British sofa and chair manufacturer West Midlands Upholstery has started 2026 in a positive mood. We found out more.
Off the back of a successful January Furniture Show (JFS), the business is now preparing for its second showing this year, back at Minerva’s Spring Furniture & Bed Show next month.
Now in its 22nd year, the company – run by husband-and-wife team, Steve & Alison Whitehouse, will showcase its most recent additions including their Palma and Buxton models – both of which had positive reactions during JFS earlier this year. As ever, their trademark Regency Patchwork Chairs will also be on display – a product that has become synonymous with the West Midlands Upholstery brand.
“We’ve made an encouraging start to the year,” says Alison. “Our most recent additions, our Palma and Buxton models, performed really well during JFS, alongside our Henley and Malvern range. It was great to connect with customers and secure new orders, which we have been busy fulfilling since the show.
“We want to continue this positive momentum into the Spring Furniture & Bed Show, where we will be displaying our recent additions and hope to further grow the popularity of our best-selling model, which is our Henley model”
Situated in the heart of the Black Country, West Midlands Upholstery manufactures all its own birch hardwood frames and has its own team of dedicated frame builders, sewers, upholsterers, cutters and drivers. “Everything is UK made in The Black Country,” Alison added. “As we manufacture everything from the frame up, we can custom size our models, which is something the bigger manufacturers may not be able to offer.
“Our fundamental business ethic is that of being completely honest and transparent with our customers, even if the news is something they may not want to hear. Honesty always pays as they say, and consequently we have several loyal customers who have kept with us throughout the past 22 years and have built great relationships with them in addition to others who have come on board since.”
Such respected customers include Coytes at Burton Upon Trent and Top Cat Furniture at Shirebrook. “We have dealt with these retailers since the very beginning and we’re grateful for their support,” Alison continued. “They have a wonderful presence in furniture and truly offer something for every customer. We offer a high-quality product alongside good support to our customers and in turn, this means that we are supported by them.”
The combined knowledge, skills and expertise have driven the business to where it is now – a staple in British upholstery manufacturing. As the Tipton-based company prepares for its next exhibition, Alison and Steve look forward to another positive year ahead.
“At the Spring Furniture & Bed Show, we will also be displaying an array of beautiful new fabrics on existing models, with recent fabric additions being well received earlier this year,” Alison said. “We do always see our regular customers at events, who are very loyal to us, which we so appreciate. We are also looking to meet new customers and let them know what we are all about.
“It’s great to have the chance to talk about the business and our products. All our sofas are available in either 2- or 3-seater. Of course, our Regency and Windsor wing chairs are always a top seller and are available in plains, plaids, luxury velvets and patchwork, all have an inclusive lumbar support. We run a range of accent chairs too, as well as extras such as footstools, armthrows and scatter cushions. We are also members of the British Furniture Association, which reinforces our brand and is a benchmark of quality for British craftsmanship.”
West Midlands Upholstery will be exhibiting at the upcoming Spring Furniture & Bed Show, which takes place from 20-21 May 2026 at the Telford International Centre in Telford.
