‘Wow! What a show! The NBF team extends a big thank you to everyone who visited and exhibited at this year’s Bed Show at the Telford International Centre on 24-25 September. A special thanks also goes to all our NBF member sponsors – without them, the Bed Show could not be the success it is today,’ says Tristine Hargreaves, National Bed Federation executive director.
The annual Bed Show brings together the best in British and Irish bed manufacturing and their suppliers to showcase their latest innovations and sales support for the UK and Irish market.
‘We are thrilled with the feedback on this year’s show, with compliments on stand designs, excellent networking opportunities, and many praising the gala dinner and awards ceremony as the best yet,’ says Hargreaves. ‘We are truly grateful for the support of all our organising partners and our generous sponsors: Enkev, GNG Group/Komfi, Harrison Spinks, Highgrove, Hypnos, Sealy UK, Silentnight, Sleepeezee, Sweet Dreams and The Vita Group.’
The Bed Show is the top sales platform for new collections, innovations and marketing plans in the industry. There was something for everyone, covering products at various price points and distribution scales, from both large and small companies. The show encompasses everything from finished products to the latest advancements in materials, components, machinery and services.
The Bed Show is also home to the Bed Industry Awards. The winners were announced at the gala dinner, hosted by Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke who, in his own words: ‘before becoming a global superstar’ was a salesman for 2024 retail winner The Bed Post.
DFS clinched National Bed Retailer of the Year for the first time. ‘It’s great to see all our hard work and investment recognised in this way. The last financial year has been challenging, but growth in beds and mattresses has been a success story for us. We’ve launched new ranges, many in partnership with NBF members, have extended product presence throughout our retail estate and enhanced our quick delivery proposition. All of this, supported by a passionate and dedicated team, has contributed to increased sales year on year. I’m excited to see what the year ahead has in store,’ says Rachel Nimz Taylor, DFS senior buyer – bedroom.
The finalists were Bensons for Beds, Dreams and Furniture Village.
MattressNextDay was crowned Online Bed Retailer of the Year for the second time. ‘It’s evidence that the hard work and dedication from every member of the MND team has not gone unnoticed, whether ensuring the highest quality customer service, strengthening industry relationships, or improving the wellbeing of our staff. We look forward to another year of providing the nation with the best night’s sleep,’ says Martin Seeley, MattressNextDay ceo.
The finalists were Mattress Online and Simba Sleep, with Land of Beds highly commended.
Dreamland Bedding Centre, a Retail Champion that stocks predominantly NBF-approved brands, won Small NBF Retail Champion of the Year. ‘Winning the award is profoundly meaningful, as these accolades are the most prestigious in our industry. It stands as a testament to my team’s collective dedication. Witnessing the joy and emotion on [owner] Mike Brown’ face was immensely rewarding. I am elated and deeply moved by the overwhelming support from our supplier partners and fellow retailers,’ says Matthew Randle, DBC general manager.
The finalists were Prestige Beds and The M6 Bed Warehouse, with Linthorpe Beds highly commended.
The Bed Post took home the Large NBF Retail Champion of the Year award for the first time, with Sussex Beds runner up. ‘As a family-run business that has now been trading for more than 37 years, it feels fantastic to have been recognised by such an important organisation in our industry. It is amazing to see our hard work paying off: this is an award for the whole team at The Bed Post. I hope that we can continue to move forward this year and we will enjoy having something to really shout about,’ says Oliver Wright, The Bed Post partner.
Silentnight’s Eco Comfort AirMesh mattress was crowned Bed Product of the Year. Described by judges as ‘beautiful, flexible and tactile; the mattress aids breathability, airflow and comfort for hot sleepers and eco-conscious consumers at a realistic price point.’ ‘This recognition reinforces our position as the UK’s most trusted sleep brand and demonstrates the excellence of our products we work hard to provide for our nation of sleepers,’ says Silentnight.
Sealy UK’s Elevate UltraLux Anniversary mattress and Millbrook Beds’ Opulent Pillow Top 7000 were finalists.
The industry’s most vertically integrated brand, Harrison Spinks, was crowned Bed Manufacturer of the Year, beating competition from Dreams Manufacturing, Hypnos and Sealy UK.
‘We are delighted to win, and it couldn’t have been done without a fantastic team effort. It’s incredible to achieve this acknowledgement, as industry recognition supports growth and helps us invest into our comfort innovation and sustainability goals – high priority for us,’ says Nick Booth, Harrison Spinks md.
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.
Nestor Springs’ innovative ValueRest spring won Component Product of the Year. The judges praised the company for creating a luxury component – which uses 30% less steel – at an affordable price that meets customer needs. ‘The recognition reinforces our role as a trusted leader in the bedding industry, committed to providing value without sacrificing performance. ValueRest reflects our mission to offer smart, economical alternatives,’ says the company.
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 NBF is already looking forward to returning to Telford next year with show dates of 23- 24 September, plus the gala dinner and Bed Industry Awards celebrations,’ says Hargreaves.
