According to its latest filed accounts for the year ended 30 June 2024, total sales stood at £18.9m, down 20% from £23m in 2023.

Pre-tax profit resulted at £22,000, down from £199,000 recorded in the previous year.

Commenting on its results, Sherborne said: “The Company’s turnover dropped by 20% from the previous year. This was expected due to an increase in general discounting and the loss of a large contract with a major customer.

“At the beginning of the financial year, the Company had closed a production site and rationalised operations to one location. This process also included a necessary reduction in employees with a large re-organisation expense, but more recent events have seen the transfer of the ownership of the business into an Employer Ownership Trust Model for the benefit of the staff for the long term.

“A 2.2% increase in gross profit showed the benefits of operating from one site with a reduction in direct and indirect expenses for the financial year. As a business, we continue to maintain strong relationships with our customers and are confident of increasing our market share in the future, alongside working with suppliers to reduce costs to help us remain the market leader of our core products.”

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The Tree Stump Bean Bags, which originates in the UK, were sold from 1 February 2018 to 1 February 2024 present a low risk of suffocation.

The Office for Product Safety and Standards stated: “The product presents a risk of suffocation as some bean bags still have the safety zip pull attached. Bags with the safety zip still attached can be opened. If a young child were to open the zip and access the internal small bean filling, they may suffocate.

“The affected products do not meet the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. The manufacturer has initiated a modification programme to address the risk.”

The post Children’s bean bag recalled over suffocation risk appeared first on Big Furniture Group.

Meet Mark

I currently rep for Kaydian Beds, a leading provider of high-quality beds. We specialise in creating versatile and durable products for the retail, and residential markets. We offer a wide range of customisable options, including luxury upholstered ottoman beds that cater to various industries.

How long have you been a rep in the industry?

I’ve been in the B2B furniture industry for over 10 years now but 35 years in total. During this time, I’ve gained a wealth of experience in understanding market trends, building strong client relationships, and helping businesses find the best products to suit their needs.

What drew you into the life of a rep and what’s the day-to-day like?

I’ve always had a passion for design and customer service, and the idea of working in an industry that allows me to combine these interests really appealed to me. My day-to-day is quite dynamic; it involves meeting with clients, managing accounts, providing product consultations, negotiating contracts, and working with our logistics and customer service teams to ensure smooth product delivery. I also spend time researching industry trends to better advise our clients and anticipate their future needs.

What is the best part of your role?

The best part of my role is building long-term relationships with clients and seeing them thrive with our products. Whether it’s assisting a retailer with stocking our beds, or preparing our beds for a UK show, it’s fulfilling to know that I’m a part of their success. The feedback and appreciation I get from customers, knowing they trust Kaydian Beds, is incredibly rewarding.

What is the most difficult?

The most difficult part of the role is managing the supply chain and dealing with unexpected delays or issues, especially in a globalised market. It can be a challenge to keep clients satisfied when there are logistical hiccups, but clear communication and proactive solutions are key to navigating these situations.

Do you have any particular highlights so far?

One of the standout highlights of my career was having the opportunity to represent Kaydian Beds at one of the largest UK bed and furniture trade shows. This event brought together industry leaders, suppliers, and buyers from all over the world, and it was an incredible experience to showcase our products to such a diverse audience. I have also travelled with Kaydian to Malaysia to the factories where our beds are produced – this was an incredible experience, which helped me to understand the whole journey of our beds and provide a deeper insight to our customers when selling them.

What challenges do you think currently face rep in the furnishing industry?

The furnishing industry is facing a few significant challenges right now, particularly around supply chain disruptions and rising material costs. These issues can affect timelines and margins. Additionally, there’s a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products, which can be a challenge for companies to meet while maintaining cost-effectiveness, but our products are already packaged in recyclable materials. Lastly, the increasing trend towards online sales mean reps need to be adaptable and ready to offer virtual consultations and remote services.

What would you like to see change?

I’d like to see a more streamlined process for product customisation and ordering. While Kaydian Beds offers a lot of flexibility, simplifying the custom order process for both clients and suppliers would reduce delays and increase efficiency. Additionally, more widespread adoption of digital tools for catalogue browsing and virtual design consultations would be a huge help.

What would help reps more?

Agents could benefit from more comprehensive training on the technological tools available to manage customer relationships and sales processes. In a digital-first world, CRM systems, virtual design tools, and online product presentations are incredibly useful, and more in-depth training would help reps be more efficient and effective in serving clients, including a retailer being able to order directly.

What would you say to someone considering becoming a rep?

I’d advise them to be prepared for a fast-paced, dynamic environment where building strong relationships is key. This job isn’t just about selling products; it’s about providing value and solving problems for clients. The industry can be competitive, but with a passion for what you’re selling and a strong work ethic, there’s plenty of room for success. People buy from people, no matter how good the product may be, so being personable is key.

What is the most important attribute to have as a rep and why?

The most important attribute is empathy and being personable. Understanding your clients’ needs, preferences, and challenges allows you to offer the best solutions and build trust. Being able to put yourself in your client’s shoes is what separates a good rep from a great one, and it helps foster long-term business relationships.

Can you share something that irritates you the most as a rep?

One thing that can be frustrating is when clients don’t fully communicate their expectations upfront, which leads to misunderstandings later on. This can result in delays or dissatisfaction. Clear, open communication is crucial to a smooth sales process, and I always strive to make sure everyone is on the same page from the start.

Can you share an insight into your plans for the year ahead?

For the coming year, Kaydian is focusing on expanding our Ottoman bed range, alongside a range of new sofas (container only). Additionally, I’m excited about developing deeper relationships with existing clients and helping them grow their businesses with Kaydian Beds’ new product lines. Also, as we are members of AIS, we recently launched an AIS only bed for their clients at the INDX Furniture show last month. We also showcased five of our new sofas at this event too, it was a great show for us.

What’s the next big thing you are seeing in the industry and why?

The next big thing I see is the increasing shift toward sustainable and eco-friendly products. As consumers and businesses alike become more environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable materials and ethically sourced products is growing. Kaydian Beds is already exploring options to incorporate more sustainable materials into our range, and I think this will be a significant selling point in the near future.

If there is anything else you would like to add as a final thought, please do so here.

I think the most exciting thing about being in the B2B furniture industry is the opportunity to help shape spaces that people interact with daily—whether it’s a hotel room where someone rests after a long day, or a retail space that gives customers a great shopping experience. Furniture is not just functional; it creates an environment. That’s why I’m so passionate about what I do, and why I believe Kaydian Beds offers something truly special to businesses looking for quality, durability, and design.

marksimmons20@yahoo.co.uk / www.linkedin.com/in/mark-simmons-a3138571/

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The Power of Branding: How Bed Companies Are Building Trust in a Competitive Market

In an increasingly crowded and competitive market, the bed industry has evolved beyond simply offering products, it’s now about building trust and fostering long term relationships with customers. Strong branding has emerged as an important tool for bed companies seeking to differentiate themselves and secure customer loyalty.

The Rise of Transparent Marketing

Today’s consumers are more informed and discerning than ever. They demand clarity about what they’re purchasing, particularly when it comes to big ticket items like beds. Brands that emphasise transparency in their marketing, from material sourcing to manufacturing processes, are gaining a competitive edge. By openly sharing details about eco-friendly practices, product certifications, and quality assurance, companies build credibility and align with customer values.

Leveraging Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Nothing builds trust quite like the recommendation of fellow consumers. Many bed companies are tapping into the power of customer reviews and testimonials to strengthen their reputation. Online reviews, star ratings, and user generated content provide prospective buyers with the social proof they need to make confident decisions. Encouraging satisfied customers to share their experiences not only boosts credibility but also fosters community engagement.

The Role of Consistent Messaging

Consistency is key in establishing a recognisable and trustworthy brand, especially online. Bed companies that maintain a unified voice, tone, and visual identity across all platforms & touchpoints. From social media to packaging, create a memorable impression. Consistent messaging ensures that customers know what to expect, reinforcing the brand’s reliability and professionalism.

Storytelling: More Than Just Beds

Successful brands understand that they’re not just selling beds, they’re selling comfort, health, and a better night’s sleep. Storytelling allows companies to connect emotionally with their audience. By sharing their origin stories, mission statements, or customer success stories, brands can humanise their image and build meaningful relationships with consumers.

Embracing Digital Innovations

The digital age has opened new avenues for branding. Interactive websites, virtual mattress try-outs, and augmented reality apps are transforming the shopping experience. Social media platforms, too, play a vital role in shaping a brand’s image. By engaging directly with customers through comments, Q&A sessions, and behind-the-scenes content, companies can foster trust and loyalty in real-time.

Building a Brand for the Long Term

In an industry where competition is fierce and consumer trust is paramount, branding is not just an option, it’s a necessity. By focusing on transparency, leveraging social proof, maintaining consistent messaging, and embracing digital tools, bed companies can secure their place in the hearts and minds of consumers. Ultimately, a strong brand is one that resonates with its audience and stands the test of time.

www.nimbusbeds.co.uk

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According to the latest BDO High Street Sales Tracker, total like-for-like (LFL) sales rose 4.72% for the week ending 16 February 2025.

Homewares total LFLs jumped by +9.92% failing to offset a negative base of -13.54% for the same week in 2024, denoting the twelfth consecutive positive result for the category and maintaining its unbroken streak of positive outcomes in every week so far in 2025.

Store homewares sales climbed +9.43%, offsetting a negative base of -5.49% for the same week last year, representing the category’s third consecutive positive outcome and fifth since 2025 began.

Total store LFL sales slipped -1.84% from a negative base of -0.96% for the same week last year. Total non-store LFL sales soared by +15.08% from a base of +2.78% for the same week in 2024.

Commenting on the results, BDO said: “Positive non-store sales results, which returned to double-digit growth this week, helped boost total LFL sales in a week that included St. Valentine’s Day.

“Possibly driven by gift shopping for St. Valentine’s Day, lifestyle sales returned to positive territory this week after falling last week, while fashion sales stayed healthy and homewares remained the best-performing segment for a fourth straight week.

“The week saw drier conditions with thick clouds for most, while some areas in the UK experienced bright interludes and short outbreaks of rainfall.

“During the same week last year, the UK saw mild weather with some rain and flooding in some parts.”

Overall, footfall declined by -9.0% this week with high street footfall seeing a sharp drop of -12.6%, followed by shopping centres with a decrease of -10.1% and retail parks with a slight fall of -0.1%.

The post Homeware high street sales positive again in 2025 appeared first on Big Furniture Group.

Key features include:

1. Rise-and-recline functions: The Serenity can be adjusted with six built-in and easy-to-use buttons. These control the independent backrest and footrest to offer a huge range of customisable seating positions and can lift you safely to your feet.
2. Elegant, contemporary silhouette: Like all Oak Tree Mobility furniture, the Serenity is designed in Britain.
3. Selection of sizes: The Serenity is made to order in a range of sizes, offering tailored comfort.
4. 360-degree swivelling base: A choice of sleek bases that allow for full, seamless rotation. 
5. Safety features: The swivel base locks when the motor is in use, and the fixed armrests prevent pinching while in motion.
6. Rechargeable battery: This chair can be placed anywhere in the house without power cables trailing along the floor. The battery supports 80-100 cycles, and takes 8 hours to recharge from flat.
7. Up to 20st capacity: Suitable for a range of body types.

Tom Powell, Co-founder of Oak Tree Mobility, said: “Designed in Britain, the Serenity chair is the most modern newcomer to our range of assistive furniture. It makes for a stylish and practical centrepiece for your room, and is exclusively available in over 500 different Oak Tree Mobility fabrics and leathers. Like all of our chairs, beds, and bath lifts, it comes with a free comprehensive warranty and free delivery.

“Customers can try one of our rise and recline chairs with our free home appointment service, giving them the opportunity to try our furniture before purchase and to ask our Mobility Experts any questions. A free home appointment can be arranged by calling our friendly UK-based team on 0800 999 8728 or booking online.”

Occupational therapist, Samantha Shann, said: “Oak Tree Mobility’s range of riser-recliners feature a unique high leg lift, allowing you to raise your feet six inches above heart level — a position proven to improve circulation¹. Resting in a semi-contoured position (where you have full leg-length support from hips to heels) can have many benefits, especially if you suffer from back problems, arthritis, or have difficulty breathing. That’s because this seating position can help keep your blood flowing, open airways, and reduce swelling which eases joint pain.”

The post Oak Tree Mobility debuts their most contemporary rise-and-recline chair yet appeared first on Big Furniture Group.

Since its launch in 1958, the Bespoke Guild Mark has been the apex of distinctions for UK designer-makers. The award recognises excellence in design, materials, craftsmanship and function for exquisite pieces of furniture and fitted furniture made as single items or a limited run.

Over the past six months, the Bespoke Guild Mark jury has awarded the Mark to:
• Tweed Console Table by Phillip Dobbins (BGM 496)
• Oomugi: Japanese Whisky Shrine by Ed Ryland (BGM 497)
• Spitfire Chair by Ian Burnell (BGM 498)
• Trewithen Kitchen by Guild Anderson (BGM 499)
• Sunburst Table and Chairs by Daniel Lacey (BGM 500)
• Lines Puzzle Cabinet by Josey Garbutt (BGM 501)

Daniel Hopwood, Bespoke Guild Mark chairman, said: “It is always a privilege to witness the extraordinary talent and dedication of our UK designer-makers, and this latest cohort of Bespoke Guild Mark recipients truly exemplifies the pinnacle of bespoke craftsmanship. Each of these exceptional pieces demonstrates not only outstanding design and technical skill but also a deep understanding of materials and function.

“On behalf of The Furniture Makers’ Company, I extend my warmest congratulations to Phillip Dobbins, Ed Ryland, Ian Burnell, Guild Anderson, Daniel Lacey, and Josey Garbutt for their remarkable achievements. Reaching the milestone of over 500 Bespoke Guild Marks awarded is a testament to the enduring excellence of our industry. We are immensely proud to continue celebrating and supporting the finest bespoke furniture makers in the UK.”

Phillip Dobbins said: “I am thrilled to have received a Bespoke Guild Mark. The award validates a maker’s work at the highest level.”

Ed Ryland said: “Winning a Bespoke Guild Mark is a profound honour. It feels like the highest possible recognition of the effort, dedication, and community that contributed to crafting something unique that, hopefully, brings joy in some way. On a personal level, working on this piece helped me through some difficult times and I put a huge amount of myself into it, so being recognised in this way truly means the world.”

Ian Burnell said: “I have no words. What an incredible honour to be recognised for such a prestigious award.”

Nick Anderson of Guild Anderson said: “This was a landmark historic project for myself and the team. The owners placed their faith in our ability to deliver a set of spaces which suited how they live as a modern family but was also sympathetic to the stunning architecture of the house. We are very proud of what we achieved there.”

Daniel Lacey said: “I’m so deeply honoured to receive this – my sixth Bespoke Guild Mark – for the Sunburst Table and Chairs, and to be recognised once more by such a prestigious organisation is incredible. Thank you.”

Josey Garbutt said: “Being awarded the Bespoke Guild Mark is a huge accolade, particularly so early in my career, and it motivates me to keep pushing boundaries.”

The post Six new Bespoke Guild Marks take the award total to more than 500 appeared first on Big Furniture Group.

The company, situated on Holderness Road in Hull, has launched a closing down sale and will officially shut up shop for the final time on 28 February 2025.

The retailer said that due to the current economic climate it has been forced to close, bringing an end to nine years of trading.

A statement said: “It’s with a heavy heart that after nine fabulous years we are having to close the store. 

“We have put absolutely everything into keeping the shop open but unfortunately it hasn’t been enough and while we’ve tried fighting the current economy and the effects on retail, we have to unfortunately admit defeat.”

“We’d like to thank you, our amazing customers for your support giving us 9 wonderful years of business going through Covid, moving store and too many milestones to count. Without you none of which would have been possible!

“Please note, if you have pending orders with us, these will be fulfilled. We aren’t too sure what the future holds however one thing is for sure that’s we won’t forget this journey and those that helped us along the way!

“It’s been confirmed our final day will be February 28th – that leaves us till the end of the month for anyone still wanting to grab a bargain from our massively reduced stock items.

“Thank you to everyone for sharing / commenting and spreading the word, we hope you all have come away with a few bargains already. Let’s close with a bang.”

The post Independent furnishing and interiors retailer to close appeared first on Big Furniture Group.

It is an ideal opportunity for foreign traders to get acquainted with the offer of Poland, a world leader in furniture exports. The organiser, the Grupa MTP, expects furniture buyers from about 70 countries to arrive.

The largest exhibition of Polish Furniture

MEBLE POLSKA Fair is one of the most effective tools for promoting the export of Polish furniture production. Since 2010, the Poznan furniture fair has been organized in a new B2B formula and is now ranked among the elite group of the most important furniture industry trade fairs in Europe. MEBLE POLSKA is an ideal opportunity for wholesale furniture buyers from all over the world to contract the latest collections for the new season.

The MEBLE POLSKA Fair is the world’s largest presentation of the offer of the Polish furniture industry. The exposition of the 2025 edition occupies 9 pavilions with a total area of 60,000 square meters. More than 300 companies and brands from 17 countries, including leading Polish manufacturers, will present their offer. Rich expositions are being prepared by companies from Turkey and Ukraine. In addition to regular exhibitors, there will also be a number of companies present in Poznan for the first time. The scope of the fair will include products from all price segments and types: upholstered furniture, chest furniture made of furniture board and solid wood, and mattresses.

Buyers from all over the world

Every year the Poznan furniture fair is visited by furniture buyers from about 70 countries. In addition to a large group of traders representing Polish retailers, representatives of the vast majority of major buying groups and furniture showroom chains from Europe, as well as many wholesale furniture distributors and online stores from other continents come to Poznan. Visitor registration is also very successful this year. Among the registered participants are buyers from many prospective markets for Polish furniture exports, such as the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and India.

Training for traders

The exhibition will be accompanied by an interesting program of events prepared in cooperation with the Polish Chamber of Commerce of Furniture Manufacturers and other industry partners.  This is an opportunity to gain specialized knowledge during numerous lectures and presentations. Their participants will learn, among other things, how to increase the efficiency of a furniture store, learn the latest data on the situation in the furniture industry, and familiarize themselves with the latest trends, technologies and sales solutions.

They will also learn about the prospects for the residential furniture market in Poland and how to protect furniture design and combat imitations.

Events in English

Artificial Intelligence for Furniture Imagery: What you need to know?

The session, organized by TEKER AI SAS, will feature how leading furniture companies are using AI to easily create consistent, high-quality visual content. We’ll showcase real customer examples, demonstrating how AI streamlines content creation while maintaining brand consistency. The session will include live demonstrations, practical tips and expert advice on implementing AI in visual marketing. The event is a must for brands that want to scale product photography effectively.

25.02.2025 – 4:15-5:00 pm | Eastern Entrance, Blue Room

The current situation of the Polish furniture industry in accordance with the conclusions of the Polish Furniture Outlook report

The year 2024 was a difficult period for the Polish furniture sector, which faced rising production costs, falling demand and competition from abroad, particularly from the Far East. These factors weakened the position of the Polish furniture industry on international markets. A detailed study of the situation of the Polish furniture industry was compiled by B+R Studio in the 15th edition of the report “Polish Furniture Outlook 2025.” The report analyzes the industry’s performance in recent years, estimates data for 2024 and forecasts for 2025. These results will be discussed during the seminar, which will provide an opportunity to exchange knowledge about the condition of the Polish furniture industry and its development prospects.

26.02.2025 – 1:00-1:45 pm | Eastern Entrance, Blue Room

Ukrainian-European Networking Cocktail

Join us for an extraordinary evening of collaboration and innovation at the Exclusive Cocktail & Networking Event on 26th February, from 16:00 to 18:00, at the Poznań Congress Center. The event is tailored to foster meaningful connections between European industry representatives. It offers a unique platform to explore and engage with industry leaders, discover cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, and uncover fresh partnership opportunities in a welcoming, professional atmosphere. Why Attend?

• Meet innovators and industry leaders ready to collaborate and expand into European markets.
• Discover high-quality, export-ready products and services designed to meet today’s industry demands.
• Build lasting connections and seize partnership opportunities in an engaging, cocktail-fueled networking space.

Seize the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow your business.

Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today by registering here!

26.02.2025 – 4:00-6:00 pm | Poznan Congress Center, Room 1G

New technologies in the furniture industry: an opportunity to recover from the crisis or a costly experiment?

Struggling with low margins in a crowded market? Cooperation with architects is limping along? New products going unnoticed by the market? Many furniture companies are reaching for technology – 3D configurators, AR, AI – believing they will increase competitiveness. But what if these solutions only exacerbate existing problems?

From augmented reality (AR) product presentations to product configurators and artificial intelligence (AI)-based design recommendations, modern tools promise to revolutionize furniture design and sales. But do they really improve the bottom line? Or are they just glamorous buzzwords that mask deeper problems, such as inefficient processes within an organization or misaligned market strategies?

During his lecture, Marcin Stempniewicz, CEO of Ar-range.app, comparing experiences of new technology implementations in companies from Europe, the US and Canada, will discuss how to prepare for changes and how to consciously choose both the technology and its supplier. He will present both the benefits of tools such as 3d configurators and the risks of implementing technologies in organizations that are not ready for them.

From this session you will gain:

• knowledge of how to align new tools such as configurators or AR with real business needs.
• a critical framework for evaluating potential technology partners and analyzing return on investment (ROI) in the furniture industry.
• a refreshed look at when it makes sense to deploy new technologies so that they reduce costs, meet customer needs, and at the same time work in tandem with a company’s internal processes.

27.02.2025 – 11:15 am-12:00 pm | Eastern Entrance, Blue Room

For participants of the MEBLE POLSKA Fair, admission to all events is free of charge

Free public transportation for MEBLE POLSKA participants

All those who register online will be able to use trams and buses free of charge during the MEBLE POLSKA trade fair and thus reduce their carbon footprint. Thanks to the cooperation between the Grupa MTP and the Poznań City Transport Authority, the online ticket for the trade fair will simultaneously serve as a public transport ticket.

For those who will come to Poznań by car, the organiser recommends leaving it at the three-level underground PWK car park located on the Poznan MTP Expo grounds and exploring the city using trams and buses.

How to take advantage of the free transport? All you need to do is carry your exhibitor card or a trade fair ticket generated online. Tickets purchased at the ticket offices during the event do not entitle you to free public transport!

More information: www.meblepolska.pl

The post What to expect at MEBLE POLSKA 2025 appeared first on Big Furniture Group.

With 18 years of experience in the bedding industry, Maria has built an impressive career spanning customer service, sales management, and B2B account leadership. Her journey at Land of Beds over the past eight years is a testament to her dedication, leadership, and passion for helping people achieve better sleep.

“Maria joined us as Sales Manager and quickly made a significant impact, earning a promotion to Head of Sales and Buying,” the retailer said. “In this role, she played a pivotal part in shaping our sales strategy, ensuring we offer the best prices and the most extensive selection of products.

“Two years ago, she stepped into the senior leadership team, further expanding her influence. She has been instrumental in establishing Land of Beds as a leading multi-channel platform, serving thousands of customers each year through our website, physical stores, phone support, email, and live chat, all while providing top-quality sleep solutions.

“Maria’s leadership is defined by her strong customer-first approach, sharp commercial acumen, and unwavering commitment to excellence. In her new role as Sales Director, she will spearhead our ambitious growth strategy, strengthening our position in an increasingly competitive market while continuing to champion the best possible experience for our customers.”

Reflecting on her promotion, Maria commented: “It’s been an incredible journey working with such a talented team. Helping customers get the best night’s sleep has always been my passion, and I’m excited to step into this role, collaborating with my colleagues to scale the business and enhance our offering.”

Mike Murray’s, Managing Director, added: “I’ve worked with many professionals in this industry over the years, and there’s no one I’d rather have in this role. Maria’s expertise, leadership, and vision will be key to driving the business forward and achieving our ambitious growth plans. With her at the helm of our sales team, I have no doubt we’ll continue to set new benchmarks in the industry.

“Maria’s promotion is a reflection of both her outstanding contributions and Land of Beds’ commitment to fostering talent and innovation. As we continue to grow, her leadership will play a vital role in shaping the future of the business and delivering even greater value to our customers.”

The post Land of Beds appoints new Sales Director appeared first on Big Furniture Group.

Based in Huddersfield, Sellers Textile Engineers is a leading designer and manufacturer of finishing equipment for the carpet industry. The company, established in 1912, specialises in the build and installation of a wide range of textile machinery including backing, coating, and shearing lines, for carpet manufacturers across the globe.

Facing challenges from rising supply chain costs and overheads, Sellers Textile Engineers reached out to Virgin Money who provided access to key specialists that could support their growth strategy.

Working alongside the bank’s Trade Finance Team, the company completed a £1 million finance deal that has enabled Sellers Textile Engineers to enhance its production capabilities and take on larger orders. The company has also created new job opportunities, with at least five new roles including design engineers, fitters and new apprentice opportunities across the business.

Virgin Money’s Business Development and Trade Finance teams worked closely with UK Export Finance (UKEF) to get the deal finalised. The funding package includes a UKEF General Export Facility (GEF) loan guarantee which covered 80% of the financing, enabling Virgin Money to complete the transaction. The GEF product is a flexible government-supported scheme that helps UK export businesses to access working capital facilities, helping to improve cashflow or speed up international trade growth.

Virgin Money’s Trade Finance team also provided guidance to Sellers Textile Engineers on bank guarantees and export letters of credit, which helps to reassure that when the company manufactures goods for export, they will receive payment on time and in full.

Ken Gardiner, financial director at Sellers Textile Engineers, said: “The machines we sell can take several months to build and cost hundreds of thousands of pounds to complete, so as costs increased our cashflow restrictions meant we were only able to take on one order at a time. Thanks to the support from Virgin Money and UKEF however, we now have more flexibility in our finances than ever before, meaning we’ve been able to increase our customer base, reach more companies overseas and take on multiple orders at once. This finance deal is game-changing for us, and we’re excited to set our growth plans in motion and see what the future brings for our business.”

Craig Wilson, head of FX sales & trade finance at Virgin Money said: “Sellers Textile Engineers is a great example of how a manufacturing business can continue to succeed, invest and grow despite tough economic conditions. At Virgin Money we look forward to working closely with the company as they ramp up their international sales by not only providing this initial finance deal, but ensuring we continue to offer great solutions around international payments, foreign exchange risk management and wider trade finance tools to ensure prompt risk-free payments from customers.”

Alissia Deane, export finance manager for West Yorkshire, added: “UKEF exists to help businesses nationwide win and deliver export contracts, offering free and impartial support through its regional Export Finance Managers. Our General Export Facility guarantee allowed Sellers to access suitable trade finance – something which will help this small business to achieve its big ambitions for international growth.”

The post Carpet equipment maker secures funding package appeared first on Big Furniture Group.

On 14 February 2025, the UK Government announced its decision to maintain the Commercial Agents (Council Directive) Regulations 1993, a conclusion reached after consultation with industry stakeholders and many months of consideration within the Department for Business and Trade.

Context of the Consultation

In October 2023, the Government launched a review under the theme of reducing business burdens post-Brexit, which included in May 2024 questioning the future of the Regulations. The confusion surrounding the consultation’s objectives—whether to review the way regulators regulate or to review regulations themselves—raised significant debate in itself. Irrespective of this,  the Commercial Agents Regulations themselves are important in governing the relationship between commercial agents and principals, and the potential for deregulation sparked considerable concern among industry experts.

Key provisions of the Regulations

The Commercial Agents Regulations establish a framework that defines the rights and obligations of both agents and principals, providing:

• Legal clarity for the formation and termination of agency contracts.
• Guidelines on agent remuneration, including protection against unfair adjustments and ensuring payment of commission.
• Conditions under which an agent can claim indemnity or compensation upon the termination of an agency contract.

Importance of the Regulations

The Commercial Agents Regulations implemented into British law the EU Agents Directive (a separate set of Regulations was made for Northern Ireland). The objective of the EU Agents Directive was to harmonise the national laws of the EU member states to help facilitate internal EU trade – the well-known concept of freedom of movement of goods – whilst recognising the inherent imbalance in the principal-agent relationship.

Benefits of maintaining the Regulations

For agents

The Regulations provide important certainty and legal recourse. For agents, this means certain statutory entitlements if there should be sudden or unjustified contract terminations and consequential loss of commissions. These entitlements are foundational in safeguarding the interests of agents, allowing them to operate with a level of confidence and stability – provided, of course, that agents are prepared to enforce their entitlements.

For principals

While considerably less publicised, the Regulations also afford significant statutory rights to principals beyond common law provisions. Regulation 3, for example, provides specific protections that help principals manage their commercial relationships effectively and, if necessary, terminate agency agreements. Moreover, the Regulations facilitate certainty in contractual relationships which can reduce the need for extensive negotiations.

Real-world relevance

The decision to retain the Regulations supports a stable and predictable legal framework, important for both agents and principals. Deregulation could have increased contractual risks and lead to demands from agents for either higher commission or contractual compensation or both, with likely increased costs for those businesses which use agents.

Given that the EU Agents Directive is mandatory within the EU, the Government’s decision means that for the time being and for the future (unless there should be significant divergence in legal interpretation between the UK courts and the European Court of Justice), UK companies will be able to appoint agents within the EU with the agency agreement stated to be governed by, for example, English law and with the English courts determining disputes without this being challenged by the national courts of EU member states. Conversely, UK agents can request their EU principals to have their agency agreements be governed by, for example, English law with the English courts determining disputes. This also benefits EU companies by ensuring consistent laws for their agents within the EU.

It is also the case that if the Government had decided to deregulate the Regulations, the Northern Ireland Executive would face a tough decision: either follow the UK government to avoid further disruption to the UK internal market, or maintain the status quo and benefit from Northern Ireland’s unique position as a part of the UK and EU under the Windsor Framework agreement.

Furthermore, the integrity of English law in international contracts, crucial to the UK’s soft power, would have been depreciated by deregulation.

Conclusion

The decision by the Government to keep the Commercial Agents Regulations intact is beneficial for both agents and principals. The Regulations ensure a balanced relationship, offering essential protections and contributing to a stable and predictable business environment. This decision supports the UK’s reputation as a fair market, advantageous to both domestic and international commercial activities. It also helps its growth agenda!

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Tony will also be appointed as a member of the Audit Committee, Remuneration Committee, RSC Committee and Nomination Committees, and as the Designated Non-Executive Director, from that date.

Steve Johnson, Chair said: “I am delighted that Tony is joining the Board. His significant retail experience is directly relevant to the DFS’ strategy. I look forward to working closely with Tony as we move forward with our strategy to accelerate growth and develop our home offering.”

Tony is the Chair of Nobia AB, Europe’s leading kitchen specialist with Headquarters in Stockholm where it is listed. He is also a Non-Executive director of Applied Nutrition which recently listed on the London Stock Exchange.

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The Board is in the advanced stages of a recruitment process to appoint a new CEO with the support of a leading executive search firm, and will provide an update in due course.

B&M has also updated its profit guidance range, with FY25 Group adjusted EBITDA now expected to be in the range of £605m to £625m, which reflects the current trading performance of the business, an uncertain economic outlook and the potential impact of exchange rate volatility on the valuation of its stock and creditor balances.

Tiffany Hall, Chair of the Board, said: “I would like to thank Alex for his commitment, energy, dedication and hard work since joining the business in 2020 and, in particular, since becoming CEO in September 2022.

“Alex has increased our store footprint in both UK and France and driven a relentless focus on high operational standards and low costs, enabling the Company to provide great products and everyday low prices to our customers whilst generating continued strong cash returns for our shareholders. We wish him well for the future.”

Alex Russo said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at B&M since joining in 2020. The business has been successfully steered through the pandemic years and is now larger and stronger with group revenues increasing by almost 50% and cash distributions to shareholders in excess of £2.0 billion during my tenure.

“It has been professionally rewarding to assemble and work with a high quality leadership team and to retire leaving growing businesses with great potential in both UK and France. I wish the Board and the leadership team every success in the years ahead.”

The post Discount retailer confirms CEO retirement appeared first on Big Furniture Group.

Name of Company: WARD GREGORY LIMITED

Company Number: 07219590

Nature of Business: Furniture wholesale

Registered office: 3b Lockheed Court, Preston Farm, Stockton On Tees, Co. Durham, TS18 3SH

Type of Liquidation: Creditors

Date of Appointment: 19 February 2025

Liquidator’s name and address: Steve Kenny (IP No. 24030) and Richard Cole (IP No. 26070) both of KBL Advisory Limited, Stamford House, Northenden Road, Sale, Cheshire, M33 2DH

By whom Appointed: Members and Creditors

Ag ZJ112282

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