In conversation with Kevin Rawcliffe, founder of Manchester-based Ikon Furniture

Kevin Rawcliffe is the managing director at Manchester-based Ikon Furniture, a family-run designer and manufacturer of bespoke furniture and fittings.

Launched three years ago, the firm has grown into a £1m-turnover enterprise fitting out everything from offices and shops to restaurants, bars and hotels.

Discussing his experiences before founding Ikon, Kevin said: “I had worked for the top furniture manufacturers in the world and, to be honest, I knew I could do it better by utilising local trades and craftsman and also incorporating Italian design flair.

“My ethos was to produce out-of-the-box innovative, quality, design-led products at a low cost for the pocket book.”

Since delivering its first project at some offices on Manchester’s King Street, Ikon has grown to employ a team of 18.

Looking back over the last year, Kevin said the highlights for the firm have been many.

Each project is different and, as such, we are proud to give the client each their own unique experience

“One that stands out,” he said, “is our flexibility in manufacturing to create a wonderful environment for Chelmsford City Racecourse between Christmas and New Year for Betfred.

“My best highlight has to be the birth of our first grandchild Charlie George, who I have no doubt will continue the work I have started.”

This year, the firm plans to expand its internal expertise by taking on new product and special designers, while increasing its turnover by continuing to secure new design and build contracts.

Kevin explained: “We are currently talking to a major high street retailer who shall remain nameless to design a bespoke range, and continue to design and fit out and supply unique seating and booths to our hotel and leisure clients.

“Investment and cashflow are king. As with any company this can always be tough, so we are interested in developing relationships with companies that pay us on time and appreciate the unique offer that Ikon can bring to the table.”

Ikon’s growth strategy for 2016, Kevin told me, will see the firm bringing its focus to bear on three core areas: commercial, in the form of office furniture and break-out furnishings; hotels and leisure, which will include working for businesses such as bars and restaurants, or designing items for hotel bedrooms; and high-end residential.

Let’s help our clients, have some fun, and all make our industry one to be proud of

Wanting to know more about fitting out a venue like a hotel or restaurant, and exactly what it entails for the team at Ikon, I quizzed Kevin about the process.

“[It] can be a lengthy journey,” he said. “We pride ourselves on getting close and understanding our clients. We develop a second sense, giving full project delivery on time, on budget and to an agreed specification.

“Each project is different and, as such, we are proud to give the client each their own unique experience.”

He added: “This can range from detailed gathering of their dreams and aspirations, detailed design to include visuals and layouts, and of course a full cost breakdown and full project management.”

Kevin said he likes to call Ikon’s designers ‘dream catchers’ who turn clients’ expectations into reality.

Despite Ikon being a relatively young venture, Kevin explained that much has changed in the furniture industry since the firm launched in 2013 – and in some ways, not for the better

He said: “We must thank our competition for trying just to sell what they make instead of thinking, ‘What does the client want today?’.”

I hope to continue to be at the cutting edge of design and produce the design classics of the future

Factories’ focus on volume, Kevin said, has caused them to lose sight of customers’ needs. He continued: “Companies have been importing from the Far East to cheapen the products. This has an effect on giving inferior quality, whilst we loose fantastic homegrown craftsmanship – something we are keen to reverse.

“We have found that larger companies are only interested in the bottom line and profit. Yes, we all need to make that to be here next year and the next year, but let’s help our clients, have some fun, and all make our industry one to be proud of.”

Over the coming decade, Kevin wants to see Ikon Furniture grow into a company with a turnover of between £10m and £15m.

But as he said, the focus shouldn’t lie on the takings. Revealing his passion for the trade, Kevin told me: “I hope to continue to be at the cutting edge of design and produce the design classics of the future.

“Charlotte, my daughter, will of course be running the company by then, and it’s in great hands whilst I concentrate on new products and strategy for the next 10 years.”