AUGUST 2023

NEW
COLLECTION
COMING
SOON

Awards
Winners revealed

New
Designers
Next generation

Find your
nearest
retailer here

LUXURY VINYL FLOORING

 Beyond
Imagination,
Beyond Expectation, NEW
Beyond Wool ®

Part of our Beyond Wool® Collection, Amesbury and Castlerigg are

made with 100% recycled PP yarn to give you a sustainable,
durable & easy to clean carpet. With a choice of 6 natural
hues and two on-trend loop designs, the range is
made in a 2-ply construction with our award-
winning combi-backing®, giving you a
hard-wearing and stylish carpet
suitable for use across the home.
Contact us to arrange a Castlerigg
closer look at the new
Beyond Wool®
Range!

Class 33
Heavy Domestic
and Commercial
Amesbury

Download
Brochure Here

10
YEAR

100% recycled
Bleach PP yarn Free 10 year FLOORING
Combi-bac 2-ply yarn Castlerigg &
cleanable wear and stain INNOVATION
Amesbury only warranty* WINNER

DARTFORD STONEHOUSE
01322 628700 01452 228480 Alternatively, visit furlongflooring.com
PRESTON DUBLIN or email [email protected]
01772 316155 +353-1-4092000

CARPET | LUXURY VINYL TILES | L A M I N AT E | WOOD | VINYL

 EDITOR’S COMMENT

The best in
the business
You have voted and said which Julian Bowen
Chatsworth

companies are top of the pile and

they are the industry’s leaders INTERIORS MONTHLY AUGUST 2023
Every year this issue allows me the privilege of unveiling the
winners of the Interiors Monthly Awards. It truly does reflect INSIDE THIS ISSUE
the best in the industry and I once again thank you for taking
the time to vote. NEWS
As Andy Laird says in his Experiences column, some 4 Mixed fortunes for sales
companies have taken this year’s awards very seriously, with 6 UKFD bought by Nestware
what I’ll call organised voting campaigns. This is of course how
10 Fit for a king
it should be: if your stockists or suppliers think you are great,
they should say so. However, voting for yourself doesn’t work
and is immediately discounted. (You know who you are.) FEATURES
Enjoy reading about many of the winners later in the issue. 12 New products
If you didn’t vote this year, please do next time (it’ll come
14 Service
around sooner than we realise), the winners do really appreciate
that the awards are decided by you. 16 Experiences
The winner of the hamper was Tom Sheppard, Christchurch Building growth?
Carpets owner. 18 Sustainability
The past few weeks have been more like November than July, ERP plan
and with horrific conditions for the Mediterranean. I fear these
are signs to come unless everyone, including the interiors 22 Design
industry, moves rapidly to be a much greener business. Actions New Designers
must be decided upon now, not pushed into the long grass. 26 Retail
Such disruption is not limited to the environment: the value And relax
of furniture sales has gone up (less than inflation), while
30 LVT
flooring has seen a sharp fall. And inflation is taking two
Advances, embrace
different paths. Trying to predict anything is not a good idea.
Carpetright owner Nestware’s £6.4m purchase of loss-making 36 Beds and bedroom
UKFD will see creditors left out of pocket. And unusually the Medical times
administrators as well. We are used to HMRC (ie you and I) being 39 Interiors Monthly Awards 2023
left with debts, but not the accountants. The winners are revealed
BGF’s decision to pull the plug on investment – in the face
of repeated HMRC demands for money – wasn’t a surprise, 133 Preview
but what was was the timing: just as UKFD was getting back Autumn Fair, The Flooring Show, IHGF
into seeing a route to profitability. As with the purchase of 140 Outdoor
Flooring & Carpets, will this be viewed as ‘a bargain’? Hallmarks, touch and feel

Editor: Andrew Kidd

AUGUST 2023
T: 01273 930 029 E: [email protected]
Furniture advertising (South): Tim Boden
NEW M: 07976 122 150 E: [email protected]
Furniture advertising (North): Jarrod Bird
COLLECTION
COMING
SOON

Invictus’ new collection is coming soon. T: 01565 631 397 E: [email protected]

Awards Visit: www.invictus.co.uk Carpet, flooring advertising: Joanne Paull
Winners revealed
M: 07817 624 922 E: [email protected]
New
Designers
Representative in India: Amarjeet Singh Gianni
Next generation T: 0091 98390 35458 E: [email protected]
Published by Interiors Media Limited
167 Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 4LP
T: 01732 441 134
E: [email protected]
Find your
nearest
Registered in England no. 6397722
retailer here
Print: Knockout Print Design by Truprint Media
LUXURY VINYL FLOORING
© Interiors Media Limited ISSN 1756-2236

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 3
 NEWS

Furniture sales rebound

while flooring slumps
June was the fifth best month for
furniture sales in almost 40 years, while
flooring sales dropped by almost 10%.
The value of retail furniture and
lighting sales rebounded in June.
Furniture and lighting sales in England,
Scotland and Wales hit £329,925,000 –
an increase of 4.66% on May.
Sales were £25.94m higher than in
June 2022, according to Office for
National Statistics data – an increase
of 8.53%.
Of the 450 months since January
1986 when comparable data was first
recorded, June 2023 was the fifth
highest month in terms of the value
of sales.
However, the retail value of flooring
sales plunged in June. Sales were Furniture and lighting sales reached almost £330m in June
£49,223,000, a fall of 9.66% compared
with May. Sales were £5.264m lower. and 32.2% higher than June 2018. Of the 450 months since
Compared with June 2022, sales were 3.48% higher. comparable records began, June was the 70th best
Sales were £7.6m (18.43%) higher than June 2021; 133% performing month. The figures are not seasonably adjusted,
higher than June 2020; 75.44% higher than June 2019 do not allow for inflation and are subject to revision.

Top job for Thomas Furniture inflation slows in June,

Buying group SMG has appointed
Linda Thomas, formerly business
but flooring drives on
and marketing manager, as head of The rate of retail furniture inflation and bathroom linen fell to its lowest
operations. slowed by almost a quarter in June. for a year, dropping from 8.4% to 5.9%,
‘Linda has been looking after SMG’s The annual rate for household but still higher than June 2022’s 3.4%.
approved suppliers and retail members furniture fell from 8.2% to 6.2%: the The rate of retail flooring inflation
for many years. This natural progression lowest rate for at least a year and dropped in June but it is still higher
provides a platform to sustain growth a fraction of the 16.6% experienced than a year ago.
and continue to provide exceptional in June 2022. The annual rate for carpets and
service,’ says the group. It is the tenth consecutive month other flooring dropped from 10.3%
Thomas takes over from Mike Reed, the rate has fallen. The rate for garden to 9.1%, but is still higher than the
after seven years in the role, including furniture dropped from 4.6% to 3.4%. 8.3% seen in June 2022.
steering the group through the The rate for lighting increased from The past eight months have seen
pandemic and the introduction of its 0.1% to 0.4%. the rate at 9% or higher. Downwards
Pure own-brand range. He will now focus The ONS said the main downward contributions came from carpets and
his attention on business development contributions came from sofas, kitchen rugs, where the rate fell from 11.5% to
activity, operating in a more flexible units, dining tables and chairs and beds. 9.4%: it was 7% in June 2022.
working pattern. Furnishing fabrics and curtains saw Smooth flooring continued its
‘I am really excited about this new a semi-reversal of May’s fall as the unpredictable pattern: after dropping
opportunity for me. I love the group annual rate rose from 3.3% to 4.1%. from 15.3% in April to 5.4% in May, it
and our aim of giving members the best Bed linen saw the rate of price rose to 10.3% in June. Ten of the past
advantages possible to allow them to increases ease for the second month, 12 months have seen the rate in double
thrive,’ says Thomas. falling from 3.7% to 2.9% while table digits, with an average of 16.7%.

4 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 26 – 27 September 2023 | Telford

The ONLY place to see

so many UK and Irish
bed manufacturers and
component suppliers all
under one roof - from
the biggest brands to
smaller niche players

WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT

• Over 70 manufacturer • Prime networking
and supplier brands opportunities
• Latest products, • Supplier Innovation
collections and Zone
innovations in bed
making • FREE entry, parking
and Wi-Fi
• Gala Dinner & Awards
Ceremony with • Complimentary
celebrity host refreshment vouchers

Mattresses | Divans | Bedsteads | Headboards | Pillows | Futons

Sofabeds | Tickings | Fillings | Springs | Foam | Machinery | Components

www.bedshow.co.uk
@thebedfed | #BedShow2023

NBF-1732 (TBS) Bed Show - Advert March 2023_IM3.indd 1 09/03/2023 12:09

 NEWS

JYSK looks to
distribution
JYSK plans to open a distribution
centre near Dublin as it looks to cut
lead times and improve bed sales.
The chain, which has 39 UK and 21
Irish stores, says it wants to open the
facility by the second half of 2024 and
is looking for 538,000sqft of space.
‘As our store footprint and customer
base across Ireland and the UK
continues to grow, now is the right
time for us to develop a state-of-the-
art logistics warehouse in Ireland to
service this market and the UK. The
new warehouse will enable us to

Nestware snaps up
better serve our customers in terms
of delivery lead times and stock
management, as well as being able

UKFD as profits leap

to increase the online assortment of
product, especially mattresses in the
sleep category. Stock will be
delivered directly to the new centre
Carpetright parent Nestware has bought online flooring retailer UK Flooring Direct in Ireland, rather than via Denmark,
from administrators in a pre-pack transaction. Terms were not disclosed. reducing our carbon footprint in the
In the year to the end of November 2020, UKFD – founded in 2004 – saw sales process,’ says Roni Tuominen, JYSK
leap to £53.1m, from £28.1m in the eight months to the end of November 2019. It UK and Ireland country director.
has not filed any accounts since then: its accounts for the 2020/2021 period were
due to be filed by last November.
‘I’m pleased to say that we’ve found in Nestware the ideal partner to continue our
long-standing heritage as a leading provider of flooring to the UK consumer and Parador hires industry
trade markets,’ says Jason Ashby, UKFD ceo.
‘Nestware is dedicated to transforming the way consumers and trade customers
heavyweight
buy flooring across Europe,’ says Kevin Barrett, Nestware Group ceo. ‘The acquisition Parador has recruited Neel Bradham
of UKFD is a testament to this commitment. Together, these brands will shape the as ceo and md.
future of the industry and redefine the way consumers shop for flooring online.’ Bradham spent the past four years
Nestware says by integrating UKFD into the group, it aims to ‘leverage synergies at Milliken, including 21 months as
between the brands to offer an even more comprehensive product range, improved vice president
customer experiences, greater value and stronger after-sales support. Furthermore, and general
this acquisition allows the group to reach a wider audience, extending its footprint manager,
across the UK.’ Americas,
Nestware’s parent Meditor Holdings saw underlying profits almost double in 2021 running its US,
as post-pandemic sales rebounded. Canada and
The group – then made up of Carpetright, Carpet & Flooring, Flooring Megastore Latin America
and Flooring Supplies – saw sales of £467.4m in the 14 months to 1 January 2022. operations.
This compares with £223.5m in the nine months to 31 October 2020. Underlying Prior to that Neel Bradham
EBITDA was £60.3m compared with £32.8m. Pre-tax losses fell from £43.7m to £14.2m. he was senior vice president,
The accounts also reveal the group paid £800,000 for distributor Carpet & Flooring international business and global
in March 2021, a sum it described as ‘a bargain’. Carpet & Flooring had a profit of strategy at flooring giant Mohawk.
£1.2m in the period from sales of £69.6m. Although Meditor only paid £800,000, it ‘We are very happy to have a
recorded a goodwill loss of £5.4m. Private equity firm Endless had bought it in 2017. leader of Neel’s calibre and exposure
During the period Carpetright saw sales of £372.6m, compared with £493.2m in at the helm, particularly now when
the previous 18-month period. Pre-tax losses fell from £64.3m to £23.4m. we are on an exciting journey
Meditor is ultimately owned by Talal Shakerchi, through a trust registered in towards making Parador a truly
Bermuda. global company and one of the
In May John Lewis said it would turn to Carpetright brand The Floor Room to run most admired interiors and flooring
its flooring departments. brands,’ says Akshat Seth, md and ceo
of Parador parent HIL International.

6 Interiors Monthly August 2023

New Hampstead
by

A new heavyweight, wool twist carpet in two pile weights, Supreme & Deluxe.
Durable and resilient, Hampstead is a fine quality, tenth
gauge carpet, made from 80% Pure New Wool in a palette
of popular plain and heather shades.

I N BRI
E
TA
D
MA

IN

SI 6
NC
E 195

www.cormarcarpets.co.uk
 D I S COV E R O U R R E D E V E LO P E D
CASS I U S & DA R I U S R A N G E S
Cassius & Darius both got a fashion update.
NEW
14 updated colours in a 70oz and 50oz pile weight
respectively offer a soft saxony product with a
COLLECTION
2023-2026
heathered appearance, one of the few products to
offer this in the market today.
Please ask your local area sales manager for more details

INVICTUS UK double page.indd 1

L E T US S H OW YO U T HE WAY TO HEAV EN LY COMF OR T
Invincible comfort • Stunningly rich texture • Superior stain resistance

SHARE YOUR INVICTUS

A UK brand
#invictuscarpetflooring
since 1964
www.invictus.co.uk

7/07/2023 12:42:12
 NEWS

© ANDREW MATTHEWS - WPA POOL GETTY IMAGES

January for Northpoint

show news
Douglas, organiser.
The Northpoint furniture ‘This exhibition sets up
exhibition is set to return to immediately after the January
its traditional January slot. Furniture Show, and allows
The Edinburgh show has retailers to see many of the
seen various dates in recent same manufacturers at a more
years thanks to the pandemic, local and relaxed venue.’
but the Scottish Furniture
Agents Association organised Proposte moves to May
event will return for 2024 on Fabric exhibition Proposte will
28-30 January. take place in May next year,
‘The Royal Highland Centre from 2-4 May.
in Ingliston, Edinburgh has This year’s edition, the 30th,
been booked and plans are now took place earlier – on 18-20
being set for a bigger and better April – to coincide with Salone’s
show than ever before. We are return to April. Next year’s
ready to start promoting this edition of Salone will be long
important Scottish exhibition, finished (on 21 April) before
which many retailers from the Proposte begins.
north of England and Ireland The Proposte board said it
also visit. The show will last had taken into account the
three days from Sunday 28 to calendar of holidays and other
Tuesday 30 January,’ says Gavin international trade exhibitions.

Bensons for Beds maintains growth

Bensons for Beds has enjoyed the significant work behind
its third consecutive quarter the scenes at Bensons to
of like-for-like sales growth. transform our business. I’m
The chain saw growth of especially pleased at the
A ‘unique honour’ for Ulster Carpets 8% in the past quarter to successful introduction
the end of June. This follows of eveSleep to stores. We
Carpets fit for a king increases of 7% and 9% in
the previous two quarters.
knew when we acquired
the business last year we
Ulster Carpets designed, manufactured and installed more Online sales rose by 21%. could offer it significant
than 1,000sqm of Axminster carpets for the King’s coronation During the period Bensons opportunity to grow.
at Westminster Abbey. refurbished its Croydon store ‘The impact eveSleep is
‘When my grandfather founded Ulster Carpets, he could not and opened a new location making with our customers
have envisaged that his company would earn such a unique in Speke. It expects to ‘open gives us confidence that,
honour,’ says Nick Coburn, Ulster group md. and relocate a significant alongside other investments
The Royal Blue carpet was installed in the Nave and North number of stores’ this in product innovation, we’re
and South Transepts of the Abbey, while the Regal Gold adorned quarter, with ‘plans to invest building a unique portfolio
the Theatre of Coronation, which is central to the ceremony. significantly in its retail estate of sleep solutions that can
Last year, Ulster became one of the final companies to over the next two years’. cater to every individual
receive a Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II, having worked ‘The steady nature of our need,’ says Nick Collard,
on a number of projects for the royal household. growth is a reflection of Bensons ceo.

Revised MFS set to return

January Furniture Show show. It plans to hold the
organiser Clarion Events has show on 10-11 July 2024.
proposed the return of a It says Bluebone Imports,
revised Manchester Furniture Baker Furniture, AWS Trading,
Show. Kettle Home, New Trend
The show, which last took Concepts, Incanto Italia and
place in 2019, would change Digio’ Leather by Sofitalia, RS
from a three-day Sunday to Furniture, Taylors of Scotland
Tuesday event to a two-day and Alpha Designs are among
Wednesday to Thursday the confirmed exhibitors. Bensons: catering to every individual need

10 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 OPINION

JOIN THE GREENWOOD

SALES TEAM…
RETAIL SALES EVENT MANAGERS
£EXCELLENT REWARDS - NATIONWIDE TRAVELLING ROLE

Are you content with your retail sales/management career?

Are you realising your goals and ambitions? Do you want more?

Do you love the cut and thrust of a busy retail sales event?

Would you enjoy managing a record-breaking sales event?

Would you be excited to learn about the most powerful and

effective retail merchandising and marketing techniques available?

Greenwood Retail Ltd create and implement record-breaking retail

sales events for quality independent furniture retailers, department
stores and garden centres, on-site, within our client’s retail stores,
all over the UK & Ireland.

Coming back
As a self-employed Sales Event Manager, you’ll be implementing
and managing the most powerful and effective high-impact,
retail sales strategies available, in the world, on-site within our

The Home Interiors Show returns client’s stores.

for 2024 to co-locate with JFS This exciting and rewarding opportunity would ideally suit a
personable, confident, experienced, energetic, management level
‘After a successful launch at the 2023 edition of the
person with natural leadership qualities and retail sales ability.
January Furniture Show, the Home Interiors Show will
be returning to co-locate at the NEC, Birmingham from
Experience within either furniture, department store or garden
21-24 January 2024. As JFS is the only dedicated UK
furniture event of its kind, it is the perfect show for HIS product retail is essential. For this nationwide role you must be
to co-locate with. Alongside JFS’s outstanding mix of available to work away from home for average periods of four weeks.
premium furniture and design solutions, this new show
gives visitors the opportunity to source interior accessories Join the Greenwood Retail team of in-store Sales Management
that complement the timeless pieces JFS is known for,’ Contractors and work with the UK’s leading independent retail sales
says Zoë Bonser, Clarion Event portfolio director, retail.
promotion company.
‘By co-locating with JFS, HIS brings the world of
interior and exterior accessories together at a key point
in the buying calendar. By transforming Hall 2 at JFS APPLY TODAY…
into a vibrant and aspirational marketplace it will provide
EMAIL ME, BERNARD EATON, WITH YOUR C.V. AT
visitors a space to source quality accessories from an
outstanding selection of brands including Blue Bone THE ADDRESS BELOW AND I WILL REPLY TO YOU.
Imports, Crystal World, Dannells Limited, Gallery Direct,
Genesis Fine Arts, Kelston House International, Malinin,
Premier Housewares, Scatter Box, Sci-Net, Taylors Scotland,
Think Rugs, Tyrone Quality Picture Framing and Zenithart,
plus many more.
‘Buyers will be able to source key pieces from a premium
and curated selection of trend-led products from across
the home interiors accessories spectrum. Register your
interest now on the HIS website and be the first to know UK & Ireland’s Leading Experts in Retail Sales Promotion since 2002
when registration for the show opens.’ [email protected] www.greenwoodretail.com
Visit: www.homeinteriorsshow.co.uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 11
 NEW PRODUCTS

1 2 3

1 The overhaul of LeoLine involves not only

4
updating existing collections and welcoming in
three new ranges for 2023 but also swapping
out all the visual merchandise. Echoing the
brand’s manifesto to make cushion vinyl the
contemporary and savvy way to give people the
floor they want, the visual merchandise sets a
striking look that stands out in-store.
Visit: www.leoline.co.uk

2 When it comes to a fantastic floor, profiles

provide the finishing touch and can make or break
an otherwise great-looking installation. That’s
why Floorwise prioritises quality and finish across
its profile collections. The range – especially the
Max and Reflections collections – offers a more
robust and longer-lasting profile that will ensure
a fantastic floor for years to come.
5
Visit: www.floorwise.co.uk

3 MDF Italia has introduced an outdoor version of

its modular Cosy sofa system, characterised by an
enveloping design and large, soft cushions offering
great comfort. Options include Island and Curve.
Visit: www.mdfitalia.com

4 Talenti has added to its Panama collection with

Rocking: characterised by large shapes whose
weaves create seductive shadows and whose
organic profile is reminiscent of stones polished
by water, adding a strong reference to natural
lines to the collection.
Visit: www.talentispa.com

5 Thanks to the new Unizip click profile, Quick-

Step’s Alpha Vinyl Ciro needs just one plank for
herringbone designs, unlike most systems that
require two different planks – allowing for a much
simpler and faster installation while minimising
waste, as it’s much easier to know how many
planks are required.
Visit: www.quick-step.co.uk

12 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 YOUR INVITATION TO VISIT
THE UK’S PREMIER FURNITURE EXHIBITION

LONG POINT
18 – 20 SEPTEMBER 2023

Located in the heart of the Midlands

just 1 mile from M1 Junction 25/A52.

Visit www.longeatonguild.co.uk for list of

exhibitors and locations.

HELPLINE: 0115 973 4481

 SERVICE

Richard Renouf

Down to earth
Woodworm damage can remain undetected,
as our correspondent found to his cost

Four rungs was high enough to reach

the top of Derrick’s shed and I’d almost
finished the job when suddenly the rung
I was standing on gave way, then the
next… and the next… and the next…
Without warning I dropped to ground
level with a thump.
I was more surprised than hurt (the
pain came later). I looked at the four
broken rungs: they had sheared at both
ends and I’m sure I could see daylight as
I looked along their length. Woodworm
channels had hollowed out the innards
of each rung, with little evidence from
the outside of the weak state of the wood.
Woodworm are not the only boring
insects that can eat away at wood: there
are several others. They like the soft
fibres and cellulosic material within the
cells, so they will chomp their way along
the grain, leaving the hard cell walls and
the outer surface of the piece of wood,
intact. They may cause some dust
(known as frass) to fall out of the few
holes in the surface and this is evidence
that the insects are active, but there may
be no sign at all in some cases. The small holes show where the woodworm has exited
Some years ago while I was working
for Qualitas in the old FIRA building in round and listened, but again the chair All companies are legally obliged to
Stevenage, we received a complaint was not performing. have insurance cover for any employees
from a consumer who was convinced Three weeks later the leg fell off the who are working in customers’ premises,
something was inside one of her dining chair and a Mediterranean longhorn but home insurance also includes
chairs. She described how, when the beetle emerged. liability cover for anyone who is injured
room was quiet enough, she could hear We called the customer, who was by the consumer’s property, and the
sounds, and she was convinced they relieved to know that she hadn’t been staircase was clearly a liability and
were the sounds of something chewing imagining things and wasn’t going mad. covered by this part of the policy. The
at the inside of the chair frame. Jump forward a few more years and retailer was therefore able to make a
Naturally the chair did not perform another complaint came in. This time claim for the injury caused by the stairs
when it was inspected by an independent a carpet estimator from one of the as this was clearly not the employee’s
consultant, so we arranged for it to be large chains had put her foot through fault, and so the complaint was resolved
collected and brought to the office. We a staircase. This was an old property and – although I never found out whether
wrapped it in a sealed polythene cover the whole staircase was riddled with the consumer was able to claim a new
and left it in a colleague’s office – with his woodworm. The consumer was staircase as well from her insurers.
permission, as he was intrigued by the demanding that the retailer should pay Visit: www.richard-renouf.com
story. All was quiet for several weeks, for a new staircase to be installed, and
then he appeared at my office door to when the retailer refused, referred the Richard Renouf is an independent
tell me he had heard something. I went complaint to the adjudication service. furnishings consultant

14 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 ADVERT (insert)

Get in Touch
Charter Berber Loop [email protected]
Mint Leaf www.abingdonflooring.co.uk
01274 655 694
DURA
RA RA
DURA
E XT

BL

E XT

BL
E

P
LY Y A R N P
LY Y A R N
 EXPERIENCES

Prize-giving day
More building activity could mean a good Autumn

THE RETAILER
Fludes Carpets
At the time of writing, I have no idea which some more information that will help us estimates, and it appears that there is
manufacturers, products, retailers or others in making more sales, it will have been strengthening confidence and willingness
will be announced as winners in this year’s worth reading. to make a purchase. If the number of
Interiors Monthly awards. What I do know In the past two or three months we builder’s vans that I see each day in my
is that a lot of retailers have been trying have been shown a number of new ranges area are anything to go by, we might have
hard to win the suppliers’ vote in the from our suppliers, many of them in wool a good August and hopefully a good
categories they decide. Similarly, many pile in loops, twists and Saxonies. There Autumn. Unfortunately, flooring is usually
suppliers will be eagerly looking to see if are also a number of ranges in nylon 66 the last item that is purchased for interior
their hard work has been recognised by and recycled products: I expect there will decoration or a new kitchen installation.
retailers in the categories they vote for. be a substantial number of these to view Some projects have less budget to spend
There are many other awards in various at Harrogate. and end up squeezing us for a discount.
categories, and glancing at the winners’ We have certainly witnessed a few Discounting is now an essential skill
names might encourage our readers to changes in the industry, with two of the in view of the increase in the number of
change their underlay suppliers, or perhaps larger distribution companies both trade counters that are becoming bigger
compare their existing LVT and substitute beginning to enlarge their territories. players in the sales of floorcoverings, and
for it another. In any event I congratulate And Ulster Carpets has made a takeover consequentially are now a threat to the
the winners and commiserate with those of Alternative Flooring. Is this the start of high street retailers. One of our problems
who have not been successful this time. the larger companies becoming stronger now is that if we sustain this sales increase,
In retail, there is one other category to and at the same time absorbing and we might find it difficult to have sufficient
consider and that is the customers’ choice, developing other ranges to supplement estimating and fitting staff, particularly for
because this is the one all retailers want. It’s their range portfolios? LVT. It is a nice problem to have.
money in the till that counts, and if In early July, we noticed growth in the Well done to all of the winners.
examining the winners’ list can throw up number of customers and requests for Andy Laird, Fludes Carpets

Increasing numbers of builders have been spotted

16 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 Vienna

Vienna - Classic good looks and compact

sizing designed for modern living. Style is an
understatement, with contemporary detailing
and a selection of exclusive fabric textures and
patterns, as well as our full fabric and leather
collection. Vienna is available as a static or a
power sensor touch reclining suite. www.la-z-boy.co.uk
 SUSTAINABILITY

Work together
From left: Bob Peoples, CARE executive director;
Adnan Zeb-Khan, CRUK scheme manager;
Ellen Petts, Greenstream Flooring md; Louise
Walters, Designer Contracts commercial
director; Guy Stanton, Rawson Carpet Solutions
director of sales and marketing; Simon Westley,
Designer Contracts logistics manager and
The industry needs to develop Shaun Wadsworth, CFA training manager

its own ERP framework

The carpet industry must come together market and striving to reduce waste in waste being diverted from landfill in
to develop and lead its own Extended production as well as for customers, 2021, with 82% of the 462,000tonnes of
Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislative helping to create cost savings. waste generated finding alternative
framework, the Carpet Recycling UK Zeb-Khan told delegates that although reuse, recycling, treatment and disposal
conference was told. demand for carpet and textile reuse routes. This increase is reflecting the final
‘We are leading this strategy with the remains consistent, there has been a small effects of the pandemic, when most of
development of four key working groups decline in the amount of material being the waste captured by the waste
with their core members to address key reused across the UK. This has not been management sector was sent to energy-
areas such as data management, take helped by the closure of Greenstream from-waste facilities,’ says Zeb-Khan.
back scheme, sustainability pledge and Flooring, a long-standing member of Sponsored by Condor Group, with
EPR-based policy. These will allow us to CRUK for 13 years. ‘However, with the Anglo Recycling and Innovate Recycle as
develop a road map of favourable and introduction of the Salvation Army Trading main exhibitors, the two-day conference
workable policies for the sector,’ says Company, now a member in the reuse attracted more than 60 delegates on both
Adnan Zeb-Khan, CRUK scheme manager. category, we should be able to maintain days. Headline speakers included Bob
Several presenters echoed this the existing numbers, and hopefully Peoples, Carpet America Recovery Effort
sentiment and concluded that any increase these with their nationwide (CARE) executive director and Hans-Peter
EPR-based legislation should be industry outreach and brand awareness.’ Breuer, European Carpet and Rug
led, with not-for-profit organisation Claire Donovan, head of policy, Association md. The conference also saw
CRUK best placed to direct these efforts research and campaigns at the End the presentation of the CRUK annual
through its 138-strong membership and Furniture Poverty charity highlighted member awards recognising companies
extensive UK-wide and international the importance of and opportunities for and organisations who are taking
outreach. The sector would need to reuse, given that 1.4m people in the UK voluntary and pro-active measures to
support its initiatives and programmes don’t have carpet or textile flooring of demonstrate and drive sustainability in
to help develop the required strategies, any kind in their homes. ‘Social landlords the carpet and textile flooring sector.
policies and systems. often rip out flooring before new tenants The winners were: Recycling
CRUK’s 17 core members include: move in and flooring is so hard to obtain Champion of the Year – Simon Westley,
Balsan, Betap, Brintons Carpets, Condor on low incomes. A lack of flooring has Designer Contracts logistics manager;
Group, Cormar Carpets, ege Carpets, an impact on health and safety, comfort, Take Back Partner of the Year – Designer
Furlong Flooring, Gradus, Headlam Group, energy efficiency, noise and anti-social Contracts; Reuse Member of the Year –
IVC Commercial, Likewise Floors, Milliken, behaviour. Of course, recycled flooring Greenstream Flooring CIC; Recycler of
Modulyss, Rawson Carpet Solutions, Shaw, could play a key role in helping to ensure the Year – Foleys Equestrian Surfaces,
Tarkett and Victoria Group. They are more comfortable homes.’ and Circular Economy Initiative –
taking voluntary producer responsibility There was a large increase in the Rawson Carpet Solutions.
for the products they place on the amount of carpet and textile flooring Visit: www.carpetrecyclinguk.com

18 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN

FLOORING INSTALLATION PRODUCTS

LOOKING AFTER FLOORS

AND REPUTATIONS
FROM THE GROUND UP.
DAMP PROOF MEMBRANE

F. Ball’s System LVT range is a comprehensive subfloor preparation system

UNDERLAYMENT

that helps you achieve the best results when installing LVT floorcoverings.
ADHESIVE

The range includes the full system of products that flooring installers need
PRIMER

to ensure a perfect installation every time. Use the right products from the
System LVT range and follow our installation guidance for a lifetime guarantee.
GET THE SYSTEM Not only is the installation protected but so is your reputation.
LVT GUARANTEE
Find out more: f-ball.com/systemlvt

21819_SYSTEM_LVT_KITCHEN_BICYCLE_AD.indd 1 22/03/2023 15:45

 DESIGN

Habitat Future Design Award (Week One) went to

The best
Millie Farley, Nottingham School of Art & Design

New Designers again recognised the cream of the next generation of

designers: here are the interiors winners. Visit: www.newdesigners.com
The Habitat Future Design Award (Week Sheffield Hallam University, for 25° Bench, bench that encounters the importance of
One) was won by Millie Farley, Nottingham in which he explores how furniture can act communication and connection.’ The prize
Trent University for Where Poison Lies, as more than a decorative or functional is mentoring from the Habitat design
an interiors collection intended for a cafe piece, and by creating a bench that uses studio and a six-month paid placement.
inspired by Agatha Christie. ‘Beautiful 25deg angles, enables users to see each Creative Conscience & New Designers:
illustrations with great storytelling, Millie other in their peripheral vision, in turn Ethical Designers’ Award 2023 was won
exhibited a great breadth of knowledge encouraging conversation and connection by Rosie Lee Hood, Bath School of Design,
and skill,’ say the judges. The prize is a to help combat feelings of loneliness. for Floccus, in which she shines a light
six-month paid placement. ‘Harvey is an example of how the on Britain’s forgotten fibre: wool. For her
The Habitat Future Design Award struggling years of Covid have enabled us Furniture and Product Design final project
(Week Two) was won by Harvey McKellar, all to think differently. He has designed a Rosie created three lamps with 

Habitat Future Design Award (Week Two): Harvey McKellar, Sheffield Hallam Creative Conscience Award: Rosie Lee Hood, Bath School of Design

20 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 natural origins
100% wool loop

Available in three modern designs Eight natural

shades
4 & 5m widths
Hessian backing
100% wool
Rib Herringbone Boucle In stock now

Hugh Mackay
Parkview Road West
Hartlepool
ADORE YOUR FLOOR TS25 1HT
Tel: 01429 892555
Email: [email protected]
 DESIGN

New Territory Award: Helen Watt, Northumbria University Tom Faulkner Award: Fred Dunbar, Northumbria University

woollen shades, highlighting the energy, great execution. Very broad classic features – such as the stick chair’s
material’s versatility and natural beauty interests intelligently brought together.’ curved back and high arms for miners to
– and directly combating the fact wool The prize is mentorship and internship. rest their shoulders – in a contemporary
has become vastly less desirable and Tom Faulkner Award for Distinctive way using tube metal rolling. ‘Good sense
valuable over the past 50 years, fetching Furniture Design was won by Fred of proportion and lightness. Blend of
less per kilo than it costs to farm it. Dunbar, Northumbria University, for traditional and contemporary design.
‘Beautifully made products which add Shiver, in which the 3D Design student Simplicity and creativity of approach.’
value back to a traditional economy. We showcased a collection of products that The prize is a month’s work placement.
love its local focus with the potential to share a sense of drama, paying homage New Designers ND Selects Award was
expand and create a sustainable and to moody photography from archives won by Will Atkins of Make Relief. Make
profitable business,’ say the judges. The and Dunbar’s own collection. His product Relief is the multidisciplinary art and
prize is access to Creative Conscience’s creations include three bronze bowls, an design studio by Will Atkins. He uses his
Creative Impact Programme worth £1,000; ash stool, and an ash dining chair, made architecture experience to inform his
eight weeks of online training from design with a level of precision and elegance furniture designs, considering aesthetics
industry experts; and live mentorship that take inspiration from cars, birds and alongside the function of products. With
support with a social or environmental sharks. The prize is £750 and a tour of the Make Relief, he is focused on creating art
impact project for three months. Tom Faulkner workshop in Wiltshire. and furniture with sustainable materials
New Territory Award was won by Helen Viaduct Contemporary Furniture such as cork. The judges say: ‘A cohesive
Watt, Northumbria University, for Chá Designer of the Year Award was won by well-presented collection of art and
Table. Inspired by her own Hong Kong/ Guto Davies, Nottingham Trent University, furniture, showcasing sustainable
British diasporic heritage, Watt made a for 1282 Chair and Stream side tables. materials with a strong design language.
low tea table for her Industrial Design Based on traditional stick chair designs Well thought out business case with
course. Tea is symbolic of hospitality found in Welsh homes for centuries, the exciting prospects.’ The prize is exhibition
and ‘coming together’ in Chinese culture, Furniture and Product Design student space at Future Icons next year.
and she has adopted this ritual in a was inspired by Rotterdam architecture Hallmark Connection Award was won
contemporary way with this bold and when redesigning this iconic piece of by Aiden McIntosh, DJCAD University
bright take. ‘Wonderful storytelling and Welsh furnishing. His 1282 Chair retains of Dundee, for Bold Folds and 

Viaduct Contemporary Furniture Designer of the New Designers ND Selects Award: Will Atkins, Make Relief
Year: Guto Davies, Nottingham Trent University

22 Interiors Monthly August 2023

Minerva Spring Show (July) FULL page IM_Layout 1 02/06/2023 11:21 Page 1

ARE YOU LOOKING TO JOIN A MAJOR

FURNITURE BUYING GROUP?

* Leading UK Furniture Buying Group - Specialising in Upholstery, Cabinet,

Bed, Bedroom Furniture & Accessories.
* Established in 1990. * Over 33 Years of Sourcing and Buying Experience.
* Sourcing Leading Suppliers from all around the World.
* Offering the best products in all Furniture Categories.
* Spring and Autumn Trade Shows featuring leading Suppliers
– held at dedicated National Exhibition Centre in the Midlands.
* Very attractive Rebate Scheme for all Members.

For further information on Membership and benefits

please contact Jim Orr - [email protected]
 DESIGN

Hallmark Award: Aiden McIntosh, University of Dundee Cole and Son Award: Niamh Wright, Nottingham University

Optical Control, hand-printed textiles Dunn, Arts University Bournemouth, for Together, a lifestyle collection with its
and wallpaper design work. ‘Simple and Greek Islands, a textile collection inspired essence in community gardens and
elegant 3D illusion, Aiden displayed by graphic Grecian architecture and allotments, emphasising the transformative
clever paper exploration to textiles,’ say figurative landscape. ‘The combination of power of outdoor spaces in bringing
the judges. The prize is a paid internship. Georgia’s bold yet sophisticated use of communities together to learn and grow
Cole & Son Award for Future Designers colour and her energetic portfolio of design collectively. ‘Strong, confident and joyful
was won by Niamh Knight, University work is innovative and well considered.’ use of colour and pattern. A layered
of Nottingham, for Beautiful Decay, an The prize is £500 and a paid internship. approach to design which considers
interiors collection inspired by artist Sanderson Design Group Award was different applications and end uses within
Rebecca Louise Law which explores the won by Catherine Owen-Milsom, interiors.’ The prize is a 12-month paid
lifespan of flowers as they decay. ‘A Loughborough University, for Grow internship with Sanderson Design Group.
thoughtful depiction of ever-changing
beauty.’ The prize is £1,000 cash and a Sanderson Design Group Award:
four-month paid placement. Catherine Owen-Milsom,
The Marks & Spencer Design Award for Loughborough University

Best Textiles, Print & Pattern New Talent

was won by Amy Jane Foxon, Nottingham
Trent University, for Apricus. ‘Apricus means
full of sunlight. Amy’s design brings the
wonder of the outdoors inside to create a
calming atmosphere for positive wellbeing.
A considered collection and print pairings
with tasteful colour palettes. A polished
and professional collection.’ The prize is the
purchase and production of print/prints,
with ongoing mentoring if requested.
The Romo Award for Innovation in
Design and Colour was won by Georgia

Marks & Spencer Design Award: Amy Jane Foxon, Nottingham Trent Romo Award: Georgia Dunn, Arts University Bournemouth

24 Interiors Monthly August 2023

Recline in style
and luxury with
Kensley with static
or power options.
Available in static,
manual and power
recline options,
Buxton offers a
contemporary
classic style. Both
are available in a
wide range of
fabrics.

Suppliers of handmade furniture to retail

01282 869888 • [email protected]
British
La-Z-Boy UK Manufacturing, Bradford House, Phillips Lane, Colne, BB8 9PQ Made
 RETAIL

Relax
Sofology has identified six key trends for Autumn/Winter, where
comfort is key creating moments that help us to re-energise and
inspire our emotions. Visit: www.sofology.co.uk

Comfort and Joy: A warming

neutral story featuring light, earthy
and cinnamon tones for an intimate
atmosphere. Squishy pillow textures
help cocoon your space, whilst boho
textiles bring a contemporary design
twist. Rococo 1.5/corner/three-seater
in Verbier Gold £4,199.

Playroom: The playroom trend

delivers a bold, modern and graphic
theme with injections of colour
combined with outsized decorations
for a sense of irreverent fun. Emperor
2.5-seater in Lucerne Blush Mix £2,649;
Odette swivel chair in Adele Seafoam/
Orca Lagoon mix £499. 

26 Interiors Monthly August 2023

Minerva Autumn Show FULL page IM_Layout 1 14/06/2023 15:59 Page 1

INVITING ALL FURNITURE, HOME

ACCESSORY BUYERS & INDUSTRY COLLEAGUES

3rd — 4th October at NAEC Stoneleigh CV8 2LZ

REGISTER NOW at www.theautumnfurnitureshow.co.uk

...and many other Major Furniture & Bed Brands!

● Free
Entry
● Free Parking
● Complimentary Lunch for all visitors
● Great environment to view fantastic new products under one roof
● Over 70 leading Furniture suppliers from around the world

..... A few Stands still available

Hosted by
 RETAIL

New Traditionalists: Country house style with a modern Social Living: An offset living room helps to create a
twist of chunky stripes, where dressy frills and embroidered sociable atmosphere, where a centred rug can anchor the
prints are offset against rich velvet upholstery. Bridgerton space and unstructured seating can set a path through
three-seater chaise in Bridgerton Aston Moss £1,499; Bridgerton the area. Cricket two-seater in Grey Weave £1,099; Canterbury
accent chair in Bridgerton Aston Moss £599 ; Bridgerton accent chair in Canterbury Weave Lagoon £749; Finchley
footstool in Vadar Nugget Gold £349. mini-footstool in Sleek Mink, £329.

Mid-century Mood: A grown-up direction for mid-century Warm Welcome: The Autumn palette is given a contemporary
style. Using rich tones of damson, ginger and teal produces feel with angular upholstery, tufted textures and spirited folk
a dramatic scheme with a nod to a 1970’s design aesthetic. patterns, surrounded by rich rust colours that contrast with
Midland Hill three-seater in Chamonix Teal/Falletto Silver mix the smart structure of tailored curtains. Richmond three-seater
£1,599; Marvella swivel chair in Tara Nutmeg £699. sofa-bed in Artic Rust £1,599; Cricket chair in Velvet Teal £699.

28 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 SEE YOU AT

29 01
2023
VIETNAM ASEAN
INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE
AUG SEP & HOME ACCESSORIES FAIR

SECC | HCMC, VIETNAM

Organized by:
 LVT

Alpha Vinyl Ciro Botanic Caramel Oak

Alpha Vinyl Oro Concrete Rock

Advances
Alpha Vinyl has a trio of innovations
With a surface technology that makes says Niall Cassidy, Unilin Flooring sales authentic laminate floor comes closer
planks indistinguishable from real wood, regions manager UK and Ireland. to wood than ever before with deep,
the Unizip system that speeds up Alongside Alpha Vinyl, visitors to perfectly matching surface structures.
herringbone installation and an edge-to- the show will also be able to discover It’s also 100% watertight as well as
edge built-in underlay across the range, Quick-Step’s laminate and wood floors, highly scratch and stain resistant.
Quick-Step’s new Alpha Vinyl collection including the Capture collection. This Visit: www.quick-step.co.uk
is packed with advances.
Next month retailers will be able to
see the LVT collection presented on
the Alpha Vinyl display concept as the
brand returns to The Flooring Show.
‘The Flooring Show has been
considered the UK’s leading show for
the retail flooring industry for many
decades and we’re delighted to be
returning. The new technology in Alpha
Vinyl is impressive and heralds a new era
of realism for vinyl flooring, but the show
is also a chance to reconnect with the
retail flooring industry. Our retailers are
the foundation of Quick-Step in the UK
and we want to make sure that they
benefit from being involved with one
of the world’s leading flooring brands,’ Alpha Vinyl Bloom Brushed Oak Honey

30 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 The Flooring Show Better spaces.
HCC, HARROGATE Better life.
Visit us in Hall C Stand 29

ALPHA VINYL

Beauty without
compromise

AVHBU40359

Find out how Alpha Vinyl is redefining premium luxury

vinyl at The Flooring Show

A premium collection for contemporary living, new Alpha

Vinyl brings unrivalled natural authenticity in a floor that’s
waterproof, wonderfully silent and that lets homes mix and
match between plank and herringbone. Now with attached
A BRAND OF
underlay across the range.

quick-step.co.uk
 LVT

LayRed York Stone

Roots Galtymore Oak

Embrace
Roots is supported by updated display options
Designed and made in Belgium with design: it’s a collection with extraordinary authenticity and detail of Roots.
the future in mind, Moduleo’s Roots depth and our quality brings something The brand will also have an exclusive
collection embraces the newest interior special too,’ says Matthew Brook, preview of its new Roots herringbone
trends and is manufactured with the Moduleo national sales manager. format, which brings a more versatile
latest technology for a luxury vinyl floor Alongside the introduction of Roots, plank size to suit a wider range of rooms.
that’s appealing, aspirational and in Moduleo’s shop-in-shop concept has Moduleo’s award-winning LayRed
tune with nature. been updated and both will be on engineered LVT collection will also be
‘Our Roots collection has more than display at The Flooring Show next making an appearance at the show.
130 SKUs and all of them have been month. Whatever the option – compact Designed to stand its ground in the most
designed in-house. The result is a unique boards or complete boards – the extreme conditions, the multi-layered
offer that stands out for its aspirational displays illustrate the standout variety, floor with integrated underlay offers all
the advantages of LVT with additional
strengths. Not only does LayRed deliver
easy installation, excellent acoustics and
a fully water-resistant, low-maintenance
surface, it also adds exceptional pattern
variety and realistic natural design.
‘The show is not just a great time
to catch up with our existing Moduleo
retailers, I’m also looking forward to
showing how Moduleo’s design variety
and quality make for a winning
combination that can reignite any
retailer’s luxury vinyl offer. Backed by
a team committed to delivering
exceptional service, we’re here to
become everyone’s favourite luxury
vinyl floor,’ says Brook.
Roots is Moduleo’s latest range Visit: www.moduleo.co.uk

32 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 The Flooring Show Better spaces.
HCC, HARROGATE Better life.
Visit us in Hall C Stand 29

We’re
proud of
our Roots
Make more of your luxury vinyl
floors at The Flooring Show

Curated into six distinctive themes, Moduleo’s

new Roots collection is appealing, aspirational
and as diverse and vivid as nature itself.

Designed and Made in Belgium to handle

whatever life throws at them as well as to be
warm, comfortable and quiet; Roots is made
from up to 50% internal recycled PVC from our
own production waste.
A BRAND OF

moduleo.co.uk
 VINYL

On show
LeoLine will showcase its new branding at TFS

A market-leading residential flooring

brand for 25 years, LeoLine recently
unveiled a new look as it sets out to
make cushion vinyl cool again. And as
the updated merchandising and POS
rolls out to its stockists across the UK,
LeoLine has now announced its return
to The Flooring Show next month.
With a manifesto to create the next
generation of flooring, LeoLine is on a
mission to engage with a new wave of
flooring buyers through floors that bring
choice, colour and vibrancy for any
space. Reflected in a ground-up rethink
of its brand, this new approach is
designed to set LeoLine apart. Visitors
to this year’s show will see just how
much LeoLine has been transformed
and catch an exclusive look at the
brand’s new display concept.
‘Cushion vinyl has all the qualities
needed for modern flooring. Beautiful
and versatile designs combine with
quick installation, durability and easy
maintenance, for a floor that’s easy to
embrace in any home. It’s perfect for
makeover projects and putting
personality in rental properties, and still
remains a really affordable option that’s
easy to live with: perfect for younger
buyers and a future housing market that
might see big transformations,’ says
Stuart Reeves, LeoLine sales director.
‘Our look had not changed
significantly for over a decade and
certainly lacked the in-store appeal to
capture the imagination of brand-savvy
millennials. Our new brand sets this
right, holding on to the reputation of
quality and value that’s synonymous
with the LeoLine name but setting out
a new direction and showing consumers
how we have a floor as unique as they
are. The Flooring Show is a great
opportunity to show the retail flooring
industry how we’re bringing the cool
back to cushion vinyl.’
Visit: www.leoline.co.uk

Top: Natural Trends Sherpa

Bottom left: Velvetex Previa
Bottom right: Atomic XT Treviso

34 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 The Flooring Show Better spaces.
HCC, HARROGATE Better life.
Visit us in Hall C Stand 29

Floors as unique as you are

See the floor that people want at

The Flooring Show
Visit LeoLine at The Flooring Show to see how we’re ready
for the colour, vibrancy and variety of every space. Drawing
upon our flooring know-how, we’re making cushion vinyl the
contemporary and savvy way to create the floor people want.
After all, everybody deserves their perfect floor. A BRAND OF

LeoLine.co.uk
 BEDS AND BEDROOM

Meet KomfiMed
GNG will introduce the range that uses medically proven foam next month
made from 100% recycled and
re-engineered foam, resulting in a
product that can be completely recycled.
‘Resilient, durable and naturally dust-
mite resistant, Ecofoam is ideal for use
in mattresses. It also provides excellent
body support and is recommended by
the Football Medicine and Performance
Association to its members as these
mattresses help achieve the best sleep
and, consequently, help deliver the best
performance,’ says Gretton.
The Komfi collections include the
Unity range, launched in 2022, which
provides an affordably priced mattress
and is proving very popular. Unity
KomfiMed
delivers the benefits of Ecofoam, and all
models have a removable and washable
UK mattress manufacturer GNG Group ‘Having provided some 70,000 soft knitted cover. All Komfi mattresses
is adding to its Komfi collection with the products to the NHS this year alone, we also benefit from being vacuum packed.
launch of its KomfiMed at this year’s wanted to bring this proven technology The smaller packages are not only easier
Bed Show. GNG has used its experience to the consumer market. KomfiMed is to transport, resulting in a lower carbon
as an approved supplier to the NHS to a truly unique product, combining the footprint, but are compact to store,
develop KomfiMed, which combines benefits of medically proven foam with enabling retailers to hold more stock for
medically proven foam with TrueGel our exclusive TrueGel technology and quicker delivery. Customers also have the
technology plus the environmental “green” Ecofoam. As innovators in the convenience of being able to move the
benefits of Ecofoam. This product delivers mattress industry and with our strong mattress to the room of their choice and
pressure relief while minimising motion track record in healthcare, our in-house unpack it at their leisure.
transfer and regulating temperature to team has been able to develop an With purpose-built 40,000sq ft
provide a peaceful night’s sleep. exciting addition to our range.’ manufacturing facilities in West Yorkshire,
‘Specifically engineered for enhanced Developed in response to consumer GNG is one of the leading manufacturers
support, the range gives excellent spinal demand for products with a reduced of rolled mattresses in the UK and an
alignment and relieves stress on joints. carbon footprint, most models in the accredited carbon neutral company.
A highly advanced material known for Komfi collection feature GNG’s Ecofoam, Visit: www.gnggroup.co.uk
its exceptional comfort and therapeutic
benefits, medically proven foam is crafted
with precision and adherence to strict
quality standards. It offers a supportive
sleep surface while conforming to the
body’s contours, and is available in soft,
medium and firm options,’ says Richard
Gretton, GNG commercial director.

Richard Gretton

GNG manufactures in West Yorkshire

36 Interiors Monthly August 2023

BEST OF BRITISH CATEGORY

gnggroup.co.uk

Carbon
Neutral
Organisation
 FITTING

Number One
The challenge will be
revealed at the show

The UK’s best LVT fitter will be crowned next month

The Fitter of the Year, of which Interiors scribing techniques, as well as the career, and to be competing against
Monthly is a sponsor, returns to The preparation knowledge to help get a some of the best in industry has really
Flooring Show on 17-18 September, with good finish. I always critique my own boosted my confidence,’ says Emery.
five finalists competing for the £2,000 work to help me improve. I can’t wait for ‘I have been in the flooring industry
prize. The contest alternates between the final to raise the bar again for myself. for 35 years. My main area is LVT and
carpet and LVT fitting and this year’s I wish the best of luck to the other vinyl. I am currently employed by Oxford
competition involves LVT. Finalists will finalists,’ says Brocklesby. City Flooring, which is fantastic to work
be judged on an item they have had ‘I am delighted to be in this year’s for. In 1988 I walked into a careers office
since the semi-finals in July to make and final,’ says Dickinson. ‘I have been in the after leaving a job I hated. There was a
the fitting project that will be revealed flooring industry since I left school. I am job advertised for a “Floorlayer Improver”.
to them on the first day. lucky enough to work with my wife and That was it. I applied, started the next
Ian James, NICF council member and nephew on a daily basis. Since setting up day and I’m still at it. I love the trade and
master fitter returns as head judge and my own business in 2020, I have focused have met lots of great people. I’m grateful
compere, with Richard Renouf also on developing my skills and attended I’ve had the opportunity to pass on my
returning as a judge. Brian King, NICF several training courses. This gave me the knowledge to others through training.
president brings his 33 years of flooring confidence to enter the competition and There’s life in the old dog yet,’ says Jones.
fitting to the panel for the first time. I am pleased that my hard work and ‘I’m delighted to be part of the final for
The finalists are: Wesley Brocklesby, quality has been recognised. Good luck the second time. The first time marked a
Dean Dickinson, Darrel Emery, Daniel to everyone!’ huge turning point in my career as I
Jones and Mathew Parkinson. ‘I’ve been laying flooring for around developed the confidence I needed to
‘I’m really happy to have made the 25 years, mainly fitting LVT, but I do pursue my own work, which now makes
final. I have grown up in the flooring carpet, wood and domestic vinyl too. I up 99% of my workload. I didn’t think I
trade and I am part of the second fell out of love with the trade a few years could do that and I didn’t think I would
generation running our successful family ago until I started to see other fitters’ ever be of a high enough standard to
business, Brockson Carpets, in Ossett creations on social media and it made compete against some of the most
with my brother Scott. We are celebrating me realise that you can do anything with highly skilled professionals I’ve ever met.
50 years in business this year. For the LVT. I started going on courses to learn It’s a great honour to be able to put
past six years I’ve specialised in LVT new methods and it gave me the passion something back into a trade that’s given
installations and have attended many I needed again. Entering this competition me so much,’ says Parkinson.
LVT training courses to learn the best has been the best experience of my Visit: www.nicfltd.org.uk

38 Interiors Monthly August 2023

Julian Bowen
Chatsworth
 AWARDS

You have made your choices and decided who the winners of the Interiors
Monthly Awards 2023 are. The companies listed below, whether retailers,
manufacturers or suppliers in the interiors industry, were chosen for their
first-class performance. Over the following pages you can read more about
many of the category winners. Congratulations to all of them.
Best Furniture Retailer (1-3 stores): Lenleys Home Best Children’s Furniture Manufacturer: FTG
Best Flooring Retailer (1-3 stores): Dentons Best Flatpack Furniture Supplier: Core Products
Best Furniture Retailer (4+ stores): DFS Best Home Entertainment Supplier: Jual
Best Flooring Retailer (4+ stores): Tapi Best Mattress Protection Provider: Mattressgard
Best Online Retailer: Mattress Online Best Furniture Wholesaler: Julian Bowen
Best UK Furniture Manufacturer: Millbrook Beds Best Flooring Wholesaler: Floorwise
Best UK Flooring Manufacturer: Victoria Best Customer Service (Furniture): Julian Bowen
Best Overseas Furniture Manufacturer: Wiemann Best Customer Service (Flooring): F Ball
Best Overseas Flooring Manufacturer: Condor Carpets Best Business Support (Furniture): BFM
Best Furniture Buying Group: AIS Best Business Support (Flooring): ACG
Best Flooring Buying Group: SMG Best Marketing Support (Furniture): NBF
Best Bed Manufacturer (Upmarket): Harrison Spinks Best Marketing Support (Flooring): Metro Group
Best Bed Manufacturer (Mid-Market): Sleepeezee Best Software Supplier (Furniture): Ordorite
Best Bed Manufacturer (Value): Shire Beds Best Software Supplier (Flooring): Company Dynamics
Best Bed in a Box Manufacturer: Emma Sleep Best CGI Software Supplier: Orbital Vision
Best Carpet Manufacturer: Cormar Carpet Company Best Furniture Exhibition: Bed Show
Best Bed Manufacturer (Adjustable): Adjustamatic Best Flooring Exhibition: The Flooring Show
Best Rug Supplier: Think Rugs Best Warranty Provider: Castelan
Best Bedroom Manufacturer: Forte Best Product Protection (Furniture): Guardsman
Best Laminate Manufacturer: Quick-Step Best Product Protection Provider (Flooring): Stroolmount
Best Dining Room Supplier: Ercol Best Furniture Website: Gallery Direct
Best Solid/Engineered Wood Flooring Supplier: Best Flooring Website: Lifestyle Floors
Furlong Flooring Best Finance Provider: V12
Best Living Room Supplier: Core Products Best Rigid Floor Manufacturer: COREtec
Best Underlay Manufacturer: Ball & Young Innovation of the Year: Abingdon Flooring – Love Story Wild Silk
Best Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer (Luxury):
Alpha Designs EDITOR’S CHOICE
Best Fabric Upholstery Manufacturer: Lebus Upholstery Product of the Year (Flooring): Beyond Wool– Furlong Flooring
Best Vinyl Manufacturer: IVC Furniture Brand 2023: Tetrad
Best Leather Upholstery Manufacturer (Luxury): Ekornes Flooring Brand 2023: Greendale
Best Leather Upholstery Manufacturer: La-Z-Boy Sustainability (Furniture): Hypnos Beds
Best LVT Manufacturer: Moduleo Sustainability (Flooring): Associated Weavers
Best Recliner Manufacturer: himolla Outstanding Performance (Furniture): Simba
Best Accessory Supplier: Gallery Direct Outstanding Performance (Flooring): Likewise
Best Flooring Accessory Supplier: Interfloor Industry Contribution: Jonathan Watts and Lord Kirkham

40 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 AWARDS

Dentons Tapi
Best Flooring Retailer (1-3 stores) Best Flooring Retailer (4+ stores)

Tapi saw a £10m turnaround in profitability in the year to 25 December 2021. A

pre-tax loss of £5,261,582 become a £5,433,341 profit as sales grew by 37.7% to
£137.4m. In 2019 the loss was £17.5m. After increasing gross margin by 3.3 points
to 59.5% in 2020, it rose by a further 4.8 points to 64.3%.
In common with all retailers, its results and performance were impacted by
the pandemic; government support, including business rate relief and furlough
payments; and rent concessions. Support rose by £1.08m to £3.849m but in
contrast store lease costs rose from £16.4m to £21.89m as Covid-related rent
concessions fell from £5.4m to £1.86m. Staff numbers grew from 695 to 841.
Since 1969 Dentons Carpets has been Since then the chain has continued its expansion, with store numbers reaching
responding to the flooring needs of the 176, leaving room for further expansion towards its target of 250 branches. And
people of Cambridge. The Smith family where it does not have an outlet, it has invested in its fleet of mobile showrooms.
owned retailer has always had service
at its core, as its customers testify:
‘Thank you for your excellent quality
service, a job well done’; ‘I have been Lenleys Home
very impressed throughout by the high Best Furniture Retailer (1-3 stores)
standards, from your dealing with my
order to the fitting, ,’ and ‘An excellent In 1936 Leonard Watts and Stanley Adsett tossed a coin to decide on the name
service with the supply and fit of your Lenleys or Stannards. Since then three generations of the Watts family have run
flooring. Your fitters were polite and the Kent retailer, with Leonard’s granddaughter Lavina now at the helm.
conscientious and have done a great job.’ ‘Our brand has stood the test of time because
This is reflected in the views of its every generation has had insight to provide the
suppliers (who vote in this category): products, service and advice that customers want
‘Dentons take great pride and joy in their and need. We have had the confidence to innovate
business and service. Overall, a pleasure where needed, bringing in new styles and new ways
to deal with’ and ‘Possibly the nicest and of retailing while always ensuring Lenleys’ offer
most professional people I deal with.’ remains relevant in a competitive market,’ she says.
‘I want to carry on the great work started by my grandad and dad, and am
excited to bring my style to the brand and to give customers something different
from other high street stores.’
Mattress Online
Best Online Retailer

Mattress Online has shown that the DFS

ecommerce boom seen during the Best Furniture Retailer (4+ stores)
pandemic lockdown was no fluke, with
sales of almost £29m in 2021/2022 and DFS has always insisted that when times are tough it prospers. And this has been
profits of more than £2m. the case in 2023. The group – DFS and Sofology – says that market share rose to
The company has long put service 38% in the year to 25 June as it outperformed the market.
at the heart of its operations, both Like-for-like sales dropped by 4% in the period, in a market it estimates has
for customers and staff – and this is dropped by 15%-20%. It described the upholstery market as ‘significantly worse
reflected in its online reviews. Trustpilot than expected’ in recent months but still anticipates profits of just above £30m.
averages at 4.8/5, with 95% of the The group’s scale allowed it to absorb supply chain price increases by passing
58,553 reviews giving it five or four stars. on costs on a pound-for-pound basis, rather than with a mark-up. This increased
Plans for physical showrooms have its value perception and it was able to cut its IFC offer from four years to three.
paused but it continues to see the It has continued to revamp its stores, rather than delaying investment. In-house
benefits of investment in staff and a manufacturing and delivery, a focus on online and widening its brand approach
revamped website. has set it apart from rivals.

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 41
 AWARDS

Victoria ‘To win Best UK Flooring Manufacturer

once is amazing, but two years running
you can do with your flooring.
‘Looking forward to the showcase

Best UK Flooring is just incredible,’ says James Caldwell,

Victoria Carpets sales director. ‘I’m
at this year’s The Flooring Show, First
Impressions, our most well-loved range,

Manufacturer delighted that all of the hard work the

entire Victoria team put in has been
is also getting a colour update for 2023.
This will see 12 new colours alongside
noticed again by the readers and we eight existing bestsellers that will give
would like to thank everyone who took the collection a new depth of colour in
the time to vote for us.’ greys and neutral tones.
‘It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year ‘If you love First Impressions, then you
since we were last here, and as always are sure to love our new lighter weight
we have had a lot going on. Strathmore synthetic called Pioneer. This range offers
Berber was launched in January to give 10 tried and tested colours designed to
the existing wool-mix range a much- complement First Impressions and offer
needed contemporary feel, with new a strategic price proposition.
colourways and styling to match. The ‘For our Natureborn family we are
range offers 12 heathered tones of excited to be launching a first for Victoria
neutrals with a splash colour hidden in Carpets, under the name of Pure &
Below: Tudor Coordinates Granola
Bottom: Strathmore Berber Mineral flecks that are dotted around the carpet. Simple. As the name suggests, this range
Bottom right: Strathmore Berber Misty Sky ‘In May, we started the roll-out of is all about celebrating the source of our
Tudor Co-ordinates, a 100% wool loop in wool carpets. Available as both a cut
20 colours, which co-exist in our Tudor velvet and a chunky loop design, this
Twist range. This makes it the perfect range has a palette encapsulating the
range to mix and match textures, should essence of nature with browns, beiges
you want a cut pile in the same colour and neutral cool tones. This is Victoria
as a loop. Not to miss the opportunity product development at its finest, in
to provide even more options, we have answer to the market’s call for a range of
incorporated four stripes using the same natural, undyed, 100% wool products.’
colours, so there really is no limit to what Visit: www.myvictoria.co.uk

42 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 NATUREBORN

TUDOR
CO-ORDINATES
www.myvictoria.co.uk

Tudor Co-ordinates - Colour Mink

 AWARDS

Wiemann Winning Best Overseas Furniture

Manufacturer in the Interiors Monthly

Best Overseas Awards for an unprecedented 11th

year in a row crowns a successful year

Furniture so far for German bedroom

manufacturer Wiemann.
Manufacturer Wiemann opened 2023 with a win
in the January Furniture Show Awards,
heading the Global Player category. Busy
trade shows with popular new products
and bursting order books followed
during the spring. be chosen by a popular vote for the
The company’s new-for-23 VIP range, 11th consecutive year proves that we’re
Denver, is the year’s outstanding success heading in the right direction with our
to date. The eye-catching collection product range and customer service. We
with its unique decking-like panel offers are absolutely delighted and grateful to
style and versatility. A sliding and hinged everyone who voted,’ says Simon Hewitt,
wardrobe, it is available in a range of md of Wiemann’s sole agent for the UK
best-selling finishes and, with options and Ireland, Litmus Furniture.
for outer or centre doors in matching or ‘The whole team, both in the UK and
contrasting colours, gives a variety of Germany, greatly values this important
bold or subtle options to suit every endorsement and would like to thank
bedroom. Every Denver combination all those who supported us. We’re now
gives a different look, demonstrating looking forward to more of the same –
the flexibility of this product. and better – for the rest of the year and
Versatility is a central theme for beyond,’ says Kai Schwenke, Wiemann
Wiemann wardrobes. Slider range Miami UK and Ireland export sales manager.
and hinged choice Tampa come in plenty The next chance to see Wiemann will
of colourways and are enjoying strong be at Long Point from 18-20 September,
sales this year, given their outstanding the Bed Show on 26-27 September
value for money. Monaco, a VIP choice and the Autumn Furniture Show on
that comes in virtually any variation 3-4 October. In addition, Wiemann has
imaginable suiting any style of bedroom, two permanent showrooms at Harlow,
is also a market leader for Wiemann. Essex, and Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire
Above right: Denver in graphite/bianco oak
Below: Monaco ‘This award is special to us because it available by appointment.
Below right: The Wiemann team has been decided by a readers’ poll. To Visit: www.wiemannuk.co.uk

44 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 Stunning bedroom solutions
from Wiemann

Denver in champagne

Bedrooms of distinctive style, quality and value

made in germany
[email protected] | www.wiemannuk.co.uk

IM Full page Wiemann Aug23.indd 1 06/07/2023 12:34

 AWARDS

Condor By reducing emissions, reusing

materials and recycling products for
Indonesia, the Philippines and Mexico
and converts it into #tide ocean
Carpets circular development, the Condor
Group is right on track in achieving
material as granules, yarn and filament,
which can then be used in products

Best Overseas its sustainability vision: ‘On a Roll to

Zero Emission’.
instead of virgin plastic. Condor is
developing four or five qualities that

Flooring With 100 years of experience within

the group and an annual production of
should be ready by the end of the year
and an artificial grass range, while
Manufacturer 140m sqm, the group is one of Europe’s
leading carpet manufacturers. With
sister brand Edel is also preparing a
mono-material carpet.
seven specialised subsidiaries divided ‘The products can be traced back
into the various interior and outdoor to their origin at all times. By using
textile industries, the Condor Group advanced blockchain technology, it is
is covering the world by delivering in possible to see the exact location where
more than 100 countries. That is why the plastic waste was collected. The tool
taking responsibility for conserving provides clear insight into the origin of
the planet has always been to the fore. the material and increases transparency
The group has been working on clean in the supply chain. In this way, we rule
energy, reusing waste and recyclable out greenwashing,’ says Jan Hoekman
Below: ‘On a roll to zero emission’ products for quite some time now, but Jr, Condor Group director.
Bottom: The Dronebeeld site
Bottom right: Condor Group produces it’s time for the next level. ‘A big thank you to all the readers.
140m sqm of carpet annually Sustainable production is a huge We are very pleased with this
step, but in the end products have prestigious Best Overseas Flooring
to be more sustainable as well. Manufacturer award, especially since
That is why, years ago, the group it was voted for by Interiors Monthly
commissioned its research and readers. It reflects the many years of
development department to develop dedication of our family business. We
circular products. look forward to celebrating this with
Condor has partnered with Tide you at The Flooring Show in Harrogate.
Ocean to make use of waste PET. We will be located in the Drawing
Tide Ocean collects waste plastic Room of the Majestic Hotel.’
near coasts and rivers in Thailand, Visit: www.condor-group.eu

46 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 Premium quality
Guaranteed.

Meet us in the
Majestic!

Superior luxury
for all around your home and offices

High-quality carpet for the finest homes, offices and hotels, made by craftsmen in our
state-of-the-art factories. We have been creating, producing and supplying innovative top
quality Dutch products worldwide since 1992, offered at internationally competitive prices.
With our innovative products we are determined to reduce our carbon footprint to zero.

Join us “on a roll to zero emission”. Read more at our website! »

Address: Euroweg 3, 8061 SB Hasselt (NL) | Telephone: +31 (0)38 477 89 11 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.condorcarpets.com
 AWARDS

Cormar Carpet For the eleventh year in succession,

Cormar Carpet Company is delighted to
to invest over the past 12 months. In
the last year, six new ranges have been
Company be voted the Best Carpet Manufacturer
by readers of Interiors Monthly.
successfully launched into the trade.
It has been working to enhance its

Best Carpet ‘To be awarded the Best Carpet

Manufacturer for the eleventh year in a
wool offering with the recently launched
wool loop ranges Fairisle and Malabar

Manufacturer row is a huge honour for all at Cormar

Carpets. This year we’ve made huge
Two Fold, alongside the new wool twist
range, Hampstead, a fine quality 1/10th
investments in the business that take us gauge carpet available in a versatile
Below: Fairisle forward as a dynamic and leading-edge palette of on-trend colourways.
Bottom: Malabar Two Fold player in the market, so it’s great for This year has also seen the relaunch
the team to be recognised once again of Cormar’s Primo Ultra range, now
for the hard work and determination available in a refreshed palette of 20
they have put in. The company would heather and plain shades.
like to say a huge thank you to all our Another service enhancement is
customers, suppliers and colleagues Cormar’s award-winning trade portal.
for their ongoing support over the past Since its launch in 2011, the portal
year,’ says David Cormack, Cormar has gone from strength to strength,
marketing director. with over 60% of customers now
Cormar has been manufacturing placing orders via the online service.
carpet in the UK for more than 65 years A recent survey found that more than
from its mills in Lancashire. One of the 90% of users rated it as the best in
keys to its success has been its amazing the industry, and with a host of new
team of people that work behind the features introduced this year the portal
scenes to ensure a first-class delivery is now better than ever. In the past year,
service to retail, wholesale and Cormar has invested over £100,000
contract customers. towards enhancements such as a new
In addition to the team spirit, the text-delivery notification feature and
family-owned business has continued further improvements to functionality
of the after-sales area.
Once again, Cormar will be making
another substantial investment towards
its fleet of distribution vehicles this year,
with the purchase of 10 new trucks and
15 demount boxes. Equipped with the
latest technology and safety features,
this investment will ensure Cormar
maintains its high standards of quality,
efficiency, and safety.
In addition to the delivery fleet, this
year also marks Cormar’s continued
investment towards improvements
to its manufacturing process, with
a focus on advancing the backing
plant. Significant benefits have been
achieved in terms of quality and
customer satisfaction as a direct
result of these initiatives, prompting
a continuation of investment into this
year, in order to deliver even more
quality and reliability improvements.
Visit: www.cormarcarpets.co.uk

48 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 Thankfrom You

Best Carpet Manufacturer 2023

We are delighted to be voted the UK’s Best Carpet
Manufacturer by readers of Interiors Monthly for the 11th
consecutive year and would like to say a huge thank you
to all our customers for your ongoing support.

Website: www.cormarcarpets.co.uk
Trade Portal: portal.cormarcarpets.co.uk
 AWARDS

Harrison Harrison Spinks is one of the country’s

most well-established and innovative
premium range boasts 10 models, with
the latest three mattresses in the range
Spinks bed-makers. Founded in 1840, it
manufactures luxury mattresses under
recently unveiled. Bennett no-turn,
Marlowe quilted and Conrad Ortho are

Best Bed the Harrison Spinks, Somnus, and Spink

& Edgar brands. It is also one of the most
luxuriously layered with British wool that
comes direct from farm to factory.

Manufacturer vertically integrated bed manufacturers

in the world – from drawing its own
For the fabrics, the fifth-generation
bedmaker has partnered with fellow
(Upmarket) wire for its unique spring technology,
to growing natural fillings on its own
Yorkshire-based manufacturers Abraham
Moon & Sons and Camira Fabrics, which
farm in Yorkshire. have both been producing natural and
Both the unique spring technology eco-friendly materials in the heart of
and grown natural fillings have been West Yorkshire for more than 150 years.
recognised with three current Queen’s The result is a premium patterned fabric
Awards for Enterprise in Innovation, option using quality, British-made
Sustainable Development and textiles made from deluxe 100% wool.
International Trade and two King’s ‘This range showcases the vast
Awards for Innovation and International selection of great quality materials we
Trade. In 2022, Harrison Spinks became have here in Britain, as well as a high
the UK’s largest grower of hemp after standard of manufacturing that is both
expanding its Yorkshire farmland, innovative and responsibly developed,’
and the business was awarded Bed says Laura Burnett, Feather & Black
Manufacturer of the Year at the 2022 furniture and homewares buyer.
National Bed Federation Awards. ‘We’re always excited to work with
As an official partner of British Wool, Harrison Spinks and we love the variety
all wool that goes into Harrison Spinks’ available in this new collection, from
mattresses is completely traceable premium British fillings and springs to
from UK farms, with each mattress the inclusion of top-quality British-made
Below: Bennett
Bottom: Conrad Ortho made with natural and British fillings, fabrics from Yorkshire-based brands.
Below right: Marlowe including blends of ethically sourced Local sourcing and ethical production
hemp and flax, while being glue-free have been at the forefront of these
and FR chemical treatment-free. designs, demonstrating the key values for
The company recently created a new both Feather & Black and our long-term
British-made collection with long- business partner Harrison Spinks.’
standing partner Feather & Black. The Visit: www.harrisonspinks.co.uk

50 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 The True Bedmakers
We have been creating the ultimate in luxurious comfort since 1840, making mattresses
that have been lovingly homegrown and handmade in the heart of Yorkshire.

From growing our own natural fillings, to designing glue free spring systems and weaving
our own fabrics, we are passionate about leading the way in luxury sustainable sleep.

H A R R I S O N S P I N K S .C O.U K

Harrison Spinks Interiors monthly Advert July 2023.indd 1 18/07/2023 08:49

 AWARDS

Sleepeezee Getting a good night’s sleep has never

been more important. Our physical and
Of course, you can’t have a mattress
without a luxurious divan base and

Best Bed mental health relies on our bodies feeling

rested and rejuvenated, so making sure
headboard. Sleepeezee’s divan beds are
built to last and include many storage

Manufacturer we sleep well is a necessity.

Sleepeezee’s array of products and
options. They come in a variety of fabrics
and colours and can be tailored to the
(Mid-Market) services alongside its team of expert
craftspeople can help get the best
mattress and sleep space.
Sleepeezee’s products are
night’s sleep. As Royal Warrant holders manufactured in the UK, in Rochester,
since 1963 the company is dedicated Kent. With strong family values at the
to combining innovative practices with heart of the business, it aims to support
market-leading designs, to provide national and local charities countrywide.
the right bed and mattress solutions A recent donation saw the company
for users. Established in 1924, it is best contribute £57,000 to Sheffield Children’s
known for its mattress ranges, from Hospital in partnership with the brand’s
100% natural luxury fillings to more ambassador Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill.
technological materials such as graphite The donation was funded by sales of
memory foam. Sleepeezee’s Jessica range, in which the
Sleepeezee’s mattresses come with company donated £20 to the children’s
a range of support technologies that hospital with each sale.
provide everything from firm to soft Sleepeezee is further committed to
support, which tailor to users’ sleep supporting sustainable efforts. Having
needs and target pain points. Its Staycool been carbon neutral since 2017, it has
Gel foam provides pressure-sensitive continued to strive for sustainability in
support that immediately responds to all it accomplishes. Last year its 591
body shapes and helps to regulate body energy-saving solar panels, which were
temperature. Its ViroFresh technology installed in 2021, generated a total of
is a game-changing, anti-microbial 249,160kWh of electricity which avoided
technology that kills 99.9% of bacteria a total of 52,9 tCO2e and helped reduce
and viruses on contact for a more electricity use by 23.78%.
hygienic night’s sleep. Visit: www.sleepeezee.com

52 Interiors Monthly August 2023

Quality comfort,
naturally

LE AVE THE REST TO US

 AWARDS

Shire Beds Multi-award-winning bed manufacturer

Shire Beds’ strength comes from its ability
a confidence, as Stuart has worked to
put together an offer that is unmissable,’

Best Bed to respond with agility in ensuring it puts

the retailer and their customer at the
says Butt. ‘We manufacture products that
are an “easy sell” for our stockists. We

Manufacturer forefront of everything it does.

The company has appointed industry
do this through our quality, pricing and
super quick delivery. In a difficult retail
(Value) veteran Stuart Hibbert to a strategic
growth role, showing the ambition Shire
environment and the cost of living biting
the consumer, we have ensured everyone
Beds has to ensure it continues on its gets a good night’s sleep on our beds
growth trajectory in challenging times. irrespective of their budget. The retailer
‘Stuart’s expertise in bed manufacturing can thus offer a Shire Beds product with
and sales growth is widely recognised absolute confidence across a wide range
and respected in the industry,’ says of price points.’
Fara Butt, Shire Beds marketing director. ‘What sets Shire Beds apart from other
‘We are delighted to have him on the manufacturers is the innovation and
team and have some ambitious plans for creative business thinking making it the
the future.’ one to watch,’ says Hibbert. ‘Shire Beds
Along with its long-serving has the ability to offer more than bed
experienced and award-winning sales manufacturing though – it is a vertically
team – including NBF Agent of the Year integrated operation. It has the ability
winners Neil Steed and Louise Hardy – to offer a wrap-around business service
Shire Beds has appointed Jason Hillier elevating its customers’ brands including
(South East); Nigel Hillier (South West); personalised POS.’
Edward Bacon (West Midlands and North The quality offering in line with eco
West) and Mike Marshall (Scotland). design principles has elevated the
Hibbert’s first task was to rationalise Shire Beds brand with a wider range
the range. Working very closely with of retailers. In line with this, Shire Beds
Sajid Butt, Shire Beds md and operations is FSC certified as a company, and has
director, they were able to plug the gaps signed the NBF Pledge for the Planet to
the company had in its offering, initially further its sustainability journey. It offers
with the hand side-stitched Ravello and added extras of own label, exclusive
Capri ranges. fabrics and extended guarantees on its
‘The experienced and award-winning eco-designed products.
salesforce are able to sell products with Visit: www.shirebeds.co.uk

54 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 THE BEST
JUST GOT BETTER
INTERIORS

AWARDS
MONTHLY
A W ARDS 2011
WINNER
WINNER 2023

NEW Growth Strategy Lead NEW Products

We have added UNMISSABLE products to

our existing BEST SELLERS and AWARD

Coming
WINNERS to be launched at the NBF Show

SOON

Stuart Hibbert

NEW Award Winning Sales Team NEW Shire Beds

Neil Steed – Agent of the Year

Contract, East Midlands
Louise Hardy – Best in Ireland
Northern Ireland, North East and
Yorkshire
Chris Lester – Southern Ireland
Edward Bacon – North West, West
Midlands
Jason Hillier – South East, Central
Midlands
Nigel Hiller – South West
Mike Marshall – Scotland

Shirebeds.co.uk | 01924 439898 | [email protected]

 AWARDS

Emma The world’s number one D2C sleep brand,

Emma – The Sleep Company, which
journey,’ says Mehra.
But it doesn’t stop with retail partners.
– The Sleep is present in more than 30 markets
around the world, has continued to grow
Emma has already started to introduce
its own retail-designed experience,
Company globally. After reaching revenue of over
£754m in 2022, the company is on track
building on the successful launch of its
first Emma-focused stores in China.

Best Bed in a Box to reach new heights in 2023 and achieve

its target yearly revenue of £1bn.
Earlier this year, Emma brought its
store concept to Europe for the first

Manufacturer Integral to Emma’s success is the

importance it places on an omnichannel
time, opening a dedicated space in The
Netherlands that showcases its diverse
approach. Emma is as committed as and extensive range of award-winning
ever to bringing its products to life in sleep products. Central to this store is
the retail space, collaborating with more the sensory element: consumers can
than 200 retailers worldwide in more see, feel and experience all the products.
than 3,500 brick and mortar stores. Emma’s sleep specialists are on hand
Leading the team and looking to to offer expert advice and explain the
grow the UK retail business further is technology behind the products, but
Sahil Mehra, who took up the position to also provide an exclusive range of
of Emma UK head of retail in May, after in-store-only products.
having previously led Emma’s D2C The success generated by the Dutch
growth in the market. store has spurred on the sleep experts
‘We really want to keep growing to expand this offline initiative further in
with our existing and new partners by multiple markets, including the UK, with
offering high-quality Emma products the hopes of providing customers across
and services. By creating an omnichannel Europe with a quality live experience,
approach, we are catering to customers bringing consumers closer to Emma
on all sales channels, so customers products than ever before.
can have the most convenient buying ‘After our store tests in China, we
decided to bring this concept to Europe,
with the Dutch store the first iteration
of this,’ says Dennis Schmoltzi, Emma
co-founder and ceo. ‘Expanding our
own store offering is an important step
towards becoming the world’s largest
Below and right: Emma Diamond sleep brand, both online and offline.’
Below right: Emma Select Visit: www.emma-sleep.co.uk

56 Interiors Monthly August 2023

Experience the next generation of mattresses,
from the UK’s most awarded mattress brand,
designed by sleep scientists.

200

200-night 10-year Express

trial guarantee delivery

emma-sleep.co.uk
 AWARDS

Adjustamatic Varimatic’s Adjustamatic brand has

been refining its artistry since 1964, and
retailers’ showrooms or delivered
direct to their customers.

Best Bed creating the perfect sleep and comfort

products has been its genuine passion
The entry level Haddon or
Hardwick versions with slatted base;

Manufacturer for almost three generations… and

counting.
the solid based Warwick, with a solid
wood frame sitting on adjustable
(Adjustable) While others have cut back on
adjustable ranges or stopped
raised legs, offering a mid-price
point product, or the unique Ottoman,
manufacturing, Varimatic is looking to or even the wall-hugging divan of the
add to its offer. Elan and its 15-year warranty, mean
It doesn’t just understand adjustable that Varimatic offers suitable adjustable
beds: it invented them. Nobody beds to cover almost every aspect of
understands the benefits of adjustable the adjustable bed user’s requirement –
beds more than Varimatic and it is and in multiple base frame sizes.
happy to impart that information to Alongside, Varimatic also offers a
its stockists. new luxury fabric range with five
The bed range covers entry-level headboard options in either strutted
to top end in a huge range of lengths or floor-mounted variations.
and widths, all able to be set up in Visit: www.varimatic.co.uk

58 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 AWARDS

himolla ‘Sustainability is deeply rooted in

himolla’s DNA and has been basically
an obligation or constraint. Authenticity
is key for himolla. We are keeping

Best Recliner “himolla standard” for decades. Since

1980, himolla products are rigorously
our foot on the pedal and pursuing
numerous projects to reflect on, improve

Manufacturer tested and evaluated to meet strict

eco standards, for instance RAL-GZ 430.
or substitute procedures, materials,
conditions and so on.
In 1998 Himolla introduced EMAS as one ‘himolla is authentic, reliable and
of the first in the market: a dedicated sustainable. himolla design is chic and
Resource-Saving Management System. contemporary, its products are eco-
himolla has been a member of friendly must-haves, robust and durable,
Umweltpakt Bayern (the Bavarian and a perennial talking point. himolla
Economic Pact) for 20 years. This self- products will be loved as part of the
imposed code for the eco-friendly family over many, many years. This kind
production of furniture is not seen as a of longevity is the true meaning of
disadvantage but as a badge of honour. sustainablilty.
We do it not because it is easy but ‘himolla is a technology-driven
because it is hard,’ says Tamara Harty, furniture company. Innovation, quality
himolla head of product and marketing. and modern design are himolla lodestars.
‘himolla has allocated significant High-tech mechanics, well thought out
resources and staff to work constantly accessories, all the bells and whistles
in minimising our carbon footprint are tested, improved, tested and
and that of our products. All decisions tested again. Nothing is left to chance.
are made with the caveat of reaching Customers can rely on the fact “Himolla
strict sustainability goals. This overall works”. This requires a lot of effort in
approach covers all aspects of the research and development, machinery,
business: production, recycling, waste, construction, design and so forth.
disassembly, transportation, logistics, Improvement in everything is an ongoing
facilities, packaging and so forth. process for himolla. Consequently, vast
All these requirements extend to resources and staff are allocated to make
suppliers as well. This is, of course, well products, procedures and hardware
documented. better and more sustainable.
‘The transition to renewable energy, ‘We are looking forward to this year’s
a better carbon footprint and eco- Hausmesse in September, where as
friendly products is a task that cannot be always himolla will make a splash with
sorted and solved with minimal input. It its ideas and innovations, and as ever
is an ongoing journey: a pilgrimage that retailers are encouraged to visit.’
needs to be embraced and not seen as Visit: www.himolla.com/uk

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 59
 AZURE | www.himolla.com
himolla Polstermöbel GmbH | GERMANY
himolla is one of the UK’s leading upholstered furniture manufacturers and their recliners are packed with market-leading innovation such as
independent headrests, backrests and footrests so your perfect seating position is only a button press away. A 5 year guarantee gives you confidence
in the quality and durability of their recliners and they only select the finest leathers, fabrics and woods so we guarantee you will not sit in anything as
comfortable as a himolla chair. Bestsellers and also novelties are available as manual or electric armchairs and the Summer Sale has begun!
 AWARDS

Think Rugs ‘It is with immense pride and joy that

Think Rugs has again been voted Best
‘We’re also excited about our new
range of washable rugs – another step

Best Rug Rug Supplier. This accolade is a reflection

of our unwavering commitment to
forward in offering convenience and easy
maintenance to our retail partners and

Supplier not just our craft but also our revered

network of retailers and the valued
end customers. Designed with modern
living in mind, these rugs promise a
Interiors Monthly readers who have perfect blend of practicality and elegance.
validated our efforts,’ says Sam Tippett, ‘Our efforts don’t stop at product
Think Rugs director. innovation. Think Rugs’ service ethos,
As a leading wholesaler and distributor, geared towards our network of retailers,
Think Rugs has a dual responsibility of has always been about providing a
ensuring the highest quality products seamless, efficient experience. From a
and providing exemplary service to its smooth ordering process, timely delivery
esteemed retail partners. It recognises and responsive support, to providing
that its success is inextricably linked with sales tools and product training, we
the success of the retailers it supplies, aim to ensure our retail partners have
and this philosophy is firmly rooted in its the tools they need to succeed. This
operational framework. award is a recognition of the symbiotic
‘Every rug we create is an embodiment relationship between our product
of meticulous craftsmanship and innovation, service commitment and
innovative design. Our upcoming sustainability efforts. It reaffirms our
September brochure, featuring over unwavering dedication to supporting our
150 fresh designs, encapsulates our retailers, satisfying our customers and
relentless pursuit of innovation. This year minimising our environmental footprint.
we are introducing many products made ‘The recognition fuels our passion to
from recycled materials, reflecting our continue shaping the future of the rug
commitment to sustainability without industry: a future that weaves together
compromising on quality or style. Our excellence, sustainability and customer
design and production teams have satisfaction. As we look forward to
worked tirelessly to ensure that these releasing our new collection, we remain
eco-friendly products provide the same indebted to our partners, customers and
level of comfort, durability and aesthetic the Think Rugs family, whose support
appeal that our customers have come propels us forward.’
to expect from us,’ says Tippett. Visit: www.thinkrugs.co.uk

62 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 For Every Home
T: 01782 747 713
E: [email protected]
www.thinkrugs.co.uk

Think Rugs Cover Advert.indd 1 13/07/2022 15:43

 AWARDS

Ekornes The Stressless brand has a long history

in challenging the conventional way
from one, two or three-seaters to corner
and long-seats. So, whether you are

Best Leather of making furniture. The desire to

understand the science of comfort and
looking for a large family lounger for the
hub of your home, a snug two-seater for

Upholstery movement was realised in 1971 when it

introduced the first recliner designed to
the study or a single chair for a reading
nook, there is something to suit.
Manufacturer meet the body’s need for movement
and support. Today, the brand’s recliners,
Stressless Anna has a special
mechanism that means at the touch
(Luxury) sofas and dining chairs are assembled in
its factories using advanced technology
of a button the seats will guide you
smoothly into the ultimate position for
combined with hand finishing to the total relaxation. Or you can control the
leather and fabric covers. head rest manually: either way, you will
Constantly questioning the norm in benefit from optimum head, neck and
order to push design boundaries and lumbar positions. Elevating your feet
innovate, Stressless releases new models and legs into a horizontal position also
every year to diversify and expand on encourages good posture, promotes
its collection of timeless bestsellers. In even weight distribution, alleviates
summer 2023 it launched Stressless pressure on certain areas and enhances
Anna, crafted to order at the Ekornes blood circulation: meaning you can truly
factory in Norway to deliver unparalleled unwind in the best way possible.
comfort and style. Visit: www.stressless.com
Stressless Anna is a power sofa that
surpasses the usual limitations of more
typical and bulkier mechanical sofas. It
Stressless Anna was designed following feedback from
retailers within markets including the
UK, who were looking for a motorised
sofa with neat proportions that would
give it the commercial appeal to make it
an instant success. The aesthetic is sleek
and elegant with a mid-century modern
look that is timeless. Being Stressless, it is
of course fully customisable, with leather
and fabric choices in more than 100
colours, plus three armrest designs and
numerous leg options.
Featuring a modular design, it is
available in an array of combinations,

64 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 Power™ Plus™ System BalanceAdapt™ ErgoAdapt™

S-M-L
Heating & Massage

Dining S-M-L ComfortZones™

Power™ Plus™ System BalanceAdapt™ ErgoAdapt™

S-M-L
Heating & Massage ComfortZones™
Dining S-M-L ComfortZones™

ModularSystem

New Stressless® Anna A3, 2 Seater

Paloma Taupe / Walnut

Stressless® Anna

Lean back
...and experience elegant power
Take your comfort to another level with the NEW Stressless® Anna. A motorised sofa with a more streamlined, lighter exterior,
it has the same advanced mechanism as our other Power™ sofas. Stressless® Anna manoeuvres you into a relaxed position
for healthy weight distribution, helping you reduce stress on certain areas of your body and also enhances blood circulation.

DISCOVER MORE AT STRESSLESS.COM

 AWARDS

La-Z-Boy A focus on quality and a commitment

to only using genuine leathers have
connecting with retailers and buyers
and exhibiting the latest products. At

Best Leather seen La-Z-Boy UK named Best Leather

Upholstery Manufacturer for 2023. The
the start of 2023, two new collections
– Paris and Lennox – were launched at

Upholstery accolade comes following a year of

expansion and growth for the iconic
the January Furniture Show along with
additional upholstery options including
Manufacturer furniture brand.
‘We are delighted that Interiors Monthly
Calda leather.
This year has also been a period of
readers have recognised our hard work partnership, with La-Z-Boy UK continuing
and dedication in manufacturing leather its sponsorship of Burnley FC: the
upholstery. All award wins are great club is local to its UK factory in Colne,
news, but knowing we have been voted Lancashire. La-Z-Boy UK is also the NFL’s
for by readers makes the achievement official furniture partner for the London
even more significant. I’d like to Games for the second year running.
thank everyone who voted for us and ‘The January Furniture Show was our
recognised the work the whole team has best to date with sales and new retailers
done in bringing high quality leather and heralded the start of a great year for
upholstered products to market. The La-Z-Boy UK as a business. We are already
quality of La-Z-Boy products speaks starting to prepare for next year’s event,
for itself and we only ever use genuine where we will be launching a number of
leather in our collections,’ says Adam exclusive new ranges. At the moment, we
Morley, La-Z-Boy UK head of marketing are in the process of launching the first
and operations. La-Z-Boy UK sofabed, which will be sold
‘We also believe in offering our at ScS stores. And following on from the
customers choice, so they can pick success of our new, competitively priced
products that suit their own taste, upholstery options – Calda leather and
Below: Sheridan
Bottom left: Augustine preference and budget. This is why we Anivia fabric – we are busy developing
Bottom right: Winchester offer leathers in different surface finishes some more new upholsteries to add to
and grades with a wide range of colours, our collections,’ says Morley.
including timeless favourites and shades The La-Z-Boy team is also making
that are on trend. Our newest leather further improvements to the augmented
upholstery option, Calda, is the most reality features on the brand’s website.
competitively priced to date and gives Customers can personalise a product in
even more customers the opportunity to the colourway, fabric and leather of their
own a La-Z-Boy leather sofa or recliner.’ choice and use the ‘View in your room’
Over the past year, the La-Z-Boy UK feature to see what it would look like in
team has been busy re-establishing their own home.
the brand’s presence at trade shows, Visit: www.la-z-boy.co.uk

66 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 Oslo

Oslo - Cool and compact, Oslo offers comfort,

style and practicality all in one package.
Available as a static product or a power sensor
touch reclining suite, our specially designed new
reclining mechanism is hidden from view, giving
Oslo the contemporary styling of a static model,
with all the benefits of a recliner. www.la-z-boy.co.uk
BALL & YOUNG ADVERTORIAL

A HISTORY IN FLOORING
BY BALL & YOUNG
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Ball & Young, the company was founded in 1983 by Martin Ball and Jim Young,
and is based at Corby Enterprise Zone, located here after the redevelopment of the area.

Ball & Young, part of The Vita Group, has off-cut initiative’. This means that Vita is our focus on the well-being and safety
now been at the vanguard of innovation a net consumer of trim and stops 20Kt of of our staff and our customers or our
within the flooring market for 40 years. trim foam going to landfill each year. Over ambitions to work more sustainably.
The company originally launched with The 250Kt of foam trim has been diverted
Royal Leaders Collection; a High-Quality from landfill to date. As part of the Vita Group we operate
Rubber Sponge Collection of underlays. a responsible, resourceful and safe
Ball & Young aim to achieve net zero CO2 business. We commit to – and invest in-
The success of The Royal Leaders emissions no later than 2050 and zero to reducing waste, increasing recycling and
Collection saw the company’s reputation landfill by 2040. Since March 2021, 100% reuse of raw materials, and conserving
for excellence grow, and the Ball & of our electricity comes from wind source, natural resources in pursuit of a net
Young name became synonymous in the backed by REGO Certifications. zero footprint. We are proud of our
marketplace for high quality products achievements and will continue to
and reliable service. Unusable trim solutions push forwards.
Ball & Young’s Eco Cushion utilises
From its inception the company continued reticulated PU foam - previously was sent Ann Shaw MD for Ball and Young has
to grow both in sales and reputation, to landfill as it could not be repurposed. been with the business 33 years, under
which brought it to the attention of British However, through extensive R&D work her stewardship, the brand has continued
Vita (now The Vita Group), who saw the out of our state-of-the-art Innovation to grow and develop, now the operations
opportunity to diversify their product Centre, we have developed a system are split over three facilities, boast
portfolio. In 1989 Ball & Young was where a technical mix of PU in Eco modern technology and are proud to
purchased by the worldwide foam and Cushion allows water to pass through very have credible and verified accreditations.
fibre giant. efficiently, which exceeds P.G.A. & R.F.U.
requirements. Thank you to our customers, suppliers and
The innovators most importantly all our employees for
By 1995 Ball & Young were ready to launch The takeback off-cut initiative is now making these the best 40 years we could
their industry pioneering product, Cloud in full swing. Post fitting off-cuts are have hoped for, a history of memories,
9 - the revolutionary underlay that was a diverted away from landfill, collected from achievements and passion. Here’s to the
game changer for the sector. The underlay Flooring Contractors and then recycled next 40 years and generations to follow.
is made from foam trim offcuts, shredded back into Carpet Underlay.
and rebonded into new foam underlay
and was the start of Ball & Youngs long Ball & Youngs portfolio includes products
history of working sustainably. Unveiled to suit many applications from Wood
at the NEC Birmingham, Cloud 9 went Laminates, Stretch Fitted and Double
on to win the award Best New Product Stick Carpet Installations, including High 01536 200502
in the Marketplace! Traffic areas in Commercial, Hospitality [email protected]
and Flame-Retardant Underlays for the www.underlay.com
The start of the Circular Economy Marine Sector.
Cloud 9 underlay by Ball & Young truly Scan to see our
is sustainability in action. The concept Ball & Young underlays are multi- sustainability story
of preventing unwanted trim and offcuts functioning. From underlays to support
from Furniture, Mattress Manufacturing your underfloor heating system, a great
and Automotive industries, which would Cloud 9 insulator to keep your house
ordinarily have been sent to Landfill, warmer in the colder months, or money
being recycled and repurposed into saving underlays that help you save
2022
carpet underlay. money and reduce your energy costs,
Ball & Young has an underlay to suit
100% of the trim generated within The everyone’s needs.
Vita Group, is re-used and re-purposed,
including the trim from Vita Group Our purpose and values continue to
Made in the UK
customers – which we call the ‘take-back guide all that we do, whether that’s to BS EN 14499
 Made in the UK
to BS EN 14499

Scan the QR
code to see our
sustainability
story

THANK YOU TO ALL INTERIORS MONTHLY

READERS FOR THIS MAGNIFICENT AWARD

01536 200502
[email protected]
Join in the celebrations at The Flooring Show, Harrogate
WWW.UNDERLAY.COM 17-19 September. Hall M - stand M27
 AWARDS

Alpha Designs ‘We are obviously very pleased to be

voted for by our lovely customers, who
we’ve welcomed new HR, H&S and
finance personnel and built some shiny

Best Fabric are at the heart of our business. It’s

very much appreciated and really gives
new offices and reception areas, all due
to be completed in the next few months.

Upholstery our staff in the factory a great morale

boost to know that their hard work is
Phew, we’ve been busy.
‘However, the most important aspect
Manufacturer recognised,’ says Nichola Bell, Alpha
Designs sales director.
of moving forward is to be able to
bring new and inspiring product to our
(Luxury) ‘Although it may have been a quieter
summer than recent ones, we have
customers. We will never stand still,
and we have been squirrelling away
been extremely busy at Alpha Designs, new designs for our customers. We are
looking towards the future. We have excited to launch four products at the
taken this time to get match fit for Long Point show next month. Building
what we anticipate to be a busy second on our core range we will launch three
half. With some serious renovations family-friendly, broad appeal commercial
to our Bilston factory making for an models and then add another gorgeous
improved production flow, we have also model to our superior Curated range that
made some hefty investments on new was introduced at JFS, because everyone
machinery and computer systems, likes to have something a bit special.
‘We are pleased to hear that the
Manchester Furniture Show is finally
returning in 2024. It’s always a great
summer show with a real “Manc party”
atmosphere. We will be there. Another
one for your diary. It feels odd to be
thinking about Christmas cut-off already,
but I guess we are speeding towards it.
Can we have some sunshine first before
the winter nights kick in please.
‘So here is to a good second half, with
no more fabric delays, and no timber,
foam or any of the other shortages that
have given us manufacturers a hard life
over the past few years. For all of our
sanity. Always hopeful.’
Tel: 01902 492 937
Above: Celeste
Right: Atlas

70 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 ALPHA
D E S I G N S
Elegant upholstery, handmade in the UK by a family
THANK YOU to all of our customers,
company with passion, dedication and care
from the Alpha Designs team

Titus 4 seater

ALPHA DESIGNS UPHOLSTERY LIMITED

T: 01902 492937 E: [email protected]

Unit 1, Stag Industrial Estate, Oxford Street, Bilston, Wolverhampton WV14 7HZ

AlphaJan18.indd 1 07/12/2017 16:43

 AWARDS

Lebus ‘This is a huge achievement for Lebus

and we are honoured to be receiving
than ever to deliver on this ethos.’
What sets Lebus apart from the
Upholstery this award, it is a fantastic achievement.
I’d like to thank all the customers and
competition is how the whole
manufacturing process is carried out

Best Fabric readers who voted for us,’ says Karl

Walker, Lebus md.
from its purpose-built factory, totally
integrated under one roof, combined

Upholstery ‘Recently we enjoyed an exceptional

response to the ground-breaking ranges
with a large, dedicated workforce.
Lebus is an employee-owned trust
Manufacturer launched at the January Furniture Show.
The four new models – now all out in the
and believes any success within the
company should be shared. Ultimately
market – hit the ground running, giving all available profits are for the benefit
a strong indication that the market wants of employees, so they all work together
stunning designs that represent great to earn and share profits. By employees
value. This is a testament to Jane Sage, having a personal stake in the business,
Lebus’ design manager and the hard Lebus hopes it will inspire them to help
work of her development team. push the company to the next chapter
‘While we had expected the market to in its journey.
return to pre-pandemic levels this year, Visit: www.lebus.co.uk
we have been very uplifted by a strong
first quarter and are cautiously optimistic
about the level of growth we are seeing,
as retailers and the end consumer seek
out the best value for money products on
the market in these difficult times, where
every penny counts.
‘Lebus excels at manufacturing
commercial quality furniture at very
competitive prices. This year will be tight
for everyone, so we are working harder

Below: Antigua
Right: Porto
Above right: Trieste

72 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 VALUE, QUALITY
& COMMITMENT
WITHOUT
COMPROMISE

WWW.LEBUS.CO.UK
 AWARDS

Quick-Step Since 1990, when it first turned Unilin’s

heritage in the flax and wood-panel
some left untouched, others reworked
into beautiful takes capturing the latest

Best Laminate industry into laminate flooring, Quick-

Step has been innovating. In 1997, it
trends. Every Quick-Step laminate floor
is designed and made in Belgium using

Manufacturer introduced Uniclic, making laminate an

overnight sensation and transforming the
recovered wood, for a premium quality
floor that is moving towards circularity.
flooring industry. It was the first brand Through the Quick-Step Academy
to introduce a V-groove between planks, for Excellence in Flooring, the brand is
one of the first to create laminate floors also elevating standards and improving
with outstanding water resistance, and knowledge in the industry. The Master
has bridged the gap to natural wood in Installer scheme is now firmly established
terms of look and feel. as one of the best manufacturer-backed
Below: Capture Waxed Oak Brown
Bottom: Capture Brushed Oak Natural Some 33 years later, Quick-Step is now installation programmes and brings
Bottom right: Capture Painted Oak Rose a world leader and continues to innovate a lifetime installation warranty that
with its latest laminate floors. The new reinforces the high-quality nature of
Capture collection brings together three Quick-Step laminate flooring.
decades of innovation for a floor that’s From design and development to
exceptional in every regard. A floor that sustainability, professional installation
mirrors natural wood so closely that it is and after-care, Quick-Step is constantly
impossible to tell them apart, Capture striving for perfection. It’s a journey that
is also watertight and comes in unique it continues to share with its retailers.
designs from Quick-Step’s design team. Quick-Step would like to thank readers
Every Quick-Step laminate floor begins for their recognition and its position as
with the design team, as it looks to bring Best Laminate Manufacturer.
homes the very best in natural looks, Visit: www.quick-step.co.uk

74 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 CAPTURE

Capturing
nature’s beauty

Brushed Oak Brown

A laminate floor collection marked by refinement

Enjoy the realistic look and feel of wood in every knot,

crack, grain and joint. Capture is the new water and scratch
resistant laminate floor by Quick-Step. This collection comes
closer to real wood than you ever thought possible. With 18
A BRAND OF
designs to choose from, there’s a perfect match for any home.

quick-step.co.uk
 AWARDS

Core ‘Everyone at Core is delighted to be

the winner of the Interiors Monthly Best
Products Flatpack Furniture Supplier award for
the fifth consecutive year, and is

Best Flatpack celebrating the remarkable support

from the readers,’ says Stuart Wallace,

Furniture Core Products director.

‘At the January Furniture Show
Supplier we showcased our new living room
collections, which have proved extremely
popular. Even so, we were surprised and
Best Living Room somewhat taken aback to also win the
award for Best Living Room Supplier for
Supplier 2023. We know this is a very hard-fought
awards category, and it is probably on using natural, sustainable materials
a reflection of the current economic such as real wood and metal. Products
climate that demand for compact and are available in a choice of antique
affordable casual living pieces is so high.’ wood or grey washed wax finishes with
For Core to achieve these awards has contrasting metalwork.
required much hard work in developing Working from home continues to be
its own distinctive product offering the new normal and Core offers a variety
designed especially for easy assembly of desks, shelving and seating to make
Above right: Nevada drinks cabinet in the customer’s home. Core’s journey the most of a small space.
Below: Vegas desk and shelving began in 1986 and three generations are Modern open-plan living is now such
Bottom left: Texas grey casual living
collection now involved in the day-to-day running a popular lifestyle choice, with pieces
Bottom right: Corona living and dining of the business. that encompass living, dining, storage
Core Products’ portfolio is synonymous and home office, while entertaining at
with pine furniture and this still forms home is driving sales of drinks cabinets,
a large part of its sales: Corona retains a a selection of which can be found
formidable following and its continued throughout Core’s modern living ranges.
expansion in both colours and styling The Core Products dedicated trade
has elevated this collection to appeal to website allows 24/7 access to its full
a greater range of customers, especially portfolio of product information, pricing,
in the casual living and dining sector. stock availability and ordering, with
The Texas collection is ideal for delivery to store or express delivery direct
today’s casual room styling while also to the customer’s home.
accommodating the growing emphasis Visit: www.coreproducts.co.uk

76 Interiors Monthly August 2023

Think outside the box.
WINNERS
WINNERS
BEST FLAT PACKED
FURNITURE SUPPLIER BEST LIVING
5 YEARS RUNNING ROOM SUPPLIER
2023 2023

You sell it, we deliver it,

direct to your
customers’ door.

01738 630 555

[email protected]
www.coreproducts.co.uk
 AWARDS

Moduleo Everyone at Moduleo is honoured to have

been recognised by Interiors Monthly
with different fabrics, minerals, plants,
furniture and art until everything felt

Best LVT readers as their best LVT manufacturer.

‘As Belgians, making beautiful products
just right. The results are explored in six
themes that show what’s possible and

Manufacturer is in our blood, and our UK team is

committed to delivering exceptional
that will inspire people to create their
own unique spaces.
service. It’s a combination that has turned But it’s not just its thoughtful
Below: Six themes were developed Moduleo from the new kid on the block approach to design that makes Moduleo
including Echo the Sea
Bottom left: Roots Fiastra and Nashville to one of the country’s leading flooring different. The quality and innovation of
Bottom right: Roots Laurel Oak brands in a little over a decade,’ says the its Belgian-made products has always
company. ‘Thank you for making us your been a refreshing change, and with Roots
Best LVT Manufacturer.’ it’s no different. Floors contain real oak
The launch of the new Roots collection grooves you can actually feel, and realism
shows how far Moduleo has come. comes to the forefront of the collection
Designed and made entirely in-house, with refined surface types, including
like every Moduleo floor before, it perfectly matched gloss levels.
explores the aspirational side of LVT, Of course, all of this would mean
with a collection rooted in its design- little without giving retailers the tools
orientated history. Staples like Blackjack and support to embrace the floors.
Oak and Mustang Slate are joined by Free samples and a retailer finder on
new styles, including bold oversized its website, high-impact displays that
terrazzo and wonderfully subtle woods make Moduleo aspirational in-store,
with refined and elegant grains. inspirational brochures telling its story
For the new collection the company and a team working hard to provide
brainstormed with trend forecasters and exceptional service all come together to
visual artists to create six interior worlds, give a brand that’s stayed true to its roots.
mixing and matching samples from Roots Visit: www.moduleo.co.uk

78 Interiors Monthly August 2023

We’re
proud of
our Roots
Make more of luxury vinyl floors
with new Moduleo Roots

Curated into six distinctive themes, Moduleo’s

new Roots collection is appealing, aspirational
and as diverse and vivid as nature itself.

Designed and Made in Belgium to handle

whatever life throws at them as well as to be
warm, comfortable and quiet; Roots is made
from up to 50% internal recycled PVC from our
own production waste.
A BRAND OF

To begin your journey with Roots, contact your

ASM or visit moduleo.co.uk
 The Furniture Makers’ Company
the furnishing industry’s charity

Feeling low?
Overwhelmed?
Anxious?

Talk to us.

Text ‘COMFORT’ to 85258

for free and confidential support, 24/7

in partnership with

shout
Texting ‘COMFORT’ is anonymous and
will not show up on your phone bill.

Welf
 The Furniture Makers’ Company
the furnishing industry’s charity

SUPPORT FOR
FURNISHING
INDUSTRY
PEOPLE
Struggling financially? We’re here to help!
As the charity for the furnishing industry, we have been supporting
the welfare of people working in the trade since 1903. We help
furnishing industry people by providing financial grants and practical,
useful advice.

020 7256 5558

07366 568 458
[email protected]
www.furnituremakers.org.uk/welfare
The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers’ Charitable Funds incorporating the Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association is a
registered charity in England and Wales (no. 1015519) and a registered company (no. 02759359) in England and Wales

Welfare Adver A4 20-7-22.indd 1 20/07/2022 11:39

 AWARDS

IVC As it moves to a new branding that

will make for a bright future, IVC’s
energetic new look. The playful brand
inspires consumers to think differently

Best Vinyl LeoLine brand is proud to be voted

as Best Vinyl Manufacturer by Interiors
about their choice of floor. Across
updated displays, brochures and a new

Manufacturer Monthly readers. It has been a familiar

sight in UK flooring stores for more
website, LeoLine explores how the
flexibility, simple fitting, functionality and
than 25 years and has become one of durability of a cushion vinyl floor can be
the country’s best-known cushion vinyl the start of a new story for their home.
brands. Its extensive collection offers Alongside, a rejuvenated range makes
choice and value at every turn. What’s LeoLine the cushion vinyl floor to be seen
Below: Velvetex Evora
Bottom left: Riviera Patagonia more, LeoLine floors have been designed with. Across nine cushion vinyl flooring
Bottom right: Natural Trends Portoro and made in Belgium since 1997 and collections, homeowners can discover
that continues today, so homes can a LeoLine floor that’s as unique as they
enjoy consistent and enduring quality. are. From affordable options that are
2023 sees the launch of a new LeoLine all about being individual to a range of
that’s making cushion vinyl the savvy textile-backed floors with loose-lay fitting
and contemporary way to give people and performance-focused qualities,
the floor they want. Responding to the there’s a stunning selection of designs
results of its market research, IVC is giving to pick from. Herringbone wood and
vinyl flooring a personality, so that it hexagon stone; Italian marble; ceramic
appeals to a generation of brand-aware tiles; flagstones; bamboo strips or endless
shoppers. Capturing design versatility, wood, LeoLine holds the perfect look.
the new LeoLine is the way to find ‘floors Completely reinvented to appeal to a
as unique as you are’. new generation of brand and style-savvy
The research showed that LeoLine purchasers, it is rolling out the new
had the potential to appeal to a new LeoLine to stores across the UK, with
generation of householders and tenants retailers receiving a collection update
looking to add style to their home in and complete overhaul of existing
a way that’s easy and affordable. It stands, and a promise to create ‘floors as
set about rethinking the brand and unique as you are.’
has created a whole new feel with an Visit: www.leoline.co.uk

82 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 Floors as unique as you are
The new LeoLine is ready for the colour,
vibrancy and variety of every space. Drawing
upon our flooring know-how, we’re making
cushion vinyl the contemporary and savvy
way to create the floor you want. After all,
everybody deserves their perfect floor.

A BRAND OF

LeoLine.co.uk
 AWARDS

Gallery Direct ‘We would like to thank everyone who

voted for us: it is fantastic to win one
furniture collections.
Wall decor is where Gallery began

Best Accessories award, but we are honoured to have

won two. It is fabulous to be recognised
more than 50 years ago, and its mirror
offering now has more than 500 lines

Supplier by the readers, it makes the awards

really special. We continually design and
including outdoor mirrors, ideal for
creating an illusion of space and adding
develop exciting new, value-for-money light to darker corners, as well as for
Best Furniture quality products to bring to market
and have dramatically increased our
giving a focal point and interest. The
collection also features a large selection
Website accessories offering in recent years. We of wall art in a wide variety of styles,
have also worked hard developing the along with clocks, shelving and storage.
new website to improve the usability for On the accessories side, Gallery
our clients, and continue to develop to Direct’s catalogue includes vases; pots
keep improving it,’ says Peter Delaney, and planters; decorative ornaments;
Gallery Direct sales and product director. candles, holders and lanterns, including
The website features all Gallery a selection for outdoor use; faux flowers
Direct’s current products individually, and plants; kitchen and tableware, and
as well as online flipbook versions of a wide range of Christmas lines. The
its product guides and edits – ideal if range of products and designs offers
customers are looking for inspiration for something to suit all tastes and styles.
putting looks together. Customers can The lighting collection features floor
easily check availability, place and track and table lamps; ceiling, pendant and
orders and access their invoice history. wall lights, and outdoor lighting, again
One of the latest additions to the in a wide and varied selection of styles.
website is My Project Boards. Customers As well as being practical, lighting can
can create named boards to add products add ambience and interest to both
Below: Festive accessories
Bottom left: SS23 textiles to. If compiling a project for a client, or interior and exterior spaces.
Bottom right: Selection of SS23 mirrors if you want to share information with a The soft furnishings catalogue offers
colleague, the list of items on the board a very wide selection of lines, including
can be sent to you to share. Comments cushions; throws; bedding; kitchen
can be included, and individual items or and table textiles; seating pads and
everything on the board can be added occasional seating; doorstops and
to basket for easy ordering. draught excluders, and rugs, along with
Gallery Direct’s catalogue of home festive lines. It also features cushions,
interior products offers a wide range of throws and rugs for outdoor use.
accessories including soft furnishings, Stock is held in the UK, ready for quick
wall decor, decorative accessories and delivery by its in-house transport team.
lighting, designed to complement its Visit: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

84 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 BEST ACCESSORIES Scan the QR
code for more


SUPPLIER &
BEST WEBSITE

We’re delighted to announce that we’ve won Best

Accessories Supplier & Best Website in the Interiors

Monthly Awards 2023.

A huge thank you to everyone who nominated us, it is

fantastic to have our hard work and quality products

recognised and rewarded with this award and by everyone

who voted.

Leading by Design is key to our ethos across all our product

categories, our specialist designers have worked hard with

our dedicated global sourcing teams to create and develop

our comprehensive collection of Accessories, which offers

products to cover all budgets, without compromising on

quality or style

View our full collection online at www.gallerydirect.co.uk

GD Interiors Monthly - Full Page Ad 1707 3.indd 1 17/07/2023 15:28:08

 AWARDS

Furlong ‘We are delighted to have won this

award and sincerely thank the readers
Flooring of Interiors Monthly who voted and have
recognised our ongoing commitment to

Best Solid/ ensuring that our customers consistently

get industry-leading service levels,’

Engineered says Richard Richman, Furlong Flooring

national hardflooring sales director.
Wood Flooring ‘When it comes to creating an inviting
and character-filled home, nothing
Supplier compares to the natural beauty of wood.
At our core, we are dedicated to curating
‘Our Next Step engineered flooring
range includes a wealth of captivating
the finest wood flooring options, and designs and finishes. Whether you prefer
we take pride in continuously expanding the rustic charm of oak, the refined
our range to offer even more choices. beauty of lacquered walnut or the classic
‘From traditional oak wood planks to elegance of herringbone patterns, our
distressed wood flooring that gives a room collection offers something to suit every
that extra dash of personality, our ranges interior style.
are designed for easy fitting and cost- ‘The use of high-quality materials
conscious pockets. Practical, affordable and advanced engineering techniques
and family-friendly, the engineered wood ensures that each plank embodies the
range adds to our collection of flooring timeless elegance of hardwood, while
solutions for every need and positions us offering the resilience and practicality
as a one-stop shop. required for modern living. The essence
‘For customers wanting an authentic, of real hard wood combined with the
aged appearance our Urban Landscape engineered nature of our flooring makes
range includes French oak flooring, it an exceptionally durable choice. It
where hand-finishing techniques bring thrives in high-traffic areas, enduring
out an on-trend distressed and antique heavy footfall with grace and resilience.
look. Low maintenance and available in From bustling hallways and kitchen-
Top right: Mont Blanc
Below: Urban Landscape Parisian Oak seven on-trend decors, Urban Landscape diners to commercial meeting rooms
Below right: Scandic White is also suitable for underfloor heating. and halls, hardwood flooring effortlessly
stands the test of time, providing
excellent value for money from the
moment of installation.
‘Our commitment to sustainability
drives us to collaborate with carefully
selected suppliers who share our vision for
an eco-friendly future. It’s why we ethically
source these products and ensure that
our real wood flooring meets the tough
requirements set out by the UK Timber
Regulation (UKTR – formerly the EUTR).
We pride ourselves on ensuring that the
flooring we supply meets the required
standards for commercial projects.
‘We extend our sincere gratitude
once again to readers for recognising
and encouraging our commitment to
delivering outstanding service and
exceptional wood flooring choices.’
Visit: www.furlongflooring.com

86 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 Commercially
rated

Ethically
sourced Explore the
real character of
Delivery to your natural hardwood
door within
24/48hrs – as unique as
you are.
Suitable for Domestic
or commercial
purposes

We hold UK stock
and allow contractors
to draw down as
required

Scan here for more

information on our
wood flooring ranges

DARTFORD STONEHOUSE
01322 628700 01452 228480 Alternatively, visit furlongflooring.com
PRESTON DUBLIN or email [email protected]
01772 316155 +353-1-4092000

CARPET | LUXURY VINYL TILES | L A M I N AT E | WOOD | VINYL

 AWARDS

Mattressgard
Best Mattress
Protection
Provider

‘I am absolutely delighted that we have aimed for a policy without ambiguity,

been awarded Best Mattress Protection with exceptional service and supported
Provider for 2023. This award is a great by outstanding care products. If we
honour for us and a testament to the introduced clarity for both customer and
hard work and dedication of our team. salesperson, we would have a product
We are proud to have been nominated by that delivers the very best service. Over
our customers and to have received this the past 17 years, Staingard has retained
award, which recognises our excellence those values, precipitating growth in all
in this category. We are committed areas and allowing us to diversify with
to providing our customers with the so many different care products.
highest quality products and exceptional ‘For a furniture retailer, Staingard is
customer service, and this award is a now the place to go for all value-added
validation of our efforts,’ says Paul Aiston, products, adding value to their customers’
Mattressgard md. purchases and supporting their margin.
‘We would like to thank our customers Whether they need Insured care plans,
and partners for their continued support Mattressgard mattress protectors,
and for recognising our commitment to furniture repair products or leather care
excellence. We could not have achieved kits, Staingard can provide the solution.
this without your trust and loyalty. ‘What other benefits does working
‘When Staingard was launched in with Staingard offer? We hold extensive
2006, it was a new venture into an stock in the UK, and in most cases within
extremely established market, and we 48 hours we can receive your order,
knew that we could not afford to be “just fill, label, assemble, pack and dispatch
another warranty provider”. The FCA products, personalised to your brand
hadn’t long been involved with furniture if required. This is another area where
warranties at that stage, and it’s fair to we have led the way. After years of
say the reputation of the industry could development, our brand is strong. The
have been better. With Staingard we Staingard name inspires confidence, but
so too does your brand. That’s why we
championed personalisation for short-
run orders, be it care kits or mattress
protectors, to enable you to have the
benefits of one of our great products but
carrying your company name.
‘We will continue to work hard to
maintain our position as a leading provider
of furniture warranties and mattress
protection products and to exceed your
expectations. Thank you for your support
and for being a part of our success.’
Visit: www.staingard.co.uk

88 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 Award Winning Home Care
Thank you for awarding us Best Mattress Protection
Provider 2023 in the Interiors Monthly Awards!

www.staingard.co.uk

FURNITURE
CARE &
REPAIR

LEATHER
CARE &
REPAIR

2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

Best Mattress Protection Winners - For the last 5 years!

Go to staingard.co.uk or call 01244 888 658 to learn more about how Staingard’s comprehensive
furniture care products can enhance your consumer experience and your margins.
 AWARDS

COREtec We all want to get back to nature, but

most of us don’t want a lot of extra work
a dictionary of COREtec floor care
would be a very short work. You get

Best Rigid Floor to do. And that’s how it is with your

floor. You’d love warm wood or sturdy
the natural look you want for your
home, without all that effort.

Manufacturer stone, but there’s all the work involved

in keeping your new floor beautiful.
‘The natural look? It’s still there.
We’ve just added 21 new designs to the
With the improved Naturals collection collection including six new herringbone
from COREtec you can enjoy natural colours. Looking ahead to 2024, New
beauty without the effort. The floor is a Naturals will merge two of our existing
technological triumph: highly resistant to collections: Naturals and MegaStone.
wear and impact, and not afraid of water. Just as in the circle of life we see in
Nature is beautiful but it’s fragile. A nature, the best floors come back
wooden floor may swell and warp if it around, supplemented with
gets wet. Stains penetrate deep into the contemporary innovations.
grain. A stone floor will be vulnerable to ‘You can also carry aesthetics of your
scratches and stains. new floor onto the walls, creating a
‘What if we could add supernatural feeling of harmony and spaciousness.
powers to natural beauty? That’s exactly Looking for an eye-catcher? You might
what we have achieved with our Naturals think about a niche or an accent wall in
flooring. Click laminate has certainly a coordinated design or a contrasting
made floor installation easier, but the colour. Or go for a splashback in the
wood fibre core makes it very vulnerable kitchen. The possibilities are endless.
to water damage. Our innovative core ‘This collection is as diverse as nature
material doesn’t swell even if you soak it itself. Like the look of a herringbone
in a bucket of water. And you won’t hear floor? You can have one. With or without
the “tap tap” footstep sound you get grooves? On two or four sides of each
from laminate,’ says Thibault Lanchon, board? The choice is yours. We even have
COREtec quality manager. different types of grooving to choose
‘Scrubbing, waxing, sanding, from: the classical V or an innovative
varnishing, polishing… you could fill groove with a gently rounded form.
Below: Raven a dictionary with words about the Something else striking about the new
Below right: Acorn maintenance a natural floor needs. But additions: you don’t just see the texture
of the board or tile, you can actually feel
the way the grain runs. True luxury is, of
course, found in the details.
‘The core of your floor panels is
covered with a robust vinyl layer carrying
the design. It’s impossible to distinguish
it from the real thing. There’s a further
0.55mm wear layer above that. Animal
claws, shoes, chair legs? No problem. Our
floors come with a lifetime guarantee
in domestic settings, and a 10-year
guarantee for commercial installations.
‘There’s another clever invention below
the core. An integrated cork underlay
smooths out most unevenness in the
underlying surface. So this flooring can
be laid over an existing floor with no
need for a separate underlay. Cork also
provides even more noise-dampening.’
Visit: www.coretecfloors.com

90 Interiors Monthly August 2023

BARK - 50 LVPE 856

wear resistant easy to maintain 100% waterproof

coretecfloors.eu
 AWARDS

SMG SMG is all about supporting the

independent retailer – and being
discounts, promotions and rebates, but
as well as this retailers are offered the

Best Buying awarded Best Buying Group (Flooring)

by Interiors Monthly readers is a fabulous
opportunity to de-brand as much or as
little as they wish in-store. Retailers can

Group (Flooring) validation of that ethos. SMG has

something for every retailer, large or
develop their own bespoke branding
featuring their store name, with artwork
small, long established or just starting designed and POS supplied by the group
out. Members run their business as they to the retailer’s specification.
see fit but gain maximum advantage What’s more, retailers can purchase
from the most comprehensive package contemporary unitary under the Pure
of benefits available. Carpets and Pure Flooring brands: for
With the group now representing which they can choose products from a
more than 440 retail outlets in the comprehensive portfolio of top sellers,
UK, SMG is adding to its flooring even without a direct account.
proposition regularly and offers In line with SMG’s core principles,
members the opportunity to link-sell member retailers decide how they want
furniture and beds, as well as providing to run their own business, with as much
a comprehensive business support or as little retail support as they require.
package that is second to none. With the lowest membership fees of any
Independent retailers are attracted group and no requirement for retailers
to joining SMG as the group guarantees to attend AGMs or serve on the board,
that members can retain their complete retail members have total freedom to
independence yet at the same time run their business – but with more profit.
benefit from preferential discounts, The key driver for SMG has always
rebate schemes and promotions from been to create profitable partnerships
a comprehensive range of approved between members and approved
suppliers. Members can also access suppliers. Both have the same goals,
products from any approved supplier and SMG continues to deliver more
via SMG’s Central Purchasing Scheme, sales and greater profitability for each.
even without a direct account. With all of these benefits, SMG really
Below: Members decide on as much or SMG supports retailers in selling does have something for every retailer.
as little retail support as they require branded supplier products with excellent Visit: www.smg-group.co.uk

92 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 A National Partnership
of Independent
Flooring Retailers

Helping independent
retailers rise above
the rest.

[email protected] Winner of Best

0118 932 3832 Buying Group
www.smg-group.co.uk 2023.
 AWARDS

Julian Bowen Julian Bowen has been voted Best

Furniture Wholesaler by Interiors Monthly
product developments, which has
provided significant growth and revenue

Best Furniture readers for the twelfth consecutive year,

while retaining its Best Customer Service
for the business.
Julian Bowen is also known as an

Wholesaler (Furniture) award. With this continuing

success, the Julian Bowen team is more
FSC-certified company devoted to
working closely with suppliers providing
determined than ever to deliver the sustainable raw materials.
highest quality furniture offering greater ‘We have driven forward with new
value for money while fulfilling leading product development capabilities, which
customer service. has provided a fundamental step for
‘As a team we are very proud of enhancing the customer proposition,
achieving these awards for another focusing hugely on FSC reclaimed
consecutive year. Delivering customers products and sustainability. Recently
satisfaction is at the forefront of our we have launched the wonderful
business and we believe that it is our reclaimed FSC Heritage bedroom,
place to ensure that we are providing Chatsworth extending dining table
a much easier and more accessible bench set and the FSC Woburn collection,
customer fulfilment. We are honoured which since launch have been very
that our customers continue to show successful. Both ranges provide unique
their support for Julian Bowen, and as characteristics, with a rustic and country
a business we are driven to improve style that appears to be a growing trend
Below: Murano TV unit product fulfilment and delivering to the throughout the marketplace.
Bottom left: Olympus dining table in
Black Marble highest levels to meet our customers’ full ‘We continue to grow as business, and
Bottom right: Renzo bar stool expectations,’ says Emmett Lenaghan, have a clear focus on increasing our new
Julian Bowen md. product pipeline with a clear objective
The company’s key attribute is to achieve the best possible outcome
providing the highest quality at all price for our customers: offering a broader
points. This is hugely supported by range of products, flexible distribution
supply chain and stock management solutions and bespoke development
incorporating a skilful buying and design while enhancing buying power for our
team, and domestic and international customers’ advantage. Throughout the
quality control teams that have worked business we aim to provide a much
closely with select leading manufacturers. easier and more flexible way to trade
Collectively they continue to be focused with Julian Bowen.’
on functional and innovative new Visit: www.julian-bowen.co.uk

94 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 JULIAN
BOWEN

The Chicago Occasional Range

Bentinck House, Park Lane Business Park, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Notts NG17 9LE
tel: (01623) 727374 email: [email protected] web: www.julian-bowen.co.uk

All Products are available for Direct Home Delivery

JB 170723 FN 297x216 Chicago•.indd 1 18/07/2023 15:27

 AWARDS

Floorwise ‘A unique ability to develop and source

products that provide the perfect balance
without compromising performance.
‘It is this forward-thinking approach

Best Flooring of quality and value, and our growing

network of independent flooring
to product development that helps to
keep Floorwise as one of the country’s

Wholesaler wholesalers, have combined once again

to see Floorwise voted Best Flooring
leading installation accessories and
products suppliers, but we’ve also spent
Wholesaler by Interiors Monthly readers. four decades committed to delivering
We’re proud to be your number one the very best in quality and value.
wholesale choice and believe our success ‘From affordable PU underlays that
is not just down to an impressive product give support beneath low-cost carpets
range, but also the local knowledge and right through to our Max Reflections
expertise of our independent group profile collection, with its smart chrome
members. From Cornwall to Glasgow, and brushed steel nickel finishes to
you’ll find wholesalers that are willing to complement modern door furniture,
go the extra mile to support their local switches and sockets; we’re focused on
retailers and will take the time to really making sure our products deliver beyond
understand your needs,’ says Richard expectation without breaking the bank.
Bailey, Floorwise md. ‘That’s why fantastic floors start with
‘Our wholesalers carry a wide range Floorwise and why our wholesalers are
of Floorwise installation products, recognised for their ability to supply
including market-leading PU underlays, retailers with high quality installation
profiles and tools, as well as innovative products that are also excellent value.
products like our award-winning 100% Together with the best that independent
dichloromethane-free F597 Heavy operation has to offer, it’s a winning
Duty Spray Adhesive. This product combination. We’d like thank readers for
formulation was developed exclusively their continued support and for making
with the fitter and retailer in mind, Floorwise their Best Flooring Wholesaler.’
bringing a healthier way to spray Visit: www.floorwise.co.uk

96 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 Fantastic floors
start with floorwise

UNDERLAY
ADHESIVES
SCREEDS
PROFILES
GRIPPER
TOOLS
TAPES
NOSINGS & TRIMS
MATTING
CARPET TILES

You can rely on our nationwide network of floorwise distributors

to bring quality and value to all your flooring installations

@floorwisehq @floorwise
 AWARDS

F Ball & Co
Best Customer
Service (Flooring)
The UK’s leading manufacturer of and adhesive selection, and provide
subfloor preparation products and an opportunity to use a range of F Ball
adhesives for floorcoverings, F Ball products. They include specialist courses
and Co has a long track record of for flooring retailers and a three-day
innovation focused on creating the course on achieving optimum results
next generation of products to help when installing LVT.
flooring professionals meet ever higher To help select the most suitable
customer expectations. This advanced adhesive for a particular installation
technology is backed by industry- and avoid the risk of costly floor failure,
leading customer service in order to F Ball produces its industry-acclaimed
get the most out of F Ball products. Recommended Adhesives Guide (RAG)
Support is provided by a team of for checking the compatibility of
regional technical representatives and adhesives and floorcoverings. It features
dedicated retail support staff, while adhesive recommendations for more
the company’s head office-based than 6,000 branded floorcoverings
technical service department is on from over 200 leading international
hand Monday to Friday to answer floorcovering manufacturers.
questions about subfloor preparation Every adhesive recommendation in
and floorcovering installation. The the RAG is only included in the guide
service allows industry professionals after the completion of a rigorous
to obtain expert advice on the best seven-week test programme and
course of action for a particular flooring endorsement of the recommendation
project when using F Ball products. by each floorcovering manufacturer.
Alternatively, enquiries can be made So confident is the company in the
via email or the company’s social media recommendations featured in the guide
channels. Customers can also request that it guarantees the resulting bond
virtual site visits, using video messaging will perform for the entire lifetime of
for a quick and convenient alternative the floorcovering.
to in-person site visits. This year is the 50th anniversary
Flooring professionals can also of RAG. A constantly updated version
consult F Ball’s digital resources. The of the guide is also available on the
F Ball website features a library of video F Ball website and as a mobile app,
tutorials covering all aspects of subfloor which is free to download. The
preparation and flooring installation. information about floorcovering/
The company is also committed to adhesive compatibility is updated by
helping flooring professionals acquire F Ball’s technical service department,
the skills needed to achieve the highest which is responsible for the testing
standards of floorcovering installation by involved in producing the guide.
providing free training courses at Alongside the customer support
the purpose-built F Ball Centre of comes the peace of mind of the F Ball
Excellence facility at its Staffordshire guarantee, which certifies that products
headquarters. will perform for the entire lifetime of
Training programmes, which run a flooring installation, as long as the
year-round, are led by experts from advised subfloor preparation and
within the company and cover subfloor installation procedures are followed..
preparation, moisture management Visit: www.f-ball.com

98 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 MADE IN GREAT BRITAIN

A GUARANTEED
PERFORMANCE FOR
LUXURY VINYL TILES
Our System LVT guarantee
gives flooring contractors the
reassurance needed for all LVT
installations. Our range helps
flooring contractors achieve the
best results when a resilient,
attractive finish is required.

To find out more visit f-ball.com or call 01538 361 633.

A great finish starts with F. Ball.

22162_F_BALL_INTERIORS_MONTHLY_210x297.indd 1 04/01/2023 10:30

 AWARDS

Julian Bowen Julian Bowen has won the Best Customer

Service (Furniture) award for the ninth
Products are delivered direct to the
customer’s warehouse facility with fully

Best Customer year in succession.

‘We are proud of winning this award
landed prices and quality assure, with
a significant price advantage. This has

Service for the ninth consecutive year. As a team,

customer service is front and centre in
been a huge priority for the company
alongside detailed attention to its order
(Furniture) ensuring complete customer satisfaction,
and we couldn’t have won this award
management and supply chain support
throughout the UK and internationally.
without the constant support from the Due to the fast-evolving environment
entire workforce at Julian Bowen. The throughout the industry, Julian Bowen
whole team is very customer focused, is constantly developing and investing
from our devoted customer-facing in new staff and training within
team within sales and customer service its departments, with a significant
support to the experienced distribution investment in IT and warehousing to
and logistics staff, buying, finance provide the best possible support. Its
teams and domestic and international new JPOP self-service customer portal
quality control teams. They have worked has been developed to enable customers
exceptionally closely with our customers to have direct access to the business at
to ensure we are meeting their full all times with individually tailored
expectations, and we continue to strive solutions and all the information they
to deliver an excellent service, to ensure require on products and pricing, with the
that our customers come first,’ says ability to place orders and pay invoices.
Emmett Lenaghan, Juian Bowen md. This has been a real game-changer.
Alongside the drive to deliver ‘As a team, everything we do is
Below: Mallory sideboard
Bottom left: Chicago lamp table exceptional service the business is steered to give our customers the best
Bottom right: Eden bed focused on multiple delivery solutions to possible outcome. Throughout the
meet the differing needs of its customers. business, everyone knows that we put
Speed to market is critical, with a choice our customers at the forefront. We are
of commercial deliveries to stores, exceptionally proud to have won the
drop-shop collection and direct home Interiors Monthly award for customer
delivery offering maximum flexibility and service for another consecutive year.
ensuring customers receive a first-class We are thankful for the continuing
service. The company has fine-tuned its support from our customers, and we
Direct Container full-fulfilment service guarantee that we will keep working
offering standard and exclusive products, to our very best ability to improve in
tailored to customers’ requirements everything that we do.’
in design, branding and product mix. Visit: www.julian-bowen.co.uk

100 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 AWARDS

Ordorite ‘We are very proud and grateful to have

been awarded Best Software Provider
multi-label barcode scanners to receive,
put away and locate goods as well as to

Best Software (Furniture) for 2023 by the readers of

Interiors Monthly. Coming so close on
load them, ensuring that your delivery
team doesn’t leave that crucial fourth

Provider the heels of our European award win,

we think it vindicates our approach to
box of six in the warehouse, forcing
you to make another delivery with
(Furniture) product development and commitment
to the furniture and bedding retail
all the associated costs and customer
frustrations. It could be that you want
sector,’ says Stephen Connolly, Ordorite up-to-the-minute commission reporting
Software founder and ceo. to save time on payroll, or to analyse
‘It would be easy to sit back, marketing sales performance by a specific set of
software that has had no significant metrics, such as time of day, customer
development for years whilst the cost- postcode or warranty hit rate. Vision
to-benefit ratio ramps up for customers. IQ is a reporting tool that allows
It’s different at Ordorite. In 2022, 40% of creation of bespoke reports to fit your
revenue was ploughed back into research requirements. OrdoConnect even has a
and development. This year it’s 60%. To team chat facility to enable you to pass
stand still is to die in most industries but on information, instructions or receive
particularly in software, and I’m delighted feedback from specific groups such as
with the ground-breaking new releases sales teams or store managers.
we’ve been able to share with our clients. ‘Our single-minded focus and expertise
‘OrdoConnect is the standout: it’s mean that we are not trying to do it
the heart of Ordorite. OrdoConnect is all – building websites or becoming
a completely new platform that takes payment providers. That doesn’t work.
all the benefits of each of the dozens We know you will need these things, so
of Ordorite modules and centralises Ordorite facilitates your business growth
them in a single hub to view all areas by providing simple, robust integrations
of the business. It uses a combination with most of the significant third-party
of latest generation technology and service providers, be that web platforms,
advanced algorithms to take the strain. reputation management, couriers,
Our aim is to enable clients to receive accounting or payment services. We aim
the benefits of Ordorite immediately to continue our product development
and get a return on investment quicker. but also to grow our team: we will be
‘That could be via the single view hiring for the UK and Republic of Ireland
Below: The Ordorite team at January showing the status of vehicles; capacity; in customer success and research and
Furniture Show
Below right: OrdoConnect is a single hub scheduling; picking; loading, on delivery development in the coming months.’
to view all areas of the business and routing. Or it could be the use of Visit: www.ordorite.com

102 Interiors Monthly August 2023

THE FUTURE OF FURNITURE RETAIL

COMPLEX BUSINESS PROCESS MADE EASY

Route builder & Automated customer

capacity planner communication

Action & prompt Department

based customer service KPI dashboards

Online customer delivery Advanced product

scheduling & payment management & auditing

INTERIORS Phone: +44 203 2861 202

AWARDS

MONTHLY [email protected]

A W ARDS 2011 www.ordorite.com

WINNER
WINNER 2023
 AWARDS

Orbital Vision ‘We are over the moon and cannot thank
the readers of Interiors Monthly enough
only increasing within the interiors world.
From 3D product configurators and

Best CGI for voting for us for Best CGI Software

Supplier. This fantastic award is one to
AR to 3D-walkthroughs of showrooms,
the industry is gearing up for a new age

Software add to our ever-growing collection: it’s

truly so rewarding to be recognised by
of selling.
‘We’ve been working hard developing
Supplier the furniture industry as one of, if not the
leading UK CGI agency for furniture and
Envision, our 3D product configurator.
This has increased our clients’ sales by
interiors,’ says Alice Clarke, Orbital Vision an average of 30% and has had a great
sales and marketing director. impact on their online presence. Envision
‘We’re the one-stop-shop for the allows users to endlessly customise a
industry when it comes to imagery and product. The size, body fabric, piping,
marketing collateral, which is something buttoning, leg colour and scatter
we’re incredibly proud to shout about, combinations can all be changed to
as this is something most other agencies fit your personal style. Envision uses
cannot provide. Even some of the biggest 3D, 360deg models, so users can see
companies in terms of workforce can every detail of a product, at any angle.
only provide their clients with model Shoppers can also view products in their
builds and product cut-outs. The diverse own home with our app-less AR feature,
skillset of our Orbital team means that so they can test whether a product fits
we are able to provide our clients with the space without having to purchase.
everything they need to sell a product This means customer expectations are
online: still imagery, animations, better managed, and our clients see a
photorealistic lifestyle shoots, 3D reduction in return rates of up to 80%.
product configurators, web design, sales ‘As another year has passed, we’d love
collateral, the list goes on! As our team is to sit back and reflect on everything
UK based, something that seems to be a we’ve achieved: from growing our team
rarity these days, and in Long Eaton, the and client base to investing in the newest
UK’s centre for furniture, we know our tech and building our library of digital
clients’ target audiences and styles down assets, but we are constantly pushing
to the finer details. ourselves to see what we can achieve. We
‘As our bread and butter is creating are thrilled to see what the latter months
the most photorealistic 3D fabrics, of 2023 bring, what projects we’ll work
materials, products and shoot locations, on, and who we’ll begin, or continue,
we wanted to test how much we can to develop excellent professional
impact the customer journey with the relationships with.’
help of CGI. The use of technology is Visit: www.orbital.vision

104 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 Upgrade your customer experience &
accelerate sales with our award winning
3D product configurator, Envision

Choose your fabric

Filter by fabric:

All fabrics

Clever vintage linen ?

Spill-resistant

Battleship Carnelian Lagoon Canary

Cobalt Duck Egg Folly Tulip

House fabric ? AR Object

Cobblestone Grey Seal View 3D models

Clever velvet ?
in your room!
360

Dark Blue Grey Navy Blue Lime

Scan me

www.orbital.vision
[email protected] | 01332 552 212
 AWARDS

V12 Retail ‘Five years, five wins! A huge thank you

to everyone who voted for us in this
to any business: whether that’s a “plug
and play” facility for your store or website
Finance year’s Interiors Monthly Awards – we’re
delighted to have been voted Best
or fully bespoke. It’s not just furniture
we finance, we work with national and

Best Finance Finance Provider once again. At V12 we

work hard to really understand how POS
independent retailers of all sizes across
a wide range of markets who are selling

Provider credit can unlock your sales potential.

Our cutting-edge, technology-led
to customers in-store and online. Our
expertise in matching the right retail
approach helps retailers give customers finance product to each sector and
the freedom to purchase how, when and business means we can make a big
where they want,’ says Andrew Phillips, impact on your business growth. We
V12 Retail Finance commercial director. also have finance options for non-FCA
‘We understand that every business is regulated retailers. You can trust us to
different, which is why we’re flexible. We do right by you and your customers.
work with nationals and independents ‘To all the existing retailers we work
Below: V12’s platform can be plug and
play or bespoke on the high street and online to improve with and customers we’ve helped, a huge
Bottom: Offering finance can boost sales their customer journey and increase thank you for your continued support.
sales. We make the process as easy We’re over the moon and very grateful
as possible, from our rapid system to everyone who took the time to vote
integration to the customer application for us. We continue to work exceptionally
form. We’re proud to offer intelligent hard to help retailers power sales through
technology combined with strong intelligent finance solutions. We pride
financial backing and sector expertise. ourselves on finding new and specialist
Reliable retail finance technology that ways to help your customers pay for the
really works. things they want. Watch this space for
‘The V12 platform is simple and some new and exciting developments.’
adaptable, which means it can be tailored Email: [email protected]

106 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 POWER
YOUR SALES
With intelligent
retail finance

5 year winners
Best Finance Provider

www.v12retailfinance.com
 AWARDS

Castelan ‘A huge “thank you”, once again, to the

readers of Interiors Monthly who voted
the needs of your customer base, making
them appropriate to the customer’s

Best Warranty Castelan as Best Warranty Provider for

2023. We get plenty of great feedback
need, relatable for your colleagues
to understand and sell, and they are

Provider from satisfied customers, but to be voted

for by our own clients, and by those to
compliant with all FCA requirements.
‘With over 100 technicians, we have
whom we are talking and looking to form all areas of the UK and Ireland covered
partnerships, is a great testament to how and are delivering an average lead
we are viewed in the sector. This is the time of five working days in most areas.
seventh year in a row we have won this This is the kind of service that your
award and we are extremely proud of customer has come to expect, and we
the trust our clients put in us to look after are committed to growing our network
their customers’ needs and provide high- of technicians as the volume of our work
quality products that support the sale,’ increases. We make 120,000 home visits
says Martin Napper, Castelan ceo. per year and are experts in all types of
‘Here at Castelan we have continued furniture products and repairs.
to develop all areas of our business and ‘When it comes to care product
stand ready to support existing and solutions, we are now able to offer a
new clients with products and services range of small, medium and large Care
that can really add value. Our insured Kits for leather, fabric, cabinet and carpet.
protection plans now include the highest We have a great range of PremierCare
level of protection for your customer branded kits but can also brand to your
that is available in the furniture warranty own identity with logos and images.
market. Our schemes are tailored to meet These products offer tremendous
additional value to the customer as well
as increasing your average transaction
value – a win-win situation. We also
offer a range of UK-sourced mattress
protectors, which again are a valuable
add-on product when selling beds.
‘With Consumer Duty now in effect,
we must be sure that we all “act to
deliver good outcomes for retail
customers”, as this is a key principle that
is expected of us all in the distribution
chain. We would be delighted to talk to
any retailer looking to partner with us
for protection plans, care products and
service provision, and to explain why
we are consistently the Best Warranty
Provider,’ says Napper.
Visit: www.castelangroup.com

108 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 i t a g ai n!
we’ve done AWARDS

Best Warranty2011
AWARDS Provider

g !
WINNER 2023

th year r u n n i n
7
... for a 

Trust has to be earned.

That’s why so many clients trust us, year after year, to provide:
Compliant insured warranty schemes
‘First Year Liability’ service delivery
Comprehensive Care Product ranges
Commercial build and refurbishment
To find out how we can help your business
call our Business Development Team on
0330 024 0315 or email [email protected]

Your customers love us too!

www.castelangroup.com
 AWARDS

Guardsman The Guardsman team is celebrating again

as it takes home the Interiors Monthly
80% of those claims on the first visit,
delivering the best customer journey

Best Product Award for Best Product Protection

(Furniture).
possible,’ says Will Taylor, Guardsman
technical manager.

Protection ‘This is such a great honour for us to

win this accolade again. I am so proud
‘We believe in the power and success
of the training programme we carry
(Furniture) of everyone in our team, from the sales,
training and marketing division who
out throughout the year. We only
use industry experts, who share their
collectively work so hard to maintain our knowledge, experience and best practice,
retail partnerships, to our claims team ensuring that our technician network can
who make sure customers are receiving truly be called the best of the best.’
the best possible service and outcome. After a recent training event involving
Not forgetting our talented repair more complex and difficult-to-repair
networks who apply their incredible materials such as high-gloss marble and
wealth of experience and expertise in stone, technicians were able to evidence
repairing and restoring furniture. The and show improvement from an average
results are truly stunning, restoring what 80% first-time visit repairs to 95%-100%.
are often big-ticket purchases back to ‘We are so privileged to have a network
their original state after those everyday who actively engage with us, who want
accidents that we know happen. I would to learn and improve their craft as well as
like to extend my sincere thanks to each sharing it with the next generation. There
and every person in our team for their is an active desire by technicians to share
hard work and professionalism, as well their expert skills and mentor young
as our retail partners for their continued apprentices, safeguarding their craft and
support and, of course, the Interiors unique talents for future generations.
Monthly readership,’ says Mark Potter, This provides Guardsman with a unique
Guardsman md. service provision to complement our
Guardsman, which boasts a UK-wide furniture protection plans.
network of mobile furniture experts ‘Thank you to everyone who took
Technicians visited more than from SMART repair technicians and the time to vote for us. We are thrilled to
50,000 customers’ homes in 2022 stain removal technicians to regional have won this award again. This has been
workshop-based specialists, attributes a year of big changes for Guardsman, so
part of its success to the wealth of it gives me even greater pleasure that
expert skills held within the network. we have again delivered and have been
‘Last year we visited more than recognised by this award from Interiors
50,000 customers’ homes to restore their Monthly readers,’ says Potter.
furniture, and fixed an industry-leading Tel: 01235 444 700

110 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 Best Product Protection
Provider 2023

If you are interested in our award winning products and services

then get in touch!
01235 444700 / [email protected]
 AWARDS

Stroolmount Stroolmount has won the Interiors

Monthly Award for Best Product

Best Product Protection (Flooring) for the fifth year

in a row.

Protection ‘This is a tremendous achievement

for a family-run specialist protection
(Flooring) company that prides itself on the quality
of its products and the quality of its
service. Since we started in 2007 we’ve
stuck to a very simple formula: we’re
100% committed to supplying the very
best products and accessories and giving
you the same level of service as if you
were our own family,’ says Gill Finch,
Stroolmount md. ‘With solutions from just 1p, it’s best
Stroolmount has flooring to act before you scratch,’ says Finch.
protection needs covered for retailers, Stroolmount’s Protect and Care Rug
manufacturers, architects and interior & Mat Stayfast underlay has dual layers
designers. Its Self-adhesive Felts are for both carpets and smooth floors in
superior quality furniture tips, with one underlay. The premium quality
stronger adhesive and thicker felt than underlay features double protection: the
many others. For longer term protection, grey side stops it creeping on carpets,
the award-winning, interchangeable while the black side stops it slipping on
Quickclick Glides protect floors, reduce smooth floors. The two layers are stitched
noise and reduce stress on furniture together to create the best anti-slip and
joints: ideal for dining chairs that are anti-creep performance. As a cushioning
scraped back and forth. layer for mats and rugs it makes them
‘We also have Furniglides, so you can toe-scrunchingly soft, plus they keep
move the heaviest furniture, even recliner their looks for longer. It safeguards wood
Above right: Protect and Care POS
Below: Self-adhesive Felts sofas, without scarring your flooring. and delicate floor surfaces from abrasion,
Below right: Stayfast underlay And our Move-it Pads are fitters’ best- wear and scratches, so your floor lasts
kept secret: they slide furniture around longer too.
like it’s on ice. Visit: www.stroolmount.co.uk

112 Interiors Monthly August 2023

2020 2021 2022 2023

INTERIORS

AWARDS
MONTHLY
A W ARDS 2011
WINNER
WINNER 2023

SHOW
F LO ORING BER 2023
THE SEPTEM
17-19 OGATE
HARR
 AWARDS

BFM ‘We were delighted to learn that the

British Furniture Manufacturers secured

Best Business an Interiors Monthly accolade in the

2023 awards. It’s a testament to all at the

Support BFM – our staff, the board and the wider

team – who work hard to support our
Retail members can participate in
the Future of Furniture campaign
(Furniture) members and the industry overall. That
work includes new initiatives and a mix are also eligible to participate in the
of the tried and trusted which have seen BFM’s new Future of Furniture campaign.
the BFM continue to go from strength to ‘Since its launch, BFM has attracted
strength,’ says Phil Spademan, BFM md. new members to retail membership,
‘Launched at the January Fabric including Furniture Village and ScS,
Show this year, the Approved Retailer contributing to the 5.9% growth across
membership category for furniture all categories, including associate and
retailers recognises companies committed manufacturer, in recent months. Numbers
to selling and promoting British-made continue to grow as we strengthen our
goods. It is open to retailers across the offer and provide compelling benefits
UK and is supported with a new code to join. These include a number of
of practice that will demonstrate a upcoming events that members can
Below: Phil Spademan commitment to customer service and get involved with, such as the regional
Bottom: Furniture Component Expo
will take place at Telford International show a pathway towards net zero carbon. meetings scheduled to take place in the
Centre next April ‘To be admitted to membership, north in the autumn and the south in
retailers must sell products made by November, as well as free webinars on
British furniture manufacturers in the health and safety and the environment.
UK, although not exclusively. As an The Future of Furniture Campaign tells
approved retailer, they receive marketing member stories about pioneering work in
material to help them inform customers sustainability and innovation.
of British-made products, and gain access ‘It’s an exciting time for the BFM and
to a range of BFM benefits to support our team looks forward to developing
their commercial activities and staff even more initiatives to ensure we offer
members. These include, but are not value and engagement for our members.
limited to, an Approved Retail Member A major focus for the team this year is the
logo, access to industry reports and inaugural Furniture Component Expo,
news, commercial legal and HR advice sponsored by the VITA Group, which will
and organised networking events. They take place at the Telford International
Centre on 24-25 April. We have created a
dedicated website to keep the industry
up to date on the show: fcexpo.co.uk.
The event has been well received across
the industry, with the BFM already seeing
support from manufacturing partners,
who are signposting suppliers to attend.
‘The seminar programme will feature
topics such as regulations, sustainability
and regulatory frameworks. An
Innovatiom Trail and a wider industry
discussion including import/export and
the global economy are being developed.
Exhibitors are invited to sponsor the
event and/or seminar theatre and can
book space at the theatre as well.’
Visit: www.bfm.org.uk

114 Interiors Monthly August 2023

A one-stop shop for everything in
the furniture manufacturing
supply chain.

Telford International Centre, Telford, UK

24 and 25 April 2024

Enquire about exhibiting today

www.fcexpo.co.uk

Where furniture takes shape

Headline
Sponsor
 AWARDS

Metro Group Back in the 1970s the pressure on

independent retailers to compete against
resources means that Metro members
have a wealth of experience and facilities

Best Marketing the multiple-outlet retailers became

very real. In the north-west of England
custom-made to suit the independent
flooring retailer’s needs.

Support a handful of retailers got together to

create The Metro Group: a concept where
The marketing service is completely
mobile and equipped with printers,
(Flooring) combined buying power meant that
independents could realistically compete.
cutters, tools and access equipment.
Backed by a studio in the north-east of
In the 40 years since, a lot has England, the four-strong team travels the
changed in the marketplace. No longer four corners of the UK working on-site
just looking to achieve the best terms with members on whatever project
and prices, Metro has been expanded they need assistance with, from iron-on
dramatically to also assist its members to labels and price cards to complete shop
sell the best-performing products in the signage and vehicle graphics.
marketplace at a profit. Almost everything can also be
What has been developed is a group produced in-house, so there’s no need to
of independent retailers from the wait as the team design, print, laser and
Below: Window panels for Mercian Carpets smallest one-man operation to CNC-cut almost anything that a retailer
despatched by carrier multiple-outlet businesses. Retaining would need to promote their business,
Bottom: The Carpet Stop CNC cut sign with independence is important to Metro to be fitted on-site or despatched by
laser-cut acrylic letters fitted on-site in Derby
Bottom right: Grosvenor Carpets van Group members, who are given the carrier to any location in the UK.
graphics installed on-site in Bournemouth opportunity to participate in group Another benefit of group membership
activity which is always optional and is Carpet 1st’s own-label display and/or
very rarely compulsory. This allows them display conversion to own-label. Most
to use all of the best benefits of group retailers understand the benefit of
membership while being 100% in control rebranding but so often they don’t
of their own businesses. have the ability to do this themselves.
Metro’s award-winning marketing Having the option to rebrand to
service has a distinct advantage: it is Carpet 1st, or even your own branding,
completely bespoke. Metro understands creates unique, profitable products
that retailers work in differing that are professionally displayed with
marketplaces and locations, so having well-designed POS and labelling.
access to a whole host of marketing Visit: www.carpet1st.co.uk

116 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 AWARDS

Lifestyle
Floors
Best Flooring
Website

Right: Consumers can search by product,

range name or colour
Below: There is a help section
Bottom: Consumers can search for local
stockists
Bottom right: The website features
a room visualiser
‘We are thrilled to be awarded Best ‘It was such an amazing surprise
Flooring Website. The website is a result that our efforts have been recognised
of the blood, sweat and tears of a small by the readers of Interiors Monthly. Thank
group of dedicated people. We tried you, everyone,’ says Inga Morris-Blincoe,
our level best to make it as intuitive and Lifestyle Floors general manager.
browsable and useful as possible. www.lifestyle-floors.co.uk

118 Interiors Monthly August 2023

Best Flooring
Website
2023

We are thrilled to be voted

Best Flooring Website 2023 by
the readers of Interiors Monthly.

Thank you!

www.lifestyle-floors.co.uk
The perfect
sales companion
Our website is intuative and easy
to use, helping your customers to
find their perfect floor.
Montego Bay - Coral Reef
Product information such as
backing, wear warranty, wear
classification and other key selling
points are all readily available.

Find a retailer
in seconds
 Beautiful
product
photography
and roomsets

Free A5
samples
Up to five A5 samples can be
ordered completely free -
perfect for consumers to try
in their own home.

www.lifestyle-floors.co.uk
 AWARDS

Abingdon Wild Silk is the polyester carpet from

Abingdon Flooring that blends the fibre’s
that appears random and natural. The
colour variation enhances this feel and
Flooring practicality and softness with a classic
Berber look, thanks to its clever flecked
makes the carpet look like classic wool
twist, just softer and easier to clean. Like
– Wild Silk detail. Polyester yarns have grown in
popularity, in part driven by the fibre’s
other carpets in the Love Story collection
of which it is part, Wild Silk is bleach-

Innovation ease of cleaning and resilience, but also

because of a silk-like quality that creates
cleanable and comes with the Stainfree
for Life guarantee.

of the Year a luxurious and modern look.

However, that look is not for everyone
Using the Fleece backing, Wild Silk is
easy to install and adds extra comfort,
and can limit the fibre’s appeal, despite its even when used with a high-quality
practical properties. Abingdon Flooring underlay. There are a dozen unique
set about finding a way to change this and colours across grey and sandy neutrals
create a carpet with a more classic feel. to add to the carpet’s natural look, to suit
Wool’s natural colour variation – consumers looking for a more traditional
particularly within certain breeds of style that still offers the benefits of the
Below: Treasure Island
Bottom left: Silver Spoon sheep – and the warm and natural look of latest generation fibres. Made in Britain,
Bottom right: Hazy Grey Berber are in stark contrast to polyester’s Wild Silk shows what’s possible in modern
glossy sheen and intense colours, so it carpet and this one-of-a-kind range is
seemed the place to start to see how only available from Abingdon Flooring.
far the company could push polyester Abingdon Flooring would like to thank
and its manufacturing expertise. At its Interiors Monthly readers for recognising
development centre it researched just the innovation that has gone into Wild
what was possible with polyester. Silk. Everyone at the manufacturer
The result of this is the Berber-style looks forward to continuing to find new
fleck Wild Silk. The manufacturer adapted ways to ensure its carpets offer genuine
the manufacturing technique it uses advantage in the market.
for Wild Silk, so it has an irregular fleck Visit: www.abingdonflooring.co.uk

122 Interiors Monthly August 2023

INTERIORS MONTHLY AWARDS
2023 WINNER

Thank youe
to everyond
that vote
for us.

Get in Touch
[email protected]
www.abingdonflooring.co.uk
01274 655 694
 AWARDS

Greendale ‘Over the past 12 months, Greendale

has made a huge effort to highlight that
member focus. It has also highlighted
its commitment to the environment,
we are much more than a buying group with several recycle, upcycle and reuse
Editor’s Choice and that we are also an interior brand. schemes.

Best Flooring To receive this award is great recognition

of that effort we have put in,’ says Latona
‘We realise that as we grow, we have
a responsibility to do it in a sustainable
Brand Potter, Greendale Carpets & Flooring
marketing manager.
way,’ says Potter. ‘This year we have
started a collaboration with The Salvation
Greendale has made a big impact Army to help those less fortunate and
The buying group has a new logo, and over the past year, with a new consumer- end flooring poverty. This has been
has upped its social media presence and focused website, logo, corporate colour an extremely important project for us.
relaunched its website
and, above all, a revised marketing and Sending less waste to landfill has been
advertising strategy. another goal, and this year we will have
‘We needed to make sure we got our sent 20tonnes fewer than previous years.’
brand out there and into not only retailers’ Greendale is unique among buying
but consumers’ minds. By revamping groups, in that it stocks carpet: it has the
our website and our marketing to be capacity to carry up to 2,800 rolls at its
two-pronged – recruiting new members own purpose-built warehouse.
on the one hand, and driving consumer ‘The fact that we can carry stock, for
traffic into members’ stores on the other the exclusive use of our own members, is
– we have managed to deliver on both. a huge opportunity for us as an interior
Our website traffic is through the roof, brand. Not only do we have own-label
our engagement on social media has ranges, we can also offer ranges that
more than tripled, and we have regular no other retailer or buying group has
requests from home interest consumer available in the UK. We aim to cement
titles. our position as a leading interior brand,
‘Greendale has been prolific in its not only among buying groups but
social media output, with multiple posts within the flooring industry as whole.’
a day including images, animations and Visit: www.greendalecarpets.co.uk

124 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 Join Save Succeed
Greendale to gain access up to £3,200* a month with our professional
to all major suppliers when buying through re-branding and
under one account Greendale exclusivity

Cut down on admin time with The ability to stock gives Our unique branding
one statement and dedicated us huge price advantages and area of exclusivity
Customer Services handling - which are passed onto protect members from
your complaints members competition

‘I am thoroughly impressed, ‘Greendale always achieve the best ‘Greendale provide a huge amount
everyone is friendly, professional for members and constantly listen of support, always carried out to
and helpful. I’ve had tremendous and improve for our benefit. the highest standard of efficiency.
support in my new store, the display The group is owned by the It’s refreshing to deal with a group
and sampling looks great. I wouldn’t members, which makes it a who genuinely have your best
hesitate to recommend Green true community. interests at heart and go the extra
Group to any other retailers thinking I would highly recommend mile - for that Greendale will always
of joining’. this group’. have our unwavering support’.

Tim Barradell Paul Price James Oliver

Tim Baradell Flooring Classic Interiors of Malvern Cameron Lee Carpets
New Member – June 2023

Contact us for new member promotions

greendalecarpets.co.uk 01432 852000
*based on one of current member purchases through Greendale in November 2022 compared to manufacturers current list prices.
 AWARDS

Hypnos Comfort with integrity is a fundamental

of the Hypnos business: the brand
aspects that need to be considered to
find the true cost of a good night’s sleep,
consistently delivers luxurious mattresses including greenhouse gas emissions,
Editor’s Choice utilising responsibly sourced materials, biodiversity loss, waste and pollution,

Sustainability handmade to individual requirements.

Soon to be celebrating its 120th year,
inequality, and circularity in terms of
recycling. The key to any sustainability
(Furniture) this proud British mattress manufacturer
has a pioneering approach to sustainable
strategy, especially for a bed and
mattress company, should be wellness
bed-making, with the use of natural for people and the planet – providing
fibres being an integral part. This was durability together with the best possible
highlighted through Hypnos’ recognition sleep quality. Investing in a high-quality
at the recent Best of the Organic Market mattress or bed that lasts is also key
(BOOM) Awards organised by the organic for smart consumers as well as the
certifier the Soil Association. Its Organic environment. Hypnos offers a range of
collection achieved the Best of Organic specifications within its mattress range.
Market award within the Home category. After all, no two people are the same,
This year, Hypnos was the first UK so a ‘one size fits all’ sleep solution is
brand in any industry to introduce not possible.
British wool certified to the globally As a fifth-generation family-owned
recognised Responsible Wool Standard business, Hypnos’ mission is to inspire
from British assured farms. This further everyone to sleep more sustainably,
Below: The company has a partnership highlights its long-standing commitment making comfortable, stylish beds
with Woolkeepers to ethical supply chains with a traceable responsibly whilst making a positive
Bottom left: Hypnos won at the BOOM wool scheme that prioritises land environmental and social impact. From
awards
Bottom right: Hypnos is soon to be management, animal welfare and continually reducing its carbon footprint
celebrating its 120th year fairtrade in the UK. to establishing ethical partnerships,
Hypnos is also developing new sustainability and corporate social
innovations through research projects responsibility is embedded within the
that focus on plant-based solutions. Last business. Hypnos’ ongoing partnership
year it was recognised by the National with the Eden Project unifies its like-
Bed Federation and awarded the Bed minded approach to community support,
Component of the Year award for its sustainable living education and
new nettle fibre comfort layer, which sustainable product design. And with
is sourced from a social initiative in the a dedicated sustainability team, Hypnos
Nepalese Himalayas and has excellent is committed to being at the forefront
environmental and ethical credentials. of responsible bedmaking.
Of course, there are many different Visit:www.hypnosbeds.com

126 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 Comfort with Integrity ™

Handcrafting the ultimate in luxury mattresses and bed collections since 1904.
Sustainably made with uniquely traceable, award-winning fibres because great sleep shouldn’t cost the Earth.

hypnosbeds.com In partnership with

Carbon Neutral | Inspired by Nature | 100% Recyclable

4483 Hypnos Interiors Monthly Ad 210x297 aw.indd 1 18/07/2023 18:19

 AWARDS

Associated Associated Weavers’ approach to

sustainability is across the company,
particularly for carpet printing. The
company makes targeted investments
Weavers from product development to raw
material use and energy (its factory has
and optimises production processes
to reduce its water consumption
long had solar panels). sustainably. These efforts have been
Editor’s Choice Sustainability is at the heart of the successful: in 2020, the amount of water
company’s product development. It is needed per sqm of carpet was already
Sustainability increasingly opting for recycled materials 21% lower than in 2015.

(Flooring) for its products, thus helping to raise

awareness by encouraging consumers
Associated Weavers’ own biological
water purification installation purifies
to make eco-conscious choices. the company’s waste water. As a
With its Sedna brand, it was the first to result, 95% of contaminants in the
put super-soft carpet made with Econyl water are removed. Furthermore,
yarn on the residential market. Econyl 25% of this purified waste water
is a regenerated nylon yarn made from is not discharged but is reused for
waste materials such as discarded fishing processing, after undergoing additional
nets, old carpets and production waste. physicochemical purification. This rates
Sedna is now made up of 70% recycled as top performance in the sector. With
materials – Econyl and recycled PET – pilot testing of additional innovative
and through verified carbon offsetting technologies ongoing, the company
Below: Indus
Bottom left: Kai initiatives is the first to become carbon aims to increase water reuse by another
Bottom right: Varuna neutral from raw materials to finished 30% within five years.
carpet, also known as ‘cradle to gate’. Associated Weavers pursues a far-
Carpets in the Sedna and Gaia reaching waste-prevention policy
collections are fitted with ECO FusionBac and is constantly looking for efficient
textile backing made from 100% recycled solutions for the reuse and recycling
PET plastic bottles. of waste. Between 2015 and 2020 it
Gaia will be the first collection to use succeeded in reducing the amount
the new Re-Verse yarn. The solution- of waste it produced by 27%. Most of
dyed polyester is made from recycled the waste that cannot be avoided is
PET materials and has no impact on the treated by specialised waste processors
quality of the carpet: the quality is the and recycled into fibres, textiles and
same as if virgin materials were used. construction materials. Only a small
But the focus for Associated Weavers amount of residual waste is turned into
has not just been on products. fuel for cement ovens and power stations.
Water is an essential raw material, Visit: www.carpetyourlife.com

128 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 JOIN AW ON ITS QUEST
TOWARDS A MORE SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

www.sedna-carpet.co.uk www.gaia-carpet.co.uk

... AND YES!

A CARPET MADE FROM RECYCLED NYLON & PET MATERIALS IS JUST
AS HIGH QUALITY AS A CARPET MADE FROM VIRGIN MATERIAL

SHARE YOUR #associatedweavers

A UK brand
@associatedweavers
since 1964
www.associated-weavers.co.uk

AW UK eco story.indd 1 11/07/2023 12:54:14

 AWARDS

Beyond Wool ‘We are delighted that Furlong Flooring’s

Beyond Wool collection has been
collection. The Amesbury & Castlerigg
range not only embraces environmental
– Furlong honoured with the Editor’s Choice award.
In an industry dominated by companies
responsibility but also offers 100%
bleach-cleanable fibres, ensuring easy
Flooring offering similar products, it is testament
to the uniqueness and excellence of our
maintenance and an enduringly pristine
appearance. With a selection of modern
new carpet range,’ says Ian Collacott, colours and two on-trend loop designs,
Editor’s Choice Furlong Flooring sales director. these carpets are expertly crafted in

Flooring Product ‘Beyond Wool was developed to give

customers a choice of a carpet that looks
a two-ply construction, featuring our
award-winning Combi-bac backing,
of the Year and feels like wool while boasting the
practical features of a traditional carpet.’
guaranteeing a trouble-free fitting and
a stunning finish,’ says Collacott.
The new British-made collection is ‘The Beyond Wool collection strikes
the result of Furlong’s commitment to the perfect balance between value
innovation and customer satisfaction. and choice, without compromising
It presents an array of options sure to on contemporary style, and is ideal
create the very best interiors, including for both residential and commercial
a 100% recycled yarn range, catering environments. Available in a variety of
to eco-conscious consumers who yearn warm and cool tones, the collection has
for sustainable, hard-wearing and easy- been designed to stay up-to-date with
to-clean carpets. the latest flooring trends. As a testament
Comprising five distinct ranges with to our commitment to quality, each
luxurious twist and loop pile carpets, the carpet comes with a seven to 10-year
Below: Amesbury Dolomite
Bottom left: Amesbury Pumice collection seamlessly blends the natural warranty, assuring customers of its long-
Bottom right: Castlerigg Tourmaline wool-like appearance with the added lasting beauty and easy-care qualities,
benefits of stain and moth resistance. while our class-leading wear and stain
The twist pile ranges – Renaissance, warranty provides added peace of mind.
Elegance and Serenity – complement ‘At Furlong Flooring, our mission is
the loop piles, Henley and Marlow, while to continuously push the boundaries
Amesbury & Castlerigg loop piles are of excellence in the flooring industry.
the company’s first carpets made with This Editor’s Choice award serves as
100% recycled polypropylene yarn. motivation to keep striving for perfection,
‘We believe a responsible approach seeking new avenues for creativity, and
to our planet is essential, and that’s innovating to meet the ever-evolving
why we incorporated a 100% recycled needs of our valued customers.’
yarn range into the Beyond Wool Visit: www.furlongflooring.com

130 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 Easy to
clean

Unleash your
R10 Slip
Resistance

creativity:
redefine spaces
with versatile
Available in Felt
and Foam
back
vinyl flooring
Underfloor
Heating

Suitable for
bathrooms

DARTFORD STONEHOUSE
01322 628700 01452 228480 Alternatively, visit furlongflooring.com
PRESTON DUBLIN or email [email protected]
01772 316155 +353-1-4092000

CARPET | LUXURY VINYL TILES | L A M I N AT E | WOOD | VINYL

 AWARDS

Likewise The Likewise Group is proud to receive

the Outstanding Performance (Flooring)
for carpet, residential vinyl and artificial
grass. This is consistent with the group’s
award for 2023. aspirations to create a business with
Editor’s Choice Likewise has been restructuring and well in excess of £200m of sales.

Outstanding improving its distribution network with

the opening of two new facilities this
The group has established a
comprehensive infrastructure over the
Performance year for Likewise London and Scotland.
Likewise London moved into a much
past two years and, with the ongoing
investment in sales and marketing, is well
(Flooring) improved facility in Sidcup in January
and Scotland moved into a new high
placed to continue to increase market
share, with 127 delivery vehicles providing
bay distribution hub in June, which will a next-day service nationwide, and a
significantly enlarge the capacity for team of more than 100 experienced
both Scotland and England. sales people focused on servicing our
Below: New ranges will be showcased With this extensive investment, the customers on a daily basis.
at The Flooring Show next month group has created the logistics capability Likewise has also recently become a
Bottom: Likewise Scotland moved into to double its current cutting capacity key funding partner of Carpet Recycling
a new high bay distribution hub in June
UK, reflecting the group’s contribution to
the floorcovering industry combined with
wider environmental responsibilities.
The business has developed rapidly
during the past two years and the
foundations are now in place to build a
substantial business in the UK flooring
industry, maximising relationships with
its manufacturing partners along with
flooring retailers and contractors.
New flooring ranges from Likewise
Floors, H&V, Floors by Lewis Abbott,
A&A and Likewise Rugs & Matting will
be showcased at The Flooring Show.
Visit: www.likewiseplc.com

132 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 PREVIEW

Autumn Fair, 3-6 September, NEC

CIMC Home Chalk

Hill

Turning up the heat

The Autumn Fair returns with its wide interiors offer
Known for its eclectic mix of new and London Ornaments, Walton & Co, Malini, Sompex
exclusive brands as well as its support Wild Java, Ancient Mariner Furniture,
for start-ups and up-and-coming Blooms by Samuel Baker, Richard Cooper
designers, the Autumn Fair will see Bronze, Sompex, Deluxe HomeArt,
a selection of the most sought-after Febland Group, Besp-Oak Furniture,
home and gift products on the market. Final Touches, Edge Company, Katrina
In Home, Living & Décor, experience Hampton by Ambassador Textiles, Teal
the latest on-trend home accessories, International, Satchville Gift Company
textiles, furniture, lighting, tableware, and Dutch Imports & Daughters are
kitchenware and outdoor living, whilst amongst the other leading home brands
The Summer-house offers hand-picked presenting their newest ranges and
and curated style-led interiors and next bestsellers.
lifestyle products. Moult England will show for the first
Showing exclusively and joining time with its collection of cashmere, Many of retail’s most-loved brands
the inspirational line-up is CIMC Home, wool and Alpaca scarves, throws and will also be presenting their newest
while Harrow Trading will make its socks; and returning to Autumn Fair’s collections, including Lesser & Pavey,
debut with its offer of heritage-style Gift destination is Locomocean with Sass & Belle, Kikkerland, Joe Davies,
mirrors, wall-hangings and furniture. its latest collection of innovative neon Powell Craft, Richard Lang & Sons,
Hill Interiors, McGowan & Rutherford, light designs. Chalk UK, Abysse Corp, East of India,
Gift Republic, Upper Canada UK,
Heathcote & Ivory (also featuring Cath
Kidston and William Morris at Home
collections), Sevin and many more.
Everyday is the sourcing destination
for everyday affordable items – from
domestic appliances, housewares
and tabletop to pet supplies, home
improvement and household cleaning
products from brands including Tefal,
Salter, Beldray, Artisiana and more.
Registration for free entry closes on
9 August. Registered buyers will have
free access to Connect @ Autumn Fair,
the programme designed to make it
easier than ever for retailers to connect
with relevant exhibitors and vice versa.
Edge Company
Visit: www.autumnfair.com

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 133
The Flooring Show, 17-19 September, Harrogate PREVIEW

The exhibitor line-up

Return to Harrogate
is unparalleled

TFS will have more than 400 brands on show

Next month sees the return of the UK’s without the annual Fitter of the Year leading wool carpet suppliers, showing
largest flooring event. Taking place from final, which will take place on 17 and new shades, design constructions, types
17-19 September, the 2023 edition of 18 September in the King’s Suite. This and qualities.
The Flooring Show will be returning year the focus is on LVT, but if the Back by popular demand, the Demo
to Harrogate. amazing creations seen in carpet last Zone will be showcasing the newest
The exhibitor line-up at the show is year are anything to go by, competition floor-laying techniques and giving
unmatched, with more than 400 brands is bound to be fierce. The winner will be visitors brand-new insight into working
under one roof. Those confirmed include: announced at 4pm on Monday 18 and with the latest products. Run by the
Abingdon Flooring, Adam Carpets, Ball & receives a cheque for £2,000, a trophy Flooring Industry Training Association
Young, Bostik, Cavalier Carpets, Cormar and some great prizes including a and supported by the Contract Flooring
Carpet Company, Furlong Flooring, F Ball selection of tools and one year’s free Association and NICF, all demonstrations
& Co, Hanson Plywood, Hugh Mackay, National Institute of Carpet & Floorlayers will take place at the dedicated area
Interfloor, Kellars, Kronospan, Lifestyle, Master Fitter membership. in Hall B, delivered live by qualified
Likewise, Moduleo, Oneflor, Penthouse Located in Hall C, the Campaign for instructors. FITA will also be offering
Carpets, Tarkett, Victoria Carpets & Design Wool, working in conjunction with the the opportunity for visitors to come and
Floors and Westex Carpets. Wool Carpet Focus Group, will this year ask the experts anything, as they open
With the show expanding into Hall Q, be focusing on the theme Keep Warm up the stand to bespoke demonstrations
visitors can look forward to exploring an with Wool in the Wool Trends Centre. of anything covered over the course of
even larger range of brands and new With higher utility costs, the conversation the show.
features. New to 2023 is the LVT Pavilion, around the benefits that wool can bring The show, held at the Harrogate
a one-stop shop for the latest and in maintaining an ambient room Convention Centre, is open from 9.30am-
greatest LVT products. Brands include temperature have never been more 5.30pm on 17 and 18 September and
Moduleo, Quick-Step and LeoLine. relevant. This creative space will feature 9.30am-3pm on 19 September.
It wouldn’t be The Flooring Show wool carpet trends and ranges from the Visit: www.theflooringshow.com

Visitors can expect more brands and new features at the expanded show The Demo Zone will again be part of the show

134 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 Taking the feature wall to
create a feature floor

Runswick Bay Evolution

Made from PET recycled plastic bottles

Barrisdale Bay Moon Shimmer

The UKs biggest stockist of patterned carpet

01133 071900 | [email protected]
IHGF Delhi Fair, 12-16 October, Delhi PREVIEW

Debut
IHGF set for ‘spectacular congregation’ of exhibitors
The Autumn edition of IHGF Delhi Fair, sustainable products alongside current 1,000 product lines, trends and designs.
organised by the Export Promotion themes such as rustic, handmade, hand The show is expected to have modern
Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), India, is crafted, innovative raw material usages, designs, innovations, hand-crafted fusion
scheduled from 12 to 16 October. This utilitarian, crossover design interventions and contemporary and new-age materials
is set to be a spectacular congregation and new product variants. The show’s from a cross-section of craft clusters and
of more than 3,000 exhibitors, with a new famed broad-based segments of home, production centres spread across India.
concurrent show on furniture displaying fashion, lifestyle, textiles and furniture IHGF Delhi Fair is organised twice a
India’s strengths in this product category.   offer a spectrum of thoughtfully curated year in Spring and Autumn editions by
Value additions to the show such as concepts and products at a single EPCH, the apex organisation representing
theme pavilions, trend areas, seminars, platform. The assortment will feature handicraft manufacturers and exporters
craft demonstrations and presentations housewares, tableware, home furnishing, in India. EPCH facilitates its 10,000-plus
will make IHGF Delhi Fair a truly furniture, gifts and decorative, lamps members to customise and offer unique
comprehensive experience. This five-day and lighting, Christmas and festive decor, styles and quality products to the global
trade appointment – with curated lines fashion jewellery and accessories, spa sourcing community. Beyond providing
and design affirmations from a cross- and wellness, carpets and rugs, bathroom unparalleled business platforms to
section of exhibitors, from medium and accessories, garden accessories, buyers and sellers, EPCH also provides
small exporters, artisan entrepreneurs educational toys and games, handmade comprehensive information about the
and designers to India’s leading paper products and leather bags. sector to international buyers and
manufacturer exporters – is an exclusive This edition will witness the new ensures optimal interface between the
resource for importers, wholesalers, retail concurrent Delhi Fair Furniture show, Indian handicrafts industry and
chains and design professionals. showcasing furniture and accessories, international buyers.
Expect more on the growing trend of bringing a wide selection of more than Visit: www.ihgfdelhifair.in

136 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 Theflooringshow.com
e Ö k @TheFlooringShow
Image courtesy of Cormar Carpet Company

REGISTRATION
NOW OPEN
The Flooring Show
17–19 September 2023
HCC, HARROGATE
 REVIEW

Investment
The show saw increased attendance by
members before dinner and dancing

ACG’s Platinum event saw increased attendance and offers

Associated Carpet Group and suppliers ‘This was a considerable investment ‘A significant benefit for members is
created a package of on-the-day deals by the group in members’ businesses,’ the group’s Smart Choice branded unitary.
to encourage attendance at its Platinum says Jon Richardson, ACG group The Smart Choice brand is extremely
Supplier Show. In addition to generous development manager. ‘Not only did important to the group and provides
supplier offers, which included special these incentives drive an increase in member stores with protection from
roll, cut-length and unitary deals, member attendance, but we also saw high street, Internet and man-in-a-van
attending members were able to benefit an uplift in suppliers wishing to exhibit price comparison. It also aids in securing
from a variety of group-supported at the show at The Slate Conference orders whilst retaining healthy margins
incentives at the 24 June event. Centre, Warwick. for retailers.

138 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 REVIEW

prizes to be had, a productive meeting,

followed by a wonderful meal and
entertainment in the evening. It’s so
lovely to be part of such an amazing,
friendly, proactive and thoughtful group,’
says Tracy Skinner, Home Comfort
Carpets owner, Crook, County Durham.
‘We aimed to order a couple of
stands, and pursue a new product line
– both achieved. It was great to meet
other business owners. Despite our
geographical differences, we all seem
to be sharing the same highs and lows.
If any members are swithering whether
to go or not next year, bite the bullet
and go. A great show, superb evening
out, in a great ambience. Buzzing,
refreshed and ready to take on the world,’
‘The show proved to be a resounding and their business, says Richardson. says Dennis Hush, Ideal Flooring owner,
success, with orders for a tremendous ‘A great show put on by all the Berwick-upon-Tweed.
number of Smart Choice branded units suppliers, with some amazing offers and Visit: www.acgcarpets.com
placed with suppliers on the day.’
Following the show the group’s AGM
was held, with the packed meeting
discussing several topics including the
group’s direction and activity. The ACG
team and board were, as always, very
pleased with the interaction and
suggestions received from members.
The day was rounded off with the
ACG Gala Dinner, which saw suppliers
and members relaxing and socialising
before sitting down to dinner. This was
followed by a short presentation and
some supplier-sponsored raffle draws,
before the DJ ensured that the dance
floor was full by playing hits old and new.
‘The ACG team and board of directors
have worked incredibly hard to organise
and bring all aspects of the show
together. It is very satisfying to see
members enjoying themselves whilst
supporting their group, their suppliers

www.interiorsmonthly.co.uk 139
 OUTDOOR

Johnson Holton

Choice
Customisation and variety of styles were hallmarks
of Gallery Direct’s At Home Outdoor event
The Johnson table features an acacia
Orbetello
wood top paired with powder-coated
metal legs, designed to allow
comfortable seating for eight to ten
people, with three or four along each
side and one at each end. Pair with the
matching bench or chairs, or for a
different feel, rattan dining chairs.
Being designed for outdoor use means
the table is well suited to cope with
the rigors of a busy kitchen.
The Holton bistro set features
natural-coloured rattan paired with
cushions in a neutral, lightly textured
fabric. The table top has a stone-
effect finish.
The Orbetello contemporary lounge
set adds a subtle touch of colour to
outdoor spaces, with a green rope
weave combining with neutral
cushions and black powder-coated
legs. The tables offer differing shapes
and staggered heights, and feature a Dorney
matt top and a gloss top for contrast.
Natural-coloured rattan pairs with
the soft neutral cushions and wooden
legs on the Dorney egg chair, equally
at home outdoors or in a conservatory.
The Marina contemporary lounge
set is suitable for a wide variety of
settings. The acacia wood frame has a
natural finish that pairs with the
neutral cushions and rope-weave seat
and back. For added practicality, the
chairs and sofa fold easily for storage.
Marina
Visit: www.gallerydirect.co.uk

140 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 LATEST LAUNCHES FROM
WOODMAN CHAIRS

HEXHAM - ARM CHAIR

HOOP BACK CHAIR

BERGEN TAUPE
HEXHAM - DOWN PIPE

HEXHAM BAR STOOL

OAK NORDIC HIGH STOOL

STOCKHOLM TAUPE
SLAT SIDE CHAIR

Unit F, Langlands Business Park

EX15 3DA Uffculme
United Kingdom

Tel: 01884 841789 Email: [email protected]

 OUTDOOR

Kasane 33 table; the clay finish

Touch and feel

gives a pleasant tactile sensation

Kasane has a clay finish

Gervasoni’s Kasane collection, designed characterised by the rhythmic
by Japanese studio Nendo, is born from expression of stacked edges and the
a play of interlocking and overlapping textural clay that defines the soul of
elements, each product becoming a the product.
sculpture with sinuous shapes. The table bases and poufs are made
The Japanese word Kasane means of an expanded polymer, while the table
‘to overlap’ , and the collection is tops are made of MDF: all components
inspired by the way cups can be stacked are then covered with a thin layer of clay
one by one, gradually becoming taller. in earth colours.
The collection of poufs and tables is Visit: www.gervasoni1882.com Kasane 19 pouf

Kasane 36 table

142 Interiors Monthly August 2023

 THE FUTURE
IS FURnature

SUN. 5 - WED. 8 NOV. 2023

BRUSSELS EXPO
BRUSSELS
WWW.FURNITUREFAIRBRUSSELS.BE FURNITURE FAIR
Say hello to sustainable
underlay, and goodbye
to waste!
Made from recycled materials
and 100% recyclable.

renu® is different. A luxury underlay

that is ethically sourced and seriously
good for the planet.

At the end of its life, the renu can be

collected and reused to create new
underlay. It’s what makes it so special.

Say ‘ no ’ to waste Learn more at

interfloor.com/renu