypnos has beenmaking bespoke, made-to-measure beds in the UK for more than 100 years;combining traditional skills withinnovation, and using only natural andsustainable materials.

Now in its fifth generation, Hypnosremains a family-run business based inBuckinghamshire.

The company’s enduring philosophyfocuses on the pursuit of perfection,long-term commitments to sustainabilityand the environment, and the delivery ofa quality, energising sleep.

As well as referring to its lifetime of

experience, Hypnos’ philosophyhighlights the 10-year warranty that issynonymous with the brand and itsproduct innovations designed toimprove health and wellbeing.Visit: www.hypnosbeds.com

St James

Hampton Sandringham


Sweet Dreams’ latest collection – Enchanted – is perhaps one ofthe most diverse ranges produced by the manufacturer.

At the heart of the five strong collection is the Sleepzonespring – a purpose-designed spring system created by andexclusive to Sweet Dreams, that uses twice as many springs astraditional bonnell units.

The collection includes:Sark, a high loft, microquilted top, side-stitch effect border

model, while Tiree has a memory foam combination mattress.Rona has a pillow-top for extra softness and features a knitted

mattress cover with contemporary quilting and a modern fabricborder. The mattress is no-turn. A grey divan base matches theborder.

Rathlin is a traditionally styled divan. Islay Firm has a tufted damask mattress and a modern, grey

border. The Sleepzone spring system and the fillings create afirm feel while the mattress border complements the divanbase.

All Enchanted divans are available in seven sizes, with achoice of platform top, spring edge, or ottoman divan base. Inaddition to the standard two-drawer, four-drawer and 2+2continental options, the double size on all five models has anend drawer option.Sweet Dreams, tel: 01282 830 033

Springmagic

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Sweet Dreams has introducedone of its most diverse collections

Islay Firm

Rathlin

Tiree

Concept Memory SleepUnit 7-8 St Ives Business Park, St Ives Road,Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 2BXT: +44 (0) 1254 662113F: +44 (0) 1254 662118E: [email protected]: www.conceptmemory.com

Please contact us on:Scotland | Bob Dymond | 07831 500658North West & North Wales | John Edmundson | 07860 242778North East & Yorkshire | Stuart Campbell | 07545 501076Midlands | Dave Sedgwick | 07831 566345South West and South Wales | Karl MacIver | 07772 863368South East | Neil Facey | 07940 503106North London & East of England | Colin White | 07733 238345

Agents RequiredMade in the

United Kingdom

INTRODUCING...

“The Cooler alternative to standardvisco-elastic memory foam”

HOW DOES IT WORK?CoolBlue™ ‘gives’ and ‘cradles’ you in the same way asregular memory foam however it’s very low (almostzero) visco-elastic threshold prevents it fromcompletely moulding around the sleeper which is themajor contributing factor to the excessive warmthassociated with sleeping on memory foam mattressesfor some people.

The new CoolFlex™ range of Memory Foam mattresses has beendeveloped for the ultimate in sleep comfort and support. Byincorporating cutting edge Coolblue™ Memory Foam you can beassured of all the pressure relieving benefits of Memory Foamwithout experiencing any heat discomfort associated with regularvisco elastic memory foam.

This mattress is further enhanced by it’s beautiful cover madefrom ‘Elas’, a luxuriously sumptuous, state-of-the-art fabric fromLava Textiles of Belgium. Patented state-of-the-art knittingtechnology is used to create the 600g ‘quilted effect’. Not onlydoes this add an extra layer of sumptuous luxury but alsomaintains a true four-way stretch ability, perfectly complimentingthe adjustments in the CoolBlue™ memory foam beneath it.

MEMORY FOAM MATTRESSESMORYMMMEM ESRES SSSSSFOAM MATTRES SS

TM

20cm (8” ) depth mattress (7cm CoolBlue™ memory foam + 13cm Reflex)

Super-luxurious Elas ‘Knit-Quilt’ Cover

25cm (10”) depth mattress (7cm CoolBlue™ memory foam + 1 cm Reflex)

Super-luxurious Elas ‘Knit-Quilt’ Cover

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FIRMNESS RATING : MEDIUM FIRM

SOFT FIRM

FIRMNESS RATING : MEDIUM FIRM

SOFT FIRM

8

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‘Perceived value is all-important in the current, extremelyvolatile climate for furniture purchases and that’s whatWiemann UK has been concentrating on for its retailers in2012,’ says Peter Hewitt, Wiemann UK md.

‘The big story for us so far this yearhas been ranges with overheadbridging units.’

These include the new Brooklyn forthe mid market with an oak carcaseand high gloss white or black doors; arevived London in golden maple finish,designed to meet an entry level retailprice point; alongside existingoverhead bridging units ranges, Kretain Virginia oak and the top end, multi-option Luxor, available in Piedmontcherry, golden maple and light ash.

‘It’s all about maintaining interestand excitement with a constant streamof desirable, excellent value productsand a good, reliable service,’ he adds.Wiemann UK, tel: 01482 635 283

Packing inthe valueOverhead bridging units arebringing success for Wiemann

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Brooklyn inVirginia oak andhigh gloss white

London ingolden maple

Luxor inPiedmontcherry finish

BEDS AND BEDROOM


Changing directionGerman bedroom brand CasaVida has been reintroduced to the UK market

CasaVida is the UK brand name forGerman bedroom furniture companyNolte Delbrück. For the past six monthsthe manufacturer has been representedby InHouse Inspired Room Design, takingcharge of its re-entry to the UK.

‘We’ve had a great first six months andare putting on new retailers every day,’says Wayne Dance, InHouse InspiredRoom Design md. He has set a target of200 stockists in the next few years.

Representing CasaVida in the UK isDance’s first entry into bedroom andliving furniture having spent the past 32years in the kitchen and latterlybathroom furniture markets. Thecompany has represented Schüllerkitchens in the UK for six years, sellingmore than €40m during this time.

Dance has seen a shift in how peopleuse their homes. Previously, the kitchenwas separate from the main living space.Now we have open plan homes and alsoa far more sociable lifestyle – kitchensmerge into living areas and bedroomsare not as private.

‘Kitchen retailers were beginning toexpand into bedrooms and living roomsand additionally you have dedicatedfurniture specialists, a market we’re reallyinterested in. We want to represent thebest German companies in furniture forall the rooms of the house. CasaVida wasa perfect fit for us,’ explains Dance.

‘We were introduced to Nolte Delbrückthat had previously been in the UK but ithadn’t worked out. It had a really similarethos with a focus on quality and also onservice.

‘This is what’s really impressive aboutGerman companies and we knew wecould do a great job for them in thismarket. We also liked the family ownedethos – something our other brands havein common,’ he adds.

Georg Nolte founded the company in1932 and it is now in the hands of thefourth generation of the family. Startingas a craft workshop, Nolte Delbrück hasgrown into one of Germany’s leadingmanufacturers of high quality bedroomfurniture and in 2007 it expanded into

furniture for the living room, home officeand hall.

CasaVida’s flagship range is Starlight,which uses Swarovski crystals onwardrobes, beds, and handles. The rangealso features LED coloured lighting thatcan be used as an accent or to create adramatic effect. The company hasbroadened the range into living roomfurniture with Starlight Cube and girlsbedrooms with Starlight Girl.

Arona features solid wood veneers inbeech or French walnut combined withcream and mocha high gloss. Slimaluminium profiles add detail.

All Nolte Delbrück furniture is modularso it can be built to fit most customers’requirements. For specific needs such asfitting furniture into rooms with slopingceilings, My Way was created.

Dance says it is always a risk bringing anew brand to a market when times aretough but there are also opportunities.

‘Retailers who were previously satisfiedwith their product choice might startlooking at other suppliers and also, a lot

Starlight: Nolte Delbrück is the largest user of Swarovski crystals in Western Europe

BEDS AND BEDROOM


of manufacturers have stopped trading.Nolte Delbrück furniture has a fantasticprice to performance ratio so it’s costcompetitive. This appeals to retailers whodon’t want to have to spend huge sumson display product but also toconsumers who want stylish butcompetitively priced products,’ he says.

‘But, we also know the huge frustrationwhen manufacturers don’t focus onquality of product and really importantlyon service.’

Dance says while retailers like having aUK office for international companies,what really sells a consumer on a productis the design.

‘LED lighting, Swarovski crystals,veneers, lacquer and laminate finishesplus MFC doors and carcases. It mightlook really expensive but it can bedesigned to meet any budget,’ he says.

‘We’ve recently taken a group ofretailers over to the Nolte Delbrückfactory and showroom in Germany. Everyone of them placed a display order.’Visit: www.inhouseuk.net

My Way designs cope with sloping ceilings

Arona combines high gloss and wood veneers

BEDS AND BEDROOM


Bed manufacture has come a long wayover the centuries with mattresses beingfilled with a variety of materials as bothfillings and technology have progressed.Where once straw, horsehair or feathermattresses were standard, 21st centuryconsumers are now spoiled for choicewith everything on offer in their bedfrom water, foam, wool and varioussprings.

Beds have been developed to give us acomfortable and cosy night’s sleep, but itis only in the past few decades thathealth professionals have realised what

impact sleeping on a badly designed bedor an old lumpy mattress can have onhealth and wellbeing.

As part of its latest campaign to helpconsumers become deeper sleepers,Sealy UK has teamed up with the British Chiropractic Association to helpspread the message about theimportance of sleeping on a supportivebed or mattress.

‘Sealy’s understanding and focus overthe past 60 years on our anatomy andphysiology, particularly relating to thespinal area, and how important this is

when researching and developing newPosturepedic beds, is one of the reasonsfor partnering up with the BCA,’ says NeilRobinson, Sealy UK marketing director.

We spend a third of our lives asleepwith a good night’s sleep an importantcontributor to our general health andwellbeing. Educating the public aboutthis is a key ongoing challenge for bothorganisations, he says.

As we lead busy, and sometimesstressful lives, research shows that nearlyhalf of us only get one decent night’ssleep a week. What contributes to the

Sealy has teamed up with the British Chiropractic Association

Sleep partners

We spend a third of our lives in bed

Spinal alignment is vital

BEDS AND BEDROOM


problem is that while mentally overactive,we are also physically underactive.

‘Both organisations are trying, in theirown ways, to educate the public andhelp them to sleep better for a healthierlifestyle, so it seemed an ideal stepforward to pool ideas to further thisendeavour,’ explains Robinson.

Some of the research Sealy has sharedwith the BCA includes: ● The spring systems of all newPosturepedic beds, whether pocketspring or an open coil system, sense thesleeper’s weight and movement and

adjust accordingly throughout the night.● Top of the range models contain asystem of lumbar bars within the springsto give even greater push-back supportfor the lumbar region. ● Sealy Edge Guard is a constructionaround the edge of the mattress thatgives the sleeping surface greater stability,allowing sleep right up to the edge of themattress without it buckling. This extendsthe real sleeping surface by about 16cmcompared to other mattresses. ● This is now coupled with Sealy’sTorsion Response divan base that will

offer a better sprung edge and a far moreresponsive and comfortable feel over thewhole bed surface. The system works inunison with the mattress, which willextend its life, and offer an even morepressure relieving feel to the sleep area. ● Posturepedic beds have pressure reliefinlay pads. These contain layers ofmemory foam and latex offering differentlevels of density in zones across thesleeping surface that adapt and conformto the weight and shape of the sleeper.This dissipates the body’s weight acrossthe sleeping surface, minimising pressurepoints and keeping the spine straight –all the basic constituents of a greatnight’s sleep with no tossing and turning.

Initiatives on their way include leafletsfor consumers with tips on getting abetter night’s sleep, what to look forwhen choosing a new bed, bedding andpillows, and various other promotionsand support to help BCA members givetheir patients as much information aspossible to improve their sleep andtherefore their health and wellbeing.

‘Deeper sleep is quality sleep that canmake a positive impact on our healthand wellbeing. Sealy and the BCA are ona mission to help us all become deepersleepers,’ Robinson adds.Sealy UK, tel: 016973 20342

‘Sealy andthe BCAare on amission tohelp us allbecomedeepersleepers’Neil Robinson

Above: ValentinaLeft: Salerno

BEDS AND BEDROOM


Show timeGo online to register, enter theawards and book gala dinner tickets

Retailers planning to visit The Bed Showin September can now register online.

The Bed Show, which takes place on25-26 September 2012 at the TelfordInternational Centre, is the only bed-specific exhibition in the UK. Some ofthose already confirmed as exhibitorsinclude Airsprung Group, Harrison SpinksGroup, Hypnos, Myer’s, Relyon, SimmonsBedding Group, Sweet Dreams and Vi-Spring. All exhibitors must be NationalBed Federation members.

Parking and entry are free for visitors,of which more than 1,300 attended lastyear’s event.

‘The feedback from the second Bed Show was as positive, if not evenmore so than our first event, with visitorsand exhibitors recognising the value ofsuch an exhibition,’ says Jessica

Alexander, NBF executive director.‘We’ve already had a fantastic level of

interest in Bed Show 2012, with nearly80% of stand space already booked.There’s a good mix of both bedmanufacturers – all with British or Irishmanufacturing bases – and componentsuppliers. It’s this combination that givesthe show its unique quality.’

The search is on for this year’s mostsuccessful bed industry businessesthrough the 2012 NBF awards.

Companies have been invited to enterthe event’s five awards: ● Multiple Bed Retailer of the Year, ● Independent Bed Retailer of the Year, ● This year’s new award – Bed Etailer ofthe Year,● Bed Manufacturer of the Year, and ● Bed Supplier of the Year.

‘This year we are asking businesses toeither nominate themselves or nominatesomeone who they think deserves anaward. Entries submitted will then be putonline to be voted for by fellow bedprofessionals,’ says Alexander.

The deadline for entries is 29 June withvoting starting from early July.

The awards will be presented bycomedian, actor and presenter,Alexander Armstrong at the NBF GalaDinner and awards ceremony on 25September.

Tickets for the dinner, including pre-dinner reception, meal andentertainment, are: £75 plus VAT perindividual ticket, £525 plus VAT for atable of eight and £600 plus VAT for atable of 10. Visit: www.bedshow.co.uk

AlexanderArmstrong willpresent theawards at thegala dinner


While laminate, LVT, tiles and cork are increasingly used in thebathroom, vinyl remains the first choice flooring for many.

Its cost, ease of fitting, durability and practicality have longappealed to home owners and now modern productionmethods allow a variety of materials to be emulated withoutbeing too distracting in the bathroom first thing in themorning.Leoline, tel: 0800 032 3970 Avenue, tel: 00 32 5665 3211

Make a splashBrighten up bathrooms with vinyl

VINYL

Leoline’s Milo 78 from the Fantasia collection

Avenue’sCamargue fromthe Ultimate Oakcollection

Avenue’sVenus fromtheExpressionscollection

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Design shinesAlmost a third of a million visitors packed theaisles at ISalone from 17-22 April. Fears aboutthe Italian economy were swept away as a5.9% increase in overseas visitors liftednumbers to 331,649. Over the next pages wepresent the best furniture on show. Nextmonth we’ll review the city centre events

A decade after its launch, Moroso’sTake A Line For A Walk has beentransformed with a removableupholstered cover.Visit: www.moroso.it

Jean-Marie Massaud has anew version of his 2011Yale for MDF Italia, thistime with down cushions.Visit: www.mdfitalia.it

Grand Repos is Antonio Citterio’sfirst domestic chair for Vitra. Reposis a smaller version without wings.Visit: www.vitra.com


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UpholsteryPlay find the edges with Borbonese Casa by Matteograssi’sSuite 1910 sofa, armchair and chaise longue.Visit: www.matteograssi.it

Swan’s Miami armchair with pearl white metal frameand blue elastic bands with a round swivel base.Visit: www.swanitaly.com

Poliform’s SantaMonica Lounge has aremovable fabric coverand stitching in achoice of 10 colours.Visit: www.poliform.it The geometric lines of Matteograssi’s

Downtown is emphasised in thecushion detailing.Visit: www.matteograssi.it

Minoti’s Prince strikes thebalance between a classy1950’s design and a strongmodernity.Visit: www.minotti.com

A large lumbar supportingcushion on the ample seatof Tacchini’s Lima providesextra comfort.Visit: www.tacchini.it

REVIEW


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Moroso’s Hemp chair usesa sheet with more than75% hemp content andheat treats it via aproduction processborrowed from the car-making industry. Visit: www.moroso.it

Swan’s Host is a modular systemwith straps in the backrest thatflex 5cm for extra comfort.Visit: www.swanitaly.com

Arketipo was among the companies reinterpreting the chesterfield. Windsoris now available in velvet as well as leather with a 315cm version introduced.Visit. www.arketipo.com

Living Divani’s Rod hasbuttoned seating, chromed feetand choice of fabric or leather.The sofa has six size options.Visit: www.livingdivani.it

Molteni & C’s Mandrague, halfway between the classic bergèreand the pop art armchairs of the 1960s, creates an intimatespace where you can cut yourself off from the outside world.Visit: www.molteni.it

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ISalon

eAlivar’s Cloud hascorner and chaiselongue options andthe choice ofbrushed or paintedaluminum feet. Visit: www.alivar.com

Estel has reworkedits Carlos sofa tocreate the Antoni,including detailingon the arms andback.Visit: www.estel.com

Zanotta’s modular Altopiano upholstery features a textured fabric using the differentdepths to create a feeling of extended surfaces.Visit: www.zanotta.it

For Baxter, leather upholstery had to be soft, tactile, homely,natural and comfortable, as is Paola Navone’s Chester Moon.Visit: www.baxter.it

Gaetano Pesce urges us tobreak free from preconceivednotions and pre-establishedschemes with Michetta forMeritalia.Visit: www.meritalia.it

REVIEW


ISal

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Cattelan Italia’s Ray Drive is anextending dining table with thebase in chromed steel or white,matt graphite or mixed white andgraphite. The glass top is availablein clear, white or graphite.Visit: www.cattelanitalia.com

Bontempi’s Gipsy is available withor without arms, comes in eightcolours and is suitable for indoor oroutdoor use.Visit: www.bontempi.it

Porro’s Jade has a new base in Canaletto walnut, recalling theoriginal seat designed for the Hotel Sezz Saint Tropez.Visit: www.porro.com

Bonaldo’s Aura tablehas a white or blackfrosted glass top. Thewhite model has theoption of anintegrated LED light.Visit: www.bonaldo.it

Arketipo’s Flex, available in low and high versions, uses the twist in itschromed metal legs to create a sculptural feel.Visit: www.arketipo.com

Living and dining


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Arflex’s Octopus has tentacle likelegs and gives the appearance ofan improvised table.Visit: www.arflex.com

Calligaris’ Dakota is amultifunctional, extendingtable adjustable to sevenheights, seamlesslyswitching from coffee tableto dining table that canseat eight people.Visit: www.calligaris.com

Alias’s Elle combines aluminiumlegs with a polyurethane shell inseveral colours. Options include acushion, arms and enamelled orpolished legs. Visit: www.aliasdesign.it

Is MDF Italia’s Mamba a shelf or a desk? Victor Vasilev hascombined both using Cristalplant. It has an optional LED light.Visit: www.mdfitalia.it

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ISal

on

e Cattelan Italia’s Marshall uses its headboard to make astatement. The bed is availablein leather, faux leather andfabric.Visit: www.cattelanitalia.com

MisuraEmme’s Proscenio chest of drawers has asecretaire on the left hand side with a push opening, while door and drawers arerecessed from the frame. It hasmatching bedside units. Visit: www.misuraemme.it

Bonaldo’s Amos features a border around itscurved base and headboard defining its space.The collection includes a pouffe and pillows. Visit: www.bonaldo.it

Mood’s Midnight upholstered bed frame, by Roberto Lazzeroni, is available in four sizes: 200cm,210cm, 220cm and 240cm x 200cm.Visit: www.flexform.it

Poliform’s Minerva bed, by Carlo Colombo,offers the choice of leather, plain fabric ora patterned headboard cover.Visit: www.poliform.it

Beds and bedroom

REVIEW

Endon Lighting

Units 1-3 Cross Green Way,

Cross Green Industrial Park,

Leeds LS9 0SE

E: [email protected]

W: www.endon.co.uk

T: 0113 380 5700

F: 0113 240 7655

Endon Lighting, one of the UK’s longestestablished lighting companies, can offerdesign flair in a modern, contemporary orclassical style. With an extensive catalogue ofproduct it also offers a bespoke design servicefor large or small projects and has theinfrastructure to offer an exclusive range ona full service or direct import basis.

Ad

vertising feature: E

ndon Lighting


REVIEW


IFFS

Some 23,552 visitors attended the International Furniture FairSingapore from 9-12 March, up 13% on last time, while ordersrose 4.8% to £187.5m, with follow on sales expected to top£2.2bn.

IFFS and sister events Deco Asia and The Hospitality Showattracted 512 companies from 26 countries.

More than ever before, the focus was on design withSingaPlural, the inaugural Singapore Furniture Design Week,taking place alongside the exhibition in the city centre.

D’Space took the spotlight, featuring some of the mostintriguing exhibits across the halls. A unique segment dedicatedto design, D’Space also made room for the Platform showcase.The area was marked by a distinct tall, black scaffoldingstructure that towered over eye-catching pieces from Platformand DesignS showcase exhibitors, as well as the FurnitureDesign Award finalists.

The winners of the show’s annual Best Exhibit Awardsreflected the diversity of the products on show.

Star Furniture won the Bedroom Furniture prize with Reyal.The creation of the bi-coloured Reyal set of furniture wasinspired by the kueh lapis, a traditional Malay multi-layeredcake. Judges commended this collection for its sleek look thatappeals to the mainstream.

Lawas won the Dining Room award with Linda, based on awoman’s figure. Linda tables and chairs feature curved legs thatare different from conventional wood furniture.

United Potteries Saigon took home the Garden/Outdooraccolade. Made from lightweight ecological concrete, theAtlanta features an ornamental tabletop and a shapely ��

Busy doingbusinessThe event put economicconcerns behind it as visitornumbers and the value of orders increased

D’Space dominated its hall


For more information:

Tel: 0844 375 5501

Email:

[email protected]

Web:

www.hitachicapital.co.uk/retail-finance

Follow Hitachi Capital Consumer

Finance on Twitter @Hitachi_Finance

Recent reports of household goods retailers

enjoying the best sales performance in more

than a year in March is welcome news, and

capitalising on this as we head into the crucial

Jubilee and Olympic trading periods is key.

Hitachi Capital Consumer Finance provides

point of sale finance for a number of retailers

including national retailers such as Beaver -

brooks to bespoke online retailer PCspecialist,

offering a comprehensive range of interest free

credit products.

It offers a number of finance solutions,

including the online credit decision-making

solution, CreditMaster2, which allows con-

sumers to receive an instant decision when

applying for credit in-store. In addition, the

company offers an integrated ecommerce

solution, PaybyFinance, which enables con-

sumers to shop and gain credit online via the

retailer’s transactional website.

A key innovation for it in keeping ahead of

the sector was the development of a market-

leading e-agreement service, which enables

Boost online saleswith e-signature

Ad

vertising feature: H

itachi Capital (U

K) plcshoppers to digitally sign finance agreements

to purchase goods instantly via the Internet,

and is proving successful for retailers.

This e-signature tool allows shoppers to

sign their finance agreement online, as opp -

osed to printing off the agreement and then

physically signing the document. This cuts out

the need to send the documents back in the

post, saving time and costs, thus improving

retailer cash flow as well as the customer

experience.

This technology is a revolution for both ret -

ailers and their customers. As retailers in the

UK gear up to maximise the summer ahead,

inclu d ing the Queen’s Jubilee and the

Olympics, e-signature is crucial because it

reduces the time it takes to complete an

approved credit application, removes the

need to post out paperwork and goods can

be shipped instantly.

It works in exactly the same way as a hard

copy contract, giving the customer the oppor-

tunity to fully review the terms and conditions

before signing. At the touch of a button, cus-

tomers can now sign a virtual finance agree-

ment, which is safe, secure and legal.

E-signature has been introduced to Hitachi

Capital’s PaybyFinance ecommerce platform

that links seamlessly with clients’ websites.

Developments such as the e-signature are

essential if retailers are to keep up to speed

with consumers’ purchasing habits.

Consumers welcome the opportunity to

surf the Internet on their mobile or tablet and

then shop in-store or vice versa, so an inte-

grated offering, such as the PaybyFinance

system, provides a complete shopping expe-

rience from browsing to buying.

With the interiors sector, consumers will

always want to see, touch and feel their big-

ticket items before buying, but online tools

such as transactional websites, social media,

m-commerce and their e-signature tool allows

retailers to personalise the buying experience

for the consumer, which is vital, especially in

the current climate and market conditions.

REVIEW


IFFS

leg. The idea was to contrast it with conventional concretepieces.

Sedes Regia won the Living Room prize for its Ops two-in-onerocker and chair. The piece can seat one or two people, andfeatures a variety of fabrics.

Vendome Design took the Office Furniture award for its Boss& Co modular desk, with tables and drawers that can be takenapart. To increase modularity, Vendome created the piece in away that allows customers to start off with a simple column ofdrawers with a foldable table attached. They can add othercomponents such as a curved or rectangular table top,according to need.

As sister event Deco Asia, rug company Sharda Exports wonthe Best Deco Award. Sharda was unanimously voted for thetop prize for its ability to seamlessly merge creativity withfunctionality. The company focuses its business on recyclingfabrics to produce hand-tufted and hand-woven rugs, bath andleather rugs, giving used materials a new lease of life.

Judges praised first runner-up, Sonite Innovative Surfaces forusing floorcoverings in a variety of innovative ways. Thecompany’s surface covering materials are also recyclable andeasily installed, and deemed to be marketable.

Synergraphic Design drew attention with the crosscollaboration of different materials in a single productexpression. The innovative glass art combines the applicationsof print technologies with glass, a result of the company’sstrength in research and development.Visit: www.iffs.com.sg

United Potteries Saigon’s Atlanta

China’s Kenas Home offers furniture and accessories

Vendome Design’s Boss & Co

Lawas’ Linda

Sedes Regia’s Ops

Sharda Exports

Synergraphic Design

Star Furniture’s Reyal

Sonite Innovative Surfaces

Award winners

Exclusive (U.K) LTDThorpe Drive, Thorpe Way, Banbury, Oxon, OX16 4UZ

T: (0044) 01295 701114 F: (0044) 01295 701014

e-mail: [email protected]

Click onto our website www.exclusiveuk.co.uk to view all of our superb ranges

All of our ranges are stylish and modern, offering elegance to any interior design scheme and the dining ranges are completed with occasional items.

Exclusive by name...

...exclusive by nature

Proudly flying the flag for Great Bri sh

The most exci ng and refresFine Bri sh Upholstery with great

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shing model launch in years prices, handcra ed in just 2 weeks

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ACROSS 1 Practice pugilism5 Stern10 Passage into a mine14 Whimper15 Range maker16 Director Ephron17 Came down to earth18 Dry red wine19 Boris Godunov, for one20 News22 Crown of ancient Egypt24 Part of many email addresses25 Where It’s at26 Intense30 Insoluble protein34 Fine and delicate35 Celtic priest37 ‘Strange’ introduction38 Blunder39 B&B40 Touch lightly41 To ___ (perfectly)43 Reptile45 Movie theatre46 Bigot48 Ceded50 Rocky pinnacle51 Charlton Heston’s organisation52 Medieval steel helmet56 Incomplete60 Monogram ltr61 Muse of lyric poetry63 Playthings64 Work the soil65 Saltpeter66 Della’s creator67 Sommer of film68 Mass of eggs69 The back end of something

DOWN 1 Petty quarrel2 Hungarian sheepdog3 Put ___ on it!4 Netlike5 Stickled6 Latin I word7 Male sheep who may play Americanfootball for St Louis8 Break, card game9 Yokel10 Infectious disease of cattle11 Prescribed amount12 Oil rich state neighbouring Iraq13 Fruit filled pie21 Drink made with beaten eggs23 Mongrel dog26 Lucid27 Poker Flat chronicler8 Landed29 Imbibe30 Curled31 Not so hot32 Mindlessly stupid33 Well known36 Actress Merkel42 Qualify43 Sieves44 Primitive form of wheat45 Din47 Great age49 Before52 Sever with the teeth53 Indigo54 Worm fibre55 Stumble56 Simmer57 An apple or a planet will have thisat the centre58 Tree frog59 Belgian river62 One time link

SUDOKO CROSSWORD

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ENTERTAINMENT


Due to retirement, Old Charm are lookingto recruit a BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTMANAGER for the North of England.

This unique sales role, supported by aregional Merchandiser, focuses on totalbusiness development and therefore weare looking for a high calibre individualwith strong relationship skills as well asstrategic foresight. Good knowledge of

the independent sector and a track recordof achievement is essential.

A remuneration package reflecting theimportance of this position is on offer to

the successful candidate.

Applications with full CV should be sent toMalcolm Nix on:

[email protected]

Closing date for applications is 16th May 2012

Further information can also be found on our website www.furdeco.co.uk

We believe we go the extramile for all our clients, we areflexible and able toundertake all tasks involvedwith furniture delivery.

Give us a call on08712885010 or email your enquiry throughat [email protected]

Furdeco is the UK’s finest 2 Man Furniture Home Delivery Service,offering retailers, wholesalers and even the end user an efficientwhite glove service. We understand how furniture needs to bestored, handled and delivered. We make hundreds of deliveries onbehalf of our clients each week providing a room of choice delivery,unpacking and assembly where required.

Where we differ from other companies is that we only deliver, storeand handle furniture and offer a 2 man room of choice delivery asstandard. We have a central 40,000 sq ft hub which eliminates thecontinuous handling of the product resulting in a reduction ofdamage and loss for all our clients to date.

The 2-man home delivery solution......getting furniture into the home

Home Delivery - Important points on our service:

• All vehicles go out with a 2 man uniformed crew• All deliveries are booked in 3 days in advance• All deliveries are allocated a 2-3 hour timeslot• Calls can be made on the day of delivery• We only use our own vehicles with our own staff (excluding north Scotland region)• We operate out of our 40,000 sq ft warehouse• We only have the one central hub to minimise handling of the producttherefore reducing risk of damage• Dedicated account manager so you speak to the same person all the time.• Online Home Delivery software• We can collect from your warehouse/store or your supplier’s premises• We can take in deliveries from yourself or your suppliers• We can provide container unloading and storage

FINAL POLISH


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Teeing offGeorgian Carpets is again sponsoring theKidderminster Carpet ManufacturersNational Golf Tournament in aid of theFurnishing Industry Trust and MacmillanCancer Support. The 56th event takesplace at Kidderminster Golf Club from22-23 May.

The tournament, which last year raised£17,000 for the two charities, is thesecond largest fundraising event for FIT.

Day one is a four ball team event whileday two is a two ball team event. On 22May a dinner is being held at the GranaryHotel in Kidderminster, costing £30 perhead.

For the golf only, it costs £80 for bothdays or £50 for day one and £35 for daytwo.

‘We are tremendously grateful toGeorgian Carpets for its continuedsponsorship and also to Adam, Victoria,Brintons and Brockway Carpets who arethe backbone of the event,’ says ShaunLewis, organising chairman.

‘I know that both FIT and Macmillanare continually amazed at how much weraise for them, year after year. While thesoft market conditions prevail, so doesthe generosity of our industry. It is quitestaggering – and I hope it continues thisyear, especially as FIT is our industrycharity.’

To book your places, tel: 01562 749300.

Triple effortMark McCann, Cavendish Upholsterysales and marketing director, is takingpart in the Stratford 220 Triathlon inStratford Upon Avon on 13 May to raisefunds for St Catherine’s Hospice inBamber Bridge, Preston.

‘The hospice is just a few miles fromthe business and my home and it does

Doing their bitStaff at Palatine Beds have beendoing their bit for charityfundraising. First they raised£110 for Sport Relief, whichinvolved factory shop and officestaff paying to come to workdressed in sports wear or martialarts outfits.

Then seven brave staff– Donna Bennett, Shirley Scobie,Antonia Dimambro, RonStobbart, Simon Lowe, JonParkinson and Dave McNab– abseiled 200ft down theVermont Hotel in Newcastle citycentre and raised £515 forDisability North.

‘As 70% of our workforce havea disability, we are always keento support charities that helpdisabled people in the NorthEast. The roof of the VermontHotel is the highest charityabseil point in Newcastle. I took part, so I can tell you it was a terrifyingexperience, but the team support and encouragement was fantastic and weall completed it,’ says Antonia Dimambro, Palatine Beds sales and marketingcoordinator.

incredible work for people with terminalconditions and cared for a friend of minewho passed away recently,’ says McCann.

‘I am also doing it for everyone of acertain age (53) who have still got plentyof gas left in the tank – it is the smallmatter of a 400m swim, 23km on thebike, finishing off with a 5km run.’

McCann says he hopes to completethe course in under two-and-a-halfhours.

To sponsor McCann, visitwww.justgiving.com and search for MarkMcCann.

A silver lining?There was sporting disappointment forMattressnexday.co.uk employees DanLawrence and Rob Lawrence as theymissed out on a visit to Wembley aftertheir team, Herne Bay FC, was beaten inthe semi-final of the FA Vase.

The team, which is sponsored by thebed retailer, lost to West Auckland Town4-3 over two legs.

However, there could be a silver liningas the team are top of the Kent PremierLeague and one win away from claimingthe title at the time of writing.

Donna Bennett sets off

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