Why are we the Upholsterers Insurance specialists?

1st August, 2018

For many years, Long Eaton’s upholstery and soft furnishings contribution was left unnoticed. But, as of July 2015, it has officially, and deservedly, been recognised as UK Centre of Quality Upholstery Manufacture.

So, where did it all begin?

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the famous ‘Nottingham Lace’ was largely produced in Long Eaton, demanding far more factories, workers and therefore more housing, encouraging a vast population growth. However, in 1920, the lace industry was in decline, leaving Long Eaton with many empty factories.

This saw the birth of upholstering in Long Eaton. Companies such as Elson & Robbins soon flourished, due to the demand for sprung seats in motor vehicles, as did The Slater Resilient Upholstery Company for its high-class furniture. In 1921, Wade was established, also producing patent springing. It achieved such a reputation that it supplied furniture for the first-class rooms on the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth trains.

Many of the original upholstery companies still exist and encouraged smaller upholstery businesses to be established later on. These include: PF Collections, formed in 1988, a family-run business with a worldwide reputation for its exquisite sofas and chairs; Stephen Michael Designs, which has worked alongside Harrods and Selfridges; and JDP Furniture.

Every year, in celebration to upholstery in Long Eaton, there is an annual exhibition for the trade, ran by the Long Eaton Guild. And today, there are over 50 businesses involved in upholstery and soft furnishings in Long Eaton, with more than 2,700 employees and a combined turnover of over £250 million.

Furniture made in Long Eaton graces many British and foreign Embassies, and some of the world’s finest hotels, retailers and design studios and many furniture manufacturers making elsewhere have permanent offices and showrooms based in Long Eaton to benefit from the reputation it has for high quality furniture.

As a local community broker, we are incredibly proud of this heritage and reputation. It also means that we have a wealth of knowledge within the upholstering industry and are often a first choice when it comes to placing Upholsterers Insurance, both locally and across the UK.

For more information on Upholsterers Insurance, please click here. Alternatively, please call 0115 973 4437 to speak to a member of our knowledgeable team.

Source: Long Eaton Furniture Makers