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Twice a year, the manufacturers of the historic furniture-making town of Long Eaton, just outside of Nottingham, open their doors to the public for the Long Point exhibition. The spring edition takes place between 9-11th May, and is set to be bigger than ever, making it a key destination for anyone sourcing bespoke upholstery and other high-end products.

Below is the bulk of an interview carried out last summer with Matt O’Flynn, chairman of the Long Eaton Guild of Furniture Manufacturers – for anyone considering their first visit to the show …

Located on the outskirts of Nottingham, Long Eaton is an industrial town that wears its heritage proudly on its sleeve. The mills that once housed a thriving linen industry now facilitate the hub of the UK’s bespoke upholstery manufacture, a business inextricably tied to the town’s inhabitants – an estimated 20% of the population works in upholstery in some capacity, and generations of skilled workers have maintained the ability to manufacture to the highest standards.

The Long Eaton Guild was formed in the post-war environment of austerity, many upholsterers in the town realising a need to have a common aim, and enjoy the training, promotional and buying benefits that are derived from co-operation.

Naturally, there was, and still is, competition, but the guild’s members have worked to establish points of difference that set them apart from one another. Whether this is reflected in the style or the substance of the product, it is enough to ensure that the partnership has worked well to this day.

With customers including Barker &?Stonehouse, John Lewis and Stokers, as well as a host of independents up and down the country, the guild offers fine, hand-made bespoke upholstery, and comprises 11 members. These companies share ideas and pool resources, and since the Sixties have displayed their new and best-selling products at the Long Point exhibition alongside other companies.

Long Point has a distinct reputation – none of which, asserts Matt O’Flynn, will be lost amidst the changes taking place to the event this year. “Traditionally, people liked Long Point because it was a relaxed environment,” he says. “You aren’t press-ganged onto stands like at some of the big exhibitions. It’ll continue to be a bespoke, personal, stress-free environment, in which to see exclusive product.”

Long Point is located across the guild’s many showrooms within Long Eaton, as well as a local exhibition space – no longer Elvaston Castle, but a new venue closer to the town centre. “Elvaston Castle had become a long commute for visitors,” says Matt, “so we are now placing the non-guild members in a nearer satellite site.”

In addition to the established direct trains from London, regular shuttle buses between venues provide real mobility within the town, making the event more accessible than ever. There is even a dedicated helpline on hand, providing further transport and accommodation advice.

The guild faces a challenging time right now – not least a palpable need to appeal to younger consumers. However, the manufacturing expertise practised by the Long Eaton workforce, design nous exhibited by its leaders, and, above all, its reputation for bespoke quality product, are foundations for continued success – as part of its commitment to ongoing training and development, the guild’s own training centre offers school-leavers places on five-year apprenticeship schemes.

“Northampton used to be the centre of hand-made footwear,” says Matt, “but if you go there today, you’ll see that this industry has shrunk fast. We don’t want that to happen in Long Eaton. We are proud of the fact that it’s become a centre of excellence for fine hand-made product, and we intend it to stay that way.”

Long Point is set to become a major date in many more retailers’ diaries. If the guild can continue to communicate its high standards through an exhibition that is accessible, relaxed and enjoyable, it will further cement Long Eaton’s enduring role in the UK furniture manufacturing industry.

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