Newsletter - December 2020

NEWSLETTER

Autumn / Winter Edition

HIGH HOPES FOR 2021

In this issue... See the stunning...

Beatrix

Our website enables any
customer to view our extensive
product range; from stylish new
designs to long-running
customer favourites.

Statement from As a tough year for the furniture Safety for our A run down of the safety
visitors measures put in place for your
our MD industry draws to a close, our meetings in the coming year.

managing director has his say.

Caring for the We’re taking a number of steps Meet the Swatch Our swatches are now largely
environment to reduce our carbon footprint.
Department. produced in-house. We take a

look at the department.

Charity events Throughout this year we have S.P.O.T.Y 2020 See which of our agents has
raised a significant amount for a secured the top spot.
number of causes.
+ much more in our biggest issue yet!

MIKE ARAMAYO REFLECTS ON 2020

There is no doubt that we have all witnessed the
craziest year of our lives.
I heard about a virus at the January Furniture Show but
I never once thought the following January Furniture
Show would be a victim of it.

From a full national lockdown we returned to an order
book we never saw coming. Luckily for Buoyant we
brought our full workforce back day 1 and quickly
ramped up production within a couple of weeks. The
order intake just didn’t slow down and we were the rst
in the upholstery industry to announce our Christmas
cut o dates in September.

Then out of the blue, came the lack of foam due to the
chemicals being in over demand, this then followed
unprecedented foam price increases. Following the

rst two in September totalling between 7 and 12% we
had to implement a small price increase. I never once
thought that another four price increases would follow
and as of today we have incurred (with immediate
e ect) up to 30.3% price increases on foam. We are still
trying to take as much of the hit as we can but I see
another increase on our prices having to happen in the
New year. At no point, with the size of the increases we
have had, will we ever be able to fully recover it.

On top of all that we have been issued with a price
increase on Timber and Springs and if we leave the EU
with no deal then we have been warned of further price
increases coming our way.
We are currently working on new ideas and we have not allowed
the virus to stop this.
We have been working on the Brexit situation for over From Sunday 24th January 2021 we will be holding our rst
two years. We have to take into account the correct product launch meetings in line with Government guidelines. If
classi cation of goods, check out commodity codes, you are not already booked in then please contact your Agent.
duty and VAT rates, liaise with HMRC, ensure we are
compliant in import and export, new customer Covid 19 has made us realise that close relationships within the
paperwork, new tari s on imported goods, check taxes UK are of paramount importance and I would like to thank all our
and insurances, consider GDPR, protect intellectual retailers for their loyalty and support. I hope we have been able
property, review contracts and terms, liaise with the to ful l your expectations of us at Buoyant.
workforce on Brexit, consider the implications on
transport and believe me the list goes on!
With a vaccine on the horizon, 2021 is giving us all some hope
we can come out of this and get back to some normality. I for
On a brighter note my directors, George Smith, Tony one have put that on my Christmas wish list for Santa.
Darley, Glen Ainsworth and Hans Jansen and their
teams have performed miracles and in my opinion I Stay safe, have a great Christmas and a fantastic New Year.
have the best upholstery team in the whole industry.

Mike Aramayo

www.buoyant-upholstery.co.uk facebook.com/BuoyantUpholsteryltd twitter.com/buoyantuph
Telephone - 01282 691631 @buoyant_uph linkedin.com/company/buoyant

NEW WEBSITE FEATURES

The careers page has been revamped
so visitors can now submit their CVs
and apply for jobs that we advertise on
the site. We're often searching for the
best people to join our team and now
it’s easier than ever to apply!

We have also created a brand new page
which attempts to answer our
frequently asked questions such as
how to care for your sofa and how to
assemble a sofa bed.

Buy British Campaign

The British Furniture Confederation (BFC) Buy
the Best, Buy British, Save Jobs campaign was
created to make people aware of the jobs at
stake due to Covid-19.

The Pandemic has had a big impact on the
economy with the furniture sector being no
exception. Throughout September / October
Buoyant along with thousands of other
Furniture Manufacturers and stores supported
the ‘Buy British, Save Jobs’ campaign which was
designed to help maintain that early
momentum of stores reopening. The campaign
focused on supporting British manufacturers
and their retailers. Tapping into consumers’
natural desire to ‘buy local’ and support British
jobs at risk.

NO FESTIVAL, NO PROBLEM!

Arafest has found new and inventive ways

to raise money for those in need this year

Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic Arafest was unable to hold its annual music festival which raises money for
charities that work with underprivileged children. In these uncertain times the work that these charities do is

needed more than ever.

Arafest
Duck Race

Arafest is now turning its attention to lots of di erent ways of One of Arafest’s main sponsors is Barclays Bank and
raising funds, one of which is to ask people to nominate them their colleague, Michelle Kidd decided to still try and

through the Amazon charity Smile when shopping on the support Arafest’s work so they organised a duck
Amazon site. race. Ducks were sold for £10 each and then

On your desktop device simply go to smile.amazon.co.uk and released into a running stream. The first duck over
select Arafest as your charity of choice. Smile will then direct the line took the top prize of £50.
you to Amazon.co.uk where you can shop as normal. Amazon
will donate to Arafest on your behalf with every purchase with Arafest and the team raised a staggering £4000
which was matched by Barclays who took the total to
no added cost to your shopping.
If you use the Amazon app on your mobile device access £8000 overall! A huge thank you to everyone
settings through the main menu and activate Amazon Smile, involved, this money will go a long way to helping
underprivileged children and young people in the
choosing Arafest as your chosen charity.
East Yorkshire area.

Sales Person of the Year

Jason Pickett

It’s been a difficult but otherwise successful year for
Buoyant and none of it would be possible without the
hard work and dedication of our area sales agents.

Each year we reward the finest of the area reps with
the coveted Sales Person of the Year award (or SPOTY
for short). This year we would like to give a massive
congratulations to Jason Picket who was sent the
award recently.

Jason looks after a large section of the midlands. No
doubt if your store is in this area you, or one of your
colleagues, will have had a chat with him at some
point. If you see him soon be sure to give him a pat on
the back (metaphorically of course, remember social
distancing!) for winning this prestigious award!

PRODUCT LAUNCH MEETINGS
CONTACTS AND SAFETY

Our area sales agents are on hand to guide you through any meetings you have with us in the
coming year. If you would like to make an appointment to come and view our stunning new products
or if you just have a question about the on-site safety procedures that will be place please do not
hesitate to give them a call.

1 STUART GILCHRIST - 07801 020539

JAKE BAILEY- 01282 442168

1 2 PAUL LONGMUIR - 07734 906 866

SALLY NUTTER - 01282 442128

To book an 3 TERRY BARROW - 07525 328 712
appointment please
contact your local TIA TAYLOR - 01282 442118

area sales agent 4 JASON PICKETT - 07834 375 059

SALLY NUTTER - 01282 442128

2 5 PAUL OWEN - 07977 334 470
3
EMMA DALE - 01282 442127
4
6 6 LAURA CHAPMAN - 07764 357 461
57
8 SALLY NUTTER- 01282 442128

7 NEIL SMITH - 07979757522

SALLY NUTTER- 01282 442128

8 GARY SAWYER - 07831 369 608

JAKE BAILEY- 01282 442168

Keeping our visitors safe

The safety of our visitors is paramount, so to ensure this we have put a number of measures in
place that comply with Government COVID-19 guidelines and allow you to feel confident and
secure throughout your appointment. Here is what to expect:

• Once you have arrived to your appointment one of our team will meet you and
talk you through the site distancing and hygiene measures in place.

• We’re limiting the number of visitors on site at one time.

• We’ll have hand sanitiser available for everyone whilst on site.

• We will be disinfecting products and areas after your visit.

• Face coverings may need to be worn when you visit, unless you are exempt.

• Please follow the latest government guidelines or call us to check before you visit.

• All visitors are required to complete a Visitor’s Covid questionnaire 24 hours prior,
to seek visitor approval.

• We have multiple temperature screening stations throughout the sites.

2021 NEW PRODUCT L

Buoyant Welcomes You in the New Year

We will be inviting customers
to view our new SS21
collection.

The individual appointments

will be arranged through

your sales agent, with strict

timings and in line with the

Government COVID-19

Guidelines from Saturday

23rd January to Thursday 4th

February.

Should you require a Please contact your agent to ensure the best options are
personal visit then that can co-ordinated for you.
also be arranged through
your sales agent who will be
making appointments to
follow up with a show van.

On Trend:
Gemstones Galore

Teamed with subtle
toned velvets these pops
of colours add vibrancy
and power to any living
space.

LAUNCH MEETINGS

On Trend:
Put it in Neutral

We are set to see a rise in
warmer, friendlier tones of
oatmeal and stonewashed
linen that adds more of a cosy
vibe to interiors.

The viewings will
incorporate a one-way
system which will be
carefully planned out by our
design team. This will give
customers the chance to
view each exciting model
whilst avoiding the risk of
breaking social distancing
rules.

Please take note of any We know you’ll be impressed with
model that catches your our extensive range of models;
eye and it can be discussed from contemporary modern looks
further at the end of the to more traditional pieces, there
tour. really is something for everyone!

On Trend:
Pump up the Volume

Boucle fabric is back and
chunkier than ever; think
touchable, fluffy
furniture to help cushion
the blow of 2020.

OUR NATIONAL SALES MANGER
WELCOMES YOU IN 2021

Jackie Stobbs will be meeting with
many customers in the new year.

We get to know her better...

What would you like 2021 to bring?
Burnley to win the premiership, COVID to disappear,
the family holiday I had planned for my 50th this year
and another marathon to add to my list. I don’t think
that’s too much to ask!

Why have you stayed at Buoyant for 33 years?

I started when I was 17 years old, a shy little girl who

would have never thought I would still be here, 33

years and counting. Over the years I have had various

jobs from starting on the zipper machine to now

being the National Sales Manager. I have loved every

challenge I have been given to get me where I am

today.

I was given an opportunity a few years ago from a

boss that believed in me and all I have to say is he

needs to keep my chair warm! Watch out Mike, I am

coming!

What is your proudest moment as a Mum?

To be honest I have a few proudest Who is your favourite agent?

moments. Both my children passing through I don’t have a favourite, they are all equal and all work
university, my daughter Eadie getting a first very hard.

degree in law and my son Alexander getting

a second degree in marketing but most of What is your biggest vice?

all becoming a Nanny to my grandson Mince Pies and Christmas Cake at this time of year.

Xander.

Have you ever met anybody famous?

What 3 things do you want for Christmas? I’ve met a few of the players from Burnley Football

Family time, diamonds and a boss who Club and the manager Sean Dyche.

doesn’t nag!

What is your greatest achievement whilst working

If you had to emigrate which country at Buoyant?

would you choose to go to? There have been many things we have acheived over

Australia the years but for me it is becoming the National Sales

Manager.

Why do you support Burnley?

You should always support your local team.

NEWS ON INDUSTRY
PRICE INCREASES

Published: 15/09/2020
Britain's furniture and bedding retailers should brace for imminent
price increases with sofa and mattress makers here coming under
intense raw material price pressure, particularly for foam.

All three of the big three foam suppliers — Recticel, Vitafoam and
Carpenter — are understood to be passing on some of their own
increased production costs to finished furniture and bedding
manufacturers after a rise in the cost of the chemicals that make
up the foam recipe.

Recticel CEO Olivier Chapelle told The Furnishing Report the
company "is currently facing huge price increases imposed by its
raw material (Polyols & Isocyanates) suppliers.

Published: 07/12/2020

The issue of foam shortages affecting the British furniture manufacturing sector has been raised in Parliament.
Hilary Benn MP, Labour member for Leeds Central, submitted a Written Question on foam and particleboard
shortages late last month (November). He stated:
“Various factors have contributed to a severe lack of raw materials for manufacturers, including successive storms
in the Gulf of Mexico, annual turnarounds at chemical plants in Europe, and technical issues at another plant. This
has subsequently impacted the cost of these materials...”

The British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM) also wrote to members of the supply chain to establish the causes and
actions being taken to address price hikes and shortages in foam materials.

Jonathan Hindle, Chairman of the BFC, said: “This is a national issue. Furniture manufacturers across Britain are
facing the same challenges, to source materials to enable their factories to operate and maintain production.
“Furniture manufacturers face severe disruption, which is impacting on operations and the ability to fulfil orders.

Charity Begins at Home

Our receptionist, Imelda Ingham, recently held a fun little ra e October was Breast Cancer
where employees could buy a number between 1 and 100 for £1 to Awareness Month and our
win a chocolate bouquet. wonderful Sales & Service
With all numbers sold we raised £100 for Pendleside Hospice; a O ce Manager, Angelina
fantastic local organisation who provide palliative care and Hawthorne, organised a ‘Wear
enhance the quality of life for those with life-limiting illnesses. Pink’ event; where the Buoyant
The winner was Janet Webber from our Accounts department so sta were encouraged to dress
congratulations to her. in pink and donate to this
worthy cause. We raised over
£100 for Breast Cancer Now.

GREENER DELIVERIES WITH
THE AERODYNAMIC TEARDROP TRAILER

We are always looking for ways to
reduce our carbon footprint and be
more eco-friendly in the way we
manufacture and distribute our
furniture. Therefore we are excited to
announce that we have just taken
delivery of a new aerodynamic
teardrop trailer from Don-Bur.

Aerodynamics can account for up to
50% of fuel consumption and the
profile of the Teardrop trailer helps
reduce drag and turbulence
significantly. Turbulence commonly
happens in the tractor-trailer gap, the
shape of the trailer reduces this by
being more in-line with the truck to
allow air to flow over it more fluently.

FSC® Swing Tickets are
a Mark of Sustainability

FSC® is an international, non-governmental organisation
dedicated to promoting responsible management of the
world‘s forests.

Buoyant’s Promise
Buoyant Upholstery Ltd follows the Chain of Custody
(CoC) system to ensure it is compliant with FSC® criteria.

Through our documented procedures the company is
committed to ensuring that the company’s CoC system is
maintained.

We have recently created a new swing ticket to show that
the wood used to make our products is from sustainable
sources.

With consumers becoming more and more
environmentally conscious the FSC certi cation is sure to
be an ideal selling point in your store.

THE SWATCH DEPARTMENT

A look at the department creating
one of the most useful sales tools

Any good furniture sales rep
will know that one of the most
essential tools for selling a
sofa or chair is the swatch.
Here at Buoyant we are now
doing all swatch design and
assembly in house which has
allowed the team to get the
swatches out as efficiently as
possible.

At the head of the team is The swatch support team are
Swatch Department Manager, responsible for all the stages
Oana Ainsworth. Oana is in after the swatch orders are
charge of managing the whole placed. Together they cut,
department this includes overlock, label, assemble and
raising the production plans pack swatches so that are
as well as ordering the ready to be sent out to each
components needed to customer.
produce the swatches. Oana
strives to ensure that all
fabrics and materials are
always in stock and creates
individual daily working plans
for the 3 members of her
team; ensuring each day runs
efficiently as possible. She
also liaises with customers for
all things swatch related!

SAVE THE DATES...

Factory Shut Downs

Discontinued Fabrics / Models

Fabric Naughty List Model Naughty List

Discontinued with immediate effect. Discontinued from 01/01/2021

Jazz Crosby
Rippon
Discontinued from 01/03/2021
Discontinued from 01/01/2021
Beverly
Marco Dani
Marco Quilt Ezra
Saint
Twiggy Chair

We hope that you and your families stay safe,
have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

from all of us at Buoyant Upholstery