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Cool colour crazeModuleo sees an upsurge in the popularity of its continental cool colours and finishes

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EDITOR’S COMMENT

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Two-pronged attack

Andrew KiddEDITOR

Moduleo’s Country Oak, part ofan upsurge in cool coloursVisit www.moduleo.co.uk

Editor: Andrew KiddT: 01273 930 029 E: [email protected] advertising (South): Tim BodenT: 01732 783 561 E: [email protected] advertising (North): Jarrod BirdT: 01565 631 397 E: [email protected], flooring, lighting and accessories advertising:Joanne PaullT: 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. 6397722Print: Knockout Print Design by TSS DIGITAL © Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236

Cool colour crazeModuleo sees an upsurge in the popularity of its continental cool colours and finishes

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

Interiorsmonthly

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

Ap

ril 2

013

Awards 2013Vote for the best

WoolThe fibre

Any bed retailer situated near one of the 95branches of Dreams not bought in SunCapital’s £35m pre-pac administrationpurchase of the chain, must have beenhoping it would give them a bit of breathingspace, with one less rival to compete with.

Mike Clare, Dreams founder, and SunCapital are going to put paid to that idea.

Clare wants to create a high street chain –Buzz Beds – based on about 50 of thoseDreams stores, with a focus on quick delivery.Although the stores are not going to be thebest performers of the Dreams’ estate, 50branches will give it enough buying power toachieve better terms with manufacturers.

And at the other end of the market, SunCapital, not content with selling beds

through Dreams, has introduced them at itsScS upholstery and carpet chain.

This adds another major out of townretailer with its eye on grabbing a share ofthe bed market, and should give Sun Capitala lot more clout when it comes to suppliersand marketing spend if it coordinates buyingacross Dreams, ScS and Sharps.

But with Sleep Council research showingthat consumers are spending an average ofjust 21p a night over the lifetime of their bed(£583.05 in total), you have to ask if therereally is room for the number of large bedchains we already have, without anynewcomers. It could become a situationwhere the chains slug it out for market share,leaving independents and suppliers feelingthe squeeze.

On a brighter note, this issue is the firstopportunity for you to vote in the InteriorsMonthly Awards 2013; the entry form is onpage nine. We’ve added some categories thisyear, so there is plenty for you to think about.

Congratulations to The Campaign for Woolfor creating such a stunning demonstrationof what can be done with wool at SomersetHouse last month – the highlights are onpage 74.

Retailers hoping for somerespite from the break-upof Dreams have had theirhopes dashed. Instead they face an altogetherdifferent threat.

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CONTENTS


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INSIDE THIS ISSUENEWS

12 POS warning for retailers

14 Axminster ‘humbled’ by support

16 Shake-up for bed market

FEATURES

8 Awards

Vote for the best in the Interiors Monthly Awards 2013

26 Underlay

Niche markets, trading up and boosting production

32 Upholstery

Italian style and the latest products

42 Beds and bedroom

The truth about how we sleep, science facts, online

support, children’s furniture and first designs

56 LVT

Colours are getting lighter

64 Software

Efficiency gains

74 Wool

Wool House celebrates the fibre

80 Preview

Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show

REGULARS

3 Comment

20 New products

84 Entertainment

86 Final polish

NEXT ISSUE

ISalone review

Interiors LDN preview

Home entertainment

INTERIORS MONTHLY APRIL 2013

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AWARDS

8 Interiors Monthly April 2013

Choose the bestThe most coveted awards in the UKinteriors industry will again be decided byyou in the 2013 Interiors Monthly Awards.

We want you to tell us who you think arethe best suppliers, retailers and events inthis year’s 48 categories. As ever, thejudging criteria is entirely up to you, be itquality of product, commercial success,customer service, design, or anything else– it’s your choice to reward the best in thebusiness.

Simply complete the entry formopposite and fax it to 01732 783 562 – acopy will also be available to downloadonline at www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk – oremail: [email protected].

Woodberry Brothers & Haines won Best UK Furniture Manufacturer

Kährs was voted Best Engineered/Solid Wood Manufacturer

Best Online Retailer: UK Flooring Direct Best Flooring Retailer 1-2 Stores: ClarkesCarpets, Hornchurch Best Flooring Retailer 3+ Stores: FludesCarpetsBest Furniture Retailer 1-2 Stores: Andersons of Inverurie Best Furniture Retailer 3+ Stores: LeekesBest Customer Service (Furniture): Vale-Bridgecraft Best Customer Service (Flooring): Cormar CarpetsBest UK Furniture Manufacturer:Woodberry Brothers & Haines Best UK Flooring Manufacturer: Abingdon Flooring Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer: RauchBest Overseas Flooring Manufacturer: Balta BroadloomBest Furniture Buying Group: AIS

Best Flooring Buying Group: SMGBest Furniture Wholesaler: Julian BowenBest Flooring Wholesaler: Mercado Best Business Support: CarpetFoundationBest Marketing Support: EkornesBest Software Supplier: Retailsystem Best Finance Provider: Hitachi CapitalBest Flooring Exhibition: The FlooringShowBest Furniture Exhibition: IMM Cologne Best New Interiors Exhibition: HomeBest New Flooring Exhibition: BuyingGroups’ National Flooring ShowInnovation of the Year: Pay4LaterBest Supply Chain/Logistics Company: CEVA LogisticsBest Furniture Website: Silentnight BedsBest Flooring Website: MetroBest Accessory Supplier (Furniture): Authentic ModelsBest Accessory Supplier (Flooring): FloorwiseBest Bed Manufacturer: Sealy

Best Bedroom Manufacturer:Kingstown FurnitureBest Carpet Manufacturer: AxminsterCarpetsBest Children’s Furniture: Gautier Best Dining Room Manufacturer: Willis & GambierBest Fabric/Soft FurnishingsManufacturer: Prestigious TextilesBest Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer: Lebus UpholsteryBest Laminate Manufacturer: Balterio Best Leather Upholstery Manufacturer:TCSBest Living Room Manufacturer: G Plan CabinetsBest Luxury Vinyl Supplier: KarndeanDesignflooringBest Rug Supplier: Asiatic Carpets Best Engineered/Solid WoodManufacturer: KährsBest Underlay Manufacturer: Ball & YoungBest Vinyl Manufacturer: IVC Group

2012 winners

AWARDS


Retailers to complete only

Best Customer Service (Furniture)

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

Best UK Furniture Manufacturer

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Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer

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

Best Furniture Buying Group

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Best Accessory Supplier

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Best Bed Manufacturer

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Best Bedroom Manufacturer

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Best Dining Room Manufacturer

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Best Living Room Manufacturer

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Best Children’s Furniture Manufacturer

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Best Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer

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

Best Leather Upholstery Manufacturer

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

Best Furniture Wholesaler

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

Best Fabric/Soft Furnishings Manufacturer

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

Best Furniture Exhibition

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

Best Furniture Website

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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

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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

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Best Finance Provider

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

Best Supply Chain/Logistics Company

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

Best Business Support

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Best Marketing Support

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Best New Exhibition

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Innovation of the Year

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Best Mattress Manufacturer

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Best Recliner Manufacturer

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Best Home Entertainment Supplier

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Best New Supplier

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Product of the Year

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Suppliers to complete only

Best Flooring Retailer (1-2 stores)

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Best Flooring Retailer (3+ stores)

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

Best Furniture Retailer (1-2 stores)

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

Best Furniture Retailer (3+ stores)

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

Best Online Retailer

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

Best Interiors Retailer

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

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

Name ....................................................................................................................

Company ............................................................................................................

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

Tel ..........................................................................................................................

Email .....................................................................................................................

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NEWS


the world where excellence and durability is needed. I lookforward to making sure this group has the critical mass tomake a difference to our carpet industry.’

The first job of the group will be to establish the relevanceof the industry in terms of its importance to the UKeconomy. An analysis of the strengths and weakness,opportunities and threats to the industry will beundertaken. Importantly, the study will isolate those issuesthat are unique to the carpet industry.

Other members of the group are: John Glen, LindaRiordan, Philip Davies, Jack Straw, Pat McFadden, NeilParish, Justin Tomlinson, Simon Reevell, Penny Mourdant,Nigel Adams, Ian Austin, Jason McCartney, Emma Reynolds,Chris Pincher, Tom Watson, Dan Byles, Khalid Mahmood,George Mudie, Mike Wood, David Nuttal, Robin Walker, LordFaulkner and Lord Rogan.

The new logo

CF warns members on POSCarpet Foundation members have been urged to removeexisting Office of Fair Trading POS, such as window stickersand online logos, or face the risk of prosecution.

With the abolition of the OFT, the CF/OFT code of practicePOS has not been legal since 1 April, and AndrewStanbridge, CF chief executive, has warned members thatthey may face action by trading standards officials if they donot replace it with new CF/Trading Standards Institute POS.This is being sent out by CF.

Revamping is progressing of the CF’s website, to drivefootfall into stores and provide online marketing advice.Once completed, retailers will be told how many consumersare being redirected from the CF website to theirs.

Meanwhile, the carpet industry is to be represented inparliament with an all-party parliamentary group, chairedby Mark Garnier MP.

‘If there is a MP who represents the carpet industry, it hasto be the MP representing Kidderminster. Yet, this is the firsttime any Wyre Forest MP has established this importantgroup. The carpet industry, once a crucial part of ourdistrict’s economy, is smaller than it was, but this makes iteven more important to establish a group to champion theinterests of this nationwide industry,’ says Garnier.

He adds that: ‘70% of British wool finds its way into aBritish made carpet and British carpets are found all across

DFS has completed a £310mrefinancing, significantly reducing itsinterest rate.

‘This has permitted us to refinance infull the outstanding 9.75% bond due in2017, as well as making a payment toour shareholders and reducing ourblended cost of borrowing to about7.5%,’ says Ian Filby, DFS ceo.

‘This establishes a more efficientcapital structure for the business

going forward,’ he says. The move came after earnings rose

by 9.9% to £31.1m in the 26 weeks to26 January as sales rose 7.6% to£319.4m.

‘This is testimony to the strength ofour brand, the effectiveness of ourmarketing and the success of ourexpansion strategy, both online andthrough profitable new storedevelopment,’ Filby adds.

in b

rief

Manchester firstsKingstown Furniture, Greenapple, IdealProducts and Lyra Group have been confirmed as first-time exhibitors at TheManchester Furniture Show to be held from 14-17 July at Manchester Central. The main hall is more than 80% booked, with exhibitorsincluding Morris Furniture, Baker Furniture,Ashley Manor, Buoyant, Harrison Bros,Whitemeadow, TCH, Lebus, Value Mark,La-Z-Boy, Furniture Origins, Wood Bros andFurmanac.

Edel Telenzo chiefPhil Hartley, Whitestone Weavers sales directorhas become Edel Telenzo UK chief executive.

Crowning gloriesCrown Floors has named Jackie Jeffrey andRory Dench as sales agents for Scotland, MarkViner is now responsible for the East Midlandsand Steve Kotobejko has expanded his areafrom Yorkshire and Humberside to include theNorth East of England.

Management trioDesigner Contracts has appointed Louise Gayas assistant health, safety and HR manager,Simon Lovett as Thames Medway region salesmanager, and Ann Moore as North Westcontracts manager.

Adam Black, Feather & Black co-founderand md, has left the beds and bedroomretailer, which is part of the Wade Group. He has been succeeded by DanielWade.

Oliver Spark, Multiyork joint md, hasbeen appointed to the board as a non-executive director.

‘Adam leaves the business on goodterms and I would like to thank him forhis contribution to the business during

his eight years at Feather & Black, threeand a half of which were as md. As co-founder, he made a substantialcontribution in growing the business andthe brand and we wish him well in hisfuture endeavours,’ says Wade.

‘We have the continued support of theWade Group and are looking forward totaking full advantage of new salesopportunities both in-store and digitally,’he adds.

DFS refinances after strong half

Black departs Feather & Black

NEWS


Axminster is working with the administrators

Axminster Carpets’ management has said it hasbeen ‘humbled’ by the support it has receivedfrom retailers since it went into administrationon 5 March.

‘The management team wishes to extend ourthanks to customers for their overwhelmingloyalty and concern for both the business andthe employees. We have been humbled by thenumber of calls and letters offering supportduring the past few weeks,’ says Josh Durfield,Axminster md.

Durfield also appealed to customers for theircontinued support by asking them to maintainAxminster product displays and continue toplace orders in the normal way.

‘We see this as being critical to achieving apositive future for all parties involved withAxminster Carpets,’ he says.

‘We are committed to working with theadministrators to assess all viable options forthe future of the business and achieve the bestpossible outcome for all concerned and, mostimportantly, the staff. We wish to emphasisethat a team remains in place to take and fulfilorders and wish to thank you in advance foryour continued support,’ he adds.

The 200 staff at Axminster’s Buckfast yarnplant and half of the 200 staff at the carpet millin Axminster have been made redundant. Staffwere paid the day before the administration.

Axminster‘humbled’by support

Bonus timeStaff at John Lewis andWaitrose shared a bonus of£210.8m after profitsjumped. The group’s 84,700staff will receive a bonus of17% – almost nine weekswages – after profits rose15.8% to £452.4m. Salesclimbed by 9.3% to £9.54bnin the year to 26 January.Net debt was cut by morethan a third to £371.9m.

‘We were encouraged bythe acceleration in the rateof sales growth during theyear, particularly in the finalquarter. Although themarket remains challenging,the Partnership has adaptedquickly and successfully andwe saw the benefits thisyear,’ says Charlie Mayfield,John Lewis chairman.

Department store salesrose 13.5% in the year to£3.78bn with operatingprofit 37.2% higher at£216.7m.

Md promises shake-upThe new md of Nolte Mobel’s UK arm has said he will address concernsabout consumer care, displays and marketing at the bedroom company.

‘We have more direct contact with end users than the majority offurniture manufacturers and I will be putting structures and processes inplace within the business to ensure customer enquiries are resolvedquickly and to satisfaction,’ says Geoff Hawkes, Nolte Mobel UK md.

‘Customer care and aftercare is our number one priority and we want tomake sure that it is being handled to the best of our abilities. This issomething I will be addressing as my main concern and as one of the firststeps of this process I have registered Nolte Mobel as a full member of TheFurniture Ombudsman.’

Hawkes says he wants major improvements in how stockists display itsranges, while promising better marketing support. ‘I want to concentrateon the way our products are presented in retailers and to implementguidelines to ensure customers see our furniture looking at its best. Itneeds to look alive and, at the moment, I don’t think that comes across inmany cases.’

Concern overCo-op’sSelkirk storeThe future of one the largest furniturestores in the Borders is in doubt after theCo-op tried to find other retailers tooccupy its Selkirk branch.

‘We remain open-minded regardingthe future of the Selkirk store and arelooking at a number of options includinginterest from other retailers in sharingoccupancy. This is in no way a reflectionon the staff who continue to make everyeffort to make the store a success in atough trading environment,’ says a Co-opstatement.

The Selkirk store became part of TheCo-operative Group following themerger in 2008 between The Co-operative Group and the Lothian &Borders Societies. The statement said‘every effort has been made to find a wayto continue to operate the furniture andbed store on a sustainable basis buttrading conditions remain challenging.’

The company says it is also consideringselling the store, which has 20 staff.

Incanto set for UK relaunchItalian upholstery brand Incanto is to be relaunched in the UK.

The brand now belongs to a new company, Creation Italia, a venturebetween the founders of Incanto and Contempo.

Creation has appointed Incanto’s original UK agents, Matthew Kutas andSimon Orr, to represent it in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

NEWS


Headlam’s sales to the UK domesticmarket through its branded subsidiariesand network of wholesalers, rose by 5.4%in 2012, reaching £337.5m.

The group generated an extra £17.28mof sales, a 7.6% increase, compared to arise of £22.68m in 2011. UK contract salesalso rose by 5.4% to £154.6m, afterincreasing by 8.4% in 2011.

Combined, UK like for like sales rose by5.3% as market share increased. Thanksto a like for like fall in Europe of 3.3%,growth in group sales was 2.8% at£585.98m. But operating profit was up4.5% to £29.3m and pre-tax profits by3.2% to £28.46m. The dividend was liftedby 4.9% to 14.85p.

‘The continued challenging market

conditions combined with unfavourableweather has culminated in a slightlydisappointing start to 2013,’ says TonyBrewer, Headlam Group chief executive.

But he says the board is confident theoperating strategy and group structurewill enable the business to continue todeliver progress in its respective marketsover the longer term.

Domestic UK sales up for Headlam

Sun Capital has become a major player in the bed market afterbuying 171 Dreams branches and introducing beds at ScS.

The £35m pre-pac deal left 95 stores being run by administratorErnst & Young, and ends months of uncertainty over the chain’s futureafter owners Exponent and its banks, led by RBS, were unable toagree on a strategy.

Meanwhile Mike Clare, Dreams founder, plans to launch Buzz Beds,a chain he hopes will be ‘filling the vacuum the demise of Dreams willleave in the high street’. Clare wants about 50 of the branches beingrun by Ernst & Young and plans to offer fast delivery.

Beds shake-up

Cold-calling fineBedroom and kitchen retailer DM Design has been fined£90,000 after it ‘blighted the public’ with cold calling. Thecompany was the first to be fined by the InformationCommissioner’s Office after almost 2,000 people complained tothe ICO and the Telephone Preference Service.

The ICO said DM Design, based in Cumbernauld, Scotland,consistently failed to check whether individuals had opted outof receiving marketing calls – a breach of the law – and onlyresponded to a handful of the complaints it received. In oneinstance an employee refused to remove a complainant’s detailsfrom the company’s system and instead threatened to ‘continueto call at more inconvenient times like Sunday lunchtime’.

Ninth showroom to openVale-Bridgecraft’s aim of a nationwide string of showrooms is totake another step forward.

The upholstery manufacturer is opening a 2,800sqftshowroom near Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, in May. This will be itsninth. Its eighth centre, at Gateshead, opened in early March.

‘The centre is already busy and taking orders,’ says StuartChadwick, Vale-Bridgecraft md. ‘Recent openings haveconcentrated on out-of-town sites giving Vale-Bridgecraftstockists a window into the high volume of customer traffic. Weare moving on quicker than I expected with new locations forshowrooms.’

Store investmentSt Helens, Lancashire, retailer Ena Shaw has invested£250,000 in revamping its town centre store andintroducing new brands. The 25,000sqft store hasexpanded its furniture department, with theintroduction of a Stressless studio, Parker Knoll,Leather Editions from Natuzzi and Sits.

‘This investment has helped us expand what isalready one of the North West’s most respectedindependent retailers of quality home furnishingsinto the ultimate destination for style-savvyshoppers,’ says Barrie Potter, Ena Shaw Home md.

Two employees have been recruited, increasingstaff numbers to 23.

End of an era in BelfastOne of Northern Ireland’s best-known furniture retailers is toclose next month, blaming falling sales amid a weak housingmarket. Ideas for Furniture will close its Lisburn Road, Belfastshowroom at the end of April, after almost 70 years of business.

Trade has been steadily declining in recent years, says JamesCairns, Ideas in Furniture md. ‘We have always prided ourselveson supplying the best of modern European design and sadlypeople have been forced to prioritise their spending in thecurrent economic climate. Added to that is the fact that thereare much fewer new homes being built. When you put it alltogether, there is certainly less demand for quality furniture.’

Vale-Bridgecraft plans to open more showrooms

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OPINION

The outdoor space to a home is often the largest space peopleown and over recent years there has been an evolution in theUK as to how it is used. Its potential is beginning to be realisedas a true extension to the living area.

Its enjoyment is no longer limited to summer; we are seekingto fully embrace its use throughout the year and for a range ofpurposes. This is a trend influenced by the broad choice ofoutdoor furniture now available, which has inspired consumersto think creatively about the style of the garden and thepotential it has to offer for improving their quality of life.

Wonderful shapes combined with a variety of materials haveenabled us to style our outdoor space, much as we would theinterior of the home.

James TyrieBarlow Tyrie director

Rain or shine – furnishthe great outdoors

Increasingly the furniture chosen for use outdoors is nowinfluencing the wider garden design, as opposed to the otherway round, which I find a refreshing development.

Designs are enabling people to extend the home outdoors,creating practical places to relax, dine and entertain, spacepermitting.

Having been big in the US for a long time, the general trendin the UK for outdoor sofas is growing exponentially.

Advancements in waterproof materials have led to companies such as Barlow Tyrie designing andmanufacturing waterproof deep-seating that brings a moderninterior style to the garden or terrace.

The waterproof cushions now being used add a fashionabletouch to the overall design of the furniture, along withluxurious comfort. They also carry the added advantage of nothaving to be stored inside and encourage the furniture’s usethroughout the changing seasons.

We accept our changeable climate and with theadvancements in material use and furniture design we are nolonger dependent on the weather for the enjoyment of ouroutdoor living space.

The term ‘the outdoor room’ has been around for a while, butit’s now a very good way for truly describing the garden orterrace, as we begin to embrace our outdoor spaces all yearround by injecting style and comfort, through thoughtful andpractical furniture design.

www.longeatonguild.co.ukTe l : 0 1 1 5 9 2 2 2 5 4 2

SpringLONG POINT

1 3 t h - 1 5 t h M ay 2 0 1 3


NEW PRODUCTS


1

3

4

52

1 Avenue’s Titanium XT is suitable for

retailers looking to branch out into the

contract market. It is aimed at

residential installations as well as small

commercial applications that require

light to general suitability, such as hotel

bathrooms, assisted housing facilities

and retail outlets,

Tel: 0800 032 3970

2 The Quick-Step Academy for

Excellence in Flooring has partnered

with the National Institute of Carpet

and Floorlayers to offer all Master

Installers a year’s free membership to

the association. The NICF offers a

dedicated technical advice and

business support helpline with Croner

Consulting and discounts on Flooring

Industry Training Association courses.

Visit: www.quick-step-

academy.co.uk

3 Dunnottar Castle, the latest addition

to the Crown Floors collection, is

presented on a dedicated lectern, has a

colour palette of 10 calming shades

including tranquil Blue Willow, grey

English Cloud and warm Gold Dust. The

polypropylene carpet is available in a

4m width.

Tel: 0800 0773 301

4 Corona from Lano combines a

luxurious soft texture with exceptional

performance characteristics to provide

retailers with a carpet style that will

have widespread appeal. Crafted from

100% solution-dyed Lanoset

polypropylene, Corona is part of Lano’s

Easy Care collection and comes in a

colour palette of 10 natural shades.

Tel: 00 800 5266 5266

5 The Funky Stripes collection of

vibrant carpets from Balta Broadloom

has been updated with three

contemporary colourways. With its high

impact linear design, Funky Stripes is

for shoppers looking to inject a

cheerful atmosphere into their homes.

Tel: 00 32 5662 2211 ��

HTL (UK) LtdUnit M, Metro Business Park, Clough Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 4AFTel: 01782 406666 • Fax: 01782 406677 • Email: [email protected]

It is in passion wherewe find our finest moments.

The measure of life is not in its possessions;what matters is a sense of accomplishment

It resides in-between the vision and creation –in the time taken between expression and distinction.

It reveals itself through a restless passionto pursue beauty and perfection,

not to be noticed, but to be remembered.

Life is what we make of it.

Live with pride.

Corium Italia

A proud tradition from Tuscany.

NEW PRODUCTS


6

7

8

6 The Absorb-A-Mat entrance

matting collection from

Floorwise traps dirt and

moisture at the door to ensure

lasting protection for residential

homes. Available in two sizes –

40cm x 60cm and 50cm x 80cm –

Absorb-A-Mat is made from

100% cotton with a closed vinyl

backing that prevents water

from seeping through.

Tel: 01509 673 974

7 Sweet Dreams has launched

Opulence Classic with an

upholstered headboard and

footend to confer Hollywood-

style looks. In luxury fabric,

the headboard and footend

are complemented by a

softly upholstered base. The

divan is available in three sizes –

135cm, 150cm and 180cm –

with a choice of sprung edge

or platform top with ottoman

and drawers as the storage

options.

Tel: 01282 830 033

8 Stairrods has introduced a

double corrugated box for its

new Premier trims, available in

nine finishes and four profiles:

DoubleZ, Cover, Single and

Square and 90cm and 270cm

lengths, allowing the retailer,

contractor or wholesaler to split

boxes with ease. The DoubleZ

cuts inventory by 50%, as it can

be used as a Double or a Z bar.

Tel: 01207 591 176

9 D3CO’s Casquet sofa, to be

launched at ISalone in Milan

this month, features arms that

can be transformed into a

headrest.

Visit: www.d3co.it

10 The offspring of a research

project on the use of materials

and how they can be exploited

for furnishings, Casamania’s

Raphia unites modernity and

tradition as it combines metal

and rattan.

Visit: www.casamania.it ��

9

10

NEW PRODUCTS


11 14

15

12

13

11 Atkinson and Kirby has added to its

LivLoc Luxury Click Vinyl range with

Driftwood. Inspired by wood and sea, the

plank’s colour is a combination of different

shades of grey that has the look of wood

washed up on the beach. Each plank has a

grain and knot detail and is textured.

Visit: www.akirby.co.uk

12 A new take on traditional ottoman beds,

Hyder Living’s Turin lifts up and then pulls

out to allow full and easy access to every

inch of the storage compartment. With an

easy to use handle and hydraulic lifting

pistons, accessing stored items is a quick and

fuss-free process and the bed remains

completely secure.

Tel: 01484 531 000

13 Knoll’s BarberOsgerby Seating Collection

will consist of an armchair, two and three-

seat sofas, ottomans and configurable

seating elements. The feet will be offered in

traditional aluminum, as well as in

BarberOsgerby’s signature painted finish.

Visit: www.knoll-int.com

14 RAK Ceramics’ Oxodium range includes

a collection of metallic-look porcelain tiles.

Available in a multi-faceted orange or

platinum tone, the range includes square,

rectangular and mosaic formats. All designs

are suitable for wall and floor installation –

both internally and externally – and have a

rectified, semi-polished surface finish.

Tel: 01730 237 850

15 Brockway Carpets has added another

quality to its Opus range of wool rich carpets

with Opus Choice. Made from the same

signature 80% pure new wool as Opus, Opus

Choice offers a lighter weight option. It is

available in the same 12-strong colour

palette and 4m and 5m widths.

Tel: 01562 828 200

KNO

LL P

HO

TOG

RAPH

Y BY

GIO

NAT

A X

ERRA

T h e H O M E o f G R E A T B R I T I S H

F U R N I T U R E

Caxton make agreat Discovery.The Discovery living & dining collection

is characterised by sleek minimalist styling

juxtaposed with an unusual wild oak style

finish to give it an adventurous exuberance.

As well as a wide choice of display, storage and

occasional pieces, Discovery offers all

that’s best about buying British - guaranteed

28 day home delivery, online ordering and

award winning customer service.

To find out more, call 08700 600 555 today.

UNDERLAY


Companies are making the most of market niches

Comfort in noise outThe underlay market has seen the emergence of several nichesin the past year. This has been driven by the changing needs ofconsumers and the increasing number of retailers recognisingthe opportunity this presents, according to Steve Woodhead,Interfloor marketing director.

‘There is growing demand in a number of niche markets forunderlay: premium comfort, high tog, low tog and noisereduction.’

Woodhead describes premium comfort as when theconsumer wants outstanding levels of comfort, well above thestandard levels of luxury as defined by BS5808. Traditionallythese products are classified between 120J per sqm-150J persqm. However, a growing number of Tredaire underlays, madefrom PU foam and sponge rubber, are in the 160J per sqm–200Jper sqm range, up to 65% higher than the conventionalstandard for luxury. These products include Tredaire Sensation,Tredaire Dreamwalk and Tredaire Colours Red.

The popularity of high tog underlays reflects increasinginterest in products that help to keep rooms insulated andminimise heating bills. Traditionally underlays provided some support with tog values of between 1.0 and 2.0. Some ofthe latest Tredaire PU underlays have tog values between 2.4and 3.1.

‘The highest tog underlays include Tredaire Dreamwalk,Tredaire Sensation and Tredaire Softwalk. These are ideal

for making the home as cosy as possible and are very attractive to consumers who want to minimise their heatingbills,’ he says.

But for underfloor heating, low tog underlays fit the bill asheat must pass through the flooring efficiently from below,making tog values of less than 1.0 required. Duralay pioneeredthis niche with a range of low tog underlays from 0.3 to 0.8.These include Duralay Heatflow Carpet, Duralay Heatflow Wood& Laminate and Duralay King.

‘Noise reduction underlays were also first developed byDuralay to reduce sound emissions from wood and laminatefloors by up to 30%. Duralay Silentfloor Gold and DuralayTimbermate Excel are perfect for this as they are extremelydense at over 700kg per cum,’ says Woodhead.

‘A more recent development is the use of noise reductionunderlays under carpet to combat noisy neighbours. SomeTredaire PU foam and sponge rubber products have decibelratings of over 40. These include Tredaire Dreamwalk, TredaireSensation and Tredaire Colours Red.

He adds: ‘It doesn’t take long to find out if one of these nichesis of interest to a consumer. If they are then it’s possible torecommend a product with real added value to the consumerwhich will provide a great selling and profit opportunity for theretailer. It’s a real win-win situation.’Visit: www.interfloor.com

Duralay Silentfloor Gold

Tredaire Dreamwalk

Duralay Heatflow Carpet

Tredaire Sensation

��

PRODUCT OF THE MONTHCarpet Cushion Paper

This is the latest addition to our revamped rangeof products. A 100kgm3 density product finishedoff in a distinctive printed crepe paper to one side& the other in a polyester spunbond.

Available in March from your local distributor orcontact Ezi Floor.

All our underlay products are manufactured in the UK

Benefits include :• Higher tensile strength• Easy to cut• Excellent thermal insulation properties

Ezi Floor LtdUnits 1&2 Airedale Buisness Park

Royd Ings AvenueKeighley BD21 [email protected]

Softstep FilmDensity: 85 kgm3

Top: Printed FilmBottom: Plain FilmThickness: 8mm, 10mm & 12mmApplication: General Domestic

Carpet Cushion SpunbondDensity: 85 kgm3

Top: Printed Spunbonded PolyesterBottom: Plain Spunbonded PolyesterThickness: 8mm, 10mm & 12mmApplication: General Domestic

Carpet Cuhsion PaperDensity: 100 kgm3

Top: Printed Crepe PaperBottom: Plain Spunbond PolyesterThickness: 9mm & 11mmApplication: General Domestic/ Light Commercial

Air Cushion SpunbondDensity: 100 kgm3

Top: Printed Spunbonded PolyesterBottom: Plain Spunbonded PolyesterThickness: 9mm & 11mmApplication: General Domestic/ Light Commercial

Finess PaperDensity: 145 kgm3

Top: Printed White Crepe PaperBottom: Plain Spunbonded PolyesterThickness: 11mmApplication: Luxury Domestic & Commercial

Softstep HD Contract 9mmDensity: 145 kgm3

Top: Printed FilmBottom: Plain FilmThickness: 9mmApplication: Double Stick

PRODUCT RANGE

UNDERLAY


‘At Floorwise, we pride ourselves on offering great valueunderlay products that offer exceptional performance for many floors, from carpet right through to wood andlaminate. No flooring installation is fully complete withoutthe right underlay, and our extensive collection will ensurethat there is a product to suit all fittings,’ says RichardBailey, Floorwise md.

Sound-reducing underlay is vital for wood and laminateinstallations, with the Whisper and Acoustica collectionsengineered to reduce the excess sound created by thesenaturally noisy floors. Offering a cost-effective solution tocombating impact sound, the Whisper collection is createdfrom PE foam and is available in various qualities, Whisper,Whisper Plus, Whisper Green Barrier and Whisper Gold.Each provides differing levels of sound absorption, rangingfrom 18dB to 20dB, as well as varying levels of cushionedsupport across the range. Its 5mm thickness counteracts floorimperfections and a built-in water-vapour barrier, Whisper Gold,also offers good airborne sound resistance.

Floorwise Acoustica is an enhanced range of underlayscreated from dense rubber sponge to significantly reduce bothimpact and airborne noise, Bailey adds.

Varying in thickness from 2mm to 4.2mm, Acoustica isavailable in a choice of qualities, including Silver, Gold, Good,Better and Best. Providing between 22dB and 27dB of impactsound resistance, the underlays have been rigorously tested inaccordance with the European Producers of Laminate Flooring’sindependent SONE measurement, which calculates the sound-absorbing properties of underlay.

‘Of course, carpet underlay cannot be ignored, andFloorwise’s recycled polyurethane foam ranges, such asHyper, are still market-leading in terms of quality andperformance. Offering a range of comfort and durability levelsacross the collection, all with convenient low roll weights, thereis a Hyper underlay to suit all installations, from the entry-levelHyperStart right through to the super high density contract-rated HyperLift,’ he says.

High-density ranges such as HyperActive use very highlycompressed foam for comfort and durability. Suitable formedium to high footfall areas, Bailey says HyperActive deliversan excellent recovery performance over time and providesfantastic levels of sound reduction.

For customers who want to enhance the luxurious feeling oftheir carpet even further, HyperForm is a high density underlaythat brings many benefits, he says, including superb soundinsulation and exceptional plushness underfoot. Suitable formedium to high footfall areas, HyperForm provides gooddurability too.

‘Underlay is a brilliant upselling opportunity for retailers, andit is so important to have a range of different products that suitmany kinds of installations to ensure that opportunities tomake extra revenue are not missed. With the Floorwisecollection of value-driven, performance-focused underlays,retailers can be assured that there is a product suitable for alltypes of floor fittings,’ adds Bailey.Floorwise, tel: 01509 673 974

Hyper

Acoustica

‘Underlay is a brilliantupselling opportunity’

Copyright 2013 Lynch Brothers Licensing Corporation

Serving the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom

Contact Gareth Price29 Warblington Road, Emsworth, Hampshire PO10 7HETel: +44 (0) 1243 378369 • www.lynchsales.co.uk

Enjoy the fruits ofyour labour while they’restill ripe!

Why give up control when the timecomes to retire or close your store? Trust the closing of your store to Lynch Sales Company.

After more than 99 years helpingfurniture retailers retire or close withdignity, while maximizing the return ontheir years of hard work, you can trustLynch Sales Company to do just thatfor you.

After all, we originated the copyrightedLYNCH RETIREMENT AND COMPLETECLOSE OUT SALE events that generateas much as your store’s yearly volume,ensuring a smooth transition of yourmost valued asset, your business.

So, if it’s harvest time for your store, callus today for an outline of our copyrightedRETIREMENT AND COMPLETE CLOSEOUT SALE PLAN, and our no-nonsense,one-page contract.

All the comfort of homebeneath your feet

Insulation in Construction

When an underlay looks this good it seems ashame to hide it under the floor - it’s called...

[email protected]

TEL: 00353 61-339287

high performanceunderlay for woodand laminate floors

sonicgoldexcel

Just one of the extensive Novostrat range of

High Performance Underlaysto suit every application and pocket

� IDEALWITH UNDERFLOOR HEATING SYSTEMS� EXCEPTIONAL SOUND REDUCTION� EXCELLENT IMPACT RESISTANCE

Thesexiestunderlayyou willnever see

UNDERLAY


Ezifloor is boosting production,products and its presence

Bigger,fasterandbetter

PU underlay manufacturer Ezifloor invested significantly in itsKeighley, West Yorkshire factory in 2012 and it will continue todo so this year.

Last year saw the introduction of a state of the art peelingmachine and during the Christmas shutdown a loading bay wasinstalled – using 1,000 tonnes of concrete – reducing the timeneeded to load delivery trucks.

Some 5,000sqft of mezzanine office space has been created,including a showroom and meeting rooms.

Earlier this year Ezifloor made its largest individualinvestment with the installation of a bespoke bonding plantbuilt to its specification. This gives the company increasedcapacity, and combined with the peeler, increases the qualityand consistency of its underlay.

It has also continued its investment in solar energy, with thefactory now the largest single installation in West Yorkshire.

Along with this expansion has come several new products. Itsflagship Soft Step 85kg per cum is now available in 8mm, 10mmand 12mm depths.

Ezifloor has expanded its product range

UNDERLAY


Carpet Cushion Lite is available in 8mm, 10mm and 12mmthicknesses and is finished with printed spun-bonded polyesteron both sides.

Air Cushion is a 100kg per cum product, in 7mm, 9m and11mm thicknesses, and is also finished off in printed spun-bonded polyester on both sides.

The 100kg per cum Carpet Cushion Supreme is available in9mm and 11mm depths and is finished off in printed crepepaper.

The 145kg per cum Finesse is a 11mm product finished in awhite printed crepe paper.

Sampling has been brought in-house to reduce lead timesand enable Eziflor to bring its product offering to retailersquicker and enhance brand awareness.

It is also expanding its sales team, internally and externally,and hopes to have five sales managers in place by the end ofthe summer. Ian Craig, Ezifloor sales director will continue toservice key accounts.Visit: www.ezifloor.co.uk

Sampling has been brought in-house

Capacity hasbeenincreased atthe Keighleyplant

UPHOLSTERY


A year after its purchase of Tuscan leather upholstery producerCorium Italia, HTL international revealed its first Italian-madecollection at IMM Cologne and Interiors UK in January this year.

HTL acquired Corium in January 2012 to expand its researchand development capabilities, and establish a production basecloser to its key European markets.

The launch of Corium allows HTL to introduce a moreupmarket leather upholstery collection – Corium’s prices beginwhere HTL’s end – without affecting its core offering. Corium’sdesigns will appeal to discerning consumers who appreciateelegance, style and functionality, says Mark Flint, HTL UK md.

‘Corium is an Italian manufacturer with extensive experiencein the product development, design, manufacture and sale ofleather sofas. Corium was founded and is located in the heart ofTuscany: the cradle of modern European culture, carryingtreasures of every age and style, from the Etruscan theatre andRoman baths at Fiesole, to the majestic Gothic buildings inSienna, to the fine art and architecture of Florence,’ he explains.

Drawing inspiration from this tradition, and coupled withHTL’s technical expertise as one of the world’s largest sofamanufacturers and leather tanners, Corium promises a range ofupmarket and modern Italian designer upholstery.

‘The style is contemporary, confident, charismatic, rich andelegant. Characterised by intelligent and pragmatic design,which is both functional and stylish, Corium’s wide choice ofstyles offer the customer high quality, as well as unparalleledcomfort and desirability. All Corium Italia sofas are handcraftedin Tuscany, using the finest materials, including Italian tannedleather,’ Flint adds.

The collection is backed by an extensive range of marketingsupport materials.Corium, tel: 01782 406 666

More thanskin deepCorium made itsUK debut atInteriors UK

Showroom spaceHTL’s UK office in Stoke-on-Trent has more than 15,000sqftof showroom space housing about 100 designs from HTL,Corium and Domicil, along with customer service,administration and finance departments.

Founded in 1976, HTL International is one of the world’slargest leading leather tanners and leather upholsterymanufacturers. Headquartered and listed in Singapore,the company exports more than 95% of its products tosome 50 countries. It employs more than 8,000 employeesglobally, and has wholly-owned sales and marketingoffices in the UK, USA, Germany, Scandinavia, China,Taiwan, South Korea and Australia. HTL also has apresence in France, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxemburgthrough authorised sales agents.

Roma

UPHOLSTERY


Trevi

Vanto

Our range - your choice!

• British patented mechanisms• 3 year warranty• Detachable handsets (added safety feature)• 2 str and 3 str fixed sofas available to match• Available across 4 sizes of lift & rise chairs- Petite/small/standard & large • Double pocket sprung soft seats• Low seat available – 16"! across the petite and small sizes.

Proudly made in the UK by the UK’s leading Lift and Recliner Chair Specialist – Sitting Pretty

Sitting Pretty are celebrating 10 yearsof manufacturing this year.

We are currently looking for sales agentsin the South East & South west of

England any applicants should call 01773717123 and ask for Jim Henderson.

Our show vanis in your area

soon. To book avisit please call01773 717123

Sitting Pretty Riser Recliners are the safest on the market

Barriers as

“The Loxley”

•Newark and Loxley•All four sizes available at just

£555 each (ex vat)(trade price across our popular single

motor tilt in space mechanisms)

✶ Shop floor orders 20% discount ✶

Sitting PrettyUnit 1 Willow Court ,Cordy Lane, UnderwoodNG16 5FD United KingdomTel: +44 (0) 1773 717123www.spchairs.co.uk

Newark & LoxleyLift & recline chairs fitted with pet/safety

guards as standard across 4 sizes!

UPHOLSTERY


‘We began producing things in the mid-80s, using specialist craftspeople to makepieces in small batches. After our designsstarted to gain attention and then startedto sell, we had to think about how togrow,’ says Sheridan Coakley, SCP founderand co-director of Coakley & Cox.

Gradually the manufacturing capacitywas expanded, always seekinginnovative and cost effective ways tomake high end products.

‘One of our first major steps was toopen our own upholstery factory[Coakley & Cox] in Attleborough, Norfolk.This gave us far better control overproduct development and taught usmuch else besides,’ he points out.

Coakley says the factory has madegreat advances in recent years onsustainability, using FSC approvedhardwood frames and naturalreplacements to petrochemical based

foams in the upholstery itself. The factoryhas also expanded, creating an in-houseframe-making facility.

‘Running our own factory has helpedus understand the manufacturingprocess more fully and it would be fair tosay we are now more rigorous, exactingand efficient than we ever have been.Challenging times demand it,’ he stresses.

Coakley & Cox’s team of patterncutters, seamstresses, upholsterers,

A precise artSCP has gone from usingcraftspeople to having itsown UK production facility

Coakley & Cox has been making upholstery for SCP since 1991, fabrics are cut by hand, leather is applied to the frame and buttons are added

UPHOLSTERY


product developers and designers workclosely to create each individual piece offurniture that leaves the factory.

The process of making upholstery is aprecise art. Once designs are completed,a frame is made. This frame has a lifetimeguarantee and is traditionally glued andscrewed together using FSC approvedEuropean hardwood. Once made, zig-zagsprings are applied and the frame isupholstered by hand with natural fibres,

animal hair and wool. The factory usestraditional techniques in this process,little having changed in hundreds ofyears, except an improvement in tools.

Finally, fabric is applied and,depending on the piece, feathercushions are made. Some of the SCPdesigns need to be button upholsteredor hand-pleated, or both, and requireextra attention and time.

‘All of this endeavour results in a very

lovingly made piece of furniture, onethat is fully sustainable, in both thematerials used to make it and in theretention of the skills required to do so,’says Coakley. ‘You find a real familyatmosphere at the factory, it’s a placewhere expertise and knowledge areshared and designs are madecollectively.’Visit: www.scp.co.ukwww.coakleyandcox.co.uk

Lucas armchair by Matthew Hilton and Kenneth sofa by Faudet-Harrison for SCP

UPHOLSTERY NEW PRODUCTS


1 2

3

4

56

1 La-Z-Boy’s handled recliners have an

exclusive new slouch mechanism that allows

reclining in a three-point position. The

handle will be available in the Avenger

(pictured), Houston, Orlando, Georgia and

California ranges, plus the new Vegas

collection.

Visit: www.la-z-boy.co.uk

2 The Kenzie from TCS is one of 10 models

the company has introduced this year. With

its high back and choice of Italian standard

leather and extra thick Italian leathers it adds

a touch of luxury to any room setting,

according to TCS. It is also available in fabric.

Visit: www.tcsimports.com

3 Buoyant Upholstery has expanded into

the motion upholstery sector with several

models including Annex.

Tel: 01282 691 631

4 Cavendish Upholstery’s Coniston is

available with a high or low arm design and

pillow back or high back options. Its

reversible seats and back cushions increase

durability and the four-seater sofa splits for

ease of delivery.

Tel: 01257 479 400

5 The Florence Sofa Group, is one of six

models from the Value Everyday upholstery

collection from East West.

Tel: 0333 344 2140

6 Sitting Pretty is enjoying sales 70% higher

than in 2011, helped by its ability to offer

different designs to both high street and

online retailers including offering any back

cushion on to any arm design for its riser

chairs, including the Dovedale (pictured).

Tel: 01773 717 123

www.greatbritishfurniture.co.uk

Our British furnituremanufacturers arecommitted to providingthe highest levels ofcomfort, safety andquality to their customers– just three of the traitsthat make our GreatBritish furniture ‘great’.

IT IS furniture for any age, style, budget or taste. IT IS for the traditional, contemporary, classical or modern home. IT ISdesired and admired the world over.

Support Britishmanufacturing

Ask if it is Britishor simply look for

the label

ale-Bridgecraft

WOOD AND LAMINATE


Oak is at the heart of Quick-Step’sengineered collection

Oak: still king ofversatility

Oak still reigns supreme as the mostpopular wood variety for engineeredwood flooring. It can be machined into atime-aged, rustic floor to complement aclassic home interior and just as easily belight and trendy to give a modern orcountry-style interior a timeless look. Oakbrings a sense of familiarity around thehome.

For this reason oak is the cornerstoneof Quick-Step’s engineered offer, with 14designs and European white oak as thebase.

The finish and colours of oak floorshave evolved over the years, with warm

browns and greys, the so-called greigescurrently popular. Other favouritesinclude naturals such as sand colours and camel. Such shades are timeless andare easy to combine with variousinteriors.

The success of the reclaimed look ispart of a modern-day longing forauthenticity and natural warmth. Smallcracks, deep grains, worn knots and filledcracks give a sense of reliability andhonesty, while saw cuts evoke artisancraftsmanship.

Quick-Step has developed aninnovative technology for saw cuts that

vary in depth, width and interspace.Sometimes the planks have saw cuts inthe middle with even sides or vice versa.Not a single plank is identical.

Imperio sports 220cm x 22cm planks,with the length creating a sense ofdepth.

Variano is made up of a series of shortplanks with different lengths and widthsfor a reclaimed look.

Four of Villa’s traditional three-stripplank designs have an updated pattern,with the number of strips per plankreduced from 24 to a maximum of nine.Visit: www.quick-step.co.uk

Variano Royal Grey Oak Oiled Imperio Natural Heritage Oak Oiled

Villa


One in four people in the UK do not getenough sleep and more than a quarterregularly suffer from very poor sleep,according to new research.

In January 2013, 5,007 UK adults weresurveyed on behalf of The Sleep Councilfor its Great British Bedtime Report.

The research revealed that mostBritons (70%) sleep for seven hours orless per night, with more than a quarter(27%) regularly experiencing poor qualitysleep. And the number of Britons gettingjust five to six hours per night has risendramatically in the past three years:around a third of us get by on thatamount, compared to 27% in 2010.

While 1% have more than nine hourssleep, 7% have eight to nine hours, 22%seven to eight hours and 30% of peoplehave six to seven hours. A third get fiveto six hours – less than the minimumrecommended amount of six to ninehours. Even worse, 7% have less than fivehours sleep. Of these, a third suffer frominsomnia, one in five (21%) suffer fromdepression and 17% suffer from anxietyor heart disease. This means 40% ofpeople aren’t getting enough sleep.

Almost half (47%) said they are keptawake by stress or anxiety. Partnerdisturbance is the UK’s second mostcommon cause of disturbed sleep,affecting a quarter of Britons. Women aremore likely to be affected than men (31%compared to 19%), suggesting snoringcould be to blame. According to theBritish Snoring & Sleep ApnoeaAssociation, men are twice as likely tosnore as women, with almost half of men snoring by the time they reachmiddle age.

The research says the value of a goodbed to a good night’s sleep is recognised,even if people are reluctant to invest inone. More than one in five Britons thinkthey could improve their sleep by

Sleep:the factsNew research has revealed thetruth about our sleeping habits

BEDS AND BEDROOM

��The average Briton goes to bed at 11.15pm and gets just six hours and 35 minutes sleep per night

DreamLandFunishings

www.dreamlandfurnishings.co.uk

E mail [email protected]

0121 771 3663

Dreamland Beds UK Ltd • Unit 4 • Bertha RoadGreet • Tyseley • Birmingham • B11 2NN

Lunar black

£89.00Elizabeth with crystals

£195.00

Fire4.6 Pocket Sprung Tufted

£65.00

AmarettoAntique Brass or Nickel 4.6.

£169.00


buying a new bed. This is particularlytrue among younger age groups: 26% ofthose aged 25-34 say this is the case,along with 30% of those who live inrented accommodation and don’t own abed. More than a quarter (27%) of thosewho sleep fairly poorly most nights say anew bed would improve their sleep,along with a quarter of those who sufferback pain and 27% of insomniacs.

The survey shows that 72% of peopleare following The Sleep Council’srecommendation and change their bedsat least once every seven years – 31%have replaced their bed in the past twoyears and 24% have kept it for three tofour years. Some 14% of people have hadtheir bed for seven to eight years and thesame amount of respondents have hadtheir bed for more than eight years.

And the older we are the longer wekeep our beds. While just 4% of 25-34year-olds keep their bed for eight years ormore, this rises to 18% for those aged 55-plus. Those earning £75,000-plus also tendto keep beds for longer; 23% keep themfor more than eight years. This could bebecause older people and higher earnersspend more on a good quality bed andexpect it to last for longer.

More than a quarter of Britons (28%)spend as little as £200-£399 on their bed,with a further 24% spending £400-£599.It’s less common to spend less than £200(14%), but around one in ten splash outand spend £600-£700 (11%). Just 8% ofrespondents spend between £1,000 and£2,000, but this rises to almost a quarter(24%) of those earning in excess of£75,000. Just 1% of respondents spentmore than £2,000 on their bed.

Married couples seem more willing toinvest in a comfortable bed with morethan a quarter of them (27%) spending£400-£599, while singles tend to spendaround one third of that amount: 21%paid £100-£199.

This produced an average spend of£583.05, the equivalent of just 21p pernight over a seven-year period.

Kingsize beds are popular, with 31% ofBritons having one. But the traditionaldouble is still Britain’s most widelybought bed (48%). The divan remainsBritain’s most widely bought bed with63% opting for them, compared to abedstead, which is the choice of a thirdof people.Copies of the report are available fromwww.sleepcouncil.org.uk

BEDS AND BEDROOM

Some 31% of women are affected by partner disturbance

NumbersAccording to the report:

21p is the average cost per night spenton a new bed

11.15pm is the average time a Britongoes to bed

13% of respondents were bothered byan uncomfortable bed

31% have taken medication to tacklesleeping poorly

10% have visited their doctor to tacklesleeping poorly

40% of respondents aren’t gettingenough sleep

REGISTER

ONLINE

BEDS AND BEDROOM


More light is being shed onthe importance of REM sleep

Applianceof science

‘People are becoming more and more aware of the importanceof getting a good night’s sleep,’ says Neil Robinson, Sealy UKmarketing director. ‘Many now recognise that although a lot ofthis is about having a good bed to sleep on, it’s also about theactual quality of sleep achieved.’

Recent international medical research has cast light on twoissues of particular interest on this topic.

A study at the University of California, where it has adedicated sleep and neuroimaging laboratory, has been lookingat how important deep sleep is for performance in both youngand older people. Even if both groups rested for the sameamount of time, the study found that older people enjoyed farless deep slumber, known as REM sleep.

Prof Matthew Walker, principal investigator, comments: ‘Howbad the quality of deep sleep enjoyed by those in the tests wasdirectly predictive of how poor their memory would be the nextday.’

The key to having a really good day at the office, withoutforgetting too many important facts and figures, or maybe justkeeping those senior moments to a minimum, is improving thequality of sleep so that more people become deeper sleepers.

Scientists at the London Sleep Centre have found thatalthough alcohol may help you fall asleep quicker, the higheryour consumption of alcohol, the less REM sleep you get. In

addition, sleep will be restless, so although after a night out youmay flake out for the first few hours, the rest of the night will bedisrupted. The following day, you’ll not only have a hangover,but because of the lack of quality sleep, concentration, motorskills and, of course, memory will suffer from poor performance.

Robinson says Sealy is helping retailers get this messageabout the importance of deeper sleeping across to theircustomers with the rolling out of its in-store Sleep Studios.

The Sleep Studios carry all the key information about thebenefits of buying a Sealy bed, for example the PosturepedicZonal Support System and Smart Fibres technology which helpspeople slumber more deeply by guaranteeing a sleepenvironment that is cool, fresh, dry and hypoallergenic.Visit: www.sealy.co.uk

Good REMsleep isvital for all

EXCEL LONDON 19-21 MAY

2013

Organised by/ PART OF THE MAY DESIGN SERIES / 19-21 MAY 2013 EXCEL LONDON

As part of London’s exciting new contract event, The May Design Series, INTERIORS LDN presents the most inspirational interiors products for the mid-to high-end market.

Exhibitors include Boca Do Lobo, Deadgood, Deirdre Dyson, Rolf Benz, Sharon Marston, Timorous Beasties and many more.

Register now for your free ticket (and save the £40 entry fee) quoting invitation code INT26. www.interiorsldn.com

BEDS AND BEDROOM


Rest Assured has revamped its online presence

Just three clicksRest Assured is supporting retailers with a new look consumerwebsite that allows customers to find the bed they want anddirect them to a stockist in just three clicks.

According to a survey by Radius GMR, consumers areincreasingly turning to online sources to research and plan theirnext purchase, with 76% of respondents saying they usedonline information to inform their last purchase.

The enhanced functionality of Rest Assured’s website isaimed at supporting this new customer journey by giving themthe option to search for specific bed features; narrowing theirproduct search by size, firmness, fillings and specific needs.Customers are then directed to a local or online retailer thatstocks the product they have selected.

Some 72% of consumers said they trust online reviews asmuch as personal recommendations, while 52% said positiveonline reviews make them more likely to use a local business,found the survey.

With customer reviews fast becoming an integral part of thepurchasing process, and underlining the brand’s commitmentto customer service and quality control, an enhanced customerreview section now features more than 400 customer reviewswith almost all beds receiving four out of five stars.

Sally Hotchin, Rest Assured brand manager, says: ‘Our newcustomer website has been revamped specifically with ourretailers and customers in mind. The new features will ensurecustomers can find a product that is right for them and buy itfrom their choice of retailer. Our stockists benefit as all traffic tothe website is efficiently directed into a purchasingenvironment, which is important for us as we don’t sell RestAssured direct to consumers.’

The new website features Rest Assured’s 13 model EloquenceCollection which is available exclusively from independentretailers.Visit: www.rest-assured.co.uk

Consumers can find their bed and local stockist onlinewhere there are more than 400 consumer reviews

Left: Eloquence Collection Memory Luxury 800

BEDS AND BEDROOM


CKids is designed to restoreorder to children’s bedrooms

Tidy rooms

Although children may not have the largestbedrooms, they can create the most mess.

Which is why Caxton created CKids, a children’sbedroom collection that combines robustconstruction and good looks with intelligent storagesolutions, ensuring that all the toys and clothes canbe neatly stowed away.

In a white and grey PVC finish, CKids can bepersonalised with brightly coloured handles asstandard and there is also a range of trendy-coloured door and drawer options suitable for boysand girls.

CKids uses space well with a range of wardrobeand cupboard options as well as desk, storage andshelf units that integrate easily to provide variousconfigurations. And with two bed heights, parentscan be sure that kids will take longer to grow out ofthem.

The overall benefit of CKids is a children’sbedroom collection that is stylish and practical at acompetitive price point, according to the company.

‘Add to this the benefits of buying British – anefficient and flexible UK based manufacturingfacility renowned for offering consistency of quality,rapid delivery and unrivalled support – and you cansee why we believe that CKids is the future for us,our retailers, and their customers,’ says MarkWoodberry, WBH md.Visit: www.caxtonfurnitureonline.co.uk

The CKidscollection fromCaxton, withcolour options

AM UK � 24 Lintot Square, Fairbank Road � Southwater, West Sussex RH13 9LA Phone 01403-734999 � Fax 01403-734888 � [email protected]

a u t h en t

i c mo d e l s . c o m

BEDS AND BEDROOM


East West has unveiledits bedroom collection

Meetingpoint

East West has launched its first bedroom designs. The Vietnam-produced ranges are part of its Value Everyday collection.

‘Oakleigh, also available for the dining room, is a must-have,simple oak collection for the modern home. It has acombination of oak solids and veneers in a natural lacquerfinish,’ says Mark Symes, East West md.

The Lynx ottoman storage bed has a gas lift operation and isavailable in numerous colours.

‘These products represent the high volume value end of ourproduct range. Our designers are working on our higher endcollections where the emphasis is more on style but still withthat fundamental value tag that will become our mantra at EastWest,’ says Symes.

These include Como, which has a choice of three, five, six andseven-drawer chests.East West, tel: 0333 344 2140

Top: Oakleigh

Above: Lynx

Left: Mark Symes

LVT


UK shoppers are increasingly opting for designs previouslytargeted at continental Europe, according to LVT manufacturerModuleo, with open-plan living driving the increase inpopularity.

‘The increasing desire to adapt to contemporary open-planliving in the home, has led to an increase in demand forModuleo’s European styles. Lighter colours of wood, stone andconcrete are particularly in vogue, as they create an open andairy feel in any room,’ says David Bigland, Moduleo UK andRepublic of Ireland md.

This latest trend has led to an increase in sales of thecompany’s lightest shades across the product range includingClassic Oak, Ethnic Wenge, Concrete and Sicilian Slate. With

Seeingthe lliigghhttThe UK is increasingly followingcontinental European trends

Ethnic Wenge

Baltic Maple

LVT


parent company IVC operating across Europe, Moduleo is wellpositioned to notice fluctuations in buying patterns.

‘In line with the trend for cooler colours, we have also noticeda high demand for our wider planks and larger tiles. TheEuropean market has been working with larger flooringproducts for some time, and it seems the UK market is now hoton its heels. These larger planks and tiles can create a fresh,modern canvas and accentuate open space in even the smallestenvironments,’ Bigland says.

Moduleo’s Select plank measures 163mm x 988 mm, and theTransform plank 196mm x 1320mm. These larger planks arealigned with continental fashions and can help to create theillusion of greater space in any room.

‘At the end of this month we are launching an even larger tilesize in our Transform range in selected colours. This tile will be246mm x 1498mm and really emphasises the natural look andfeel of the product while providing a great scale for the tilepattern to be at its optimum,’ he says.

For consumers looking to get on-trend quickly with minimaleffort, it is worth considering the range of Click products,Bigland suggests. Manufactured with patented push-downtechnology, each piece of Click flooring simply locks directlyinto place, giving the same aesthetic qualities as a traditionalinstallation but without adhesive.

‘LVT flooring allows consumers to choose any variety ofcolours and finishes. The European trend for cool-colouredflooring and unusual woods has clearly migrated to the UKmarket and this is something we expect will continue,’ Biglandadds.Moduleo, tel: 01332 851 500

Latin Pine

Country Oak

LVT


Polyflor’s Camaro and Colonia reflect nature’s finest surfaces

Heading for homeWhile better known for its extensive contract offer, Polyflor’sCamaro and Colonia collections have been developed with thehome firmly in mind.

‘Following extensive design, trend and performance research,the collections of authentic, creative and practical floorcoverings are sure to enhance any home interior. Offered in anauthentic range of vinyl tile and plank sizes, each item is basedon the natural allure and beauty of wood, stone, slate andmarble,’ says Tom Rollo, Polyflor marketing manager.

The Camaro collection was developed by a team of artistsand experienced product designers. From Classic Oak andSmoke Brushed Elm to White Oilshale and Classic Limestone,each of the 15 wood and 15 stone authentic finishes have beendesigned to replicate the beauty of nature’s finest surfaces,mirroring their subtle shades and textures.

Affordable and design focused, Colonia features detailedwood and stone effects. The 10 wood designs accuratelyrepresent timber variations, grains and knots, with classic andon-trend finishes including oak, elm, walnut, maple and alder,says Rollo. The eight stone designs include glazed ceramic,contemporary limestone, rustic cottage stone and slate finishes.

‘The Camaro and Colonia collections combine aestheticelegance with a hardwearing, easy to clean design, allowingthem to look great for longer and reducing the amount ofcleaning and maintenance typically needed for natural stoneand wood flooring,’ says Rollo.

To enhance the effect, Camaro and Colonia arecomplemented with a range of accessories. Grouting andMarquetry strips can be laid between tiles and planks and areavailable in realistic stone grout and wood colours.

Polyflor also offers a bespoke cutting service where planksand tiles can be cut into different sizes allowing more ambitiousand sophisticated designs to be created. Polyflor’s website –www.polyflorathome.com – has examples of such designs. Polyflor, tel: 0161 767 2551

Colonia Natural Limestone Featuring Ice Grouting Strip and a central sectionof Virginia Walnut

Colonia Cottage Yorkstone inlaid with Classic Oak Marquetry Strip Camaro White Limed Oak with Ice Grouting Strip

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Putting on the styleAdore has added to its offerAdore Style is the latest collection from Adore, offering thesame finish as the proven Adore Touch range but asa dry back LVT in plank and tile designs.

Featuring a 0.3mm wear layer, 2mm thickness and 15-year

warranty, Adore Style is suitable for both homes andcommercial areas. Ten plank designs and five tile designs areavailable. Adore: tel: 01675 433 075

LUXURY VINYL TILES FORHOME INTERIORS

NEW

If you aspire towards a living space fit for a King, Colonia is here.

We believe that good design should be affordable as well as practical and aesthetically

pleasing. Our clear focus is on quality, design and performance and these ideals form the

foundation of the Colonia flooring collection. Inspired by the natural world around us, we

have carried out extensive research & development to ensure we offer a range of beautiful,

desirable and practical floorcoverings, ideally styled for a wide range of home interiors.

www.polyflorathome.com www.polyflor.com

Kings Oak with Natural Oak and Walnut Marquetry strip

TRANSPORT


Safe deliveries

Specialist furniture logistics companyAndrew Porter is helping companiesreduce their damage rate for deliverieswhere the manufacturer or importer isusing third party warehousing anddistribution.

The firm works with some of theindustry’s leading names, including La-Z-Boy, Duresta, Parker Knoll andCavendish Upholstery, and its innovativewarehousing system is provingincreasingly popular with manufacturersof all sizes throughout the UK andIreland, according to Tim Aspey, AndrewPorter md.

‘Because we operate a single, purpose-built warehouse from which orders areconsolidated and delivered, there isnever any double handling of products,which can typically lead to damage. Thissystem is combined with a meticulousattention to detail and the use ofspecialist handling equipment, such asdock levellers and furniture trolleys, toensure the highest possible standards of

is never any double handling of goodsbeing delivered to stores, meaning oneless thing for our customers to worryabout,’ he says.

One of Andrew Porter’s latest clients isWestbridge Furniture Designs. After athree-month trial, Westbridge, whichproduces about 2,000 sofas a week,appointed it to make around 200deliveries each week to independentretailers throughout the UK. Certainhigh-end ranges produced byWestbridge require sensitive handling.

‘After meeting with Westbridge welooked in detail at the company’srequirements, the type of productswhich were to be delivered and thepackaging and equipment which wouldbe most appropriate to use duringhandling,’ explains Aspey.

‘We also invited managers to view our purpose-built furniture warehouseand specialist equipment so they could be confident we had the capacity and capability to meet all of

care for customers’ products in thecompany’s care,’ he says.

For retail deliveries the company offersa pay-as-you-use warehousing service,providing flexibility to handle varyinglevels of stock and eliminating fixedwarehousing overheads. This helpscustomers manage their outgoingseffectively, which can make a hugedifference in the current economicclimate. Deliveries are planned andscheduled on the manufacturer’s behalfto meet specified deadlines.

‘We understand the wide-rangingimpact that damaged goods can have fora manufacturer so have invested timeand money into ensuring that ourpolicies for preventing damage are firstclass,’ explains Aspey.

‘If products are being unloaded,moved and then reloaded through anetwork of regional depots, thisobviously puts them at greater risk ofbecoming damaged. Because of the wayour warehouse and fleet operates, there

Andrew Porter says eliminating double handling reduces damage

Andrew Porter has a fleet of 55 trucks

TRANSPORT


their delivery needs,’ he says.Nigel Holifield, Westbridge operations

director, says: ‘It gives us great peace ofmind to know that our products arebeing delivered safely with highprofessional standards. Andrew Portertook the time to listen carefully to ourneeds and we have been very impressedwith its industry knowledge, proactiveideas and attention to detail.’

Andrew Porter operates one of thelargest purpose-built furniture storagewarehouses and distribution centres inthe country, comprising more than300,000sqft of general warehousing and35,000sqft of high bay pallet storagespace with more than 7,000 palletlocations in Adlington, Lancashire. Itsfleet of 55 vehicles carries out in theregion of 2,500 furniture retail deliveriesper week, as well as around 800 homedeliveries throughout the UK andRepublic of Ireland. The company is thisyear celebrating its 40th year in business.Andrew Porter, tel: 0800 389 1222

The warehouse has more than 7,000 pallet locations

There is no double handling of goods

SOFTWARE


It isn’t just fashion that changes to keepup with trends, software for retailers alsoneeds upgrading.

‘We are constantly sending outupdated service facilities to ourcustomers. But we have just sent out thebiggest upgrade for years with a fantasticnew feature that will make everyretailer’s life simpler, more cost efficientand infinitely better managed,’ reckonsStephen Smith, Retailsystem.com ceo.

The new service is, in simple terms, aninteractive scheduler, a sort of virtualcalendar that will help retailers doanything and everything for all theirscheduling, delivery, transportation andplanning by store, by warehouse facility,by area, by van routeing, postcode or by

whatever parameter is needed at a giventime, he says.

‘The beauty of this particular calendaris that it gives you a complete, real timepicture of exactly what is happeningwithin your choice of display, such asdelivery schedules, where and when they are at this moment in time and acomprehensive stock picking list for thevan load levels in each and every storageoperation,’ he explains.

Smith describes it as having acompletely interactive blackboard whichis automatically kept instantly up to dateand any information needed can becalled up.

It also allows days to be locked off, forexample, when a transport operation is

full and any more additions by sales staffpromising delivery on that day wouldmean overbooking and potentiallydisappointing customers.

‘This interactive scheduler iscompletely transparent so that all staffcan have access to it, but don’t worry; it’sup to you to decide who can actuallychange it,’ says Smith.

The system has been designed tomake the most of the touchscreen, dragand drop facility available from Windows8, but will work with other operatingsystems, simply using the mouse to whizthe relevant screens, pictures, lists andtiming charts around the screen to suitindividual needs.Visit: www.retailsystem.com

Who? What?Where and

when?Whether it is deliveries orstock levels, the latest‘interactive blackboard’scheduler fromRetailsystem.com keepsretailers updated

WO

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A revolutionary tool totransform your sales process

formpro

iForm Pro will automate your sales forms on an iPad. The solution is cost effective, easy to deploy and runs for a fixed monthly fee.

Forms can be handwritten on the device and a pdf copy of your forms can be stored on your solution in just 15 seconds.

No paperwork, no scanning, no admin!

Improve the personal service in your retail outlets or field based sales activities.

To see how iFormPro can work for your business we are offering a Free, no-obligation trial for 30 Days! Contact us on the number below for more information.

www.iformpro.co.uk

01606 818 930

Handwritten forms to data

Cost effective

All forms real-time

Pre-populate forms with order information

Remove Print, postage and admin costs

Attach photographs and Voice memo’s to forms

Implemented in just 5 days

Can be integrated into your back-office system

SOFTWARE


From estimating to order, thereis software to cope

Making lifeeasier forretailers

Mayne Computer Technology’s Mosaicsystem is designed for all types and sizesof carpet and flooring companies, fromindependent retailers through multi-branch retailers and distributors, up tomulti-national manufacturers.

The Windows-based system allowsusers to choose the modules theyrequire, both initially and in the future asthe requirements of the business change.

Modules include estimating andplanning, sales order processing, stockmanagement, sales and purchase ledger,complaints, fitters’ diary, managementinformation, samples, electronic datainterchange, warehouse automation,product catalogue, online sales andtouchscreen order entry. A seven-daytrial is available online.

Mayne specialises in computer systemsfor the furnishing and floorcoveringindustries and has ISO9002 qualitystandards accreditation. It offers a rangeof services including consultancy,hardware supply, networking, software,installation, training, maintenance andongoing support.

Its latest offerings include a POSmodule for retailers which covers all thedaily functions such as checking stock,raising orders, printing quotes andinvoices, processing payments andarranging fitting.

This and the full Mosaic system is nowavailable to run Cloud-based with a smalldeposit and a monthly fee, enablingretailers to enjoy all the benefits withoutthe need for software downloads orcostly installation charges. Full support isincluded.

Also featured are: a link to Sage forthose users who want to keep theirexisting accounts software but would likeall the benefits of the Mayne orderprocessing and stock control; a fitters’diary using all the benefits and flexibilityof Outlook linked directly to Mosaic; keyfactor monitoring – a new easy-to view

graphical analysis of key business factorssuch as order intake, margins anddebtors available daily; and a simple-to-use Customer Relations Managementmodule allowing the user to manage thecustomer interface from initial contactwith the customer through to sales.Visit: www.maynetechnology.co.uk

Home and awayMasterpiece Systems will show three versions of the MasterPiece planning andestimating software at next month’s Buying Groups’ National Flooring Show. Theentry level version will be available with a 20% discount when ordered at theevent on 15 May at Cranmore Park, West Midlands.

Also on display will be the Selling in the Home version that allows measuring,planning and costing straight on to the screen in the customer’s home and the Commercial/Contracts version which can import PDF/CAD floorplans and do the ‘take off’ by tracing round. A free 30-day trial of the base version isavailable online.Visit: www.masterpiece-system.com

Stock can betracked and keyinformation canbe easilyanalysed

T: 01782 562522

F: 01782 562299

E: [email protected]

W: www.maynetechnology.com

Unit 13b, Brindley Court,

Lymedale Business Park

Newcastle-under-Lyme

Staffordshire, ST5 9QH

We have a dedicated Installation and Support Team,

so contact us today to arrange a no obligation

7 day free trial and quote.

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Paperless form-filling can now be be achieved with an iPad

Goodbye paperwork

limits and client’s forms can be automated in a matter of days,he explains.

In just 15 seconds iForm Pro will return totally accurate formsfrom showroom or field based staff and it will remove all formpostage and return to base costs as well as all paper scanningand data entry costs that are usually associated with paperforms.

‘iForm Pro is incredibly easy and intuitive to use. Users cancomplete a form in seconds using standard tablet features suchas date selectors, dropdown option lists and check boxes.Handwritten information can also be entered as an alternativeto keyboard data entry if preferred,’ says Sant.

iForm Pro offers the following additional features as standard: ● Form Fill Technology prepopulates forms with informationsent via email which, when opened by the user, creates aspecific form containing all the information required.● Intelligent Template technology enables forms to performautomated calculations for tables such as expense claims, salesorders and pro-forma invoices.● Location Services, captures accurate form locationinformation (GPS data), allowing the location at which a formwas completed to be plotted on Google Maps.● Assured Data means the form can be reviewed prior tosubmission and the validation feature guarantees the return of100% accurate information.Visit: www.iformpro.co.uk

A new sales reporting tool – iForm Pro – can run automatedsales order forms on an iPad and transform in-store customerservice levels and streamline the sales process.

‘The solution is portable and completely non-intrusive.Customers are comfortable with a sales agent using a tablet tocomplete an order form with the customer. The handwritingelement of the solution also makes it a natural experience forthe customer when they use the technology to enter theirpersonal details and sign for the order,’ says John Sant, FootprintSolutions ceo.

iForm Pro technology is useful for busy furniture showroomsas it is portable and sales paperwork can be completed at anyposition in the showroom, he says. The sales agent can quicklycomplete order details using menus as they would normally useon the iPad and a stylus can be used to enter details by handand for the customer to digitally sign the order.

‘The solution has been very well received by our existingclients. It’s a far more relaxing sales process to complete theorder details while the customer is sat on the furniture ratherthan have the sales agent escort the customer back to an officeto complete their order. All aspects of the order can becompleted, including items such as delivery or credit,’ says Sant.

The flexibility of iFormPro is further enhanced asphotographs and voice memos can be captured and attachedto the form.

For fitters of flooring, kitchens, fitted bedrooms andbathrooms, the software can be used to assess a job, capturephotographs of the room and highlight any issues that mayaffect the installation to head office immediately. Photographsof any damage discovered at the time of delivery can also besent back.

The cost-effective solution operates for a fixed monthly feealmost like a business mobile phone. There are no transaction

iForm Pro workson iPads andAndroid tablets

OUTDOOR


Stylish ideas for the garden

A breath offresh air

Fendi’s Deauville collection has beenexpanded with a double daybed featuring awhite lined mattress and navy blue pinstripefabric cushions. Visit: www.fendi.com/en/fendi-casa

The washable outdoor rugs by Patricia Urquiola for Kettalare made from Nido d’Ape, a three-dimensional braidedPVC fabric with breathability and resistance to rubbing,external agents and ultraviolet rays.Visit: www.kettal.es

Minotti’s Alison Iroko Outdoor is an outdoor version of its 2006 sofa, including stainlesssteel tips on the legs. Visit: www.minotti.com

Triconfort has returned to casting for its Paola Navone designedOblo collection, using aluminium rather than iron. Visit: www.triconfort.com

Oxley’s specialises in classical all-weather furniture in sandcast aluminium, includingthe Luxor. Each piece of furniture is finished to clients’ particular requirements of sizeand finish. Oxley’s, tel: 01386 840 466

The First place to seenext year's designs

Image courtesy of Westminster Furniture

8-10 July 2013NEC Birmingham

website: www.lofa.com/solextelephone: 01243 839593e-mail: [email protected]

PREVIEW


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am

The outdoor living event is relocating

Bigger showmoves tothe NECAfter five successful years, the Summer Outdoor LivingExhibition (Solex) has outgrown the Telford International Centreand is moving to Birmingham’s NEC for the 8-10 July event.

Organised by the Leisure and Outdoor Furniture Association,it was going to take place in Hall 4 but such has been thedemand from exhibitors it will now use Hall 5, the venue’slargest hall. Having all exhibitors in one hall should make iteasier for visitors to find the products and stands they areinterested in.

A New Product gallery of members’ latest products will formthe entrance to the show, giving members the opportunity toshowcase to visitors their new designs for 2014.

‘There are many old friends exhibiting at the show, as well asa number of new entrants in the market and this is the first

opportunity to see the new designs for 2014. If you only go toone show with outdoor furniture and barbecues this year, makeit Solex, the number one show for outdoor living,’ says PhilGibbs, LOFA secretary.

The Enterprise zone gives new candidate companies theopportunity to show their products to buyers and get a foot onthe ladder to membership of LOFA and a space in the full show.

The on-site hotel, the Crowne Plaza has special rates for allvisitors to the show.

There is free car parking for all visitors at the NEC, as well asgood rail and air links from all over the country and other partsof Europe.Visitors can pre-register at www.lofa.co.uk/solex/register.htmlTel: 01243 839 593

The event is moving from Telford to the NEC

PREVIEW


Prop

oste 7-9 M

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bio, Italy

Coming of ageThe cream of European furnishing fabric companies will gather for the 21st time

Next month 98 of Europe’s top furnishing fabric and curtainmanufacturers will congregate at Villa Erba, Cernobbio, Italy, asProposte takes place for the 21st time.

This year Spanish company Crevin and Italian producerAngelo Vasino will be taking part for the first time.

As has been the case since its foundation, the show willconcentrate on quality fabrics: at the 2012 event 15% ofproducts were extra-luxury, 59% high-end, 20% medium and6% described as plains.

The UK is the second most important market for Proposteexhibitors, behind the USA and ahead of Germany and France.

About 80% of the products sold at the show are aimed at thedomestic market.

Shuttles will run to and from the show from Milan’s Linateand Malpensa airports, Piazza Castello in Milan and Como.Visit: www.propostefair.it

There are regular shuttles to Villa Erba

In 2012 6,363 visitors attended The show will help set fabric trends

The show concentrates on the high end

Almost 100 companies will take part

WOOL


Wool House showed what can be done with this natural material

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The Campaign for Wool’s Wool House event, at Somerset House incentral London from 13-24 March highlighted the many uses of wool,from interiors to fashion. Nine rooms highlighted a host of interiorsproducts selected by leading designers.Visit: www.campaignforwool.org

Adorned in sheep’s clothing

Contemporary shapes: Anne Kyyro Quinn created the ModernRoom. The brief was to create a contemporary living spaceusing bold colour and strong shapes to show how modernwool can feel. Her work with felted wool, cutting and folding toadd texture, is instantly recognisable and her three-dimensional stripes are emphasised by the curved wall. Thebold colour is striking in an off-white room. Blinds were madeby recycling the waste felt after Quinn cut out petal shapes.The wall panels and flooring are also by Anne Kyyro Quinn.Welcome: The

entrance lobbyfeatured a boldblack and whitecarpet made byAlternative Flooringand designed byArabella McNie,who curated andstyled the eventwith assistancefrom Jo Bailey. TheMammoth chairwas upholstered inMongolianLonghaired Sheepwool by AmySomerville, the wallhanging was a rugby AlexanderMcQueen for TheRug Companywhile the wallfeature was byKvadrat. The InfinityRunner wasdesigned byCristian Zuzunagaand made byBrintons.

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Drawing on nature: Fox Linton Associates created the Classic Drawing Room. Itwas asked to design an elegant drawing room using the most luxurious wools.The colour palette of navy, soft blue and white is classic and stylish, offset bycopper accessories. The satin weave of the walling and curtain fabric lends asubtle sheen while the boucle wool on the armchair is reminiscent of a Chanel

suit. Simple detailing is all that is needed.The 100% wool Field rug is by Stepevi, thesofa is by Fox Linton and is upholstered inFox Linton White Wool Satin, the Slooparmchair by Amy Somerville isupholstered in Misan fabrics and thecurtains and in Wool Sateen glace indigofrom Holland & Sherry, bordered withSilkwood 1942-10 from Sahco.

Ethnic inspiration: Arabella McNie created the Snug. ‘I wanted to create a space that showed how the ethnicheritage of wool can be used in a contemporary way. I tookas my inspiration a wonderful antique kelim from centralTurkey, which forms the centrepiece for this room scheme. I have used a mixture of plain and patterned upholsteryfrom mainstream collections, that evoke the style of weaves that can be found all over the world. Two of thecushions were made using fragments from a 19th centuryhand-woven tribal kelim, and the wool braid trim wouldhave been used on a nomadic Uzbek yurt,’ she says. The rugis by Susan Deliss, the sofa by David Seyfried is upholsteredin Cottesmore Aubergine by Zoffany, the Belgravearmchairs are by David Seyfried and upholstered inHolmwood Smoke by Johnstons of Elgin, stools are byDavid Seyfried and upholstered in Kinloch Pelangi byOsborne and Little.

Suits men: Ashley Hicks’ brief was to design a man’s study,incorporating suiting wools for a tailored look. He took the idea of aclassic English Savile Row suit, incorporating flashes of strong colour asyou might with suit linings, braces or a handkerchief. He designed theChain carpet, made by Alternative Flooring and the Descartes sofa, inGranite Soft Wool, is from Sofa.com.

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Children’s wonderland:Donna Wilson’s brief was tocreate a fantastical nurserythat would feed a child’simagination. Herwonderland scheme oftrees and sky, clouds andraindrops comes alive withthe three-dimensionalleaves on the walls. Feltwalling is warm to thetouch, and the dotty rugmakes a great play area.The forest felt walling,designed by Wilson, wassupplied by Wernekinck.Alternative Flooring’s Dottyrug and Wool Knot Snugglecarpet are used on thefloor, the blinds are MeltonWool from Moon, theErnest pouffe and Eadiearmchair are by Wilson forSCP, the Sleepi Cot is byStokki for Natural Mat, theChanging Pad is fromNatural Mat and the bedfrom Vi-Spring.

Dreamland: Known forher hotel designs, KitKemp created theBedroom. Her scheme isa combination of colour,pattern and texture, withher trademark plainerboiled wools embellishedwith embroidery andappliqué. Even the woolfabric for the walling hasa stitch pattern to it. Thewalling fabric is byKvadrat Maharam, thePatran carpet, inivory,100% wool is byJacaranda Carpets, Kempdesigned the Egg & Dartrug for Christopher Farr,the bed is by Vi-Springand the embroideredheadboard is by PippaCaley.

Country retreat: Theidea behind JosephineRyan’s Natural Roomwas to have a countryfeel, using morenaturally coloured andcoarser textured woolsinstead of hertrademark linens.Inspired by her Celticroots, she used oldAran jumpers forupholstery and a mixof knit and weavetextures to create alayered interior. Warmbrowns add a richtone to the moreneutral palette ofgreys and creams. It

uses Crucial Trading’s Sisal Small Boucle Classics carpet, a wood shelvingunit from Katherine Pole, rugs from Josephine Ryan Antiques, the benchseat cushion from Designers Guild with stuffing supplied by The WoolRoom; the curtains are from Ardalanish Isle of Mull Weavers and thecushion fabrics are from Linwood, Sequana and Camira. The Aran Jumperchairs are by Champ Upholstery and Vintage Clothes.

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The Buying Groups’ National FlooringShow returns to Cranmore Park in theWest Midlands next month with 65exhibitors and the event open toFlooring One members on 14 May and allbuying group members on 15 May.

From Adam Carpets is the Artistryrange, a 100% wool loop made on itsunique ‘servo’ tufting machine. The1/10th gauge carpet comes in 16modern colours and 4m and 5m widths.

Adore will show Adore Style, the dryback version of its LVT.

Anglo Recycling Technology willhighlight its Crumbwool carpet underlay,

made from 100% recycled materials. Ituses offcuts from British carpet factoriesthat is turned into felt and thencombined with recycled rubber tyres,saving hundreds of tonnes of new carpetfrom going to landfill. It was developedwith the assistance of Carpet RecyclingUK and has been endorsed by Wools ofNew Zealand.

Carpet Recycling UK will show thebenefits of responsible disposalalternatives for post-consumer and cleaninstallation carpet waste.

Computers for Flooring is displaying itsCarman management software. The

cloud-hosted Carman gives centraliseddata in real time without the need for ITinfrastructure.

Flock will show its current six plain andsix patterned carpets while triallingprospective designs.

Forbo’s Surestep Wood Decibel rangehas been designed to provide R10 slipresistance underfoot while offering 17dBimpact sound reduction. Available in 2m,3m and 4m widths, its eight designsmatch Surestep Wood vinyl.

Gaskell’s Kennington is a 100% wooltwo-ply loop pile in a range of colours,with coordinating plains in the sister

Coming togetherHighlights of the Solihull show in May

Above: Adore StyleBelow: Gaskell’s Kennington

Above: Vorwerk’s ModenaBelow: Mohawk’s Everstrand

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range, Charing Cross, and is available in a4m width.

Kenton Floors will show Vusta Vitesse,which uses a magnetic underlay forquicker installation without adhesive.

The Discovery, Endeavour, ShootingStar, Canyon and Grand Canyon styles ofEverStrand carpet from Mohawk are nowavailable as rolls.

Papilio’s 2013 launches will make theirUK show debut, including rugs withmetal studs, recycled materials andcrocheting.

Parador will show 15 new engineered wood floors and 28

new laminate finishes.Ulster Carpets’ Glenavy and Glenmoy

will be enhanced with four new productswhile five colourways will be added toUlster Velvet.

Vorwerk will highlight its Fascinationcollection, which has 417 variations.

Whitestone Weavers is showcasingseveral new initiatives including theintroduction of coordinating stripes in1m, 4m and 5m widths in selectedranges; product launches; and refreshed,fashion-led colour banks in some of thecompany’s bestsellers.Visit: www.bgnfs.co.uk

ExhibitorsAbingdon, Adam Carpets, Adore, A La Carte, Alternative Flooring,Amtico International, AngloRecycling, Asiatic, AssociatedWeavers, Axminster Carpets, Ball &Young, Bond Worth, Brink andCampman, Brintons, Brockway,Bronte, Bruce Starke, Carpenter,Carpet Recycling UK, Causeway,Cavalier, Computers for Flooring,Cormar, Crucial Trading, DemartRugs, Edel Telenzo, Elliott Anti-Slip,Flock, Flooring Guild, Forbo, Furlong,Gaskell, Gooch, Hall’s, Hand MadeCarpets, Heuga Home Foundations,Interfloor, Karndean, Kenton Floors,Kersaint Cobb, Kingsmead, Kleen-texIndustries, Lano Carpets, Manx,Mastercraft Rugs, MasterpieceSystems, Mohawk, Mr Tomkinson,Oriental Weavers, Papilio PradoRugs, Parador, Pergo, Rama, RugMaker, Ryalux, Turtle Mat, Ulster,Ultimate Rug Company, Victoria,Vorwerk, Westex, WhitestoneWeavers, Thomas Witter, WoodwardGrosvenor, Wool Carpet Companyand Wools of New Zealand.

Above: Whitestone Weavers’ CountyBelow: Forbo’s Surestep Wood Decibel

Above: Ulster’s Ulster VelvetBelow: Adam’s Artistry

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Nurturing talentThe Furniture Design Awardcelebrated its 20th anniversary

WINNER Designers category, Piotr Saladra, Poland Hive and ArtichokeThe Hive (above) is made from more than 1,600 pale grey crocheted linenshapes. Materials used are either 100% natural linen or recycled twine.Besides being made from materials that are environmentally friendly, thebuilding process of Monomoka furniture is also environmentally friendly as itdoes not implicate any machine or industrial works. It is traditionalhandcraft. The Artichoke (below) is a flower-shaped pouffe made of 156crocheted orange and yellow polyester shapes. The materials used are againeither 100% natural linen or any recycled twine. As with The Hive, Artichokeis entirely environmentally friendly.

Merit prize Designers category, Min Chen, Atelier Chen Min, ChinaGong Shelf SystemA modular shelving system consisting of three metal sticks that are verticalto one another. This element can be used to build a shelf that can fit into anyshape and environment. The possibilities are infinite. Special cut plastic ormetal boards can fit between the sticks to support all kinds of objects. Dueto its unique formation, the Gong Shelf System not only allows the user tocustomise the shelf with a multitude of colour combinations, it also leaves anunfinished image like architecture still in construction.

The Furniture Design Award, organised by the Singapore FurnitureIndustries Council, celebrated its 20th anniversary with 343 entrants, anincrease of 55%, from 31 countries.

Held in conjunction with the International Furniture Fair Singapore, theidea behind the awards was to develop and nurture both local andoverseas design talents. This year’s theme was Co-exist.

‘Over the past 20 years, FDA has gained recognition as an internationaldesign competition of repute,’ says Simon Ong, SFIC SingaPlural and DesignDevelopment chairman. ‘This year we celebrate FDA’s 20th anniversary witha special showcase from our past winners. I am proud to witness theopportunities and success that FDA winners have achieved. I have nodoubt that the winners this year will follow the same growth anddevelopment path in their design careers,’ he says.

From the five finalists in the Designers category, Piotr Saladra’s Hivecame out on top, winning the Polish designer £5,265 and a stand at nextyear’s IFFS. Min Chen’s Gong won the Merit prize.

In the Students category, Diaz Adisastomo’s Common chair won him£526.Visit: www.iffs.com.sg

Finalist Designerscategory, Sim MiaoLing, SingaporeShoehorn Umbrella StandInspired by shoe hornsand umbrella stands.Multiple curved edgesof the umbrella standallow for a singleshoehorn to blend insubtly. Flat disc magnetsensure the Shoehornsnaps back into placeand stays securely there.

Finalist Designers category, George Soo, Fliq, SingaporeGenterie and Nouveau (above)Both use a thin steel frame to save on space, as well as explorethe eco-friendly felt material as a side panel. Loose fabric at thebase allows easy storage under the sofa. While the Genterieuses cushions that have fatter profiles representing prosperityand ostentatiousness, the Nouveau uses cushions with thinnerprofiles, representing modern luxury and understatedelegance.

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Finalist Students category, Patpimon Onplui, Silpakorn University,Thailand Co-AxisBased on the idea of living together by sharing the same part and taking uplittle space, the Co-Axis is a series of versatile shelving systems made from asolid oak cantilever and folded aluminum sheet components. To beadaptable to the user’s needs, the folded aluminium sheet components areeasily attached and removed, assembled by nuts and bolts. This includes amulti-purpose linear shelf and clothes and trouser rack. The solid oakcantilever structure is also easy-to-assemble, flexible and moveable.

FinalistStudentscategory,Denny Proyatna,Bandung Institute ofTechnology, IndonesiaPipe seat and Exploded chairYou can see the tip of the pipe, but notwhere it ends. This is what makes pipeand plumbing installations unique. Pipes areconnected through walls, holes and evenunderground. It leads to places unknown. Based on that phenomenon, thePipe Seat is multifunctional furniture that looks like it does not have an endand connected to another room through the wall. Made from sustainablematerial such as rattan combined with iron pipes, the Pipe seat (above) canbe used as a bench or a lounger by rotating it and can be used anywhere.

The Exploded Chair (above) is inspired by the long process behind thecreation of furniture often taken for granted. The chair attempts to depicthow craftsmen turn raw materials into the final product. To give chairs aclean and neat appearance, the joint system, which is one of the mostimportant parts of a chair, is usually hidden. However, in the Exploded Chair,the joint system is visible. This is done by using sungkai solid woodcombined with clear resin. Screws used to strengthen the system are alsovisible.

WINNER Studentscategory, DiazAdisastomo,Bandung Institute ofTechnology,IndonesiaCommonInspired by thecharacter andbackground of bothaluminium andrattan,this chairmanifests therelationship betweenrattan as a natural,and growing material,and aluminiumtubular as industrial,mass-producedmaterial, which arevery different innature, but also sharesimilar characteristicssuch as flexibility, lightweight and tubular.Common is structuredby tubular aluminiumwhile the seat is madefrom reclaimed wood.The rattan acts as theback and armrest, andfollows the contoursof the bent aluminum.

Finalist Students category, Wendy Kokasih, Nanyang Academy of FineArts, Singapore Uni ArmchairThe Uni Armchair seeks to depict the strength that exists in unity. Each piece used to form the chair serves no function individually, but united theyform a chair.

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ACROSS 1 It’s owed5 Oscar de la ___10 Manipulates14 Dextrous, lively15 Icelandic coin16 Mature17 Green land18 Chimes19 La Scala solo20 Heavy hammer22 Argot24 Division of geologic time25 Not as much26 Almond flavoured liqueur30 Assumed attitudes35 Test site36 Chow down37 Sidestep, circumvent38 Floating mass41 Mosque tower43 Hood-shaped anatomical part44 Stimpy’s pal45 Where ___?46 Negates47 Turkish sabre50 I could ___ horse!53 Last Israelite judge before the ruleof the kings54 Spanish magistrate58 Cloud of interstellar gas62 Rude person63 Equipped66 Brought up67 Building for storing hay68 Tomb69 This, in Tijuana70 Actress Heche71 Relaxed72 Soviet news service

DOWN 1 Stains2 British nobleman3 Soft cheese4 Not tough5 Revolver6 Organ of sight7 Heston’s org8 San Paulo feature9 Upbeat, in music10 Orsk’s river11 Male parent12 Monumental13 Show to a table21 Greece’s FIFA code23 Colorado resort25 Used car locale26 Straighten27 Port near Hong Kong28 Clear as ___29 Label31 Female gametes32 Mother of Isaac33 Accumulation of fluids34 Take hold39 Babylonian title40 Stand used by painters41 Give ___ break!42 Prospective44 Handwoven Scandinavian rug48 Beer49 Gallows51 Proverb, saying52 Earth54 Dancing Queen group55 It may be floated56 Maize57 Rule Britannia composer59 Bear up there60 Permits61 Autism test64 Italian motor torpedo boats65 Woman created from the rib ofAdam

SUDOKO CROSSWORD

Answers can be found on p86

ENTERTAINMENT


H A N D M A D E C A R P E T S

The company has an established customerbase and a successful range of productswhich is being added to and improved

more to make the range even more commercial.

We require experienced and well connected sales agents in the

following areas

• Midands •

• East Anglia •

• South East England •Please apply by email giving full details ofexperience and current agencies to:

Mr Paul Walker

[email protected]

FINAL POLISH


Sweet retirementAfter 23 years as Midlands agent forSweet Dreams, Dave Lloyd has finallyhung up his order pad and retired. Lloyd,who was the firm’s longest serving agent,revealed that it was his desire to have abetter company car than his future wifethat saw him join the furniture industry.

After numerous jobs Dave started as asales representative at the age of 23 withBeechams selling Lucozade, Ribena andCoca-Cola. He got the bug for selling andrealised that this would be his career –nice shiny company cars and an expenseaccount helped with this decision.

‘My wage was £2,800 per year plusincentives and a Hillman Hunter car. Myfuture wife Sandie, who I’d just met, waswith Parker Pens and had a salary of£6,400 and a Vauxhall VX490; no waycould I remain earning less than half ofwhat my future wife was on and with aninferior car,’ he explains.

Museum on a roll: When Azerbaijan decidedit needed a new carpet museum, a

regular building was obviously notgoing to do the trick. So

Austrian architects HoffmanJanz created this carpet

inspired building. Theinterior is being

fitted out byItalian interiors

firm Malignoand it is due

to openlater thisyear.

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‘I applied for numerous sales positionsin all fields, but the criteria was moremoney and a better car than Sandie. Thiswas achieved when the SilentnightGroup offered me a position of salesrepresentative for the Midlands area on£7,200 and with a Cortina GL.’

After Silentnight he held variousmanagement positions in the furnituretrade, but didn’t really settle again untilhe took the plunge to become a

freelance agent more than 30 years ago. ‘During my time as a sales agent I have

worked for many companies, none betterthan Sweet Dreams. I joined Riaz Ahmed,Sweet Dreams owner, when he had avery small factory in Nelson making afew beds and a small selection ofheadboards,’he says.

‘My decision to retire was taken mainlyto see more of our only daughter andson-in-law who live in Scotland. InFebruary they presented Sandie and mewith our beautiful first grandson, so whatbetter reason could we have?

‘To my customers, all I can say is thankyou for your business and for putting upwith me over years. Meanwhile, I‘mavailable for some part-time work (youcan’t keep an old dog down),’ he adds.

Ahmed says: ‘Dave has been part ofSweet Dreams for almost as long as thecompany has existed. He has done asterling job.’

Get in the charity swingThe 57th Kidderminster CarpetManufacturers National Golf Tournamentin aid of The Furniture Makers andMacmillan Cancer Support, sponsoredonce again by Georgian Carpets, takesplace at Kidderminster Golf Club on 21-22 May. The event costs £80 for bothdays, or £50 for the Tuesday, the four ballteam event, and £35 for Wednesday only,the two ball team event. Dinner onTuesday evening is £30.

‘Once again we are indebted toGeorgian Carpets for its continuedgenerous support. I hope the industrywill continue to support this event whichis such a valuable source of income forthe charities,’ says Shaun Lewis,organising chairman. Tel: 01562 749 300

Dave and Sandie Lloyd

the brand leaderwww.underlay.com email: [email protected] t: 01536 200502

Voted Best Underlay Manufacturer 2012Made in the UK to B.S. 5808 (1991)

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