Airsprung Beds, whose core business is the manufacture of beds, was established in 1871, whilst Silcox Son & Wicks, the family owned furnisher, started trading at the turn of the century. To commemorate the centenary, the employees at the long-established enterprises are raising their glasses to the next successful phase in their long-standing relationship.
Stephen Yates, Group Marketing Director of Airsprung Beds, is delighted with the long term relationship, saying: “Airsprung Group PLC has come a long way since my grandfather, Fred Yates, first took charge in 1895. With the help of retailers such as our long term partner Silcox Son & Wicks, we have grown from one small private company to a Group of several related businesses, successfully making the difficult transition from a private enterprise to professional public company. Our achievement is based on the principles of value for money, service and quality, coupled with an excellent relationship with retailers and suppliers.”
Stephen Wicks, Managing Director of the family business, says: “Our relationship with Airsprung Beds has been one of longevity and consistency. We have both been meeting the needs of local, regional and national customers for longer than any other bed and furniture supplier. A tradition of unrivalled expertise, courteous personal service and the latest in technological developments ensure we both remain at the forefront of a competitive industry.”
Airsprung Beds now occupies one of the largest single site bed factories in Europe. With approximately 10% of the market, Airsprung remains the second largest bed producer in the UK.
Local World Powerlifting Champion, Richard Frickers, has successfully raised £2000 towards the cost of his trip, £500 of which was generously given by Airsprung Beds, and is now ready to compete and defend his world super heavy weight title in Mexico at the end of this month.
Richard, who works for local Trowbridge manufacturer Gainsborough, a subsidiary company of the Airsprung Group PLC, trains six days a week for one and a half hours at a time at his local gym, South Wansdyke Sports Centre in Midsomer Norton.
Richard, 43, from Charlton Park, Radstock, is looking forward to the competition saying: “I enjoy competing as an individual and I’ve been training really hard for this international event which takes up most of my time outside work. My aim is to defend my world title personal best of 220 kgs. It’s been a challenge raising the funds for my trip, particularly with Christmas coming up and I’m grateful for Airsprung Beds’ kind donation. The competition is an amateur competition, which means the Great Britain team of eight men competes without official sponsors.”
ichard, who started powerlifting at 17 and weighs 160 kgs, lives with his wife Debbie and two-year old son.
The World Powerlifting Competition takes place at Chihuahua, Mexico, on 27 November, whilst the World Bench Press competition takes place the following day.
Dawn Teasdale, who works as a sewing machinist for Airsprung Beds in Trowbridge, has jumped out of a plane at 13,500 feet to raise money for the Bath based Claverton Down Cats and Dogs Home.
Dawn, 35, from Bond Street, Trowbridge, saw an advertisement in the local paper asking for adventurous volunteers to participate in the tandem skydive jump and raise money for the local charity. Dawn says: “I have always wanted to skydive and this chance of jumping out of a plane, whilst raising money for charity and this was the perfect opportunity.”
Participants were asked to raise a minimum of £350 towards the cost of the skydive, which took place at the Army Parachute Association in Netheravon, near Salisbury. Dawn adds: “Everyone at Airsprung Beds was really generous and supportive in their sponsorship and helped me raise the £350 sum required. I am grateful for Airsprung Beds’ generous £50 donation, which made the wonderful day possible. I really can’t find words to describe the excitement and nervousness I felt at the same time. I had a great deal of fun and at the same time raised money for the Cats and Dogs Home. I’d definitely do it again and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys an adrenaline buzz.”
Participants initially underwent half a days training on safety, in-flight and landing techniques before setting off. After tumbling out of the plane, skydivers reached speeds of up to 120mph and were free-falling for 43 seconds.Anyone can participate in a tandem skydive as long as they are medically fit and if interested should contact the fundraising department on: 01225 780259.