Maggie Throup, Member of Parliament for Erewash was delighted to be invited to speak at the launch of Long Eaton as the ‘UK Centre of Quality Upholstery Manufacture’. With over 50 upholstery manufacturers and trade suppliers providing a combined turnover of over £250 million pounds located within Long Eaton, employing in excess of 2,700 people and exporting to over 60 countries all over the world, this is a key industry for the region.
Most of these companies produce very high quality hand-made upholstery which is sold to leading department stores, top quality hotels and exclusive interior designers. Long Eaton also hosts the ‘Long Point’ show twice a year where trade buyers from all over the world visit manufacturers in the town.
There are more manufacturers of high quality upholstery in Long Eaton than any other town or City in the UK. To mark this unique feature the town has established the brand ‘UK Centre of Quality Upholstery Manufacture’.
The brand has been adopted by Long Eaton Chamber of Trade and Erewash Borough Council. A booklet has been produced to illustrate the importance of the upholstery industry to the town with a history spanning nearly 100 years.
Flower displays and ‘Welcome to Long Eaton’ boards using the brand logo have been fitted on the platforms of the local Railway Station in partnership with East Midlands Trains, and the Council are planning suitable signage for roads in Long Eaton.
The launch of the ‘Brand’ took place on Friday 17th July at Long Eaton Town Hall. The Mayor, Maggie Throup MP, local dignitaries and representatives from The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers, The BFM and Webs Training also attended.
Maggie said: “The upholstery manufacturers play a vital role in the success of Long Eaton and it is great that their contribution is now recognised. This branding puts Long Eaton at the heart of the industry and definitely on the furniture manufacturing map.”
Michael Lucking, Chairman of the Long Eaton Chamber of Trade said “This brand is intended to make many more people aware of the specialist skills that are concentrated around our town and the wonderful upholstery manufactured here. Sofas and chairs made in Long Eaton can be found in Embassies and official residences all over the world, the most exclusive hotels, homes of the rich and famous and those people that appreciate the finer things in life. We hope this branding will help generate more business for the town and show how this industry makes a significant contribution to the prosperity of the town and the region.”