Steve Moffatt, Sales Manager UK & Ireland at Spinks, talks about his role, why discounting needs better control and how constant innovation helps you stand out from the crowd.
Let’s start with you. Can you share a bit about yourself and your background?
I started my sales career with Vita Fibres before moving into the pet trade, where I managed key retail accounts including Pets at Home, Jollyes, Morrisons and ASDA, as well as working closely with UK distributors. After that, I enjoyed some time in the packaging sector, working with food and drink manufacturers across the UK and Europe. When the opportunity came up to return to the bedding industry with Spinks, I jumped at the chance and was keen to rejoin the sector.
What is your current job role and key responsibilities?
I’m the Sales Manager for the UK & Ireland at Spinks, where I am responsible for managing our customer base across both regions. Since joining the company in June 2025, I’ve been proud to support customers across the UK & Ireland by supplying our Micro Springs and Pocket Spring solutions, building strong relationships and maintaining a consistently high level of service.
What do you love about your job?
I get to work with a wide range of customers across both the UK & Ireland, visit some fantastic factories, and meet so many interesting people along the way. Even in the relatively short time in the role, the reception I’ve had from existing and potential customers has been incredibly positive, which has been great to see. I also really value the openness to new innovation across the industry, and willingness to explore new ideas.
What time is your alarm clock set for and do you have a morning routine?
I’m usually up at around 5.45am. I’ll take the dog for a walk and sometimes fit in a run on the treadmill before being at my home office desk for around 8am to start the day. If I’m out visiting customers, then I can be on the road from as early as 6am depending where I am travelling to, so it tends to vary quite a bit day to day.
Why did you choose to work in the furnishing industry?
As I started my career in the industry, it felt like a great opportunity to come back into something I already had experience in and genuinely enjoyed. Having worked in different sectors, returning to the furnishing industry made sense both professionally and personally, particularly given Spinks’ focus on development and innovation in manufacturing – which continues to feel very exciting to me.
Who do you most admire in the industry and why?
Without wanting to single anyone out, I admire people who are genuinely passionate about what they do and are focused on doing things properly, while striving to make a difference.
Have there been any special moments during your career?
Coming from a sales background, the real highlights tend to be the bigger wins – those accounts or projects that take months working on to bring over the line. When I was in flexible packaging, I worked on a particular project for around 18 months, competing against at least four other suppliers. Securing that contract – which was the largest value contract my employer had won at the time – was a real highlight and a great reminder that hard work and persistence really does pay off.
What is your favourite item of furniture you own and why?
As Spinks is the components division to luxury bed manufacturer Harrison Spinks, I would of course say it would be my bed!
What do you think is trending within the industry at present?
I think manufacturers are increasingly finding ways to stand out from the crowd in a competitive market, so innovation and product differentiation are becoming more important than ever. At Spinks, we’re known for our innovation in the industry, which means we’re able to support a wide range of manufacturers with solutions to help them develop and evolve their product offering.
What would you change in the industry?
Discounting is an area that could be better controlled throughout the year in the mattress industry, both online and in retail. While there is certainly a place for promotions, offering discounts over 50% can devalue all of the hard work that goes into developing and manufacturing quality mattresses and distort fair, transparent pricing.
Can you share an insight into your future plans?
We have some exciting plans ahead, focused on continuing to grow the customer base across the UK & Ireland, and introducing our innovative products to new customers in the market.
What do you enjoy most outside of work / free time?
I’m a huge ice hockey fan and have a season ticket for the Manchester Storm who play in the Elite Ice Hockey League in the UK. The season runs roughly in line with the football season, but teams generally play two games over each weekend, so a lot of my free time is spent travelling to games.
What might someone not know about you?
I was a TV extra for a time on programmes like Coronation Street and Brookside, and had some occasional speaking parts in some well-known TV shows!! Thankfully, you can’t find any of this on YouTube!
If you had a different career, what would it be?
Probably something around sports.
Finally, if you were an item of furniture, what would it be and why?
A boardroom table… so I could find out lots of secrets!
Five Fun qs:
- If you could hack into any one computer, whose computer would you choose and why?
There are plenty of politicians’ computers (from all sides) I’d like to look at – and work out what on earth they are thinking!
2. What fact amazes you every time you think of it?
Probably anything to do with space and space exploration. I don’t pretend to be an expert, but we can’t be the only ones out there!
- What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
Nothing, I don’t do spontaneous!
- What is the most important object you own and why?
I don’t really go for sentimental items… I do have a few signed pictures and such like.
- What did you think was cool when you were young but isn’t cool now?
Football!
