Coffee with… Graham McWilliam Managing Director of Glencraft

My coffee companion this month (virtual of course!) is Graham McWilliam who is managing Director of the much-loved company, Glencraft. Highly respected and with a stalwart pedigree in the craft of luxury mattress making, the company has evolved throughout its nearly 200 years to ensure sleep filled nights to homes throughout the UK. During this time, they have supplied 4 generations of the British Royal family at Balmoral Castle earning them a Royal Warrant.

Once the formalities of coffee making are over (I’ve just invested in a Delonghi coffee machine I can’t work!) we get started.

“As previously stated, you have a royal connection. Are there any other well-known establishments you have supplied?”

“Yes. We’ve been part of some incredible projects. For example, in partnership with the Marcliffe Hotel, we can offer their clients the same 5 star luxury in their homes with our Marcliffe mattress. It’s handcrafted with a 1500 pocket spring design and finished with wool, cashmere, and silk layers. In 2018 when a fleet of new trains for the Caledonian Sleeper launched, Glencraft fitted all the rooms with our luxury mattresses. We are very proud to have supplied some of the best hotels in the UK and beyond – The Balmoral in Edinburgh, Browns in London, Villa Kennedy in Frankfurt (all part of the Rocco Forte Group) as well as the award-winning Fife Arms in Braemar and the wonderful Wild Rabbit in Gloucestershire.

“Wow! Does that mean your mattresses are out of reach
for the average home?”

“Absolutely not. Everyone deserves a good nights’ sleep. We have quality mattresses to suit most budgets, but we find our customers are not just price led. They trust the quality of our products and they know we place a huge emphasis on excellent customer service. Also, many customers come to us because we are a ‘not for profit’ Social Enterprise”

“Oh! So, what does that mean?

“Basically, it means we have a specific social and environmental mission and any profits go towards our mission. It is a more ethical and sustainable way of doing business. For us it means looking after the welfare of our staff is of prime importance. Our main objective as a Social Enterprise is to continue to provide ‘Dignity through Work’ to our passionate skilled colleagues. Consequently, we have a strong staff training system which allows open discussion on training needs and developing our staff in both craftsmanship skills and business.

“That’s really interesting. You talk about skilled craftsmanship so how does one go about constructing a mattress?”

Well, it must, of course, be comfortable and supportive so we have thick layers of natural fillings and pocket springs to support your back and spine. The layers must be breathable and temperature controlling with natural fibres which mould to the shape of your body. You don’t want to be disturbed from your sleep so we have installed silent pocket springs and motion isolation which means you don’t get disrupted sleep when your partner moves.”

“I hate to bring up the next topic, but Covid 19 is all that people, unsurprisingly, are talking about now. How has the pandemic affected Glencraft both from a financial and social aspect?

“The current situation is frustrating for all of us of course, but at Glencraft we struggle to have all the staff back in the factory given the existing 2m social distancing guidelines. In addition, there is clear disruption from within our supply chain. Materials that would perhaps arrive within two weeks are now taking eight or nine weeks. This has a massive impact on our production schedules as you might imagine”

“Finally, I bought a new bed about 11 years ago. It’s very comfortable and I love it. Especially on a dark wet morning! Should I be thinking of changing the mattress now?”

“Yes. You certainly should. I know it’s hard to give up something you like but the lifespan of a mattress is about 8 years after which you really owe it to yourself to invest in a new one. It really will give you a better nights’ sleep. Remember to choose a mattress that best suits your needs. A medium firmness will provide the perfect balance of support and comfort. Choose a firm mattress if you suffer from mild back problems. Also, ensure you buy from a reputable and experienced establishment.

“That’s great. Thanks Graham both for your time and advice.. I’ll buy a new mattress with the money I saved during lockdown which is safely deposited……under my mattress!!” ξ

“As previously stated, you have a royal connection. Are there any other well-known establishments you have supplied?”

“Yes. We’ve been part of some incredible projects. For example, in partnership with the Marcliffe Hotel, we can offer their clients the same 5 star luxury in their homes with our Marcliffe mattress. It’s handcrafted with a 1500 pocket spring design and finished with wool, cashmere, and silk layers. In 2018 when a fleet of new trains for the Caledonian Sleeper launched, Glencraft fitted all the rooms with our luxury mattresses. We are very proud to have supplied some of the best hotels in the UK and beyond – The Balmoral in Edinburgh, Browns in London, Villa Kennedy in Frankfurt (all part of the Rocco Forte Group) as well as the award-winning Fife Arms in Braemar and the wonderful Wild Rabbit in Gloucestershire.

“Wow! Does that mean your mattresses are out of reach
for the average home?”

“Absolutely not. Everyone deserves a good nights’ sleep. We have quality mattresses to suit most budgets, but we find our customers are not just price led. They trust the quality of our products and they know we place a huge emphasis on excellent customer service. Also, many customers come to us because we are a ‘not for profit’ Social Enterprise”

“Oh! So, what does that mean?

“Basically, it means we have a specific social and environmental mission and any profits go towards our mission. It is a more ethical and sustainable way of doing business. For us it means looking after the welfare of our staff is of prime importance. Our main objective as a Social Enterprise is to continue to provide ‘Dignity through Work’ to our passionate skilled colleagues. Consequently, we have a strong staff training system which allows open discussion on training needs and developing our staff in both craftsmanship skills and business.

“That’s really interesting. You talk about skilled craftsmanship so how does one go about constructing a mattress?”

Well, it must, of course, be comfortable and supportive so we have thick layers of natural fillings and pocket springs to support your back and spine. The layers must be breathable and temperature controlling with natural fibres which mould to the shape of your body. You don’t want to be disturbed from your sleep so we have installed silent pocket springs and motion isolation which means you don’t get disrupted sleep when your partner moves.”

“I hate to bring up the next topic, but Covid 19 is all that people, unsurprisingly, are talking about now. How has the pandemic affected Glencraft both from a financial and social aspect?

“The current situation is frustrating for all of us of course, but at Glencraft we struggle to have all the staff back in the factory given the existing 2m social distancing guidelines. In addition, there is clear disruption from within our supply chain. Materials that would perhaps arrive within two weeks are now taking eight or nine weeks. This has a massive impact on our production schedules as you might imagine”

“Finally, I bought a new bed about 11 years ago. It’s very comfortable and I love it. Especially on a dark wet morning! Should I be thinking of changing the mattress now?”

“Yes. You certainly should. I know it’s hard to give up something you like but the lifespan of a mattress is about 8 years after which you really owe it to yourself to invest in a new one. It really will give you a better nights’ sleep. Remember to choose a mattress that best suits your needs. A medium firmness will provide the perfect balance of support and comfort. Choose a firm mattress if you suffer from mild back problems. Also, ensure you buy from a reputable and experienced establishment.

“That’s great. Thanks Graham both for your time and advice.. I’ll buy a new mattress with the money I saved during lockdown which is safely deposited……under my mattress!!”