Heritage furniture manufacturer Vale Bridgecraft, based in Hedben Bridge, West Yorkshire, has signalled its intent to expand and evolve by appointing Nichola Bell (ex-Alpha Designs, Westbridge, and a member of the British Furniture Association's board) as its group commercial director.
Since transferring to new ownership last summer, the manufacturer has secured a stable platform for long-term growth, alongside a strengthened leadership structure, says Nichola, speaking exclusively to Furniture News, adding that her appointment as its new commercial director reflects "a clear focus on continuity, retailer relationships, and ensuring the brand is well positioned for its next stage of development".
Nichola says she is looking forward to the challenge of the new role: "The enthusiasm from the team was contagious, so it didn't take me long to decide that this was the place I wanted to be.
"Having sold mid-market, white-label products for nearly 20 years, the idea of getting my hands on a premium heritage brand and making it relevant in today's world excites me. To experience true skill in the Yorkshire factory, with each order still being made by one craftsman, is very charming – and having a young management team introduce up-to-date ideas too? It's a great combination. It really is a 'new look with old values'."
Design consultant Simon Stack confirms that Vale Bridgecraft's team is striving to maintain the heritage of the well-established brand by being respectful to the classic shapes, but "updating them in line with the expectations of today's customer. We have done this by focusing on proportions, comfort, and updated luxury fabrics and finishes".
The brand's latest models will be unveiled at INDX Furniture, taking place at Cranmore Park in Solihull from 17-20th this month (AIS members only welcome on the first day). The show will see the launch of Bridgecraft Gallery, which Nichola describes as "a unique way of presenting this updated product, allowing customers to simply 'bespoke' their order, and enabling retailers to choose product to suit their individual retail space".
Hampton Furniture Group acquired the business in July last year, and kept MD Jonathan Robinson (ex-Vale Upholstery) in place to lead the operation.
Pictured: Nichola with Vale Bridgecraft's sales director, Lorraine Holt
