For Alpha Designs Upholstery, coming Highly Commended in this year’s edition of The Furniture Awards was just the latest stepping stone towards widespread recognition in the sector. Furniture News talks to Charlotte Floate, director of the Bilston, Wolverhampton-based business, about her lauded entry and the business’ trajectory …
Alpha was founded as a wholesaler in 2008 by Constantino Xydhias, and began manufacturing its own models soon after. Since its inception, the family-run business has taken great strides towards becoming a sought-after supplier to the trade, offering an engaging contemporary upholstery line that marries comfort and style.
Pipped to the post by Parker Knoll in the Upholstery Category of The Furniture Awards this year, Alpha put its best foot forward with Nido, a collection which combines contemporary design with a traditional fabric treatment. Available with pillow or traditional backs, with contrast or self piping, Nido – Italian for ‘nest’ – attracted praise from the judges, who commented: “Comfortable, a great frame shape, displayed in a colourway that’s very much on-trend.”
This flexible line comprises four-, three- and two-seater sofas, plus complementary snuggler and footstool, and comes with a 10-year frame guarantee.
Its manufacturer has its sights firmly set on growth through investment – yet never at the expense of integrity, explains Constantino’s partner, Charlotte: “This year will be another year of growth and change for the business. We strongly believe that we need to continually invest in the best working practices, people and product development to be able to gain momentum whilst really adhering to our underlying values of providing flexibility, quality and service.
“We are currently increasing our development team substantially, working on a works processing system and updating our working environment.Factory-wise, we’ve further invested in our development team and facilities, along with new warehousing facilities, and are currently investigating new technologies to enhance the working environment.
“Our showvans are out doing the rounds, showing a mix of product launched at the NEC and beforehand to existing and potential customers.”
Prior to receiving the accolade at this year’s January Furniture Show, Alpha came Highly Commended in 2018 for its eye-catching entry, Tiffany. “Being chosen as a Highly Commended entrant for the second year in a row is an amazing accolade,” enthuses Charlotte, “and really enhances the feeling of achievement and pride that all of our development team feel.
“Achieving such an award in a category that attracts so many long-established industry names really does motivate us to continue to be creative and confident in the direction we choose.
“The show always provides us with the best platform to display our product, and has really helped to establish our name within the industry. The overall reaction to the presentation of our business and our new products this year was extremely encouraging, and in a tough climate we can only further strive to be the best at what we do and to entice people to trust us to deliver new product design, accompanied by great customer service.”
Alpha will be present at the Manchester Furniture Show next month, where it plans to introduce several new models.
Product suppliers exhibiting at the January Furniture Show in 2020 can find out more about how and when to enter The Furniture Awards.
