All about: Iron Bed Company

The Iron Bed Company began life back in 1994 as a bed manufacturer in the United Kingdom. The company quickly became a successful one within the area of the bedroom market after its founders had noted an apparent gap as an alternative to pine and divan beds that covered the industry. You can learn all about the Iron Bed Company by reading the guide below.

Rapid and successful growth

Small beginnings The company was founded by Simon and Anne Notley in 1994, and by the year 2000 it had achieved a place in the top 50 of the Fast Track companies within the UK. From 1996 until 1999, sales had increased by 89% and turnover had increased from 1.2 million pounds sterling to over eight million annually. Change of direction The husband and wife team decided on a change of direction from their existing furniture company after deciding that there was a gap in the market. They decided to produce iron beds as an alternative to the many pine and divan beds which at that time flooded the market.
First venture into the business The couples first business in furniture was stripping down and selling old pine furniture. They, then, moved into reproduction furniture which proved to be unsuccessful and they gambled their home for ten years on Victorian style beds after that. The first steps towards the Iron Bed Company hence, became a reality. Another gamble The next gamble led to almost instant success, putting all their remaining money into a brochure. The colourful shots were noticed by a magazine and the high quality brochure led to instant publicity and rapid growth. Mail order The business began as a mail order company before they extended into retail premises, this proved to be another success as most customers prefer to look before they buy. The first shop opened in Guildford in Surrey and additional stores soon followed across the country. Overseas As well as 17 stores across the UK, they opened stores in Germany, Lanzarote and Malta. They then extended the range into linen, duvets and bedroom furniture and by 2004, they had an annual turnover exceeding 12 million pounds sterling.

Changes to the company

Change of name In September of 2004, the name of the Iron Bed Company changed to its present logo of Feather & Black. The change brought about new designs through not just its original line of metal beds, but also wooden beds and furniture. Small private business The company remains as a small business, and is still housed in the workshops where it all began. The small company is growing through its distinctive designs and high quality products.