Business opportunities

Received through BFM's Trade Enquiry Service and passed to member companies:

A property company that looks after three student accommodation blocks requires manufactures that can supply sofas and chairs in volume at competitive prices for student accommodation. The immediate requirement is to replace 70 2-seater & 70-3-seater sofas.  A rolling 5-year program then needs to be put in place for around 200 items per year.  The sofas need to be comfortable but hard wearing units suitable for student life as do the chairs for student work spaces.

Interior designer looking for sofa manufacturers for existing and future clients.



Glasgow based retailer is looking for Uk based manufacturer for fabric & leather 3/2/1-seater sofas & corner units with a unit purchase price of up to £500. Delivery required.


A long established wholesale business (oriental antique rugs to furnishings) that has worked with many of the well-known retailers is looking for British manufacturer to make 6 sample prototype accent-chairs and 6 stools.  These need to be made as soon as possible.   The manufacturer has to demonstrate that they have the capacity to make 60 more pieces within a mutual agreed designated time and keep up with future demand.   Quality is paramount with its store clients as is British made and price.  Design and cover fabrics will be provided to the manufacturer.  The pieces will be made under an exclusivity contract..

UK manufacturer required for an initial run of 200 of nursery tables (2-6 year olds) with a facility for boxing and labelling too if possible. Paint finished wood in construction with a part assembly design for flat pack delivery. The tables will measure 65cm x 55 cm by 50cm in height.


British manufacturer with CAD design required to produce a range of upholstered cubes, stools, ottomans etc, made our of heritage cloth.

A BBC Producer is currently working on a brand new production for BBC One in which the stars of Strictly Come Dancing will teach a local business workforce how to dance (ballroom) with a view to being included in this year’s Children in Need. A furniture manufacturing company is sought with at least 50 employees, ideally central to the local community with a sense of family within the workforce.  If you are interested please contact Sharon Tucker by Friday 17th May 2013.  To contact: 07711 000207 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .


A manufacturer required for a chaise lounge and a manufacturer for a bureau, first of all to produce proto-types before embarking on small scale production.  The products will be high-end.

Manufacturer for immediate production of 150 Chestefield buttoned footwear stools for premium fashion retailer.

Russian furniture retailer is looking for UK suppliers of vintage furniture, such as replicas of the 50’s-70's furniture and lamps; industrial style furniture and lighting; and decorative items, such as tableware, vases, clocks.

Tender for the supply of medical beds and bedroom furniture for a hospital in the region near Lyon, France.

France – Supply of medical beds and bedroom furniture for long stay hospital.



Family in Hertfordshire require a quality bespoke window seat to be made – presentable from all sides – covered in purple velvet.

A retailer and manufacturer has designed a chair for a 250 chair-contract and it will possibly become an ongoing product.  This chair design requires 5 axis machined components made in Oak.

Furniture required for kitting out 2 new hotels in Turkey.

Material sourced for a particular style of sofa - manufacturer required



MDF/Chipboard based bedroom furniture for the lower end of the retail sector required.  Full load deliveries with each order.

BFM member urgently require from stock sofa frames or foamed up frames or even completed sofas in dark red “Arabic” style fabrics.  The requirement is for (these are approximates) 2 x 2500-3000mm long and 1 x 2000mm long.  Alternatively, will consider an L shaped section to replace the 2 larger sofas.

Unique and totally innovative Art Gallery in the centre of Newcastle Upon Tyne, featuring the work of over 120 North East artists is looking for a furniture business partner. The aim would be to offer hotel chains/care homes/businesses/etc., a bespoke fitting out service.  

New and exciting furniture designer based in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne is looking for a business partner who can both manufacture and distribute an innovative table which is equally suited to the mass market and also the top end of the market. The prototype has already been made and sold locally and customer reaction is very favourable. It is envisaged that once in production it can be marketed in the UK and abroad. The sales potential is regarded to be high.

A housing association is looking for manufacturers to supply low price wardrobes, chests of drawers, single/double beds snd 3 piece suites in order to fulfil a very large contract recently won

Furniture required for small Boutique Hotel with 30 bedrooms - 8 rooms for immediate roll out (4 weeks max) Traditional Painted furniture (light in colour), free standing. Budget £1200 - £1500 trade per room – room requirements - Full length Wardrobe / Small table / Chair for table /Dressing table to eat and work and mirror base / Full length mirror / Bedside tables x 2.  Urgent reply required.

A children's furniture company in Dublin is looking for a UK manufacturer of a new concept in childrens desks in the form of an all in one seat and desk combination unit.

A Swedish business organisation is looking for producers or wholesalers of traditional English furniture i.e. coffee tables, dining tables and chairs of high quality.

A creative designer has several home furniture ideas focussed on storage and space saving for the mass market. She is looking for a company that is willing to partner with her in producing prototypes with a view to launch.

A new company is looking for hardwood/beech deck-chair frames, with solid seat design, made in kit form, without finish or canvas. Initial batch is around 100.

A UK trading company is looking for a manufacturer of reasonably priced quality, ready to assemble furniture to export overseas.   The interest covers ready made furniture and furniture made to order and purchases would be in bulk.   The requirement at the moment is living room furniture – specifically coffee tables, stools and floating shelves, although other furniture would be considered now and in the future.  Achieving a good unit price is important.

A Swiss importer of English furniture is looking for manufacturers / suppliers of high quality mattresses made in the UK..

An interior design studio is to develop a range of furniture manufactured in the UK to their designs.  Products include coffee tables, wardrobes, chest of drawers, bedside tables and possibly sofas too.  The Company is also looking to source dining tables and chairs and other existing products previously manufactured in China.  Cost therefore is a consideration.  The intention is to offer the items as furniture packs.  There are 2 packages, one which is competitively priced and an upgraded package for those wanting to invest a bit more.

Manufacturer required to produce smaller items of baby furniture preferably in a complete state. Constructed from softwood, laquered, packaged etc ready to be distributed to retailers in reasonable volume.

An experienced installer is setting up his own business in the Cheshire area and is looking for a manufacturer of inset kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture, ideally based in his locality.

A manufacturer of equipment for hospitals, rest homes and first aid centres is looking for partner to develop and supply bedside locker / wardrobes under the enquiring company's brand name.


Design agency requires manufacturers specialising in furniture elements of perspex or acralyc for boutiques, restaurants etc.


Approx 2 tons of high quality seasoned oak, elm, yew ,mahogany, walnut, maple and ome other woods for sale.



Contact furniture required for a project in London - office furniture, corporate lounge furniture and restaurant furniture.

Lebanon - A leading well established real estate company is planning to open a movie theatre complex by mid 2013 and is therefore launching a tender requesting chairs, sofas, tables and benches.


A property development company based in Dublin, is expanding its retail business into selling furniture and is looking to source reasonably priced sofas for sale in Ireland.  Volume is anticipated to be quite large.
2013

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The City Council is in the process of commissioning household goods contracts valued at £1m per year.  The provider must supply vouchers and deliver the relevant household goods to vulnerable people within seven working days of receiving an order.  List of requirements (non exhaustive): Divan beds, Metal/wood frame beds, Fold up beds, Bunk beds, Mattresses, Sofa beds, Bedding – covers, duvet and pillows, Bedside tables, Chest of drawers, Wardrobes.

A company has been commissioned to design furniture and visual merchandising for a well know high street retailer.  It is looking for furniture manufacturers that are able to manufacture and assemble its designs which are made from plywood and felt, with a view to establishing an ongoing relationship. 

A company that facilitates furniture designer’s to get their products manufactured and to market is looking for British built furniture of all types and styles made from sustainable materials. 


A Qatari local trading company is looking to form partnerships with UK suppliers to source high quality office furniture.


A retailer is seeking a new sofa supplier in lower price range but require quality.  The Company currently has 2 stores and is looking to expand.  Anticipated requirement 10-20 sofas per month.


A procurement agents is looking for a manufacturer of engineered oak breadedge table tops 32mm thick. Core made from B/C grade finger jointed oak, A grade veneers on top face with B grade veneers on reverse. Veneer grain to run crossways. Drawings and full specifications supplied.  About 70 tops per order every 6 to 8 weeks.  

A retailer is looking for suppliers of various ranges of furniture including for the bedroom and living room.


Manufacturer required for a new range of flower and plant holders/display in plywood; previous ranges produced in China.


A requirement for a manufacturer of very simple and basic MDF shelves of good quality with rounded corners for use in children’s bedrooms.  The shelf will need to be produced in 2 lengths and in a range of colours, spray painted with a smooth finish (not laminated), or primed ready to be painted.   The design is a 'hanging' shelf and suitable to be fixed onto plaster board so not too heavy in weight - no fixtures will be seen once the shelf has been fixed onto the wall.  The product itself and the paint used will need to meet any UK/ EU safety standards.   It will be flat packed including the fittings.  Proto types would be required first followed by prices for manufacturing quantities of 100 / 250 / 500 / 1000.

The UKTI have sent BFM this enquiry which is for tender for office furniture in the Netherlands.



50 wooden conference chairs required and possibly a further 100 in 2013.


A social enterprise retail business is looking for a company / companies to supply a budget range of furniture / white goods to supplement its existing range of donated and recycled furniture. Items would be: single and double beds, sofas, table and chairs, (also fridges / fridge freezers / cookers / washing machines)

A healthcare company is looking to offer seating solutions and other furniture, including for the bedroom, for the healthcare environment. The Company is looking for suppliers of: chair frames, including rise recliners (non upholstered and ready for assembly),mechanisms for rise recliners and certain finished healthcare products

A retail outlet is looking for a furniture manufacturer who can make High gloss coffee tables in the UK in bulk quantity.

A retailer is interested in purchasing up to 50 3-piece suites at the budget end of the market.  Further orders may follow.

An organisation which supplies furniture to the leisure lindustry is looking for manufacturers of contract dining chair frames also frames for care home chairs. Will need to be polished but not upholstered Needs to be manufacturers and not importers.

A beauty company is looking for a company that would be able to produce Broadway/Hollywood style vanity mirrors (with a globe surround) and separately dressing tables with a view to sales in the UK & Europe.

A designer has developed a prototype chair frame and is looking for an upholsterer to help develop the canvas, leather and brass components with a view to manufacturing.

A successful furniture retailer wishes to move some of its manufacturing back to the UK, beginning with a corner sofa of their own design.  The corner sofa is a wooden frame with the option to have it upholstered in fabrics or leather.  A sample can be shown to the potential furniture maker.  Due to the success of the company regular monthly orders are anticipated.

A company specialising in furniture and furnishings for care homes is looking for manufacturers of dementia furniture both solid wood and vinyl, mainly bedroom furniture to include bedside wardrobes and sets of drawers. 


A proprety services group is to establish a furniture showroom and retail web site and is looking for fabric and leather sofas of good quality but at the lower price point of the market.  Clearance items will also be considered.

Business is seeking computer hideaway cupboards, wooden or composite board veneered/covered. Free standing with compartments for the tower and screen - not glass.

Supply and installation of laboratory furniture for university in Poland. 


Interior designer has the responsibility for refurbishing an Edwardian villa in Scotland into a 9 bedroom conference venue (4 star/5 star) and is looking for high quality suppliers of sofas, tables, cabinets, bedroom furniture etc.


A carpet and furniture retailer is looking for good quality manufacturers of sofas and occasional furniture.



An established Belgian furniture company specialises in classic English and French period pieces. They want to increase their range of high quality leather Chesterfield sofas and chairs.

We have had an approach from a Canadian government official to source UK manufacturers of mid to lower-price furniture in kit form from particle board.  The question has been asked on behalf of a Canadian company who is already supplying to the UK on-line market but would prefer to move manufacturing and supply to Britain.  The categories of furniture are bedroom (children/adult), office and storage.

A designer requires a manufacturer for a collection of 3 minimal low tables (rectangle/square/circular).  Renderings/technical drawings are prepared for the manufacturer.  Materials preferred: solid oak or solid ash in matt finish.  A manufacturer located in the midlands would be ideal but not essential

A company based in Chichester is looking to move cabinet furniture (mostly bathroom) manufacturing from China to the UK.  The company has its own designs and sells to retail and customers direct.  So far this year they have imported 4 40ft containers.  The furniture is mostly MDF and flat packed but the company is open to alternatives suggestions depending on price and quality

An established UK based baby furniture company requires a manufacturer to produce a new line of upholstered armchairs at a low budget. This is regular repeat business, with initial order of approx 15- 20 units per month.

Retailer is seeking a well established UK manufacturer of high quality, flat pack furniture, with clear easy to understand, assembly instructions, and able to drop-ship.

A letting agency has a large portfolio of properties and flat blocks that it managers and requires manufacturers of wardrobes, beds and sofas.



One of the biggest online retailers in the USA of home furniture, furnishings & accessories (with revenues of over $550m in 2011 ($12 million of which was upholstery) is now focusing on expanding its operation in the UK and the primary focus for the second half of the year is growing its upholstery range.   Low/mid and high-end upholstery is sought.  Over 25 million is spent each year on advertising and marketing and optimizing the web site.   The Company only sells on-line, taking individual orders which are then forwarded directly to the supplier.  One of its couriers will then pick up the item and deliver it to the customer.

Small retailer looking for a supplier of low to mid end sofas. 



A retailer with 2 stores is looking for a supplier of quality mid price range furniture - bedroom, living room and dining room - and would consider factory seconds.  It is also expanding its internet business so any company able to deliver direct would be of interest too, although the main purpose of this enquiry is to supply the stores.

A relatively new furniture design business, which has achieved substantial press in its first year, is looking for a manufacturer that can produce high quality solid wood furniture.  The company should have a track record of working with and purchasing solid timber for quantity production and have experience in national / international distribution.

A company that sells contemporary living, bedroom and dining furniture is looking for new workshops/factories that can make good quality, 100% solid wood domestic furniture from certified timber (no veneers).  The products are made to the company’s own designs and it has a long track record of selling from its London based showrooms.  Manufacturers are seen as partners who, apart from making good furniture, are committed to good communication and flexibility. Some bespoke work is a must.  This is regular, repeat business for the UK market.

A letting & property management agent is looking for manufacturers of household furniture, including sofas (ideally black leatherette) beds, wardrobes, chests of drawers, dining tables & chairs, coffee tables etc, for the lower end of the letting market. The furniture has to be durable (for example, pinewood).  Quantities:  10/20 of each item per week.

A dealer currently outsources the manufacture of hardwood piano stools to China and would like them manufactured in the UK instead.  A 20' container of 550 units is ordered at any one time.   The stools are finished in high gloss polyester and the top is PU leather with deep buttoning.  There is also a metal lifting mechanism to raise and lower the top.  The exact specification is available. 

A retailer which also sells TV’s and domestic appliances wishes to change its suppliers for mid range sofas - both fabric and leather, plus corner units.  A new website is launched in the next few weeks and they would like to include a new range of sofas on the site.


A retail clothing company in the Isle of Mann wishes expand and sell child and adult beds & sofas.



UKTI - A recognised 60-year old department store in Mexico wishes to source suppliers of home furniture made of wood, steel, agglomerate - beds, sofas, living room furniture & chairs.

A consultancy company is looking for UK based manufacturers of high quality show wood chair frames in beech or oak. Facilities required to finish & upholster the chairs.

Independent retailer looking for a supply of Sofas and Suites at the low to middle end.



A newly established independent retailer wishes to source cabinet, beds and upholstery. It wishes to stock a minimum of 20 units at any one time. For example, this could be 20 suites in the same colour or 20 beds of the same size and model. Ideally, the manufacturers should meet a 28-day lead time period.  Enquires are welcome from all market levels although they are least likely to deal at the lower end.

A growing online furniture and furnishings company is looking to expand its supplier base, particularly in the sofa market.


Design company looking for a manufacturer with experience in 'flat pack' RTA / KD manufacturing, packaging, logistics etc.  A UK company that can work with us, large or small, as long as they have the ability to ramp up as demand increases.


A designer & manufacturer of traditional luxury brassware bathroom products wishes to develop a range of wooden products & is seeking manufacturers.  These would include wooden consoles, kidney dressing tables and vitrines in 3 period ranges: Turn of the century English, French and Art Deco. They are also interested in producing ebony fruitwood cross handles and levers for their existing brass taps.  All designs would be provided by their design department.


An architect is looking for a manufacturer which ideally could supply all furniture for 1/2 bed apartments and flats. 



A design company is looking for a bespoke manufacturer of sofas and other one off pieces, ideally in the South East of England.


A park homes and leisure lodge company require beds, tables, chairs and associated occasional furniture to service each individual requirement for their homes – ideally those prepared to hold stock as lead times are very tight. 


An investment company wishes to find a manufacturer of retro style leather armchairs, ideally within the Dorset or Hampshire areas, or within 100 miles radius. 

British upholstery company needed to produce high-quality coil-sprung seat bases (100-500 per year) and immaculate-quality leather and fabric upholstery for respected international furniture company.  Only companies possessing traditional craft-based upholstery skills need apply.

A German company is looking for good quality, mid-priced furniture suitable for sale to crèches / nurseries, schools etc.



Poland - an open tender for the supply of office furniture has recently been announced in Szczecin.



USA - New York interior designer seeking UK furniture and furnishings for 3 month staging of billion-dollar NY townhouse listed by Sotheby’s.



A bed designer, looking to work with a bespoke manufacturer.



A Product Designer looking for a UK wood product manufacturer with CNC, carpentry, assembly, packaging and distribution capabilities, interested in increasing revenue through design.


A theatre company requires 400 cube stools from stock or made.



A new chain of retail stores requires home and garden furniture.



A large international software company is relocating its West Midlands office elsewhere within the UK.  The move is scheduled for April 2012 and they wish to source new furniture for a 9600 sq ft office and meeting space.


A property management company requires furniture on on-going basis at the beginning of each month.   They are looking for manufacturers of items of lasting quality, on lower priced furniture for the following items:  Two seat sofa/ Three seat sofa/ Draw Pack/ Single Bed with waterproof mattress/ Double bed with waterproof mattress/ Junior beds with waterproof mattress/ Dining table and 4 chairs/ Double wardrobe/ Single wardrobe/ Cot mattress (depending on sizes) /Metal bunk bed/ Pack of 4 wooden dining chairs/ Coffee table/ Wooden cots.   The January stock list is typical (monthly) and in the forth coming months will be increasing due to new contracts they have won: 20 x draw packs/ 11 x 2 seat sofas/ 6 x 3 seat sofas/ 5 x junior beds/ 40 x wooden dining chairs/ 10 x double waterproof mattress without bed bases/ 6 x single waterproof mattress without bed bases/ 5 x double beds with mattress/ 8 x single beds with mattress/ 2 x bunk beds/ 11 x dining table with dining chairs


Upholstery manufacturer wishes to source a manufacturer of chair frames and also a manufacturer of contract tables. 


An organisation has a contract to furnish 500 low cost apartments.  It starts in 2 months and will be completed in one year. Show apartments need to be furnished in 2 weeks. They would like all British made furniture if possible.  The specification is for all furniture with the exception of the Kitchen.  They require: Beds / Bedroom furniture / Lounge furniture: upholstery (settees) / cabinet / Mirrors, hall

An individual has a concept for a table which would suit a furniture manufacturer that produces ‘cool/funky/fashionable furniture’

 

A furniture Company in Malta is undertaking a turnkey project for a hotel and would like 960 chairs made and delivered to Malta by the end of March. The chairs have to be in imitation leather, fire retardant and foam fire retardant. The legs have to be in good stainless steel since they will be near the sea.

An upholstery retailer is looking for makers of tub, club and dining chairs to calico stage.

An Interiors and design company is looking for new sources of modern furniture. They specialise in show home design so delivery times need to be fairly quick. Budgets vary from job to job and requirements include bedroom furniture, dining tables & chairs etc.
 
 
An existing business is looking to relocate some of its  supply sources to the UK and is interested in speaking to companies with CNC machine capability for producing 100-200 naked unpainted loudspeaker cabinets per month. These cabinets are currently made of Latvian or Russian 18mm birch ply.


An individual is looking for a manufacturer of made-to-measure bedroom furniture (wardrobes, cabinets etc.) with a view to setting up his own installation company.

A Auction House is looking for trade end of line / clearance item



An existing business is looking to relocate some of its supply sources from Eastern Europe back to the UK and is interested in speaking to companies with CNC machine capability for an ongoing relationship to supply customised timber lockers and ancillary furniture for the UK leisure sector.