Alstons - Trade Talk 2019

Stand No C60 in Hall 1 at NEC Birmingham
www.alstons.co.uk

Savannah
Bali accent chair in fabric 9093, light oak arm. Savannah Grand sofa in fabric 9483, large scatter cushions in 9093, satin nickel legs.
3 seater sofa in fabric 9348, large scatter cushions in 9093, light oak legs.
Bali accent chair in fabric 9011, walnut finish arm. Savannah Grand sofa in fabric 9217, large scatter cushions in 9011, walnut finish legs.
Snuggler in fabric 9501, small scatter cushion in 9011, satin nickel legs.
Bali accent chair in fabric 9000, light oak arm. Savannah 2 seater sofa in fabric 9500, small scatter cushions in 9000, light oak legs.
Savannah chair in 9348, small scatter cushion in 9093, light oak legs.
Bali accent chair in fabric 9000, light oak arm. Savannah Grand sofa in fabric 9507,
large scatter cushions in 9000, satin nickel legs.
Oslo swivel chair in fabric 9009. Savannah Grand sofa in fabric 8198,
large scatter cushions in 9009, satin nickel legs.

Claudia
Claudia Grand sofa in fabric 9542, large scatter cushions in 9111, lumbar cushion in 9056, smokey oak feet.

www.alstons.co.uk
Claudia 3 seater sofa in fabric 9546, large scatter cushions in 9111, smokey oak feet. Grand sofa in fabric 9542, large scatter cushions in 9111, lumbar cushion in 9056, smokey oak feet.
Bali accent chairs in 9056, walnut finish arms.
Claudia Grand sofa in fabric 9438, large scatter cushions in 9300, lumbar cushion in 9020,
smokey oak feet. 3 seater sofa in fabric 9437, large scatter cushions in 9302, smokey oak feet.
Lloyd accent chair in 9300, smokey oak legs. Ottoman in 9020, smokey oak feet.
Claudia Grand sofa in fabric 9881, large scatter cushions in 9126, lumbar cushion in 9061, dark feet.
Lloyd accent chair in 9061, dark legs.
Claudia Grand sofa in fabric 8198, large scatter cushions in 9072, lumbar cushion in 9482, smokey oak feet. Snuggler in 9482, small scatter cushion in 9072, smokey oak feet.
Lloyd accent chair in 9072, smokey oak legs.
Claudia Grand sofa in fabric 9777, large scatter cushions in 9133, lumbar cushion in 9663, dark feet. Lloyd accent chair in 9133, dark legs.
Claudia chair in fabric 9438, small scatter cushion
in 9300, smokey oak feet.

Welcome
A message from Philip Grindrod
Philip Grindrod –
Managing Director
2018 has again been a very
challenging year for all of us, with the
extremely hot summer, World Cup and
the continuing uncertainty surrounding
the Brexit negotiations. Throughout 2018
we have continued our investment in
the future of Alstons, with the installation
of a third state of the art fabric cutting
machine, new additions to our delivery
fleet and further improvements to our
factory floor layout.
Our focus is now firmly on 2019 where
we very much look forward to extending
you a warm welcome to our stand at the January Furniture Show, at which we will
be presenting our latest models, Claudia, Savannah and the Bali chair.
Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2019.
A message from Andy Kennaugh
I am delighted that 2018 proved to
be another successful year in the
Alstons chapter. Therefore my thanks, as
always, goes out to a very dedicated team
throughout all of our business and also to
you, our customers, who continue with your
unfailing support and loyalty.
Every year a new challenge arises and
2018 belonged to the weather! The impact
of snow and sun throughout the country
certainly did not help trade and I am sure Andy Kennaugh -
that Brexit in 2019 will equally throw up a
Commercial Director
few issues, but I am confident that we will all
overcome the challenges and strive forwards together.
We look forward to bringing you fresh and exciting new ideas and, of course,
there is no better place to start than the NEC 2019, where we look forward to
showcasing fantastic new product lines.
Nadia Austin - Our new Area Sales Manager
Firstly may we congratulate you
on your role as our new Area
Sales Manager for the East
Anglia area and welcome you
to Alstons.
What drew you to working for
Alstons?
The product and the people!
What experience can you bring
to this role?
I really enjoyed studying Furniture
Design at University so have
experience and a passion for
furniture and manufacturing plus,
I have worked in different roles,
Paper
to
From
Product
Introducing
Nadia
including sales, marketing and design
in the upholstery industry for 6 years
so have a broad understanding of the
industry as a whole.
For those who haven’t met you
yet, how would you describe
yourself?
Organised, determined, enthusiastic
and hopefully good fun too!
If you chose to be one character
from Harry Potter, who would you
be and why?
Dumbledore (without the beard)
because I fancy being the boss
of Hogwarts.
Time to put you on the spot!
What’s your favourite
Alstons sofa?
I like them all, but I would choose
a Stockholm!
Andy Kennaugh, Commercial
Director would like to thank Bev
Davies who worked for Alstons
for 18 years and was an amazing
ambassador for Alstons as the East
Anglian Area Sales Manager. In
the Summer Bev moved on to an
exciting new chapter in her career.
‘Bev has been an amazing part
of the sales team and myself and
all of her colleagues wish her much
success for the future and know
that she will thrive in her new
venture. I would like to welcome
Nadia, who is already proving to
be a fantastic addition to our team.
Her energy, great enthusiasm, and
passion for furniture will I’m sure
be a huge success in looking after
our customers. I am delighted that
she joined us and we wish her the
best of luck in her new role.’
I look forward to welcoming you on our stand at the NEC so please do join us
for some light refreshment while you view our new products and I wish you all a
very prosperous New Year.
Alstons were once again
proud to be awarded the
AIS ‘Gold Standard’ award
- the ultimate accolade
for quality and service. We
were also awarded the
pinnacle award of ‘Supplier
of the Year’ which was voted
by you the AIS members
so thank you. Alstons have
consistently achieved the highest praise from AIS and the members. Thank you
also goes to our amazing work force, a great team.
Last Orders 2019
Cambridge 2nd April
Avignon 2nd April
Left to right: Peter Mallinson (AIS),
Bev Davies (Alstons), Philip Grindrod (Alstons)
Left to right: Alex, Matthew and Sarah - the brains and creativity behind the design & development of Alstons products
Our Design and Development
teams were enhanced in 2018.
Firstly, congratulations to Sarah
Walsh who successfully secured the
role of Development Manager at the
beginning of 2018. Her time
with Matthew Cave, Designer
has helped her progress
into this role and with the
knowledge she has gained over
the years with Alstons and from
initial product ideas to new
fabric concepts, she has been able to
enhance the running and productivity of
the development department.
In March 2018, we were extremely
pleased to welcome Alex Austin who
joined the design team as Fabric
Selector and Designer. Alex brings a
wealth of experience to Alstons with
In 2018 Alstons were proud to
support the following charities
throughout the year:
Alzheimer’s Cupcake Day
– Alstons raised £220.19 on
the 14 June 18, where staff
made and donated cakes for a
a BA (Hons) in Textile Design from
Nottingham Trent University. She
is highly prized for her attention to
detail and an interest in products and
fashion. For the last four years she has
From the first brainstorming
session at the start of the design
process, they bounce ideas
around until the concept is born
been designing, sourcing and creating
commercial collections within the
trade and also designs her own fabrics.
Working alongside Matthew they ensure
our models have the latest colours and
textures. We look forward to seeing the
new fabric collections and models over
the coming months.
Giving Matters
well-deserved charity.
Alstons were pleased to donate £300 to
the Essex based charity Saint Francis
Hospice as an alternative to sending
Christmas cards. This charity was picked
from a group of nominations from
our workforce.
Matthew, Alex and Sarah’s roles are
interlinked and teamwork is a key factor
when introducing new models. From
the first brainstorming session at the
start of the design process, they bounce
ideas around until the concept
is born. Matthew and Alex then
take these ideas further, putting
pencil to paper and turning ideas
into sketches until the design
is selected. The design team
work closely with Sarah and the
development team to construct and
bring the product to life. After weeks of
prototyping, perfecting proportions and
clothing the design in fabrics, the design
is engineered to the exacting standards
required for production. I think you
will agree that the end result is a
perfect product!
Every year we have a
Christmas raffle which is a
huge hit! In 2018 we raised over a
thousand pounds and this year we hope
to do the same. Stopthetraffik is the
worthy charity to receive the donations
from this raffle.
All our
products
are FSC ®
Certified

Expert Engineers
Our main sprinkler system would fill
an Olympic sized swimming pool in 24
minutes! The pump feeds 1,050 litres of
water per minute to our sprinkler heads to
extinguish any fire that might break out
Our main Bio Mass
boiler has a 1.5
Megawatt output,
which would heat
in excess of 60
homes at once
Above, Left to right: David Hill, Simon Chisholm, Craig Searle and Michael Parker
Hanging Up The Tools
After 50 Years
Richard Hudson recently
celebrated his retirement
in 2018 after 50 years
with Alstons. Richard has been a
valuable member of the factory
staff and, in the latter years, the
development team.
Richard, you first came to
work at Alstons in August
1968 – can you tell us about
your role then and what you
enjoyed during those times
working in the factory?
I started in the stores for a few
months and then on to the
cutting tables for repairs laying
up materials for cutting – all
done by hand in those days. I
accepted a 3-year upholstery
apprenticeship and enjoyed the
camaraderie on the shop floor.
There were some memorable
characters!
Spring forward an amazing
50 years and where were you
in Alstons?
Latterly, I have been Design &
Development Upholsterer –
a job I have found challenging
and enjoyable.
What was your greatest
moment at Alstons?
Gaining my City and Guilds,
working with the development
team and the amazing
retirement do!
Congratulations
to Richard on his
retirement after
50 years with
Alstons!
Drink: Tea or Coffee?
Earl Grey tea.
Food: Steak or Roast Dinner?
Roast dinner every Sunday
Holiday: UK or Abroad?
Caravanning in the UK
TV: Soaps or Sport?
Sport, F1, Gymnastics. (I’m a
petrol head couch potato!)
Lifestyle: Work or
Retirement?
Retirement has brought new
challenges so I am enjoying it,
but miss the folk at Alstons.
Alstons thank you for your
devotion to the company and we
wish you a wonderful retirement
with your wife, Jackie. Your
loyalty, enthusiasm and funloving
nature will be missed by
your colleagues.
Time to put your feet up!
2018
A
number of Alstons
employees reached
their long service
awards in 2018. Alstons would
like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to
Joe, Dennis, Simon and Mark,
who have remained loyal to us
for 25 or more years.
These employees would have
seen many changes during their
service and it would be great to
know a bit more about them.
Joe and Dennis
Congratulations on your 50-
year celebrations at Alstons!
Tell us what you enjoy about
working for Alstons...
Joe: Watching the company
grow to its present size over my
50 years here makes me proud
to be a part of it.
Dennis: Always being able to
earn your money. You worked
hard and you got well paid.
Our standby generator
produces 800KvA of
power which would
run over 90 3-bedroom
houses all at the same time!
Long Service
Celebrations
How does your job 50 years
ago compare to your work
here today?
Joe: Starting at the age of 18
and progressing to Frame Maker,
to now achieving my present
role as Prototype Frame Maker.
Dennis: Technology has made
my job so much easier – no
more bending or lifting.
Simon and Mark, tell us
what you enjoy about your
work which has kept you
here for 25 years?
Simon: It is a pleasure to work
for a company that is growing in
the right direction and takes care
of their employees.
Mark: The familiarity and
consistency of reliable work and
working as a team with all my
fellow upholsterers.
If you could talk to your
younger self when you
Michael Parker
Started at Alstons: July 2003
What is your proudest moment
in your career at Alstons?
I don’t know if I can pick out a single
moment. Working with a great team of
people on a daily basis, making Alstons
what it is – one of the best furniture
manufacturers in the country – is in
itself something to be proud of.
Would you rather be a famous
singer or the next Einstein?
Einstein – because I think I’m mad
enough(!) and because I’d really like to
design something that would have a
positive impact on our daily lives.
Craig Searle
Started at Alstons: July 2016
What do you enjoy about working
at Alstons?
We are a friendly team and will all pitch
in to help each other when needed.
Which historical figure would you
most like to be?
Isambard Kingdom Brunel, for his
design of Tamar railway bridge and the
railway bridge at Maidenhead – having
the flattest brick built arch in the world.
Then there are the great ships that he
built, Great Eastern & Great Britain,
setting the path for future ship design.
25years
Simon Hillyard & Mark Ratcliffe
started at Alstons what
would you say?
Simon: Define your own
success. Be the best you can
be, become valuable and build
a career
Mark: Keep working hard and
stay fit and healthy. You’ll get out
what you put in!
Lastly, to you all, who was
your favourite cartoon
character as a child?
Joe: Popeye
Dennis: Popeye
Simon: Danger Mouse
Mark: Popeye
Simon Chisholm
Started at Alstons: April 2017
What has your highlight been
whilst at Alstons?
My first day at Alston’s, being made to
feel welcome & looked after. This ethos
has continued to date nearly 2 years
into employment.
What’s your favourite
comedy movie?
The Party (Peter Sellers)
David Hill
Started at Alstons: February 2018
(Prior to this David was also Alstons’
electrical contractor from the age of 16)
What has been your challenging
project to date at Alstons?
Due to being electrically biased, the
project that really stands out would be
when I replaced the thrust and white
metal bearings on the cutting arm of
the cross-cut saw. This machine is a key
player in the mill so down-time had to
be kept to a minimum but doing the
job right and getting the saw cutting
accurately again was paramount.
If it were possible to own a pet
dinosaur, which one would it be?
I would choose the Nyasasaurus
Parringtoni. AKA Dino from
The Flintstones.
50years
Joe Eardley & Dennis Whitfield
‘We are extremely
proud and privileged
to have such a loyal,
skilled and
dedicated workforce.
It is through the hard
work of everyone
here that has made
Alstons the well
respected and
successful business
it is today’.
Philip Grindrod,
Managing Director
Meet Our Sales & Service Team
Back row, left to right: Peggy Nicol, Helen Warner,
Valerie Stoakley, Maria Baird, Louise Hart, Zena Farrow
Front row, left to right: Charlotte Serheunik,
Jane Percival and Karen Reeve
Sales
Service
Accounts
01206 733301
01206 733306
service@alstons.co.uk
01206 733308
accounts@alstons.co.uk
Gucci
Alstons mascot, Gucci, is often at the factory
to give our visitors the furriest and friendliest
welcome possible! She is a great tonic to the
staff if they are having a ‘ruff’ day...