The National Bed Federation (NBF) reports that it grew its membership base by over +7% in 2024, and now has a total of 86 members, including 54 of the UK’s leading bed manufacturers.
The growth of the membership against a generally challenging economic backdrop has been welcomed by NBF executive director Tristine Hargreaves (pictured), who says: “The addition of these new members, and retention of our existing manufacturer and supplier base, is a very positive foundation for our work in 2025 and underscores the value we have been working to deliver for the membership.
“We continue to maintain a focus on reducing the huge increase in ‘counterfeit’ mattress sellers that prey on cash-strapped consumers. They are trading in dangerous and often illegal products from websites, social media platforms and from the backs of vans across the UK, something we have seen skyrocket in recent years.
“We have held workshops for our members, retailers and suppliers including, ottoman bed safety, and collaborated to find industry-wide solutions to improving consumer understanding on how to use products safely.
“In addition, the progress we have made this year in driving the sustainability agenda is particularly important to the industry, and in 2024 we launched the first national database of mattress disposal locations to help educate consumers about their local options."
The NBF is the recognised trade association representing UK bed manufacturers and their suppliers. The 54 NBF manufacturers produce beds under more than 100 brands altogether, and collectively generate around 75% of the UK’s £2.3b bed industry revenue. The 32 supplier members provide components for mattress and bed manufacturing, including springs, foams, fabrics, fibres and machinery.
The 123-year-old organisation’s membership include some of the largest, best-known mattress brands, as well as numerous family-owned SMEs, with many having been members for several decades or more.
Simon Williams, head of membership for the NBF, adds: “As an association we may be over 100 years old but the focus of our work is squarely on the 21st-century issues that affect the industry and consumers. Improving the amount of bed waste that is recycled is a cornerstone goal for us again in 2025, and tackling the plague of social media ads pushing products that do not meet UK trading standards is key to protecting consumers and manufacturers alike.”
