Husband and wife team, Matt and Sarah Oakley, owners of furniture manufacturer Sofa Connections, share an insight into the company, their expansion and plans for the Manchester Furniture Show.
As a family run furniture manufacturer based in the heart of the West Midlands, Sofa Connections has over 30 years’ experience within the trade and prides itself on crafting high-quality upholstery for its customers. At the helm today are Matt Oakley and his wife Sarah, who are taking the business to new heights, spearheaded by its expansion into offering direct to the retailer services.
“We have recently taken the leap to expand and go direct to the retailer offering top quality ranges of furniture,” Matt revealed. “Having worked for many years with the guidance of leading industry figures, we have been committed to crafting high-quality upholstery for our customers. We pride ourselves with a perfectionist approach, with everything we make delivering the highest attention to detail and the quality really comes through with every piece that leaves us.
“I started working with my dad and uncle when I was just 17 years old. I’ve worked in every part of the business and thoroughly understand the importance of quality and comfort. To take our company to the next level of growth is truly an honour, as well as a challenge I, and the team, are fully embracing.”
Sofa Connections currently has 12 ranges as part of its portfolio, with Sarah revealing that this is set to expand during the Manchester Furniture Show (MFS) next month. “We’re excited to announce that we are launching two new ranges during MFS in July. This will be our first big show and we can’t wait to meet everyone and tell them about us as a company and show off our products.
“For me, I started working with my husband nearly two years ago now, however it does seem like I’ve been there forever. I entered the company to take over from my mother-in-law, who had been there since the start. Having worked within the furniture manufacturing industry for many years, it was always the plan to jump on board when I was needed.
“Matt and I are very passionate about building this business with a family focus to hopefully pass onto our daughters one day. Even the dog comes into the office too! We’re very much a family orientated company and that’s something we’re really proud of.”
The Sofa Connections team also includes two “very well respected” Sales Agents, Colin Boyce and Gary Birch, both of which have supported the company into its next phase of growth and new market. “After years of supplying just one trade brand, we feel it’s now time to show everyone who Sofa Connections are and what they have to offer,” says Colin.
“I fully believe we have something special and are able to offer retailers something that they are absolutely screaming out for, a chance to build their own library of fabrics, therefore making a price match elsewhere near impossible.”
Sofa Connections have its own range of fabrics and are also “very happy” to be a ‘white label’ brand so retailers can be their own brand, have their own ranges in store, personalise their swatches and be truly independent. Alex from Ideal Furnishings in Guernsey commented: “Sofa Connections have really supported us at Ideal with launching our very own fabric swatch. We now have a very stylish studio showcasing fabric hangers of our own choosing and a beautiful range of furniture with our name sewn on.”
Gary Birch added: “We believe that our attention to detail, craftsmanship, and dedication to customer satisfaction sets us apart in the market, and we are eager to connect with retailers who share our commitment to excellence.”
As the team prepares for the upcoming MFS, Matt and Sarah are full of optimism as they continue to grow the family business. “We look forward to meeting with you at the Manchester Furniture Show and discussing potential partnership opportunities. Please feel free to contact a member of the team if you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting during the event.”
