Simba Sleep joins as a corporate member to ‘encourage young talent’ and ‘champion sustainability’

British mattress producer Simba Sleep has joined as a corporate member.

Simba Sleep started out as a thread supplier to a Derbyshire mattress factory in 1979 and went on to supply the thread for 50 million mattresses in over 35 countries. In 2016 the Bristol-based business, which employs 155 people, diversified into manufacturing its own high-tech hybrid mattresses in Derby.

The company created a unique, innovative and affordable high-tech mattress combining heat diffusing foam with specially designed conical springs that fit inside a rolled mattress and can be packed into a cardboard box. Sold via its own e-commerce platform, Simba Sleep also sells its mattresses and bedding through high-street retailers such as John Lewis and Barker & Stonehouse.

Steve Reid, Simba Sleep CEO, said: “We have developed nothing but respect for the industry we entered when we diversified into mattress design and manufacture back in 2016. Our business model has been borne out successfully, but we know that success has only come from the daily interactions, support and wider network with the furnishing sector.”

He added: “It’s a special sector, and nothing speaks to that more than The Furniture Makers’ Company. This is a membership, and a responsibility, that we take very seriously and we are honoured to become part of this historic institution. We are excited to be involved and to broaden our network, share our own learnings and develop and build on what has already been achieved at The Furniture Makers’ Company for years to come.”

Mr Reid continued: “Sleep is a sector that we as a business and individuals have enormous passion for, and membership of The Furniture Makers’ Company, and contributing to encouraging more young people to join the mattress and sleep sector, is something we hope can keep the health benefits of a good night’s sleep at the forefront for generations to come.

“We see ourselves as forward thinkers in sustainability and along with like-minded members at The Furniture Makers’ Company, we believe the collective is more powerful than the individual and we hope that we can use our combined voices to champion sustainability initiatives that have never been more time critical.”

 Brian Ahern, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “It is fantastic to welcome Simba Sleep on board as a new corporate member. Their innovative approach and focus on making the industry attractive to younger people, as well as spearheading initiatives to decrease the sector’s environmental impact, are crucial to the future of the furniture industry and it is great that they will play a proactive part as new members.”

Corporate membership of The Furniture Makers’ Company provides opportunities for leading businesses from the trade to support the Company’s charitable activities, get involved with civic events and network with other members.