Founded in 1990 to supply chairs and components to the antique pine market and the leisure industry, YOTFC has responded to changing market demands ever since and now offers one of the UK’s most comprehensive ranges of furniture, bolstered by bespoke sizing and colour offers …
YOTFC’s MD David Harrison still enjoys squaring up to new challenges. With a cabinet furniture offer squarely aimed at the small- to medium-sized independent retailer, the business has negotiated the sector’s changing landscape since its inception in 1990, but still finds an audience for the pine mainstays which fuelled its early years.
“In truth, pine has never really gone away, and continues to attract new buyers who are looking for a variety of styles at sensible prices,” says David.
And what a variety. YOTFC offers an extensive range of dining tables and chairs to suit every budget – all of which are available from stock. Its ranges of oak and beech chairs are available raw, oiled, waxed, lacquered or painted, and a wide range of fabrics and leathers – plus an equally flexible polishing service – can be specified for bespoke orders.
Bespoke specification has become increasingly popular with YOTFC’s stockists. Alongside its wide range of chairs, the company now offers bedroom, dining and occasional cabinets in bespoke sizes and colours.
“The advent of bespoke development has breathed new life into the old traditional standard models,” says David. “We employ traditional methods, professionally applied, to ensure a high standard of finish that will meet the approval of even the most critical eye.”
Of particular note are YOTFC’s dining tables – another line of competitively-priced models, which come in a range of finishes. These work well alongside its on-trend and comfortable chairs, which are available in a strong range of fabrics and leathers.
As well as designing and sourcing products from around the world, the business has its own assembly, polishing and upholstery facilities, which are supported by high-quality services.
In all, it is a strong offer, and one that is proving popular with a growing client base – despite the difficult trading conditions that the industry has been experiencing. “It is distressing to see the number of independents who are being forced into closure because the internet is exposing a chink in their armour, and they cannot respond to the big boys’ advertising spend with any meaningful response,” says David.
“The real success stories we work with are either those mature, experienced clients who have continued to adapt, or the younger, internet-savvy ones who are offering what the bigger players can’t – immediate response, and wider ranges of quality bespoke products, all made in Europe and the UK at competitive prices.”
Its model may be traditional and its roots deep, but YOTFC continues to provide the trade with new ways to do business.
