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

Interiors BirminghamCream of the crop

DomotexFlooring central

BuoyantCelebrating 100 years of British manufacturing

Interio

rs Mo

nth

lyFebruary 2009

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

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Grand

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Grandeur is for people who want nothing but the best.

This collection of laminate floors is the very best that

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EXTRA LONG &WIDE PLANKS

592 Renaissance Oak 601 Hermitage Oak

InnerCoverSpread_IM_0209 29/1/09 15:02 Page 1

extra long& wideplanks!

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T. +32 56 62 80 81 - F. +32 56 62 80 82 - [email protected] MORE INFORMATION, VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.BALTERIO.COM

IFC-03_IM_0209 29/1/09 15:12

Ireland: 042 9 351 351UK: 00353 42 9 351 351

www.tcsimports.comor contact your local representative:

London and South East - Peter Morris: 07831 558616North West, North East, Lincolnshire & Yorkshire - Gavin Boden: 07720 074906

South West & South Wales - Paul Clifford on 07886 642086East & West Midlands - Peter Bellis: 07860 418168

London North Thames to Northamptonshire - Trevor Cassell: 07710 727895Scotland - Donald Coltart on 07831 188844

The UK’s Fastest Growing Furniture Supplier

We appreciate your warm welcome to our new Cabinet Range

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Thank You for making our New TCS Cabinet Range

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04_IM_0209 28/1/09 10:35

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 5

Andrew KiddEditor

Following a record breaking show atInteriors Birmingham, Buoyant is perfectlyplaced to continue to build on this successin its centenary year. The model featured isthe Chiltern which had its debut at the NEC.

Interiors MonthlyEditor: Andrew KiddT: 01732 766 333 E: [email protected]

Furniture advertising (South): Tim BodenT: 01732 367 757 E: [email protected]

Furniture advertising (North): Jarrod BirdT: 01565 659 414 E: [email protected]

Carpet and flooring advertising: Joanne MillerT: 01732 766 344 E: [email protected]

Subscriptions: T: 01732 766 344 E: [email protected]

Published by Interiors Media Limited124 Pembury Road Tonbridge Kent TN9 2JJ T: 01732 367757 F: 01732 352063E: [email protected]

Registered in England no. 6397722

Printed by Headley Brothers Design by Icon Colour © Interiors Media Limited

Editor’s comment






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A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME?No sooner than I write ‘no large furniture or flooringretailer has succumbed (so far)’ in last month’s issue thanLand of Leather and Sofa Workshop call in theadministrators.

Add to that the collapse of Belgian manufacturerGeneral Carpets, Tapis Saint-Maclou taking Allied Carpetsof the market and of course a full dairy of trade shows,and January was certainly a busy month.

Thankfully it seems that Sofa Workshop and LoL arelikely to be saved, with deals likely to have been agreedby the time you read this. What doesn’t look likelyanytime soon is a deal for Allied. Its future was a hottopic at Domotex, where everyone had one simplequestion: ‘Who would want to buy it?’

After all, Allied hasn’t made any money for years, ithas never troubled Carpetright for the position of marketleader and no-one is lending money for deals. UnlikeCarpetright, Allied has never succeeded in establishingwhat it stood for in the mind of the consumer.Carpetright has managed to get the message across toshoppers that low price is its thing. Allied lacks such anUSP. Its marketing has staggered about like a drunkenGlaswegian in a Billy Connolly routine. No-one knowswhat it stands for.

Talking of Carpetright, you have to wonder whyMartin Harris made his comments about Fun on theFloor public (see p10). If he didn’t like the billboardposters, why didn’t he have them changed? After all thechain is the joint-largest investor in the campaign and heis in charge of Carpetright’s marketing. If it had beenyour money, wouldn’t you want a greater say?

As I mentioned, January is packed with trade showsand it was interesting to see the different moods at each.Heimtextil was moderately busy, Domotex quiet and IMMCologne quieter still. The exception was InteriorsBirmingham where retailers confounded expectationswith their orders. Hopefully it’s a sign of things to come.

05_IM_0209.qxp 30/1/09 15:44

Discover a stylish collection of highly individual furniture your customers will love.Every piece of Woodside furniture is designed and manufactured to the very highest standards. So whatever you choose, quality is guaranteed. Call one of our agents todayfor an exclusive appointment to visit our trade showroom.

South: Gary Priday - 07968 112403 North: Eddie Haetzman - 07968 112414 Scotland: Ian Crowther - 07930 314077

Woodside Furniture Ltd., Unit 4, Wreakes Lane, Dronfield, Derbyshire S18 1LNT: 0114 229 0741 W: woodsidefurniture.co.uk

Five distinctive rangesone inspired choice

06_IM_0209 29/1/09 15:25


10 Fun on the Floor will continue

12 Upholstery deals expected

14 Simplification brings success

26 Rugs: new beginnings

28 Carpet: value is key

32 Upholstery: focus on quality

36 Upholstery: centenary celebrations

38 Wholesalers: currency challenge

40 Wholesalers: gone fishing

42 Interiors Birmingham review

54 Domotex review

64 IMM Cologne review

5 Comment

7 Contents

16 New products

71 Marketing

74 Final polish

Contents

News

Features

Regulars

Belgian supplement

Heimtextil review

Willis & Gambier reborn

Next issue

Glendale House, Woden Road West, Wednesbury, West Midlands, WS10 7SF Sales Telephone: 0121 506 4888 Sales Fax: 0121 506 4889 Sales E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.seconique.co.uk

Telephone 0121 506 4841 for Catalogue and Price List

A selection from our Ashford Range

Lisbon Hi-Fi Unit W.31” x D.151/2” x H.30”

Black Glass/Black

New Sherwood Stowaway Dining Set 351/2” Round table with four upholstered stools Ash Veneer/Mocca

Symphony 3+2 Suite Dark Brown/Sienna

A selection from our Arcadia Range White/Ash

Novella Nest of TablesBlack Glass/Chrome

SHOW SUCCESSES AT SECONIQUE

07_IM_2009.qxp 30/1/09 14:26

these twobrands, andjoining them hashelped to avoid aduplication ofmarketing effortwhile boostingthe sales potentialof both bycombining beds andbedroom furnishings.”

The Morris Group were bowled

over with the success of this

year’s show and the optimism

that retailers showed for

established and new ranges.

George McGraw, Joint MD of theMorris Group said, “We had already

previewed our new launches and

were pleased to record increased

sales on last year. We were always

hopeful of a high level of sales

from our quicker delivery which

has enabled us to support our

customers.”

Indeed Morris is on schedule tolaunch their new FastForward

service from 1st of March which willallow a 28 delivery for the bestselling ranges across the four MorrisGroup brands.

G Plan launch new dining

and bedroom collections

First major showing of the NewFresco teak collection which is arevival of the old favourite from thenineteen-sixties, modernised forcurrent tastes. One of the mostcomprehensive ranges we haveseen, and perhaps one of the mosthandsome, New Fresco has a wealthof choices to tempt discerningcustomers, not only in dining anddisplay pieces, but in occasionaltables too.

The already popular dark oakSeville dining collection has beenfurther expanded with a stunningeleven piece bedroom range.

Relax into fabric recliners

Relaxateeze continue to expandtheir fabrics ranges with the launchof a trio of action recliners, and have

A SHOW OFCONFIDENCE FORTHE MORRIS GROUP!

The Furniture Show ‘09

THE MORRIS FURNITURE GROUP • MORRIS FURNITURE • G PLAN CABINETS • ZONE DESIGNS • RELAXATEEZE

Fresco for the twenty-first century

Seville dark oak collection

Sardinia black leather electric powerrecline with remote control.

Capri push-action recliner inmink-colour fabric

added four new fully-featured andbeautifully finished leather actionrecliners too. The Sleepstyle brandhas been brought under the wing ofRelaxateeze. George McGraw again:“We identified a synergy between

Company Profile - Editorial Feature - Interiors Monthly February 2009

08-09_IM_0209 30/1/09 10:42

E 24 Rosyth Road, Glasgow G5 0YD t: 0141 300 7200 f: 0141 300 7277 www.morrisfurniture.co.uk

Tub chair and drawer bed from theTorino range, richly upholstered in a

swirl-patterned cream fabric. A 2-in-1storage footstool, ottoman and

headboard completethe collection.

Above: The Coast Bedroom Collection from Morris Furniture

Nuvo Bedroom Collection from Zone Duet living and dining from Zone

More in the bedroom from

Morris Furniture

Following the success of theGrange bedroom range extension,Morris have followed it with thefresh new Coast bedroomcollection (above) in painted woodand natural oak tops

Zone launch new dining

and bedroom collections

With its keen pricing structureand popular contemporary ranges,Zone has been one of the successstories of the year.

New for 2009, The Duet

collection makes creative use ofwalnut veneer and black glass in astriking design of living and diningfurniture.

Nuvo is equally striking in highfashion high gloss white polyesterfor this range of bedroom chestsand robes complemented in contrastby the richly upholstered black bed.

Finally, Morris have put in place astronger stockist support packagebuilding on faster delivery, more

dedicated sales and service, newpoint-of-sale, advertising andmarketing, transport and design.

08-09_IM_0209 30/1/09 10:43

Companies behind the Fun onthe Floor carpet marketingcampaign have insisted thatthe initiative will continuedespite its launch postercampaign being described asa ‘waste of money’.

Martin Harris, Carpetrightcommercial director describedthe posters as ‘pretty dreadful’and claimed they featured thewrong products. Instead ofpromoting ‘colour andaffordability’, he said theimages – which featured a caton a cream carpet and anaked women on a whitecarpet– were ‘insipid’. ‘It’s thebiggest waste of money I’veever spent.’

The billboard campaign isunderstood to have cost£700,000. Carpetright andHeadlam are the largestcontributors, both investing£1m. Participating carpetmanufacturers pay a

percentage of UK turnover. Fun on the Floor, which

was the brainchild of Harris,was to have a £7m budget for2008 and 2009 with mostactivity happening in theautumn, the peak carpetbuying season.

Despite Harris’s comments,manufacturers remaincommitted to the initiative,according to one seniormember.

He said the campaignwould continue with PRactivity during the year beforeadvertising resumed in theautumn as planned. Themember said that Carpetrightwas still behind Fun on theFloor.

Under the agreement,participants can leave at anytime.

Harris could not becontacted as Interiors Monthlywent to press.

10 Interiors Monthly February 2009

News

Harris wanted to promote colour

Fun on the Floor‘will continue’

Interiors Birminghamexhibitors resist hall move

Asda is to open five more Asda Living stores this year as part of its expansion

plans. As well as the Living stores, of which Bradford and Wednesbury have

been confirmed as locations, it will open nine supermarkets and expand 15

others. The chain says the move will create 7,000 jobs.

Plans to reorganise theInteriors Birminghamexhibition by making hallsproduct specific have receiveda setback. Several largeexhibitors have insisted theywould not move fromlocations they have occupiedfor many years, mainly in hallfive.

Exhibitors opposed torelocating, including WBH and

Alstons, held a meetingduring last month’s event toestablish their views.

At a later meeting with theshow’s organiser, UBM, theywere told that they would nothave to move for the 2010exhibition.

Morris Furniture, which didnot attend the meeting, hasalso said that it will notrelocate.

Far East harmony as sixshows coordinate datesSix Far East furnitureexhibitions have coordinatedtheir dates to save visitorstime by eliminating gapsbetween the events.

The Malaysian InternationalFurniture Fair 2009 (MIFF), isthe first show, held in KualaLumpur from 3-7 March.

This is followed by thePhilippine InternationalFurniture Show 2009 (PIFS-Manila Now) and CebuInternational Furniture and

Furnishings Exhibition (CebuX), taking place in Manila andCebu in the Philippines from5-8 March.

The International FurnitureFair Singapore/Asean FurnitureShow takes place from 9-12March, with the InternationalFurniture & Craft FairIndonesia 2009 (IFFINA) inJakarta and ThailandInternational Furniture Fair2009 (TIFF) in Bangkok takingplace from 11-15 March.

10news_IMfeb.qxt 30/1/09 18:25

11_IM_0209 3/2/09 10:16

Upholstery manufacturerDeCoro is to be liquidatedafter halting production lastmonth. The company, whichwas one of the first to takeadvantage of low productioncosts in China, had been thesubject of rumours of financialdifficulties for several months.Luca Ricci, founder had deniedthe claims.

But Interiors Monthlyunderstands that all but twoof the firm’s Italianmanagement team were givenairline tickets shortly beforethe closure. DeCoro’s morethan 2,000 staff received partpayment for November’s

wages just days before theclosure but were not paid forDecember or early January.The local authority in Shenzenused contingency funds to paythe outstanding wages.

In November the firmagreed a deal whereby ChinaConstruction Bank provided itwith capital to restoreproduction and delivery cyclesaffected by the collapse of twoof its major US customers andreduced access to capital.

Ricci insists that thecompany had not failed.‘The assets are much biggerthan the liability so we think we can make money

The futures of failed chainsLand of Leather and SofaWorkshop are close to beingsettled. As Interiors Monthlywent to press, confirmation orrejection of the most likelydeals were expected withindays.

Interiors Monthlyunderstands that since goinginto administration, SteveJenkins, LoL chief executive,made an offer for 55 of thechain’s 109 stores.

Andrew Cussins, SofaWorkshop founder, andcurrently head of upholsteryfor Halo, has lodged a bid tobuy the chain’s Londonbranches and six other stores,after the chain suffered thesame fate as LoL.

LoL, headed by Jenkins,who ran the chain’s northerndivision before its stock market flotation, rejected atentative takeover bid lastyear, saying the offer

undervalued its cash position.Bensons Beds, which has 14

concessions within LoLbranches, paid its rent weekly.LoL had wanted the rent to bepaid monthly in advance.

Some 33 LoL stores are toclose: Ayr, Basildon,Borehamwood, Cheltenham,Coleraine, Colliers Wood,Darlington, Derby, Edinburgh,Exeter, Falkirk, Grantham,Harlow, High Wycombe,Huddersfield, Livingston,

Norwich, Oxford, Rotherham,Salisbury, Solihull, SouthRuislip, Southport, Stevenage,Stockport, Warrington,Watford, Wigan, Wrexham andYeovil along with Cork,Galway and Sligo in theRepublic of Ireland.

Cussins sold Sofa Workshopto MFI in 2002 for £6m. Thiswas an effort by MFI, the thenUK furniture market leader, torecover upholstery saleshaving previously given up on

the sector as part of an ill-fated management strategy.

Sofa Workshop has 30stores and had sales of £30min the year to 31 May 2008.

After MFI’s purchaseInteriors Monthly was toldthat sales fell dramatically. Forexample, the Tottenham CourtRoad, London store saw salesfall from £6m a year to £1m.

MFI sold Sofa Workshop toNew Heights.

Neil Bennett, Sofa Workshopadministrator and LeonardCurtis partner says: ‘This is agood business, with anexcellent reputation in a nichemarket. We have receivedseveral expressions of seriousinterest including an offer thatis currently being evaluated.

‘We are very hopeful ofbeing able to conclude a salethat will protect as many jobs as possible and of coursefulfil all the outstandingcustomer orders.’


News

End of the line for DeCoro

Police occupied the DeCoro site

Deals are ‘close’ as future of LoL andSofa Workshop set to be resolved

and pay all our suppliers.’Ricci spearheaded the move

to Chinese production whenhe founded the company in1997. Initially he told retailersthe sofas were made in Italy,waiting three months beforerevealing their true source. ‘I

was scared because I didn’tknow if a sofa made in Chinawas saleable.’

DeCoro had been due toexhibit at Interiors Birminghamthrough its UK and Republicof Ireland agent Philip FrenchAgencies.

Steve Jenkins (left) rejected a tentative bid for LoL last year


13_IM_0209 3/2/09 10:17

A new strategy for Bealesfurniture offer has lifted salesat the department store chain.

‘We have implemented anew buying and sales strategywhich is proving to be verysuccessful and outperformingour key competitors,’ saysTony Brown, chief executive.‘It is simply based on a smallersupply chain, better buyingand cost prices which we areable to then pass on to ourcustomers with lower prices.’

The 11-store chain has alsorevamped its marketing, as itconcentrates on better marginproducts. After a successfultrial at two branches, its Salt &Pepper homewares collection

is to be rolled out to morestores .

Evidence of the success ofBrown’s turnaround strategycame with a like for like salesfall of 3.3% in the 11 weeks to17 January, compared with a7.8% drop in the year to 1November. Although sales fellto £47.9m, gross margins rose0.7% to 54.9%. Losses rosefrom £1.39m to £1.52m.

Brown says it enjoyed a‘much improved January sale.We have plans in place toreduce the effect of what canbe described as a perfectstorm of a downturn, a strongbalance sheet and a goodrelationship with our bank.’


News

A furniture retailer haslaunched a campaign toconvince consumers to carryon spending during therecession.

Raymond Morley, owner ofBarrett of Woodbridge, Suffolkhas persuaded other stores in

Sixteen of the current 27 holders of the Worshipful Company of Furniture

Makers’ Manufacturing Guild Mark (MGM) gathered at Interiors Birmingham

to hear plans from John Douglas, Chelsea House Furnishings, Westerham,

Kent director and MGM committee chairman to increase promotion of the

scheme. This includes an initiative to encourage the support for the MGM of

a select group of retail associates and a revamped website.

Simpler supply chainlifts sales at Beales

Morris FurniturePaul Albutt (above right) hasjoined Morris Furniture asnational sales manager andKarl Lumsdon (above left)becomes agent for Yorkshire.

Whitestone Weavers

Whitestone Weavers hasappointed John Rostron assales agent for the North Westof England and north Wales.

FTBA

The Furnishing TradesBenevolent Association’s newchief executive is Charles

Kerrigan. Previously he washead of human resourcessupport services at NewsInternational and spent 26years in the RAF.

BaltaBalta has appointed JulesNoten as ceo, succeedingMarcus Billman. Noten waspreviously ceo of PLI andspent 18 years in senior rolesat Unilever.

BMK CarpetsBMK Carpets has named Claire Higgins as commercialmanager.

Kaymed

David Moffitt has beenappointed as Kaymed ceo,succeeding Conor Sheahanwho will continue as aconsultant and significantshareholder in the company.Moffitt has been md atpharmaceutical and healthcaremanufacturer Tech GroupEurope for the past decade.

the town to display posterssaying ‘Keep calm and carryon’. He got the idea fromposters during WW2 askingpeople to stay calm and try tobe normal.

‘I want to fight back againstall the doom and gloom.’

Push to carry on spending


15_IM_0209 3/2/09 10:17


1 Monaco from Hyder Livingpresents the chance for retailersto offer a stylish contemporarybedstead at a competitive price,without sacrificing looks. Thefaux leather Monaco is a twist onthe traditional sleigh bed, takingkey elements such as a high roll-top headboard and wrappingthem in black or rich chocolatePU leather. Tel: 01484 531 000.

2 Karastan’s new display tombolaholds 34cm x 46cm samples butwith a footprint of 85cm x 85cmand features strong lifestylephotography and branding. Thedisplay unit is available toretailers under a rebate scheme.Tel: 01480 479 830.

3 Lano Carpets has the only 5mface-to-face Wilton loom of itstype in Europe. This has allowedthe manufacturer to introduce itsArabica Wilton and Ceylon Wilton

carpets in a world premiere face-to-face 5m width. Both werepreviously available in 4mwidths. Tel: 00 800 5266 5266.

4 Stair Make-Over offers acomplete DIY staircaserefurbishment system in aconvenient package that cantransform all types of tiredstaircases, whether wood orconcrete, without professionalinstallation. The tread-over-treadsystem is available in maple,beech, cherry, oak and wengetreads with matching, off-whiteor optional brushed aluminiumrisers. Tel: 00 31 4 0208 6222.

5 Graphite is an economypolyethylene foam underlay,produced by Novostrat offering value for money. It is7mm thick and 1.2m wide anddelivered in 12m rolls. Tel: 00 353 6133 9287.

New products

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16_prod1_IMfeb.qxt 29/1/09 11:14

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your exit strategy, trust Greenwood Retail – Britain’s Leading Experts in Retail Sales

Promotion – to plan the most successful and effective retail sales event for you.

If you would like to find out more about Greenwood sales events, why not take look at our

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“Once again your team did a brilliant job with sales of 30% of

our last year’s turnover in 17 days! All objectives achieved!”Michael Vasey, M.D. Vaseys of Carlisle. Greenwood Sale held in October 2008

“Our retirement sale has put us in a very healthy financial

position with 50% of annual sales in 3 weeks! Greenwood did a

very worthwhile job… I would say just go ahead and do it!”David Taylor, M.D. Elegant Upholstery, Cheshire. Greenwood Sale held in October 2008

17_IM_0209 28/1/09 10:48

18-19_IM_0209 5/2/09 13:53

Telephone 01799 510170 Email [email protected]

Website www.wguk.com

Furniture designed for life

Willis & Gambier’s Chiltern Collection is

crafted from solid oak and oak veneers, with

a subtle lacquered finish. The pieces have a

warm, rustic feel, with natural imperfections

and interesting end-of-wood grain detailing.

To build on the success of the Chiltern

Collection, we will be launching 11 new

ranges at our showroom in China. This 4.6

million square foot facility will be open from

3 to 16 March, and we would be delighted

to welcome you there. Please get in touch

to arrange an appointment.

Willis & Gambier is committed to

supporting its retail clients in the current

economic climate, and will be launching a

marketing campaign this Easter in national

newspaper supplements. Please contact us

for more details.

18-19_IM_0209 5/2/09 13:51


6 The Arcadia bedroom range in whitewith ash tops from Seconique provedpopular with visitors at InteriorsBirmingham last month. ‘Manycustomers commented on itscompetitive price,’ says Valerie Graham,Seconique md. Tel: 0121 506 4841.

7 Breasley is determined to pushforward with developing innovativeproducts. In addition to state of the artfoam conversion machinery, Breasleyhas invested heavily in pocket springmachines. Its full range of vacuumpacked mattresses, imported bedframes and the Salus new bedcollection are products to challenge2009. Tel: 01634 712580.

8 Kaymed has launched the Circulairfoam mattress that can circulate acooling stream of air keeping people40% cooler and drier than other

New products

11

6

visco products. This results in asounder, fresher and moreinvigorating sleep. Tel: 01706 875 075.

9 Ashville is part of WoodsideFurniture’s extensive bedroomportfolio. The timeless shakerstyle has a contemporary lookwith its roots firmly in the pastbut able to fit comfortably intoan everyday contemporaryenvironment. Tel: 0114 2290741 or visit www.woodsidefurniture.co.uk.

10 Brockway Carpets’ Shetland is madefrom a blend of wools from Norway andthe Shetland Islands. Its looks and feelderive from the fact that it is a 100%natural product. Tel: 01562 828 200.

11 Woodside Furniture‘s Jasmine is

classically styled with a beautifully richpatina and is an elegant addition to any home as it can mix with bothclassical and contemporary surroundings. To make an appointmentwith an agent or to visit its showroomstel: 0114 2290 741.

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The future isin Colour

To contact our local representativePhone 01827 831424Fax 01827 [email protected]

Carpet featured Wow, colour bubblegum

Kingsmead wp 29/1/09 09:25 Page 121_IM_0209 29/1/09 15:26


12 Prints have long been a cornerstoneof the Prestigious Textiles portfolio andthe new Honolulu is a family ofcontemporary floral concepts on 100%cotton panama. It is a large-scalerepresentation of boldly stylisedleaf/floral motifs. Taboo uses scrollingfloral trails and Tijuana features thedistinctive profiles of pompom dahlias.Tel: 01274 688 448.

13 The Plantation Rug Company hasadded to the Decadence range. Thisburgundy and black bold, hand-tuftedrug has an elegantly embossed pile thatfeels good underfoot. In 100% acrylic itis available in five designs and two sizes:120cm x 180cm and 150cm x 240cm.Find more information atwww.plantationrugs.co.uk. Tel: 0161430 8700.

14 Decorative safety floors and elegantluxury vinyl tiles from Polyflor have been

installed throughout theGardeners Restaurant at thenew Pennells Garden Centre in South Hykeham,Lincolnshire. ‘This excellentcombination of productshas enabled us to achieveenhanced slip resistancefor restaurant staff and areally stylish ambience fordiners,’ says RichardPennell, owner. Tel: 0161 767 1111.

15 Karndean has added to its deliveryfleet with three vans featuring signage inthe style of its latest advertisingliterature. With the vans being driventhroughout Britain, the Karndeanbranding will attract interest as well asdeliver the product, creating moreconsumer awareness and thus moreinterest and leads for retailers. Tel: 01386 820 200.

New products

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16 Chelsea from Vogue Beds offerssuperior style and comfort. The hand-tufted, 1,000-pocket spring system isonly available on a sprung base andincorporates layers of pure whitecashmere, mohair, silk and wool. In foursizes, retail prices start at £499. Tel: 01455 841 257.

22_prod3_IMfeb.qxt 29/1/09 19:02

florprotec®

Relay Park, Relay Drive, Tamworth, Staffordshire. B77 5PR.

T: 01827 831 440 F: 01827 831 441E: [email protected] W: www.floorprotection.co.uk

florprotec®Quality Temporary Floor Protection

Florprotec® is a leading supplier of temporary floor protection

products for use in the construction industry, interior fit-out trades, ship

building and refurbishment markets. In addition to floor protection

products Florprotec® also provide specialist protection methods for

vertical surfaces such as doors, mirrors, glass, high class joinery and lift

interiors to name a few. Florprotec® is a major supplier of quality floor

protection products in the UK, operating from a modern, dedicated

office and warehouse premises in the Midlands.

Whatever your requirement for temporary protection Florprotec® will have aproduct to suit. Florprotec® strive to provide a world class customer servicealong with top quality products at keen prices.

Why use temporary protection?Fast track build programmes and delay penalties now see floors and finishesinstalled at an earlier stage within the build programme. This means finishesare exposed to following trades leaving the potential for damage. Anyrepair or cleaning can prove costly and time consuming and can result in adelay in hand over of the premises. Florprotec® products allow for finishes tobe installed, then protected, meaning the site can progress as planned.

What materials to use on site?By asking yourself the following questions Florprotec® can provide a suitableproduct for use on your site.What finish requires protection?What traffic on site will the protection be exposed to?How long will protection be on site for?Does the protection need to be flame retardant?

FOR TEMPORARY FLOOR PROTECTIONContact florprotec next day delivery order line:

01827 831440Quote this reference to receive trade prices (Ref:A1)

23_IM_0209 2/2/09 09:42


17 Seconique had overwhelmingcustomer response to new lines atInteriors Birmingham with the overallmood of the many customers buoyant.The Ashford dining and occasional rangein ash veneer with walnut inlay was agreat success, especially the sideboardwith sliding doors and the fourdrawer/display. Tel: 0121 506 4841.

18 After three years of research, Kaymedhas introduced SleepScan, whichelectronically scans the customer’sposture and recommends a mattressbased on a database on body shape,weight and spinal curvature profile. Tel: 01706 875 075.

19 Nicole, Kingstown Furniture’s newwhite painted range proved to be themost popular of the company’slaunches at Interiors Birmingham.Offering a new sculptured routeddesign, Nicole features both standardand tall wardrobes with a selection ofchests, storage units, bed frames andancillary items. Tel: 01482 701 173.

20 Classic Furniture’s silver leaf bed waspart of its collection of gilded bedroomfurniture launched at InteriorsBirmingham. It is available in any size toorder with matching bedside cabinets,dressing table, chests of drawers andwardrobe. Tel: 01746 781 118.

21 Sherry Designs reported its mostsuccessful Interiors Birmingham, with arecord number of displays and manynew accounts. Launches included theMaison with its patinas, beading anddelicate proportions, catering for theoften forgotten traditional diningmarket. Tel: 00 353 4789 309.

22 The original Frank Hudson Rivercollection has been relaunched asVermont, using the original design ofthe American Colonial Style, but usingpippy oak on the veneers and antiquingto give it a new look. A full sleigh bedand low foot end version are available.Tel: 01494 522 011.

New products

1819

20

17

21

22

24prod_IMfeb.qxt 29/1/09 18:45

STZ

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25_IM_0209 29/1/09 10:17


Rugs

While all firms promise to provide a goodservice to their retail customers, it canbecome diluted as companies grow and management tasks take over. But this will not be the way of The UltimateRug Company, vows its founder RobertNicholson.

He says his aim in launching thecompany is to establish a rug wholesalerthat is dedicated to personal service andfast, efficient delivery.

After almost 20 years in the sector, hereckons he understands the frustrationsof customers on issues such as stock, costand delivery deadlines.

‘The company will keep a lowmanagement headcount, enabling me tostay in control and service customerswith a more personal touch.’

Nicholson also promises that keepingprices affordable is equally vital.‘We havesourced throughout Europe, China andIndia for quality products. With thisgrowing network of suppliers, theproduct catalogue is growing on amonthly basis. The Ultimate Rug Co canoffer a wide range of qualities including,wool, acrylic, heatset and polypropylenerugs,’ he says.

In addition, the company also stocks awide range of doormats and is looking tobranch out into other home furnishingproducts outside of the carpet trade,reflecting the moves in the market.

Nicholson says the main customer baselies with the independent sector, but he isconfident it can meet the needs of themultiples that have approached theyoung company. For both sectors rugsare often an immediate purchase, eithermeaning retailers have to tie-up money instock to avoid the risk of consumersgoing elsewhere, or ensure the rapiddelivery that most shoppers accept,provided promises are met.

‘We have committed to a carrier service

The Ultimate Rug Company offers rugs to cater for most tastes

that we see as an extension of thecompany, partnering its experience andtransport to offer an efficient serviceanywhere in the UK.’

Delivery is three days, but Nicholsonhas plans for the rapid introduction of anext day delivery service.

The Ultimate Rug Co has invested inwarehousing, with orders replenishedweekly for optimum stock levels.

Stockists will also be offered POS anddisplay stands, that is being developed in

close consultation with stockists.The rug market has seen major

changes in the past couple of years asnew players have joined and demandshave changed, says Nicholson.

‘It is up to suppliers to make sure theyare ahead of these changes so they candeliver what the retailer wants beforethey realise this is what they wanted.

‘With our structure, and closeinvolvement with stockists, this is whatwe hope to stand for.’

THE ULTIMATE RUG COAFFORDABILITY RULESThe firm has promised that it will have personal service at its core

26rugs_IMfeb.qxt 29/1/09 19:06

27_IM_0209 29/1/09 10:17


Carpet

Slashing prices to generate sales at theexpense of margin is not the route torecession success. This is the verdict ofmajor carpet manufacturers, which stressfar greater importance on persuadingshoppers that what they see in-storeoffers the best value.

Brockway Carpets has placed greateremphasis on ensuring its productsprovide value for money to appeal tocost-conscious shoppers.

Steve Glover, commercial managerexplains that the company is positionedin the middle to top end of the wool richtwist pile market in respect of quality andprice. While it wishes to maintain thisposition, it has offered some establishedproducts in a lighter pile weight to caterfor consumers whose budgets have beentightened.

Significant investment in POS over thepast 12 months, particularly forindependent retailers, has brought majorbenefits, says Glover. ‘This has actuallyincreased interest, and indeed sales, onour more expensive two-fold yarnproducts.’

So what is the firm doing to attractretailers to the fold?

‘We believe our portfolio offersgenuinely good value for money in thesector we are active in, as well asdelivering a sound opportunity to theretailer to make good margins. Whereappropriate, we operate rebate incentivesand run shorter-term promotional activitywhen this may see an upturn in volumeon specific product lines,’ he says.

‘Most significantly, improving thequality of our POS has attracted bothretailers and consumers to the brand.’

Glover and Shuan Lewis, VictoriaCarpets sales and marketing directoragree that the continuing strength of theeuro has helped UK manufacturers inrelation to Continental rivals.

Brockway has seen the benefit of investing in POS

‘It has brought business to us, we arenow more competitive and retailers arerecognising this and switching to some ofour ranges,’ says Lewis.

‘The sizeable changes in currencycomparisons has markedly affectedContinental manufacturers’ prices and

this has seen the retail costs of theirranges and appeal to retailers alike,adversely affected,’ explains Glover.

Lewis adds that he has also noted thatretailers that hold stock are encouragingshoppers towards these products in aneffort to free-up cashflow.

PRICE WISESHOW THE VALUEInvesting in POS and emphasising value for money are vital elements for prospering in tough times

28_30carpet_IMfeb.qxt 28/1/09 18:07

29_IM_0209 3/2/09 13:56


Carpet

BMK is ‘making strong progress in adifficult marketplace,’ thanks to itsreputation for value for money and itsEnglish heritage, according to ClaireHiggins, commercial manager.

‘We have built up a good reputationamong both our retailers and consumersfor consistent quality. We also have anumber of promotional events thatprovide even better value for money.’

The firm’s bestseller is the Muirdale80/20 wool twist, available in fourqualities and 4m and 5m widths.

‘Muirdale comes in a collection of 10colours, so there’s something to suitevery home. However, close behindMuirdale is the Kurl Twist, which is aheather 80/20 twist available in twoqualities and 4m and 5m widths.’

There has been little evidence ofshoppers trading down. ‘All our carpetsare of quality, so customers would never,and do not feel like, they were tradingdown.’

The company has largely avoided theimpact of the pound/euro exchange rateas the majority of its product range isproduced in the UK. But, she warns thatthe exchange rate will affect ‘allfloorcovering products whether themanufacturer is in the UK or theContinent, as eventually raw materialprice rises and labour rates will comethrough’.

Feedback from stockists has heraldedchanges for the company.

‘BMK has changed significantly overthe past year. After speaking with retailersand finding out from them what theywould like, we are offering new andimproved POS material and we’ve alsosignificantly expanded our sales team.’

It can deliver samples to consumershomes and A5 swatches for contractorsto use.

‘BMK is also at the forefront of today’scolours and trends and we are payingextra detail to the colours and designswe’re producing to meet the changes intrend and fashion.’

BMK

‘We have built up a good reputation among bothour retailers and consumers for consistent quality’

Muirdale is available in 10 colours

28_30carpet_IMfeb.qxt 29/1/09 18:58

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- Sales: 01675 433066- Accounts: 01675 433065

Fax: 01675 433042sales@clarendon carpets.com

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31_IM_0209 28/1/09 10:51


Upholstery

CAREZZASOFAS ARE FOR SITTING ONOne company insists that now is the right time to launch and that it is focusing on quality

Only semi-aniline leather is used on Carezza’s sofas including Timon (top) and Samson (above)

route. All of its products have an ‘over-engineered’ hardwood frame, traditionalcoil sprung, eight-way hand-tied seat –designs, says Feltham-White withinherent qualities of comfort and stitchingdetail making them difficult to replicate.

Manufacturers, he says, are oftencutting corners and saving costs on rawmaterials and cheapening the product. ‘Insome cases this has been their undoing.We are not confusing our offering withmotion furniture, bicast leathers, leather

and split options, bonded leather or tinytoy-town size sofas. We are buildingquality back into the product.’

Feltham-White says the firm will onlyuse semi-aniline leather. ‘People want tobuy leather furniture, not some plasticpretend leather. The consumers are fed-up with cheap rubbish.’

The firm’s leather is sourced from SouthAmerica and hand-finished in China withthe upholstery made just outside Ho ChiMinh City in Vietnam.

With retailers reducing their imports ofFar East-made upholstery, the country’slargest leather upholstery retailer failed,sterling weak and shoppers reluctant tospend, you could easily be forgiven forthinking this is not the best time tolaunch a company selling Far East-madeleather upholstery to the UK. Especiallysofas aimed at the middle-market.

Daniel Feltham-White, Carezza director,argues the opposite. ‘When times aregood and the supply chain is solid, it’smore difficult for a new company tolaunch. Over the past six months, wehaven’t only seen retailers go to the wall,but now a lot of manufacturers arewishing a desire for more profits hadn’tgot in the way of good business sense,’he says. ‘Because times are harder from amanufacturer’s point of view, productshave been dumbed-down particularlythose coming in on import stockprogrammes from the Far East.’

But Carezza is not going down that

32_34upholstery_IMfeb.qxt 29/1/09 23:35

33_IM_0209 30/1/09 10:48


With the confidence he has typicallydisplayed throughout his career in sellingupholstery, Feltham-White dismissessterling’s current weakness.

‘The exchange rate is always variableand real values are not altered by 10centsin the pound. There are many old adagesthat perennially ring true – keep it simple,focus on specific markets and products,and give the customer what they want.And we hope to offer this to ourcustomers.’

Carezza is a partnership betweenFeltham-White and Halo Asia owner TimOulton. Any retailer’s involvement orotherwise with Halo UK will have noimpact on product availability as ‘Carezzais a separately owned and run company’.

He says that six to eight weekproduction cycles will address concerns ofretailers who switch from Europeansuppliers and are anxious to offershoppers quick delivery. The minimumorder is a 20ft container, about 10 suites,while those wanting to avoid thecontainer route can order from anexclusive range from wholesaler BMFurniture. This was debuted at InteriorsBirmingham, while the full 21-strongcollection of sofas, accent chairs andottomans will be launched at IFFS inSingapore in March.

Feltham-White says he agrees withretailers that are cutting back on holdingstock as it ties up cashflow. ‘The ideabehind Carezza is not to hold stock,except to back fill containers of soldorders. Retailers should place a collectionon the shopfloor and sell customer ordersof any model, any colour, any order. Thepotential for margin and product qualitymakes it worth the commitment.’

Carezza has no minimum shopfloordisplay and is offering regional andnational exclusivity on models.

‘Our price points are dictating that weare in the middle market. Of course, we’dlike the quality independents and selectedmultiples – anyone who’s looking tomake healthy margins. No one else atthis price point offers this combination ofquality and workmanship.’

Carezza has an in-house design teamand external designers, with models

targeted at the UK market, rather thanseeking to develop sofas that sell inseveral markets.

‘We’ve steered away from thepredictable square arm styling andconcentrated on more organic shapesthat offer the comfort that everycustomer is after. We are not losing sightof the fact that sofas are for sitting on.’

Could this be a change in attitude for aproduct that has lost its aspirationalstatus and become a commodity?

Oscar, as with all Carezza’s designs, features a hardwood frame and traditional coil sprung, eight-way hand-tied seat

Daniel Feltham-White: ‘We are building quality back into the product’

Upholstery

32_34upholstery_IMfeb.qxt 29/1/09 23:36

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35_IM_0209 29/1/09 10:43


Upholstery

While there are almost 10,000centenarians in the country, it is doubtfulthat many of them are makingupholstery. This honour is reserved forBuoyant Upholstery.

Since Frisby Wade, grandfather of thecurrent chairman Charles Wade,upholstered one of the company’s firstchairs, the word Buoyant has beenassociated with seating.

From its first order of note – 1,240accent chairs for The Queen Mary – totoday, producing 1,100 suites a week,Buoyant has made its sofas in thetraditional way with screwed and gluedhardwood frames.

Like many sectors of UK manufacturing,Buoyant has seen good times and bad,but if recent performance is anything togo by it seems set to return to the black.

Since former sales director MikeAramayo was promoted to md, theNelson, Lancashire company has enjoyed

The majority of sales are to the independent sector

double digit sales growth. A fact made allthe more impressive given that it wasachieved during the lead up to arecession and at a time when importedproduct still dominates.

‘Sales rose by 15% in the last quarter of2008,’ he explains, ‘including an 8% risein the independent sector. We are nowon an upward spiral.’

Buoyant deals with a large number ofmultiples but Aramayo is quick to stressthat most of its business is still withindependents.

‘There is business out there – you justhave to go after it, for example our moveinto lift and rise chairs. At InteriorsBirmingham we have been approachedby multiples that have never dealt withus before.’

This helped the company enjoy itsmost successful Interiors Birmingham forfour years, beating sales records after thefirst two days.

Aramayo says he has given staff a newimpetus by doing what he has done forall of his career: drive sales.

‘We’ve taken a back to basics approachand I’ve said: “There is a fight, are you upfor it?” The key thing is to drive the salesand hopefully that will make us a success.

‘We have the full support from thechairman. You have to change with thetimes to prosper. You have to focus onwhat you do best and what the factory isset up to do.’

But he is quick not to claim the recentupturn is down to him alone. ‘VictoriaSangwine, designer, and Glen Ainsworth,development director, deserve praise fordeveloping these products which we cango and sell.’

George Smith, production director isalso lauded. The way he can innovate isunbelievable, Aramayo reckons, giving asan example the development of the liftand rise range.

BUOYANTMOVING UPAs sales increase, the upholstery manufacturer celebrates its 100th anniversary this year

36_37buoyant_IMfeb.qxt 29/1/09 11:20


Bolero was launched at Interiors Birmingham

Retro-looking Tobago was one of several launches at the NEC

The company has benefited from amove away from Far East sourcedupholstery as retailers seek quickerdeliveries and stable pricing without theneed for large levels of stock holding. It isnow making more leather models atNelson than it has in recent history.

‘There is increased demand for UKmade leather sofas thanks to theexchange rate. Last year we had sevenimported leather sofas on the InteriorsBirmingham stand, this year there is one.

‘The market demands that everythingon these products is the finest quality, soGeorge picked the upholsterers for the[production] unit and developed theproducts over a full 12 months ofresearch and development, rather thando it in half the time but to a lowerstandard. The cell production at thefactory is now so smooth.’

He has has also recruited anexperienced pair of hands in JohnWakeman as national sales manager.

Launch padThe company introduced 14 models atthe NEC, including: � three lift and rise chairs; � two sofabeds; � additions to the Finesse collection; � Carter – a leather and fabric mix andColumbia, the fabric only sister model– both feature oak rail and feet; � a compact Lewis corner sofa; � Bolero, a fabric and leathercombination with a curvy, squashyshape; � Tobago, a high back model with aretro look and stitching detail on theback and arms.

The majority of new models will bein-store before Easter.

We will make the leather the Chinesedon’t want to make,’ he says.

Aramayo was understandably inupbeat mood at the NEC, but knows thatrecent performance is just the beginning.

‘Everyone is talking doom and gloombut there are success stories out there.Independent business is growing andmultiple business is growing.

‘We are ideally placed and couldn’t askfor a better start to the year, especiallythis year.’

36_37buoyant_IMfeb.qxt 28/1/09 18:31


Wholesalers

More than ever, speed of delivery is vitalfor retailers, especially when many viewholding stock in the same way as a visitto the dentist. So what are wholesalersdoing to meet these demands?

Julian Bowen, md of the eponymouswholesaler, says the firm has increased itsstock holding to £3.5m to satisfy itsgrowing customer base and no-minimumorder policy.

Woodside Furniture holds stock hereand in the Far East, ready to ship ondemand. ‘Carrying stock in the Far Eastallows us to keep costs down and allowsour medium and larger sized customersto ship mixed quantities on directcontainers to their warehouses, cuttingout unnecessary inland transport costs,’says Joy Cullen, sales office manager.

Simon Ainge, Kettle Interiors directorsays: ‘Over recent months, the ability tosupply furniture within just 72 hours hasbecome an increasingly important part ofour business as retailers appreciate theability to keep stock levels to a minimumwhile responding to customer orderswithin reasonable timescales.’

According to Hanna Latham, Besp-Oak

Furniture import coordinator, it alwayshas at least 25 containers in UK portsavailable for immediate delivery inaddition to its wholesale and normalcontainer options.

As well as fast delivery, retailers wantto know that the trade price they basetheir retail price on will not have changed

wholesale offer now includes the Lifestylecollection, with nine ranges, and the 15strong Heritage collection.

But what about the flooring sector?Richard Bailey, Floorwise md points outthat the ability to treat a supplier as acash and carry is equally important for

flooring retailers. ‘The role of thedistributor is to always be on hand withthe right products, enabling retailers toaccess the products they need at thedrop of a hat – the distributor shouldalways be able to supply what is neededand at short notice.’

He says manufacturers use large trucks,which is good for rolls of carpet, butmany have a minimum order quantity onaccessories which is often far more thanthe retailer requires. A distributor doesnot have a minimum order quantity orvalue and generally can supply the goodswithin a short timescale.

Bailey explains: ‘Many retailers considerdistributors to be more expensive thantheir manufacturing counterparts and thisis often true for independent outfits, butwith us it is a different story.

‘As a collective of some 20 distributordepots, Floorwise has unique collectivebuying power – able to work directlywith suppliers to bring individualspecifications and exclusive products tomarket and our underlay ranges are theperfect example of just how successfulthis model can be.’

from the time the shopper places theorder to the time it is received –something that may not always bepossible given the fluctuations of thecurrency markets.

Bowen says his company has not beenaffected by the strength of the euro, butits US dollar requirements are huge.

‘Long-term, I believe that sterling willrise against the dollar. In the meantimewe are hedging our funds as carefully aspossible in an attempt to provide ourretailers with some stability in thesedifficult times.’

But Cullen is more anxious aboutconsumer confidence. ‘The exchangerates will have the same affect on allbusiness so in effect we are all in ittogether. I have been more concernedwith the effect the 24 hour newschannels have in conditioning the generalpublic that things are bad and can onlyget worse – that is the main barrier todoing business.

‘Customers are more interested in jobsecurity than the effect of the exchangerates. This is the issue we need to addressso we can all move forward. They willinvest in good quality furniture if it isinspirational enough for them to buy andthe exchange rates will have some effectbut we will all get used to that soonenough.’

As Cullen points out, if the product ispoor, delivery options and currency ratesare irrelevant. So which sectors arecompanies concentrating on to temptretailers?

Julian Bowen is targeting the childrens’bedroom market with a number ofproduct introductions. While Woodsideconcentrated on its bedroom collectionlast year, for 2009 it has developed moredining ranges. Cullen adds that the nextlaunches will be ‘a bit edgy as we look tooffer something a bit different’. Kettle’s

QUICK RESPONSESUPPLY MEETS DEMANDWith retailers loath to hold stock, what are wholesalers doing to meet their needs?

‘To supply furniturewithin just 72 hours

has become anincreasingly

important part ofour business’

‘The role of thedistributor is to

always be on handwith the right

products’

38_41wholesalers_IMfeb.qxt 29/1/09 18:31

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39_IM_0209 30/1/09 10:46


Wholesalers

This spring will see Simon Bonham,Flexiload md fulfil a long-held ambition.At the IFFS exhibition in March he willlaunch a company, Ark Eco Projectswhich will specialise in furniture madefrom genuine reclaimed materials.

‘We must at all times promote thehighest levels of integrity within thefurniture industry. For our industry togrow the public must have absoluteconfidence in the service and productsthey receive for their hard earned cash.This is especially true in this harsheconomic climate. Many of these socalled reclaimed products are at bestgood waste management. They are notmade from wood that has had a previoususe, like railway sleepers or roof struts,

the furniture is made from small offcuts ofwood, while laudable in its self, this isnot reclaimed timber and should not bemarketed as such.’

Ark Eco Projects will launch threeranges at the Singapore show made fromthe hulls of former Chinese fishingtrawlers.

‘The delivery of the wood is entirelyrandom, in terms of the mix of timbers.It’s all tropical hardwoods butpredominantly the Dipterocarpaceaefamily (lauan, meranti), Philippinemahogany,’ says Bonham.

He says this is a real opportunity tohelp save the world’s resources, and willgive retailers an opportunity to reach theFurniture will be made from the hulls of fishing trawlers

‘We must at alltimes promote the

highest levels ofintegrity within thefurniture industry’

FLEXILOADGONE FISHINGThe company is sourcing reclaimed timber from an unusual source – Chinese trawlers

40flexiload_IMfeb.1.qxt 3/2/09 09:48


Wholesalers

There’s enough timber to last for some 60 years

Generally the timber is sold for firewood

eco-conscious market with a genuinereclaimed product.

‘Retailers should remain aware that theyare responsible to correctly label anddescribe their merchandise to the public,or face prosecution. The packaging of thenew ranges will be recyclable, and thegreat news is there is 60 years supply ofthese 40 to 50 year old trawlers,’ he adds.

The wood’s heritage gives the rangesstrong character and individuality, makingeach pieces unique and a talking pointfor any dinner party.

Products will be subject to the samestrict quality control standards as otherFlexiload products: the firm now has 11quality control staff in the Far East, that’smore staff than in all of its UK operations.

Ark Eco Projects will operate the samesystem of mixed range containers fromstock as Flexiload.

40flexiload_IMfeb.1.qxt 4/2/09 12:51


Show review

Nathan’s French Quarter Parisienne

INTERIORS BIRMINGHAMABOVE EXPECTATIONSVisitors were in the mood to place orders, dispelling exhibitors’ pre-show concerns

42birmcover_IMfeb.qxt 29/1/09 21:35

Sarrington House, Suite 4,39 High Street, Corby,Northamptonshire NN17 1UUTel: 01536 260100Fax: 01536 260102www.austin-allaboutyourhome.com

43_IM_0209 29/1/09 10:24


In the run-up to Interiors Birmingham,many exhibitors were worried that theshow would be a disappointment, withfew visitors and even fewer orders. As itturned out, these fears were unfounded.Although footfall was down, manyexhibitors reported record orders.

Nathan introduced the Living Librarycollection to its Shades brand including abookcase available in low double, lowsingle, tall single and tall double that can be combined. It also debuted theFrench Quarter brand with the teakParisienne living and dining range in anaged waxy finish.

Calia Italia’s Modern

Ashley Manor’s Otis

Derwent’s Aylesbury

Show review

44_46birmU_IMfeb.qxt 29/1/09 23:11

45_IM_0209 29/1/09 10:27


Show review

Handwriting’s ChristinaAlston’s Grafton

Content by Conran’s Ava

Sweet Dreams’ FilbySelva’s Opus 40

Calligaris’s launches included theElement coffee table. With three sizes andheights, its frame is available in walnut,wenge, black lacquer or white lacquerfinishes and black, white, coffee orneutral glass tops.

Derwent’s new offerings included the Aylesbury with a formal back and the pillow back Huxley, while

44_46birmU_IMfeb.qxt 29/1/09 23:11

47_IM_0209 29/1/09 10:32


Show review

Ambient Art’s Spring Valley

More than a dozen Egyptian firms took part

Calligaris’s Elements

Handwriting’s debuts included the Christina.Limelight introduced several divans and bedsteads along with

the Alpha bunkbed, while Selva came up with the brushed oakOpus 40 and took 1920s and 1930s design influences to createthe Vogue living and dining collection.

WBH previewed the high gloss Illusions bedroom range underits Caxton brand and introduced the traditional Lincoln livingand dining collection, the walnut Washington bedroom range

Nathan’s Living Library

48_49LivBirm_IMfeb.qxt 30/1/09 12:41


Sherry’s Palm

Lloyd Loom of Spalding’s Naturals

Show review

and the contemporary President living anddining collection.

From Alstons there were several newupholstery and bedroom ranges, includingthe Valencay, Newhaven, Teatro andBoston.

Sherry Designs opted for the Maisonand Palm, constructed from solid elm andfinished in a rich rosewood colour.

Lloyd Loom of Spalding emphasised theenvironmental aspects of its Naturals chaircollection while Kaymed tackled the issueof heat in foam mattresses with itsCirculair. It also demonstrated theSleepScan system that scans customers’bodies then recommends the mostsuitable model. Units will be available tostockists for short periods at a time.

YP Furniture had four new ranges, themid-tone birch Michigan living and diningcollection featuring an integral handle. TheGrace collection includes an apothecarychest-style buffet, Maison is a Frenchinspired range with a cherry finish while the oak Chepstow for the bedroomhas side panels which are made up of thedrawers themselves.

The contemporary Modern collection

48_49LivBirm_IMfeb.qxt 29/1/09 23:15


Show review

and the classical New Classmixing leather and fabric wereunveiled by Calia Italia.

Kingstown unveiled fourbedroom ranges. Westburyfeatures black frosted glass and acomplementary maple finish. Itsfirst high gloss range, Mono, isin black or white on a walnutfinish carcase. White painted

Nicole has a sculptured routeddesign while Monterey is amodern design in a blonderosewood finish.

Content by Conran launchesincluded the Ava three-seatersofa and armchair by RussellPinch with a low back, sweepingarms and plump cushions.Conistan is an informal two-

Alston’s Valencay

Steens’ Bornholm Limelight’s Alpha bunkbed

50_52BedBirm_IMfeb.qxt 29/1/09 23:17

51_IM_0209 29/1/09 10:33


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Kingstown’s Westbury

YP’s Chepstow

Welle’s Limaseater sofa while the Sail shelvingprotrudes from the wall in an arc shape.Sail also offers Content by Conran’s firsthome office unit.

Wiemann showed four bedroomcollections: Aimeria, Futura, Sunny and Valencia.

Sweet Dreams completed its move to offering products for most rooms inthe house, not just beds. It followed its diversification into upholstery andbedroom with living room, occasionaland dining collections along with adding to its bed offer.

TCS was among the firms increasingorders compared with 2008. Itintroduced a dozen suites, five cabinetranges and five table and chair sets.

TCS introduced 96 cabinet pieces

Kettle Interiors’ Hampton, Banbury and Cottingham

50_52BedBirm_IMfeb.qxt 29/1/09 23:18

0845 6781155

With 24 ranges encompassing furniture for every home, Kettle Interiors has become bigger than ever before, bigger and better. Offering even better service than before through its K4, K8 and K18 direct supply packages as well as its Kw wholesale facility, Kettle Interiors brings service, quality and choice straight to your door. And all at some truly amazing prices.

bigger and better websiteA brand new website at www.kettleinteriors.co.uk holds the key to your satisfaction. Featuring all of Kettle Interiors stunning ranges, the website will take you on a voyage through prices, dimensions and even an online ordering system so you can order at any time of day, or even night for that matter.

www.kettleinteriors.co.uk

“Our business is to excel and to become a benchmark. Not only to be a benchmark to others, but also to be a benchmark to ourselves. It is through this that we shall become a leader and by which our partners will become a success.”

BanburyFinished with exquisite ivory paint, Banbury brings classical romanticism to the bedroom.

£109delivered

CottinghamChunky pine at its very best, the Cottingham range brings traditional English elegance to the bedroom.

£25delivered

HamptonA stunning collection of solid White American Oak furniture with a rustic allure that adds charm and style to any home.

£99.95delivere

d£119delivered

The world’s biggestvalue chair?The Ascot chair is made from hardwood with PU leather upholstery and a sprung and webbed seat pad. The Ascot is incredible value and it even comes in the BIG choice of Mocha, Cream, Black or Bordeaux!

£23.50

delivered

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collections for delivery

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Prices illustrated for K18 direct supply package

New for 2009The Lifestyle Collection brings together nine beautiful ranges of furniture designed to inspire with a price to appeal to even the most value conscious of consumer. Each and every collection has been carefully conceived and still retains the famous Kettle Interiors quality backed by excellent service.

OAK!

53_IM_0209 29/1/09 10:34


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DOMOTEXTREADING THE BOARDSAttendance may have been down but there was still plenty to see

The mood at Domotex was subduedas retailers gathered in Hanover tosee the latest in flooring, and mostof the innovation came in hardflooring.

Balterio introduced the Grandeurlong plank laminate range using itsChromeZone technology. The 9mmthick planks come in 2,039 x 238msize and five oak finishes.

It also targeted the lower end ofthe price scale with thecontemporary Vitality collection ofBalterio’s Grandeur

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Show review

Krono’s Mystyle

Faus’s Boheme

Dumafloor’s waterproof laminate

Classen’s Jatoba

Krono’s clic2go

six ranges. Decors include pebbles and aparquet-look as well as wood.

Par-ky expanded its Lounge andSilencioso ranges with the internationallaunch of oak silvergrey colour. Since itsdebut in 2008, Silencioso accounts formore than 40% of the firm’s sales.

Krono introduced the premium Mystylebrand featuring an acoustic dampinglayer to reduce noise and the Protect4anti-scratch and dirt system. According to the company, liquids such as nailvarnish and wine can easily be wiped



Show review

Berry’s EcoForest in walnut

Scheucher’s Impression

Ash from Baltic Wood

Wicanders’ Woodcomfort

Granorte’s Corium leather on cork

off as they are not absorbed by the flooring.Dumafloor introduced its waterproof laminate that it claims

does not swell when in contact with water.Witex launched what it called ‘elastoclic design vinyl’, also

claiming the 10mm thick flooring is also quieter than normallaminate. It is available in two formats,10 wooden finishes andtwo stone finishes.

Classen debuted the Extravagant collection of wood decorsin a natural-effect parquet varnish look and expanded theVisiogrande range. Its noise reduction solution Harmony usesan air-insulated surface above the HDF base board. Classen


Jan Kath’s Gamba Tourouk

Arte Espina’s Luminous

Rug Star’s Hand and Drawing

says this cuts noise by 70%. It added that consumers werebuying either very light or very dark finishes, although itsbestseller in the past few months is a high gloss white.

Baltic Wood introduced three ranges of its Ancient collectionwith a choice of white, dark or oiled finish, along with a rangeof narrow wood planks.

Berry introduced the BerryLOC Extreme, increasing thestrength of the locking system and increasing fitting speed by30%. Its Exotism parquet is available in 10 contemporaryfinishes while the Ultimtec varnish is rich in aluminium-oxidefor improved resistance to wear and tear.

Show review




Show review

Jan Kath’s Ray Multicolour

Rug Star’s Water Lily

Balta Rugs’ Sofia

Stepevi’s Deep Mienterra

Faus unveiled its tie-up with fellowSpanish company Finsa, with a combined21 factories and 18 regional offices.

On the carpet front, Balta had 93products on display, including 60launches. This compares with the normal15 to 20. The firm says it wants to growmarketshare and be in a position forgrowth when the market recovers.

Several shades were added to theWoolmaster collection along with morechoice in the Wool Shaggy and Velvetranges. Its Stainsafe collection also sawnew colours and weights, such asCarouso and Focus, while Tempo Tonic is a textured fine gauge loop pile inbright colours.

Domo introduced more than 50 ranges

including Harlequin, Duchesse Elite andthe polypropylene Ultratwist andElegance. It also expanded its shaggycollection combining polyamide andpolypropylene with cotton, polyester andmetallic-look effect yarns.

Asiatic introduced an acrylic collectionincluding designs with faux suede panels.Other launches included Ballroom which

58_60DomRugs_IMfeb.qxt 30/1/09 19:21

Advertising feature


Point 1920 Spain was formed in 1920 when the currentowners’ grandfather returned from Argentina after spendingtime there working in a wicker factory during the Spanishdepression

Point 1920 has gone from strength to strength and is nowcontrolled by his grandsons.

The company manufactures quality conservatory, garden,hotel and restaurant furniture, and has formed Point 1920 UKto promote its furniture in the UK.

Among its new ranges for 2009 is the contemporary Urbanrange, manufactured in Shintotex, and suitable for all weatherindoor or outdoor usage.

Shintotex is a new synthetic fibre for outdoor furnitureinspired by nature. Handcrafted mesh, warm textures andoriginal colours, technologically perfected to achieve themaximum in beauty, durability and functionality.

All products are manufactured in Point 1920’s 12,000sqmfacility in Spain, where it employs 50 staff. Products can bedelivered to either the retailer or the end user, and lead timesare from three weeks.

Quality is paramount in the Point 1920 ethos. All fabrics areavailable as fire retardant and it has numerous projects in thecontract sector, including for many five star hotels wherequality and cost control are so important. All this will givePoint 1920 the edge in the current competitive environment.

For further details on any of our ranges please contact:Charlotte Hance, Point 1920 UK, PO Box 3, Rickmansworth,Hertfordshire WD3 0FR Tel: 0208 515 8274 Email: [email protected]

POINT 1920 UKPOINT 1920 UK

59Advertorial_IMfeb.qxt 28/1/09 18:37

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Domo’s Absolut Passion

Vorwerk’s Castello Rococo

incorporates sequins, two Ports of Calldesigns and the bold Mardi Gras.

Stepevi debuted the Deep rugcollection using ‘Variable SurfaceTechnology’ to create ‘a mysterious,emotional layered effect on the surface ofthe rug’.

Jan Kath’s rugs link the traditionalhandicrafts of the Himalayas withmodern, almost minimalist design with80 to 300 knots per inch.

The Boro Collection is reminiscent ofthe decaying, crumbling plasterwork ofmedieval cities or of manifold patchworkpatterns of old civilisations.

Arte Espina opted for bright partial piledesigns, including Cocoon and Lace.

Oli introduced the Oli-Natura hard waxoil, which is based exclusively on naturaloils and waxes and does not containsolvents or water, plus several colouredstains.

58_60DomRugs_IMfeb.qxt 30/1/09 19:22

Saddle Leather Chicago £149

Leather ‘Swivel’ Bar Stool £79

White Leather Chicago £149

Saddle Leather Hollywood £259White Leather Hollywood £249

White Leather New Yorker £199

Leather Available in 7 fantastic colours: Red, Brown, Black, White, Cream, Lime Green and OrangeA l s o A v a i l a b l e i n H i d e , S a d d l e a n d A l l i g a t o r

Saddle Leather Tub Chair £115White Leather Tub Chair £109 Leather Cube £41

Low BackSaddle Leather Dining Chair £49

Low BackWhite Leather Dining Chair £49

BRITTANIA wp 4/2/09 10:28 Page 1

These are the reasons we are told why...

We manufacture all types of products to suit clients needs!

62-63_IM_0209 3/2/09 10:35

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62-63_IM_0209 3/2/09 10:36

Show review


Erik Jorgensen’s Ox chair

IMM COLOGNECOMFORT ZONEEye-catching upholstery was once again on the agenda along with a wide choice of cabinet

64_colCov_IMfeb.qxt 28/1/09 18:36


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IMM Cologne did not disappoint this yearwith a plethora of tantalising upholstery.

The Bretz brothers continued theirmission to put glamour into the sector.Don Corleone has stitching detailing andindents to soften its appearance. It isavailable in several sizes and two seatdepths. Tiziana comes in a variety of unitsthat can combine up to five fabriccolours.

For de Sede’s 820 model, four to fivehides of its top end Neck leather arerequired with a single seam dividing theseat and back along the centre.

Wittmann has reinvented the deckchairas a leather recliner with Lester. It can befixed in three positions and is just 10cmwhen folded.

Machalke’s Supersonic chair has aplayful feel that demands attention. It isavailable in soft cover or leather .

Koinor’s James combines simplicitywith eye-catching looks. The frame isavailable in stainless steel or chrome witha choice of fabric or hide seat.

W Schillig’s Heaven allows users tocreate their own arrangement while

Jori’s Icarus

Ewald Schillig’s Quantum

Brühl’s Ladybug

UPHOLSTERY

65_68colUph_IMfeb.qxt 28/1/09 18:39


Show review

W Schillig’s Heaven

Koinor’s James Conde House’s revised Tosai

Walter Knoll’s Living Landscape

Jori’s Icarus dispenses with arms infavour of unusual side flaps.

Brühl’s modular Ladybug can becombined with other units to create thepreferred configuration. The soft coverhas an embossed dot pattern.

Walter Knoll enjoyed sales growth of8% last year, with sales reaching €63m.Among seven launches at the show, itsLiving Landscape 740 included modularunits, armchairs, chaise longues andfootstools.

Leolux’s Parabolica swivel chair offersan organic look compared with thestraight lines of the muscular Cuno.

Five Norwegian companies unitedunder the Inside Norway banner,including Hødnebø, the country’s oldestfurniture maker. Its top end Spinnaker

Wittmann’s Lester


Show review


Bretz’s Don Corleone

Ekornes’ Blues Leolux’s Parabolica



Show review

collection includes sail material in thebacks of the chairs.

Rolf Benz’s Vida has a low silhouettewith a choice of two seat depths, heightsand comfort levels.

Introductions from Ekornes includedthe Blues recliner while Ewald Schilligmade a point of focusing on the stitchingdetailing on its launches, includingQuantum. Conde House celebrated threeyears of working with designer PeterMaly by updating its Tosai collection,based on the proportions of Japanesetatami mats.

Rolf Benz’s Vida

Machalke’s Supersonic

De Sede’s 820

Hødnebø’s Spinnaker



Show review

TemaHome’s Handle stools Seltz’s Vitruv

CABINETTemaHome’s Lisbon Collection of limitededition items included Handle stoolsalong with the Furoshiki rug, Tavareschair, Gem tables and Scatola sideboard.

Hülsta, through its Now! brand wasone of many exhibitors to promote whitehigh gloss finishes in the bedroom andliving room with the Time collection.

Zeitraum’s Nyord dining table’s angledlegs give an air of stability, although itdoes make sitting at the ends of the tablemore awkward.

Team 7, which celebrates its 50thanniversary this year, introduced colouredglass doors to its Cubus writing

Zeitraum’s Nyord table

Pure Position’s Growing table

69_70colCab_IMfeb.qxt 28/1/09 18:46


Show review

desk, which closes to become a sideboard.Variér’s Penguin has a tilting mechanism and

uses the arms to provide support when leaningback or to the side.

Inspired by da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man, Seltzuses offcuts to create the legs of its Vitruvtable, available with glass, metal or wood topsin round, rectangular or oval shapes.

Pure Position’s Growing table does just that.By screwing in leg units, the children’s tablegrows with its owner.

In its first collaboration with Arik Levy, E 15introduced the SH05 Arie shelving unit that canbe flipped vertically or horizontally to create anew look. A sideboard height unit is availableand other units can be easily added. It isavailable in waxed oak or white finished MDF.

‘If there had been a furnisher to providethem with the 40S, the Seven Dwarfs wouldhave made it into management,’ is howInterlübke describes its storage system.

E 15’s SHO5 ArieInterlübke’s 40S

Hülsta’s Now! Time

Team 7’s Cubus Variér’s Penguin

69_70colCab_IMfeb.qxt 28/1/09 18:47


Marketing

DON’T HIDE STAND OUT FROM THE CROWDCompanies need to embrace promotions that get them noticed, so here’s some tips on how to do it

Imagine the scene, you’re at afootball match, a goal has just beenscored and you want to be heardabove the other 20,000 fans.Likely?

If you want to stand out, youneed to create stand out. It takestime, effort and often bravery, allqualities that will be rewarded witha campaign to get you noticed.

Reassuringly ‘challenger’campaigns need not cost the earth.The crucial element is that theystand out, so budget is not themain factor. Here are some pointersto get started.

Areas to investigateWhere do my customers frequentwhen not shopping with me?

We are particularly guilty in thissector of only concentrating on thecustomer who is in the market forfurniture at the present time. Somuch for relationship building!

How do you communicate withyour consumer for the remainingfour to eight years of the replacementcycle? If the answer is, ‘more sale adverts’that won’t cut it.

The consumer needs to be inspiredconstantly by the thought of theproducts, and why they should purchasethem from you.

How can you add value to themthroughout the period in between? Oneoption is to become involved visibly inyour community. Alternatively, get abrand partner merchandising products ona faster replacement cycle than interiorsto ensure your brand is front of mind andstrong?

What is the product scope for you?Can you offer additional goods orservices that will entice or inspire thecustomer in-store more regularly?

Events are an economical opportunityto invite new customers and welcomeback existing customers into the store.With time becoming our most preciouscommodity, a cheese and wine eventmay not get the attendance you desire.So how can you make your event anexciting showcase?

Advertising and promotionWhen I flick through any newspaper, it’srare that an advertisement will stand outenough to grab my attention. They justbecome wallpaper – something thatperhaps collects in my subconscious,slowly building up brand awareness.

There can’t be many businessescurrently in a position to spend moneyon advertising that has no direct benefit.

Therefore it must leap out and grabyour target consumer with aproposition that says: ‘This is us,this is what we do and this is whyyou want to visit us today’.

One of my clients has taken thechallenge of wallpaper advertising,braving the territory of building abrand that has equity and apurpose.

Peter Green has two beautifulstores with a wide array ofproducts, a knowledgeable salesteam and ambition, headed bySusan Noone, md. In our journeytogether we have created a visionfor Peter Green as a true home ofinspiration. Its advertising – oncepart of the wallpaper of theindustry – now has true stand outand the wow factor. It also clearlydefines the proposition: ‘Home ofInspiration’.

Peter Stracker, marketingmanager, has been consistent withthe messaging and there is now areal point of difference in Peter

Green’s presentation, which is backed upin-store.

The team took a brave step to steeraway from the typical interiors retailingadvertising, but in doing so it has seensome healthy results and an interestedcustomer who wants to be in-store.

Embracing that customer and keepingthem is the next step of the journey. Withpassion, persuasion and persistence theteam will continue with the success.

I take my hat off to Peter Green’sforward thinking to do somethingdifferent. It is not a lone voice in a crowdof 20,000 people. It has stand out.

Kate Hardcastle is founder of Passion brandand marketing consultancywww.passionmarketing.co.uk

Peter Green makes sure it gets noticed

71market_IMfeb.qxt 28/1/09 18:49


Transport

CASH DELIVERYNEW LEASE OF LIFEReplacing a delivery fleet, regardless of size, can be expensive – but there are other options

There are alternatives to purchasing new delivery vehicles

that offers a fleet purchase and leasebackscheme, which not only facilitates theupgrading of your fleet, but also providesa useful cash injection to your bottomline. The scheme is ideal for companiesoperating vehicles of mixed age andreliability,’ says White.

After analysing a company’s transportneeds and deciding what the mostsuitable vehicles are, Ryder buys theexisting fleet.

Vehicles not deemed fit for furtherservice will be disposed of and replacedby new vehicles specified to meet theexact needs of the business and suppliedon contract hire, thus giving fixedoperational costs. The vehicles that aresuitable for further service will bereturned to the road, also on contracthire, and maintained to the samestandards as the new vehicles.

‘We have a large number of clients inthe furniture, furnishing and flooringsectors to which we’ve supplied vehicles,drivers and operations managers to helpclients minimise costs and reduce theircarbon footprint, while at the same timeenhancing the customer experience andsatisfaction levels,’ adds White.

Lower levels of business are likely to leaveretailers in a difficult position if they need to update their delivery fleetanytime soon.

On the one hand is the desire toconserve cash by not buying a new vanor lorry, but this is offset by the damagethat could be done to the store’sreputation if their existing vehicleregularly breaks down or is looking pastits best. After all, delivering an expensivepiece of furniture or flooring in a tattylooking van isn’t going to encourage MrsSmith to pay the store a repeat visit. Andit doesn’t allow her to win any snobberypoints with her neighbours.

So what can you do?According to Robin White, Ryder

director of marketing and corporatedevelopment, there is a way to upgradewithout splashing out: leasing.

While many dealers offer businessesleasing facilities, this doesn’t solve theproblem of what to do with the existingfleet. Tying to offload them through aprivate sale, for example, could be timeconsuming and divert staff from whatthey should really be doing.

‘Ryder is one of the few companies

Ceva Logistics’ home delivery businesshas boosted customer service levelsthanks to an innovative fully integratedIT solution from Paragon SoftwareSystems.

Paragon’s routeing and schedulingoptimisation system integratesseamlessly with Ceva’s home deliverysystem, to tightly manage its resources.

This has delivered efficiencies inresource management enabling Ceva togive customers a realistic time ofdelivery 48 hours beforehand to ensurethey are available to receive their goods.

‘Paragon maximises the use of ourresources, allowing us to plan highlyefficient routes and utilise our staff andvehicles effectively. We are making moredeliveries with fewer vehicles,’ explainsTony Percival, Ceva senior generalmanager.

The success rate of on-time/first-timedeliveries has risen 5%. ‘The biggestobstacle to failed deliveries is theabsence of the customer – with Paragonwe can give them 48 hours notice andthis has proven key to improving oursuccess rate.’

Percival adds that Paragon providesthe additional benefit of allowing theplanners to ‘smooth’ the loads betweenthe regional depots.

‘If a delivery needs to cross from onedepot’s territory into another ourplanners coordinate the loads with theadjoining region’s depot. This allows usto smooth the whole process,transferring goods between each regionas part of one continuous plan. Thisallows us to keep the goods movingfrom one region to another preventingpotential bottlenecks,’ he says.

Improving deliveries

72transport_IMfeb.qxt 29/1/09 11:54

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Final polish

Golfing challengeTopping the £26,000 theKidderminster CarpetManufacturers National GolfTournament raised last yearwill be a challenge, but it isone that Rupert Anton, theevent’s chairman, isdetermined to rise to.

In aid of the FTBA andMacmillan Cancer Support,the 53rd Kidderminster eventtakes place on 12-13 May,sponsored by GeorgianCarpets. Since its foundation,it has raised more than £1mfor charity and Anton, whotook up the baton fromVictoria Carpets’ Shaun Lewis,wants you all there.

Day one is a four ballStableford format, rounded offby dinner at The GranaryHotel, Kidderminster. Day twofollows the two ball Stablefordformat with numerous prizeson offer.

Prices are unchanged fromlast year at £80 for both days,£50 for one day and £30 forthe dinner. Book your ticketsand sponsorship, as InteriorsMonthly has, on tel: 01562747 359.

Going greenBarker and Stonehouse hashighlighted its greencredentials with a mattress

despite an employmenttribunal ruling that they hadbeen involved in long-runningirregularities involving thecompany’s clocking-in system.

The tribunal was told thatsome of the 40 staff wereclocked in and paid while theywere at home, did not do fullshifts or stayed in the factoryand played cards or slept inthe warehouse if a job wasdone.

Management installed CCTVat the factory after productionfailed to rise despite increasedovertime.

CCTV evidence showed thatone worker was clocked inbut absent from work on fouroccasions over a period of up16 days. The tribunal was toldthat clocking-in irregularitiesoccurred at night or duringweekends when managementwas not present.

The tribunal said the threemen ‘accepted in theirevidence that they haddefrauded’ the company onan ‘ongoing basis’ but notedthat this was a custom andpractice that was both knownand accepted by managementover a long period. It saidWaterford accepted there hadbeen a lack of dismissalprocedures, so ruled that thethree were unfairly dismissed.

Now where is that HRhandbook?

Ghostly helpMany retailers will be gratefulfor any help, but sometimes itcomes from unexpectedsources.

Dawn Thompson, owner ofSun Dawn Interiors inGreenfield, Flintshire believesthe store has ‘a guardianangel’ Victorian ghost.

Thompson worked in thebuilding for 10 years and tookover the lease last August.

‘We were celebrating thehandover in the cafe nextdoor and a picture wastaken,’ she says. ‘When wetook a look at the pictureagain, we saw all the peoplewe were meant to see. Also awoman was standing inVictorian costume, faded inthe background.

‘I used to be really scepticalabout the paranormal, but Ithink a friendly ghost hauntsthis place and I believe that itis helping me along the way.It seems to warn off bad andbrings me good.’

According to Thompson,during WW2 the 19th centurybuilding was an orphanagewhere a young child died andhas been known to haunt theplace, along with Victorianfigures.

and furniture recyclingscheme for its customers.

The eight-store chain hasteamed up with Hartlepoolcharity Owton FensCommunity Association.Owton set up its Shelveinitiative four years ago torecycle cars before expandingto include furniture.

Owton is investing morethan £100,000 in machineryto further expand its mattressrecycling operation.

Spend, spend spendShoppers may be putting offbuying expensive flooring butthe public sector seems toshow no sign of suchhesitation.

The entrance to RussellsHall Hospital in Dudley, WestMidlands has been given afacelift with its vinyl floorbeing replaced with slate tiles.

Is this what theGovernment meant byboosting the economy?

Time watchingNot having proper dismissalprocedures can be anexpensive mistake asWaterford Carpets recentlydiscovered. It has had to paythree former employees atotal of almost £41,000 forunfairly dismissing them

Will Ulster Tykes, winners of the Kidderminster Carpet Manufacturers National Golf Tournament last year, win again?

74FP_IMfeb.qxt 29/1/09 12:24

InnerCoverSpread_IM_0209 29/1/09 15:02 Page 1





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