NEWS 2010
Feb 25th
Interiors show
Now the dust has settled Euroforce staff have been speaking to clients about how the show has impacted on their business and the general response has been positive with an increase in orders and production.
Furniture News Reports; Interiors 2010, the first and largest dedicated UK trade event of the year, welcomed thousands of key players from the interiors industry to the NEC last week. The show was buzzing and with five halls packed with 588 national and international exhibitors, and visitors enjoyed displays of the latest designs.
Portfolio director Andrew Vaughan commented: “We could not be more pleased with how this year’s show has turned out. The categorisation of the halls worked very successfully and the feedback I have received during the show has been extremely positive."
Around 25,000 visitors attended, says the organiser. Many of these visited the new Thinking Space area, which included the New Design Britain finalists, a showcase from Designersblock and a Seminar Theatre, which was packed for many of the sessions. Kelly Hoppen and Global Color Research/Mix Publication’s sessions were extremely popular, with people queuing outside the theatre.
The show returns next year from 23rd-26th January at the NEC, Birmingham.
Feb 20th
FTBA is FIT for the future
The Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association has a whole new name and look – the FTBA is now known as FIT, the Furnishing Industry Trust.
The new name comes with a brand new image and plans for some new initiatives, but the aims of the 107-year-old charity remain the same as ever – to help people from across the industry in times of difficulty.
Tony Attard OBE, FIT national president, says: “If we are to survive and continue helping less fortunate colleagues for the next 100 years, FIT is going to need more support from many more people. In short, we must become much more business-minded and forge commercial links with companies across the sector.”
One initiative being launched to generate new income streams is the FIT Furnishings Scheme. Tony says: “Manufacturers, suppliers and distributors of furnishings products are being asked to nominate a product from which 5% of the proceeds will be donated to FIT to fund grants for people working in or retired from the furnishing industry.
“Consumers are now familiar with and open to the idea of a charitable element being included within the cost of a product and for many it offers an additional reason to buy, particularly where the cause is made clear.”
FIT has also announced the new Women in Furnishings Awards, designed to recognise women of achievement across the furnishing industry. Says exhibition and award organiser Theresa Raymond: “There are too few high-profile women working in our sector and the awards are designed to encourage recognition of those who do and have made a difference.”
www.ftba.co.uk
15th Feb
HJ Berry
Euroforce are sad to her the news that one of Lancashire's best-known furniture-making firms has gone into administration, after more than 160 years of trading.
Last year millionaire Sir Gerry Robinson offered the struggling firm £1m but the company decided not to take up the offer.
Many of the company's 85 employees live in the village.
Manchester-based CLB?Coopers has been appointed by the directors to take over the running of the business. The company employs around 80 staff, the majority of them skilled craftsmen. The company has traded since 1840, but has struggled in recent years despite a number of high profile manufacturing initiatives, many involving sustainable manufacture.
8th Feb
New Design Britain Winners
The winners of the New Design Britain awards were announced this week during a drinks reception at interiors 2010. The judges – Damian Walton from House of Fraser, Barbara Chandler from the Evening Standard and Dids MacDonald from ACID – had spent a difficult but interesting few hours chatting with the finalists and uncovering the thought processes behind their product.
The New Design Britain awards, in co-operation with the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers and sponsored by Willis and Gambier, are the culmination of months of hard work by the students and the organisers to find the very best product designs the UK has to offer. With over 150 entries from over 80 universities, the final 16 were showcased at interiors.
For more info visit www.furniturenews.net
Accessories
Made in Britain – Ruler by James Cadogan
Designed in Britain – Contoured Blind by Helena Carelson
Fabrics and Surface Coverings
Made in Britain – Golden Stag wallpaper by Lynsey Henderson
Designed in Britain – 4 countries fabric by Jennifer Jones
Furniture
Made in Britain – Coat stand by Lorna Wilby
Designed in Britain – Multi function dining station by Phil Crook
8th Feb
Predicted Growth in Furniture Industry
A new report by MTW Research on the dining and occasional furniture market has revealed the recession cost the industry around £300 million.
However, the good news is the sales of domestic furniture is set to accelerate in 2010, though recovery in the UK economy will remain fragile. For more info visit www.marketresearchreports.co.uk.
5th Feb
IKEA sales growth
Furniture giant Ikea have announced their UK sales for the year to Aug 2009 increased to £1.2 billion, up 1.1% on 2008.
Ikea revealed that in light of the current economic sitution the future remains uncertain, however the retailer is remaining cautiously optomistic "One of the advantages of being a global brand is that we can build our business long term. In spite of the tough economic climate we have not cut our investments and will continue to invest to provide the best possible shopping experience" M Hansson, Ikea UK & Ireland's country manager.
28th Jan
FIRA report to be launched next month
The Furniture Industry Research Association' competitiveness report describes the process of UK furniture manufactoring since the start of the decade. For more info visit www.fira.co.uk
25th Jan
VAT delay help John Lewis sales
Sales in John Lewis’ home sector saw a double digit increase for the week ending 16 January, with the retailer revealing that customers were capitalising on its delay in implementing the VAT increase.
During the week, Home sector sales rose 15.4% with the retailers assortment trading well across the board. Sales in fitted kitchens were up 35%, upholstery up 21% and handmade carpets up 26%.
22nd Jan
£1 billion fund for UK manufacturers
The Royal Bank of Scotland and Natwest have pledged to make £1 billion of new loans available to UK manufactoring businesses.
Targeted specifically for the manufactoring sector, with loans being offered at competitive fixed rates, with the option to defer repayments for up to 3 years. The fund is being launched in response to feedback from cutsomers in the sector who are anticipating growing demand during 2010.
For more info visit www.mattressman.co.uk
Increase in Scottish furniture sales
According to SRC, sales of furniture in Scotland are still up on 12 months ago. Across all sectors, total sales during December were up 4.3% compared to last year. For more information visit www.brc.org.uk.
4th Jan
NEC Interiors
Euroforce will be attending the annual Interiors show at Birmingham NEC this month. This is an opportunity for many of our clients to showcase their designs and manufactoring methods to some of the major furniture retailers, interior designers and contractors etc.
Visit http://www.interiorsbirmingham.com/ to find out more.
2010 General News
Visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/
The BBC reported that Nigel Evans, conservative MP for the Ribble Valley, said: “We are talking about the oldest chair manufacturer in Britain, a very high quality product. We’re also talking about the possible loss of a manufacturing facility in a very rural area. I think it would be a very bleak and grim day for Britain and manufacturing if we are saying that this country can no longer sustain a company like Berrys.”