A new president has taken the helm of the National Bed Federation (NBF) following election at its AGM.
Ebrahim Patel, MD of Vogue Beds, will take over from Stuart Hibbert, MD of Breasley Consumer Products, who has served the customary two years as NBF president.
Ebrahim, who has been an active member of the NBF since 1999 and has sat on the executive board for eight years, says: "The president’s role has evolved over time from being a ceremonial role to one that is extremely active and focused. I am honoured to be given the opportunity to represent the NBF as the next president. The last few years have seen some amazing achievements spearheaded by the presidents at the time – including The Bed Show, the Seven Year Hitch, the Code of the Practice and the Sales Academy – and I’ve been lucky to have been a part of that.
“My role as president though will be about consolidation and continuing to progress the aims and aspirations of the NBF. I want to make sure that the NBF continues to provide a voice for our members and protect them from rogue traders and unscrupulous manufacturers.
“Our departing president, Stuart Hibbert, has done an incredible job especially with the launch of the Code of Practice which has involved a lot of his time. I know I can rely on him for any help and guidance!”
Ebrahim founded Vogue Beds in 1990 with his brother and started making beds on the ground floor of a multi-storey building in the heart of Leicester. Vogue Beds now employs over 100 people at its premises manufacturing everything from contract beds and mattresses to orthopaedic beds, and beds for hotels and student accommodation. In 1998 he founded sister company, Limelight Beds and for over 16 years has been supplying UK retailers with quality bedsteads and mattresses.
Three new directors were also elected to the NBF Executive Board: Steve Freeman, MD of the Silentnight Group, James Keen, director of Hypnos and Fara Butt, marketing director of Shire Beds.
The National Bed Federation is the recognised trade association representing UK manufacturers of beds and their suppliers. Founded in 1912, its members today account for about 70% of the total UK bedding turnover.
