Designer Habitat hungry for more after 30% growth

A NORTH West business which designs and sources kitchen and homeware products has reported a 30% jump in sales, and hopes to hit £50m in the next three years.

Salford-based Designer Habitat, founded in 2009 by Craig Foster and Mark  Januszewski and two colleagues, now has 75 employees. It has been shortlisted in the 2015 North West Business Masters Awards in the Fastest Growth business category.

Its growth in 2014 was driven by export with around £6m of sales going to Europe.

The company sources and supplies functional, practical and innovative products suitable for the kitchen and home. Ranges are produced under the company’s two main brands – VonHaus and VonShef – both of which have been developed in-house the the Deva City Office Park near Manchester city centre.

Chief executive Mark Januszewski said: “Our strong relationship with businesses in the Far East enables Designer Habitat to source and bring products to market at a fast rate. This allows us to respond to consumer trends quickly.
 
“Over the last 12 months, we have developed and introduced more than 150 new SKUs to our 600-strong product catalogue. 2014 was a significant growth year for exporting and this is an aspect of our business that we are looking to develop even further.
 
“As part of the ongoing strategy, we are also planning to strengthen relationships on home soil. We are currently in talks with a national supermarket chain to become a main supplier. These strategic partnerships will ensure that Designer Habitat brands infiltrate multiple channels and outlets.”

Currently, Designer Habitat sells through a number of online and traditional channels including Amazon and its own transactional website Domu.