Leader Furniture uses Hotel Show to launch new chapter in company success story

UAE-based Leader Furniture and Joinery Craftsmen Ltd, part of the Juma Al Majid Group, began life as a small joinery shop 25 years ago, and the factory it established in 1994 is today the biggest facility of its kind in the Gulf region.

Now anticipating a 10% to 15% increase this year on last year's sales of Dhs95 million, the company will announce its move into the fitout joinery business at The Hotel Show, which is attracting 150 exhibitors from around the world to Airport Expo Dubai from May 20-22.

The move is seen as a natural step by Leader Furniture and Joinery Craftsmen, which has established itself as joinery and furniture production specialists through major projects at hotels including the Taj Palace Dubai, Al Hamra Fort in Ras Al Khaimah, Sands Hotel in Abu Dhabi, and the Royal Mirage in Dubai.

"Because of the quality of Middle East hotel industry visitors the exhibition attracts, it's a perfect platform for companies like this to show off their existing products and services, and introduce new ones," said Joanne Evans, director of Streamline Marketing, organisers of The Hotel Show.

First-time exhibitors, Standard Carpets Industries, manufacturers of wall to wall carpets and BCF yarn, expects its appearance at The Hotel Show to reinforce its drive to grow its business annually from $10 million at present to $15 million by the end of next year.

The company plans to expand capacity at its UAE manufacturing facility to produce woven and printed carpets in the next 12 to 18 months, and says it can offer Middle East hotel industry customers the benefit of reduced transportation costs, faster delivery and enhanced service.

Another new name at The Hotel Show, UK-based Sico Europe Ltd, manufactures hospitality products used and specified by major hotel chains worldwide, including stages, tables and portable dance floors.

Regional sales manager, Graham Dimond, says the Middle East currently accounts for 15% of the company's annual turnover, but the launch in Dubai of new products such as The Lite Step illuminated portable dance floor could help bring a major expansion of business in a region showing dynamic hotel growth.