In a recent conversation with Sarah Oakley, part of the team at the British sofa manufacturer Sofa Connections, we delved into the history and future aspirations of this family-run business and the company's recent participation at the Manchester Furniture Show.
A family legacy
Sofa Connections was founded in 1995 by brothers Brian and Paul Oakley after the company Brian worked for. Since then, the company has been synonymous with high-quality furniture, initially reaching the market through a well-known trading partner. Recently, the reins were passed to Brian's son, Matt, who, alongside his wife Sarah, is steering the company in a new direction.
Sarah and Matt Oakley at the Manchester Furniture Show.
'We've been in manufacturing for over 30 years. It's a family-run company, started by Brian and Paul Oakley, my father-in-law and uncle-in-law. Three years ago, Matt, my husband, joined the company, and I followed after. We decided to take the business in a new direction, moving directly to retailers instead of working with a middleman,' Sarah shares.
Current market challenges and trends
Discussing the current market conditions in the UK, Sarah noted, 'It's very quiet still at the moment. Hopefully, it will get better. People seem reluctant to look at anything new. Everyone is a bit scared. We have another show, Long Point in September, where we hope to drum up more interest by showcasing new products, including our bestseller, the Churchill.'
The Churchill is characterised by its smart fine arm, foam super-wrapped seats with fibre backs, and neat tailored proportions. It's a versatile piece suitable for both contemporary and classic spaces, offering a flexible solution for maximum seating. Another standout piece, the Blakedown, features a scooped arm design, super soft foam seats, and refined piping.
As for current trends in the UK market, Sarah noted, 'No repeat orders to go from yet, so for the Manchester Furniture Show, we had help from an interior designer who said that neutrals and greens are popular choices right now. The UK market also tends to be quite traditional.'
The Blakedown.
Breaking new ground
Sofa Connections recently made its debut at the Manchester Furniture Show. Reflecting on the experience, Sarah says, 'It was our first big show after taking the company in a new direction and it was very good. We built some lovely connections and got our name out there. Our new pieces were very well received, and we've already signed up for the January Furniture Show next year.'
She highlighted the Women in Furniture Network Brunch as a particularly beneficial event. 'La-Z-Boy's CEO was the keynote speaker. She was very inspiring, and even as a small business, you could still relate. It was a great opportunity to network with like-minded women.'
Future plans and trends
Looking ahead, Sofa Connections aims to continue growing its brand presence and building strong relationships. 'We'll be at Long Point in September and the January Furniture Show next year. We plan to support local independent retailers and work more closely with interior designers and the contract market,' Sarah explains.
The Churchill.
More information:
Sofa Connections
19b Navigation Dr, Brierley Hill,
DY5 1UT United Kingdom.
01384 476614
[email protected]
www.sofaconnections.co.uk