Wayne Hollis, Managing Director at Celebrity Motion Furniture, reflects on recent award wins, how the year has been so far, recent investments and current trends.
It has been a challenging time for many across the furnishing industry, while one such manufacturer has committed to innovation and stronger relationships that has helped it bucked the downward trend.
For Celebrity, while it has also been a challenging year for the business, top line growth has been recorded in its latest set of accounts ended 30 September 2024, with sales up 7.4% to £17.6m and pre-tax profit increasing 78% to over £1m. Wayne puts this growth down to a number of key metrics.
“The results were achieved in difficult trading conditions in the post pandemic, which included the continuation of the war in Ukraine, high inflation and interest rates all having an impact on retailer and consumer confidence.
“We have maintained strong relationships with our retailers and our suppliers. We have continued to thrive despite the continued impact of economic circumstances on the general economy. It’s certainly been a challenging year so far, with a number of pressures across the industry.
“However, we’ve continued to focus on innovation and open communication, working closely with our customers to strengthen both our service and supply. Adapting quickly and staying connected has been key to navigating the year so far. By being responsive and supportive when it’s needed most, we’re able to keep the momentum going.”
In recognition to its ongoing commitment to product development and customer service, Celebrity was voted as the winner in two Big Furniture Awards 2025, including Best Occasional Chair / Recliner Supplier and Outstanding Supplier Product for its Canterbury Recliner Chair.
“These accolades are a reflection of our unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction,” Wayne continues. “At Celebrity, our mission is to enhance comfort and elevate lifestyles through expertly crafted recliner furniture. To have the Canterbury Recliner recognised as a standout product in today’s competitive market is a true honour.
“This achievement also celebrates the core values that drive our business—collaboration, integrity, and a deep appreciation for our dedicated employees, who are the heart of everything we do. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who voted for us.
“The Canterbury really speaks for itself. It offers optimal levels of comfort for our customers and is one of our top-performing models. Its design and functionality align perfectly with the needs of our target audience, which is why it continues to resonate so strongly in the market. It’s a product we’re incredibly proud of.”
Wayne added that the business is “continually investing in both our employees and our facilities to ensure we remain efficient and competitive in a constantly evolving market”, with recent investments focusing on enhancing its production capabilities and supporting staff development, which are both “crucial to maintaining the high standards our customers expect”.
“It’s all part of our long-term commitment to continuous improvement and staying proactive in the industry,” Wayne said. “We are seeing a growing demand for enhanced and additional features on our products. In particular, enhancements like adjustable headrests and lumbar support are becoming increasingly popular with customers.
“These features add comfort and customisation, which align with the current consumer preference for furniture designed for better comfort and flexibility. We have some exciting plans in the pipeline and are particularly looking forward to the upcoming autumn sale period, which is always a key time for us. It’s an opportunity to showcase new ideas and continue building momentum as we head into the final part of the year.”
Celebrity will continue to innovate, develop and build on its success and growth, with recent award wins cementing its position as a market leader in its field. “As a business, we’re always looking ahead to the next innovation, whether that’s in product development, service improvements, or new ways to support our customers,” Wayne concluded.
