The Bed Product of the Year was awarded to Silentnight Beds for its Airmesh Air Luxury mattress.
Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke announced the Bed Industry Awards winners at the annual Bed Show gala dinner and awards ceremony last night. Independent panels of judges selected the winners from a shortlist of finalists of qualifying retailers and NBF members.
The judges found this mattress to be ‘really comfortable’ and ticked all the boxes. Based on extensive consumer research, the manufacturer knows what people want and has set out to deliver it at a realistic price point.
Among a number of entries prioritising temperature regulation, Airmesh had the science and messaging to back it up. The judges described the POS as ‘beautiful, flexible, and tactile,’ promising to bring the range to life in-store according to the retailer’s preferences.
The finalists were Sealy UK for its Elevate UltraLux Anniversary mattress and Millbrook Beds for its Opulent Pillow Top 7000.
Harrison Spinks was crowned Bed Manufacturer of the Year.
The industry’s most vertically integrated brand goes from strength to strength. Judges commended its financial performance, rebrands and retelling of the Harrison Spinks story, all with a forensic focus on sustainability earning the company its eighth Queen’s/King’s award. With exclusive sustainable ranges for John Lewis and Dreams, the company also introduced a new Bed Tailor Collection. Additionally, its revised export strategy has resulted in significant growth in North America.
The finalists were Dreams Manufacturing, Hypnos and Sealy UK.
Handy triumphed in the Supplier of the Year category.
Judges commended its ‘commitment to ingenious product innovation, clear understanding of its customers’ needs and razor-sharp focus on customer satisfaction, in the knowledge that a slip-up will bring the whole process grinding to a halt.’
The finalists were The Vita Group and Wolf Components.
‘The in-depth appraisal required to select a winner from amongst a strong field of competing companies, all of whom are coping admirably with the change management challenges required to stay in the game, is an inspiration. The industry should be proud to have so many world-beating companies in the UK, leading the way in financial performance, innovation, new technologies, sustainable practices and investing in their employee and customer experience,’ says Jonathan Hindle, a Supplier of the Year and Bed Manufactuter of the Year judge.
Nestor Springs won the Component Product of the Year award for its ValueRest spring.
The judges praised the company for creating a luxury component at an affordable price that meets customer needs. The innovative spring design features an increased spring diameter, which was developed based on customer feedback and is now a patented product. The new spring configuration uses 30% less steel, resulting in a significant impact on the overall product. It provides comfort while being cost-effective and highly functional.
The finalists were Boyteks for its BioCool mattress ticking, Carpenter for its Podz Foam Springs and Handy for its Narrow Woven Wool Tape Edge. John Cotton Nonwovens was highly commended for its Earthkind mattress insulator pad.
‘The industry renowned awards are a valued opportunity to recognise the standout companies and individuals in the UK and Irish bed sector. Congratulations to all the worthy winners and finalists and those who put themselves forward to be judged,’ says Tean Dallaway, NBF president.
