Tag: fabrics

BITA 2017 Spring Showcase

Posted on March 24, 2017 by BITA - Uncategorized, News

The British Interiors & Textiles Association (BITA) hosted the Exclusive Spring Showcase Exhibition at Chelsea Harbour Hotel on 12-13 March. Showcasing some of the finest UK & International Interiors and Textiles brands, the event brought together Designers, Retailers, Manufacturers and Makers alike.

With spring in the air, the main show featured exclusive previews of the latest collections from an array of wholesale suppliers & design studios including: Bill Beaumont Textiles, Clarke & Clarke, iLiv, Fibre Naturelle, Warwick Fabrics and many more…

The show also debuted unique collections from Jacqueline Milton, Lorna Syson, McKenzie & May, Mestral Home, PF Collections, Soie De Lune and Studio Kelkka. With the new spring/summer season in mind, the collections presented vivid colours and innovative designs which depicted inspirations taken from nature, interior trends and innovative fabric techniques and styles.

“Our first time at the BITA Showcase, the show was a really enjoyable experience in a prestigious location filled with fantastic visitors, delicious canapés and cream tea! For me it was great opportunity to present my fabrics in front of interior designers and curtain makers from across the UK. We launched our fabric by the meter and we were really pleased with the positive reactions to the fabrics – the Juneberry and Bird design was especially well received.” Lorna Syson

Over the two days, the show also presented insightful Soft Furnishing Masterclasses – hosted by the brilliant Victoria Hammond, educating visitors on how to effectively measure and calculate curtains and roman blinds. Exhibitor prompt presentations were also hosted by Lorna Syson and Daniel Beaumont from (Bill Beaumont Textiles) and the Textile Designer Professional Masterclasses were hosted by Diane Harding, BITA Marketing Director and Designers Mary Jones & Chris Hodgson.

“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.

BITA is pleased to support the event and looking forward to future showcases in 2018!

“Bita was delighted to celebrate its 10th Year of Showcases at the Chelsea Harbour Hotel – exhibitors and visitors had a great time and there was a terrific buzz around the show throughout the day!” Diane Harding, Marketing Director, BITA.

BITA’s SPRING CHELSEA HARBOUR SHOWCASE & STUDIO SHOW

Posted on February 10, 2016 by BITA - News, Uncategorized

It’s just over 4 weeks until BITA opens its doors to celebrate 100 days of Showcases…

“If you’re in the trade you can’t miss it.”

In just over a month The British Interiors & Textiles Association will celebrate 100 days of showcasing with their annual a 2 day interior & textile exhibition at London’s Chelsea Harbour Hotel – 13 & 14 March 2016. The trade exhibition, taking place during London Design Week, will showcase some of the world’s most popular brands of furnishing fabrics, curtains, blinds, poles, upholstered furniture, wallpaper and other interior accessories.

You can see the following brands all under one roof: Ashley Wilde Designs, Backhausen, Bolton Textiles, Chatham Glyn Fabrics, Chess, Clarke & Clarke, Cliq Designs, Curtain Express, Design Crew, Edmund Bell, Emily McGuiness, Ena Shaw, Essente, Fibre Naturelle, Foster Lane, Girones, Grace de Lino, iliv, Indigo 7 Designs, in home, JHC, Kai, Montgomery, nikki Szabo, Parkhill, Parris Wakefield Additions, Prestigious, Richard Barrie, Rol-lite, Rufflette, Silent Gliss, Simpson, Sinclaire, Streets, tru living, Warwick, Yorke & many more!

We are also delighted to announce that we will be presenting Spring Collections from some top international Design Studios at BITA’s Studio Show.

The UK’s first Studio Show in 10 years! Visit and see some of the best artwork available from top design studios including: AM Creative Designs, Claire Louise Designs, Diane Harrison Designs, Fiona Howard, First Eleven Studio, Giacomo Barzaghi, Haley Studios, Jane Mosse Designs, K Jenny Tyas, L’Atelier Studio, Mary Jones Design, Pure Studio Designs, Rachel Child Designs, Sandra Jacobs, Simon Ashby, Sooshichacha, Studio Van Den Broek, The Design Show, Trendart, Verbeek Designs, Yellow Label Designs.

“This March we are lucky to have some big names exhibiting as well as some new and upcoming companies – a great range for our visitors to enjoy! With past shows attracting over 600 guests across the two days, we expect the stunning 5* hotel to be packed for the third year running!” Diane Harding, BITA Secretary, Marketing Director & Show Organiser.

Here’s what our exhibitors have to say about BITA Showcases:

“Clarke & Clarke are delighted to be exhibiting at the BITA Showcase event once again; the timing and location we feel will prove very beneficial for our brand and our customers!” Andrew Kirk, UK Sales Manager, Clarke & Clarke

“Both Simpson and Yorke Interiors will be exhibiting again at the BITA Exhibition at Chelsea in March, during London Design Week. This is an excellent time to show, with visitors attending from all over the UK and Europe.” David Yorke, Managing Director, Simpson

“The BITA London showcase always proves to be a great show. We enjoy the opportunity to meet new people and connect with our existing customers – showing off our latest collections in a relaxed and intimate environment.” Andrew Hoyle, Sales and Marketing Director, Edmund Bell Fabrics.

“Diane Harrison is excited to be showing their collection in London for the first time since Home Interiors which feels like a hundred years ago! We are excited because for our customers London has become a trend and design hub. We anticipate seeing a number of quality customers and it’s fantastic that BITA are staging this design show. It can only grow from strength to strength and become a must-visit event. Tristan Goodfellow, Diane Harrison

”I am very excited to exhibit at the show. My designs are all hand painted then produced in digital format in repeat and colour separated, ranging from inky floral to geometrics and damasks. I’m so pleased there is a UK show again and am sure it will be a huge success. I look forward to welcoming existing customers and meeting new ones.” Claire Taylor, Claire Louise Designs

But don’t just take their word for it! We asked our visitors what makes them keep coming back to see us:

“I have always been most impressed with the high standard of showcases each year: a great asset to my interior design business.” Denise Smallwood, Print ‘n’ Plains Interiors

“If you’re in the trade you can’t miss it.” Ross Griffiths, Curtain Workshop

Visitors will find the welcoming, warm and friendly setting that makes BITA Showcases so popular, with FREE entry and COMPLIMENTARY canapés & refreshments throughout both days.

To pre-register as a visitor please visit www.interiortextiles.co.uk or contact Laura Jones (01908 410598 ext.5) email laura.jones@interiortextiles.co.uk

Looking ahead to BITA’s September Roadshow: 4 months to go!

Posted on May 27, 2015 by BITA - Uncategorized, News

We are already getting excited about September’s Showcases and we know, with March’s resounding success still ringing in our ears, that it will be upon us before we know it.

We start in Manchester at the opulent Lowry Hotel on Sunday 13th & Monday 14th September, travel down to the chic Nottingham Belfry Hotel for Wednesday 16th & Thursday 17th September and finally culminate at London’s stunning Hilton Syon Park on Sunday 20th & Monday 21^st– where you can make the most of your day by visiting Decorex at the same time!

With venues up and down the country you can come and see us at a place convenient to you and, if your appetite hasn’t been satisfied by the many brands that are showing with us, enjoy free tea & coffee and maybe even time it just right to enjoy our complimentary canapé or buffet lunch (depending on where you visit us).

With many of the UK’s top brands already signed up, including: Archroll, Chatham Glyn, Eclectics, Emily McGuiness, Foster Lane, Integra, Jones Interiors, Novatec, NV Blinds, Prestigious Textiles, Rol-Lite Blinds, Silkland, Simta, Streets, Swish, Tulip, Universal, Wendy Cushing and Wise Windows you are sure to leave with inspiration galore and a BITA goody bag too!

To pre-register as a visitor and keep up to date with the latest show information please visit www.interiortextiles.co.uk

Thinking about exhibiting?

For more information and an exhibitor information pack, please contact Laura Jones on 01908 410 598 ext.5 or email laura.jones@norfolkhouse-uk.com

BITA’s Spring 2015 Chelsea Harbour Showcase: “Our Most Successful Yet!”

Posted on March 23, 2015 by BITA - Uncategorized, News

The British Interior Textiles Association is proud to announce yet another record breaking showcase with its 92^nd one day showcase in 8 years!

With the stunning backdrop of London’s Chelsea Harbour, the exhibition on 8 & 9 March, at The Chelsea Harbour Hotel, showcased over 30 exciting brands – some brand new! Over 600 visitors were treated to free entry to the popular trade show and exhibits of fabric, cushions, blinds, poles, upholstery, trimmings as well as complimentary Masterclasses.

Many new, high end exhibitors such as Olivia Bard, Diffusion, Artistic Upholstery, Today Interiors and Warwick Fabrics joined our already extensive list of exhibitors and brands, including Prestigious Textiles, Simpson Interiors, Evans Textiles, Chatham Glyn and Edmund Bell, to make this another hugely successful and exciting BITA show.

Victoria Hill, Victoria Hill Bespoke Soft Furnishings, commented that, “Olivia Bard’s new collection is stunning, and the accessories are too, the way they had laid it out was very attractive. I liked the Yorke stand very much too, with their inclusion of the upholstered pieces.”

While Janette Thomas, Verity Threadgold Curtains and Blinds thought that, “accessibility and appreciation of the needs of the newcomer at Ashley House and Streets were definite highlights.”

Many visitors also commented on how passionate the exhibitors were about their products, that the product ranges were fresh, innovative, varied and up to date and how friendly and informative staff were.

Nyki Jones, Darley Design, was excited by the, “really gorgeous high end looking fabrics on offer at many stands, such as Warwick, at a very reasonable price.”

Guests were also impressed by House of Robinson’s Loose Covers Masterclass on Sunday afternoon, where Sallyann Rolfe demonstrated the intricateness of loose covers by covering pattern placement, tuck aways and easing fullness. On Monday visitors were also treated to two Moore & McCabe Masterclasses. The Cushion Cover Master Class included ‘top tips’ and the Upholstered Pelmets Master Class discussed the materials and assembly of professional pelmets.

Evrin Skyers, Skyers Furnishings, who visited the BITA CHELSEA HARBOUR SHOWCASE on Monday, said that, “The whole exhibition was excellent and welcoming. Being able to talk to so many exhibitors on a one-to-one basis was very beneficial. He also commented that the Masterclasses were, “Fantastic and professional, they really delivered and I was so impressed. I am already looking forward to the next ones.”

Diane Harding – Secretary & Marketing Director of BITA and Show Organiser was delighted with this season’s event, “This was our 3rd showcase at Chelsea Harbour and our most successful yet! A perfect opportunity for exhibitors, who can’t have a permanent showroom in the Chelsea Harbour area, to show their ranges in the busiest week of the year! We expect this Showcase to be even bigger and better next year! Now we are looking forward to exhibiting at the Hilton at Syon Park – next door to Decorex – in September.”

Our exhibitors enjoyed the best visitor to exhibitor ratio in BITA showcasing history and were full of praise for the showcase:

Graham Bateman, Prestigious Textiles, felt that, “The confidence we are currently experiencing in the general market-place was reflected in the positive comments received from our visitors. A number of new accounts plus new enquiries added to the interest expressed by our existing customers. A very good show.”

“10/10 for the venue and location.” Lindsy Wilson Haddow

When asked what had gone well, Gary Millican, Rol-lite, couldn’t have been clearer, “Everything!”

While both Fibre Naturelle and Simpson Interiors commented on the excellent organisation of the show.

Visitors to the trade event also enjoyed free tea and coffee, complimentary canapés and afternoon tea as they browsed the show in the exquisite harbour setting.

Karen Roberts Woodrow Bespoke Soft Furnishings summed up the show’s atmosphere perfectly, “It was fabulous and every effort was made to make me feel welcome and to get the most out of my visit.”

Both visitors and exhibitors have already seen the benefits of BITA membership since visiting the show. BITA is pleased to welcome Dorset Chairman, Classic Curtains, Moore & McCabe and House of Robinson as its newest members.

Regular satisfied exhibitors have already signed up for our September 2015 Roadshow, three 2 day shows in Manchester, Midland and London’s Syon Park (during Decorex).

For more information and photos please contact Laura Jones, Marketing Manager on 01908 410598 ext.5 or email marketing@norfolkhouse-uk.com

BITA SHOWCASE MARCH 2015

Posted on February 13, 2015 by BITA - News, Uncategorized

The British Interior Textiles Association is celebrating its 8th successful year of showcases with a 2 day event at London’s Chelsea Harbour Hotel on 8 & 9 March 2015. The trade exhibition, taking place the same week as London Design Week, will showcase some of the most popular brands of furnishing fabrics, curtains, blinds, poles, upholstered furniture, wallpaper and other interior accessories in the UK.

“BITA exhibitors were so pleased with the results of our first show at Chelsea Harbour last year – with over 600 visitors – that BITA are delighted to be back again, during London Design Week on 8 & 9 March 2015. The Chelsea Harbour Hotel is a wonderful venue, especially with the Chelsea Harbour Design Centre being just next door! We are expecting even more visitors this March and our Annual BITA Gala Dinner, held on the Sunday night for anyone in the industry – not just exhibitors and visitors – is nearly sold out!” Diane Harding –BITA Secretary & Marketing Director and Show Organiser.

Some of our exhibitors were keen to share their thoughts as to why they have decided to join us. Here’s what they had to say about BITA:

“Fibre Naturelle will yet again be using Chelsea as a platform to launch their new collections. Great atmosphere enjoyed by all our clients in a superb location.” Jennie Gravett, Sales Manager

“The BITA shows are an excellent way to showcase our new collections, so many customers in one place at one time.” David York, Managing Director of Simpson & Yorke Interiors

“Warwick are excited to join BITA Chelsea as part of our drive to develop business in London and the South East of England. We are looking forward to showcasing our latest fabrics with existing and new customers.” John-Andrew Ovenstone, Managing Director, Warwick Fabrics

“Haddow Group have been exhibiting at BITA for the last 5 years with Kestral, one of their highly successful interior brands, and have selected to show case this year at BITA, the new Olivia Bard’s stirring debut collection of fabrics, poles and tiebacks.

“BITA offers us a perfect opportunity to present our new collection to numerous current customers and potential new clients, in a relaxed and professional environment. We believe this to be a perfect launch environment for our new brand and looking forward to another successful show.” Lindsy Wilson Sales Director Haddow Interiors.

“Diffusion are looking forward to launching a stunning collection of voile fabrics at the BITA London Showcase. It will be a tremendous opportunity to present our new product range to a host of existing and new clients.” Vivien Corr, Commercial Director, Diffusion

“We always look forward to the BITA shows whether it be the London Showcase or the September Roadshows. They provide a great friendly yet professional environment in which to meet both new customers and connect with current customers to showcase our new and current fabrics & linings. A must on our event calendar each year.” – Andrew Hoyle – Sales & Marketing Director – Edmund Bell Fabrics

“Prestigious Textiles is delighted to continue its support of the London Chelsea BITA event. This event has grown in stature over the last couple of years and is ideally located to rub shoulders with London Design Week. As much as welcoming our visitors to our stand and presenting our new Spring/Summer 2015 ranges, we also look forward to a little light entertainment at the Gala dinner!” Graham Bateman – Sales Director – Prestigious Textiles Ltd

Further to the fantastic feedback and success of last year’s masterclass, this year visitors will be treated to 2 masterclasses from Moore & McCabe Textiles. Join us to experience their expertise with a cushions Master Class – which will include ‘top tips’ – and a pelmets Master Class, as well as a Q&A session.

Visitors will once again find the welcoming, warm and friendly setting that makes BITA Showcases so popular, with FREE entry, canapés, afternoon cream teas and refreshments throughout both days.

To pre-register as a visitor please visit www.interiortextiles.co.uk.

For more information and photos please contact Laura Jones on 01908410598 ext.5 or email marketing@norfolkhouse-uk.com

BITA UK – Introduction and Membership

Posted on April 1, 2014 by BITA - News

BITA is a trade association for the UK interior textiles industry and it seeks to promote and safeguard the interests of its members, which range from large, well known brands, to small companies with only a few employees.

The product range supplied by members is vast and covers all aspects of the interiors industry from furnishing fabrics, readymade curtains, cushions, bedding to tracks and poles. BITA provides a range of services aimed at maximising business opportunities and strengthening the business environment in which members operate. Some of the key benefits are:

The Voice of the Textile Industry

BITA speaks on behalf of its members to a wide range of organisations and membership of BITA means your views are heard!
BITA is regularly consulted by Government
BITA representatives sit on a number of technical committees to ensure the views of the industry are taken into account on areas such as standards (British, European and International standards) as well as the environment
BITA is an active member of the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT). Membership of this organisation means BITA members join over 2000 other companies in a very large and active trade body. UKFT talks on behalf of the whole textile and fashion pipeline, is very active in lobbying on behalf of the industry and provides an excellent network
BITA members are able to attend seminars run by UKFT at discounted rates; recent seminars have covered topics such as Selling to Russia, An Introduction to Licencing, and the very popular How To Get Paid
BITA members are also listed in ‘Sources’, the UKFT’s listing of its members which is distributed throughout the world

The BITA Forum

As BITA understands the power and importance of social media and above all communication with customers and potential partners, we created the BITA TRADE ONLY FORUM on Facebook.

A group entirely dedicated to giving people in the industry a place to have a chat about their business, promote their new collections or just to ask a question and get some help. We have 390+ members and that number is constantly growing with 50 joining since January 2014. We will keep working towards inviting new people to join. If you want to be part of it, click on the Facebook link embedded in the picture and make sure you have your company name on your profile. We want to keep it trade only for the privacy and convenience of all our members, both suppliers and trade customers.

The BITA Directory and Website (www.interiortextiles.co.uk)

The BITA online directory is an invaluable tool for both the BITA members and anyone wanting to connect with them. We have a complete profile of each company that is part of the association and we give potential customers a great opportunity to navigate their way to the right supplier. The website receives a large number of visits even from overseas and provides a searchable database of members’ products. Listing on the BITA website is free for all BITA members.

The BITA Newsletter

Issued quarterly, the Newsletter is full of information that is relevant to your business. From sector specific information to funding opportunities from Brussels, from the latest government training opportunities to upcoming seminars.

The BITA Showcase

The very popular BITA Showcases provide a fantastic and economical way for BITA members to see their existing customers and meet new ones.

BITA was delighted to celebrate its 75^th one day show during the 12^th Showcase tour in 6 years in September 2013!

Over 45 Fabulous Brands of Furnishing Fabrics, Curtains, Blinds, Poles, Trimmings, Cushions, Wallpapers, Bedlinen and other Accessories are exhibited at the shows. This is what our visitors are also enjoying:

Free Entry
Free Parking (except London)
Free Tea and Coffee All Day
Complimentary Buffet Lunch or Canapés at all venues
Complimentary tickets to our Curtain Making Masterclass

The BITA Showcases continue to grow in popularity and gain more visitor interest year after year. The last showcase that took place in the beautiful Chelsea Harbour, at the 5* Wyndham Grand Hotel in London on 9^th and 10^th of March 2014, was the most successful one we had to date with over 300 companies walking through the doors. Our Autumn roadshow will be starting on the 9^th of September and we will be going across the UK, in East Anglia, South West, Midlands, North West, North East and spend the last two days in London.

For regular updates, you can get in touch with BITA. For more pictures of the showcases, exhibitors’ collections you can also find us on.

NB: Non-members pay 15% surcharge to exhibit with us!

Promoting Design Talent

BITA organises the Emerging Talent Award annually to recognise the wealth of design talent in the UK. The competition is open to all undergraduates, or those who have graduated in the past three years.

Hundreds of entries are received each year and are judged by leading directors from the industry. The winning entry plus the runners up are displayed during the Autumn BITA Showcase.

In 2013 FIRST PRIZE of £1000 and a week’s work experience placement in the design studio at PRESTIGIOUS TEXTILES, one of the UK’s TOP furnishing brands, was awarded to Natalie Radcliff.

BITA Membership Fees

Turnover Subscription Inc. of 20% VAT

Up to £500,000 £135.00            £162.00
£500k – £1 million £195.00            £234.00
£1 – 2 million £255.00            £306.00
£2 –3 million   £440.00            £528.00
£3 – 5 million £515.00            £618.00
£5 – 10 million   £665.00            £798.00
Over £10 million       £700.00            £840.00
Associate £135.00            £162.00

The BITA Marketing Manager is always on hand to answer any queries and if you wish to discuss the benefits of membership further.

Contact: Violeta Petrova

Address: BITA, 134 Dunthorne Way, Milton Keynes, MK8 0LW

Telephone number: 01908 410598 / ext.5

Follow this blog for more details on BITA to come!

BITA UK – FABRIC AND INTERIOR PRODUCT SOURCING SERVICE

Posted on March 31, 2014 by BITA - News

picv BITA is a trade association for the UK interior textiles industry. The members vary from large, well known brands such as Prestigious, Hallis Hudson, Sunflex and Edmund Bell, to small companies with only a few employees. The product range supplied by our members is so vast that it covers all aspects of the interiors industry from furnishing fabrics, ready-made curtains to trimmings, blinds and poles. BITA is a trade association for the UK interior textiles industry. The members vary from large, well known brands such as Prestigious, Hallis Hudson, Sunflex and Edmund Bell, to small companies with only a few employees. The product range supplied by our members is so vast that it covers all aspects of the interiors industry from furnishing fabrics, ready-made curtains to trimmings, blinds and poles. You can visit the BITA website for an up to date members listing and detailed profiles of all the BITA members and their product speciality. And as new brands regularly request to join BITA, you can keep up to date with members and their product ranges via our Facebook and Twitter pages and Trade Only Forum. Like any other industry, suppliers are endlessly looking to fulfil their customer’s needs and spend time and money on market research, to understand what their customers are looking for. In order to help with that mission, BITA UK has introduced to all members and trade only customers, its first ‘Fabric and Interior Product Sourcing Service’. As a retailer or designer, this service can be a very useful tool to help you find specific colours and patterns not currently in your range. In effect, we are your extra pair of hands, and we provide this service for FREE! From a photo or description, we will send you cuttings and trade prices FREE of charge and you’re bound to find the right samples at the right price – very quickly. Just phone or email your requirements. We send an email and a Facebook message to all our members so they can help you too. So you will never have to say no to that customer again! Contact: Violeta Petrova Address: BITA, 134 Dunthorne Way, Milton Keynes, MK8 0LW Telephone number: 01908 410598 / ext.5 Follow this blog for more details on BITA to come!