Jon Varley, UK National Sales Manager at Harrison Spinks, talks about the day job, how rewarding the industry can be, his admiration for Peter Spinks and why discounting needs to be transparent and fair for customers.
Let’s start with you. Can you share a bit about yourself and your background?
I’ve been in the furniture industry most of my career, including an apprenticeship in retail, before joining Harrison Spinks in 1995.
I left school with engineering aspirations, and then fell into this trade once I knew that path wasn’t for me. Ironically, Harrison Spinks is the most innovative bed company designing, engineering and producing award-winning pocket and microsprings, so my earlier career interest and passion for engineering has really helped me in my role here.
What is your current job role, key responsibilities and when you started this role?
I’m the UK National Sales Manager for our Independent sector, supporting our Area Sales Managers and working with our product development and marketing teams to make the best ‘home grown’ mattresses in the UK. I also help explore new business opportunities and maintain and strengthen our relationships with customers – independent retailers up and down the country. This involves helping them understand our family business heritage and responsible manufacturing story so they can relay it to their own customers.
What do you love about your job?
I enjoy how every day is different and often challenging – but in a good way – so it isn’t monotonous and I look forward to coming to work! I also appreciate how everyone at Harrison Spinks really cares about how our production affects everyone, from those in our community to the end customer, and how we are always working to improve things, whether it’s making things better for the environment, for the people we work with, or those who are sleeping on our products.
What time is your alarm clock set for and do you have a morning routine?
7am (It’s rather difficult to get out of a comfy Harrison Spinks bed on a morning!) Though like I said before, every day is different, so this isn’t a fixed routine as I could be in the office at our Leeds HQ, attending Teams meetings or going on a road trip to visit customer retail stores.
Why did you choose to work in the furnishing industry?
It’s just something I fell into but I’m really glad I did. I’ve been working at the company for over 28 years and still enjoy it to this day. It’s rewarding to know that as a result of the work I do, I can help someone have years of comfortable sleep, and I like utilising my initial interest in engineering, as well as helping champion quality British manufacturing and craftsmanship.
Who do you most admire in the industry and why?
Peter Spinks, former Chairman of Harrison Spinks. He helped me in the early days to realise I shouldn’t take the job too seriously, to enjoy myself and build great relationships with our customers.
Have there been any special moments during your career?
There have been so many, but my personal stand out ones are; my recognition for 25 years of service at Harrison Spinks, being promoted to my current position, and my first BMW company car.
What is your favourite item of furniture you own and why?
Aside from my Harrison Spinks products, it has to be my mahogany table with a green felt top, six pockets, 16 balls and two cue sticks.
What do you think is trending within the industry at present?
On my travels I often I hear ‘chemical-treatment-free’, natural linen fabrics and shades of greens being spoken about a lot.
What would you change in the industry?
A ban on discounting. There is a place for it, but it can be used incorrectly. It can encourage inflated pricing rather than offering customers transparency and a fair price from the start.
Can you share an insight into your future plans?
2024 has been a big year for new ranges at Harrison Spinks. Following new exclusive collections launched at the April AIS show and our premium brand Somnus being revealed at our ‘At Home’ show in Leeds, we’ve just showcased a host of new products at the NBF Show. We had 12 new models on display from our Bed Tailor range including ‘The Pearl’ created to celebrate 30 years of the collection, plus a new range of headboards designed by Patrick Grant, from The Great British Sewing Bee, who we’ve been working in collaboration with more closely.
What do you enjoy most outside of work / free time?
Local walks with a pair of loaned Labradors, golf, DIY, travelling and spending time with family members and my in-laws.
What might someone not know about you?
I taught black belt Thai Boxing in my mid 20s / early 30s.
If you had a different career, what would it be?
Top Gear / Grand Tour presenter or helicopter / fighter pilot (you can probably tell I’m an adrenaline junkie!).
Finally, if you were an item of furniture, what would it be and why?
I should be saying bed here, but I think I would be a recliner chair so I could chill out and still watch TV.
Five Fun Qs
If you could hack into any one computer, whose computer would you choose and why?
National lottery, I’ll let you figure out why!
What fact amazes you every time you think of it?
When the sun rises.
What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
Skydiving in Australia.
What is the most important object you own and why?
An electric power caddy – it carries my golf clubs.
What did you think was cool when you were young but isn’t cool now?
Tattoos – I got one myself when I was younger and now regret my choice!
