Michael Concannon, Area Sales Manager for Ireland and Scotland at Bentley Designs, talks about his role, what he admires most in the industry, current trends and raw material transparency.
Let’s start with you. Can you share a bit about yourself and your background?
I’m based in Co Clare in the west of Ireland, where I live with my wife and two sons. This year marks my 20th anniversary of working in the furniture industry. I started off in 2006 with my own independent furniture store and prior to that I worked in some different sales and marketing roles.
What is your current job role and key responsibilities?
I joined Bentley Designs in December 2012 as Area Sales Manager for Ireland and in March 2025 I took on the role of managing Scotland also. The role is fundamentally a sales role, but I am the first point of contact on almost everything Bentley Designs related in the area, from finish queries, delivery and lead time queries to assembly. I also spend time with retail floor staff updating them on product knowledge, highlighting features and benefits of the ranges.
What do you love about your job?
Firstly, I love interiors. I like seeing what’s new, what direction trends are going, and I’m privileged enough to be working with great retailers at the top of their game, so I’m always up to speed on what way things are headed. I enjoy the autonomy the role provides, creating my own route plans, and getting out and meeting customers. Increasingly, I’m contributing to the design process and I love seeing something go from blueprint to shopfloors and ultimately repeat orders.
What time is your alarm clock set for and do you have a morning routine?
I’m generally up around 06.00. I’m definitely a morning person (much to the annoyance of my family) and depending on the day, I’ll either do some exercise, walk the dog or get on the road. I always make my own lunch; it is a constant frustration working on the road how poor the offer is at services.
Why did you choose to work in the furnishing industry?
Back in 2004 I was living in Dublin and wanted to move back towards the west coast ideally to surf and hang out with friends and family. My partner (now wife) was involved in retail furniture so we thought opening our own business would give us the work / life mix we wanted. How wrong we were!
We opened a furniture and interiors business, and it was a really great store, but the financial crash of ‘08 was very difficult. We continued to trade until 2012, but with a young family by that point, we really needed more stability. I was lucky enough to see the role with Bentley Designs advertised and fortunately Rif (Lalani – owner) gave me chance and it’s worked out well for both of us since.
Who do you most admire in the industry and why?
From the manufacturing side, I admire the businesses that have adapted and survived the minefield of challenges over the last 10 years, from financial crashes and COVID lockdowns to freight crises. It takes a lot of grit and innovation to remain relevant and I admire those that are still at the table.
On the retail side, this landscape has changed dramatically over the last 20 years, particularly in Ireland, and the standard has been raised massively in this period. Stores are meticulously merchandised, everything in store is stocked, staff are well trained and customers are absolutely spoiled for choice. You couldn’t but be impressed by those that have driven these changes.
Have there been any special moments during your career?
Furniture by its nature can help people be more comfortable and I have seen acts of incredible kindness from both supplier and retailer to help out people when they needed it most, whether that’s through sickness or hard times. That has been uplifting to see.
On the more commercial side, I was fortunate enough to secure a fantastic contract order some years ago, which included designing and producing some bespoke products in order to secure the job. Being able to find a solution to solve a client problem and win business for us was particularly satisfying.
What is your favourite item of furniture you own and why?
I do love our dining room table. It’s a turned leg, dry oak, rustic table, and when fully extended can accommodate the in laws, out laws and the neighbours. It needs to happen more often!
What do you think is trending within the industry at present?
I think intelligent and innovative design is always important, but given the current housing challenges, we are seeing an increase in more multi-function items, e.g. adjustable height tables and clever storage.
In terms of the mood board, there is definite shift away from the greys to warmer neutrals, taupe’s, ivories accented with bolder colours, like rust, aubergine and of course all the shades of green continue to dominate. In terms of design, the lines are also softer and rounder.
In cabinet, the move away from metal leg dining is well under way. There is a lot of reeded products out there also, again emphasising the softer rounder shapes.
What would you change in the industry?
I do think more transparency around origin of raw material is required. Rouge operators sourcing material from non-responsibly managed forests offering products at unrealistic prices damages the environment and creates unrealistic expectations from consumers. The introduction of EUDR (Jan ’27) is trying to deal with this, but it is the other extreme in terms of what’s expected from suppliers. Something in between would be preferable.
Can you share an insight into your future plans?
It’s very exciting times at Bentley Designs at the moment as we launched our debut upholstery collection at this year’s JFS. I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting launch and we are continuing to develop our stone, chair and stool collection with great motion tables, matching occasional pieces and fantastic new designer chairs and bar stools.
What do you enjoy most outside of work / free time?
I surf whenever I can. I like going to matches and gigs with my sons, and I enjoy good food and a glass of red with my wife.
What might someone not know about you?
I worked at the Glastonbury festival press tent for a few years.
If you had a different career, what would it be?
Possibly something in the music business. I studied music production at university, but it’s hard to make a buck in that game.
Finally, if you were an item of furniture, what would it be and why?
I would be a sofa table! They are a big hit for Bentley Designs so it feels right.
