Member Article

Yorkshire entrepreneur in dreamland after securing National Bed presidency

Simon Spinks, MD of Leeds-based bed manufacturer Harrison Spinks, has been reelected president of the National Bed Federation (NBF).

Previously holding the role in 2011-12, Spinks succeeds former president Ebrahim Patel of Vogue Beds who has held the position for the last two years.

The NBF is the recognised trade association representing UK manufacturers of beds and their suppliers. Based in Skipton, North Yorkshire, the organisation was founded in 1912 and today, its members account for approximately 75% of the total UK bed market turnover.

Simon revealed: “I’m honoured to have been elected president for a second time and look forward to steering our association through what will be an uncertain economic climate in the short term. There are many challenges ahead for the UK bed industry but by working together we can face these challenges with optimism.”

Simon’s appointment was made at the National Bed Federation’s (NBF) annual Spring Forum (27 April), attended by more than 100 delegates.

Some of the industries’ leading bed manufacturers - a total of 50 NBF member companies - gathered at Crewe Hall Hotel in Cheshire to hear latest developments from the NBF and its activities, as well as insights into how the developing economy will affect the bed and furniture sector.

Key note speakers included economist, James Woudhuysen, who discussed how new trends in manufacturing and retail - as well as construction and transport - will impact on consumers and their sleep. And behavioural economist, Roger Martin-Fagg, spoke about how newly appointed U.S president, Donald Trump, and Brexit has made it ‘difficult’ to develop sensible economic forecasts.

After a final presentation by NBF executive director, Jessica Alexander, about the importance of resource efficiency, product sustainability and recycling, and how this will shape the future of all market sectors - the AGM drew to a close and a drinks reception and dinner commenced.

Speaking about the event, Jessica commented: “This year’s Spring Forum was a fantastic success - we discussed and unravelled some thought-provoking topics centred around not just the bed sector, but how changes within the economic climate of tomorrow will affect the furniture sector and beyond.”

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