Tristine Hargreaves, Executive Director of the National Bed Federation (NBF), shares an insight into her role – just over one year after rejoining the NBF, as well as a nod to her most admired person while also reflecting on some key milestones in her career.
Let’s start with you. Can you share a bit about yourself and your background?
My career in the furniture industry started over 30 years ago, working for a textile yarn manufacturer in Lancashire. Since then, I have worked in bed manufacturing, retail, importing testing and consultancy and standards development. The wide range of experience in different sectors of the furniture industry gives me an understanding and appreciation of our industry, its challenges and successes.
What is your current job role and key responsibilities?
I am currently positioned as the Executive Director of the National Bed Federation (NBF). It’s an industry I love, having been part of it for so many years. I re-joined the NBF just over a year ago now, and I am responsible for the activities of the NBF and secretariat team who engage in various areas to support our members which includes the running of the bed show & industry awards, sustainability, technical matters including standards and regulations, marketing – which is a key role to promote all the great reasons to buy from an approved NBF member and promote the bed industry as a great industry to work in.
What do you love about your job?
I love both the job and the industry, it’s like no other in terms of businesses which come together to tackle issues for the greater good of the industry, and our members really engage with us as a trade association which helps us to raise matters with government and other bodies on their behalf.
What time is your alarm clock set for, and do you have a morning routine?
My role is one that means I don’t have a specific morning routine. My working day varies considerably, and my alarm clock is set to react to wherever I need to be the following day, which could be in the office one day, at a manufacturer the next day, or at meetings engaging with government another day.
Why did you choose to work in the furnishing industry?
I didn’t specifically choose to work in the industry, but my first role in the textile manufacturing sector led me onto a path that utilised all my academic studies along with a love of the textile industry at an early age. Once you are in the industry, people tend to stay in it. There are so many options for different careers in this sector.
Who do you most admire in the industry and why?
I would have to say, Jessica Alexander, my predecessor, who has worked in the industry for many years, championing the NBF and tackling the challenges the industry faces. I have had the pleasure of working with Jessica for many years, as I first started working with the NBF in 1995 when I worked in bed manufacturing and have been working with the NBF and Jessica on industry matters ever since.
Have there been any special moments during your career?
As Executive Director of the National Bed Federation, it feels a great honour and achievement to be the next custodian of this great trade association. I am also privileged to be the current chair of the national standards body, BSI, domestic and contract furniture committee and former convenor of the European CEN committee for non-domestic furniture. These are all achievements that feel special to me and recognise my expertise in the bed and furniture sector.
What is your favourite item of furniture you own and why?
I would have to say my bed…. (I have to say that don’t I). A good night’s sleep is so important in ensuring you are ready the next day to tackle whatever comes your way.
What do you think is trending within the industry at present?
It’s a challenging economic climate currently, but the Bed Show in September will be the place where many of our members will be showcasing their new products and innovations, so I would encourage attendance at this year’s show to see the latest ideas and trends emerging.
What would you change in the industry?
I want to see the new government engage with industry to understand the importance of the UK bed sector and its contribution to the UK economy and provide a good industrial strategy with better support for businesses.
Can you share an insight into your future plans?
We will continue to support NBF members on key areas such as the forthcoming changes to the flammability regulations. We have already held several seminars and workshops to highlight the potential changes and impacts to businesses, and the feedback provided by our members at these sessions helped to shape the NBF industry response to the public consultation. We continue to engage with the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) as a stakeholder on behalf of our members and will ensure continued support and training in this area as the regulatory changes progress.
Sustainability is another area where we support our members, from our EcoDesign Principles to our Pledge for Our Planet, we are committed to supporting our members on their sustainability journey. With digital product passports on the horizon, and EU legislation such as the European Sustainable Product Regulations, we will be on hand to help the industry navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape.
The Bed Show and industry awards continue to be a key event for NBF members to showcase their new products and achievements. Our annual AGM and forum gives members an opportunity to provide feedback on what is important to them and to help shape the future direction of work in key areas such as our code of practice, which we will be updating ready for 2025. Of course, we will be championing all the great reasons to buy from an NBF-approved member as the code of practice is independently audited against a strict criterion where members demonstrate compliance in several areas across the business which gives a level of re-assurance when you buy from an NBF member.
After the positive response to last year’s amusing membership testimonial video and the addition of several new members in 2024, we are currently in the process of developing the NBF’s next promotional video to showcase our supplier offerings. Similar to the manufacturer video, the supplier counterpart will showcase the perspectives of various NBF supplier members as puppets, with a touch of humour to engage the audience. We aim to release the video in time for the Bed Show on 24th and 25th September.
What do you enjoy most outside of work / free time?
I love to be out walking along the coastline (dependent on the great British weather that is). There is nothing better than being out and about with no agenda, no pressures, and there is something to be said for the sea air. It just puts things into perspective when you get a chance to detox from the fast pace of life and technology.
What might someone not know about you?
I was very musical growing up! I played violin in an orchestra, played the penny whistle, and sang in a choir – although I couldn’t do any of those things now, and would probably clear the room if I even attempted so much as karaoke now.
If you had a different career, what would it be?
In all honesty, I can’t imagine doing anything else now. In my younger days, I wanted to complete my law studies to become a barrister. When relaxing of an evening when programmes like Great British Bake-Off air I would love to be able to bake great cakes so good that someone would actually want to buy them – and then I forget all about it and don’t think about baking again until the next season of GBBO begins.
Finally, if you were an item of furniture, what would it be and why?
Can you guess? I would say something that is well known for being safe and dependable and in plain sight, that helps people in many ways, with many layers underneath the surface, each usually with a purpose in mind. Have you guessed yet? It’s got to be a mattress!
Two Fun qs:
What fact amazes you every time you think of it?
Life – it’s so precious. We are nothing without our good health, and we really must make the most of each and every day – tomorrow is not promised.
What did you think was cool when you were young but isn’t cool now?
Oh my, probably so many things! I guess fashion and hairstyles are some of the biggest things that have changed over the decades, but what goes around comes around, so who knows whether my (very stylish at the time) 80s permed hair will ever make a comeback.
