Interiors Monthly

Stainsafe Noble SaxonyPrestigious collection gets striking stripes

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

Aug

ust 2

012

AwardsThe winners revealed

Show guideThe Flooring Show

EDITOR’S COMMENT

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 3

Olympic boost or drop?

Andrew KiddEDITOR

Balta Broadloom's prestigiousStainsafe Noble Saxonycollection gets striking stripes.Tel: 00 32 5662 2211

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

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

By now you’ll know what the effect was onyour store.

Much has been made of the impact theOlympics and Paralympics, when combinedwith the Diamond Jubilee, would have onshopping. Some thought consumers wouldstay away as they got caught up in theexcitement of the games. The more positiveopinion was that they would flock to shopsseeking to avoid the coverage, or be sweptup in a patriotic vervour as Team GB won aslew of medals and hit the high streets insearch of British products.

But we can hope that after sitting on thesofa every evening for the duration of thegames, enough people will decide now is the

time to change what is around them and hitthe shops. One manufacturer is hoping forexactly that (see page 6).

There has been a raft of copying casesettlements in the past few weeks (see page8), with suggestions of more to come. Thereis no excuse – morally or legally – for selling adesign that is a copy of someone else’s hardwork, investment and creativity. Show thatyou agree by signing Anti Copying InDesign’s Retailer Code of Conduct atwww.acid.uk.com.

Many congratulations to the winners andfinalists in this year’s Interiors Monthly Awards(see page 19). It was fascinating to see whichsuppliers and manufacturers you voted for,and I can say without fear of contradictionthat the names on the full awards list reallyare the cream of the interiors industry. Manythanks to all of you who took the time tovote.

The eagle-eyed of you may have spottedbelow that Joanne Miller has changed hersurname to Paull and her email [email protected], following herrecent marriage to Ian. I’m sure you’ll joineveryone at Interiors Monthly in wishing themmany congratulations.

Have consumers turned toshopping, as they didduring the rain, to escapewall to wall Olympics’coverage or stayed in towatch the sport on TV?

Come andsee ourexciting

newrange at Harrogate

Stand A29

CONTENTS


Vale-Bridgecraft champions the cause of the Independent retailer. With the support and customer service offered through national advertising campaigns and show centre referrals, there is no better partner in the industry. Our stockists benefit from quality made British furniture and outstanding customer service. It pays to be a Vale-Bridgecraft stockist

For more details Telephone 01422 885000

Vale-Bridgecraft Showcentres at:Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, 01422 885000Loughborough, Leicestershire, 01509 218647Draycott, Gloucestershire, 01386 700458Nutfield, Surrey, 01737 822027 Warrington, Cheshire, 01925 571982

ale-Bridgecraft

Interiorsmonthly

AW

AR

DS

WINNER 2010, 2011 & 2012

BEST CUSTOMER SERVICEIN THE FURNITURE MARKET

The Art of the Craft

INSIDE THIS ISSUENEWS

6 Weather boost for Carpetright

8 Retailers settle copying cases

10 Flooring retailer switches to online only

FEATURES

19 Interiors Monthly 2012 Awards

Discover which companies you voted as the

best in the interiors business

88 Upholstery

Fabric makes its move

92 Rugs

The latest designs continue to be bold and come

from unexpected places

100 Beds and bedroom

The latest brand and other new developments

106 Hat-trick hero

Trio of New Designers’ awards

122 Review

Manchester Furniture Show

REGULARS

3 Comment

12 Opinion

14 New products

128 Entertainment

130 Final polish

NEXT ISSUE

Beds and bedroom supplement

Bed Show preview

The Flooring Show review

INTERIORS MONTHLY AUGUST 2012

NEWS

6 Interiors Monthly August 2012

Heading for China: More than 35,000 buyers are expectedto visit the 29th China International Furniture Fair from 7-10 September as it again takes place alongside theHomedecor + Hometextile China shows.

German bedroom manufacturerWiemann’s UK trade showroom hasrelocated. After four years in SignsFurniture’s Romford, Essex, store, itis now located at Sign Furniture’smain store in Edmonton, northLondon.

Woodline Marketing is using thespace at Romford to highlightfurniture and furnishings fromBosnia and Herzegovina.

The official opening wasattended by customers,manufacturers’ representatives, theBosnia and Herzegovina embassyand international sponsors of theshowroom, US Agency forInternational Development andSwedish InternationalDevelopment and CooperationAgency.

The showroom offers a variety offurniture, from traditional to

modern cabinet to upholstery anddining and bedroom to bathroom.

Wiemanns’ facility is 50% largerthan its predecessor, at around1,600sqft and as before it is fullyself-contained with its ownentrance, which can be closed forprivacy when the showroom isused for trade visits or training.

‘Having the Wiemann tradeshowroom within our store hasbeen a win-win situation over thepast four years, so we’re delightedto carry on the arrangement here inour flagship outlet at Edmonton,’says Derek Perrett, Signs Furnituredirector.

‘The specialisation and display indepth it provides has been verybeneficial for our bedroomfurniture sales and we’ve had noproblems with Wiemann bringingother retailers here.’

Upholstery company Vale-Bridgecraft is to launchwhat it calls an ‘advertising blitz’ for the third quarterof the year.

Double digit sales increases this year will see thecompany up its spending on consumer advertising.

‘The closing ceremony of the Olympics will be theapproximate day for the start of an enlargednational advertising campaign. We are taking theline of the Government in the expectation of afeelgood factor after the Olympics, hopefullyculminating in extra sales,’ says Stuart Chadwick,Vale-Bridgecraft md.

Referrals from its show centres continue to riseand the opening of the Hedge End site inSouthampton should provide a boost for stockists inthe South West.

The pressure from stockists who geographicallyare too distant from current support show centres isto be satisfied by further site openings.

‘The company’s investment over the last 12 yearsin brand building has ensured a constant supply ofinterest in our products making the outlook quitepositive,’ he adds.

Post Olympics adcampaign for Vale

The prolonged wet weather in the UK has benefitted Carpetright asconsumers turned to decorating.

UK like-for-like sales rose by 1.7% in the 12 weeks to 21 July withretail like-for-like sales 5.3% higher.

‘We continue to be encouraged by the like-for-like sales growthwithin the UK business. Excluding the expected decrease in salesfrom the wholesale business [insurance and housebuilders], our coreUK retail business would have reported like-for-like sales growth of5.3%. This reflects, in part, the success of self-help actions such as thedevelopment of our bed proposition, extension of our laminate rangeto more stores and the impact of our store refurbishmentprogramme,’ says Darren Shapland, Carpetright chief executive.

‘We also recognise that this period does include some benefit fromthe unusually wet weather, which has produced consistently positivecustomer footfall to our stores.’

Shapland says gross margin has continued to improve and will be200-250 basis points above last year.

European sales dropped by 5.2% and by 6.3% on a like-for-likebasis, thanks to poor performance at its Dutch stores. Sales in theRepublic of Ireland and Belgium rose in the period.

Wet weatherhelps lift salesfor Carpetright

Trade showroom moves

Vale-Bridgecraft’s Lincoln

NEWS


Retailers settle copying casesThree retailers have settled copying cases over upholstery,cabinet and lighting ranges.

TJ Hughes and Morris Furniture Group have reached a‘substantial’ out of court settlement over a claim that thechain had infringed Morris’ intellectual property rights forthe Relaxateeze Barca chair including registered designrights and rights in passing off.

‘TJ Hughes had had such a great success with the originalBarca chair supplied by Relaxateeze that they then soldcopies of the design under the same name, therebyinfringing Relaxateeze’s registered design rights on thismodel,’ says George McGraw, Morris Furniture Group md.

‘It was very disappointing that a retailer who you haveworked with has lost our trust in such a way. We register allour designs to ensure that the products and our customersare protected from such piracy as in this instance. We have azero tolerance on anyone breaching our intellectualproperty rights especially design rights and will take legalaction immediately against those who attempt to infringeour rights.’

Harvey’s has stopped using the name Raft for one of itsdining ranges and will pay legal costs to rival retailer Raftafter copying its trademarked name. In addition, thefurniture in the range, and the graphical style of the textused in the advertising, bore a significant resemblance toRaft’s range and marketing which brought an allegation ofpassing off.

Mick Quinn, Raft director, complained to Harvey’s in thespring about the range, fearing consumers would think thechain was selling Raft’s Indonesian reclaimed teak furniture.

‘This is a great result for us, we have successfully enforcedour rights against a much bigger company and have sent aclear message that we will not tolerate infringement of ourrights in a business that we have worked incredibly hard tobuild and create a strong reputation for within the marketas a quality, ethical brand,’ he says.

Homebase has withdrawn two products after complaintsthey were copies of existing designs. Astro Lightingcomplained the chain was selling a light fitting whichappeared to be similar to its Amalfi light fitting. Homebasehas agreed not to infringe further, pay a 5% royalty on salesmade and pay Astro Lighting its legal costs.

Wacky Practicals discovered its patented jar opener wasbeing sold at Homebase under the Ultimate Products brand.After complaining, Ultimate Products settled quickly andgave an undertaking to refrain from selling the jar openerand pay £2,500 in costs.

Meanwhile Besp-Oak has secured agreement from fourcompanies to stop infringing its Vancouver design.

‘This gives a further message to the market that we willnot tolerate others using our trademark. After all thesuccess we have had in enforcing our IP rights it isbecoming much easier to stop new infringements whenthey occur. I am pleased that we now have a reputation as acompany that will not tolerate IP infringement,’ says SteveMosley, Besp-Oak md.

‘It’s time the penny dropped for those who continue tofree ride on the back of the intellectual property belongingto others,’ says Dids Macdonald ACID ceo. MacDonald hasurged retailers to sign its code of conduct.

Topps growth: Topps Tiles has seen sales climb in the past quarter. Like for like salesincreased by 2.1% in the quarter to 30 June, compared with a drop of 1.9% last year.‘The result for the third quarter is in line with management’s expectations and, as weenter our final financial quarter, we remain comfortable with market expectations forthe year as a whole,’ says the company. Analysts’ estimates for adjusted pre-tax profitfor the year ended 30 September 2012 range between £11.5m to £14m, with aconsensus of £13m.

Underlay firstCarpenter has launched what it claims is the firstwholesaler underlay recycling scheme.

Under the scheme, bins will be placed atwholesalers for PU underlay offcuts and uplifts.Carpet fitters will be given recycling bags andencouraged to recycle the waste, which is thencollected and reused.

At the company’s USA division, between 50,000and 100,000 tonnes of uplifted PU underlay isrecycled a year, with the UK division hoping tofollow suit.

Helen Rowberry, Carpenter national salesmanager for underlay, says: ‘This recycling scheme isa UK underlay first. This is a no-hassle alternative tocostly skips and escalating landfill charges.

‘We want to encourage as many Carpenterwholesalers as possible to get involved and showtheir commitment to the environment. All the offcuts and uplift collected is used to produce new underlay, which can be continuously recycled,’she adds.

NEWS


in b

rief

BM switchUpholstery importer BMFurniture has axed itswholesale operation,switching to a containeronly business. Thecompany says while thewholesale side of thebusiness suffered, thedirect import operationhas record sales. BMDirect has relocatedfrom Oswaldtwistle,Lancashire to Lytham St Annes.

Patriotic salesThe Jubilee celebrations,the Olympics and lastyear’s Royal wedding aremaking consumers morelikely to buy Britishmade furniture. In aconsumer survey for theBritish FurnitureConfederation 28% ofshoppers said they weremore inclined to buyBritish with 45% sayingit was important to buyBritish furniture.

Bright profitsWeekly paymentfurniture and electricalsretailer Brighthouse hasseen sales and profitsleap. Underlying profitsjumped by 12.8% to£44.8m in the year to 31March after sales rose by17.1% to £266.5m.Like for like salesincreased by 7.3% at the253-store chain.Brighthouse opened 25stores during the periodand plans to openanother 35 this year.

Rain boostThe recent wet weatherhas made Dunelm Mill£2.5m of extra profit asconsumers turned toshopping. Like for likesales were up by 10.4%in the quarter to 30 Junewith sales of £149.7m,an increase of 21.2%.The chain says about£8m of the rise was dueto the weather. Sales forthe year were 12.1%higher at £603.7m, withlike for like sales up3.1%. Dunelm nowexpects full-year profitsto be higher thanforecast at £96m.

Jim YoungThe funeral of Jim Young, co-founder ofunderlay company Ball & Young, tookplace on 20 July. Young died on 7 July,aged 86.

‘Jim, along with Martin Ball, set upthe company in 1983 making Ball &Young a leader in the world of rubberunderlays. After great success thecompany was sold to British Vita in1989. A real gentleman of the carpettrade, Jim Young’s name lives on in Ball& Young,’ says Ann Shaw, Ball & Youngsales director.

Young is survived by two sons and adaughter.

DFS boost for QFCUpholstery manufacturer Quality Furniture Company is to boostits workforce by more than a fifth after DFS introduced acompact sofa range.

The Grantham, Lincolnshire, manufacturer is to add 50 staff toits 220-strong workforce because DFS decided to roll out theCapsule Collection to all stores after a six week trial.

Vernon Goldberg, QFC md, says the introduction of the eightmodel range could see production rise from 3,500 sofas a weekto 5,500. QFC is already a major supplier to Next, Laura Ashley,Argos and Tesco.

The company says it has grown strongly over the past fiveyears by offering customers stylish products on short leadtimes, often within a week.

Bypass blamed for closureWhat is said to be the largest furniture store in North Wales hasclosed, with the owner claiming the opening of a bypassdecimated passing trade. Dodrefn Cymru in Tremadog,Gwynedd, closed last month with three staff made redundant.

Owner Liz Whitehead says the closure is because of the A487bypass that opened last September. ‘The decision to close ismainly due to the bypass. We are in negotiations for anothershop in Porthmadog as we need to be down there.’

She says the bypass is having a negative impact onTremadog. ‘We waited a bit to see if people would go back totheir old routines and for trade to pick up, but it didn’t. There isno passing traffic in Tremadog. The bypass is good for residentsbut not for businesses and I don’t think we’ll be the only onesaffected here.’

Award winning flooring retailer Wood You Likehas closed its showroom and become an etailer.

Opened in 2005, the Charing, Kent, showroomclosed at the end of July.

‘Since most of our sales are now generatedonline, and over the phone, it is time to make themove from high street retailer to online etailer,’says Karin Hermans, Wood You Like md.

‘The success of our online brochures will giveeveryone the best view of how the wooden floorof their choice will look in their home, while thesecure online shop caters for all the fitting,finishing and maintenance products. And ofcourse, the Ask Us service will answer all woodfloor related questions almost as soon as wereceive it, plus we’re always on the phone to help

out – during normal office hours,’ she says.‘Our services: installation and restoration of

natural wooden flooring, plus the wooden floorinspection team will of course continue asnormal, it is only the showroom that will close itsdoors – seeing as there are too few peopleventuring in to keep it open.’

The company’s website has long been at theheart of its success, offering substantialinformation. ‘Information on the websiteprovides reassurance. The website is the firstbuilding of trust. We are experiencing this moreand more and it has helped us this year tocontinue our growth,’ Hermans said in 2010, theyear it won the Interiors Monthly Best FlooringRetailer 1-2 Stores award.

Wood You Like movesto online only sales

OPINION


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In the fast-paced world of electronic communication andimproved supplier service, it would be easy to question therelevance of attending exhibitions. When new developmentscan be seen online, sales reps call with product updates, andtrade for most retailers is patchy, do trade fairs such as TheFlooring Show in Harrogate still have something to offer?

As it celebrates its 50th year as the flooring industry’s annualshowpiece event, I would argue that Harrogate not onlyremains relevant, but helps retailers combat a number ofmodern day pressures.

With the rapid growth of technology, the decline oftraditional high street retailers and pressure on margins, takingtime out of the business to see ‘outside it’ not ‘within it’ is vital.

Harrogate gives retailers theopportunity to take a widerview of their business and findout from other retailers in thesame market what they aredoing and what is working.The benefit of this type ofnetworking or benchmarkingshould not be overlooked.

Then there is keeping upwith innovation. The marketconstantly evolves and thosebusinesses that keep pace, orstay ahead of change, are theones that succeed.

There’s also the opportunity to consider diversification. Inrecent years many furnishing retailers have moved into flooring,bed retailers into carpet and vice versa, and carpet retailershave expanded into wood, laminate, vinyl tiles and rugs.Exhibitions provide the perfect backdrop to investigate newmarkets.

Finally margin. Increased competition has seen retailers’margins squeezed, so being first to market with a new productis key to success. Harrogate provides a great opportunity toassess new products with many winning ranges launchedthere – and retailers that have seized the opportunity first havebenefitted. Special show offers are another opportunity toincrease margin.

Harrogate is the show for the independent retail trade whichis why Cormar has exhibited there since it began in 1962. Somake space in your diary and book ahead. The organiser isputting a lot of effort into ensuring it offers more benefits thanever before with business seminars by retail specialists. And themajority of key suppliers will be there to greet you.

David CormackCormar Carpets marketing director

Why it is important to visit exhibitions

Harrogategives retailers theopportunityto take awider view oftheir business

NEW PRODUCTS


1 2

3

4

5

1 The Wiltax collection of patterned carpets from Balta Broadloom comprises

five woven wilton designs to add a dash of traditional style to any interior.

Inspired by decorative Middle Eastern, Asian and Oriental rugs, Wiltax uses the

six-frame weaving process for colour clarity and more polished patterns.

Tel: 00 32 5662 2211

2 With a range of finishes, including those with the appearance of wooden

planks and stone tiles, Moduleo’s Click range is stylish but simply installed.

With push-down technology, Click simply locks into place without glues or

expensive underlay and is suitable for both home and commercial use.

Tel: 0800 032 3970

3 Axminster Carpets’ improved consumer brochure features up-to-the-

minute information about its extensive product range. Featuring aspirational

lifestyle photography, this brochure can spark the imaginations of homeowners

and play a vital part in securing sales for retailers.

Tel: 01297 630 650

4 Retailers should consider Floorwise adhesives to ensure their installers work

smarter, faster and more cost-effectively. The all-purpose F544 Acrylic Flooring

Adhesive produces a high degree of initial tack for an immediately secure bond.

Developed to further reduce the chance of plasticiser migration, this adhesive

can be used for a variety of vinyl and vinyl tile installations.

Tel: 01509 673 974

5 Cormar Carpets’ Sensation is made from 100% Luxelle PP, a heavyweight

polypropylene that has been engineered to feel softer and more luxurious but

with all the practical living qualities of a standard polypropylene, including a

10-year stain warranty.

Visit: www.cormarcarpets.co.uk ��

NEW PRODUCTS


6 7

8

6 Cavalier’s Stainless Spice is manufactured

in Lancashire using two-ply solution dyed,

hassle free and easy clean BCF

polypropylene yarns. Available in 10 practical

and fashionable colours with a dynamic

stipple effect, it has a luxurious pile height

and sophisticated multi-tone appearance,

together with a surprisingly attractive price

point.

Visit: www.cavaliercarpets.co.uk

7 The slightly curved seat and back of Frag’s

Button chair have sinuous, rounded forms

emphasised by padding that accentuates the

thickness. Pleating enhances the chair’s

generous shape and contour and lends a

sense of three-dimensionality to the side

panels by creating a delicate play of light and

shadow.

Visit: www.frag.it

8 Jori’s Tigra allows you to furnish your

designer living room entirely according to

your own taste. Always striving for optimal

seating comfort, the Tigra has been designed

so that it offers perfect support in both the

sitting and the lying position.

Visit: www.jori.com

9 The elegant, eye-catching steel frame of

Softline’s Prime gives the sofabed

personality. The back cushions play an

important role in seating comfort, since they

can easily be removed for those who want a

deep, comfortable lounging seat.

Visit: www.softline.dk

10 Nathan Yong’s Stack table for Living

Divani is made up of three stackable

containers of differing heights and has solid

beech legs.

Visit: www.livingdivani.it

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AWARDS


Time to celebratecountry, be it for customerservice, commerciality,product design or support.The one thing that unitesthem is a commitment toexcellence.

Interestingly, in theretailer awards many ofthe stores received votes inboth furniture and flooringcategories, reflecting thecontinuing move to acomplete interiors offering.

Congratulations to thewinners and finalists of theInteriors Monthly Awards2012. This year we’venamed the finalists to theawards, now in its fifthyear, as the voting wasvery close and we wantedto recognise the choicesyou as readers have made.

The retailers andsuppliers on the list beloware among the finest in the

Best Online Retailer: UK Flooring DirectFinalist: Furniture123 Best Flooring Retailer 1-2 Stores: ClarkesCarpets, Hornchurch Finalists: KC Carpets and Flooring, Poole,and Sunderland Carpet Centre,Sunderland Best Flooring Retailer 3+ Stores: FludesCarpets Finalists: Gillies and Mr CarpetBest Furniture Retailer 1-2 Stores: Andersons of Inverurie Finalists: Dickinsons Furnishers, Hexham,and Vale Furnishings, Ash Vale Best Furniture Retailer 3+ Stores: LeekesFinalists: Barker & Stonehouse andGlasswellsBest Customer Service (Furniture): Vale-Bridgecraft Finalists: Julian Bowen and WBHBest Customer Service (Flooring): Cormar CarpetsFinalists: Abingdon and Ulster CarpetsBest UK Furniture Manufacturer:Woodberry Brothers & Haines Finalists: Alstons and Vale-BridgecraftBest UK Flooring Manufacturer: Abingdon Flooring Finalists: Axminster and CormarBest Overseas Furniture Manufacturer: RauchFinalists: Ekornes and NatuzziBest Overseas Flooring Manufacturer: Balta Broadloom Finalists: AssociatedWeavers and Edel TelenzoBest Furniture Buying Group: AISFinalist: MinervaBest Flooring Buying Group: SMGFinalists: Flooring One, Greendale andMetro

Best Furniture Wholesaler: Julian BowenFinalists: Flexiload and Kettle InteriorsBest Flooring Wholesaler: MercadoFinalists: Floorwise and WilkiesBest Business Support: CarpetFoundationFinalist: SMGBest Marketing Support: EkornesFinalists: BFM and G Plan CabinetsBest Software Supplier: RetailsystemFinalists: Optimise and MasterpieceBest Finance Provider: Hitachi CapitalBest Flooring Exhibition: The FlooringShowFinalists: Buying Groups’ NationalFlooring Show and SurfacesBest Furniture Exhibition: IMM CologneFinalists: ISalone and Maison & ObjetBest New Interiors Exhibition: HomeFinalist: The Bed ShowBest New Flooring Exhibition: BuyingGroups’ National Flooring ShowInnovation of the Year: Pay4LaterBest Supply Chain/Logistics Company: CEVA LogisticsFinalists: Andrew Porter and BreakwellsBest Furniture Website: Silentnight BedsFinalist: Julian BowenBest Flooring Website: MetroFinalists: Balterio and KarndeanBest Accessory Supplier (Furniture): Authentic ModelsFinalists: Sunflex and Coach HouseBest Accessory Supplier (Flooring): FloorwiseFinalist: StroolmountBest Bed Manufacturer: SealyFinalists: Hypnos and Silentnight BedsBest Bedroom Manufacturer: Kingstown

Furniture Finalists: Wellemobel andWillis & GambierBest Carpet Manufacturer: AxminsterCarpetsFinalists: Ulster Carpets and VictoriaCarpetsBest Children’s Furniture: GautierFinalists: Thuka and Stompa Best Dining Room Manufacturer: Willis & GambierFinalists: Old Charm and Morris Best Fabric/Soft FurnishingsManufacturer: Prestigious TextilesFinalists: Andrew Muirhead and JimDickensBest Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer: Lebus UpholsteryFinalists: Parker Knoll and Tetrad Best Laminate Manufacturer: BalterioFinalists: Pergo and Quick-StepBest Leather Upholstery Manufacturer:TCSFinalists: Lifestyle and NatuzziBest Living Room Manufacturer: G Plan CabinetsFinalists: Ercol and Furniture OriginsBest Luxury Vinyl Supplier: KarndeanDesignflooring Finalist: AmticoBest Rug Supplier: Asiatic CarpetsFinalists: Plantation Rugs and Rugs WithFlairBest Engineered/Solid WoodManufacturer: KährsFinalists: Parador and V4Best Underlay Manufacturer: Ball & YoungFinalists: Carpenter and InterfloorBest Vinyl Manufacturer: IVC GroupFinalists: BIG and Tarkett

AWARDS


Best Online Retailer

UK Flooring DirectUK Flooring Direct

Best Furniture Retailer 1-2 Stores

Andersons of InverurieAndersons of Inverurie

With hundreds of wood, laminate, cork,bamboo and vinyl floors to choose from,www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk has beendeveloped to offer consumers an easyway to shop online, providing them withthe ability to search by bestsellers,customer rating or price.

‘But it is not just choice andcompetitive pricing that sets us apart, itis our attention to service and customersupport that has seen us receivethousands of positive reviews fromcustomers. With a huge UK warehouse,free samples, fast nationwide deliveryand a team of highly trained advisers onthe end of the phone, UK Flooring Directhas become a model of ecommerce

retailing,’ says Jason Ashby, UK FlooringDirect md.

‘Our growth has been extraordinaryand we have hopefully built a model thatwill become an industry benchmark. It isgreat to have been recognised by thereaders of Interiors Monthly. Competitionis pretty stiff, particularly against thegrowing number of online furnitureretailers, so we are absolutely delightedto have been recognised in this way.

‘We do not see ourselves as in directcompetition within the high street andbelieve the two models can co-exist forthe benefit of the industry andconsumers.’Visit: www.ukflooringdirect.co.uk

Celebrating its 44th year, theHornchurch, Essex, retailer has longestablished itself as one of the premierflooring retailers in the south east ofEngland, or ‘The World’s Finest FlooringCentre’ as is proclaimed above the store’sentrance.

In-store displays highlight products to

their maximum effect and its supplier listreads like a Who’s Who of the flooringindustry across all product sectors.

Clarkes also sells online throughclarkesdirectflooring.co.uk, offering ahost of product information, advice anda design service.Clarkes Carpets, tel: 0845 751 4514

While local swimmer Hannah Mileygenerated Olympic headlines, Andersonsof Inverurie has long made a name foritself as one of the must-visit retailers inthe north east of Scotland when buyingfurniture.

Its 70,000sqft showroom is the largestin the region and its merchandising hasset the standard for others to emulate.Displays are regularly changed, helping

give the store a fresh look and there is acoffee shop for customers.

As well as its extensive furniture andbeds offer, Andersons has a majorflooring department that would rivalmany a standalone flooring retailer, a fullsection of accessories and in interiordesign service – all backed by itstraditional focus on customer service.Visit: www.andersonsofinverurie.co.uk

Best Flooring Retailer 1-2 Stores

Clarkes CarpetsClarkes Carpets

AWARDS


Best Furniture Retailer 3+ stores

LeekesLeekes

Best Flooring Retailer 3+ Stores

Fludes Carpets Fludes Carpets

At a time when companies are looking topreserve cash, Leekes has taken theopposite view and continued to invest innew stores and refurbishing branches.

Next month will see the opening of its130,000sqft, £6m home departmentstore in Coventry next to Coventry FC’sRicoh Stadium. The store replaces theBedworth branch and the substantialincrease in retail space will allow thecompany to offer the full range ofproducts sold at its other four homedepartment stores in Bilston nearWolverhampton, Melksham in Wiltshireand Llantrisant and Cross Hands in SouthWales. It will also be the largestdepartment store in a 50-mile radius.

A £2m refurbishment to its Melkshambranch will give it more floorspace andalso house a medical practice with20,000 patients.

At Llantrisant a new Leekes store willbe the centrepiece of a £200mredevelopment of the town centre. The

proposal also includes plans for a majorsupermarket and 40 shops for high streetbrands. A leisure and entertainmentquarter will contain a cinema, cafes,restaurants, bars and hotels. There willalso be businesses, civic and communityfacilities and housing. The existing storewill stay open until the new one is ready.

As well as furniture, the chain also sellsflooring, bathrooms, electricals,accessories, outdoor products and sportsequipment.

In the first quarter of the year sales

climbed by more than 10%.Peter Martin, Leekes storeoperations director, sayswhile 2011 was challenging,sales in key homeimprovement markets suchas kitchens and bathrooms,remained healthy.

‘Since December 2011, wehave seen a terrific increasein sales across all areas,

which we believe is led by a pent updemand for goods which the public havebeen putting off purchasing for the lastfew years. Furniture and furnishings haveled the surge in sales, with strong growthalso in bedrooms, carpets and homeaccessories. Overall, the company is over£3m up in sales compared to the sameperiod last year and we are seeing anacceleration in sales which we believewill continue throughout the rest of thisyear,’ he says.Visit: www.leekes.co.uk

Fludes Carpets is now in its 83rd year andfor the south coast of England chain,delivering customer service at its fivestores remains as important as ever.

‘We have a good relationship withcustomers. It’s tough trading but thebottom line is customer service. If youprovide the service the orders will come.That’s what we strive for, everyone ispersonal to us,’ says Peter Hebditch,Fludes Carpets general manager.

‘We’ve seen a big upturn in sales ofLVT – the click system is really taking off.We’ve also seen an increase in manmadefibre Saxonies, largely due to theirsoftness and touch – especially duringthe winter – and there being more onthe market.’

The chain recently supplemented itsRugworld website with its Beautiful

Floors website, selling online for the firsttime, thanks to its membership of BRM.

However, Hebditch says he thinks thewebsite will be mainly used formarketing and by consumers checkingprices.

‘Most customers want the service you

get from the store rather than click abutton, and they don’t want to have toproject manage fitting.’

This year is the second time Fludes haswon the Best Flooring Retailer 3+ Storesaward, repeating its success of 2009.Visit: www.fludes-carpets.co.uk

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AWARDS


Best Customer Service (Furniture)

Vale-BridgecraftVale-Bridgecraft

‘First I would like to thank InteriorsMonthly readers for voting us thecompany with the Best Customer Service(Furniture) for the third year running,’ saysStuart Chadwick, Vale-Bridgecraft md.

Vale-Bridgecraft champions the causeof the independent retailer andacknowledges that customer service isconsidered a huge priority in the fight tomaintain sales.

‘Our aim is to constantly deliver highstandards of design and furniture thatwill give many years of use. Our customersupport extends to nationwide consumeradvertising and regional show centresthat attract and refer orders to bona fidestockists,’ he says.

‘There has been a growing interest forBritish furniture in recent years. With thequality issues and now rising cost ofimported furniture, the table, or sofa inour case, has started to turn.’

Chadwick says that with the Olympics,there has never been a better time topromote the company’s Britishcredentials.

‘Our unique place in the industry and acombined total of 140 years of furnituremanufacturing, more than qualifies us.

The late summer months tend to bequiet trading periods and so what a greatopportunity to buck the trend this yearwith the help of some patriotic fervour.

‘Continuous investment in regional

show centres, in-store galleries andnational support advertising, makes Vale-Bridgecraft a must-have for everyserious furniture retailer,’ he adds.Visit: www.valebridgecraft.co.uk

Below: Verona

Bottom left: Lewis

Bottom right: Balmoral

AWARDS


Best Customer Service (Flooring)

Cormar CarpetsCormar Carpets

proof of delivery, order tracking andorder history – all through a securepersonal log-in.

‘The challenge was to go beyond whatis currently available and provide ourretail customers with a truly effectivebusiness tool, benchmarking the webportal against such ecommerce marketleaders as Amazon for speed and ease ofuse,’ says Cormack.

Cormar continues to produce all its

carpet ranges from its two productionsites near Bury in Lancashire. It also ownsa fleet of 49 distribution vehicles toensure a top class delivery service. Inaddition there is a team of 20 salesrepresentatives throughout Britain andRepublic of Ireland. It is one of the UK’smost successful independent carpetproducers with some one million peoplea year buying a Cormar carpet.Visit: www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

Cormar Carpets has cemented itsposition as one of the leadingindependent carpet manufacturers bycontinuing its run of industry accolades –winning three this year, including theInteriors Monthly Best Customer Service(Flooring) award for the third time.

This follows the two independent retailbuying group awards won in quicksuccession – Flooring One’s Supplier ofthe Year (for the eighth time), followedby Metro Group Flooring Supplier of theYear, which Cormar has won for 13consecutive years, an accomplishmentno other company has achieved.

One of the success stories of the Britishcarpet industry, Cormar remainsindependently owned and has set aformidable industry benchmark forgetting it right. With fierce competitionfrom overseas, it has earned a reputationfor offering top service, quality carpetsand reliability of delivery.

‘Service encompasses all aspects of thebusiness and it is one of the areas wehave always concentrated hard on. Thepast few years have been tough for theflooring industry and, as a result, retailersare looking for suppliers that they canrely on. After all, their reputation is onthe line every time they place an order,’says David Cormack, Cormar Carpetsmarketing director.

‘Our service starts the minute the yarnis put on the tufting machine at HolmeMill, to when the carpet is delivered bythe Cormar driver. And it carries rightthrough to our people in invoicing andafter sales.’

Over the past five years Cormar hasinvested in plant, people, machinery anddistribution to keep itself competitive,including a new cut length machine thatwill increase capacity.

Last year the company also invested innew technology and developed a B2Btrade web portal that showcased a rangeof interactive services including stockcheck, delivery days, online ordering,price checks, online statements and

Above: The B2B portal

Right: Roger Clarke,Cormar regional salesmanager (centre)receives the FlooringSupplier award fromMartin Ward, Metrochairman (left) andJohn Keyworth, Metrovice-chairman

Bottom: Cormar has a49 vehicle fleet

AWARDS


Best UK Flooring Manufacturer

Abingdon FlooringAbingdon Flooring

‘Please let me begin by thankingeveryone who voted for AbingdonFlooring as Best UK FlooringManufacturer,’ says Martin Peace,Abingdon Flooring md.

‘We feel very proud to be recognisedin this way and as such, thank all ourcustomers for their ongoing support andall our staff in South Wales, Bradford andKidderminster for their hard work andenthusiasm.

‘We fully intend to build on this awardby continuing to invest in our business inorder to give you the products, displayand service that you require to becomeever more successful in a verycompetitive market place.

‘Thank you again for your support, itreally does make the hard work feelworthwhile.

‘We look forward to seeing you at TheFlooring Show in Harrogate.’Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

Abingdon offers aselection of durablecarpets

AWARDS


Best UK Furniture Manufacturer

Woodberry Brothers Woodberry Brothers & Haines& Haines

‘On behalf of everyone at WBH, I’d like tothank the readers of Interiors Monthly forvoting us Best UK Furniture Manufacturerfor the second year running,’ says MarkWoodberry, WBH md. ‘We’ve alwaysmade a real effort to help retailers meet,and often exceed, customer expectationsand it’s great to have this recognised.’

In the 60 years it has been makingfurniture in the UK, WBH has built areputation for giving customers andretailers what they want – consistency inquality, design and manufacture,supported by a high level of customerservice.

‘These days it’s pretty impressive tostill be making what you sell. And ifyou’re able to innovate while still holdingon to traditional markets then you mustbe doing something right,’ explainsWoodberry.

This year the Caxton brand has movedinto some unexpected areas, with thelaunch of four contemporary collectionsincluding the high gloss Rubix living anddining and Breeze bedroom collections.

All this comes at a competitive pricepoint. When creating these collectionsCaxton thought as much about cost asdesign, ensuring real value for money.

‘We also declared 2012 the WBH Yearof Service and will be redoubling ourefforts to give customers, trade andconsumer, the flexible, responsive andhelpful support needed to rise abovetoday’s challenges,’ says Woodberry.

‘We’re very keen to continuesupporting the nation’s furniture retailersbecause our livelihood depends on it.While not always the cheapest, our totaloffer is commercially very attractive andprovides the retailer with an extensiverange of very high quality products,carefully designed to appeal to UKconsumers, at very attractive prices andwith quick, reliable delivery direct to theend user’.

These are benefits which can onlycome from buying British, he adds.

‘WBH is now able to offer the UK retail

trade more in terms of product range,commercial pricing and a flexible service.And it’s really good to see a growingunderstanding, among public and tradealike, of the economic, environmental

and competitive benefits of buyingBritish furniture. Which can only be goodnews for British consumers, retailers,manufacturers – and for the country’.Visit: www.caxtonfurnitureonline.com

Above: CaxtonDiscovery living anddiningcollection

Left: CaxtonBreezebedroomcollection

Below: CaxtonRubix livingand diningcollection

AWARDS


Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer

Balta BroadloomBalta Broadloom

offer something bright and uplifting,’ saysVanden Bossche.

‘We want to give retailers theopportunity to provide customers with awide array of beautiful and vibrantcarpets that are durable and easy to carefor. The assortment of colours in theSaxon King range reflects BaltaBroadloom’s commitment to creativityand innovation, and ultimately providesretailers and consumers alike with a widerange of designs to suit all homes.’

The chunky loop Casablanca is an all-rounder for retailers who want to offereye-catching carpet with a wide range ofpractical benefits.Balta, tel: 00 32 5662 2211

Balta Broadloom’s dedication to remainat the forefront of the residential carpetsector is key to its business philosophy,and for the fourth year running, readersof Interiors Monthly have recognised theBelgian manufacturer’s efforts by votingit Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer.

‘At Balta our wealth of carpet styleshelp us to enjoy widespread popularityin both the European and Britishmarkets. As Europe’s largest carpetmanufacturer, retailers are confident inour reliability and superior levels ofservice, and this, combined with oursheer variety of tufted and wovenbroadloom carpet designs, ensures thatwe reach thousands and thousands ofconsumers every month,’ says GeertVanden Bossche, Balta Group marketingdirector.

‘Picking up awards such as BestOverseas Flooring Manufacturer as votedby retailer readers of Interiors Monthly isthe icing on the cake and once moreconfirms we are delivering the productquality and diversity that both theretailer and consumer demands.’

In 2012, Balta Broadloom launched animpressive array of ranges to add furtherscope and variety to many alreadyestablished favourites.

The updated StainSafe Noble Saxony,which features four new multi-colouredstriped designs that complement the 12existing plain colours, allows consumersto choose from a coordinating colourbank of carpet designs, mixing andmatching stripes and plains for asynchronised look.

On the other end of the spectrum isWiltax, comprising five woven designs.Inspired by the timeless appeal ofdecorative Middle Eastern, Asian andOriental rugs, Balta worked withrenowned British designers to create thefive intricate patterns in this collection.

Saxon King is a range designed toinject vibrant colour into interior spaceswith 14 contemporary shades.

‘The vibrant designs within Saxon King

Above: Casablanca

Left: Saxon King

Below: Noble Saxony

AWARDS


Best Living Room Manufacturer

G Plan CabinetsG Plan Cabinets

‘G Plan Cabinets is delighted to receivethis award as a result of our successfulranges such as Matisse, Heritage andRembrandt which have blossomed overthe last year in particular,’ says GeorgeMcGraw, Morris Furniture Group md.

’Our recent Davenport diningcollection launched this spring is alreadylooking a real winner for those retailerswho appreciate golden teak veneers andsolids with a transitional flavour butoffers the classic look that appeals tolovers of this timeless classic.’

He says all G Plan collections also offerstockists real peace of mind with a full10-year guarantee and the collection isnow fully supported with new studiostockists.

‘There has never been a better time topromote Britain’s biggest brand andthere will be more exciting G Planlaunches in 2013,’ adds McGraw.Visit: www.gplancabinets.co.uk

Right: Paul Albutt, G Plan Cabinetsnational sales manager,with the company’saward certificate

Below: Davenport

AWARDS


Best Bed Manufacturer

SealySealy

‘I was thrilled to hear the company hadwon the Interiors Monthly Best BedManufacturer award for the third yearrunning as it reflects our commitment toquality products and outstandingcustomer service,’ says Steve Freeman,Sealy UK md.

‘Sealy is committed to bringinginnovative beds to the market and tooffering consumers great value formoney.’

The company is passionate about itsproducts and offering quality in all areasof the business is key.

Freeman says Sealy has 7% of the UKbed market and the company is on trackto increase this to 10%.

‘Growth over the past four months isup by 12% compared with the same timelast year and forecast growth now standsat 14%,’ he says.

With innovations such as Smart Fibresor BugShield, Sealy is forging ahead inthe bed business and taking sleeptechnology to the next level.

New beds such as the exclusive CrownJewel range, which contains the world’sfirst Airstream Memory Wool fibres,confirms Sealy’s presence as the trueleaders in sleep science, says Freeman.

Additionally, this autumn sees therollout of the latest Sealy bedding rangeof innovative pillows and duvets whichoffers consumers the complete packageof smart fibres in their bed and beddingso the entire sleep environment will becool, fresh and hypoallergenic.

But it is not just Sealy’s domesticmarket that is doing well in thesechallenging times.

‘Our contract business through hotelsand cruise liners is also showing signs ofgrowth – in fact we are seeing aresurgence coming into the hotel marketand we are winning lots of contracts andthis will be a significant part of our futuregrowth. These are exciting times for thecompany and I would like to thank all ourcustomers for their continued support.’Visit: www.sealy.co.uk

Above: Loft

Left: SteveFreeman

Below: Royal

HAT-TRICK!

AWARDS


Best Carpet Manufacturer

Axminster CarpetsAxminster Carpets

Axminster Carpets has long held thebelief that independent retailers are thechampions of the residential carpetsector so it says it is delighted to win theInteriors Monthly Best Carpet Manufactureraward.

Specialising in mid to high end 100%wool and wool-rich carpets, Axminster isa favourite of consumers looking forquality and regarded by many as one ofthe foremost carpet manufacturers.

Still producing much of its range fromits Devon factory, Axminster uses onlythe finest wool to produce carpets with areputation for longevity that live up to itsNatural, British, Beautiful maxim.

Sourcing 95% of its wool from Britishsheep, spinning and dyeing its own yarnand making its entire woven portfolio inthe town of its name, Axminster is one ofthe few genuine British carpetmanufacturers, a fact often appreciated byconsumers wanting a truly British carpet.

This localised production also helps ithave one of the lowest environmentalfootprints in the industry. Recycling allcarpet production waste, Axminstertakes its responsibility seriously.

Offering an array of both tufted andwoven carpets, Axminster transcends thegap between heritage and modernstyling, bringing carpets that appeal toall generations. With contemporarypatterns, heathered and solid plains,elegant classical scrolls and texturedcarpets within its portfolio, it provides anunrivalled and diverse depth of product.

‘At Axminster we are extremely proudof our heritage and our commitment toquality,’ says Richard Lawrence, Axminstergroup head of marketing. ‘And we areabsolutely thrilled that these attributeshave been recognised. We work hard tomake sure that our products exceedexpectations and that we build a loyalfollowing among our consumers. It is agreat feeling to know that these effortsare regarded highly by retailers acrossthe country.’Axminster Carpets, tel: 01297 630 650

Left: Botanica inGolden Globe

Below right:Devonia Plains inPillar Box Red

Below left: SimplyNatural Stripe inVogue

AWARDS


Best Bedroom Manufacturer

Kingstown FurnitureKingstown Furniture

Kingstown Furniture is a growing Britishbusiness that has been committed tomanufacturing high quality bedroomand living room furniture for 35 years.

‘We are delighted to win the award,and on behalf of everyone at Kingstown I would like to thank the readers ofInteriors Monthly for voting for us. Thisaward recognises the multi-millionpound investment that has been made inthe company over the past two years,’says Geoff Brailsford, Kingstown groupsales director.

As part of the investment twomachines have been added to theimpressive list of machinery already inplace at Kingstown’s Hull factory. Bothmachines are of the latest in pioneeringmachinery, small batch, high volumetechnology, specifically commissioned tosuit the company’s unique requirements.

The Rover C Edge machine makes itpossible to complete processing ofshaped and edgebanded panels on asingle machine.

The second machine is a newtechnology solution that allows for theprocessing of different size panels from asingle board, eliminating the need to cutpanels with an independent cuttingmachine. The machine is ideal formachining complete components fromthe design stage right through to theassembly stage of manufacturing.Because the majority of the work can becompleted on one machine consistentquality and accuracy can be guaranteed.

To complement the addition of thesetwo machines Kingstown has invested ina new line consisting of first and secondpass edgebanding machines with asplitting saw at the end of the entire line.This allows Kingstown to manufacturewith a low batch, high volume capability,while at the same time maintaining highquality edgebanded products withguaranteed accuracy.

This new technology will giveKingstown more flexibility when it comesto designing products, offering more

options to create innovative designs.Kingstown has also been working hard

to improve the environmental awarenessof its staff and reduce the amount ofwaste it produces. It recycles 94% of allits waste and achieved a Gold Awardfrom the National Recycling Stars

scheme last year. Kingstown is also FSCaccredited in recognition of its fullytraceable and sustainable supply chain.

And in January is year, Kingstownachieved the ISO 9001 internationalmanagement standard.Visit: www.kingstown.co.uk

Kingstown hasinvested heavilyin its productionfacilities

Kingstown Furniture, Victoria House, Leads Road, Hull, HU7 0BZ 08448805100 www.kingstown.co.uk

AzureTo view all our ranges please visit www.kingstown.co.uk

British manufacturer of ready assembled bedroom and lounge furniture

AWARDS


Best Accessory Supplier (Furniture)

Authentic ModelsAuthentic Models

1930’s era model racer called SpinDizzy,and a broad expansion of its occasionalfurniture series.

‘The SpinDizzy has been particularlywell received by UK retailers: the initialproduction run was sold out in less thana week, and orders keep coming in,’ saysFry.

‘An exact reproduction of a 1930’s-era

model racer that spun on a tether atupwards of 125mph, the Bantam Midgetis crafted in aluminium with a woodenbase and is a guaranteed conversationpiece wherever it’s displayed.

‘We are also reintroducing, after fiveyears our popular, fully-tacked rockinghorse in limited edition for this winter.’ Visit: www.authenticmodels.com

This summer brings some interestingreleases from one of the UK and Europe’smost intriguing manufacturers ofaccessories. Authentic Models, based inthe Netherlands with its UK office in WestSussex, continues to expand its range ofhistorically-inspired furniture andcuriosities such as historical globes,architectural models and other thought-provoking accessories.

From humble beginnings dealingantiques in Amsterdam, Authentic hasprogressed to become this year’s BestAccessory Supplier (Furniture) in the UK,with offices across Europe and in the US.

Authentic has become known in theUK for campaign furniture: games tables,cabinets and especially stylish butclassical desks. Its campaign boxes oncrossed legs have been particularlypopular with UK retailers for theirattractive price point.

Other top sellers in the UK includehighly-detailed airplane models soughtby decorators and aviation enthusiastsalike and a series of floor lamps based onnaval searchlights found at salvage yards.

Neil Fry, Authentic Models UK salesdirector, also points to the success of itsdesktop-sized, fully articulated horsemodels in cherry, as an example of theunique accessories the company isknown for.

Highlights for the 2012 release includea scale model of the Titanic, a copy of a

Floorlamps and modelssuch as the BantamMidget have proved a hit

AWARDS


Best Accessory Supplier (Flooring)

FloorwiseFloorwise

Floorwise has become one of the mostrecognised names in flooring and has acabinet full of certificates recognising itspast achievements, but being voted thisyear’s Best Accessory Supplier (Flooring) bythe readers of Interiors Monthly ranks asone of the highlights, says Richard Bailey,Floorwise md.

‘It is in times of economic adversitythat value becomes even moreimportant,’ he says. ‘So it is extremelysatisfying and heartening that thereaders of Interiors Monthly trustFloorwise to bring them accessories thatdeliver exceptional value.

‘At Floorwise we have long held thebelief that value is far more than justprice and we have worked hard to makesure that our accessories are not onlycompetitive, but made from the bestmaterials, deliver consistent quality andare extremely reliable. We believe this isthe definition of value and that valuereally does matter to retailers. This awardis testament to our belief and that is whyit means a great deal to us.’

Floorwise offers a comprehensiverange of flooring accessories, fromspecialist tools, tacks and nails, throughto grippers, tapes and profiles, and eachproduct makes sure that retailers, fittersand homeowners receive qualityproducts that fulfil the demands ofmodern day floorcovering installation.

With a nationwide network of tradecounters, Floorwise accessories arereadily available and these distributioncentres play a vital role in the company’sresearch and development strategy.

‘By using a local distribution strategywe can engage with the users of ouraccessories on a daily basis and thisallows us to fine tune and developproducts in accordance with theirspecific needs,’ says Bailey. ‘It is thisstrategy of listening and communicationthat has helped to reinforce ourreputation as one of the UK’s premieraccessories suppliers.’Floorwise, tel: 01509 673 974

Floorwise’scomprehensiveaccessories rangeincludesadhesives,screeds, grippers,profiles and tools

AWARDS


Best Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer

Lebus UpholsteryLebus Upholstery

‘I’m delighted that readers of InteriorsMonthly have again decided that LebusUpholstery is the Best Fabric UpholsteryManufacturer,’ says Karl Walker, Lebus md.‘It is a recognition of all the hard workeveryone at Lebus does and we areextremely proud to be recognised in thisway.’

The company has again shown itsadaptability to the demands of themarketplace by improving thespecification of models whilemaintaining its pricing structure.

At the recent Manchester FurnitureShow, the company unveiled severalmodels, including the introduction ofsome more classically styled designs.

‘As well as improving the specification,we’ve introduced more high backdesigns than previously as that is whatthe market wants. In times like todayconsumers tend to be more cautious andgo for something a bit more traditional,’says Walker.

Among the highlights of theManchester launches, Henley is a highback design with a 1970s retro feel;Manhattan is a fabric/bonded leathermix; Natasha is a classically styled cornergroup and Loft is a chunky corner group.

‘With our fully integratedmanufacturing facility we have been ableto respond quickly to what the marketwants and, of course, being a Britishmanufacturer do it without the long leadtimes that Far East production brings,’Walker adds.Visit: www.lebusupholstery.co.uk

Top: Abbey

Centre: Natalia

Right: Symphony

Lebus UpholsteryThe Art of British Upholstery Design

Tel: 01724 407 751www.lebusupholstery.co.uk

Campari

Pravda

QualityBritishmanufacturedfurniture

AWARDS


Best Leather Upholstery Manufacturer

TCSTCS

‘We’re delighted to have won Best LeatherUpholstery Manufacturer for the thirdtime. Thank you to all the InteriorsMonthly readers who voted for us. Itshows that more and more retailers areunderstanding what we can offer themand making good use of it,’ says ThomasSmall, TCS md.

This year has seen a number ofdevelopments at the company.Alongside the launch of its five-yearwarranty at the Interiors UK exhibition inJanuary, TCS also introduced its OfficialStockists Programme incorporating anew media marketing campaignalongside its www.tcsfurniturerange.comwebsite, designed to drive customersthrough retailers’ doors supported by in-store merchandising to achieve sales.

‘As part of our continued developmentof new media strategies and to maximisewhat TCS can do for our customers, welaunched our Official StockistsProgrammme. This has been specificallydesigned to maximise the benefits wecan offer our stockists which includeongoing discounts, free POS materials,free comprehensive staff training and alisting on our consumer focused website,’explains Small.

‘To further benefit our ever increasingnumber of Official Stockists, and inconjunction with our media partners,stockists become involved in our newsocial media campaign Your Sofa YourWay. This campaign is brought to thepublic to outline the many benefits ofthe TCS range where customers candesign their perfect suite by choosingthe endless options available from asingle model in the TCS range ofupholstery.’

The five-year warranty has alreadyproven itself to be another example ofhow TCS is leading the sector withservices and commitments made toindependent retailers, he says.

A sales training guide enables salesstaff to improve their knowledge of theproducts. It can also be used to give

shoppers more confidence in the rangeby making them better informed aboutwhat to look for when buying upholstery,with information including construction,springs, delivery and customisation.

Small highlights the success thecompany is enjoying thanks to its highservice levels.

‘Supply chains can cause problems forindependent retailers through no fault oftheir own and any problems impact on

the reputation of the retailer with theconsumer, not the supplier. That’s whywe work so hard to deliver a consistencyof service.

‘Independent retailers need to decidewhat market they want to be in. Theycan’t compete with much larger,established multiples, they have to havean unique selling point and we can helpthem to deliver that,’ he adds.Visit: www.tcsfurniturerange.com

Above: OfficialStockists receivePOS

Right: Thetraining guide

Below: Hannah

AWARDS


Best Rug Supplier

Asiatic CarpetsAsiatic Carpets

‘We would like to thank all the readers ofInteriors Monthly who took the time tovote for us,’ says an Asiatic Carpetsspokesman.

‘An award voted for by our customersis the ultimate accolade and motivates usto continue to develop new and excitingranges. This is particularly important inthe challenging consumer marketplacewe are in.

‘The launch of our new ContemporaryHome rug collection showcases ourlatest additions and confirms ourcommitment to be the best in thebusiness.’Visit: www.asiatic.co.uk

Above: Asiatic hasrevamped its website

Left: Hawaii

Below: The newContemporary Homecollection

AWARDS


Best Children’s Furniture

GautierGautier

Gautier has been a world leader in thedesign and manufacture ofchildren’s/junior furniture since 1964.Some five million children worldwidesleep in or have slept in beds made byGautier, a provenance in its own right.

The family-owned French companyhas always seen the potential and needfor quality furniture for this sector andconsistently maintained its position withthe two determining factors – childsafety and design.

Being one of the first manufacturers tohold the ISO 14001 (EnvironmentalManagement), OHSAS 18001(Occupational Health and Safety), andISO 9001 (Quality Management)standards, it is environmentally aware.

It makes its own particle board fromraw materials with a low formaldehydecontent, 97% recyclable products, water-based stains and lacquers whilethe five-year guarantee on Gautier brandproducts completes the picture.

One of the latest additions to theportfolio is no exception. Dimix is ajunior/teen range with a contemporaryurban feel aimed at the upper end.

‘With reduction in floorspace forchildren’s rooms, new solutions arenecessary to gain space. There arenumerous low cost options in bunks andmezzanines available without any specialfunctions, so the challenge was to bringmodern styling with materials, designand functionality,’ says Martyn Lincoln,Gautier UK md.

‘High and low compacts, with twosizes and one with a desk sees Dimixmeet that brief exactly.’

The group also offers the Galipettenursery furniture and Gami children’sjunior furniture brands.

‘With such a spread of designscovering such a wide range of agegroups, it is easy to see why Gautier is sosuccessful in this area. Many others mayfollow, but Gautier is proud that we leadthe way in many areas,’ adds Lincoln.Visit: www.gautier.co.uk

Top: Dimix

Above: Calypso

Left: New Biscuit

AWARDS


Best Engineered/Solid Wood Manufacturer

KährsKährs

Combining high performance and strictecological principles, Kährs’ range ofsustainable wood floors provides astylish, durable flooring option withdesigns to suit all environments.

The myriad of products spannumerous wood species, patterns andformats, in thicknesses from 7mm to22mm – each offered with a durablesatin lacquer or Nature Oil prefinish. Avariety of designer treatments are alsoavailable, including on-trend brushed,bevelled and distressed finishes, offeredthroughout Kährs Original, Supreme andLinnea collections.

As an industry leader in innovation,Kährs will launch a series of productsthroughout 2012. These include theShine collection, a range of eight one-strip wood floors crafted fromsustainable European oak, beech and ash with a high gloss, reflective lacquersheen. Metallic infused wood grain addsfurther distinction to the surface, withcolour options spanning from pearlywhite to copper-toned black.

Also new for 2012, is the Da Capocollection of authentically aged woodfloors. Using sustainable rustic oak, Da Capo includes six rugged one-stripdesigns. Each floor is brushed, hand-scraped, bevelled and smoked to achievea vintage look, while different tones ofNature Oil prefinish give a spectrum ofshades, from limewashed Oak Indossatito knotty, nut toned Oak Sparuto.

All floors feature Kährs’ multi-layeredconstruction, based on the originalparquet design, invented and patentedby Kährs in 1941, and providing 75%greater stability than a solid format.Kährs’ glueless Woodloc joint enablesfast, precise installation and eliminatesgapping for the lifetime of the floor.

All floors have complementaryaccessory, maintenance, display andmarketing materials. Comprehensivesales and product training workshopsand CPD programmes are also available.Kährs, tel: 023 9245 3045

Top: Pearl Oak from theShine collection

Above: Black Ash Silverfrom the Shine collection

Left: Supreme OakIndossati from the Da Capo collection

AWARDS


Best Dining Room Manufacturer

Willis & GambierWillis & Gambier

‘Everyone at Willis & Gambier is delightedto have been recognised as Best DiningRoom Manufacturer by Interiors Monthlyreaders. This is our third award but ourfirst in the highest turnover sector of thecabinet business,’ says Mark Symes, Willis& Gambier md.

‘Willis & Gambier strives to retainmarket leadership in design andcommerciality in the middle-uppersector of the market and to be rewardedyet again is a triumph for all our people.A huge thank you should go to ourcustomer base for their continuedsupport and enthusiasm of our productsand brand.’

He says the Manchester FurnitureShow gave it a tremendous platform tolaunch four ranges and meet themajority of its customer base.

‘The show attracts all of the topdecision makers and influencers in ourbusiness and we were trulyoverwhelmed by the generouscomments and commitments made atthe show,’ adds Symes.Visit: www.wguk.com

Above: Tavern

Left: Lille

Below: Maze

AWARDS


Best Laminate Manufacturer

BalterioBalterio

Laminate flooring remains one of themost popular floorcoverings, withconsumers attracted by its look, ease ofinstallation, comfort and easymaintenance. In this perspective Balterio,one of the most innovative producers oflaminate flooring, is playing in thepremier league.

Tradition Quattro has been one of thebestselling collections in the UK forseveral years and its decors and finishesare still on trend. It was one of the firstcollections to be launched with theEmbossing-in-Register technology: everywood grain can be seen and touchedthanks to the Balterio True-to-naturetouch technology. The collection offers aparquet look with its vivid naturalpatterns in eight colour variations and itsfoiled four-sided V-groove which gives ita natural and authentic look.

The trend in finishes is matt.Butterscotch Elm, Dakota Elm and AmberElm in the Xperienceplus collection havenot only been given a matt finish, butthere is also the new 3D-Wood Effectstructure. This gives the floor adimensional matt appearance andemphasises the natural relief of the grain.A two-sided V-groove finishes the planks.

Dolce is a fashionable matt floor at afair price. The Old Grey Oak and FossilOak decors gives interiors authenticityand character with a matt finish and theTrue-to-nature touch technology.

Balterio offers three fast, reliable andeasy installation systems on its five plankdimensions:

ClickXpress: this rolling system ensuresfast, easy and effortless fitting of planksand has for years been well appreciatedby fitters;

DropXpress: due to the U-profile onthe short side of the plank, the boardsfall perfectly into place. DXP wasdeveloped for small planks collection,Stretto;

The new PressXpress laying system onInfinity, Grandeur and Xperienceplusensures superfast laying: pressing the

floor panels into place with the endsagainst each other is all that is needed.The clip inside the plank ensuresimmediate locking of the short sidesresulting in a seamless and strong joint.

The installation systems will bedemonstrated at The Flooring Show by the Flooring Industry TrainingAssociation.Visit: www.balterio.com

Left: Grandeur isamong thecollections usingPressXpress

Below left:Tradition QuattroLounge Oak

Below right:XperienceplusAmber Elm

Style. Quality. Simplicity.

Balterio’s Tradition Quattro laminate fl ooring collection has been for years a bestseller in the UK.Although this collection has been existing for several years now, its designs, decors and finishes are still actual and authentic.

Its quality is impeccable:• A 9 mm thick Super-

HDF core board offers dimensional stability and reliability for seamless

installation.

• A high wear resistance

layer for high domestic and light commercial applications.

Every wood grain in this laminate can be seen and touched thanks to the unique Balterio True to nature®

touch technology. The collection offers you a real parquet look with its vivid natural patterns in eight different color variations and its foiled 4-sided V-groove.

The decors Lounge Oak, Cottage Oak, Liberty Oak and Legacy Oak offer 4 different beige natural oak colours that can be combined in every interior style and room. Tasmanian Oak, Carbon Black, Kambala and Select Walnut are for those who want to add an exotic touch totheir interior.

The ClickXpress® [CXP] installation system on Tradition Quattro offers easy, fast, sturdy and

seamless fitting for years

of carefree enjoyment.

With Balterio, the future is yours!

ClickXpress®

Discover the complete beautiful Balterio laminate fl ooring collection at www.balterio.com and be convinced of the rich and authentic designs and easy installation systems.

Scan for more info

Looking for a bestsellerin laminate ��

BALTERIO - Wakkensteenweg 37B - B-8710 Sint-Baafs-Vijve - T. +32 56 62 80 81 - F. +32 56 62 80 82 - [email protected] - www.balterio.com

AWARDS 2011

WINNERA

WA

RD

SWINNER 2012

AWARDS


Best Furniture Wholesaler

Julian BowenJulian Bowen

‘Being voted the Best Furniture Wholesalerby Interior Monthly’s retail readership is agreat accolade and unsurprising whenyou appreciate the professionalapproach Julian Bowen applies tomeeting our customers’ needs. We areimmensely proud of this award which is a result of the hard work andprofessionalism of our staff,’ says JulianBowen, eponymous founder of thewholesaler.

The success story is continuing for thecompany as it shows double digit salesgrowth in a year when many others arereporting extremely tough tradingconditions.

Always looking forward, Julian Bowenis building on the success of last year’s AtHome Show by repeating the event at itsshowrooms in Kirkby In Ashfield, runningfrom 13-24 August.

This show will see the launch of theStrada bedroom range in a light oakfinish with contrasting smoked highgloss drawers and doors. A matching bedin three sizes featuring underbeddrawers for additional storage, will alsobe on show.

The company continues to expand intothe living and dining area with theintroduction of four dining ranges.

Crantock and Napier offer great space-saving concepts, while the Belton storesthe folding chairs inside the table. The

distinctive ash veneers on the Hamiltoncomplete the collection.

Julian Bowen continues to forge aheaddeveloping innovative designs and cost-

effective solutions, which is proving theright strategy for it in these difficulttimes.Julian Bowen, tel: 01623 727 374

Top: Crantock

Above: Napier

Left: Hamilton

AWARDS


Best Flooring Wholesaler

MercadoMercado

‘I must say a huge thank you to all ourcustomers who constantly support us forwinning this award. Thanks must also goto all of the Mercado staff who workreally hard and are constantly striving toimprove on the already high level ofservice we give to our customers,’ saysAdrian Laffey, Mercado buying director.

‘And of course we wouldn’t be able toprovide that service without oursuppliers. Their ongoing support throughthe development and marketing of newproducts ensures we continue to growmarket share.’

Among the company’s latest productsis the exclusive Troublefree carpetcollection. It is bleach cleanable with alifetime stain warranty and is available ina fashionable palette of shades in 1m,2m, 3m, 4m and 5m widths.

The TLC LVT collection has anembossed PU finish and is available in 18decors.Mercado, tel: 0113 380 2900

Left: TLC LVT isavailable in 18 decors,including Rustic Oak.The collection will becomplemented by thelaunch of a marketingbrochure, highlightingits design possibilities,featuring numerousroomshot images

Below: Mercado's200,000sqftdistribution centredistributes 9.5 millionsqm of flooring everyyear

AWARDS 2011

WINNER

AW

AR

DS

WINNER 2012

Thank you to all the readers ofInteriors Monthly for voting

Best Flooring Wholesaler

AWARDS


Best Underlay Manufacturer

Ball & YoungBall & Young

‘Ball & Young has been acknowledged asa true achiever and winner in themarketplace. It is a fantastic achievementto win this award, made even morespecial because it has been voted for bythe readers of Interiors Monthly. Wesincerely thank you from everyone at Ball& Young,’ says Ann Shaw, Ball & Youngsales director.

This has proved to be a busy year forthe underlay company with the launch ofCloud 9 Connoisseur – The DesignerCollection, and sales have exceededexpectations, according to Shaw.

The Jubilee and Olympic andParalympic Games are being celebratedwith specially themed underlay bags thatmany consumers insist on keeping.Following on from this success, thebags for all Ball & Young Cloud 9carpet underlays have beenredesigned with more colour.

At The Flooring Show inSeptember, Ball & Youngwill reveal the updatedCloud 9 Silver Lining, whichhas been improved and engineeredto give firm support for carpet inheavy wear areas. The 6mmcontract product is suitable forstretch fit and double stick.

Visitors will also be able to see the company’s full range of accessories and thelatest underlay backings,which include informationsuch as the relevant BritishStandard.

‘Our dedication to beingthe best continues in allareas: quality, service andcompetitive pricing forour customers’ benefit,and I’d like to againthank the readers ofInteriors Monthly forcontinuing to puttheir faith in us,’says Shaw.Visit: www.underlay.com

Above: Cloud 9Connoisseur wasintroduced this year

Right: Cloud 9 bagswere rebranded

Left: Proud to beBritish, Ball & Young’sunderlay is UKproduced

AWARDS


Best Software Supplier

RetailsystemRetailsystem

‘It is absolutely fantastic for us to againwin the Best Software Supplier award. Notonly is it so encouraging to berecognised by people whose opinion yourespect, but it also means that we’vebeen getting things right for anotheryear when it comes to meeting ourcustomers’ needs,’ says Stephen Smith,Retailsystem md.

Smith says the company has been ableto innovate, update and upgrade itssystems to meet the new challenges theindustry has had to face by listening towhat its customers want.

In the past year he has seen anunprecedented increase in the use ofCloud based storage by its users as theymake the move to multichannel retailing.These include eBay and Amazon stores,Mobile Suite marketing, ecommerce,supplier online feeds with special offers,online order tracking, online staff salestraining and online accounting.

The key to success in the use ofinformation technology in anyenvironment, especially the retailcontext, is to make sure it’s easy to use, isup to date and provides users withpowerful tools to support all theelements that go to make a businesssuccessful, such as marketing, sales,accounting, stock control and humanresources.

‘That’s why we have made sure thatthose upgrades have gone from originalconcept to actual installation in thequickest possible time. And thanks to theCloud, upgrading working systems hashappened automatically so there havebeen no problems with installation, nodowntime and nothing but increasedand enhanced usability,’ says Smith.

‘In fact, more and more retailers areswitching to the Cloud, recognising theremarkable and beneficial resource itrepresents and the huge range ofopportunities it provides them with.’

Smith cites this year’s introduction ofMobile Suite that lets retailers target textmessages so that they can aim specific

sales messages at particular customersaccording to lifestyle, demographic orother marketing criteria. Texting directhas proved effective at increasing salesand eliminates the expense of designingand printing leaflets or direct mail.

‘A sincere thank you to all the retailerswho voted for us this year; honouring uswith this award only encourages us toredouble our efforts to makeRetailsystem better and better each year.’Visit: www.retailsystem.com

Retailsystem saysCloud computing cantransform your retaillandscape and avoidstress

MIK

KO L

UN

TIA

LA

AWARDS


Best Luxury Vinyl Supplier

Karndean DesignflooringKarndean Designflooring

This autumn Karndean Designflooring isintroducing a suite of products into itsKnight Tile range, one of its most popularcollections. One of the reasons for this isthe range of colour, texture and styleavailable. The full range reflects both ontrend design styles as well as a greatselection of bestselling, traditional woodand stone products. There are new plankand tile sizes available too.

Included in the collection will be eightwoods, ranging in tone from a deepchocolate to a white painted effect; fourstones in both warm and grey tones, aswell as two new borders, Mosaic andMackintosh – reflecting the design focusat the heart of Karndean Designflooring.

‘All our Knight Tile products are specialto us and it’s important that we do ourbest to stay in touch with whatcustomers really want in their homes. Todo this we regularly use customerresearch and listen to the feedback weget from our retail partners to create themost desirable collections,’ says LizHadfield, Karndean DesignflooringVantage programme marketing manager.

Acting on feedback from retailers issomething Karndean Designflooring triesto do in other areas of the business too.

An example of this is the developmentof an easy to use, retailer friendly onlineordering system, Karndean Account,available to stockists with a KarndeanVantage account.

The aim is to make ordering as easy asordering from any online store availableto the public.

‘Our retailers are our customers,’Hadfield says. ‘We don’t forget that, andwe know how precious your time is whenyou run your own business. So 24/7 accessto secure ordering can make it mucheasier. Hopefully it’s this sort of initiativethat saw Karndean Designflooring votedBest Luxury Vinyl Supplier by InteriorsMonthly readers, for which we thankeveryone who voted for us.’Karndean Designflooring, tel: 01386 820 200

Left: Portland Stone

Below: St14Mid WornOak KP103

Bottom left: DamasStone ST10

AWARDS


Best Vinyl Manufacturer

IVC GroupIVC Group

‘We are extremely proud of Avenue andLeoline and it’s great that retailersrecognise that these brands bringexceptional value, high style and mostimportantly of all, are the go-to cushionflooring brands for consumers across thecountry. Both brands offer excellentopportunities for retailers, with Avenuepushing the boundaries of style, whileLeoline represents the very best incompetitive choice,’ says FrancisDebrabandere, IVC Group commercialdirector.

‘With the two brands, IVC Group isundeniably the UK’s premier supplier ofcushion flooring to both independent,regional and national retailers and ourcollections have achieved widespreadcoverage in home interest magazinesand national newspapers,’ he adds.

With Avenue and collections such asUltimate Minerals, Precious Metals,Ultimate Oak and Bubblegum andLiquorice, retailers can offer stylesdesigned to challenge conventionalperceptions of cushion flooring. Pushingcushion flooring to a new audience ofstyle conscious homeowners, Avenue istrend-leading and packed full of leadingfeatures, such as Natural Look and Feelsurface structures and PU Lacquermaintenance technology.

Leoline shares many of these qualitiesin a range focused on value with rangessuch as Comfortz, Woodmark and TileStyles being firm favourites amonghomeowners and retailers alike, saysDebrabandere. He stresses that justbecause value is a key consideration,style and performance do not have tosuffer.

‘With these two brands, IVC Group is aformidable player within the cushionflooring market and with excellentsupply chains across the UK, themanufacturer delivers faultless servicelevels backed by warranties on manyproducts of up to 15 years,’ addsDebrabandere. IVC Group, tel: 00 32 5665 3211

Above: Avenue’sUltimate Minerals

Left: Stripes,Bubblegum andLiquorice ranges

Below: Travertinefrom Leoline’sStonemark collection

AWARDS


Best Fabric/Soft Furnishings Manufacturer

Prestigious Textiles Prestigious Textiles

Fabric has been at the heart of allPrestigious Textiles’ operations since itsfoundation 25 years ago, and thedirectors and staff are delighted thattheir creative and commercial successcontinues to be acknowledged acrossthe industry.

‘The feedback generated in responseto our 2012 collections has beentremendous,’ says Matthew Helliwell,Prestigious md. ‘But there’s no room forcomplacency in our world. We’recontinuing to develop new product lines,new colourways and new designconcepts to ensure that this positive andenthusiastic support continues.’

One of the big design stories forsummer is epitomised in Orient, acollection of colour-washed designs on aslub panama backdrop. Sprays of flowers,artisan ceramics and birds alighting fromfiligree cages have been reproduced in agentle hand-inked style, matched bycasual zigzags and stripes.

Orient colourways are equally soft,with the array headed by Lulworth Blue.

Sophisticated digital printingtechnology has opened up a new worldof interior decor style, and Prestigious ismaking the most of the design potentialof these developments with its Art & Soulcollection of fabrics and wallcoverings.

Featuring pattern repeats on apreviously unimaginable scale,interpreted through enriched and infinitepalettes, Art & Soul draws on a library ofdesigns – from urban parkland to jewel-bright Jacobean themes, and from optic-art to tropical flowers. All are reproducedacross velvets, canvas and linens forcurtains, upholstery and accessories andpartnered by wallcoverings.

Prestigious Textiles is applying its 25years of experience in home furnishingfabrics to complementary sectors – andto wallcoverings in particular. The latestbook of wallpapers and vinyls featuresleading trends with its In The Picturecollection, ranging from rococo-stylemirrors (Mirror Mirror) and enticing

textures (Slatted and Torn) to barcodestripes (Edition) and distinctive retro-geometrics (Look and Shattered).

In the Picture wallcoverings are non-

woven for easy paste-the-wallapplication, and a semi-plain vinyl with abrick texture (Issue) completes the set.Prestigious, tel: 01274 688 448

Above: Mirror Mirror

Left: Art & Soul

Below: Orient

AWARDS


Best New Flooring Exhibition

Buying Groups’ NationalBuying Groups’ NationalFlooring ShowFlooring Show

‘We are delighted the Buying Groups’National Flooring Show won the 2012Interiors Monthly award for the Best NewFlooring Exhibition,’ says a spokesman forthe five flooring buying groups thatorganise the event.

‘This is the second year we have heldthis event and we were delighted withthe reaction of visitors and suppliersalike.’

Held in May at Cranmore Park, Solihull,the show was expanded with theintroduction of a second 745sqm hall tosupport the 2,790sqm main hall.Cranmore Park is in the Midlands just offJunction 4 of the M42, and only 10minutes from the NEC and BirminghamInternational Airport.

Some 60 suppliers took part with ACG,BRM, Flooring One, Metro and SMGmembers visiting. Suppliers weredelighted with the attendance and theopportunity to talk with so many qualityretailers.

In addition to many of the majorflooring brands, the new hall featuredcompanies little seen before in the UKsuch as Posh and Moduleo.

‘We are already looking forward tonext year,’ says Glenn Harding, FlooringOne controller, ‘and a meeting has beenorganised with the other buying groupsto review this year’s show and discussplans for 2013.

‘We’d like to thank all the companiesthat took part in the show and made it asuccess. The companies taking part were:Abingdon Flooring, Adam Carpets,Alternative Flooring Co, Amtico, AsiaticCarpets, Associated Weavers, AxiomDisplays, Axminster Carpets, Ball &Young, Bond Worth, Brink and Campman,Brockway Carpets, Bronte Carpets, BruceStarke & Co, Carpenter, CarpetFoundation, Carpet Logistics, CarpetRecycling UK, Cavalier Carpets, CormarCarpets, CQFS, Crucial Trading, CurtainExpress, Edel Telenzo, Elliott Anti-Slip,Flock, Flooring Guild, Forbo Flooring UK,Furlong Flooring, Gaskell Wool Rich,

Gooch, Oriental Carpets, Hall’s Floorings,Hand Made Carpets, Heuga HomeFoundations, Interfloor, Karndean,Kenton Floors, Kersaint Cobb, KingsmeadCarpets, Louis De Poortere, ManxCarpets, Mastercraft Rugs, MasterpieceSystems, Moduleo, Mohawk, MrTomkinson, Oriental Weavers, Parador,Pergo, Plantation Rug Company, Posh,Rama Carpets, Ryalux, Stairrods (UK), TedTodd, Turtle Mat Company, UlsterCarpets, Ultimate Rug Company, VictoriaCarpets, Vorwerk, Westex, WhitestoneWeavers, Wilkinson Furniture, ThomasWitter and Wools of New Zealand.’Visit: www.bgnfs.co.uk

The event washeld at CranmorePark, where morethan 60companiesexhibited andmembers fromfive buyinggroups visited

AWARDS


Best Furniture Exhibition

IMM CologneIMM Cologne

IMM Cologne, the worldwide event forthe interior design sector, will open itsdoors in around 150 days. With about10% more exhibitors and 12% moreexhibition space occupied than the lastshow, augmented by an increase inforeign participation and new productsegments, there’s nothing standing in theway of a successful exhibition, accordingto Frank Haubold, vice president, TradeFair Management.

‘For the first time in years we’ll beoccupying the entire exhibition centreagain, enabling our visitors to experienceeverything the design sector has to offerin one location.

‘In view of the huge interest fromprofessional circles and the media, plusthe fact that the number of exhibitorswho have registered to take part exceedsall our expectations, we can already saythat, more than ever before, Cologne isvery much a talking point in theinternational interior design sector,’ hesays.

More than 1,100 companies from some50 countries will present trends for thecoming year. So far, 20% more foreignbusinesses have registered, a sign ofIMM’s increased internationalsignificance.

This starting position is the result ofIMM Cologne’s consistent developmentfrom a furniture-only trade fair to aconceptually sophisticated interiordesign show.

The development was founded on therealignment of the Prime segment, theexpansion of the design focal point Pure with Pure Village, Pure Textile andthe new Pure Editions format, and thereturn of the kitchen sector withLivingKitchen.

Last but not least there are also twodesign contests at IMM Cologne eachyear.

Since 2002, awarding innovative andoutstanding designed products for theinteriors industry has been the aim of theInterior Innovation Award. Initiated by

IMM Cologne and the German DesignCouncil, the competition evolved as ahighly effective tool for corporatepositioning and product differentiation.

In addition, the D³ Contest has becomeanother fixed feature at the Cologne fairand offers young designers a big stage.Visit: www.imm-cologne.com

Some 1,100 companies from more than 50countries will take part in the 2013 showwhich runs from 14-20 January

AWARDS


Best Flooring Exhibition

The Flooring ShowThe Flooring Show

Launched in Harrogate in 1962 as theNorthern Floor Coverings Fair, TheFlooring Show has proved to be durable,outlasting a number of rival eventsstaged in venues as diverse as Blackpool,Brighton, London and Birmingham.

Despite the tough economicconditions, the 50th anniversary editionof the show – starting on 2 September atthe Harrogate International Centre – willfeature more than 110 exhibitors from 10countries representing all areas offloorcoverings and related products andservices. A healthy and vibrant showcovering about 3,000sqm of floorspace iskeenly anticipated.

This year efforts are being made toenhance the seminar programme for theretail/domestic sector. The 2-3 Septemberprogramme, ‘Increasing the profitabilityof your business in tough times’ willdirectly address what actions small andmedium-sized businesses can take tobuild business. The keynote speaker isRetail Champion’s Clare Rayner.

To accompany the seminars, threeretail displays will illustrate how retailerscan use creative design to inspire theircustomers.

As in previous years, there is a three-day demonstration programmespearheaded by the Contract FlooringAssociation, Flooring Industry TrainingAssociation and National Institute ofCarpet and Floorlayers in the Demo Zonein Hall B.

‘What is significant is the emphasis thisyear’s event will place on the wayfloorcoverings influence other interiordesign decisions in the retail sector, andthe increasingly specialist and high-technature of floorcoverings in thecommercial sector,’ says Paul Stott, TheFlooring Show marketing director.

The exhibition, seminar programme,demonstrations and networkingopportunities are all free of charge totrade participants. Parking and Internetaccess is free.Visit: www.theflooringshow.com

The Flooring Show isthe place to network

AWARDS


Best Marketing Support

EkornesEkornes

‘We are absolutely delighted thatEkornes has won the Best MarketingSupport award for a record fourth year.We value these accolades seriously, asthey are customer led,’ says Duncan Box,Ekornes marketing manager.

‘Historically Ekornes has a reputationfor strong marketing support which thisyear’s win again reflects. It is somethingyear on year we will continue to develop.

‘We are always looking to innovate andstreamline the marketing package weoffer but of course we can only do thatwith the support of our retail partners.Their support is something that we nevertake for granted – we are acutely awarethat every marketing plan we presentneeds to provide a compelling reason forour retail partners to invest in it.’

The company reports a stronger thanever marketing and promotional planand where others have cut back, it hascontinued to heavily invest in drivingfootfall into its retailers and businessbuilding activities. At the forefront ofthese developments is embracing digitalmarketing as a key tool at retail level.

The summer campaign involvedretailers taking part in email campaigns,web advertising, behavioural targetingand video on demand campaigns. Aretailer microsite allows consumers tobrowse the entire Stressless collectiononline on a retailer’s website. Themicrosite joins a host of other digitaltools from Ekornes including banners,room planners and catalogues.

‘The majority of customers these daysbrowse and shop using the Internet, sohaving a significant online brandawareness is essential to succeed on thehigh street,’ says Box. ‘We are constantlylistening to the feedback of ourcustomers and following our highlysuccessful regional retailer marketingforum meetings, we are already workingon further new developments for2013/14 to remain at the forefront of themarketing support we provide retailers.’Visit: www.ekornes.co.uk

Left: A microsite hasbeen developed forretailers’ websites

Below: Investmentcontinues to be madein marketing, forexample for Voyager

• Patented Plus system for perfect support in any position. • Wide range of luxurious leathers, sumptuous fabrics and wood finishes. • Matching Stressless recliners for co-ordinated comfort.

| | Home Cinema | |

New Stressless Wizard Sofa withNew Duo Table with Ottomans andMagic Recliner and Stool

To find your nearest Stressless Comfort Studio or

(Éire 1800 927 310)

MembersAIS members are diverse in their scale and

market positioning but all gain advantage

from buying benefits and other forms of

support. Those members include highly

respected and leading retailers Arnotts,

Barker & Stonehouse, Elys of Wimbledon,

Gillies, Glasswells, Jarrold, Sterling and

Stokers to name just a few.

BuyingKey to its success are the buying

relationships that AIS facilitate with major

suppliers including exclusive Own Brand

ranges such as Dreamworld beds, exclusive

branded product from leading suppliers such

as G-Plan, exclusive range launches such as

Simply Chic and access to an import

programme of consolidated containers that

would otherwise not be possible for most

independents on their own. Additionally,

there is particular category expertise

exemplified by Flooring One the specialist

carpet and floor-covering division. Some of

the members mentioned above will be

recognised as leaders in this field and benefit

from Flooring One initiatives as well as

furniture in general.

ShowsThere are regular trade shows throughout

the year in the areas of Furniture, Beds and

Flooring as well as other associated product

categories such as Housewares and Linens

all held in the large exhibition spaces within

the AIS headquarters in Solihull. These

attract the major brands and are a

convenient focal point for member buyers.

Unique way of workingHowever, over and above improving their

members’ bottom line through this

collective buying power, AIS also add value

in many other ways that are unique to

them.

There are, for example, a number of

strategy groups focusing on specific product

categories where members can help shape

the buying and sourcing direction. Regular

forums and internal communication

channels also provide the opportunity to

share information and learn from each

other. There is also a streamlined payments

process and central product data that help

make members’ back office operation and

administration more efficient and cost

effective.

Professional supportThere is also professional support in services

such as marketing, training and personnel

where AIS departments make their

expertise available to members. This could

be through regular seminar days on topics

such as online, customer loyalty and training

or by member request. Finally, AIS have a

central procurement service for insurance,

utilities and various commodities that year

after year delivers big savings for members.

...more than a buying group

If you are interested in becominga member of AIS please contact:

David Standing,Commercial [email protected] MallinsonMerchandise Director - [email protected]

0121 711 2200

AIS are the largest non-food buying group of its kind supporting independent retailers in

the UK and Ireland but are also so much more than just a buying group.

AIS Offices, Conference & Exhibition Centre - Solihull

Advertorial

Simply Chic, a co-ordinated

collection of upholstery and

cabinets

The AIS Furniture Shows bring together the

best Brands and trade buyers

Exclusive Dreamworld range

only for AIS members

Flooring One -

specialist buying division

AWARDS


Best Flooring Buying Group

SMGSMG

‘SMG – The National Flooring andFurnishing Group, is again delighted toreceive recognition from the readers ofInteriors Monthly,’ says Mike Symonds,SMG head of group operations.

‘Having received the award for BestBusiness Support in 2011, the goal forSMG in 2012 was to raise the bar andgive members of the group even more.The award of Best Flooring Buying Groupfor 2012 underlines our efforts but itsimply could not have been achievedwithout the help and support of thegroup’s members and approvedsuppliers and their willingness todevelop the business with us. Increasedprofitability for members is at the heartof the SMG membership package.’

SMG’s competitive group pricelistswith leading manufacturers benefitretailers, but do not stifle entrepreneurialopportunities. An ongoing promotionalcalendar with its suppliers, advertised inits Monthly Update magazine, can bringextra margin opportunities. In addition,there are supplier rebate schemesoffering significant returns.

Business costs are high on the SMGagenda and in 2012 the group power ofover 370 retail outlets has led torenegotiated prices with Barclaycard forcard payments and with Gamma on thecost of business communications. SMGhas also added an energy broker into thegroup supplier portfolio offering up to70% savings on energy bills.

‘Central purchasing using SMGOrderlink is a fantastic opportunity toincrease profitability,’ says Symonds.

‘Checking Orderlink price andavailability should be your first call forany product you may consider buyingfrom wholesale. Orderlink provides SMGmembers with access to all approvedsupplier products and is unique to theflooring and furnishing industries. Withwholesale beating prices and a rebatescheme, Orderlink is the jewel in theSMG crown.’SMG: tel: 0118 932 3832

Left: Members have accessto a wide variety ofproducts

Below: Communicationscosts have been reduced

Bottom: Card paymentcosts have been cut

AWARDS


Best Furniture Website

Silentnight BedsSilentnight Beds

‘Here at Silentnight we understand theimportance of our website and areworking hard to continually improve our customer experience online,’ saysSteve Freeman, Silentnight Group md.

A recent redesign was undertaken toimprove the functionality and usability ofthe website with particular focus oneasier navigation, availability of productcontent on all product ranges andincreased prominence of local stockistinformation for customers.

This was designed to make it easier forcustomers to find their local bedspecialist stocking the exclusive TheClassics range.

‘The number of consumers now usingthe Internet has increased our onlinepresence and has enabled us to furthersupport independent bed specialists indriving footfall to these stockists fromcustomer searches on our website,’ saysFreeman.

‘We are delighted these improvementshave been recognised through ourrecent award presented to us for BestFurniture Website.

‘As we strive to improve and developour website further still we have investedin a digital marketing team withinSilentnight to build a brand new lookand feel website which will officiallylaunch in September this year.

‘This new team brings an extensive setof skills, knowledge and expertise toenable us to further enhance thecustomer bed buying journey online,’ heexplains.

Developments to the website willinclude introducing a new bed selectorfunction and the ability to showcaseproduct ranges along with furthersignificant improvements to the stockistsearch functionality.

Freeman adds that the team iscommitted to being able to offer websitesupport to the group’s key retail partnersin helping them improve their ownwebsites.Visit: www.silentnight.co.uk

Above: The websitewas redesigned

Left: Gloriana

Below: Gianna

AWARDS


Best Supply Chain/Logistics Company

CEVA Logistics CEVA Logistics

For the second time in four years, CEVALogistics has won the Interiors MonthlyBest Supply Chain/Logistics Companyaward.

The company was recognised byreaders for its work within the interiorssector where it provides one and two-man white glove home delivery servicesfor major retailers and manufacturers.But the breadth of services offered doesnot stop there.

In addition to collecting furniture fromdistribution centres and manufacturinglocations, CEVA delivers to endcustomers for the Internet and storeretail channels of major retailers. It alsooperates fulfilment warehousing where itreceives product from suppliers, stores it,and then despatches.

CEVA recently won a five-year contractwith Silentnight Group where it willmake more than 70,000 home deliverieseach year for the Silentnight, RestAssured and Sealy brands. It will collectmattresses and divan bases from twomanufacturing sites in Lancashire andCumbria and deliveries will be made onbehalf of major national retailers.

‘All of our crews are trained in producthandling and customer interaction. Aswe are delivering on behalf of ourcustomers, that final stage whereproduct is delivered by professional,courteous and clean crews is hugelyimportant,’ says Jon Evans, CEVA seniorgeneral manager, business developmentfor the consumer and retail sector in theUK.

‘When dealing with high value andhigh quality items, which becomeintegral parts of people’s homes, youhave to offer that extra special service,and we feel that by doing this it reflectspositively on the all-round customerexperience,’ he says.

Since the last award win in 2009, thecompany has added a return logisticsservice where the company can managethe collection, removal and recycling of unwanted or replaced furniture such

as mattresses and divan bases.‘For retailers, our return logistics and

recycling service takes away a hassle thatwe are happy to manage. Mostimportantly, we talk directly to endcustomers to understand their needs andarrange a service to suit them throughour national customer service centre inWarrington,’ says Evans.

‘Within the UK interiors sector, we havemade significant progress in providingdirect home delivery services on behalfof drop ship suppliers for retailers. This

process sees us working very closely withmanufacturers to collect finished productas soon as it comes off the productionline and deliver it to customers’ homes ina single operation.

‘This means product never physicallytravels to a warehouse facility anddoesn’t accumulate storage or handlingcosts. The service can only work byhaving a strong understanding betweenboth parties in order to share detailedinformation freely,’ he adds.Visit: www.cevalogistics.com

Above: Products can be deliveredfrom the factory to the consumer

Left: Will Jones, CEVA marketing andcommunications manager, UK,Ireland and Nordics, collects CEVA’scertificate

Below: CEVA offers one and two-manwhite glove deliveries

AWARDS


Best Business Support

Carpet FoundationCarpet Foundation

When the Carpet Foundation was set upin 1999 by the leading UK carpetmanufacturers in the face of a growingtrend towards smooth flooring, it was abit of a leap of faith. The cynics said itwouldn’t last, particularly when, in 2002,it set about engaging with independentretailers. Today, it stands strong, the leadbody for the UK carpet industry and itconsistently promotes carpet and itsnetwork of 850 independent retailers.

Just as the world has changeddramatically in the past 13 years, so hasthe Carpet Foundation. It is currentlyembarking on a new, fairer fundingmodel for both manufacturers andretailers and is set to embrace the digitalworld with a heavyweight onlinecampaign with IPC’s home portalwww.housetohome.co.uk.

The Foundation’s successes arenumerous. It has consistently promotedcarpet via consumer advertising and hashanded its retailers a significant point ofdifferentiation in the eyes of consumerswith the Office of Fair Trading approvedCode of Practice. Carpet is no longer theCinderella of household goods in thepublic domain and consistently gracesthe pages of home interest magazines.

The website attracts more than 80,000individual visitors each year, a quarter ofwhom actively look for their nearestretailer. Retail members have their ownindividual websites on the Foundation’swebsite and in-store POS material thatpositions their members as ‘the carpetexperts’, is provided free of charge.

On the technical side, it fights the UK corner on the European andinternational stage. For manufacturers itintroduced the Quality Mark, the onlyquality assurance initiative in the UKcarpet industry.

Looking ahead, it is poised to play aprominent role in this year’s TheCampaign for Wool and, under thestewardship of chief executive AndrewStanbridge, it is embracing thechallenges that lie ahead. In spite of the

prevailing market conditions, newmanufacturing members are poised tocome on board. In short, it has cementedits position in the UK carpet industry.

‘On behalf of everyone at the Carpet

Foundation, I’d like to thank all theInteriors Monthly readers who value theservices and support we provide to ourmembers,’ says Stanbridge.Visit: www.carpetfoundation.com

The Carpet Foundation hasraised awareness of carpetand members are providedwith in-store POS

Below: The CarpetFoundation is heavilyinvolved in this year’s The Campaign for Wool


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UPHOLSTERY

Leather upholstery, brown in particular,has been in the ascendancy for whatseems like decades, but fabric is makinga big return.

‘The mid-upper end of the upholsterymarket is an exciting place to be rightnow,’ according to Caroline Steed, SteedUpholstery and Peter Guild sales director.

‘There is a real connection being made

with British design and manufacturing,both here at home and abroad, with theeyes of the world focused on the UK forthe Diamond Jubilee, Olympics andParalympics,’ she says.

There are certain things Britain isrecognised for doing rather well, shesays, and quality upholstery is one ofthem. In the UK, buying quality British

goods is back on thewish list for many which both Steed andPeter Guild are witnessing.

‘With Peter Guild, velvets are very bigright now; plain crushed velvets inparticular, as used on the Mayfair cornergroup, with accent scatter cushions, tostunning effect. We’re able to tailoreach Peter Guild and Steed piece

SofttouchFeel is all important for thelatest upholstery designs

Peter Guild’s Mayfair

Artisani’s Arkona

Sweetpea & Willow’s Lush


to suit the individual requirements of theconsumer, be it altering the dimensions,legs or fabric,’ says Steed.

‘We are witnessing a similar fabrictrend with Steed, though it’s very much atailored look Steed customers areafter, using woven chenille, patternedfabrics, such as the Pendragon used onthe Kedleston.’

At Wade Upholstery, Chris Everist, salesand marketing director, says fabricupholstery is gaining ground.

‘The shift away from leather to softcover continues to gather momentumwith texture and handle becoming amore important factor in the selectionprocess. Plaids and checks seem to be ofthe moment, as do sumptuous crushvelvet plains in tonal colours,’ he says.

Sweetpea & Willow has joined thevelvet trend with its Lush sofa in velvetand button-back, while sister brandBeautiful Modern Thing’s OpulantButterfly opts for button-back and linen.

Artisani has also opted for velvet fromHarlequin with its Arkona roll arm benchwhile Alexander & Pearl uses stripes togive a classic French oak armchair a freshlook. Alexander & Pearl, tel: 020 8508 0411Artisani, tel: 0845 259 1410Beautiful Modern Thing, tel: 0845 257 7150Peter Guild, tel: 0115 972 9863Steed Upholstery, tel: 0115 973 4166Sweetpea & Willow, tel: 0845 257 2627Wade Upholstery, tel: 01159 394 500

UPHOLSTERY

Above: Steed Upholstery’sKedlestonRight: Alexander & Pearl’sFrench StripeBelow: Wade Upholstery’sFloydBottom: Beautiful ModernThing’s Opulent Butterfly

Simon Charles Group Ltd Furniture, Furnishings, Flooring & Accessories Division

Large and small Quantities of Stock Required Now• Current Ranges • Slow Moving Stock • Customer Returns

• Discontinued Stock • Clearance Lines • End of Lines • Excess Stock

Turn Stock Into Cash Immediately

Over 170,000 Registered Private & Trade Buyers Free Storage & Handling • Transport Arranged • Prompt Payment

• No Warranties/Guarantees Required

Call 0800 126 750 or Email: [email protected]

Simon Charles Group Ltd, Guide Mills, South Street, Guide Bridge, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 0PJ

Woodline Marketing has officially opened its UKshowroom highlighting furniture manufacturers

from Bosnia and Herzegovina.The opening of the showroom, located in Signs Furniture’s

Romford store was attended by customers, representatives ofthe manufacturers, the Bosnia and Herzegovina embassy and

international sponsors of the showroom US Agency forInternational Development and Swedish International

Development and Cooperation Agency.

The showroom offers a variety of furniture, from traditional to modern including cabinet to upholstery and dining and

bedroom to bathroom furniture.

The showroom is at Target House, Bryant Avenue, Harold Hill,Romford, Essex RM3 0AP.

Woodline Marketing: 01708 677 227 • [email protected]


RUGS

The latest rug designscontinue to be bold withsome coming fromunexpected places

Takingthefloor

‘A key element that pulls together thevarious pieces in a room, the rug playsan increasingly important role incontributing to the creation of awarm, inviting living space,’ saysMinotti, when introducing its rugcollection.

Best known for its upholstery andoccasional tables, the Italian firm isone of a growing number of furniturecompanies that have introduced rugsto coordinate with their furniture.Here we look at some of the latestfrom the newcomers, along withdesigns from more establishedplayers.

Mainly a furniture designer, Patricia Urquiola isno stranger to flooring and has taken inspirationfrom hand-woven jumpers to create GandiaBlasco’s Mangas range, complete with matchingpouffe collection. Visit: www.gandiablasco.com

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RUGS


Minotti’s Dibbetts Rainbow uses Lyocell cellulose fibre which reflects lightwhile absorbing any dye colour. Rainbow combines four colours for Artic(pictured): white, ecru, grey and pewter and three for Forest: rust, petroleumand ecru. Visit: www.minotti.com

Austrian design companyPudelskern has created Fragmentand Patina for Stepevi. Fragmenthas the appearance of an old rug,with varying shades of one colour,missing pieces and faded oversizedclassical patterns. Patina draws itsinspiration from Botticelli’s 1485Birth of Venus, where the cracks areinseparable from the painting’ssurface. Six different tones are usedon each rug. Visit: www.stepevi.com

Borbonese Casa by Matteograssi’sfive-strong rug range includesMood, a play of light and shadowswith a screw pattern. Visit: www.matteograssi.it ��


RUGS

Never afraid to make a statement, Jan Kath’s Tokio has recreated the work ofartistic photographer Stefan Emmelmann with pixels becoming silk andwool knots. Visit: www.jan-kath.com

Eduardo Chillida’s sculptures have been reinterpreted as rugs by NaniMarquina from 1948’s Fugura Humana (pictured) to 1993’s Gravitacion aswell as the 1990s pictures of his hands. Visit: www.nanimarquina.com

Jaipur (pictured) is Cattelan Italia’s first entry into the rug sectoralong with Delhi, combining cotton and chenille and a fadedand used appearance. Visit: www.cattelanitalia.com

Arketipo’s hand-tufted Parking is designed to look like the markings of a carpark, in either dark blue or beige. Visit: www.arketipo.com


Winding in and outLooping can be a hit indoors and in the garden

Although this summer has curtailed further blurring of the linebetween inside and out where rugs are concerned, it hasn’tstopped the development of products suitable for both spaces.

Limited Edition’s Looping is one such range of rugs, created incollaboration with Dutch textile designer Helene Dashorts.Looping follows the natural movement of winding cord andfeatures no less than 1,600 points of contact per sqm. Morethan 100 hours of manual craftsmanship are needed to producethe 100% polypropylene design.

UV and moisture resistant, Looping was primarily designedfor outdoor use but is also at home in contemporary rooms andis available in three colours: Poppy, Dolphin and Nacre.

The rugs come in 170cm x 230cm, 200cm x 300cm and300cm x 400cm standard sizes as well as a 200cm diameter, andcustom sizes are also available.Visit: www.limitededition.be

RUGS

Left: Looping follows thenatural movement ofwinding cord

Below: It is available inthree colours, includingPoppy

Bottom left: Each rug has1,600 points of contact persqm

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

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

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

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

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

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

Home Delivery - Important points on our service:

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

BEDS AND BEDROOM


Palatine Beds has launched the 1907 branded mattresscollection, offering a choice of memory foam or sprung modelsand bespoke options.

‘Choosing the right mattress is one of the most importantdecisions we make; after all, we spend a third of our lives asleepand countless more hours relaxing in bed. Our daily lives can goby in a frantic whirl of activity, so it’s essential to make the placewhere you unwind and recharge as comfortable as possible,’says Andrew Waters, 1907 sales and marketing manager.

‘Believing that neither foam or springs are superior to theother and being committed to providing the ultimate incustomer choice, we have developed a luxurious range whichenables the customer to explore what works for them.’

All mattresses are available in a range of sizes, from single to

super king size and understanding that customers come in allshapes and sizes, bespoke solutions are also offered.

The spring models feature wool, horsehair, cotton and coir,hand-teased to open out the fibres which are laid over eitherpocket spring or open coil spring units for optimal full-bodysupport. Each mattress is covered with a soft damask cover andembroidered with the 1907 name.

‘Because all 1907 mattresses are made by hand it is possibleto create a wide range of bespoke mattresses, tailor-made tosuit individual needs. We can produce mattresses with cut-outcorners to accommodate bedsteads such as four-posters or tofit into a corner or alcove. Levels of firmness can also becustomised to accommodate differing preferences,’ adds Waters.Visit: www.1907beds.co.uk

Sleeping beautiesA look at the latest products in the market

Memory foam or sprungmodels are available forthe 1907 range

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BEDS AND BEDROOM


Kingstown Furniture has relaunched its website, showing more ofits products and allowing consumers to find local stockists anddownload brochures. The website redesign is part of an ongoingprogramme of investment for Kingstown, which included a £1minvestment in the introduction of a technologically advanced, high-quality, high-capacity edge processing line from Biesse at itsHull facilities. This follows the installation of two state of the artcutting machines. Kingstown Furniture, tel: 01482 701173

Spanish fitted bedroom, kitchen and bathroommanufacturer Doca, has entered the UK market, with a1,500sqft showroom in west London and is looking forstockists across the country. Visit: www.docauk.com

Kettle Interiors has expanded its Canterbury andCotswold bedroom collections. Additions to Canterburyinclude a three-drawer wide chest, two over four jumbochest, large mirrored gent’s wardrobe (pictured)and mirrored triple wardrobe with five drawers. Cotswoldadditions include a combination wardrobe, largemirrored gent’s wardrobe and mirrored triple wardrobewith five drawers. Kettle Interiors, tel: 01536 444 960

Hyder Living has expanded its portfolio with the introduction of a divan range. ‘Traditionallythough we have steered away from the divan sector, instead focusing on improving ourbedstead portfolio, service and back room support so that we can answer the needs of a highlycompetitive market. However, after research in the sector and demand from our expandingcustomer base, we have decided to enter the market,’ says Zed Hyder, Hyder Living md. ‘Thedivan portfolio initially provides drawer, base, construction and mattress options, meaningretailers can tailor a solution to their client base.’ Hyder Living, tel: on 01484 531 000

LIVING AND DINING


‘Old Charm is the epitome of a qualityfurniture brand with its products anddesigns firmly rooted in the traditionaland classical eras,’ says Malcolm Nix,Wood Bros sales and marketing director.

‘Functionality and style have alwaysfeatured strongly in the design ethicemployed in the ranges and collectionsand product specification and integrityare at the forefront of our manufacturingprinciples.’

He says Chatsworth, the oak collectionbeing introduced later this year,encompasses these attributes and is setto broaden further the appeal of the OldCharm brand.

Chatsworth reflects the character andstrength of design prevalent in anarchetypal English country manor.

It is constructed from a combination ofsolid and veneers, each selected basedon appropriateness and performance in use. It is finished in Flaxen, anauthentic, light yet mellow colourhighlighted by extensive softening and

Country setOld Charm is set to widen its appeal

darkened rubs which add definition.The collection is made up of 15 pieces.

These include: a 1.83m extending diningtable with turned tapered legs, chunkyfarmhouse-style top and self-storedextension leaf; a 1.2m circular fixed toptable with a substantial central pedestal;upholstered chair; two sideboards;

mirror; display top; two bookcases;display cabinet; coffee table; lamp table;two nests of tables and two TV units– corner and rectangular.

Chatsworth will be in stores fromSeptember supported by a national andonline advertising and PR campaign.Wood Bros, tel: 01920 469 241

Left: There is a choiceof two dining tablesInset: The coffee tablehas turned legsBottom: Chatsworthhas a light yet mellowfinish

Featuring character oak and available in ‘flaxen’, a mellow finish, the range offers stunning dining, livingand occasional designs. Its versatile style is grand yet simple and would complement all interiors from

casual to formal. As with all Old Charm, Chatsworth is covered by a lifetime guarantee.

“Designed for living, guaranteed for life”For more information or to view contact us on 01920 469241

www.oldcharm.co.uk

‘Chatsworth’The new collection from Old Charm. Launches Autumn 2012

NEW DESIGNERS


Until last month Hugh Leader-Williamswas unknown, but that is likely to changeafter winning three awards at NewDesigners. The Loughborough University3D design new practice graduate, wonthe 100% Design, BCFA Lugo andMade.com awards for his Spun Furniture.

Now in its 27th year, New Designerspresented more than 3,500 graduatedesigners from the class of 2012 from200 UK design courses.

The judges praised Spun Furniture as:‘A cool looking product, well presented,with lots of commercial anddevelopment potential. An innovativeapproach to resolving manufacturinglimitations as well as consumer needswithin a simple design. There is great

potential for developing his idea into arange that would appeal to ourcustomers. A simple concept that is wellresolved, commercially viable and anoriginal design.’

Leader-Williams’ ambition is to get hisfurniture produced either by licensing orproducing it himself, and says the awardsmake this much more likely.

‘It has given me greater confidence. Idon’t design just to make a statement, Iwant it to be practical too,’ he says.

‘One day I would love to have my owndesign studio. I have always enjoyedmaking things and like the hands onprocess. There is something verysatisfying about the tangible nature ofhaving something you have designed

and built yourself. The most valuableaspect of winning this award is workingin the industry and seeing how itoperates before branching out on myown.

‘The hardest thing for any designer isto get your work made. The opportunityto get something made by such a highprofile company as Made.com isamazing.’

He says the idea for Spun Furniturecame from a point of creating somethingpractical and easily produced.

‘I made it as simple as possible,requiring low investment for producing,while still being really elegant,’ saysLeader-Williams.Visit: www.newdesigners.com

Hugh Leader-Williamscould be a nameto remember forthe future

Hat-trick hero

Kit Miles won the One Year On award for histextile collection

Craig Foster was named BDC New Designer of theYear for his cork Curk table lamp

Leader-Williams with his Spun Furniture

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Hall AAbingdon Flooring A15/A19Akteks A3ABeauflor A2Carpet & Flooring Review A27Central Flooring A7Computers for Flooring A24Cormar Carpets A17/A18Crown Floors A1Cybergold A4Distinctive Flooring A5Eazi-Lay Loc A5Egalsoft A25Gaskell Wool Rich A28Green Tree Distribution A10Hadfields A32Haldon Thompson A30

Hand Made Carpets A14Kersaint Cobb A13/A21KJC Carpets A8Lifestyle Floors A12/22Mr Tomkinson A29Phil Brough Sales Agency A25The Stocklists A3Woolsafe A33

Hall MBall & Young M20/M24BMK M15Carpet Recycling UK M32Createx M26Dikatex M28Dollken-Weimar M33F&X Carpet M3

Flooring Logistics M27HBS M11H & V Carpet M22Lano M23Mercado M27Merryfield M4Mohawk M17Morleys M35/M36Oriental Weavers M14Plantation Rugs M11Rhys Davies Freight Logistics M6Skills Group Flooring in association withThe Flooring Guild M8Stroolmount (UK) M9Wilkies Carpets M29

The Flooring ShowHarrogate International Centre2-4 September 2012

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Hall CAssociated Carpet Group C35British Wood Flooring Association C12/26Demart C18Edel Telenzo Carpets C43Furlong Flooring C1Georgian Carpets C19Interiors Monthly C15Kingsmead Carpets C12/C26Manx Carpets C5Mapei C13/25Mastercraft Rugs C3Masterpiece Systems C44Melrose Textile Co C22Millennium Weavers Europe C36PCA Oriental Carpets C6Rama Carpets C14Regency Carpets C1Tomorrow’s Flooring C31V4 Woodflooring C42

Please visit us at Harrogate Hall C stand 5to have a look for yourself.

Brompton is a refined tailored3 ply low level loop that

blends perfectly with any décor.This is an enduringly popular choice

for its durability and good looks.

4m(13’1”) & 5m(16’4”) widths

Brompton

www.manxcarpets.co.uk

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Hall BAdore B43Anbo International B20Ardex UK B34Bona B7Bosch B17British Wool Marketing Board B21/22Brockway Carpets B21/22Bronte Carpets B21/22Cavalier Carpets B21/22Clemence Richard B40Contract Flooring Association B10Contract Flooring Journal B10Dapedon Floors B23Esco B39Exakt Precision Tools B11F Ball B1Fair Packaging B29IVC Group B32J2 Flooring B38Lalegno B36Novostrat B4Personna B28Prices Paving & Tile B3Primatech B13Quebec Wood Export Bureau B14Roberts B18Shaanxi Aoke Wood B5Smart Direct B44Spotnails B33Stairrods B27The Complete Stairmakeover B8The Flooring Magazine B42Tramex B6Tremco Illbruck B16Tile and Stone Journal B10Unifloor B12Universal Mouldings B19/B24Wagner B15

Demo AreaFITANICF

HotelsBetap Holiday InnBIG Floorcoverings St George Classis Holiday InnCondor St George

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Get aheadof the gameA preview of what willbe on offer at Harrogate

With more than 100 exhibitors, there will be plenty of newproducts on show at Harrogate.

Beauflor is introducing three LVT ranges under the Podiumbrand. This collection is aimed at both contract and residentialapplications. Podium Click is the click-vinyl range, Podium Pro30 and Podium Pro 55 are two dry back ranges with a 0.3mmand 0.55mm wear layer respectively. The Podium collection

offers both classical and contemporary wood and tile designs.It will also show its recent additions to Ultragrip vinyl:

Ultragrip Studio XL, Ultragrip Modena, Ultragrip Magnum andUltragrip Design.

The British Wool Marketing Board will unveil its latest POSand highlight its shepherd’s crook mark.

Clemence Richard is highlighting oak and ash

Beauflor’sUltragripStudio XL

Mike Mortimer – Scotland: 07975 682385Peter Baldwin – NW: 07973 410688Gary Kendall – Home Counties N: 7802 661944John Constable – London & SE: 07836 734322Mark Borrett – South & SE: 07968 119056Martin Pow – South West: 07968 119887

John Pringle – Cumbria & NE: 07779 140781Paul Brown – Midlands: 07973 783532

Richard Cooper – E Anglia: 07860 525245Gary Foster – Home Counties N: 07515 283872

Mark Broster – London & SE: 07766 255222Jenny Borrett – South & SE: 07969 816727

the natural choiceReps & agents:

Gorsey Lane, Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 1JUSales: 01675 433066

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engineered wood floors. The company has two factories inLithuania that only use fully certified, sustainable andrenewable sources. It takes full control of timber preparation atevery stage, from forest through to kiln drying, and then toproduction.

Crown Floors will introduce a lectern POS unit, featuringDapdune Wharf and Crown Wilton and two ranges onlyavailable with the lectern: Dunnotter Castle, a heavy saxony in10 colours, and Kingston Lacy, a thick shaggy pile with a 22mmheight.

Cybergold UK is rebranding products and showing off its newwebsite. The redesigned Rug Control and Rug Control SuperStrength, together with the Stain Remover, will be on display.

Döllken Weimar will introduce a range of skirting boardsbased on its German experience but adapted for the UK market.These skirtings are designed to match all market leadingproducts. There will be demonstrations on the stand of itsspecially designed mitre installation tool.

Edel Telenzo will show a number of new ranges alongsiderecent launches including Highbury, Hampton Court, Islingtonand Amore.

Fair Packaging will display its latest underlays, including SunGold. Green Grass has a specially embossed foil to improve theability for levelling uneven surfaces. A green layer ofpolyethylene provides a barrier against moisture. The underlayis available with PE foam in 3mm to 5mm thicknesses.

Mohawk’s SmartStrand Sheer Ecstacy Gaskell’s Flame Assam

Fair Packaging’s Green Grass

Kersaint Cobb"natural floorcoverings" - Sisal, Grasses, Wool & Wood

"Beautiful floors to make Beautiful homes"

www.kersaintcobb.co.uk Tel: 01675 430 430

Cocktails & Carpets at the Beach Bar

Kersaint Cobb...a refreshing change

Come and see us at

Stand A13

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Gaskell Wool Rich will feature its new High Society andKintyre Axminster collections.

From Kingsmead Carpets is the expanded Clean Easycollection and its full 80/20 portfolio including the latest coloursin Artwork Stripe Special Edition and Wolltec.

Manx Carpets will show the three-ply Brompton low levelloop available in 4m and 5m widths.

Merryfield Group will highlight its range of carpet and vinylroll cutting machines, roll handling and storage systems.

Eco-friendly carpets including EverStrand and SmartStrandwill be on Mohawk’s stand.

Mr Tomkinson is relaunching Classic Berber, its loop pile two-ply Berber in 100% wool, with one new design and two new

colours, increasing the collection to 32 options. Jade is a newSaxony with the yarn made from PET recycled plastic bottles.

Roberts will be showing its latest carpet installation tools,adhesives and accessories.

WoolSafe showcases its new approved marks designed forthose who have received specialist wool maintenance trainingby the organisation, allowing retailers to identify WoolSafe-approved cleaners. The new WoolSafe Approved Fibre CareSpecialist mark is suitable for individual technicians, whilecompanies are awarded the WoolSafe Approved ServiceProvider status. It will also have information on its new onlinetraining courses for carpet cleaning professionals. Visit.www.theflooringshow.com ��

Above: Crown’s HardwickHall

Left: Edel Telenzo’s Islington

Below: Döllken Weimar’sskirting boards

£60

£140

Visit our new websitewww.finchys.comto see our new QuickClick advert

Tel: 08454 70 66 70 Fax: 01942 271271www.finchys.com Email: [email protected]

If you are interested in selling our products, or for other trade enquiries, please contact us

Visit us at theManchester

Furniture ShowStand A2

Visit us atThe Flooring Show

HarrogateStand M9

*As seen on TV*

SHOW GUIDE


The

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2 SEPTEMBER10am–10.20am Software for flooring estimation: How you can save time andmoney and enhance your customer service. Speaker: CharlesPearson, Masterpiece Software.10.30am–10.50am The LVT market and the growing popularity of the click system.Speaker: Paul Brady, Adore Floors.10.55am–11.30am Protecting the customer from poor workmanship: The Governmentbacked Trust Mark scheme and the new Quick-Step Academy.Speakers: Conor McKernan, Unilin/Quick-Step Academy, andMike Blakeley, PSC Training.11.35am–12noon Meeting the costs of training: Overview of available funds andapprenticeship schemes for the flooring industry. Speaker: LindsayMcCurdy, Apprenticeships England.2pm–2.25pm Carpet Recycling UK – new recycling opportunities for retailers.Speaker: Jane Gardner, Carpet Recycling UK.2.30pm–2.55pm Carpet Recycler case study – working with retailers to recycleinstallation waste. Speaker: Lee Bridge, Anglo Recycling.3pm–3.25pm Can a buying group benefit my business? Speaker: Mike Symonds,SMG.3.30pm–4.30pm How sorting basic business finances can help boost your profits instressed markets. Speaker: Darrel King, KPMG.

3 SEPTEMBER10.30am–11.15am The key ingredients of effective retailing. Speaker: Clare Rayner,Retail Champion.11.20am–11.30amCreative shop and window displays that inspire the consumer:

Introduction to three designs specially commissioned for TheFlooring Show. Speaker: Joanna Ramsden, Wools of NewZealand.11.35am–12pmHow floorcoverings define a room – the floor as the focus ofinterior design. Speaker: Nick Gilbert, Prestige Floor Studio,Altrincham.12.05pm–12.30pmHeightening the retail experience. Speaker: David Anderson, Pop-Works.2pm –2.25pm The Internet is a friend that can help, not an enemy to fear: TheInternet as a tool to build your business. Speaker: Ross Brown,digital marketing consultant.2.30pm–2.55pm Sources of finance for small business expansion – getting ready totake advantage of the upturn. Speaker: Darrel King, KPMG.3pm–3.25pm Carpets and vinyl: The power of training. Speaker: Ray Morgan,The Flooring Guild.3.30pm–4.30pm Wood flooring apprenticeships. Speaker: Andrew Thomas, TheBritish Wood Flooring Association Apprenticeship Scheme.

Talking point

The show has a full seminar programme in the seminar theatre in Hall C

REVIEW


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Buoyant Upholstery introduced several models.Onyx is a contemporary design in black fauxleather with stitching detail and metal feet whilethe compact Rawson sofa has a Union flag design.Kensington is a traditionally shaped model with amuted floral print and cigar-shaped arms. Cornerunits included the compact Spencer, cuddlerHilton and Lima with iPad dock and sound system.Aylesbury is a mock knowle with a choice ofstandard or cushion back. Petra is a curvy, chunkydesign. A sofabed option was introduced to Oregon and arecliner to Melody.

Cavendish Upholstery showed off its latest UK-made designs,including Matrix which is its fastest selling range.

G&P Furniture extended its dining offer with a compactbreakfast set, compact gateleg table with storage, the Cheshireextending table in maple, the Torino table in 110cm x 70cm and75cm x 75cm sizes, and the 120cm x 80cm Metro table innatural oak with matching sideboard.

Kettle Interiors unveiled Banbury Elegance, an update toBanbury with a higher quality paint finish, sophisticated

handles and design tweaks. Farmhouse was also introducedand the Canterbury and Cotswold bedroom ranges extended.

Legends Furniture made its debut at the show, offering arange of leather upholstery available from stock.

Originals introduced the Monterey 10-seater dining tablealongside the Harlequin bedstead with fabric cover.

Relaxateeze unveiled details of next day and seven workingday delivery options, due to be introduced in September. Allswivel, recliner and club models will be available to stockists formainland next day delivery to the store or direct to theconsumer. Avanti, Eros and Milano will also be available ��

StandoutdesignsThere were many highlights atthe Manchester Furniture Show

Above: Cavendish’sMatrixLeft: Kettle Interiors’Banbury Elegance

CHESHIRE EXTENDERspecial offer £175 (minimum order 4 sets)

DEVON EXTENDER£125 (minimum order 4 sets)

COMPACT Gateleg COMPACT Breakfast

DEVON METRO

COMPACTDINING

SPECIALISTS

...LET US BE YOUR WAREHOUSE!

£10m StockAvailable

ADVERTORIAL

The Morris Furniture Group has

a modern state of the art office and

warehouse facilities in Glasgow

with £10m in stock NOW of new and

existing best selling ranges. With more

trailers, more loading bays, more stock,

smoother access and greater

communication, there's never been a better

time to choose The Morris Furniture

Group. On site, they also have their own

in-house marketing and sales team ready to

assist you every step of the way, as they

continue to heavily invest and support their

retailers. As the UK’s leading supplier of

cabinet furniture when stockists deal with

the Morris Group, they know they’ll get

the peace-of-mind of buying product that is

made for the British market – to British

tastes and designs. Add to that massive

stock levels, delivery by our own fleet and

excellent customer service levels.

The Morris Furniture Group also offers a

vast choice of product across its brands. A top

quality, classically styled portfolio from G

Plan Cabinets, Morris Furniture with its

reputation for unrivalled value and choice

and Zone Furniture with the winning

combination of contemporary design and

affordability.

- ONE GROUP- FOUR BRANDS- NEW DESIGNS- NEW COLLECTIONS

SWIVELS

RECLINERS

CLUB

NEXT DAYNEXT DAYdeliveryNEXT DAYdelivery

Relax - let us deliverRelax - let us deliver

Available on all swivel, Available on all swivel, reclinerr andd clubb models

(Subject to stock availability) (Subject to stock availability)

Direct to your store or customerDirect to your store or customer

UKK Mainlandd Delivery (Ireland & Islands, ask for details) (Ireland & Islands, ask for details)

Available only to stockistsAvailable only to stockists

Launches September 2012Launches September 2012

HOMESPEED

ABERDEEN

DUNDEE

EDINBURGHGLASGOW

AYR

NEWCASTLE

CARLISLE

PLYMOUTH

SOUTHAMPTON

LONDON

DOVER

NORWICHLEICESTER

CAMBRIDGE

BIRMINGHAM

SWANSEACARDIFF

BRISTOL

LIVERPOOL

HULL

WREXHAM

MANCHESTER

LEEDS

Winchester UnveiledW

INCH

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In case you missed it, Morris Furniture

recently unveiled Winchester - their latest

range. With a traditional rustic appearance and

a robustness to match, the Winchester range is

sure to prove itself a winner with customers

nationwide.

Available in American White Oak it features massive tops

on all its products giving a powerful look to the collection.

Winchester provides ample storage options in all the

sideboards and bookcases while the glass units all have

concealed lighting and solid wooden rails.

New Dining Concept

QUAR

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Also presented at GMEX was G Plan Cabinets successful

“Davenport Collection” in golden teak finish.

Davenport provides a wide range of special features including

smoothly expanding dining tables. A velvet lined cutlery tray and

subtle down lighting in glass fronted cabinets.

To become a stockist of G Plan Cabinet

furniture, contact your local agent, call

0141 300 7300 or visit

www.gplancabinets.co.uk

Don't forget DavenportG Plan cabinets newest range

ADVERTORIAL

This year the Morris Furniture

Group successfully launched

it’s newest ranges at its stand

at GMEX in Manchester. CEO – George McGraw said

“There was particular interest in Zone’s newest arrival, the

'Quartz' range”. Quartz is a stylish black high gloss range

detailed with soft LED lighting throughout. He also added

that “During the recent show the new Morris Winchester

range has exceeded our expectations, and I expect increased

interest as the months progress”.

Live your life, Love your home.

Z NE DAVE

NPOR

T COL

LECT

ION

Contact your local agent or sales team now! +44 (0) 141 300 7234 www.relaxateeze.co.uk

*7 working days

• Available only to stockists

• Available on Avanti, Eros & Milano

• Direct to your store

• UK Mainland Delivery (Ireland & Islands, ask for details)

• Launches September 2012

Relax - Let us deliver

STOREXPRESS

Eros

Milano

AVAILABLE IN

Cream Brown

7 day

delivery

Relax with our *

to yourStore

STO

RE

Avanti

REVIEW


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Right: G&P’s compact gateleg tableBelow: Wade Upholstery’s JasperBottom: Seconique’s Lewis innatural oak and its box

Buoyant Upholstery, tel: 01282 691 631Cavendish Upholstery, tel: 01257 277 664G&P Furniture, tel: 01429 280 200Kettle Interiors, tel: 01536 444 960Legends Furniture, tel: 01782 833 777Visit: www.originalsuk.comVisit: www.relaxateeze.co.ukRowico, tel: 01249 821 748Seconique, tel: 0121 506 4888Wade Upholstery, tel: 0115 973 0300Willis Gambier, tel: 0845 606 7004

on free delivery to the store within seven working days forstockists.

Rowico added to the Aspen collection to include aplanked top dining table and new dining chairs. TheEssence bedroom range has a distressed look whilethe Salt Lake dining collection has a number ofsmall tables.

A highlight of Seconique’s launches was itsthree foot Lewis bed, available in three finishes. Theflatpack design comes in a compact carton aimed attakeaway or online sales. Other launches includedthe Merlin Study bunk and Eclipse occasional range inboth oak and walnut.

Wade Upholstery showed off its latest sofas, including thecompact Floyd and the scroll arm Jasper, available in two sizes,an armchair, wingchair and accent chair with metal and woodfeet. Its fabric offer has been revamped with 125 fabricsintroduced while the frame and spring guarantee has beenextended to lifetime. Existing products have seen increasedspecification and price realignments.

Willis & Gambier introduced a range of upholstered loosecover dining chairs with a choice of 22 fabrics. The Miltonbedroom collection is painted with light oak panels. It alsoadded a bar table and stools and console/dining table to Spiritand a blanket box to the Spirit bedroom range. A circular tableand bar table and stools were added to Tuscany.

• Mirrors •

• Mirror framed artwork •

• Art Nouveau mirrors •

SHOW VANSERVICE AVAILABLE

Call to book an appointmentContact Dave Butler on

07715 690 267

DBMIRRORS

High Quality handmade German furniture fromSchnepel from £225 RRP!

• Delivery to clients home.• Prebuilt on most models.• Built in power sockets on most furniture• Many unique finishes including concrete and real slate

as well as real wood.

Demagio and [email protected] or call us on 01604 652832

Power supply on rear ofVariC Furniture

VariC Furniture starts at£299 RRP!

ELF in black, white and wood combinations.Wall units as well as Home Entertainment

Stunning X Line for the real premium lookand stunning finishes.

Difficult

Medium

Easy

ACROSS1 Brewer’s need 6 Stagnant 11 Drunkard 14 Chou ___ 15 Feels for 16 Bambi’s aunt 17 Sacred song 18 Pertaining to the eye 19 Immerse 20 Obscure road 22 Expeditiously 24 Breakfast choice 28 Shares viewpoints 29 Remove the antlers 30 Ships’ officers 32 Golf club that can be numbered 1

to 9 33 Proposed, perhaps 35 Image 39 Male parent 40 Corrida cry 41 Gambling game 42 Canvas shelter used on camping

trips 43 Examined furtively 45 A dish with many ingredients 46 Pertaining to the small intestine 48 Concurs 50 Eccentric man 53 Quiver 54 Extra terrestrial being 55 Orange brown earth pigment 57 Cover 58 Name 60 Light greyish brown 65 Broke bread 66 Expression peculiar to a language 67 Religion of the Muslims 68 That woman 69 Brahmin, eg 70 Ogles

DOWN 1 ‘Sure thing’ 2 Printing widths 3 Like 4 Gal of song 5 Wood 6 Frown 7 Spanish snack 8 Bohemian 9 Wreath of flowers 10 Elude 11 Four door 12 In reserve 13 Ribbons 21 Pull abruptly 23 Pea shaped 24 Writer of lyric poetry 25 Nest of a bird of prey 26 Sharp pointed plant outgrowth 27 Coin into money 28 Polo Grounds legend 30 Pertaining to song 31 Away from the wind 34 Director Ephron 36 Biblical spy 37 Style of bay window 38 Snare 43 Latin word which means ‘for every’ 44 Challenge to complete a task 47 Living in still water 49 Small burrowing rodent 50 Australian cockatoo 51 Best of a group 52 Bird that gets you down 53 Topic 55 Elevator man 56 Coagulate 59 Agency of the United Nations 61 Compass point 62 ___ de France 63 Needlefish 64 The middle of summer?

SUDOKO CROSSWORD

Answers can be found on p130

ENTERTAINMENT


BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER X 2Crucial Trading, a highly successful business and market leaderin floorcoverings, are seeking to recruit two BusinessDevelopment Managers.

Position 1: Southern CountiesThe Southern County territory covers Kent, Sussex, Surrey &Hants.

Position 2: NE LondonThe territory covers North and East London along with Essex.

Applicants should reside on the territory for which they areapplying for.

You must have a proven track record and be able to meet thechallenge of not only achieving but exceeding sales targets,while managing the territory as if it were your own business,making decisions relating to the identification and developmentof key accounts, customer profitability, merchandising andfuture product development.

Experience in design and colour led home furnishings would bean advantage.

The successful candidate will receive an excellent salary andbonus package, together with car, private health care and company pension.

Please send a detailed CV and covering letter to:

Mr P Durnan, National Sales Manager, Crucial Trading, 21 Lise Avenue, Kidderminster, DY11 7DEdetailing current salary package.Or e-mail: [email protected]

Strictly no recruitment agencies or consultancies.

AREA SALES MANAGERSMIDLANDS • NORTH EAST

COMPETITIVE BASIC SALARY + ATTRACTIVE COMMISION + COMPANY CAR

Would you like to become part of the successful team atDreamworks Beds?

We are looking for two experienced sales people with a proventrack record selling beds within a similar role.

You will be hard working, liked by your customers and able todemonstrate sales growth in your previous positions.

Dreamworks Beds make a competitive range of high qualitybeds and sofa beds, backed up with excellent service.

We are looking for high calibre people to join us that share thesame focus on customer satisfaction.

Please forward your C.V and a covering letter to:Sarah EdwardsPersonnelDreamworks Beds Ltd7 Brook LaneWestburyWiltshireBA13 4EP

e.mail: [email protected]

www.dreamworksbeds.com

No employment agencies please.

CREATEXPatchworkcollection

A stunning rangeof rugs inspired by the

historic French Aubussondesigns. Now available in

the UK.

Following the success of the Patchwork collection, we are shortly launching our Autumn collection.

Createx, Plein 51, Kortrijk, 8500 BelgiumTel: +32 56 306 633 • Fax +32 56 980 130 • Email [email protected]

FINAL POLISH


A sporting lifeIf Usain Bolt retains his three Olympicgold medals, he may, in some small part,have Bean2Bed to thank after theBirmingham company provided theJamaican team’s pre-Olympic trainingcamp in the city with its bean bags.

Unfortunately, it won’t give him anyadvantage over the USA team asBean2Bed also supplied its trainingcamp.

Rowing, not fittingStaff at Yorkshire retailer NorwoodInteriors recently raised more than£1,500 by rowing across LakeWindermere in aid of St Gemma’sHospice. Norwood has pledged to raise£20,000 for the hospice during 2012.

Norwood already donates £50 to StGemma’s for every kitchen, bedroom andbathroom it sells.

Entertainment answers

Easy DifficultMedium

The largest hospice in Yorkshire, ithelps 2,500 patients, carers and theirfamilies every year.

‘Our seven-strong team worked reallyhard and did the 10 mile row in twohours 30 minutes. Conditions werecloudy and choppy – typical Britishsummer weather – but despite thepredicted strong winds it was a greatevent and we’ve raised even moremoney for this worthwhile cause,’ saysJulie Gocke, Norwood Interiors sales andmarketing director.

Helping badgersWakefield District Badger Group’s effortsto build an operations base received aboost when online retailer Source WoodFloors and supplier Pro Fit Mouldingsdonated flooring to the charity.

‘As a charity we often rely on thegenerosity of companies to help us out,

so when Source Wood Floors told us theywere able to donate a range of productsto us, we were naturally over the moon,’says Paul Haywood, WDBG chairman.

‘When WDBG contacted us to see if wecould supply them with any products, wewere more than happy to play our part,’says Peter Lazar, SWF md.

TV stars?A new expert-led series for Channel 4 willshow small businesses how to improveprofits and build a stronger customerbase – and you could be part of it.

Optomen, the producer ofprogrammes such as Mary Portas: SecretShopper, The Business Inspector andGordon Behind Bars is looking for retailers‘struggling to survive or expand’.

If you’d like to take part, tel: 0203 2275980 or email [email protected].

Bed meets carBed maker Harrison Spinks has won a topaward from the car industry.

The company, and partner JohnsonControls, won the Concept VehicleInterior Innovation of the Year award atthe Automotive Interiors Expo Awards forthe ComfortThin seat technology thatintegrates a pocketed coil-springmattress technology into a car seat.

The thin-profile seats promise toreplace conventional urethane foampads with a 100% recyclable alternativeand it means seats are a lot thinner. Butjust imagine the amount of springsthey’re going to need.

500 not outVale Upholstery has supported theOutward Bound Trust for 15 years,donating more than £175,000, and isnow celebrating its 500th student to takepart in the charity’s bursary programme.Norwood Interiors’ team rowed 10 miles

Contact your local agent or sales team now! +44 (0) 141 300 7234 www.relaxateeze.co.uk

*7 working days

•• Available only to stockists

• Available on Avanti, Eros & Milano

• Direct to your store

• UK Mainland Delivery (Ireland & Islands, ask for details)

• Launches September 2012

Relax - Let us deliver

STOREXPRESS

Eros

Milano

AVAILABLE IN

Cream Brown

7 day

delivery

Relax with our *

to yourStore

STO

RE

Avanti

Interiors Monthly

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Transcript of Interiors Monthly