Scott Shields, CEO at Get Laid Beds, the UK-based manufacturer celebrated for its handcrafted solid wood bed frames, details more behind its recent strategic expansion of its Trade & Contracts division and what it means for the business moving forward.
This six-figure investment comes in response to soaring demand across the hospitality, student accommodation, and luxury residential sectors, while also demonstrating a clear signal of its commitment to long-term growth and belief in the potential of the trade and contracts division. To support this division’s rapid growth, Get Laid Beds has made key investments, including the enhancement of its manufacturing capabilities with facility upgrades, growing its team and implementing sustainable practices.
“We see our B2B division as a complementary extension of our core retail operation,” says Scott. “The decision to invest in trade and contracts was driven by three key factors. First, we wanted to establish a specialist team that could better support project managers, buyers, and designers — ensuring a smooth experience for both new and existing clients. Second, we observed that trade and retail peak at different times of the year, which gives us the opportunity to level out seasonal fluctuations in manufacturing and optimise production flow. Third, it allows us to shift from a passive sales model to a more active, strategic approach — building long-term partnerships and proactively seeking out new opportunities in the commercial space.
“We’ve upgraded key areas across our manufacturing and operational facilities, with a focus on streamlining production, improving workflow, and increasing overall capacity. These improvements mean we can take on more complex and larger-scale projects without compromising on the craftsmanship we’re known for. It also ensures we’re in a strong position to respond quickly to both retail and trade demand as the business grows.”
As part of the investment, the company has welcomed two exciting new hires, Melanie and Callum, who bring a wealth of experience in beds, mattresses, and strong networks across the interior design and accommodation sectors. “Their expertise is already proving invaluable, with our trade outreach programme showing strong early results,” Scott continued. “They’re supported by Paul, who heads up commercial pricing and brings over a decade of experience in manufacturing and cost engineering specifically within the bed industry. This core team is further backed by our wider manufacturing leadership, ensuring they have the support and resources needed to succeed.”
Get Laid Beds has already delivered some impressive projects within the sector, including Student Cribs where it supplied over 900 beds across five UK cities. Others of note are The Railway Rooms, Kingussie, which saw the business furnish a unique hospitality concept and also at One Blackfriars, London, where it delivered bespoke outdoor four-poster beds for one of London’s most iconic residential towers.
Sustainability is also key across the business. In fact, reinforcing its commitment to the planet, the company continues to plant trees across Africa (over 107,000 to date) and uses sustainably sourced timber in all its products. “We’re seeing a clear shift toward sustainability, authenticity, ROI, speed of delivery, and customisation,” Scott adds. “Customers — both retail and trade — want products that are well made, traceable, and built to last, but they also need them delivered quickly and efficiently. We operate within tight delivery windows, typically between 72 hours and two weeks, which offers real value to our clients.
“There’s also strong demand for natural materials and minimalist design, with solid timber continuing to feature heavily in both residential and commercial interiors. Aftercare is increasingly important too — warranties are meaningful, and our ability to provide replacement parts within days, shipped directly from our barns in the UK, gives our customers confidence and peace of mind.”
The benefits of manufacturing in-house have also given the company “greater control and resilience” to navigate pressures around material costs and skilled labour availability. “We’ve built strong relationships with sustainable timber suppliers, which helps us manage supply chain risks,” Scott said. “On the people side, we’re investing in training and development to nurture skills internally and retain talent.”
The expansion signals another milestone for the business, which has seen a strong start to the year with “healthy growth” in both its retail and trade channels. “The strategic expansion of our trade division has opened the door to exciting new partnerships, and we’re proud to see our beds specified in more commercial and design-led projects,” Scott said. “Operationally, we’re more agile than ever, and our investments are already delivering measurable improvements in efficiency and customer experience.
“We have several exciting developments planned for the remainder of 2025 too. We’re launching a dedicated showroom and trade experience space, which will serve as a hub for client meetings, product testing, and design collaboration. Following our success in France, international growth will be a key focus — particularly across Europe and North America, where demand for sustainably made, British-crafted furniture continues to grow.
“On the product side, we’re expanding our range with new designs and materials — all built with the same commitment to quality and longevity. It’s all part of our wider vision: to make Get Laid Beds a go-to name in bedrooms, for retail and trade buyers in the UK and beyond.
“At Get Laid Beds, we’re proud to be part of a new wave of British manufacturers – blending traditional craftsmanship with technology-based workflows. As we grow, the vision set out by our founders, Jonny and Jean, remains true: to deliver beautifully made, built-to-order beds with speed, care, and integrity. Whether for a boutique hotel or a family home, we believe great design should be accessible, sustainable, and built to last.”
