The winners were chosen, from a bumper crop of entries, by an independent panel of judges including Richard De Melim (Furnishing Report), Roy Beagent (Minerva), Peter Mallinson (AIS), Bernard Eaton (Greenwood Retail) and Jessica Alexander, executive director of the NBF.

Said Jessica Alexander: “The standard of entries, in all categories, was very high and the gap between winners, runners up and other entrants was very small. Everyone who entered should be very proud of their achievements whether or not they were winners. “The determination to do better, the innovation, investment and progress being made demonstrates just what a vibrant and exciting industry this is and why we should all be justly proud of it!”

The awards were announced to the winners by Meera Syal at the Bed Show’s Gala Dinner (19 September) at the Telford International Centre, attended by more than 500 people from the industry. New for this year was the split of Bed Manufacturer of the Year into two categories – those with a turnover over £10m and those under £10m.

Highly commended went to Vogue Beds manufacturers of the Sports Therapy Mattresses for impressing the judges with its solid performance and the successful launch of a new concept in pocket spring technology – found forgotten in a suppliers’ catalogue.

Said Simon Spinks, president of the NBF: “We’ve been holding these awards for seven years now and yet it never fails to amaze me what our industry is capable of. The awards just go to show that we are all constantly innovating, strengthening and adding to our offerings – it’s fantastic to see, and be a part of. Well done to all the winners.”