Alstons - Trade Talk 2019

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