Wayne Hollis, Managing Director at Celebrity Motion Furniture, talks about the rise of motion furniture, why apprenticeships are vital and what’s next for the business.
Let’s start with you. Can you share a bit about yourself and your background?
I started in the furniture industry back in 1988 as a YTS apprentice upholsterer, and that moment shaped the rest of my life. From day one, I was determined to learn every part of the craft and every corner of the business. Over the years, I progressed through all departments – upholstery, sewing, mechanisms and production gaining a genuine hands-on understanding of how quality furniture is made. Looking back, I’ve grown up in this industry and at Celebrity, and that grounding has played a huge role in shaping who I am today.
What is your current job role, key responsibilities, and when did you start this role?
I’ve been Managing Director since June 2017 and, more recently, became the owner of Celebrity. My role is incredibly varied, but ultimately everything centres on steering the business forward keeping us innovative, relevant, and maintaining our reputation as a leading British manufacturer. A major part of my focus is ensuring we never stand still. That means staying ahead of new technologies, design trends and customer expectations. Operationally, I’m constantly looking at how we can run the factory more efficiently, sustainably, and consistently, while still delivering the high standards our retailers expect. Celebrity is known for reliability, quality and exceptional service, and it’s my responsibility to make sure that it never slips.
What do you love about your job?
Honestly, I love everything about it. Celebrity has been part of my life for as long as I can remember I’ve grown up here, and now my own children are beginning to come into the business too, which makes it even more special. I enjoy the creativity, the buzz of developing new products, the relationships we’ve built with retailers, and the day-to-day challenge of running a busy factory. But above all, it’s the people. We’ve got an incredible team, many of whom have been with us for years. Looking after our staff is one of the most important parts of my role. Their hard work, loyalty and passion are what make Celebrity the company it is today.
What time is your alarm clock set for, and do you have a morning routine?
I never set an alarm. My morning routine is simple: I make a coffee, sort out my two dogs, and once they’re happy, I head straight into the office. It’s a calm, steady start to the day before everything gets busy.
Why did you choose to work in the furnishing industry?
At the start, it was simply a good opportunity in a busy local industry with plenty of potential. But very quickly, I realised how much I enjoyed it. Over time, I developed a genuine passion for upholstery and motion furniture. It’s a career that lets you use your hands, your head and your creativity. Once I was in, I never looked back.
Who do you most admire in the industry and why?
I admire the people on the factory floor the most the upholsterers, machinists and production teams, to name a few, who bring everything to life. Their skill, pride and craftsmanship are the backbone of British manufacturing. I have huge respect for what they do.
Have there been any special moments during your career?
There have been many, but one stands above the rest. In June 2025, I became the sole owner of Celebrity. After navigating extremely challenging periods, including COVID and administration, coming out the other side with full ownership was a huge personal and professional milestone. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved as a team none of it would have been possible without the commitment and resilience of everyone at Celebrity.
What is your favourite item of furniture you own and why?
My favourite item has to be our 3-piece suite with recliners. It’s the perfect mix of comfort and support, exactly what we strive for in everything we make. It’s a piece that truly stands out in any room, built to last, reliable, and always there when you need it… which probably says a lot about me too.
What do you think is trending within the industry at present?
Motion furniture continues to strengthen, but what’s really standing out now is added value more features, more comfort options and more technology integrated into chairs. People are willing to invest in products that genuinely enhance comfort and lifestyle. Innovation within the motion category is definitely driving the market forward.
What would you change in the industry?
I’d love to see more young people coming into manufacturing. The opportunities and skills are here, and it’s a brilliant industry to build a long-term career in. But it’s getting harder to attract the next generation. Apprenticeships and training programmes are vital, but we also need to do more to promote furniture manufacturing as exciting, rewarding and genuinely future-proof.
Can you share an insight into your future plans?
The plan is simple: keep improving, keep innovating and keep pushing forward. That means staying ahead of technology, design trends and customer expectations. We’re committed to working closely with our suppliers to bring in innovations and develop products that push boundaries while staying true to our heritage. The goal is always to evolve, remain competitive and keep Celebrity at the forefront of British motion furniture.
What do you enjoy most outside of work / free time?
Family time means everything to me. I love spending time with my wife, children and our two dogs. We go on lots of walks and try to enjoy the simple things.
What might someone not know about you?
Not everyone realises that I started working at Celebrity at just 16 years old and have worked my way up through the entire business. I’m completely self-made within the company, having learned every aspect of manufacturing and management through hands-on experience. It’s a journey I’m incredibly proud of.
If you had a different career, what would it be?
Football was always my big passion growing up. I played semi-professionally when I was younger, and if it hadn’t been for an injury at 21, who knows where it might have led? In my dreams, I’d have been playing for Liverpool but watching them is probably for the best!
Finally, if you were an item of furniture, what would you be and why?
I’d be a Canterbury Cloud Zero Riser Recliner: one of the most comfortable chairs on the market. Supportive, reliable, and built to last – I think that sums me up pretty well.
https://celebrity.furniturebrochure.com
Five Fun Questions
1) If you could hack into any one computer, whose computer would you choose and why?
Honestly? I’d hack into my own computer just to finally figure out where all my missing passwords, lost files and mystery desktop icons keep disappearing to. It would save me a fortune in IT support.
2) What fact amazes you every time you think of it?
How my wife never, ever tires of shopping. She could spend an entire day browsing, comparing, trying things on… and still be ready to go again the next morning. It’s a stamina I can only admire from a safe distance.
3) What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
Buying our second dog. One minute we were “just looking,” and the next minute we were driving home with a new puppy and a very confused first dog.
4) What is the most important object you own and why?
My first contract. It’s a simple piece of paper, but it represents the very start of my journey in the furniture industry. I’ve kept it all these years as a reminder of where I began, the hard work that followed, and how far that first opportunity has taken me.
5) What did you think was cool when you were young but isn’t cool now?
Shell-suit tracksuits. At the time, they felt like the height of style and sophistication now they just feel like a fire hazard with a zip.
