TRL ramps up expansion plan

Tim Lawson, Founder and Director at TRL Furniture, talks about recent recognition as well as expanding overseas.

Renowned for its bespoke creations, Nottingham-based furniture manufacturer TRL Furniture has been very busy since we last caught up with the business. A few months back, Tim Lawson, Founder and Director of TRL Furniture, revealed its ongoing expansion, both through agent appointments and retail partnerships.

The latter has continued, with the company poised to go beyond British shores and into new markets – seven in fact, as Tim explains: “We have been extremely busy this year, which is great! We’ve been working with Debenhams, B&Q and The Range, and we’re continuing to expand with other retailers, especially independents in the UK.

“We’re also broadening our horizons too. This September will see us move into Europe. Having been accepted on the French-based Vente Unique’s European platform, we will be going into seven different countries, offering delivery and assembly of our furniture through their platform.”

TRL Furniture will be expanding into France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Belgium and The Netherlands as part of its expansion strategy. “We have also been accepted to work with the German giants XXXLutz and their online platform too,” Tim revealed, “Which should come to fruition by September this year. It’s all very exciting for us!”

This expansion comes off the back of recent recognition where TRL Furniture won the Best Handmade Bespoke Furniture Provider 2023 by SME Business Awards as well as Rural Start Up of the Year Award 2023 by The Start Up Awards. Tim has even been nominated for The Great British Entrepreneur Awards too.

“What sets us apart is our commitment to sourcing materials locally from independent businesses,” Tim says. “This decision isn’t just about sustainability; it’s about fostering meaningful connections within our community of artisans and craftsmen. From handpicked oak to reclaimed timber, each material carries a story waiting to be told, enriching the fabric of our designs with authenticity and character.

“Every knot in the wood, every stroke of the brush, bears witness to the collaborative spirit that defines Nottingham’s artisanal landscape. By incorporating these elements into our designs, we invite homeowners and business owners to weave their own tales into the fabric of their spaces.

“In a world of mass-produced goods, we offer a personal touch. From the initial consultation to the final brushstroke, our team works closely with clients to bring their vision to life. We believe that furniture should be more than just functional; it should be a reflection of the owner’s personality and lifestyle.”

To facilitate TRL’s growth strategy further, the business recently expanded its team with the appointment of five new furniture agents looking after the majority of the UK. Richard Jackson covers the Midlands and North Wales, Gary Birch looks after the East of England and North of the Thames, Clive Loe covers South London and Kent, Colin Boyce looks after the South Coast and South Wales and Jonathan Huntsman covers the North East of England and Cumbria.

Tim says the agents have hit the ground running, boosted by its showvan driving up interest. “The furniture agents have seen some great success being on the road with the showvan and we have seen around 20 new independent retailers purchase floor models for their respective shops.

“We’re at an exciting stage within our company and our next phase of growth is well underway. Please get in touch to have a TRL Agent contact you to discuss your shops requirements or reach out to the designated agent covering your area. We can’t wait to work with you.”

www.trlfurniture.com