Cabinet Maker articles from May 2007

Cabinet Maker archives from May 2007

Administrators named for C&H.(James Money and David Crawshaw are appointed at Collins and Hayes Ltd.)(Brief article)
May 4, 2007... James Money and David Crawshaw of KPMG have been appointed joint administrative receivers of Collins & Hayes. As reported last week (CM, 27 Apr, p3) Collins & Hayes failed to agree a deal with its bank to finance its #6.4m pension fund...

Beds bring back Silentnight profits.(Silentnight Holdings PLC)(Financial report)
May 4, 2007... First profit in five years as group focuses on beds After a disastrous venture into the furniture and upholstery markets Silentnight Holdings has delivered a pre-tax profit for the first time in five years. Total sales in the UK and...

Sitting more comfortably.
May 4, 2007... One Collins & Hayes customer who has had his order fulfilled while KPMG trade the firm, is Paul Briant, Land of Leather ceo. Briant paid for #10,000 of upholstery on 27 April, the day C&H went into administration. `They made me pre-pay for the...

Warranty companies unite.
May 4, 2007... Homeserve has bought Multimaster from Uniters for an undisclosed sum. The deal creates the biggest furniture warranties business in the UK. It also brings around #1.5m in additional revenue for Homeserve, which has the infrastructure to...

Argos and B&Q display recycling trial.
May 4, 2007... WRAP conference commends retailers' bid to reduce packaging B&Q and Argos have trialled reusable transit packaging to help reduce waste and damage to the environment. The retailers showcased the packaging for worktops and sofas at a...

Royal plea for change.(Charles, Prince of Wales)(climate change)(Brief article)
May 4, 2007... The Prince of Wales has called on small and medium sized businesses to make changes to help tackle climate change. Speaking at his May Day Business Summit from St James' Palace, Prince Charles challenged UK businesses to fight climate...

Ercol first.(Ercol Furniture Ltd. introduced ercolDomus)(Brief article)
May 4, 2007... Manufacturer Ercol has launched ercolDomus - its first collection completely made overseas. Produced in Turkey and Slovenia, it features price points about a third lower than usual. The move is part of a wider strategy to broaden Ercol's...

IN BRIEF: Training abroad.(Satra seminar about flammability of UK law requirements )(Brief article)
May 4, 2007... A Satra seminar was held in Denmark recently to assist understanding of UK flammability law requirements. Satra explained the current legislation and the main requirements for suppliers, such as correct display labels on products, appropriate...

IN BRIEF: Help at hand.
May 4, 2007... The Association of Master Upholsterers & Soft Furnishers has launched a consumer help service. Called Just Ask, the service is designed to answer consumers' everyday furniture and furnishing questions. Access is via www.upholsterers.co.uk. ...

IN BRIEF: At home to visitors.
May 4, 2007... Leather and fabric upholstery specialist AMX Design's At Home show is on 14-16 May, at Harrington Mills, Long Eaton, Nottingham. The showroom will be open from 9am to 7pm, and is free to attend. Email info@amx- design.co.uk or tel: 0115 835...

IN BRIEF: Complaints league.(Brief article)
May 4, 2007... The UK retail industry is third in the minimum wage complaints league, behind the hospitality and market services industries. Revenue & Customs revealed that almost 800 complaints were made to the minimum wage helpline about the retail sector...

IN BRIEF: Positive result.
May 4, 2007... UK consumer confidence has reached its highest point in six months, according to the GfK Consumer Confidence Index indicator. Based on a survey of 2,001 individuals aged 16 or over, confidence rose to -6 in April from -8 in March. ...

Clare is the highest climber in Rich List.
May 4, 2007... Sir Philip Green is still the richest in the sector Mike Clare, Dreams executive chairman showed the largest increase in fortune in the furniture industry, according to The Sunday Times' 2007 Rich List. The top 1,000 richest people...

Legals - Liquidator appointments:.
May 4, 2007... MDS Bathrooms & Kitchens Ltd, retailer: Co no: 4444333. Liquidator: Philip Brooks and Julie Willets, Blades Insolvency Services, Bingham, Nottingham. Appointed: 12 April. Orrell-turner Interiors Ltd, manufacturer: Co no: 04475267....

Legals - Creditors' winding-up by petitions:.
May 4, 2007... Coleman Interiors, Blackpool. Co no: 04615925. Solicitor: Irwin Mitchell, Queen Street, Leeds. Venue: The Courthouse, Leeds, 8 May, 10.30am. Tel: 0870 1500 100. Bumbles Furniture Ltd, Rotherham. Co no: 05796931. Solicitor: Clarke Willmott,...

All Owen Owen stores face closure.(Brief article)
May 4, 2007... Two stores to close with deadline set to sell others The four Owen Owen department stores will close by 12 May if the only potential buyer for its Lewis', Liverpool and Joplings, Sunderland branches does not reach a deal with administrator...

Kitchen focus pays at Nobia.(Financial report)(Brief article)
May 4, 2007... UK sales at kitchen company Nobia increased by 8% to #109.3m in the first quarter of the year, up from #101m in the same period in 2006. The figures for the three months to 31 March also show a rise in operating profits from #7.5m to #9.4m...

Room to view.
May 4, 2007... Manufacturer William Ball has opened a 400sqft retail showroom at its UK headquarters in Grays, Essex designed to inspire potential customers with its latest collections of kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, home office and open-plan living...

Ikea bids for city centre site.(INGKA Holding B.V.)(Brief article)
May 4, 2007... Southampton store application set as test of Government planning policy Ikea has upped the stakes in its campaign to gain a presence in Southampton with a planning application for a four-storey, 730,000sq ft site, including a 900 space car...

Views by John White.
May 4, 2007... There is no shortage of wood! For those trying to get hold of timber for the past few weeks that might seem a strange statement. Global stocks of standing timber are fine and there are no production problems to speak of. So what is the...

Talk - Do customers expect you to match prices found on the Internet?(Brief article)
May 4, 2007... `Yes sometimes, from time to time. We just tell them that we can't match the prices. The Internet is a big thing for us. Most of our customers find us on the Internet, and then they come in here.' Erika Buspkunigyte, Wood Empire sales...

Leader: Keeping control is the key to manufacturing success.(Brief article)
May 4, 2007... Mixed manufacturing is a phrase we can expect to hear a lot in the years to come. Gone are the days when British manufacturers who had taken the brave decision to factor in products from overseas would ruminate before admitting the fact to...

Leader: Get a vertical hold on riches.
May 4, 2007... The Sunday Times Rich List (see p5) always raises eyebrows, and while no-one at Cabinet Maker has broken into the top 1,000, it is pleasing to note that a decent number of the furniture industry's most wealthy have made it. Not enough, however,...

ANALYSIS - Spreading the message.
May 4, 2007... Retailers will have to make their advertising budgets work harder if they are to persuade customers to spend on big ticket items, reports Deven Pamben Getting shoppers through the doors over the next couple of months could be tricky with...

STATISTICS: COMPLAINTS - Losing sleep over comfort.
May 4, 2007... In almost half of bed complaints, no fault was found, meaning the message on mattress care is not getting through to customers, as our analysis shows Of the bed complaints handled by HST during March, the overwhelming majority were related...

STORE MANAGER - Culturing a pearl.
May 4, 2007... Exclusivity agreements can benefit retailers, but they must check the terms to ensure they are fair, as Stephen Sidkin and Eniga de Montfort explain Selective distribution is the trading strategy of limiting the number of retailers of a...

STORE MANAGER - What to do when it all goes wrong.
May 4, 2007... * Know your rights and obligations under your selective distribution agreement. * Know your rights and obligations under the law. * Keep good records - in case of any doubt over any contractual provisions or what was agreed between the...

SHOP WINDOW: Long Eaton Guild At Home - Duresta.
May 4, 2007... Duresta's Monolo is inspired by women's footwear, with a heel decoration at the rear of the sofa and curved detail to the arm and front. It is dressed in vogue truffled velvet. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW: Lighting - Rotaliana.
May 4, 2007... Rotaliana's Multibook has 74 LEDs around three sides for diffused lighting, a calendar and digital clock display on the spine, and an illuminated label on the front. It can also be used to recharge mobile phones and MP3 players, storing the...

SHOP WINDOW: Lighting - Serralunga.
May 4, 2007... One of seven designs by Marc Sadler for Serralunga, the Lady Jane and Miss Jane floor lamps are available in four sizes from 150cm in height to 208cm. A choice of seven finishes includes matt or lacquered. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW: Lighting - Eglo.
May 4, 2007... Eglo's Copper collection contains a selection of simple and stylish ceiling, wall and table lamps created for a modern living ambience. All models use energy saving T5 bulbs. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

INTERVIEW - MARK GABBERTAS: Liquid engineering.(Interview)
May 4, 2007... Boss Design turned to British designer Mark Gabbertas for its latest product which employs a new way of using foam in upholstery, reports Rachel Calton Boss Design's first collaboration with an external British designer was working with...

DESIGN - MARIO BELLINI: Curiosity shop.
May 4, 2007... Almost 40 years after he began his design career, Mario Bellini is still bringing his unique approach to new products, as Helen Parton reports `I'm working like mad,' says Mario Bellini. As well as the 2007 relaunch of the iconic Bambole...

DINING - CHAIRS: Colour code.(Brief article)
May 4, 2007... Forget coordinating colours, when it comes to dining chairs this year's products put the emphasis firmly on mix and match, reports Andrew Kidd Dining rooms may not have traditionally been thought of as the most visually interesting of...

MARKETING - ONLINE: Faith accompli.
May 4, 2007... The passion is inescapable in Iconic Interiors' personal approach to selling its quality reproductions of furniture design classics, as Rachel Calton reports Iconicinteriors.co.uk is the perfect answer for furniture enthusiasts who know...

MARKETING - ONLINE: Verdict.
May 4, 2007... Accessibility If you search Google UK for the Barcelona chair, Iconic Interiors (or blue-egg.co.uk which directs you to the Iconic website) takes the first two listing spots, giving information to those searching for background on the...

TRANSPORT - SOLUTIONS: Delivering the goods.
May 4, 2007... Outsourcing and hire can be alternatives to having your own delivery fleet,says Peter Backhouse and Duncan Frame In the past 20 years there has been a major change in the way the furniture industry has tackled its product distribution...

TRANSPORT - SOLUTIONS: Making the most of a man with a van.
May 4, 2007... Attitudes to van and truck rental are changing in the furniture retailing sector, with a trend towards longer-term rental emerging alongside short-term hire, writes Duncan Frame. TLS Vehicle Rental has a number of established customers in...

CM OFFCUTS: Packing a punch in the industry.(dialogue with Phil Whittell of Komfi UK)(Interview)
May 4, 2007... Phil Whittell is md of bed manufacturer Komfi UK How did you get into the industry? Through a family member. My late father-in-law Mike Gibbs was a co- founder of GNG foam converters in the 1970s. What constitutes job satisfaction...

CM OFFCUTS: On the charity trail.
May 4, 2007... Hopewells' associate director Alan Ball and md Adam Hopewell are in the middle of a charity cycling trip from Land's End to John O'Groats. The pair have given up the comfort of leather suites and reclining office chairs at the Nottingham...

Big switch to the Net.
May 11, 2007... More than half of all consumers use the Internet to research furniture and beds before buying, according to Roger Blaney, AIS marketing director. Speaking at the National Bed Federation Forum on 3 May in Oxford, Blaney said 52% of beds and...

Top end retailers miss out on web potential.
May 11, 2007... Retailers slammed for not exploiting Internet sales Consumers are being deprived of high end furniture online as retailers have been slow in seeing its potential, according to James Roper, online research group, IMRG, chief executive, ...

Going back home.
May 11, 2007... SCP is returning to its roots when it opens a 2,200sqft store in west London in June. The firm began trading in Notting Hill more than 20 years ago, dealing in 20th century furniture. Since 1985 the company has been based at its flagship store...

Stores urged to go green.(Brief article)
May 11, 2007... Green policies make business sense says Sainsbury's chief Justin King, Sainsbury chief executive has told retailers they need to be bold to secure consumer buy-in for green initiatives. Speaking at the Think conference at the ExCel...

Sales strategy blamed for BrightHouse dip.
May 11, 2007... A lack of management focus on sales performance was among the reasons cited for a 42% fall in profits at BrightHouse, the Reading-based furniture and electricals retailer that specialises in selling on credit to customers on low incomes. ...

Swedish facelifts.
May 11, 2007... Ikea has launched an interior decorating book. Beloved Homes offers an insight into its customers' homes, showcasing nine Swedish families. Some 100,000 copies of the 240-page book have been published in 16 languages. It will be sold in 21...

High standard.
May 11, 2007... UK testing centres have `an important effect on setting quality standards the world over', said Alan Duncan, shadow secretary of state for trade, industry and energy when he toured Satra's facilities recently. Duncan saw work in progress...

IN BRIEF: Show space full.
May 11, 2007... Stand space at The Manchester Furniture Show (15-18 July), has sold out. The event, to be held at Manchester Central, previously known as G- Mex, will see exhibitors such as Morris Furniture Group and Keen Replicas joined by newcomers including...

IN BRIEF: Aid for small firms.
May 11, 2007... Business leaders have called on the Government to provide financial aid to small businesses struggling to cope with the extra costs of maternity benefits. A joint letter to the chancellor from the Equal Opportunities Commission, British...

IN BRIEF: Labour slammed.
May 11, 2007... Gordon Brown's `tax and spend' record as chancellor has been slammed by business leaders as `bad for business'. A survey by the Institute of Directors on the impact of Tony Blair's premiership revealed 45% of 500 company directors questioned...

IN BRIEF: Financial worry.
May 11, 2007... A new study has revealed that tax directors lack confidence in their own companies' figures. Professional services group Deloitte conducted more than 200 interviews with listed companies and UK subsidiaries of overseas companies and found many...

Business tax cut plea likely to be ignored.
May 11, 2007... CBI puts it case for Government to cut spending, but business organisations are not convinced Furniture retailers and business organisations are sceptical about Government making any cuts to taxes despite the CBI's call for it to slash...

City: CM Index reaches a record high.
May 11, 2007... Next leads the way for retailers in the first quarter of 2007 The Cabinet Maker share price index is at an all-time high, having gained 11% in the first four months of 2007, easily outpacing the 6.2% gain in the FTSE 100. Next leads the...

Order boost pleases LoL.
May 11, 2007... Retailer on course for more new stores despite tough market Land of Leather (LoL) saw sales orders increase by 21.8% in the 13 weeks to 29 April. But, like-for-like order intake was down 0.9% in the same period, which included Easter....

Home-made.
May 11, 2007... Designers Lisa Brook and Lorna Beer have launched a hand-made sofa collection including The Lauren, The Hepburn and The Garbo. Brook, an interior designer and Beer an upholstery designer came up with the traditional fabric designs after they...

Shopping warmed in April.
May 11, 2007... There was more activity in shops with the busiest Easter for years Retail footfall in April increased 11.4% on March with the first week in April the `busiest Easter holiday week in three years'. The Retail Traffic Index from...

People: Sturtons and Tappers.
May 11, 2007... Tim Rathbone has been appointed md of Sturtons & Tappers. He joined the company in 2004 as director of merchandise. He succeeds David Scott who becomes chairman. Rathbone, 54, has 38 years' retailing experience, mostly with Bournemouth-based...

People: Villeroy and Boch.
May 11, 2007... Frank Goring becomes management board spokesman for Villeroy & Boch on 1 June. He succeeds the management board chairman, Wendelin von Boch, who becomes supervisory board member. Goring joined Villeroy & Boch in 1997. Copyright: CMP...

Views by Simon Briault.
May 11, 2007... Prince Charles' call for businesses to play their part in combating climate change will mean different things to different businesses (CM, 4 May, p4). For large companies, the expertise, knowledge and resources to put in place...

Talk: What do you want from your local authority to help your business?
May 11, 2007... After last week's local and parliamentary elections, we asked retailers what they want from their local authority to help their business. `We do not have a lot of dealings with the council but what our authority could do is help us a bit...

CM COMMENT: Leader - Why retailers need to be more knowledgeable.
May 11, 2007... At the turn of the year, I asked a well-known bed manufacturer why the bed industry appeared more immune to price deflation than other sectors, upholstery in particular. His answer was training, highlighting the bed trade's efforts to improve...

ANALYSIS: Another slap for furniture.
May 11, 2007... Deven Pamben looks at the impact of a slowdown in the housing market and rising interest rates on furniture retailers, both now and in the future The strong demand for housing in recent years has been beneficial to many furniture...

STORE MANAGER: Course of treatment.
May 11, 2007... Staff absence can affect profitability and morale, but having the right policies and procedures in place can reduce time off and minimise its impact Unexpected staff absences affect a business's productivity and profits and, if they become...

STORE MANAGER: Action on absence.(Brief article)
May 11, 2007... Where an employee is often absent or late for unexplained/ unconvincing reasons, you may wish to take disciplinary action. But be aware that sickness, domestic problems or travel difficulties may not necessarily amount to misconduct. In...

SHOP WINDOW: Living room cabinet - Bath Cabinets.
May 11, 2007... Bath Cabinets' Dynasty range combines clean lines with a black ash veneered wood finish. As well as living room products, the collection includes occasional and dining pieces. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

SHOP WINDOW: Living room cabinet - Arthur Brett.
May 11, 2007... Arthur Brett Classic's 5000 carved mahogany bureau bookcase is reproduced from a design attributed to Thomas Chippendale. It has many unusual features, such as the finely pierced and fretted hexagon galleries around the top, inlaid ebony lines...

SHOP WINDOW: Living room cabinet - Wood Bros.
May 11, 2007... Wood Bros has expanded its Old Charm Hertford dining collection into the living room with bookcases, shelving unit, coffee and lamp tables and home entertainment storage unit. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

INTERVIEW: MIKE HICKS - City kicker.
May 11, 2007... Hand-picked hardwoods are the core of Mike Hicks' designs, a City career has shaped his dealings with clients, and karate is his passion, says Rachel Calton It was not until after a chemistry degree and a 10-year career in investment...

STORAGE: FURNITURE - Looking up.
May 11, 2007... As room sizes in new homes become smaller and technology needs grow, furniture is reaching for the ceiling, as Andrew Kidd reports Sideboards, home entertainment units and coffee tables have long been used to keep living room items...

RETAIL: JOHN LEWIS - Anchor man.
May 11, 2007... John Lewis may have set Jeremy Collins an ambitious expansion target but retailers must not forget their role in the community, he tells Jacqueline Mair When Jeremy Collins, John Lewis head of retail development, joined the chain he was...

RETAIL: JOHN LEWIS - Opening up Oxford Street.
May 11, 2007... The programme of improvements to the group's flagship branch will increase selling space by 16% and has been designed to be completed in just 18 months to incur minimum disruption to the store and customers. Visually, the plans will...

UNDERCOVER SHOPPER: Cambridge.
May 11, 2007... Five stores are visited every month to check service. This month we look at: Cambridge may be only 50 miles north east of London on the M11 but it can also seem many worlds away, with its beauty, bikes, greenery and liberal vibe. And of...

CM OFFCUTS: Surfing the Korean way.
May 11, 2007... Computer geek couch potatoes were rejoicing this week, as lazy visitors to the Korean IT Show were able to sample the stylish new sci-fi inspired Neber chair from G-Tech, complete with space for a monitor, keyboard and mouse. It's chrome,...

CM OFFCUTS: Putting a stamp on the industry.
May 11, 2007... David Langan is md of Irish six-store chain, Classic Furniture How did you get into the industry? My brothers had a number of stores and I went to work for them. That was in 1976. They all had different ideas on the business and I...

CM OFFCUTS: Cool canines get comfortable.
May 11, 2007... As if many of the nation's pets aren't pampered enough, PetClub UK wants to spoil them even more. The specialist in pet care has just introduced a `fabulous range of stylish yet practical' dog sofas and beds which will surely please even the...

Pensions deficit write off seals Collins & Hayes MBO.
May 18, 2007... Sale deal saves 144 jobs but pensioners face long wait for fund decision Directors at manufacturer Collins & Hayes have been given the green light to attempt a revival of the upholstery company without the burden of a #6.4m pensions...

Klaussner orders may remain unfilled.(Klaussner Furniture Industries Inc.)(Brief article)
May 18, 2007... The administrator for Klaussner, the sofa chain which failed for the second time last week, has been inundated with calls from customers demanding their furniture. Staff at DTE Leonard Curtis are taking customers' details and asking them...

Alston: `storm in a teacup'.
May 18, 2007... Bedroom manufacturer puts the record straight about short time John Alston has reassured retailers about the future of Alstons, Britain's biggest producer of bedroom furniture. Concerns that the Ipswich firm, which employs around 250...

UK manufacturing makes a comeback.
May 18, 2007... UK furniture manufacturing has enjoyed a resurgence following a weak start to the year. Between February and March, the manufacture of chairs and seats was up 3.7%, according to National Statistics. Office and shop furniture was up...

Trend centre.
May 18, 2007... Furniture component and lighting supplier Hettich UK has opened a Design Centre in London. Aimed at designers and specifiers, the 2,370sqft facility on Clerkenwell Road features kitchen, bedroom and office furniture, a lighting section and...

IN BRIEF: Late returns.
May 18, 2007... Nearly a third of UK businesses are unaware of the 19 May Annual Return tax deadline. A YouGov poll of 1,368 companies commissioned by Sage, the accountancy software business, found that 28% were unaware of the filing date. Every year around...

IN BRIEF: Diesel charge.(Brief article)
May 18, 2007... The Government plans to charge diesel lorries and large vans #200 a day to drive in London if they do not meet new low emission targets. From February 2008 diesel-engined vehicles exceeding 12tonnes will be charged if used within the proposed...

IN BRIEF: Danger fines.
May 18, 2007... Under the the Regulatory, Enforcement and Sanctions Bill before Parliament this week, the Government plans to impose unlimited fines on businesses putting people or the environment at risk. The move is intended to deter businesses from dumping...

IN BRIEF: Retailers help.(Brief article)
May 18, 2007... As inflation falls from last month's record high, a study by the British Retail Consortium and OC&C Strategy Consultants shows that without retailers cutting prices, overall average inflation would have been more than twice as high. The study,...