Author: BITA

BITA MASTERCLASS – TEXTILE DESIGNER CAREER – ‘HOW TO DESIGN FOR PRINT’

Posted on January 15, 2019 by BITA - Uncategorized, News

A day of discussion and valuable insights about how to design for the print industry.

The course will be taught by professionals from Standfast & Barracks and will cover the topics; Researching your customer; The importance of Colour and Technical Considerations; And ‘how to win your dream job in textiles’ – a talk given by BITA & Norfolk house Director, Diane Harding. The masterclass will be useful for people who want to know more about working in the printed textile industry, making contacts and meeting like-minded individuals.

The day will also include a tour of the Standfast & Barracks design studio and factory to get an insight into how a successful Printed Textile company operates.

Diane, will also be on hand to offer tailored advice on your CV and portfolio to help you further your career.

This event is FREE for BITA members (email siobhan@interiortextiles.co.uk to book) and only £25 for everyone else.

Lunch is provided as well as refreshments on arrival.

Check our website http://www.interiortextiles.co.uk or contact emi@norfolkhouse-uk.com for more information on BITA membership.

* Please note that attendees will be visiting a working mill and must wear sturdy footwear with flat soles and closed toes. No clothing such as floaty scarves and draping skirts will be permitted due to machinery on the factory floor.

Reviews from the previous masterclass;

“I personally enjoyed the design process being explained and comparing it to my methods. It’s great to see how it works in industry as it helps a designer to understand the process and adapt your designs for certain print methods.”
Amy

“A Valuable insight into an industry and seeing the process from design to completion. Seeing the technical process of print was also invaluable as was seeing the factory. It was very professionally run, and the day was delivered brilliantly. Excellent value, I would highly recommend.”
Pippa

COLOUR & DESIGN TRENDS 2019

Posted on January 4, 2019 by BITA - Uncategorized, News

If you are in the Interior design industry you may be wondering what is coming up next year for the style conscious fabric houses. Here is summary of some of the colours and trends that are due to emerge in the coming months.

Alongside their 3 colour palettes for next year the people at Pantone have finally revealed the colour of the year for 2019 as Living Coral 16-1546. Whilst we are still embracing the 2018 Ultra Violet with its futuristic appearance, this colour is warm and lively and evokes feelings of optimism and joyful activities. Pantone have also released 3 other palettes of colour called Cravings, Meanderings and Classico.

“CRAVINGS, THE 2019 PANTONE PALETTE DEDICATED TO FOOD Among the colours we find: Butterum, Cappuccino, Chili Pepper, Flamingo, Grass Green, and Cayenne.” -Pantone

“MEANDERINGS, THE 2019 PANTONE PALETTE OF GLOBALISATIO Among the colours included are: Island Green, Blue Print, Spice Route, Chai Tea, Aurora Red and Wild Orchid.” -Pantone

“CLASSICO, THE 2019 PANTONE PALETTE OF TIMELESS COLOURS
Just as the name suggests, the shades of the Pantone Classico palette are essential, sober and timeless and at the same time, elegant and always in fashion. Among the colours included in Classico – Pantone Colour Palette 2019 here are: Camel, Deep Teal, Apricot Brandy, Gray Flannel, White Swan, and Caviar.” -Pantone

PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2019

It is a move forward for the pastel pinks that have been everywhere this year. Mixed

with eastern influences from Morocco and teamed with coastal blues and greens, this

colour has the potential to liven up the dullest of spaces. Think tiled flooring, hand-dyed linens, layers of patterns, water colour prints all mixed together to give a fresh and elegant take on the pink trend.

RELAXED NORDIC STYLE

This style embraces the best of Swedish hygge. Walls in shades of white contrasted by rough wood surfaces and sheepskin rugs.

AT ONE WITH NATURE

Sustainability is becoming a global priority. Ethically sourced products, natural fabric and textile designs that mimic natural materials are a big trend for 2019.

NIGHTWATCH GREEN

This Dulux colour of the year is Nightwatch Green. A strong colour that creates a dramatic effect when teamed with blossoming florals and bright oranges. This colour works with the botanical theme that has been really popular this year.

SUMPTUOUS VELVET

Internet searches for velvet has increased 400% in the past 6 months as people are looking for luxurious investments in bold contrasting colour fabrics.

INSPIRED BY 70’S RETRO

With the current trend for velvet and bold geometric patterns, and so many burnt oranges and yellows at the forefront of the consumer trends, there is definitely a nod towards the 70’s era. Think warm colour palettes, funky textures and abstract silhouettes.

BLACK & WHITE

A truly timeless design trend, the visual contrast of black and white provides a sense of balance and boldness. Look out for dalmatian print which will be everywhere next year.

Images from; Pantone, Dulux ,Claire Gaudion, Prestigious Textiles, Green & Mustard, The Haddow Group, West Elm, The Room Alive and Etsy.

BITA AWARDS 2017/18

Posted on November 20, 2018 by BITA - Uncategorized, News

Announcing the results of the
2017 / 2018
British Interior & Textiles Association Awards

Each category below was voted for by members of the interior and textile industry. The first and second place in each category received a certificate to recognise the valuable input that they make in our industry.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote.

BEST BEDLINEN SUPPLIER
1. Style Library
2. Ashley Wilde
3. The Portofino Studio

BEST BLIND SUPPLIER
1. Green & Brown
2. Rol-Lite
3. Diffusion

BEST CUSHION SUPPLIER
1. Fine Quality Feather
2. Hallis Hudson
3. Margo Selby

BEST EMPLOYED SALES REP
1. James Vardy – iLiv
2. Peter Barnett – Green & Brown
3. Stephen Green – Prestigious
4. Jon Ashdown – Clarke & Clarke

BEST FABRIC BRAND
1. Prestigious Textiles
2. Zoffany
3. Jacqueline Milton

BEST INDEPENDENT SALES AGENT
1. James Thompson
2. John Northwood
3. Andrew Bennett
4. Steve Houghton

BEST MADE TO MEASURE SERVICE
1.Regal Blinds
2. English Rooms
3. Windmill Workroom

BEST POLE & TRACK SUPPLIER
1. Hallis Hudson
2. Bradley Collection
3. Jones Interiors

BEST READY MADE CURTAIN SUPPLIER
1. iLiv
2. Ashley Wilde
3. Rectella

BEST SAMPLING DESIGN
1. Ashley Wilde
2. Olivia Bard

BEST SUPPLIER FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE
1. Hallis Hudson
2. SMD / iLiv
3. Jones Interiors

BEST TRIMMING SUPPLIER
1. Troynorth
2. Jones Interiors
3. Silverdale

BEST WALL COVERINGS BRAND
1. Cole & Son
2. Harlequin / Style Library
3. Sandberg

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR EXCELLENT WINNERS & FINALISTS!

BITA September Showcases – Back on the Road Again!

Posted on May 30, 2018 by BITA - Uncategorized, News

The British Interiors & Textiles Association are delighted to announce the return of our hugely successful September Roadshows for 2018.

Diane Harding, BITA Director and Secretary said “Talking to exhibitors and visitors from our Roadshows over the past 10 years – it is clear they have missed our local shows which mean less travel and cost for visitors – especially in the North and the Midlands so by popular demand we are back on the Road and hoping you will join us?”

Recognised for their exciting diversity, BITA Roadshows feature brands at all levels as well as new and up and coming suppliers from across the UK.

Attended by buyers, suppliers and key industry leaders alike, the BITA trade show floor is a great place to showcase your products and form new relationships as well as nurture existing ones in their own county at a very sensible cost.

Locations and dates:

Booking is now open with an early bird discount of 30% which will run until 14^th June 2018, contact karen.mcgeeney@interiortextiles.co.uk for further information.

Join BITA for an evening of networking and celebration with industry winners!

Posted on May 23, 2018 by BITA - News, Uncategorized

The Annual British Interiors & Textiles Association Awards (BITA) 2018 will be held
on 5th August 2018 at the ancestral home of Lord Bryon, Colwich Hall, Nottingham.

An intimate evening, the summer ball is open to all across the industry to attend, providing a fantastic opportunity to entertain clients, celebrate with colleagues and network with industry leaders!

Launched in 2017, the BITA Awards recognise excellence in creativity and service across the interiors and textiles industry. This year’s finalists range from the best designers and suppliers right the way through to the best sales agents.

The evening will commence at 7pm, tickets cost £60 and include a drinks reception, three course meal and entertainment. Discounts are available for group bookings.

To secure your ticket please email karen.mcgeeney@interiortextiles.co.uk

And the finalists are….

Posted on April 23, 2018 by BITA - Uncategorized, News

After a record-breaking year for nominations, the finalists in this year’s BITA Industry Awards can now be revealed.

Launched in 2017, the BITA Awards recognise excellence in creativity and service across the sector. The finalists range from the best designers and suppliers right the way to the best sales agents.

Diane Harding, BITA Director & Secretary said “The BITA Awards offer a credible endorsement of excellence which allows winners to stand out from the crowd. There is no better recognition than that of your contemporaries and with winners decided solely on the votes of those from within industry the BITA Industry Awards set a standard of excellence by those who know best.”

Caroline Adam, Sales and Marketing Manager at Pike Textiles, sponsors of this years awards, said….“Pike Textiles have been at the forefront of fabric, wallpaper and window blind sampling solutions for 126 years with Excellence and Innovation being the two foundations of our business.

Working with world leading brands and market leading retailers, we always have an eye on best practice and are pleased to be sponsoring an award recognising the best in field Sampling Solution through BITA.”

Winners will be announced at a Summer Ball, which will be held later in the year. Details will be announced in due course.

Here are the BITA Awards 2018 finalists…..

Best Fabric Brand
Zoffany
Prestigious Textiles
Jacqueline Milton

Best Blind Supplier
Diffusion
Rol-Lite
Green & Brown

Best Pole & Track Supplier
Hallis Hudson
Bradley Collection
Jones Interior

Best Made to Measure Service
Windmill Workroom
English Rooms
Regal Blinds

Best Trimmings Supplier
Jones Interior
Troynorth
Silverdale

Best Cushion Supplier
Fine Quality Feather
Hallis Hudson
Margo Selby

Best Wallcoverings Brand
Cole & Son
Harlequin/Style Library
Sandberg

Best Independent Sales Agent
John Northwood
Steve Houghton
James Thomson
Andrew Bennett

Best Employed Sales Rep
Peter Barnett – Green & Brown
Stephen Green – Prestigious
Jon Ashdown – Clarke & Clarke
James Vardy – iLiv

Best Supplier for Customer Service
Jones Interior
Hallis Hudson
SMD/iLiv

Best Sample Design
Ashley Wilde
Olivia Bard

Best Readymade Curtain Supplier
Ashley Wilde
Rectella
iLiv

Best Bedlinen Supplier
Style Library
The Portofino Studio
Ashley Wilde

January Furniture Show 2018 – A Huge Success!

Posted on April 16, 2018 by BITA - Uncategorized, News

The UK’s biggest furniture and interiors event, The January Furniture Show took place on 21^st-24^th January at the NEC, Birmingham, attracting over 20,000 trade and retail buyers, including 5,000+ interior designers and contract specifiers seeking high quality, commercially focused fabrics and soft furnishings.

BITA were proud to partner up with organisers of the show to offer BITA members with an affordable platform to exhibit in the fabrics and soft furnishings pavilion. Attending BITA members were Art of the Loom, Norfolk House Consultants, Edmund Bell and Jacqueline Milton.

BITA member, Interior fabric designer, Jacqueline Milton said “…It was the easiest trade show I’ve ever done! BITA took care of everything for me, from setting up the display to manning the stand. I had daily updates, leads and a full visitor list after the show. I was delighted with the results, not only were the leads really positive, I’ve already had new customers sign up!”

Building on the success of 2018, organisers of the event have released dates for 2019: 20^th to 23^rd January.

Event director, Cleere Scamell of Clarion Events said “We were delighted to work with BITA this year as there is great synergy between the show and the interests of the BITA members which we are very happy to support and help with growing their client base.

The January Furniture Show is a diverse event which serves the whole of the UK furniture industry, including fabrics, textiles and interiors which are all key parts of a sector with which BITA helps us connect.”

Further information can be found at www.januaryfurnitureshow.com. BITA members who wish to express an interest in the 2019 show can do so by contacting karen.mcgeeney@interiortextiles.co.uk.

BITA (British Interiors & Textiles London Showcase)

Posted on November 14, 2017 by BITA - Uncategorized, News

Chelsea Harbour Hotel, March 4^th – 5^th (during London Design Week)

With the show opening at the same time as London Design Week, on Sunday 4th March just a stone’s throw away from the Design Centre, visitors can see Spring collections from a wide range of top brands.

BITA will be returning for another year to Showcase fresh and innovative products for all your interior and textile needs. This popular, trade only show is held in the ballroom overlooking the gorgeous yachts in the harbour – a lovely backdrop to browse a range of stunning products at your leisure, whilst enjoying complimentary tea & coffee and a canapé lunch. A great way to make the most of your trip to London Design week!

Pre-register for FREE Entry at www.interiortextiles.co.uk

“We always look forward to exhibiting at the BITA London showcase; we enjoy the opportunity to meet new people and connect with our existing customers, whilst presenting our latest collections in a relaxed and intimate environment.” Andrew Hoyle, Sales and Marketing Director, Edmund Bell. Regular exhibitors

“Needing a suitable platform on which to display our products for the first time in the U.K., we felt that the BITA exhibition would be ideal. With so many visitors in attendance it will provide the perfect opportunity to show people just who and what Ladna is.” Ladna Embroidery Studio, First time exhibitors

Show times:

Sunday 4th March 10am – 5pm

Monday 5th March 9.30am – 4pm

Enjoy viewing new collections from exhibitors such as Bennett Silks, Chatham Glyn, Edmund Bell, Fabricut, Hallis Hudson, Interior Solutions Sales Agencies, Just Dining Chairs, Ladna Embroidery Studio and Sanders and many more.

Over 800 visitors and 50+ exhibitors/brands enjoyed last year’s BITA’S CHELSEA HARBOUR two day show and we are expecting even more in 2018 our 11^th year of exhibitions.

For further information and photos please contact:

cherish.king@interiortextiles.co.uk

Tel: 01908 410598 extension 5

www.interiortextiles.co.uk

BITA Masterclasses – Want to attend? Maybe even host?

Posted on October 12, 2017 by BITA - Uncategorized, News

The British Interior Textiles Association are hosting specialist masterclasses across the country for Textile Design students and new graduates to learn more about the essential skills needed to make you interview ready!

Next Date & Venue:
Prestigious Textiles, Bradford
Thursday 16^th November 2017
This event is free of charge for BITA members or £20 per ticket (inc VAT & lunch).
To book your tickets please contact cherish.king@interiortextiles.co.uk or call 01908 410598 (ext 5)

Too far or not a convenient date? – let us know and we will let you know when there are other dates and places over the coming months.

We at BITA have many years’ experience in recruiting designers for many of the top furnishing design studios, brands & mills in the UK and abroad. We have a panel of some of the most talented and experienced Furnishing Fabric and Wallcovering Design Directors, Managers and Designers to talk to you about how they got to where they are today and what they look for when recruiting new designers.

The events will cover the following:

CV CLINIC & PORTFOLIO ADVICE

–              Do’s and Don’ts about structuring your CV
–              What to include in your portfolio and why?
–              How to conduct yourself in Interviews and how to follow up afterwards?

MEET THE EXPERTS

– Hear their career stories and receive their help to shape your future career
– Networking opportunities with Textile Industry Recruiters and Designers

– NB At Prestigious Textiles on 16 November you will get to see how fabric collections are created, warehoused and shipped around the world too.

HOW TO STAY ABOVE THE COMPETITION

–              Trend forecasting and colour awareness
–              Building your personal brand and the importance of self-promotion online
–              Being commercially aware

Also present your CV/portfolio to experienced Industry Recruiter Diane Harding, for your chance to get one to one advice and be considered for future textile designer roles (UK and internationally).

What have attendees and presenters had to say about previous events?

‘The event was a huge success, and enabled students to hear about important aspects of the design industry from key speakers with experience. The live interview element also broke down the ‘mystery’ of what happens at an interview and how students can best prepare their portfolios and understand what types of questions are asked..’ Donna Claypool – Bolton University

‘The professional workshop was an extremely helpful and insightful session, to help advise on what I need to do to achieve my dream job in the Textiles industry. The session was incredibly valuable as it opened my eyes to what I need to develop in my portfolio – and who better to advise me than the experts themselves!’ – Megan Stolley, Student.

“I was delighted to share my experiences as a Design & Colour Consultant with such an enthusiastic and knowledgeable group of students and tutors. The mock interview scenario must have been a super insight into the cold reality of the search for that career in the design industry – something I hope has helped students prepare for the next step in their career journey.” Chris Hodgson – Colourist for Prestigious Textiles

‘The event definitely put things into context for me.’ – Student

‘A fantastic session – especially the interview!!’ – Student

‘The session was really amazing and so informative. I’ve learned so much and feel more inspired – it was great’ – Student

Interested in holding a similar event?

The British Interiors & Textiles Association are looking for Textile Design Colleges and Universities to sponsor these Masterclasses. Are you able to supply a Seminar Theatre/Private Room and pay from just £300 ex vat towards the speakers time and expenses? In return your College/University can invite as many of their own students/graduates to attend as they wish free of charge. In addition, have your logo and address promoted to 1000’s of Designers around the Country as we promote this event.

Businesses can hold this event free of charge at your offices.

For further information – Email cherish.king@interiortextiles.co.uk. Alternatively call 01908 410598 (ext. 5)

BITA Textile Designers Career Masterclass

Posted on September 19, 2017 by BITA - Uncategorized, News

BITA Textile Designers Career Masterclass

To be held at Prestigious Textiles on Thursday 16^th November 2017

The British Interiors and Textiles Association (BITA) will be delivering an inspiring educational masterclass to Textiles and Surface Design students and new graduates with the help of the design team at Prestigious Textiles.

Aiming to advise the next generation of textile designers on how to stand out from the crowd in the Textile Design Industry; the event on Thursday 16^th November 2017 will be offering invaluable advice on the importance of work experience, what makes a great portfolio & CV and how to prepare for career interviews.

With over 30 years’ experience in the industry, Diane Harding (Marketing Director of BITA and Managing Director of Norfolk House Consultants) will give insight into her career highlights including how she built her own business, winning several awards on the way, including COSMOPOLITAN MAGAZINE’S – ‘ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR’ in 1994.

“Educating new designers on the process needed to get the job of their dreams, is something I feel passionately about. In the same position myself all those years ago, I really wanted to impart my industry knowledge and experience gained onto the next generation of skilled and ambitious designers.” Diane Harding

In addition – the design team at Prestigious Textiles will explain to new Textile design graduates and students how they create award winning collections and what they look for when recruiting new designers to join their team.

The event also includes mock interviews which allow new designers to gain feedback on their own trend research and portfolios. A great way to learn first hand how to present themselves and their work to potential employers.

Last year BITA ran the same event at Bolton University and intends to take the Masterclass across the country to venues which will include Design Colleges and Companies within the trade.

Students comments included: ‘The event definitely put things into context for me.’ ‘A fantastic session – especially the interview!!’ ‘The session was really amazing and so informative. I’ve learned so much and feel more inspired – it was great’

For further information please contact: cherish.king@interiortextiles.co.uk
Tel: 01908 410598 ext. 5
www.interiortextiles.co.uk

Author: BITA

BITA MASTERCLASS – TEXTILE DESIGNER CAREER – ‘HOW TO DESIGN FOR PRINT’