Through innovation, collaboration, and skill development, Buoyant Upholstery sets the stage for continued market leadership
2025 was a landmark year for Buoyant Upholstery. Since its last feature in Manufacturing Today, the company has continued to expand, embracing new challenges and cementing its position as an industry forerunner. While major competitors have faced hardships and even closures, Buoyant Upholstery has stepped up its offering, strengthened its team and stands ready to lead as a an inspirational forerunner in the soft furnishings sector.
The company’s recent success has been driven by the growing popularity of its expanded product range. Through partnerships with international suppliers and a series of strategic acquisitions, the business has continuously broadened its offering with in-demand pieces from across the globe.
In an exciting development for 2026, the company will soon be launching a range of leather recliners, alongside the revitalized Ashley Manor brand selection. It will also be showcasing its upcoming products at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, giving prospective clients an opportunity to experience the new range first-hand.
With demand on the rise, Development Director, Glen Ainsworth, outlines the key factors driving Buoyant Upholstery’s exponential growth: “Our market share has become much more significant over the last year and a half,” he begins.
“I believe this is the result of years of hard work and dedication. Our core values have always included excellent design, exceptional quality, on-time delivery, and competitive pricing, and now we get to reap the rewards of that commitment.
“I also recognize how important our latest product launches have been in securing this success,” he adds. “We’ve invested heavily in research and design since 2021, and we’re now seeing all of that come to fruition.
“Ultimately, this business has been around for a long time. It was originally founded in 1909, and since then we’ve built a reputation for excellence. We’re trusted throughout the industry for following through on our promises and consistently delivering the best possible product.”
Growth and Expansion
With increased demand come logistical and operational challenges. Glen explains how he and the Buoyant Upholstery team stay one step ahead: “We began to see a steady trajectory of growth from 2023 onwards. At that point, we started making plans to expand our capacity and bring new people into the business. Since then, we’ve added several experts to our team and put processes in place to support further expansion when the time is right.
“In December 2025 we approved three more management positions that will strengthen our position in the market. We’ve already identified ideal candidates for each role and will be bringing them on in early 2026.”
Alongside an enhanced management team, Glen and his colleagues are actively seeking new talent across a range of disciplines throughout the company. “The business has grown its headcount by more than 40 people in the last year alone. As orders continued to increase and growth trends showed no signs of slowing, we decided to implement a wider strategy for bringing in new people at every level.
“We’re looking for people with key skills such as frame making, sewing, upholstering, and driving. We’re in the midst of a massive recruitment drive to bring in 30 new members of staff, with more on the way.”
Offering an exciting new venture for skilled professionals across the industry, Buoyant Upholstery also opens the door to a smart and collaborative working culture. As Glen explains: “Staff retention has always been high on our agenda. As part of our policy, we hold regular strategy days that bring the entire team together. These sessions showcase the creative talents of our staff and give everyone the opportunity to shine.
“Beyond this, we have established an employee panel with representatives from every department. These staff spokespeople are kept informed about developments across the business and encouraged to communicate their experiences directly with senior management.
“Our Managing Directors and Chairman are always present at these meetings to discuss our latest strategies, accomplishments, and goals for the future. This brings everyone together and helps us work towards a shared objective. It also provides a forum for raising employee concerns and requests, allowing us to agree on clear actions and timelines together.
“We also take a broader interest in the lives and wellbeing of our staff. The company has previously run health-related workshops covering everything from stress management to menopause. These sessions consistently receive positive feedback and help break down barriers, allowing people to feel more comfortable discussing their experiences.
“Our ethos is rooted in seeing people as individuals and giving everyone’s experiences, opinions, and ideas the space they deserve. We would be nowhere without our employees, and we are committed to showing how grateful we are for the work they do.”
With recruitment in full swing and exciting new launches on the horizon, Glen and his team step confidently into 2026: “We’re going to be very busy. There are a number of promising opportunities to grow the business even further, and with the right people backing us, we’re on track to achieve all our goals.
“I’m very pleased to say that our new initiatives have been well received by our existing customer base and have even helped attract new clients. In the coming year, we aim to maintain our trajectory of success and usher in the next chapter for Buoyant Upholstery,” he concludes.