In July, Belgian Furniture Industry export association BelgoFurn embarked upon a trade mission to the UK to strengthen ties between suppliers and retailers.
Led by BelgoFurn’s Bernard Deheegher, the manufacturer delegation, which comprised representatives from BSM, D&D Furniture, De Zetel, Theuns MTE and Vincent Sheppard, visited AIS’ headquarters in Shirley, plus Cookes Furniture, Housing Units, Ponsford, Rodgers of York and Barker & Stonehouse.
According to Bernard, the visit gave the Belgians the opportunity to learn more about the character of UK retail, as well as present their own collections on a one-to-one basis.
“It was interesting for the suppliers to see how their collections are presented in their UK stockists’ showrooms,” says Bernard, who is planning to take another delegation around selected stores in Scotland in October.
A number of BelgoFurn’s members will exhibit at the upcoming Furniture China, Shanghai – Bernard promises UK visitors traditional Belgian refreshments – as well as at Meubelbeurs, Brussels.
