Interiors Magazine August (Preview Edition)

8/12/2019 Interiors Magazine August (Preview Edition)

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UK: 00353 42 9 351 351 Ireland: 042 9 351 351 SERVICE QUALITY VALUE

CLASSIC BEAUTY

CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

LEADING THE WAY FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH INDEPENDENT RETAILERS

TCS - Solely Committed to Serving Independent Retailers

tcsimports.com

Upholstery Dining Bedroom

AWARDS 2011

WINNER

A

WARDS

WINNER 2014

Voted Best Customer Service 2014


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EDITORS COMMENT

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 3

Encouraging signs

Andrew KiddEDITOR

Sealy: the worlds number one

bed brand.

Visit: www.sealy.co.uk

Editor: Andrew Kidd

T: 01273 930 029 E: [email protected] advertising (South): Tim BodenT: 01732 441 130 E: [email protected]

Furniture advertising (North): Jarrod BirdT: 01565 631 397 E: [email protected]

Carpet, 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 OO R I N G BE D S C A R P E T R U G S A C C E S S OR I ES

Interiorsmonthlyf i rst for f u r n i t u re, f loor i ng an d a c c e s s o r ies

August2014

Awards 2014The winners revealed

The Flooring ShowPreview

There have been some encouraging sales

figures from major retailers recently which

suggest that consumers are once again

spending on their homes.

Admittedly, some of the figures are against

weak comparisons because last summers

weather saw people heading to the beach or

lake rather than the retail park, but its still

encouraging even if consumers do need a

promotion of some sort to convince them.

While GfK's UK Consumer Confidence

Index dropped back into negative territory in

July, after being positive for the first time in

almost a decade in June, it too offered

encouragement. The survey of more than

2,000 people found that those thinking it

was a good time to make a big ticket

purchase such as furniture or white goods

was 18 points higher than a year ago.

As consumers and voters we hear mixed

messages on how far economic recovery has

spread and a worry is that 2013 will repeat

itself, albeit a little later in the summer, if therecent fine weather that most of us have

enjoyed recently continues into August.

Will it deter people from following through

on those purchase plans? After all, a trip to

the seaside or park is a lot cheaper. Anyone

for some rain?

Congratulations to the winners of the

Interiors MonthlyAwards 2014. Their details

are revealed from page 25 onwards. These

retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, buying

groups and others are your winners (with

a few new awards this year chosen by me).

My thanks again to everyone who voted.

Well done to all of those involved in

supporting the 58th Kidderminster Carpet

Manufacturers National Golf Tournament,

sponsored by Mr Tomkinson for the first time.

The event raised 8,000 for charity, which

was split evenly between The Furniture

Makers Company and Macmillan Cancer

Support.

While there are indications

that consumers have been

returning to stores, the

summer sunshine mayyet play a role in the

overall performance


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CONTENTS


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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

NEWS

6 Corndell bought but WBH seeks buyer

8 United Carpets sees sales soften after growth

12 Cavendish production move

FEATURES

22 Retail

Why online isnt the route to a fast buck

25 Interiors Monthly Awards 2014

The winners are revealed

98 Rugs

The global influences on Limited Edition

104 Beds and bedroom

A different look for iron and a new brand

112 Protection

Why service matters

120 Preview

The Floor ing Show

129 Review

Manchester Furniture Show

REGULARS

15 Warranties

16 New products

NEXT ISSUE

Bed Show preview

The Flooring Show guide

Living and dining focus

INTERIORS MONTHLY AUGUST 2014


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NEWS

6 Interiors Monthly August 2014

The search for a buyer for failed

cabinet company Woodberry

Brothers & Haines is continuing

while rival Corndell Furniture

has been bought out of

administration.

Corndell has been bought by

Corndell Quality Furniture, a

company backed by two of

Corndells largest suppliers and

formed six days before Corndell

entered administration. TheWitney, Oxfordshire, company had

run out of cash and credit.

Administrators FRP Advisory

made 31 of Corndells 115 staff

redundant but was able to retain

the rest of the employees as it

traded the firm during the sale

process. It was approached by 30

interested parties and sent information to a dozen of them.

We proceeded with an offer from Corndell Quality which

is backed by two of the largest suppliers to Corndell. While

the suppliers in question suffered their own losses due to

the failure of Corndell Furniture, they recognise the

underlying value in the business and were keen to invest to

take the ongoing business forward. We are aware that key

customers and suppliers are supportive of the acquisition

which sees the long-term future of Corndell secured, says

Geoff Rowley, FRP Advisory partner.

Steve Jackson, Corndell Quality director, says: The past

weeks have been challenging but thanks to our loyal staff

and supportive retail partners we continue to trade as

normal, fulfilling our strong order book. Under new

ownership we now have the financial strength and stability

to build a stronger and more profitable business.

Corndell Qualitys board is made up of Jackson and CyrilFogel, both former directors of Corndell Furniture, and

David Hudson.

Administrators for Woodberry

Brothers & Haines say they have

received numerous expressions of

interest but had yet to secure a

buyer for the cabinet company.

The owner of the Caxton, Bath

Cabinets and Woodberry

Bathrooms brands appointed

PricewaterhouseCoopers as

administrator on 2 July after failing

to find a buyer or secure

investment.WBH made a pre-tax loss of

986,385 from sales of 12.18m in

the year to 31 December 2012,

according to its most recent

accounts. This compares with a loss

of 1.66m from sales of 13m the

previous year. It finished 2012 with

just 267 in the bank and bank

loans and overdrafts of more than 2.18m.

All but 12 of its 175 employees were made redundant.

Since appointment the administrators have worked hard

with the support of certain key customers and suppliers to

fulfil some outstanding orders from finished goods stock

using the few remaining employees. This has been done to

enable discussions to take place with parties who have

expressed an interest in acquiring the business and assets,

which have been numerous. So far, despite interest shown,

no investment into, or sale of the business, has been

concluded, says a PricewaterhouseCoopers spokesman.

Meanwhile, the administrator of Paul Simon has hired

Metis Partners to sell the failed chains brand and other

intellectual property after being unable to find a buyer.

Metis has previously been involved with the IP assets of

Allders, Ortak, Land of Leather, Johnson & Johnson and MFI.

IP assets in the Paul Simon sale include a broad range ofdomain names, goodwill in the brand and reputation and

the ecommerce website content.

Caxtons London bedroom

G Plan Upholstery

has recruited

Stephanie Hildon

as its first brand

director.

Hildon has spent her career

mainly in the fast moving

consumer goods industry,

working on brands including

Johnson & Johnson, Cadbury,

Colgate, Allianz and Bupa.

Ian Oliver, G Plan and

Parker Knoll chief executive,

says: Stephanie has a wealth

of experience that G Plan will

benefit from immensely.

Carpetright saw small but

steady improvements in UK

sales growth in May and June,

with this trend accelerating

significantly during July,

assisted by weak comparatives

in 2013, says the company.

Like for like sales were up

6.1% and total sales rose by

5.2% in the 13 weeks to 26

July. Implementing market-

beating promotions meant

gross profit margins fell by

2.6%. This will see full year

margins drop by between

0.5% and 1%.

Upswing for CarpetrightBrand new director

Corndell saved but searchgoes on for WBH buyer


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NEWS


United optimistic despiteseeing spring sales softenSales have softened in the past quarter for United Carpets

following a major increase in profits.

The chain saw like for like flooring sales fall by 2.2% in the

16 weeks to 17 July and bed sales by 3.6%, with an overall

drop of 2.3%. This compares with a rise of 2.2% in the year

to 31 March. During that year pre-tax profits were 940,000,

compared to 250,000 in the six months to 31 March 2013

because of Uniteds change of year end. Sales were 55.7m.

United continued to close weak branches during the

period, with numbers reducing from 64 to 59. Two more

have closed since March and a further five which are

underperforming or where agreement cannot be reached

with the landlord, are likely to close within nine months.Peter Cowgill, chairman, says the chain is no longer held

back by a significant tail of weaker stores which historically

have impacted heavily on profit margins and demanded a

disproportionate amount of management time.

Lease renegotiations saw rent reductions, improved break

clauses or the elimination of significant, potential, historic

dilapidation commitments, or from a combination of all of

these on 52 of the stores. The chain is also looking to trial a

smaller store format.

Our base is stronger. We have removed the majority of

the weaker stores from our portfolio, we have no debt and

an improving balance sheet. Trading has been a little patchy

but we believe the overall picture is generally moving

forward, underpinned by higher levels of employment and amore active housing market, Cowgill adds.

Mix and match

range for ArgosArgos has a new interiors brand Heart

of Home launched with its latest

seasonal catalogue. It offers more than

1,200 products so shoppers can

coordinate across the home.

The exclusive ColourMatch range

offers more than 700 products available

for all rooms in the house in a choice of

16 shades across pastels, neutrals and

brights, plus spots and stripes.

Habitat remains a major brand for the

chain in its 50th anniversary year, with

1,300 products.

Some 10,000 prices have been reduced

or held in the latest catalogue.

ColourMatch bentwood chair

Five for January Furniture ShowThe January Furniture Show will have a

fifth hall, the organiser has confirmed,

after the event sold out halls 1, 2, 3 and

3A at the NEC.

As Interiors Monthly reported in March,

organiser Furniture Fairs will expand the

13-15 January show into the Pavilion hall

to accommodate manufacturers and

suppliers on the shows waiting list. Halls

4 and 5 of the NEC are unavailable.

The show is to be officially opened by

Stephen McPartland MP, chairman of the

All-Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry

Group.

The 2016 event will revert to a

weekend opening, with the possibility of

The Lighting Show returning.

Sister event, the Manchester Furniture

Show, is to opt for a three-day schedulenext year, running from Sunday to

Tuesday. The intention is to concentrate

visitor footfall across the three days

rather than the current four, which has

low visitor numbers on the final day.

Meanwhile, buying group AIS has

confirmed that its January furniture

event will overlap the January Furniture

Show next year.

There had been rumours circulating

that the NEC events decision to move to

a mid-week schedule to avoid clashing

with IMM Cologne meant that AISs

Cranmore Park exhibition venue was

already booked.

But, David Standing, AIS commercial

director told Interiors Monthly that The

Furniture Show would run alongside the

NEC event, as it has done in previous

years.

It is sensible for us to overlap as many

visitors will want to do the shows at the

same time and ours has some exclusiveexhibitors, he says.

Monday 12 January will be for AIS

members only and 13-14 January for

members and non-members.

Flooring distributor Green Tree

Distribution has launched a trade

commerce website, as part of its

expansion plans.

www.greentreedistribution.co.uk will

allow customers to access exclusive

products and prices.

The launch of the new trade website

is another development in reaching out

to our customers, providing them with

24/7 access to our products and services,

as well as company news and

developments says Kevin Lapthorn,

Green Tree md.

Trade website for Green Tree


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Sharpen up any room at home

with the right style radiator

Adding a stylish dual fuel black designer radiator is a

great way to glam up any room at home. From cheap

models to top of the range brand names, finding the

right radiator is incredibly easy and an investment that

won't go out of style for a very long time.
http://www.traderadiators.com/acatalog/black-designer-radiators.htmlhttp://www.traderadiators.com/acatalog/black-designer-radiators.html


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Top marks with DISTINCTION

This luxuriously textured yet affordable carpet,

offers unparalleled comfort and softness

underfoot. Distinction means you can pass the

consumer test with flying colours as this brand

new range offers the first chance to sample an

exciting new palette of colours that will be the

centre of future ranges. Building on the success

of the established Santorini collection, Distinction

offers a heavier weight trade-up opportunity

with a smart 50oz, 2 ply Stainaway polypropylene

carpet in four and five metre widths. This cut

pile carpet will enhance any home and even

inspire the consumers dcor planning around

the floor. Combining top performance backed

by a 20 year stainaway warranty and a 20 year

wear guarantee. Seven of the fourteen

colour options are brand new to Associated

Weavers and make Distinction distinctively

different in choice and consumer appeal.

Be one of the first to make your mark with

Distinction - ask your Associated Weavers sales

manager for samples today.

New colours. New Sales.Fashion trends are ever evolving and each year we see new fashion colours that often do

not transfer to the floor. Associated Weavers like to give its best selling core ranges a fashion

update every two years. Not only do we introduce the new exciting colour trends of the

day but also dispense with the colours of yesterday. It also gives us the opportunity to

refresh tired hard worked sampling to give that new and exciting come and buy me look and

feel. Look out for the new Associated Weavers fashion updates so far this year. Tuftex Twist,

Everest Twist , Santorini and Temptation have all had the fashion make over and are now

available to buy. As well as the colour trends of 2015 these ranges are all part of our Stainaway

warranty programme giving more reasons to be the choice of todays fashion conscious buyer.

AssociatedWeavers

Sales:01422431100

Email:[email protected]

Lookforthe

Buttery

Next Day Sampling ServiceAvailable on all ranges for Associated Weavers direct accounts

With total room make-overs becoming more and more popular our next daysampling service is being used by even more Associated Weavers retailers.

Next day delivery by 1 st class post on all orders received by 2.00pm.

Up to four 10cm x 10cm samples are labelled with your range name and colour.

Details of your store are sent with the samples for the customer to return

and make a purchase.

Helping your customer select their carpet and match fabrics,

paint and wall coverings.

Please use the following contact details:Email: [email protected]: 01422 431107

NEXT DAY SERVICE


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DistinctionLuxury and colour merged together

Distinction alongside Everest Twist and Santorini gives you the ultimate Good,

Better, Best choice. A winner before it appears in store.

Steve KayeSales Manager Associated Weavers


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NEWS


Cavendish inproduction moveCavendish Upholstery is moving

production of its independent sector

models to sister company Collins and

Hayes.

The switch is part of a plan for

Cavendish to concentrate on its

multiple and online markets.

Production of some of the

companys bestselling models, such

as Pandora and Carlo, has already

switched from Chorley, Lancashire to

St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex, withthe aim of all of the independents

models coming from the Collins and

Hayes factory by September.

The products will retain the

Cavendish name and will cater to

exactly the same area of the market as

currently. Collins and Hayes offer will

remain unchanged.

Martin Huggins, Collins and Hayes

md, says the move signifies a renewed

focus on design, delivery and service.

Collins and Hayes has a reputation

for the highest quality and service

which we are delighted to bring to the

Cavendish brand. Over the coming

months Cavendish customers will see

exciting new designs developed and

we hope they will be impressed by our

commitment to outstanding delivery

and service, he says.

Mark McCann, Cavendish md, says:

We are delighted that Collins and

Hayes has taken on our long-standing

independent customers and will

continue to provide the level of

quality and service required in thisimportant sector.

He says the move has freed up

resources in design and development,

production capacity and relationship

management within Cavendish to

ensure the digital and multiple

customers it supplies are provided

with the highest levels of service and

quality they have come to expect.

This strategic move will give

Cavendish the platform to help secure

its long term future and strengthen

the growth of UK upholstery

manufacture, he adds.

Cavendishs Amethyst

Young talentTwo young furniture designers have won

awards at this years New Designers

show.

Kit Shadbalt from Bucks New

Universitys contemporary furniture

design course, won the John Lewis award

for Design Excellence and Innovation forhis Ease Trestle, a table designed to be

changed and adapted to save space.

It was praised by the judges as a

beautiful and innovative interpretation of

a traditional trestle design, well-resolved

and ready to manufacture. Kit is a clearly

very talented designer. He won 1,000

and a meeting with John Lewis.

Douglas Pulman, from Plymouth

Universitys 3D design course, won the

100% Design award for his Brace

furniture range.

The focus for this range is in the use of

design engineering to create the bracket

mechanism. We also felt that the use of

contrasting materials led this product to

be visually appealing and commercially

compelling, said the judges.

I use a design process that starts with

the development of the bracket or brace

before naturally developing the furniture

piece from there. I use the properties of

the materials to their full and am pleased

that people can appreciate my approach

and relate to the work despite itssimplistic style, says Pulman.

He won stand space at 100% Designs

Emerging Brands section.

Kit Shadbalt with his

Ease designDouglas Pulman with

his Brace design

PHOTOGRAPHS:JAMESCHAMPION


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For further information or to request a catalogue contact us on0121 506 4888, [email protected] or vist our extensive showroom inWednesbury. We are open Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm (4:30pm Cash & Carry)

COMPREHENSIVE PRODUCT RANGE - FIRST CLASS SERVICE - OUTSTANDING VALUE

Charles Occasional Itemsn Oak Effect Veneer with Walnut Trim

Prado 46 Bed in Dark Brown FabricShown with Regent Bedroom Items

Charles Occasional

Tempo Two SeaterDark Brown Fabric

www.seconique.co.uk

Corona Panama Lollipop


15/29

Gra ha m Ha rri s - Ge ne ra l Ma na ge r Tom Ma cki e Northe rn - S a le s Ma na ge rTERRI TORY MANAGERS & S ALES AGENTS

Watch our amazing film showingEasyLiving and a food stain simplywiping away.

www.manxcarpets.co.uk

TERRITORY MANAGER COVERED BY POST CODE CONTACT NUMBER EMAIL

Simon Hastings SL, WD, EN, CM, N, HA, NW, UB, E, IG, RM, SS, CO, 07799 772992 [email protected], LU, MK, SG, CB, IP, NR.

Rob Shergold SW, SE, EC, TW, DA, BR, KT, SM, CR, TN, GU, RH, BN, 07974 310952 [email protected], ME, PO, SO.

Paul Brown WR, DY, WV, B, WS, CV, NN, LE, PE. 07973 783532 [email protected]

John Binnie TD, DG, KA, ML, EH, PA, G, FK, KY, PH, DD, AB, IV, KW, 07976 844792 [email protected], HS.

Martin Yates SY, TF, LL, ST, CW, SK, CH, WA, L, M, WN, BL, OL, PR, 07778 260763 [email protected], IM, FY.

Gordon Ballantyne RG, SN, OX, GL, BS, BA, BH, DT, HR, NP, CF, LD, SA. 07976 641368 [email protected]

TBA LS, HX, HD, WF, DN, HU, S, DE, NG, LN. 07793 944160

John Pringle BD, HG, YO, LA, CA, DH, TS, SR, NE, DL. 07779 140781 [email protected]

Tony Owen (agent) TR, PL, TQ, GY, JE, EX, TA. 07971 362087

Norman Gray (agent) BT. 07860 495649home and fax 02890 794667

Natural shades & pinstripe is a refined tailored low level loop withan elegant understated appearance with colourations inspired by

the earth itself. Natural Shades has the ability to enhance the decorof any room creating a modern or classic setting. There is also thepotential to mix & match with Natural Plain Twist to create special

areas of interest.

Let your imagination run wild with CARNABY Multi Width Stripe 1m, 4m & 5man ideal choice that is cost effective and a more economic option for those narrow areas.

With 10 stunning colours from Light Creams to Seductive Reds, the Carnaby range is sure to suit any dcor.

Come and have a look on our stand (Hall C stand C10)at the National Flooring Show this September.

W e n o w p r o v i d e a

S A M P L E C U T T I N G S E R V I C E

C o n t a c t : 0 1 8 2 7 8 3 1 4 3 4

t o o r d e r


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WARRANTIES

QOne of my best customers is distraught at the damage

that has been done to her home while she was away.

The family was on a six week holiday and had

arranged for what they thought were trustworthy people to

house sit for them. However, when they arrived back home

they found that the house had been trashed. Its obvious that

the house-sitters had a very large party and there are wine

stains, beer stains,

cigarette burns,paint, food stains,

excrement stains,

broken glass, and

scratches on the

carpets, upholstery,

beds, curtains and

furniture. According

to the neighbours,

who complained

about the noise, the party was held soon after the family

went away and they think the house-sitters left after that.

Based on this, and the dates of the post, we think the stains

have been untreated for about five weeks. My customer is

covered by household insurance but some of the items have

sentimental value. Is there anything that can be done after

this length of time?

AOh dear, this really does sound like your worst

nightmare. The key issue in these situations is not the

length of time that has elapsed, but whether any

attempt has already been made by the householders to try to

deal with the damage themselves. This is particularly the case

with staining as general cleaning solutions might mix with the

stains or spread them around further and people often rub the

fabric rather than blotting which can damage the fibres.

Left in the hands of experts such as the Guardsman Furniture

Technicians and Safeclean Cleaning Specialists this should be a

redeemable situation. This is achieved either by individual stain

removal, expert overall cleaning, smart cosmetic repairs,

replacement parts or workshop repairs.

These are all areas within our expertise and knowing how

distressing this situation must be, Guardsman would be happy

to provide some of our technicians to take a look at your

customers treasured items and see what we can do to help.

Sponsored by

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

GREENWOOD RETAIL LTDBritains Leading Experts in Retail Sales Promotion

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James Pike, MD. Cookes Furnishings,Birmingham and Christchurch 2014

We took 4 months business in 3 weeks! The

margins came out well, we cleared all the rubbish

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Tony Bourgaise, MD. Scope FurnishingsJersey and Guernsey 2014

We were sceptical but wrong! The queue was

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was tremendously motivational, he worked tirelessly

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Dont wait for business to walk in the door. Dosomething to bring in crowds of eager customers.Trust Greenwood to help you realise the optimum

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Greenwood Sales continue to generate record-breaking results for all kinds of quality retailers,

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Take a look at our website or call us now on01565 650101, or, send an e-mail enquiry and well

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Book early to guarantee exclusive territory foryour business.


17/29

NEW PRODUCTS


1 2

3

4

5

1 Avenues fast and simple

sample facility is a great way for

retailers to show they can offer

fantastic levels of service. With

up to three samples sent free of

charge to a customers home, a

rapport can be built, safe in the

knowledge that you will be the

first point of call when their

decision is made.

Visit: www.avenue

floors.co.uk

2 Available in four styles, Balta

Broadlooms Big Hit is

presented in a powerful folder

that punches well above its

weight. In a striking yellow with

bold graphics, the Big Hit folder

can be hung next to the rolls formaximum impact.

Tel: 00 32 5662 2211

3 T&R Floor Covering

Distributors Fusion Flooring

range has 11 wood plank

designs, spanning from Royal

White Oak to deep-toned Willow

Brown Oak and four stone tile

designs. All feature a bevel effect

on all four sides, which adds

depth and detail to the finished

look. To add further definition,

Fusion Grouting, Marquetry or

Feature Strips can be laid.

Tel: 0115 925 7711

4 Leoline has introduced a free

sample service on its website,

allowing retailers to offer service

to customers while maintaining

displays and sample books. The

company is building sample

stocks and up to three samples

can be ordered each time.Visit: www.leoline.co.uk

5 Already a major supplier to the

domestic market, UK Flooring

Direct has launched a range of

offers and services exclusively

for trade customers to meet

growing demand from the

industry. Services include a

faster delivery service: now

down to less than 24 hours, and

access to an unlimited free

sample service.

Tel: 0844 327 0000


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Kingsmead CarpetsRelay Park, Relay DriveTamworth, B77 5PR. UK

Tel: +44 1827 831424Fax: +44 1827 831425

[email protected]

www.kingsmeadcarpets.co.uk

Come and visit our stand C13/27to see the latestWool and Clean Easy Offers as well as the 'Cave' offering

discounts off regular and discontinued roll ends

Incorporating


19/29

NEW PRODUCTS

6 7

8

9

10

6 Kersaint Cobbs Silk Touch is

made from bamboo fibres

and is divinely soft to the

touch. Bamboo fibre is prized for

its hypoallergenic qualities and

humidity regulating properties.

With its silky look and luxurious

underfoot comfort, it adds a

touch of elegance to any

bedroom.Tel: 01675 430 430

7 Started in 2001 by Rosario

Parrinello, Made a Mano is based

in Caltagirone, Italy specialising in

working and processing clay and

lava stones. Lava stone doesnt

change shape or deform with a

change in temperature. It doesnt

retain impurities nor is it damaged

by the use of acids or abrasive

substances. It doesnt stain and has

a high thermal performance.

Visit: www.madeamano.it

8 Sandringham Carpets has

added the long pile Palm Beach

to its Inspiration collection. It is

available in 2m, 3m, 4m, and 5m

widths and 12 shades, including

Rob Roy (pictured).

Tel: 020 8800 8880

9 Team 7 has updated its classic

Mobile range of childrens bedroomfurniture with more finishes.

Mobiles chemical free natural wood

products have been a source of

trust, safety and fun in childrens

bedrooms for more than 30 years.

Visit: www.team7.at

10 Arketipos Miss Malice chair is

characterised by thin metal legs and

has a vintage look, especially when

covered in leather. The roundness

of the padded seat and back gives

a soft and cosy line to the chair.

Visit: Arketipo.com



20/29

MoOD is organised by Textirama vzw,

Poortakkerstraat 90, BE-9051 Gent, Belgium

Phone +32 9 24 38 450 - fax +32 9 24 38 455

email: [email protected]

moodbrussels.com

twitter.com/moodbrussels

facebook.com/moodbrussels

International Trade Fair for Producers of

Upholstery, Window & Wall Coverings

Moving to the gorgeous

Hall 5, the Patio and Hall 8

The FinestFabric Showis in Brussels,September9 -10 -11, 2014

Contact Gareth Price Tel: +44 (0) 7974 209761

www.LynchSales.co.ukCopyright 2014 Lynch Brothers Licensing Corporation

The total sales for the event was 200k over whatwas budgeted for, and this was achieved thanks tothe hard work of your sales co-ordinator, Mr. RayLewis, who again was outstanding and tireless in

his efforts to achieve a successful event.Robert Chrystie

Chrysties Furnishing Centre, 30th May 2014

This is the third event that you have managedfor us, and indeed, we have used the competition

in the same industry. We will certainly be knockingon yours and Marks doors when we are ready

for the next event.Andy Burgess

Furniture & Bedding Superstore, 30th May 2014

I would like to thank you and your team forthe superb job that you did in managing our

closing down sale. The sale achieved resultssubstantially above my expectations and it wasmission accomplished. This success was largely

due to the endeavors of your saleco-ordinator, Kevin Boast.

Alex WyllieWyllie & Mar, 29th May 2014

Contact us for details and receive a special,

100th anniversary commemorative gift. Plus, ifyou hold a Lynch Sale during 2014 youll become

eligible for our Grand Prize of a trip for twoto Ireland!

100Years ofResults and Profits!


21/29

NEW PRODUCTS


11 12

11 Axils Mythos bed combines round lines of theheadboard and the simplicity of the base. The

padded headboard and frame give a soft and visual

use. Leg finishes include ash, wenge, grey, white or

beige open-pore stained.

Visit: www.axil.it

12 Emporiums polypropylene Drum floorlamp is

pearly white with a choice of red or blue decoration.

Visit: www.emporium.it

13 Softhouses wide Tobia sofa has enveloping and

seductive lines covered with dove-grey velvet, with

the shaped back increasing the feeling of welcome

and comfort.

Visit: www.softhouse.pisa.it

14 Seams is a collection of five large ceramic

containers designed by Benjamin Hubert for Bitossi

Ceramiche. Slip casting allows it to create mass-

produced products with one-off details without a

secondary decorating process.

Visit: ww w.bitossiceramiche.it

15 Influenced by the 1950s, Munnas Sophia

sofa has a wingback design and cone-shaped feetavailable in brass, nickel or copper. In fabric or

leather, the collection includes a coordinating

armchair.

Visit: www.munnadesign.com

13

14

15


22/29

Perfect performers and famous for bringing pure luxury,warmth and comfort to the home, Tredaire underlays are designed

to keep carpets looking good and feeling fabulous for longer.

The Tredaire range features outstanding levels of comfort andperformance so every carpet gives that on air feeling. Thats why Tredaire

is the UKs biggest selling underlay brand - the market leader!

@interfloor101706 238 810 interfloor.com


23/29

RETAIL


NofastbuckOnline retailing requiressignificant investment

There is a common misconception that

online selling is an easy way to make a

fast buck, but the reality is quitedifferent. Retailing online is full of

complexities, regulations and difficulties

that mean entering it must be seriously

considered, weighed up and analysed,

says Josh Ashby, UK Flooring Direct

commercial director.

The first thing to consider is the

website itself. The complex nature of

flooring, where there are many different

selling options for one SKU, means that

popular template-driven platforms arent

really useful and so a bespoke

ecommerce environment needs to be

created. This requires significant

investment, developing a platform and

systems to deliver the experience the

customer requires is hugely expensive.

Ashby says one of the biggest

obstacles to overcome is the tactility of

flooring as purchase. Consumers like to

be able to see, touch and explore the

actual product. Photographs are not

adequate as a decision maker for most

purchasers. Therefore, sampling is a

necessity. The per unit cost of this is

surprisingly high, particularly given that

free sampling is part of the service

consumers expect and that squares of

wood or vinyl are not that cheap to post.

At UK Flooring Direct we offer each

customer three free samples, multiply

that by several thousand requests a

month and it becomes a sizeable

operational overhead, but a completely

necessary one to the success of the

website, he explains.

The Internet is a highly competitive

marketplace and it is becomingincreasingly difficult to maintain a

prominent position on search results.

Google is now too powerful for the

simple tag workarounds of old and

significant investment is required to keep

websites towards the top of the rankings,

says Ashby.

Search Engine Optimisation now

involves multi-media, social media,

blogging, working with other websites

and more. It requires full-time staffing

and a dedicated strategy with firm goals

in mind. Plus, there are the costs of

online advertising and digital marketing.

There is no natural pull from a high street

Above: UK Furniture Direct sends out

thousands of samples a month

Left: Country Oak


24/29

RETAIL


or out of town retail development

location: each customer has to be earned

and hard fought.Delivery too is fraught with

complexities and with our straight from

stock business model, which facilitates

fast UK-wide delivery, we hold huge

amounts of flooring at our Coventry

warehouse and headquarters. It is

absolutely necessary for us to hold our

flooring in stock, where a high street

retailer can still give a good customer

experience with very little, if any, stock at

all, he says.

He stresses that delivery partners must

be reliable. Unlike smaller packages,

which can be left with a neighbour or

redelivered, flooring requires someone to

be in. A purchaser may well take a day off

work, so a failed delivery must be

avoided.Working closely with delivery partners

and looking at areas that can be

improved is a continual part of our

business strategy, says Ashby.

He reckons that regulations for online

retailing are far tougher than for its

physical counterpart.

The Distance Selling Regulations

enforce a minimum seven-day cooling-

off period for any purchaser. The goods

do not have to be faulty to be returned,

consumers can just change their mind

and the company is obliged to take the

flooring back and refund them the cost

of their purchase.

How often does this happen in a high

street or out of town store? he asks. We

are also closely monitored in terms ofhow we present and advertise pricing,

sales and more. In short, we have to be

very aware of how we present to and

treat our customers throughout the

entire purchase process.

While we have become one of the

UKs fastest growing companies, it has

not been just because we entered online

retailing and have ridden the wave. It is

because, like any successful business, we

have invested heavily in our operations

and are committed to reinvestment and

development to keep us at the forefront

of Internet flooring retailing, adds Ashby.

Visit: www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk

We have to bevery aware ofhow we present

to and treat ourcustomersthroughout theentire purchaseprocess

Above: Holding stock is vital for the retailer

Right: Galleria Heritage


25/29

Axminster Carpets

feel for any interior dcor.


26/29

SealyHybrid Pocket

Ultima 2800


27/29

AWARDS


Best Furniture Retailer (1-2 stores): Ponsford

Best Flooring Retailer (1-2 stores): Milners

Best Furniture Retailer (3 plus stores): Glasswells

Best Flooring Retailer (3 plus stores): Martin Phillips

Best Online Retailer: Loaf

Best UK Furniture Manufacturer: Westbridge Furniture

Best UK Flooring Manufacturer: Furlong Flooring

Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer: Wiemann

Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer: Balta Broadloom

Best Customer Service (Furniture): TCS Imports

Best Customer Service (Flooring): Ulster Carpets

Best Carpet Manufacturer: Cormar Carpets

Best Leather Upholstery Manufacturer: Natuzzi

Best Laminate Manufacturer: Quick-Step

Best Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer: Ashley ManorBest Rug Supplier: Think Rugs

Best Recliner Manufacturer: Ekornes

Best Underlay Manufacturer: Ball & Young

Best Bed Manufacturer: Sealy UK

Best Solid/Engineered Wood Manufacturer: Khrs (UK)

Best Luxury Vinyl Supplier: Karndean Designflooring

Best Childrens Furniture: Gautier UK

Best Vinyl Manufacturer: IVC

Best Accessory Supplier: Gallery Direct

Best Accessory Supplier (Flooring): Interfloor

Best Fabric/Soft Furnishings Manufacturer: Prestigious

Textiles

Best Bedroom Manufacturer: Rauch

Best Home Entertainment:Jual Furnishings

Best Living Room Manufacturer: G Plan Cabinets

Best Dining Room Manufacturer: Willis & Gambier

Best Furniture Buying Group: AIS

Best Flooring Buying Group: SMG

Best Furniture Wholesaler: Julian Bowen

Best Flooring Wholesaler: Floorwise Group

Best Marketing Support (Furniture): Silentnight

Best Marketing Support (Flooring): Wools of New Zealand

(UK)

Best Furniture Exhibition: IMM Cologne

Best Flooring Exhibition: The Flooring Show

Best Furniture Website: Silentnight

Best Flooring Website: Balterio

Best Software Supplier: RetailSystem.com

Best Finance Provider: CreationBest Supply Chain/Logistics Company: CEVA Logistics

Best Business Support (Furniture): Vale-Bridgecraft

Best Business Support (Flooring): Flooring One

Best New Supplier:Arkana

Innovation of the Year: Wool Owners Warranty

EDITORS CHOICE

Innovation In Furniture: Re-Vive Recliner, Natuzzi

Innovation In Flooring: iSense, Associated Weavers

Flooring Brand 2014: Brintons

Furniture Brand 2014: Ercol Furniture

Sustainability (Flooring): Moduleo

Sustainability (Furniture): Hypnos

Outstanding Performance: Adam Carpets

Best Furniture Export Support: Polish Foreign Trade

After months of voting, the winners of the Interiors MonthlyAwards 2014 have been decided.

The companies listed below are among the finest retailers, manufacturers and suppliers in the

interiors industry. Over the following pages you can read more about the category winners

chosen by you, and some new Editors Choice awards. Covering all aspects of the industry, they

are united by their desire for excellence. Congratulations to all the 2014 winners.


28/29

AWARDS


Since Harry Ponsford opened a shop in

the front room of his house in the

Sheffield suburb of Heeley in 1893, the

company has been family-owned.

Business is going from strength to

strength the days of furniture stores are

not numbered in the face of onlinecompetition, says

Adrian Ponsford,

Ponsford md and

Harrys grandson.

We own our

premises and are

financially sound.

Ponsford covers

60,000sqft and has

tens of thousands of

products on display.

Adrian is

particularly proud

of the care taken

with deliveries. All

products are unpacked and inspected

regardless of how good the packaging

is and then repacked in Ponsfords own

packaging. I dont want any complaints.

I want customers to come away with a

good feeling, he says.

Visit: www.ponsford.co.uk

Ponsford

Best Furniture

Retailer(1-2 stores)

Glasswells

Best FurnitureRetailer(3 plus stores)

Since Jerry Glasswell and his son Leslie

opened the first Glasswells store in Bury

St Edmunds in 1946, the Glasswells

philosophy has been to provide quality

furniture through an amazing service, a

service that stands out from the crowd

and one that is true and trusted.

Its flagship 100,000sqft Bury St

Edmunds store is the largest home

furnishings store in East Anglia and it has

a large store in Ipswich and smaller

stores in Haverhill and Saffron Walden.

Glasswells brands read like a Whos

Who of the furniture, flooring and

homewares sectors and the company

remains at the heart of the communities

it serves by supporting local charities

such as East Anglian Air Ambulance and

St Nicholas Hospice.

The company has installed almost1,000 solar panels on the roof of the Bury

St Edmunds store in one of the largest

rooftop solar PV installations in East

Anglia. The panels should significantly

reduce the amount of electricity we

consume from the national grid. We have

another large store in Ipswich and a

76,000sqft warehouse on the east side of

town, which could both be considered

for the same sort of thing in the future,

says Paul Glasswell, Glasswells md.

This is a large investment for the

company, however, the long term

benefits to the environment and the

reduction in our carbon footprint over

the next 30 years are certainly worth the

initial outlay. This venture identifies

Glasswells as a forward thinking,

progressive and environmentally

responsible organisation within East

Anglia, he adds.Visit: www.glasswells.co.uk

Glasswells through the ages

Ponsford covers 60,000sqft in two buildings


29/29

AWARDS

Milners began selling from a van in 1991

before opening a small store in the

affluent village of Ashtead, Surrey. The

company now sells curtains from that

store with flooring and waterbeds sold

from the larger premises across the road.

Last year the company marked the

10th anniversary of it joining the

Greendale buying group, and Garry

Milner, Milners md, remains as convinced

of the benefits of membership as he was

when he joined.

All the staff are geared up to sell

Greendale. You cant go wrong really, its

a debranded buying group and weve

only got one other member close to us

so it makes sense as we get a better

margin. We choose to have quite a lot of

Greendale products but there are a lot

Martin Phillips

Best FlooringRetailer(3 plus stores)

LoafBest OnlineRetailer

In 1981 the late

Martin Phillips

opened his first

carpet store in

Newtownards,

County Down.

There are now seven Martin Phillips

stores making it the largest independent

flooring retailer in Northern Ireland.

In 2007 it opened a dedicated wood

flooring and rug store in Newtownards to

complement the carpets and vinyls

already sold there and also increased the

wood flooring products in the other six

stores, which now also stock rugs.

Although Phillips

passed away in

2006, his vision

and commitment

to customer service

continues.

Thanks to our staff we were still

able to implement the processes he

created. We have been able to grow

and develop the brand year-on-year

because we have recognised what

our customers want and have reacted

to it, says Donald Mercer, Martin

Phillips md.

Visit: www.martinphillipscarpets.co.uk

we dont take if we dont think it fits

with the store. We are a mid to top end

retailer, were not budget end. We start at

12.99 for our carpets and sell lots at

over 50 a sqm.

Greendale is our largest supplier. We

do well over 100,000 a year with

Greendale, its grown every year since we

joined, he adds.

Visit: www.milners.com

Following on from our enormous

success in the online market, we nowwant to establish a physical presence to

complement our etail offer. While Loaf

has experienced rapid sales growth year

on year since our 2008 start-up, we want

our customers to be able to interact with

our growing range of products, while

retaining our unique approach to

retailing, says Charlie Marshall, Loaf

founder.

Online furniture and homewares

retailer Loaf is to target showrooms of

4,000sqft 12,000sqft as it looks for 10

outlets in London and the South East.

The retailer wants to open five

b h i i h

London locations in the next three years

and five more in the South East by theend of 2017.

It wants to uphold its reputation for

non-conformist retailing by setting up

Loaf Shacks, breaking from the

traditional formal setting by launching

large, informal showrooms. The Loaf

Shacks will operate in a manner that

reflects our products: relaxed and easy-

going, but without ever compromising

on the high quality standards that define

Loaf as a brand, he adds.

Marshall sold a minority stake in Loaf

to Monsoon founder Peter Simon in

January.

Vi i l f

Value is the central message in Martin Phillips

marketing

Milners Ashtead store

Souffle sofa

Milners

Best FlooringRetailer(1-2 stores)

Documents

Interiors Magazine August (Preview Edition)