The Skipton-based National Bed Federation, the trade association representing UK bed manufacturers and their suppliers, has grown its membership by more than 7% in 2024 and now has a total of 86 members, including 54 of the UK’s leading bed manufacturers.
About 30% of its members are also based in Yorkshire, and its members include Harrison Spinks of Leeds, Healthbeds (Smeaton Brothers) of Rotherham and fillings supplier John Cotton Nonwovens of Mirfield, all of which are longstanding members.
The growth of the membership against a generally challenging economic backdrop has been welcomed by exec director Tristine Hargreaves. “The addition of these new members, and retention of our existing manufacturer and supplier base, is a very positive foundation for our work in 2025 and underscores the value we have been working to deliver for the membership,” she said.
“We continue to maintain a focus on reducing the huge increase in ‘counterfeit’ mattress sellers that prey on cash-strapped consumers. They are trading in dangerous and often illegal products from websites, social media platforms and from the backs of vans across the UK, something we have seen skyrocket in recent years.
The 54 NBF manufacturers produce beds under more than 100 brands, and collectively generate around 75% of the UK’s £2.3 billion bed industry revenue. Simon Williams, head of membership for the NBF added: “As an association we may be over 100 years
old, but the focus of our work is squarely on the 21st century issues that affect the industry and consumers. Improving the amount of bed waste that is recycled is a cornerstone goal for us again in 2025, and tackling the plague of social media ads pushing products that do not meet UK trading standards is key to protecting consumers and manufacturers alike.”
