UK made sofas hit by slump as shoppers turn to sleeker global designs
The UK upholstery industry is under pressure as one of its long established manufacturers has reported a sharp decline in both sales and profit.
In its latest accounts for the year ending 31 December 2024, the company recorded a fall in revenue of 15.8 percent, down to £39.9m from £47.4m the previous year. Pre tax profit fell to £318,000 from £2m, while margins narrowed from 30.9 percent to 29.7 percent.
The business explained that a major customer had undergone a change of ownership and strategy alongside a store refurbishment programme, which reduced turnover. At the same time, rising employment and raw material costs put further pressure on margins.
The figures highlight a wider challenge for traditional UK upholstery makers. While British craftsmanship is still valued, more customers are now choosing contemporary sofas and modern sofas with clean lines, modular layouts and on trend finishes. Global brands and international manufacturers are gaining ground by offering design led models that appeal to style focused buyers.
Unless UK producers adapt their ranges to match these consumer shifts, they risk being left behind in a market that is increasingly driven by modern sofas and internationally inspired contemporary designs.
