Social enterprise and luxury mattress manufacturer Glencraft has signed its first retail partner contract in North America.
The contract, expected to yield Glencraft an annual six-figure turnover, has been secured with Inform Interiors, a high-end furniture retailer based in Canada.
Established in 1963, Inform Interiors is a family-run furniture, lighting and home accessories retailer which supplies furnishings from an array of global manufacturers. Inform Interiors will showcase Glencraft’s Sovereign and Heritage mattresses, as well as its range of mattress toppers.
A not-for-profit organisation, Aberdeen-based Glencraft has been providing opportunities for disadvantaged people for more than 180 years.
Glencraft MD Donald MacKay says: “This milestone contract with Inform Interiors marks a significant stride forward for Glencraft in the international market, reinforcing our commitment to delivering quality luxury products globally. We look forward to a successful collaboration with Inform Interiors and are encouraged by the positive reception already received in the Canadian market to Glencraft’s exceptional products.”
Michael Hanos, senior design and sales executive at Inform Interiors, comments: “The inclusion of Glencraft’s exquisite mattresses and toppers in our collection aligns with our dedication to offering discerning customers the epitome of comfort and style. We very much look forward to continuing our working relationship with them.”
The Canadian contract comes as Glencraft strengthens its executive team with the appointment of Michael Ballantyne as marketing and global retail strategy advisor, and Kate Stott as sales and business development executive.
Michael, born in Scotland and raised in Texas, was previously an executive in the energy sector before he founded Storywood Tequila in 2015. He will implement Glencraft’s global retail strategy.
Kate, from Aberdeen, began her career in the energy sector before moving into the tech sector. In 2019, she won the Scottish Business Woman of the Year at the National Business Women Awards for her BeautyBooker app, which encourages customer bookings for salons and spas. She is also a volunteer for Long Covid Kids, a charity supporting young people.
Donald says: “The addition of Michael and Kate has been instrumental in elevating our brand, expanding our reach, and bolstering our entrepreneurial spirit. Their experience in both the consumer goods and tech space brings a fresh perspective to Glencraft, aligning seamlessly with our dedication to craftsmanship, innovation and social impact.”
Glencraft supports 23 jobs, and almost 80% of its staff are visually impaired or have some other form of disadvantage in relation to health or socio-economic challenges. The business was granted a Royal Warrant by Queen Elizabeth II, and has supplied four generations of the Royal family. The social enterprise also won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility) in 2021.
Pictured: Michael, Kate and Donald
