Meet the team: Megan Broome, CAD Technician
Specialist Acute Brain Injuries Unit Meet the team: Megan Broome, CAD Technician For the past 3 months we have released juicy information about 3 of our staff members, put them under the spotlight and asked them crazy unusual questions…so why stop now! Our next “About Me” feature is all to do with…Megan Broome. Megan has worked at Retail Furniture for 2.5 years after graduating from University Wolverhampton studying Product Design. Following on from her successful duration as a student and getting herself a 2:1, she joined the team at Retail Furniture and became a CAD Technician. You may ask what does a CAD Technician do? Well, Megan works very closely with members of the main office through to the workshop, ensuring that all of her bespoke drawings are nothing but perfection when being manufactured by our fantastic Joiners. In order to be a successful CAD Technician, you need to achieve deadlines, understand/read drawings and be good at problem solving. All of the outstanding qualities our Megan owns. Upon receiving client jobs for an order, it’s down to Megan to recreate the programs on our software which will then instruct our highly skilled team members and machines to start working! In her spare time, and once normality resumes Megan likes to spend time with her friends and her boyfriend. Whether that be exploring outdoors or going to the cinema to watch the latest rom com. We asked a few questions; would you like to read the answers…? Who would play you in a movie about your life? Young Lisa Kudrow When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? A vet / anything to do with working with animals What’s one thing most people don’t know about you? I can play the piano If you enjoy our blogs, click here to head over to our Marie Curie Fundraising story
Find Out More About Hand Spraying to Perfection
Find Out More About Hand Spraying to Perfection Find Out More About Hand Spraying to Perfection Perfecting the bodywork of a client’s product is crucial. It takes skilled operatives with an eye for flawless detail to complete the job professionally. In our specialist spray workshop, we’re able to spray MDF and hardwoods in a sealed environment. After spraying, our furniture is sealed with a lacquer top coat to ensure the colour and finish remains durable. We took a visit to our paint shop to catch up with one of our specialist paint sprayers. After working at Retail Furniture for 7 years, he reveals the key elements to consider when hand spraying to perfection. There’s a preparation process to follow and stages of different coats to apply pre and post spraying – for example, Sealant, Primer, Top Coat, Lacquers etc Attention to detail! Ensure the paint colour that you have mixed and measured is of the right consistency at all times, allowing for a smooth application and an unblemished finish Get yourself familiar with how the HVLP (High Volume, Low Pressure Air Caps) Spray Gun works. When using the gun, spray the paint 50% further away each time. Complete this process a few times to ensure 100% coverage The overall job of Hand Spraying takes time due to the step-by-step processes. 1 item may take a couple of days to complete because of the MDF prep, the coats and paint application but also the high quantity turnaround In conclusion, we asked “What do you enjoy most about the job” – Being able to provide clients with high quality, finished products Fancy getting to know one of our team members, click here to read about Meg Broome
International Women’s Day 2021
International Women’s Day 2021 Find out more about International Women’s Day 2021 In modern society it is common to see women working within different, diverse industries whether that be of leadership, manual handling, outdoors or of extreme sports. The world is evolving and attitudes are changing. The manufacturing industry is in a state of reinvention and exciting, educating and empowering women will be critical to the future of the industry. International Women’s Day has occurred for well over a century, so why stop now… On Monday 8th March at Retail Furniture, we are jumping on board and joining in with International Women’s Day. A global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. At its core this significant day serves as a strong, important purpose which forces conversations to be had. We are proud to have an exceptional equality and diversity policy in place which promotes fantastic freedom of speech. We stick by our policies and use them unconsciously without knowing every single day. Meet valuable female members of our team: Louise Cadd – Financial Director Cathy Evans – Sales Ledger Teresa Farr – Purchase Ledger Maddie Hodge – Marketing Megan Broome – CAD Technician Megan Cadd – Warehouse Operative Lauren Martin – Commercial Support In the words of International Women’s Day 2021 “From challenge comes change, so let’s all choose to challenge”. In conclusion, it has been enjoyable for us to witness other females in different industries support the cause too. It gives us all at Retail Furniture a great confidence boost to know we’re all in it together. Follow the main hashtags for International Women’s Day > #IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge. You will find fantastic success stories from inspirational women. Read our next page, all about our Hand Spraying department
Meet the team: Steve Gough, Director of Project Management
Meet the team: Steve Gough, Director of Project Management Meet the team: Steve Gough, Director of Project Management We are keen to introduce another team member of the Retail Furniture family! We would like to introduce Steve Gough. Much to our amusement (not his!) asking him a few questions about himself. Let’s go right back to the bright young age of 16 where Steve finished school and started working as a Bench Joiner. He then moved into the company office working on CAD (Computer-aided design). With a strong practical skillset and knowledge of both manufacturing and design, Steve changed his career path to managing several, large budgeted company accounts. Fast forward to March 2021 where Steve is one of 4 Directors at Retail Furniture. He’s a great entertainer within the office, contributing with sarcasm and witty remarks. If you need any help with anything, Steve’s a great guy to go to! In his spare time Steve enjoys walking, mountain biking (occasionally), Gousto deliveries and watching his 2 sons playing football with one playing at academy level which means travelling around the country on the weekends. His current project ahead of Summer is planning and building his garden shed aka “The Bar!” – putting his joinery skills to use! Do you want to find out more about Steve Gough? If you could travel to any country where would you go taking one essential item only? “I would love to go back to Hawaii with my wife as we went there on our honeymoon. We had such a great time; however, we wouldn’t take the kids!” If you were a superhero, what would your super power be? “I would love to be able to fly!” If you were to attend a dinner party with 5 people dead or alive…who would it be? Tom Hanks Jon Candy Holly Willoughby Margot Robbie Ant & Dec – they come as 1 My favourite thing about working at Retail Furniture is… “Securing orders from an enquiry to seeing it complete and leaving the factory and the office banter” We hope you have enjoyed meeting Steve Gough, Director of Project Management.
The Importance of a Quality Shop Fit
The Importance of a Quality Shop Fit The Importance of a Quality Shop Fit Quality shopping experience is vital to your business. A huge part of that experience is determined by your shop fitting and layout. Your customers’ first impressions, how they move through your store and the perceived value of your products, is all influenced by your shop fit. It’s been a difficult 12 months for the retail industry but slowly and surely, as Spring is starting to appear, retail will rise again and their will be an increase in shopping demand. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak there has been an adjustment change in our attitude to shopping, the main factor that the shops have been closed. Whether you have purchased food, clothing or essential items – point of sale needs to attract the customer. Times have been difficult on spending, and people aren’t falling in love with the latest trends and designs due to problematic uncertainties. However – stores still have to make their items and display’s appeal to their target audience. So just what is it about your quality shop fit that is important? It’s vital for retailers to stand out from the crowd. attractive signage is often more important than a competitive price. Brand Identity Your shop is the showcase of your brand. Your in-store colour scheme and design should be completely in line with your branding. Take the time to really think about what your brand values are and incorporate this into your shop design. Customer Loyalty Shopping is an emotional experience – customers buy a product because of how it makes them feel. Creating a positive shopping experience from the minute your customers walk through the door helps them to develop positive feelings towards your brand and your products. This can mean they spend longer in store and increase the potential of a sale. If a customer has a positive experience in your store, they are more likely to return time and again because they trust in the quality of your products and services. Over time, this helps to create advocates for your brand who will recommend your business to their friends and family. Health & Safety Functionality is just as important as an attractive design. Think about any health and safety risks when designing your layout and make sure your shop has disabled access. Regardless of any COVID road map proposals, anti-bacterial access points will still be in high demand. Making small changes can make larger impacts to your consumers upon entry to your store. Changing your store to suit health and safety concerns can be tricky. Our in-house design team are happy to help you incorporate this into your layout so you have total confidence in the practicality of your shop fit. Resilience Choosing the right materials is key for a long-lasting, resilient shop fit. A less durable material may have a striking impact in the short term but you need to make sure your design can withstand the test of time without becoming tired and dated. At Retail Furniture, we can create bespoke pieces to suit your needs. We’re also one of only several manufacturers to specialise in PU Edging, which is a highly durable, resistant edging solution which allows you to customise any surface. PU solution serves as a barrier to prevent trapped bacteria, which in current times has proven to be crucial. New Business A quality shop fit is important in attracting new businesses. As many retailers know, your products are only as appealing as the environment in which they’re presented. Potential new suppliers will be more enthusiastic about having their products stocked in your store if the retail environment is of a high standard. We hope you have enjoyed reading about the importance of a quality shop fit. We specialise in all aspects of retail furniture from the design concept through to shop fitting. Our friendly, expert team would be more than happy to discuss your requirements, so get in touch today.
Meet the team: Louise Cadd, Director of Finance
Meet the team: Louise Cadd, Director of Finance Meet the team: Louise Cadd, Director of Finance Meet Louise Cadd, Director of Finance aka “go to” leading lady! Louise has been a loyal team member of Retail Furniture since 2002 from when the business was first established in Oakengates, Telford. Over the course of 19 years, Louise has witnessed the company successfully blossom, and has moved to two further locations before finding its current home in Halesfield. Louise has played a large part in helping the company grow to what it is today. Without a “Louise” in your life – you would be lost! If Louise isn’t at work or the gym, you will find her surrounded by her loving family including her two dogs – a Beagle and a Border Terrier! either planning house renovations or booking adventures abroad with a glass of pinot grigio in hand. See below some quick fire questions for Louise! If you could travel to any country where would you go taking one essential item only? “I love travelling to new places so for me it would have to be Costa Rica! And I would take my husband with me as my essential item” If you were a superhero, what would your super power be? “Close call but it would have to be time travelling. I’d love to visit iconic moments in history!” If you were to attend a dinner party with 5 people dead or alive…who would it be? David Attenborough Micky Flanagan David Jason Freddie Mercury Princess Margaret And of course – the host … me! We would all have a great time. My favourite thing about working at Retail Furniture is… “Most of the team have worked for Retail Furniture since the start, so I would say my colleagues. Everybody is supportive of one another” We hope you have enjoyed meeting our team member, Louise Cadd.
January 2021 – Upon Reflection
January 2021 – Upon Reflection New Year – January 2021 – Upon Reflection New Year’s Eve 2020 – the night you either went to bed to forget or stayed up to witness the clock strike midnight. For many worldwide it drew a line under what was an unprecedented year and whilst we have some clarity on the future the team at Retail Furniture couldn’t help but feel the uncertainty January may bring. Then Boris Johnson announced the third UK national lockdown on January 4th. However, despite the potential strain on the horizon the company continue with a positive mindset for 2021. Retail Furniture The impact the that pandemic has had on businesses and the economy is astronomical and scary going into the New Year. Fortunately for us, the manufacturing industry remains fully operational so we can continue to provide our services for the Retail, Education, Health, Finance and Convenience sectors. Comparing month-on-month statistics we are measuring up to have the same volume of jobs in January to last year, securing orders up until April. Since November 2020 we’ve invested within the realm of various digital media platforms. Follow our Retail Manufacturing journey… Without fail we’re working hard to achieve high results whilst also adhering to the new restriction rules. Click our contact us page where one of our account managers will ensure your enquiry gets heard.Or call us on 01952 587 277 to speak to a member of the team In conclusion, if we have learnt anything over the last year it’s that we should all unite together and help each other out when needed. After all we’re all partaking in this new crash course of a journey. We hope you enjoyed our New Year – January 2021 – Upon Reflection blog.
Meet the team: Alex Yorke, Trainee Account Manager
Specialist Acute Brain Injuries Unit Meet the team: Alex Yorke, Trainee Account Manager Our youngest recruit in the office Alex Yorke joined Retail Furniture in January 2020, prior to the disastrous Covid-19 pandemic. At the bright young age of 19, Telford born Alex joined the company as a Trainee Account Manager and since then has blossomed taking the job in his stride, progressing triumphantly every day. His day-to-day tasks include breaking down client jobs, providing accurate product pricing and most importantly project managing existing and new clients. Ensuring jobs are running smoothly at all times. Within his personal time Alex enjoys coaching under 13’s football, watching football and playing golf at the local Golf Club in Telford. His pride and joy is his Mercedes, he always seems to be doing something to it…or fixing it! Whilst unwinding after a long day Alex loves nothing more than watching a Netflix series, anything from Action to a spot of dramatised history in the Crown – after all we are in a pandemic! Nothing much to do! Let’s round things off with our quick-fire questions… If you could travel to any country where would you go taking one essential item only?“I would like to go to Dubai taking only my phone (passport already included for obvious reasons). I can buy everything else out there!” If you were a superhero, what would your super power be?“Be able to fly, I could travel for free and go anywhere in the world at my own demand!” My favourite thing about working at Retail Furniture is…“The daily communication with different clients, providing them with my support and the office banter – amongst the work there’s great discussions and always something to laugh about” Plus…During the year Alex has also unconsciously nominated himself as “lunch guy” who goes to Tesco’s or Greggs with a list from the office scanning the shelves for sausage rolls and bags of crisps! Would you like to know more about 2021, check out our next blog
PU Edging: Beneficial to the Educational Sector
PU Edging: Beneficial to the Educational Sector PU Edging: Beneficial to the Educational Sector Since the outbreak of COVID-19 it is essential surroundings revise their cleaning system and becomes compliant with the new government rules. The pandemic has not only altered people’s lives it has made us all re think about our work spaces. What we touch and how we can prevent bacteria spreading. Not only do we need to look after ourselves more but it is vital that we surround ourselves in a healthy, clean environment. How we can help you PU Edging a highly durable, beneficial resistant edging solution which you can customise to any surface. It can be produced in almost any shape or profile to suit your requirements, from bookcases and doors to classroom table tops. It doesn’t need to be formal either with swatches from the RAL and Pantone colour charts available to choose from, it’s easy to match your surfaces to your school branding. So, why not brighten up classrooms with different colours. After all, now more than ever it is crucial to create a fun environment for teaching and learning. We can provide anti-bac, laminated table tops. A hermetical seal is created between the PU edge and core material to stop bacteria becoming trapped. The seal is so durable it means that it cannot be prised or picked away therefore ensuring a long-lasting lifespan. If you’re interested and would like more information please contact us or call us directly on 01952 587277. We hope you have enjoyed our latest blog about why PU Edging is beneficial to the educational sector.
Meet The Team: Andy Hall, Senior Account Manager
Meet the team: Andy Hall, Senior Account Manager Meet the team: Andy Hall, Senior Account Manager It’s time to get to meet another company staff member of Retail Furniture! The first person under the spotlight for 2017 is Andy Hall, Senior Account Manager. Born and bred in Wolverhampton, Andy has been a valued part of the team for fifteen years now. Sitting in the management team, Andy spends his work life looking after some of our key accounts and ensuring our clients’ briefs are smoothly communicated to our workshop team to maintain our high standard of quality and customer satisfaction. When he’s not liaising with our clients, Andy likes to keep fit and regularly visits the gym as well as enjoying a game of golf or football (he’s a loyal supporter of Blackburn Rovers). He’s also partial to the occasional mud run… the muddier, the better! Something not many people know about Andy is that one of his relatives is a WWE wrestler and as a child, Andy also dreamt of going into wrestling. We’re pleased to report that he doesn’t try brushing up on his wrestling skills in the office! Let’s round things off with our quick-fire questions to Andy Hall… What 3 things would you take with you on a desert island?“Definitely my sunglasses, a box of matches just in case and a large crate of Dark Fruit cider.” If you were a superhero, what would your super power be?“Invincibility!” My favourite thing about working at Retail Furniture is…“The satisfaction of seeing a project leave the premises which you’ve been part of from start to finish.”
