Cabinet Maker articles from July 2003

Cabinet Maker archives from July 2003

Consumer showroom for RBC.(Restall, Brown & Clennell)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2003... Traditional cabinet firm Restall, Brown & Clennell is to open a consumer showroom in September. The 10,000sqft Edenbridge, Kent showroom and head office will open along with a 2,000sqft trade showroom at the Battersea Laundry design centre...

PK sees upturn as it ponders foreign move.(Parker Knoll PLC)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2003... The turnaround of Parker Knoll Upholstery is taking shape, with orders ahead of budget. The firm is also considering having its 2004 contemporary collection produced overseas. Vincent Cruise, PK Upholstery chief executive said retail...

COMMENT: Nothing ventured for retailers.(Editorial)
July 4, 2003... The current interest in retailers by the investment community shows no signs of waning. With Selfridges and Debenhams set to become prizes in City auctions (see p5), some have wondered why the retail sector has become flavour of the month. ...

Talking about relationships.(Hidden Art furniture industry seminar)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2003... The relationship between furniture retailers, manufacturers and designers will be the theme of a two-day seminar in London next week. From 9-10 July, Hidden Art's fourth annual forum will feature topics such as designing for a specific...

Furniture sales take slow growth path.(Brief Article)
July 4, 2003... The furniture market did see growth in the first quarter of the year, but it was the lowest in almost a decade. The value of retail sales increased by just 0.2% in real terms - the lowest year-on-year growth since at least 1995, when...

Grant boost for Wilcare Wales.(Brief Article)
July 4, 2003... Electrical recliner maker Wilcare Wales has invested in a larger factory, equipment and more staff after receiving a #50,000 grant from the Welsh Assembly. The grant enabled the 18 month old company to increase its workforce by 50% to 15,...

Credit renaming.(Nova Retail Finance becomes Hitachi Capital Finance )(Brief Article)
July 4, 2003... Nova Retail Finance has rebranded as Hitachi Capital Finance after parent Hitachi Capital UK decided to consolidate all brands under a single name Hitachi Capital. The move will allow the firm to offer more products to retailers. ...

Debenhams bids.(acquisition)
July 4, 2003... Venture capital firms CVC and Texas Pacific have combined to make a possible bid for department store chain Debenhams. Rival venture capital group Permira has already bid #1.5bn for the chain. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Selfridges decision.(takeover)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2003... A decision was expected today (4 July) from property tycoon Robert Tchenguiz on whether he will launch a takeover bid for Selfridges. Galen Weston has already bid #628m. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Heal's moves to the North for its fifth store.(Brief Article)
July 4, 2003... Heal's is due to open its fifth branch on 24 July, its first outside the South of England. The 27,000sqft New Cathedral Street store is in the Manchester city centre area which was rebuilt following an IRA bomb explosion in 1996. Other...

Consumer confidence warning.(Beale)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2003... Consumer confidence will remain weak for the rest of the year, according to department store chain Beale. `Consumer confidence is fragile and, we believe, will remain so for the rest of this trading year,' said chairman James Sexton. ...

M&S pay row looms.(Marks and Spencer PLC to cut overtime pay)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2003... Marks & Spencer is facing a row over plans to cut the wages of staff working evenings, weekends, and bank holidays. Store detectives will also be outsourced to Securicor as part of the cost cutting plans to cut overtime pay from double time...

Haskers refit aids customer focus.(Haskers Furniture Superstore)(Brief Article)
July 4, 2003... Haskers Furniture Superstore has refurbished its Fareham, Hampshire store. The firm has invested #100,000 constructing dedicated product sections for upholstery, fabrics and carpets, improving lighting and centralising customer service...

William Ball - Appointments.(Brief Article)
July 4, 2003... Fitted furniture manufacturer William Ball has named Mark Walker as area sales manager for Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Allan Wells has become sales manager for Shropshire, Staffordshire, Cheshire,...

Letter: An eye on retardants.(Letter to the Editor)
July 4, 2003... We feel Flame retardant poses risks (cm, 27 Jun, p5) needs further clarification. The UK Chemical Stakeholder Forum is looking at a wide range of chemicals we `use' in everyday life. Hexabrominatedcyclododecane (HBCD) is indeed used in...

Letter: A question of free trade.(Letter to the Editor)
July 4, 2003... So just another article recklessly suggesting that we should join the euro because it makes changing money easier and keeps one or two of our retailers happy because they wouldn't have to worry about import prices increasing (cm, 20 Jun, p7)....

SHOP WINDOW - BFM LONDON SHOW: WOOD BROS.(Old Charm brand vintage finish )(Brief Article)
July 4, 2003... The Vintage finish will be introduced for the Old Charm brand. This third finish will be lighter than the Light Oak finish, softer and slightly antiqued. Contact Wood Bros on 0190 469241 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

EXPORTS: Trading on tradition.
July 4, 2003... If British furniture is to impress the rest of the world it needs to stand out in terms of quality, design or brand, says Jane Oliphant With imports making an ever-stronger impression on the UK furniture and furnishings markets, it is hard...

Launch diary: Part 1 - From layoff to launch.(launch of Scar-Thor's Noble House Collections)
July 4, 2003... Jim Barnes tells the story of his bold steps to launch Noble House Collections After 23 years with the Christie-Tyler Group, it's my turn to be `reorganised'. My services are no longer required at Charnwood Upholstery as the job of sales...

LONG POINT: Modern take on luxury.(luxury furniture trends)
July 4, 2003... Transitional not just traditional was the message from the top end of the market at Long Point, bringing a new mix of fabrics and shapes, says Alison Gay Although most of the furniture on offer at the Long Point `At Home' show in Long...

FIRST PERSON - PAUL NEWMAN: Retail rapport.(Upstairs Downstairs)(Interview)
July 4, 2003... PAUL NEWMAN How did you get started in business? I was appointed trainee manager at Magnet Kitchens in 1988. Who do you most admire in the industry? My boss Antony Clipper: at 32 he has expanded Upstairs Downstairs to five...

Happier consumers.(consumer dissatisfaction drops)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... Consumer dissatisfaction with furniture retailers fell last year, thanks to a large drop in complaints about upholstery. Trading standards received 55,400 complaints according to figures from the Office of Fair Trading. This was a fall of...

Hampton takes C-T reins as Benfield moves on.(Christie-Tyler PLC; Steve Hampton succeeds James Benfield )(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... Steve Hampton has become chief executive of Christie-Tyler. He succeeds James Benfield who stepped down on Monday (7 July) after two and a half years in the position. Hampton has been chief operating officer for the past 18 months in...

COMMENT: Too big for your boots?(imports)(Brief Article)(Industry Overview)
July 11, 2003... Having a conversation with a UK manufacturer this week about the state of the market and how they had been affected by imports, he mentioned that life as a manufacturer is not as much fun as it used to be. An understandable comment...

A last day opening for Nilson.(Goran Nilson leaves Ikea UK)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... Goran Nilson's last day as Ikea UK md was yesterday (10 July). His final role was to officially open the chain's #31m Peterborough distribution centre. Nilson is to concentrate on Ikea's UK expansion programme. Details of his...

Group effort cuts lead times.(Airsprung Beds)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... Airsprung Beds has reduced its lead times and `caught up with a backlog of orders' following a shake up in its Trowbridge factory. The restructuring of the factory over the past six months has changed from piece shifts to group working to...

Courting a stronger buying team.(Courts furniture store)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... Mireille Baumguart, Courts buying director has stengthened the chain's buying team with the first recruitments since she took over the job in May. Homebase and former Harveys buyer David Dawkins is dining cabinet buyer. David Cooper...

Smallbone sale.(Charles Smallbone acquires Smallbone)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... Upmarket kitchen and fitted furniture retailer and manufacturer Smalbone of Devizes was sold to founder Charles Smallbone on Monday (7 July). The eight store chain had been owned by kitchen group Gower. In the year to 31 March 2001, it...

Information decision.(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... The DTI has said firms can reach voluntary agreements with staff on how they are consulted on company decisions to comply with the European Information and Consultation Directive. Companies not complying could be fined #75,000. Copyright:...

US chemical ban.(polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs))(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... California, the only US state with upholstery flammability regulations, is considering banning the use of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in upholstery by 2008. A decision is expected by the end of the year. Copyright: CMP...

Memories are made for new Habitat range.(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... Habitat has taken the rediscovery of vintage as the key theme of its autumn/winter ranges. Tableware and textiles are influenced by a feminine catwalk look of patchworks, florals and frayed edges while the emphasis on furniture is...

Funding changes.(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... The Sleep Council has changed its method of funding to a subscription basis for both manufacturers and retailers, following the decision to concentrate its promotional activities on PR and advertorials. This was decided after ascertaining...

Decouvelaere to take care of retail strategy.(Eric Decouvelaere's appointment to Harrods)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... Harrods' supply chain looks set for a shake-up now it has strengthened its management. A new position of retail strategy and organisation director will be filled by Eric Decouvelaere. He was previously responsible for reorganising and...

CITY: MBO saves the day for Osborne & Little.(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... Osborne & Little gained 50p (30%) on confirming a management buyout at 215p a share. Although the price is some way below the year's 245p high, investors are spared the effects of the figures for the year ended 31 March, showing a pre-tax...

Share Update on 7 July 2003.
July 11, 2003... Share Update on 7 July 2003 Bold=new High/Low Now Change Change 2003 2003 over since High Low 2 weeks 1 Jan Retailers Beale ...

Annual sales still falling.(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... Fewer furniture and floorcoverings retailers saw annual sales falls in June, although for a majority of retailers sales volumes dropped. A balance of -14% of stores reported annual sales falls, according to the CBI Distributive Trades...

Red Dot award.(Muller Zell receives award)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... Muller Zell has received a Red Dot award for its Lounge Collection of upholstery fabric which ranges from boucles to velvety and yarn patterns to piece-dyed and yarn-dyed. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Flexible shifts cut lead times.(Silentnight Furniture changes shifts for more deliveries)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... Silentnight Furniture's change to flexi-time shift patterns has produced consistent three to four week delivery times for independent retailers. The company's 920 staff switched from fixed shifts in March. During periods of high orders...

M&S pay package revision.(Marks and Spencer and holiday pay)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... Marks & Spencer has relented at plans to cut Sunday and Bank Holiday pay from double time to time and a half after complaints from staff. Plans to spread Christmas bonuses for shop staff across the year have also been scrapped. New...

Founders bid #13m for O&L.(Osborne and Little to become private company )(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... Upmarket fabric and wallcoverings group Osborne & Little is about to become a private company, 18 years after it floated. Founders Sir Peter Osborne and Antony Little, who own 66% of the shares have bid #12.96m for the company, three months...

Circle of friends at Workplace.(B+B Italia and Wilkhahn)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... B+B Italia and Wilkhahn are among the companies using Workplace to promote their products by sponsoring the show's Hub meeting section. B+B Italia will be providing chairs, rugs and screens while Wikhahn will offer tables. The section...

Letter: A great comfort.(Letter to the Editor)
July 11, 2003... On behalf of the family and all at Sterling Furniture, my wife and I would like to thank everyone in the trade and to each and every one of you who have joined with us to mourn the passing and celebrate the life of George Knowles, for their...

Time for Indulgence.(Slumberland to appear at the BFM London Furniture Show)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... Slumberland is the latest firm to sign up for The BFM London Furniture Show from 3-6 August. Its Indulgence range will form the centrepiece of its display. Consumers can personalise the bed by choosing the colour, firmness, fabric texture...

Should I stay or should I go?(Osborne and Little PLC goes private)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... With #13m Osborne & Little set to go private, who are the other stock market minnows? Osborne & Little's days as a quoted company are numbered. Co-founder Sir Peter Osborne has had enough of the stock market ignoring small firms not...

SHOP WINDOW: JAMASQUE.
July 11, 2003... Fable is a collection of 35 jacquard fabrics for upholstery, curtains and bedspreads with designs ranging from silky light-catching to crisp, rich textures. Contact Jamasque on 01924 436650 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW: GREENAPPLE.
July 11, 2003... A 32 piece range of Italian glass furniture includes dining tables, display cabinets, occasional pieces and TV stands - including two designed to hold LCD screens. Contact Greenapple on 01727 872525 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

STORE MANAGER - LEGAL: Think ahead - stay ahead.(employment discrimination laws)
July 11, 2003... Employment law is constantly being updated and firms must be aware of the changes says Naeema Choudry The problem Hiring staff used to be simple - you found the right person, gave them training and let them get on it. Not anymore -...

Retail Intelligence.(sales stats)(Industry Overview)
July 11, 2003... After seeing decent month on month growth in the value of sales in April, May proved to be flat month - although retailers were divided. For some 43% of stores sales were lower than in April, 14% held sales and 43% increased the value of...

NATUZZI/KOL INTERVIEW: Brand of brothers.(Steve Adams and Antonello Bracalello discuss Natuzzi Salotti S.p.A.'s acquisition of Kingdom of Leather )
July 11, 2003... Richard de Melim speaks to two of the key players in the future of Kingdom of Leather after its purchase by Natuzzi Following last month's purchase by Natuzzi, the changes at Kingdom of Leather were short, sharp and swift. `All the staff...

IMPORTS: Planet furniture.(imports bring furniture prices down)
July 11, 2003... It's cheaper, it's different, and it's out there somewhere. Jane Oliphant reports on importers' relentless quest for furniture's holy grail Constant innovation, infinite choice and low, low prices. That is what the British shopper wants,...

LAUNCH DIARY - PART 2: Over the yard-arm.(launch of Noble House Collections )
July 11, 2003... Jim Barnes concludes the experiences that led up to the launch of Noble House Collections April 2003 Back in the UK and time to look at the potential launch venues. PR consultant Nicky Stephen has selected a variety of venues for us to...

Leather in the home: Out of hiding.
July 11, 2003... Taking its inspiration from the fashion industry, leather is back, and the more unusual the better, as Mark Lewis reports `You know what you look like to me with your good bag and your cheap shoes?' begins Hannibal Lechter's psychological...

LEATHER IN THE HOME: Dye directive.(European Union directives on leather furniture)(Brief Article)
July 11, 2003... The latest in a string of EU directives on leather could hurt the furniture industry in Britain by targeting imports. From 11 September, the use of 22 potentially carcinogenic amines will be banned along with several leather dyes suspected...

Hampton brings Egan back to C-T.(Christie-Tyler PLC's Steve Hampton re-appoints Steve Egan and keeps Peter Connolly)(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... Just days into the job, Steve Hampton, Christie-Tyler chief executive has reversed two key personnel decisions made by his predecessor James Benfield. Steve Egan, former Countour md is set to rejoin the group and Peter Connolly, Duresta md...

JLP Cambridge go ahead.(John Lewis PLC plans bigger store)(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... After more than 30 years of planning disputes, work has begun on a new John Lewis store in Cambridge. The 250,000sqft city centre branch will open on the site of the present store in 2007 which is twice the size of the existing store. ...

COMMENT: Sharing the bed knowledge.(Editorial)
July 18, 2003... This issue has been dedicated to the topic of beds. As a sector with slightly different issues to the rest of the industry, we felt it needed its own space, if only for one week. The Cabinet Maker team decided to make a number of visits to...

Ramraiders force closure.(Christopher Pratts closes electrical goods department )(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... Christopher Pratts has been forced to close its electrical goods department after its third ramraid since opening in April. The raids, on the Stokers owned store in Regents Street, Leeds involved two cars smashing through the store windows...

Incanto Divani puts spotlight on Sofitalia.(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... Italian sofa manufacturer Incanto Divani has refocused attention to its Sofitalia brand. This week the firm launched 20 Sofitalia models at The Manchester Furniture Show. The decision to push Sofitalia coincides with the new Romanian...

Risk assessment could cut insurance costs.(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... Assessing working practices for risk could lead to lower insurance premiums for furniture manufacturers. Corporate broker RHG launched furnisure this week, where firms are individually risk assessed. `Most insurers do not have the...

Depot closures.(Peter Cook International )(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... Peter Cook International is closing four regional depots - London, Bingley and two in Dudley - as it switches to direct delivery from its Carterton, Oxfordshire headquarters and electrical factory in Broughton Poggs, Oxfordshire. ...

Audit free.(small and medium sized companies escape statutory audits)(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... Firms with sales under #5.6m could be exempt from the need for a statutory annual audit, under DTI proposals. Firms with turnover under that level would be classified as small firms and those with sales below #11.2m as medium sized, allowing...

Grievance changes.(legislation)(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... Employees will not be able to make grievance claims to employment tribunals unless they have previously raised a formal grievance at work, under proposed legislation. Employers dismissing staff without using the statutory procedure face an...

Reid is Natuzzi's one and only in Scotland.(Reid Furniture / Natuzzi Salotti S.p.A.)(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... Reid Furniture has become the exclusive Natuzzi stockist in Scotland. Natuzzi was unable to say when other existing Scottish stockists would cease to be stockists as Cabinet Maker went to press. Nor could it comment on the fate of the...

Design students aim for recliner prize.(G Plan Upholstery / Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College competition)(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... Ten students are vying to win a design competition to create a reclining sofa or chair with comfort and quality. G Plan Upholstery is the sponsor of the contest, which is open to MA Furniture Design and Technology students at...

Lottery boost on the cards.(Walker Greenbank PLC)(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... Fabric group Walker Greenbank has warned that trading in the past five months has `continued to disappoint and show no sign of improvement'. Despite this, the owner of the Harlequin, Zoffany, Jewel and Harris fabric brands, said it was on...

Adrian Burdekin.(Brief Article)(Obituary)
July 18, 2003... Adrian Burdekin, J Burdekin md, died on 8 July, aged 53 after contracting Legionnaires disease while on holiday in March. `His death came as a big shock to everyone because he had fought and overcome the worst of the disease and was showing...

Letter: Exemption to Californian ban.(Letter to the Editor)
July 18, 2003... With reference to the proposed Californian ban on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) (cm, 11 Jul, p5) the draft Bill only foresees the ban of Octa-BDE and Penta-BDE. Deca-BDE is exempted from the draft Bill in the California State...

Letter: Restricting photography.(Letter to the Editor)
July 18, 2003... I read your Comment on copying at exhibitions (cm, 27 Jun, p3) with great interest. Design is the single most important advantage that European Union furniture manufacturers have in an environment where the cost of doing business in the EU...

Letter: The real effect of the euro.(Letter to the Editor)
July 18, 2003... Do we want UK manufacturing to survive? John Bartlett's spleen might be better after his emptying of it regarding the perils of the UK joining the euro (cm, 4 July, p6), but anybody genuinely interested in the issues will despair of such...

Letter: Impressive service.(Letter to the Editor)
July 18, 2003... I want to tell you how incredibly impressed I was with the service I received from Furniture Village recently. I had an issue with the design and size of a sofa bought through Furniture Village and was becoming frustrated with the...

Retail theatre.(Lee Longlands refurbishes store)(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... Midlands chain Lee Longlands is to add `retail theatre' to its Broad Street, Birmingham store as part of its centenary celebrations. Refurbishment of the store's second floor is due to finish at the end of August, according to store manager...

Flexibility is key to more Ikea sites.(changing store format )(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... Revising its store format could increase the chances of Ikea gaining planning permission for new stores. This was the message from Goran Nilson, outgoing UK md, as he called on the Government to be flexible in interpreting planning...

Rites of buyback.(Charlie Smallbone's takeover of Smallbone of Devizes)(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... Charlie Smallbone has described his takeover of Smallbone of Devizes as `a personal rite of passage'. Smallbone bought the company he founded in 1978 from kitchen group Gower for an undisclosed sum last week. `Coming back to Smallbone...

Sleep gains importance.(National Bed Federation conference )(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... The bed industry should fully embrace the potential of new technology, the National Bed Federation's annual conference was told. Charles Leadbeater, business advisor, told the 100 delegates at last month's conference in Gloucestershire...

BFM international party link.(Link International to co-host BFM Bash party at BFM London Furniture Show)(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... Link International is to co-host the BFM Bash party with Cabinet Maker on 5 August at The BFM London Furniture Show. The party will be held at the art deco Kensington Roof Gardens building, which has always been a famous London landmark...

Quality not quantity.(Manchester Furniture Show)(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... Attendance was the main concern at The Manchester Furniture Show this year. Visitor figures were not available but many firms questioned exhibiting in 2004. There were crumbs of comfort for the organiser with a consensus that buyers were...

Multi-tasking wins for New Designers.(De Montford University students awarded at the New Designers exhibition)(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... Functionality was the order of the day, as De Montford University picked up four out of 11 furniture awards at the New Designers exhibition. Three of the four winning students' designs tackled the problem of smaller homes, with an emphasis...

Healthier bookings.
July 18, 2003... Manufacturers have rushed to book exhibition space at the Singapore International Furniture Fair since it was removed from the World Health Organisation's list of SARS affected countries. In the past six weeks some 70% of the show has been...

Launch quartet.(Stag, Ducal, Nathan and Parker Knoll to debut new products)(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... Stag, Ducal, Nathan and Parker Knoll will debut ranges at their At Home, held at Chipping Norton from 29 July-1 August and 4-8 August. Stag will launch a transitional bedroom collection in solid and maple veneer and a contemporary light oak...

Shop window - Beds: PRESTIGIOUS.
July 18, 2003... Poodle Parlour by Prestigious Textiles is a collection of glitter- sprinkled prints for children's bedrooms. It consists of three coordinating cottons and a printed voile. Contact Prestigious Textiles on 01274 688448 Copyright: CMP...

Shop window - Beds: LAYEZEE.
July 18, 2003... The Panache from Layezee is micro quilted into layers of latex and quality upholstery. The fillings are made for resilience, ensuring the mattress does not require turning. Contact Layezee on 0870 7429880 Copyright: CMP Information...

Shop window - Beds: KEEN.
July 18, 2003... The Victorian bedstead from Keen Replicas has been designed with individuality in mind. Each piece adopts a warmer, mellowing colour with oiling and age, due to the light colours of the wood and the unusual grain. Contact Keen Replicas on...

Shop window - Beds: NOLTE.
July 18, 2003... After 17 years absence from the UK, Nolte Delbruck will be offering six collections of bedroom furniture and beds to the UK market. Contact Nolte Delbruck on 01386 446413 Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Shop window - Beds: HARRISON.(Harrison Beds' Select Comfort mattress )(Brief Article)
July 18, 2003... The Select Comfort mattress from Harrison Beds comes with an easy to turn topper made up of a natural Latex core wrapped in lambs wool, resilient white fibre and cotton Contact Harrison Beds on 0113 2055200 Copyright: CMP Information...