How to dispose of an old contract bed

For many businesses who are working hard to increase their revenue and flourish during this tough economic climate, the thought of replacing a contract bed can be a daunting one.  Not only is it a possible inconvenience as we head towards Spring and the busier Summer season, but begs a significant question.  How do you dispose of the old one?

It can be one of the biggest nightmares for any hotelier in fact, as they try to negotiate a hotel full of guests, while undertaking the equivalent of a full move in bed terms.  After all, they don’t want their guests complaining and certainly can’t consider simply closing down for the day.

There are a couple of options when having an old contract bed or beds removed.  You can opt for your local council or waste disposal specialist to do the job for you, but this often means negotiating agreements with more than one body at a time.

Therefore, you can often be left trying to arrange delivery, while simultaneously trying to arrange for collection of the old beds!  In fact, even if you manage this, you are often at the mercy of a service which is designed to suit someone else more than you or your business.

Here at Millbrook Contract Beds, we take this very seriously and have for some time offered a removal service for old contract beds, which is much more easily organised as you buy the contract bed from us and WE arrange the collection of the old one.

This is obviously chargeable, but the time and hassle it saves you is priceless.  We know what we’re doing and have over 60 years experience within the contract bed industry and have removed more old beds than you can possibly imagine.

So, if you’re thinking about buying a contract bed but are worried about the implications of disposal, then give us a call!

We are happy to offer free, holistic advice to all businesses, no matter who you are and you can contact us via email or telephone and with our experience in the contract bed industry we can help you with anything.

Buying a new contract bed just go a lot easier!

Why buy a mass produced contract bed when you can get high quality handmade?

Here at Millbrook Contract Beds we take our bed making very seriously.  While we understand that during tougher times for the hospitality industry it is important to save the pounds, we do not feel that compromising on quality is the answer.

So in this blog today, we thought we would write a few words about what we feel is most important when it comes to the craftsmanship found in a handmade contract bed, when compared to something that is mass produced.

When it comes to the hospitality industry, customers are always right!  Well, okay we all have times when we feel they aren’t but let’s be honest here, we usually know that while sometimes it’s easy to feel that a customer is perhaps being a little ‘difficult’ there are others that want to give enough good feedback so that changes can be made for the better.

In short, if you want to save money on a contract bed, you’ll never do it by going for the cheapest option.  It’s often very difficult to have a long-term plan when budgets are at an all time low, but if you buy a cheaper contract bed, there’s a good chance that it won’t be around in a couple of years, let alone the typical seven.

Traditional ideas about quality and craftsmanship may seem outdated, but perhaps when it comes to contract beds, it’s the one thing that still requires it.  A mass produced bed will not go the distance, with no skilled human being checking all the stitching and detail for you.

With this in mind, we know that guests want good sleep – and while we also know that good sleep forms part of a healthy lifestyle, it also makes guests a lot happier.

Our pocket spring is probably the core of our very best quality sprung beds, whereby each spring is placed in to its own individual pocket and sewn in a way that means it is kept separate from the other springs.  This basically means no roll-together.

A mass produced bed will not be quite so accurate, and you will find on occasion that you do unfortunately get roll-together and thus a good chance that someone’s night’s sleep will be affected by it.

Hand-side stitching in our complete range features traditional hand-side stitching which basically secures the outer springs to the border at the top and bottom, preventing any kind of roll out.  This is the element of our production that is the most labour intensive as it involves a lot of skill from our own craftsmen.  Only senior upholsters using traditional long needles and twine to make borders and edges stronger.  If you imagine a hundred guests a year sleeping in the bed, you can see why that hand stitching is so important from a durability perspective.

If you are looking at something that is mass produced, then there is no highly skilled upholsterer and a machine instead, which will not offer half the care and attention that a professional can.

It may also surprise you perhaps to see that even our economy range offers the same superior quality to buyers, so even where money needs to be saved you can end up with the best of both worlds at Millbrook Contract Beds..

Yes we’re passionate about our beds, because we feel that hand craftsmanship and superior techniques in the manufacturing of our beds is what makes us a good choice when it comes to buying them.

If you need new contract beds, don’t miss our 10% discount now on offer across the entire Millbrook range.  If you buy direct from the manufacturer you save anyway, but with the additional 10% you could really get a bargain!

Hotel or healthcare, there’s a contract bed for you!

When it comes to choosing contract beds, there’s a considerable range of sizes out there to choose from!  As a result, this can make it difficult to decide just which contract bed is right for you and your circumstances.

Therefore, in today’s blog, Millbrook Contract Beds is going to give you a recap on the sizes that we provide, along with some key points about each of the contract bed ranges we offer.

At Millbrook Contract Beds we have the following sizes available for our contract beds:

The Single Contract Bed – 90cm (3’0″) x 190cm (6’3″)

The Double Contract Bed – 135cm (4’6″) x 190cm (6’3″)

The King Size Contract Bed – 150cm (5’0″) x 200cm (6’6″)

The Super King Contract Bed – 180cm (6’0″) x 200cm (6’6″)

And finally…

The Zip & Link Contract Bed 180cm (6’0″) x 200cm (6’6″)

As well as these general sizes which are applicable to our entire range of contract beds, we are also able to create non-standard sizes and can even make heart shaped beds, if you’re looking for something a little bit different for you hotel or guest house.

Having a multitude of sizes is an important factor when manufacturing contract beds as every single hotel room or healthcare establishment is unique.

We have essentially three areas of contract beds that are suitable for different industries.

The International range offers the very best in terms of luxury to your guests and are beautifully manufactured by us in our Southampton based factory. This range is particularly suitable for hoteliers and offers a broad pricing range as well as colour options and of course size!

Whether you require something a little less indulgent for your guests, or you want to give them the best night’s sleep this range is going to be your best option.

Our healthcare range is excellent for mature guests who may need rest and relaxation and therefore every attention to detail in terms of quality and comfort has been thought of by us! We know how important it is to give your guests proper time to recuperate and you will find that our contract beds are focused on doing just that!

For clients that have conferencing facilities and halls for guests to sleep in our Academic collection offers excellent choice.

Offering both practicality and economically viable choices, the Academic range gives exceptional value and will make a great addition to any campus or conferencing residence.

Whatever size of contract bed you require and whatever industry you are working in, the Millbrook range of Contract Beds offer value, British craftsmanship and a luxurious yet financially viable way to give your guests great sleep.

Coupled with our current 10% discount as well, you could save even more if you buy your contract beds online with us now!

It’ll last forever wont it? Contract Beds and their life span

We all like to think that in buying quality when it comes to contract beds that we can get more use out of them.  While this is relatively true it’s very easy for us to forget that the amount of use will have an affect on its lifespan and can lead to a neglected bed which in turn can mean neglected clients!

For example, after a busy summer season in the hotel industry, many hoteliers are now thinking about the autumn and all the work they need to do to ensure that they’re ready for their Christmas season.

They will get the painter out, have that squeaky floorboard fixed and simply can’t forget about that dodgy handle –but the beds within the rooms are the one thing that seem to be forgotten about.

So, in this blog today we’ve come up with a pre-autumn season checklist for all hoteliers with contract beds to enable them to see just how much more wear and tear their contract beds might have!

1. Have you had any complaints about the beds?  This may seem obvious but it’s surprising how we can blame broken air conditioning, a small room, a window that won’t quite open properly and noise from the room next door, but the bed is the one thing that is never mentioned or forgotten about!  If you’ve had a complaint then why not do an overall check?

2. Have you checked your contract beds personally?  That’s to say, what do the mattresses look like?  Are they in good shape or have they seen better days?

3. Is the base of the bed secure?  Is there a screw loose?  Is there visible wear on the actual bed frame or divan base itself?  Again, this often gets forgotten as most of our efforts are spent on changing linen each and every day during busy periods – not really allowing us enough time to check things properly.

4. Is the headboard nice and secure?  If you’re looking for better star ratings in the future, you may want to know that a loose headboard is one of the things you can get marked down on in the hotel industry.  So, it’s important with your contract beds to ensure that the headboard is secure.

5. Is the contract bed mattress looking worn?  Are the springs sounding squeaky?  Is there a dip in the mattress from constant use?

These are just a few things worth looking for when it comes to your contract beds this season.  It’s worth not forgetting it because you’ll find clients who have a good night’s sleep are far happier than those who have experienced a contract bed that has seen better days.

If you want advice on new contract beds for the Autumn, then Millbrook Contract Beds can give you free, impartial advice – whatever your budget may be. Contact Us for more information or follow us on Twitter and Facebook for regular tips and updates.

A buyers guide to contract beds – part two: mattresses

Here at Millbrook Contract Beds we know that choosing a contract bed can be a difficult task. Previously we talked you through some of the features of a contract bed base and gave some advice about what to look for and how to choose one. So in the second part of this two-part series on how to buy contract beds, we thought we’d take a look at mattresses.

So what is available and how suitable how will it suit your businesses’ needs?

There are five main types of mattress available. Each is suited to different business and client needs and therefore it is important to understand which individual features relate to your specific circumstances. So if you are planning on buying a contract bed but would prefer to choose the mattress separately, then you may well find this blog of interest.

As we discussed in our previous blog, a bed base is an important factor in providing comfort for your guests. Indeed, the base is the primary factor in making a bed comfortable and durable. That said, however, mattresses enable you to tailor your contract beds to your guests’ needs. And remember, a headboard is also comprises an important part of the bed too!

There are five main types of mattress to consider: pocket sprung, open sprung, orthopaedic, memory foam and anti-allergy.

Pocket sprung

A pocket sprung mattress involves each individual spring being encases in its own fabric pocket this helps the bed to adjust its internal stresses and torsion in relation to the pressures of the person laying on it.

Open sprung

An open sprung system has the tradition mattress structure comprised of circular springs woven together to make a single unit. This interconnectedness of the structure enables the even distribution of pressure throughout the mattress.

Orthopaedic

An orthopaedic mattress is particularly well suited to people who suffer from joint or back pain and for insomniacs. Therefore, it is the ideal choice for a care environment. These mattresses help to support the spine and keep it in the correct alignment. This not only helps avoid acute pressure build-up but also moulds itself to the contours of the body.

Memory foam

A memory foam mattress reacts to body heat and reform itself to fit around the curves of the body. It is by far the most comfortable material for a mattress as it relieves pressure to the extremities of our bodies such as knees and forearms. A memory foam mattress can help prevent discomfort by providing support for your extremities.

Anti-allergy

An anti allergy mattress does not contain any loose fibres or allergens, and is bound up in a latex casing, which can prevent the growth of fungus, and the build up of dust and dirt that can attract minute pests like dust mites and bedbugs. Indeed, these tiny pests can be a major contributory factor to respiratory disorders and allergies such as asthma.

Having outlined the main types of mattress available, together some of their features, we hope that you have gained a clearer understanding of which ones are best suited to yours and your clients’ needs. However, if you would like to discuss the various options in more detail, then please contact us and we can advise you as to the best choice both for your business circumstances and your guests requirements.

A buyers guide to contract beds – part one: bases

At Millbrook Contract Beds we know how difficult it can be to navigate the world of contract beds. Therefore, in our new series of blogs we thought we’d talk thorough a few key features of our contract beds to help you consider what you need for your business. This will enable you to identify the main differences between products, helping you to distinguish them from one another. So we thought we’d start at the bottom and work up to help you consider what you need to know about bases.

So, what do you need to know about the base of a contract bed?

There are actually a number of contract bed bases and they all have different benefits and features, relevant to a variety of uses.

The solid divan or storage base with drawers is a very popular choice for businesses who believe that a hard bed constitutes a good night’s sleep. However, this is not always the case and therefore a firm bed will not suit everyone. Whilst an orthopaedic bed is a great solution it is not a viable long-term option for businesses.

In this sense buying a good contract bed is finding the right balance between comfort and affordability. Therefore, focusing entirely on one element, the mattress for example, will not be the best solution. Instead it is best to find a balance between the holy trinity of contract beds – a good mattress, good upholstery and a strong base.

A sprung  base will not only offer what are perhaps the best levels of comfort but also prolong the life of the mattress. However, this is particularly true when it is combined with a good mattress and upholstery; the other two elements that comprise the perfect contract bed. So for this reason it is worth continuing to read our blogs before buying any new contract beds.

Choosing a contract bed can be a big commitment and you want something that will be both comfortable and enduring. The good contract bed can last anything from 6 to 10 years, depending on level of use.  However, as allergy sufferers know all too well a mattress can become a harbour for bacteria, dust mites and other allergens. Therefore, it is important to choose a good quality contract bed to reduce these factors. So in our next blog in the series we will look at mattresses and how to get the best for your businesses and customer needs.

The top 5 things to consider when replacing a mattress

1. When is the right time for a new mattress?

Like all good hoteliers, you will no doubt take customer feedback very seriously. What a customer has to say about how comfortable their bed was or the quality of their night’s sleep helps you to decide when the right time is to buy a new mattress. The quality of a guest’s sleep can be directly related to the quality and condition of their mattress. Moreover, a guest who has had a bad night’s sleep is less receptive to the quality of experience provided for them during the day. If they are tired, achy and irritable, then they are far more likely to focus on any minor lapses in the quality of service provided during the day. So when quests there may be two options. Firstly, if the mattress is upholstered on both sides then you should be able to flip it over to increase lifespan. However, if this is not possible then the best plan is to replace the mattress once the guests start complaining.

2. Which type of mattresses should you buy?

There are three main types of mattress available – Latex, memory foam or pocket-spring.  The type and quality of contract mattress you buy is of course dependant on your budget. However, the better the quality the longer the mattress will last. Latex for example is highly resilient and can last for many years, whereas pocket-spring can wear out over time. Different types of mattresses are also better suited to different scenarios. Memory foam beds, for example, are often used in the heathcare industry. Ultimately however, the important thing is to choose a mattress that is appropriate to use, budget and context.

3. How firm should a mattress be?

Again, this is a choice that is deterimned by context. Historically, doctors and chiropractors have always recommended a firm mattress. However, the body is not flat but contoured, so a firm mattress can leave arched areas unsupported. Moreover, the main areas of the body that are in direct contact with the mattress are the shoulders and hips. This means that much of the pressure is focused on these areas, which can cause circulation problems. The best mattresses both support the whole body and keep the spine in alignment. This is why memory foam is such a good orthopaedic material.

4. Should I flip my new mattress?

Many mattresses are only upholstered on one side. Which means that there is not the option to flip it unless a good quality mattress topper is used. However, if you do buy a double-sided mattress then you should consider flipping the mattress if you have received complaints from guests.

5. Which type of mattress is best at alleviating allergies?

Latex beds are number one when it comes to alleviating allergies. It is anti-microbial, which means it  repels microbes such as mold, midew and dust mites. This means that it helps avert the onset of allergic conditions like asthma, enabling allergy suffers to sleep more easily.

So if you are worried about the condition of your mattresses and think they might need replacing then contact us today and we will be able to advise you about which is best for your business.

The definitive guide to Contract Beds at Millbrook

We’ve been blogging for some time now and it seemed only sensible to update our guide to buying contract beds.

Whether you’re a hotel owner or you run a private school or healthcare establishment, contract beds can seem a bit confusing. After all, you are unlikely to make contract bed purchases every year, so it’s easy to forget the pointers that are noting.

So in today’s blog we will be covering some of the options available to you when you are buying a contract bed or beds.

Millbrook Contract Beds has consistently offered quality of sleep for many years and in running on the principle that quality and craftsmanship really count for longevity our contract beds and the way in which they are made is important to us.

We want our beds to last, while still being able to offer extremely good value for money.

Contract Beds – Pocket Springs

This is a fundamental aspect of our high quality sprung beds, but what does it mean?

Essentially our beds have a lot of springs but the important factor here is that each of those springs has its own pocket and is sewn around so that it is completely isolated from the next pocket spring. What this results in is no roll-together for the person or people sleeping in the bed. There’s nothing more annoying than a mattress that does not provide support.

Contract Beds – Double Pocket Spring System

As the name suggests, the double pocket spring system offers the very highest quality of comfort in that as well as having individual pocket springs, they are doubled up! What this means is that the top level of springs absorbs most of a person’s body weight, while also fitting body shape.  The bottom level of springs have less resistance and therefore add excellent additional levels of support. This  can also mean that the mattress will last longer too!

Hand-side stitching

As we’ve established before, our quality of craftsmanship when it comes to contract beds is second to none and our hand-stitching options are a total testament to that. Every mattress within our range features hand-side stitching. What this means is that the outer springs to the border are highly secure.

Successful mattress hand-side stitching requires highly skilled experts and is not surprisingly labour intensive.  However, the results are more than worth it.

At Millbrook side-stitching is only ever undertaken by our senior upholsterers using long needles and twine to make borders and of course the edges of a mattress stronger.

So hopefully our recap blog today has helped you understand some of the basics with the Millbrook range and it has assisted you in deciding what you need for your establishment.

If you still have questions then you can use our live chat for advice or give us a call! We’re always happy to help!

Size matters? A Millbrook Guide to Contract Bed Sizes

So there’s a lot of different contract bed sizes out there, which can make it hard to determine just which is which and what type you need. So we’ve written you a bed size guide to help you figure out what’s what!

At Millbrook these are the available Sizes:

090cm (3’0″) x 190cm (6’3″) – Single

135cm (4’6″) x 190cm (6’3″) – Double

150cm (5’0″) x 200cm (6’6″) – King Size

180cm (6’0″) x 200cm (6’6″) – Super King

180cm (6’0″) x 200cm (6’6″) – Zip & Link

However, we also can tailor non standard sizes to suit your individual requirements.

Single

Single beds are generally one of the more popular choices for single occupancy rooms. This is simply for the fact that they take up less space and are easier to fit into the smaller rooms. While some hotels may opt for double beds whether it’s a single room or not, it can be a cost effective solution and a great space saving alternative. Used very often in budget accommodation.

Double

Doubles are the traditional choice for most hoteliers as they can act in both the capacity for single or double room occupancy. Double beds do give the impression of a hotel with higher standards that caters to people who are looking for luxury and comfort more than anything else.

King Size

Speaking of luxury and comfort, the more decadent hotel interior design choices lend themselves to a rather more demanding clientele. The big chains tend to use these contract beds more than any other. You’ll find King Size beds not just in hotels but in most houses and bedrooms across the UK. It’s a very popular choice for the home. The little extra width and length that is offered can make a big difference to a night’s sleep. It allows the guest to spread out and move around during the night. In other words; no more feet hanging out of the bed!

Super King Size

It’s the upgrade on the King Size and presents a pretty impressive amount of square footage! This is the type of bed that is most likely found in high end hotels and provides maximum comfort. Some hoteliers may find that it’s harder to find as many styles, build materials and colours. Super King Size is much more specialised.

Zip and Link

A Zip and Link bed essentially increases the flexibility of sleeping arrangements. It basically can increase or decrease in size according to the situation. Hotels find these bed types particularly beneficial when trying to adjust for space. Zip and Link is an option that comes with all contract beds from Super King to Double. You can split them into two single beds or simply store the second single and leave it as just the one single. They are suitable for Guest Houses, B & B, Hotels and Home accommodation.

Non standard Sizes

There’s always the need for bespoke solutions sometimes as every hotel is different. With bed sizes we here at Millbrook Contract Beds can always tailor our sizes to suit specific requirements and need.

For more information on contract bed sizes please Contact Us.

A hoteliers guide to the 2012 Olympics Part 1

The first question we have to ask is;

Are we ready?

The 2012 Olympics are only a blink of an eye away and the UK hospitality industry will be caught up right in the middle of events. It’s going to be a big year for the UK economy.

As a contract bed supplier, we here at Millbrook Contract Beds thought it was time to delve into matters by addressing the expectations and possibilities of next year’s radical shake-up of approaching trade. As demand for more space, rooms and beds goes up, so too will our responsibilities. We have a duty to our customers to deliver the finest quality hand-crafted contract beds in time for this boom.

As far as research into matters are concerned, studies and predictions have yielded positive results. UK hoteliers will need to position themselves in order to capitalise and meet the large demands ahead. Those based out of London from the small independent hotels to the large franchises will be in the thick of it, although the Olympic Games will spread far and wide around the country.

Current projections have speculated that London should expect 350,000 foreign visitors per day during the Olympic period.  At this point in time the UK hospitality industry is well-equipped to absorb this increased demand thanks to the creation of an extra 13,000 rooms in the region.

To help meet this demand there will be need for beds. Lots of beds.

That’s where Millbrook comes in.

Our mission has always been to equip hotels and residences with all the contract beds they can handle. It’s been our speciality for over 60 years. 2012 will be just another notch on our belt. For those area specific hotels, guest houses and B&B’s that will be looking to reap the dividends of such a prosperous influx, they will be needing quality contract bedroom furniture.

Our International Collection was tailor made for this kind of situation with The President and The Executive providing fine quality sleep experiences for tourists, guests, visitors and even competitors. In a previous blog we even addressed the 2012 Olympics revelation that beds were being custom built for athletes in order to provide them with the ideal night’s rest!

The Executive contract beds

What makes a hotel worth satying in is how good the guest experience is. What makes a guest experience so satisfying is the quality of the services and facilities and the comfort of the beds. It’s a no-brainer really and it’s not like we haven’t covered this in detail in the past.

Operators are quite rightly preparing themselves for a long, hard but ultimately profitable summer next year. Estimations predict that caterers and restaurants will be providing over 18 million meals to athletes and visitors during the event. That’s a lot of people making plans to come and stay with us here in the UK.

Optimists think that the 2012 Olympics is very likely to strengthen the UK hotel industry and the overall UK economy due to its fostering of more public-private partnerships. If all goes according to plan then we should be looking at a more robust, government-backed business environment for operators in general.

It looks set to be a very busy, but very successful 2012. Just make sure that you have covered your bases and that you are supplying the right contract beds so that you optimise your guest experience for one of the most important years in the hospitality industry for a very long time.

Part 2 in this Olympic blog series is coming soon. In the meantime follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.