A North West bed and mattress business is experiencing a boom in sales, thanks in part to the so-called ‘staycation effect’ and the growth in online hotel reviews.
Feather & Springs was launched in November 2016 by the family team behind Jonic Limited, a Lancaster-based manufacturer of beds and mattresses for the caravan and motorhome market.
The new company has experienced rapid growth by switching focus to the residential market, selling direct to the public through two new showrooms in Kendal and Lancaster and a growing e-commerce operation.
It is also winning commercial contracts with major hotel chains, such as English Lakes Hotels, and has created five new jobs in the last six months. It hopes to take on more staff by opening showrooms in two new locations within the next year.
Feather & Springs has received financial and business growth advice from local accountancy and business advisory firm Moore and Smalley.
Chris Cannon, a director of Feather & Springs, said: “There are a number of factors behind our success. We’re a local family business making our own beds here in Lancaster. People like the fact they can buy direct from the manufacturer, which is rare in our industry.
“Another factor is our focus on quality as we’re towards the premium end of the market. Most of our customers so far have come from word-of-mouth recommendations.”
Commenting on the growth in commercial sales, Chris added: “The growth in domestic tourism means more hotel businesses have money to invest in their properties. Social media and sites like TripAdvisor have also made hotels wary of bad online reviews around sleep quality, so they’re investing in quality mattresses to reduce that risk.”
Jonic Limited was founded in 2006 by husband and wife Nicky and Jon Cannon, specialising in manufacturing bespoke beds, mattresses and upholstery for the caravan, motorhome, boat and yacht market.
Nicky’s sons Chris and Ben have since joined the family business, both working within the new Feather & Springs company.
Moore and Smalley advised the family on the formation of the new business and structuring it for rapid growth, as well as advice on property issues and financial planning.
Adam Parton, a partner at Moore and Smalley, said: “Nicky, Chris and the team have used the skills and know-how from the original business to create a real stand-out brand in the residential bed and mattress marketplace.
“It’s a great success story and shows how entrepreneurial flair and hard work can help UK manufacturing to diversify and thrive. It’s good to see them creating jobs in the local area.”
Feather & Springs has its headquarters, manufacturing operation and factory shop on the White Lund Industrial Estate in Lancaster. Its other showrooms are in Dockray Hall, Kendal, and Chapel Street, Lancaster. The business has 14 staff.
