BITA UK

BITA UK An open page for the discussion of all things textile related. Please feel free to post photographs of your work or discuss the work of others.

The BRITISH INTERIOR TEXTILES ASSOCIATION (BITA) is a Professional Trade Association for the UK Interior Textiles Industry that has been running for over 100 years. It seeks to promote and safeguard the interests of its members, which range from large, well known brands, to small companies with only a few employees and home-based business owners. The product and service range supplied by members i

s vast and covers all aspects of the Interiors Industry from furnishing fabrics, readymade, made to measure / hand-crafted / bespoke soft furnishings, upholstery, cushions, blinds, wallpapers to tracks, poles, linings and all associated sundries. BITA provides a range of services aimed at maximising business opportunities and strengthening the business environment in which members operate. Membership is open to anyone working in the industry. Contact us for more information on cost and benefits.

VACANCY: SALES DIRECTORTYPE: FULL TIME (Permanent)AREA: CHORLEY LANCSSALARY: £ salary, bonus + Benefits Negotiable depen...
03/03/2026

VACANCY: SALES DIRECTOR
TYPE: FULL TIME (Permanent)
AREA: CHORLEY LANCS
SALARY: £ salary, bonus + Benefits Negotiable dependent on Experience
MUST HAVE FURNISHING FABRICS EXPERIENCE
We have been appointed by the owners of this well-known furnishing fabrics brand to assist in sourcing a new ambitious and customer focused Sales Director for this exciting and creative company asap.
The ideal candidate for this role will already be a Sales Director or National Sales Manager of an established furnishing fabrics brand and have many years’ experience in the interiors field with a proven record of growing sales and profit for the companies they have worked for. He/She will build and inspire the sales team to develop this current 7 figure turnover company into the 8-figure company it should be - reporting directly to the Owners and Directors of the Company.
The company has recently received a healthy injection of new investment, and we are about to launch some exciting new collections, so the owners are now looking for a true leader to work with their team to create new business and take the business to the next level.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Sales Director we are searching for:
· Ambition and focus to build the business with current customers and to create new business in the UK and abroad.
· Lead, create and develop a strong sales team internally and externally National and International for all aspects of the business
· Full responsibility for the sales performance of the company – creating and delivering the required sales targets.
· Budgeting and Forecasting Prepare, gain acceptance and monitor the implementation of the annual sales & marketing budget to ensure that budget targets are met
· Relationships Establish and maintain effective formal and informal links with major customers, key decision-makers and other stakeholders generally, to exchange information and views and to ensure that the company is providing the appropriate range and quality of products & services.
· Marketing Working with the owners to develop & maintain an effective marketing and public relations strategy to promote the products, services and image of the company both in the UK and Internationally.
· Maintain a thorough understanding of the current market, trends and commercial opportunities that the business could exploit.
· Travel National and International – be willing to be away from home almost every week – whether visiting customers alone or with a Territory Manager / UK Sales Agent or Export Agent/ Distributor.
· Exhibition Management – with the help of your design & marketing team – manage stand design and attend exhibitions worldwide

Skills and Attributes
· Have examples and evidence of relevant and successful sales leadership
· Ambitious, Dynamic, Pro-active and Energetic with a proven track record of achieving sales targets
· Customer focused with the ability to create and execute a realistic sales and marketing plan for the agreed market segments both National and International
· Have a strong and relevant knowledge of the interior textiles industry.
· Hold an entrepreneurial disposition with the drive and determination to succeed.
· Previous experience of Sales Management with an Interior Textiles company is imperative for this role
· Be motivated and hardworking to ensure a positive change.
· Be a Creative thinker – new ideas – new processes – change management.
· Have a strong commitment to the development of the company’s collections and services to ensure we are ahead of our competitors.
· Have exceptional people management and communication skills.

Qualifications & Experience:
· Ideally Graduate level with a higher degree in a management discipline or a professional qualification such as an MBA
· A proven record of success in senior level sales management, and/or preferably within a change management environment.
· Demonstrable senior level experience in the leadership and management of people and resources.
· A high level of commercial awareness.

If this sounds like the perfect role for you – then please get in touch asap. If you have the CV we are looking for further details of the company will be provided.
Interested? – then please get in touch, email [email protected].

Happening next week! 📅 1st & 2nd September 2025🕘 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM📍 Church House, Dean's Yard, Westminster, London SW1P...
29/08/2025

Happening next week!
📅 1st & 2nd September 2025
🕘 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Church House, Dean's Yard, Westminster, London SW1P 3NZ
Free Access to the Event
Confirm your attendance by email to: [email protected]

14/07/2025

Our Client is seeking a skilled Finance / Account Manager to be based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The candidate must speak and write in fluent English as well as ideally having experience in financial services and a strong knowledge of accounting software.
Responsibilities:
• Manage financial accounts and budgets
• Prepare financial statements and reports
• Work with our financial advisors and report to the board
• Oversee accounts payable processes
• Deal with entries, closing, collection and cash flow
• Utilise ERP and accounting software to maintain accurate records
Experience:
• Must hold an accounting qualification
• Have at least 3 years experience in financial accounting with a strong knowledge of financial services and principles.
• Proficiency in using accounting software
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Salary based on experience - If you meet the above requirements and are looking to further your career in accounting, we would love to hear from you, please include salary expectations and your CV in an email to [email protected]

02/07/2025

FURNISHING FABRICS - VISUAL MERCHANDISER / DISPLAY ARTIST WANTED IN JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA

I have a client based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – the Top Furnishing Fabric Supplier in the Middle East (with a growing business throughout the rest of the World) who is looking for a talented Visual Merchandiser / Display Artist to join their VM team to design and dress his many showrooms and exhibition room sets throughout Saudi Arabia and beyond.

You will start asap and work for 1 year – this can be extended – if you like the work and they like you.

All that is required is that you have a portfolio of stunning displays using furnishing fabrics – ideally window or room set / exhibition displays.

First interviews will take place with Diane (if you have not been interviewed by her already)

Some more info:

· The company will arrange and pay for all your travelling expenses including 2 return flights along with the Visa and Insurance.

· You will work 5 days a week Sunday to Thursday 8am – 5pm

· You will have 30 days paid holidays a year

· Salary negotiable dependent on experience. Interested? If Diane Harding has not interviewed you before please email [email protected] your CV with pics of your best VM work. Thank you.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

02/07/2025

UK Textile Designer Stylist & Colourist wanted to work in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

If you have a degree in textile or surface pattern design and you love textiles, colour, design, styling, creating interior textile collections, travel, adventure, sunshine, making new friends and want to work for an exciting world-renowned brand then this job could be for you.

I have a client based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – the Top Furnishing Fabric Supplier in the Middle East (with a growing business throughout the rest of the World). The contract is for a minimum of 1 year - but you have at least 30 days paid holiday (2 return flights paid a year). This contract can be extended – if you like the work and they like you.

You will work in their Design Studio / Fabric Library with other designers / stylists including at least one other British designer (everyone speaks excellent English).

Over the last 15 years we have sent many designers abroad to work - so you can talk to them about their experiences before you decide to take the job. Many of them have returned to the UK and with this experience on their CV have found excellent design jobs within the industry for example Romo, GP & J Baker, Prestigious, Next, Ashley Wilde & Harlequin.

First interviews will take place with Diane Harding who works as a consultant for the company – spending a lot of time in Jeddah – who will help you settle in and show you everything you will be doing.

Some more info:

· You will be creating/ styling interior textile collections / pattern books working with some of the top mills in the World.

· The company will arrange and pay for all your travelling expenses including the 2 return flights to your home country along with the Visa and Insurance.

· The company will pay for your taxi / uber from your home to work each day.

· A designer/stylist/ colourist with 3 years plus experience could earn £3000 a month tax free plus have their accommodation paid for.

· A new graduate with less than 2 years design experience could earn £2000 - £2500 a month tax free plus have their accommodation paid for.

· We are looking for 2 designers who will share a 2 bed 2 bath house (paid by the company) with facilities such as a swimming pool, tennis courts, gym, padel courts etc.

· You will work 5 days a week Sunday – Thursday (9am – 6pm with a 60 mins break).

· The company will pay for 2 return flights for your 1 year contract along with Visa and Health & Travel Insurance.

· Interested? If I have not interviewed you before, please email me your CV with pics of your best work including design co-ordinates and colourways ASAP! If I have interviewed you before then let me know and send an updated CV and portfolio.

You are welcome to email or call me with any questions or concerns. Email: [email protected] Tel: 07912 379739

17/03/2025

VACANCY: GENERAL MANAGER
Full Time in Chorley: Salary, Bonus +Benefits, negotiable dependent on experience. MUST HAVE FURNISHING FABRICS EXPERIENCE

We are assisting a well-known, exciting and creative brand to find a new, ambitious and profit driven GENERAL MANAGER asap.
The ideal candidate for this role will already be a Manager or Director of a company and have many years experience in furnishing fabrics with a proven record of creating profit for the companies they have worked for. You will build and inspire the team to develop this current 7 figure turnover company into the 8 figure company it should be - reporting directly to the major Shareholders / Directors.
Role and Responsibilities of the GENERAL MANAGER we are searching for:
· Conduct an objective review of the business to execute a strategic business plan designed to optimise performance through operational efficiency and commercial growth.
· Commitment to improve all areas of the business from the ground floor up.
· Ambition and focus to build the business with current customers and to build a sales team able to create new business in the UK and abroad.
· Lead, create and develop a strong team for all aspects of the business
· Assist in revising and preparing the company’s future mission and objectives for the next 5 years.
· Provide strategic guidance and direction to the management team to ensure the mission and company objectives are achieved, leading from the front and by example.
· Full responsibility for the performance of the company, delivering the required levels of profitability.
· The successful implementation of the company’s vision, developing strategic plans and implementing company policies.
· Budgeting & Forecasting- Prepare, gain acceptance and monitor the implementation of the annual budget to ensure targets are met, that revenue flows are maximised and fixed costs are minimised.
· With your team; prepare the annual business plan, monitor progress against these plans to ensure that the company attains its objectives as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible.
· Establish and maintain effective formal and informal links with major customers, key decision-makers and other stakeholders generally, to exchange information and views and to ensure that the company is providing the appropriate range and quality of services.
· Marketing- Develop and maintain an effective marketing and public relations strategy to promote products, services and image of the company both in the UK and Internationally.
· Develop and maintain Total Quality Management and a continuous improvement ethos throughout the company to ensure best possible products and services are provided to customers.
· Maintain and develop organisational culture, values and reputation in its markets and with all staff, customers and suppliers.

If this sounds like the perfect role for you, please get in touch for more information via email: [email protected]

11/03/2025

VACANCY: MANAGING DIRECTOR
*MUST HAVE FURNISHING FABRICS EXPERIENCE*
TYPE: FULL TIME (Permanent)
AREA: CHORLEY, LANCS
SALARY: £Salary, Bonus + Benefits, negotiable dependent on experience.
We have been appointed by the owners of this well-known furnishing fabrics brand to assist in sourcing a new ambitious and sales driven Managing Director for this exciting and creative company ASAP.
The ideal candidate for this role will already be a Director of a company and have many years’ experience in furnishing fabrics with a proven record of growing sales and profit for the companies they have worked for. He/she will build and inspire the management team to develop this current 7 figure turnover company into the 8 figure company it should be - reporting directly to the Major Shareholders / Directors.
The company has recently received a healthy injection of new investment and the owners are now looking for a true leader to work with their team to create new business and take the business to the next level.
Roles and Responsibilities of the Managing Director we are searching for:
· Conduct an objective review of the business to execute a strategic business plan designed to optimise performance through operational efficiency and commercial growth.
· Commitment to improve all areas of the business from the ground floor up.
· Ambition and focus to build the business with current customers and to create new business in the UK and abroad.
· Lead, create and develop a strong team for all aspects of the business
· Revise and prepare the company’s future mission and objectives for the next 5 years.
· Provide strategic guidance and direction to the management team to ensure the mission and company objectives are achieved – leading from the front and by example.
· Full responsibility for the performance of the company - delivering the required levels of profitability.
· The successful implementation of the company’s vision, developing strategic plans, and implementing company policies.
· Budgeting and Forecasting: Prepare, gain acceptance and monitor the implementation of the annual budget to ensure that budget targets are met, that revenue flows are maximised and that fixed costs are minimised;
· Prepare the annual business plan and monitor progress against these plans to ensure that the company attains its objectives as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible;
· Relationships: Establish and maintain effective formal and informal links with major customers, key decision-makers and other stakeholders generally, to exchange information and views and to ensure that the company is providing the appropriate range and quality of services;
· Marketing: Develop and maintain an effective marketing and public relations strategy to promote the products, services and image of the company both in the UK and Internationally.
· Continuous Improvements: Develop and maintain Total Quality Management and a continuous improvement ethos throughout the company to ensure that the best possible products and services are provided to customers;
· Operations: Develop and direct the implementation of policies and procedures to ensure that the company complies with all health and safety and other statutory regulations.
· Maintain and develop organisational culture, values and reputation in its markets and with all staff, customers and suppliers.
· Maintain a thorough understanding of the current market, trends and commercial opportunities that the business could exploit and determine the optimal commercial strategy to maximise profit growth.
Skills and Attributes:
· Have examples and evidence of relevant and successful leadership
· Have a strong and relevant knowledge of the interior textiles industry.
· Hold an entrepreneurial disposition with the drive and determination to succeed.
· Previous experience of running a company would be highly advantageous
· Be motivated and hardworking to ensure a positive change.
· Be a Creative thinker – new ideas – new processes – change management.
· Have a strong commitment to the development of the company’s collections and services to ensure we are ahead of our competitors.
· Have exceptional people management and communication skills.
Qualifications & Experience:
· Ideally Graduate level with a higher degree in a management discipline or a professional qualification such as an MBA
· A proven record of success in senior level general, sales or commercial management, and/or finance preferably within a change management environment;
· Demonstrable senior level experience in the leadership and management of people and resources;
· An excellent understanding of finance, analytical and problem-solving skills;
· A high level of commercial awareness;
If this sounds like the perfect role for you then please get in touch ASAP. If you have the CV we are looking for further details of the company will be provided.
Email: [email protected]

13/12/2024

UK Experienced TEXTILE DESIGNER STYLIST & COLOURIST wanted to work in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
If you have at least 3 years design work experience, a degree in textile or surface pattern design, love textiles, colour, design, styling, creating interior textile collections, travel, adventure, sunshine, making new friends and want to work for an exciting world-renowned brand then this job could be for you!
Our client is based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the Top Furnishing Fabric Supplier in the Middle East (with a growing business throughout the rest of the World). The contract is for a minimum of 1 year but, you have at least 30 days paid holiday a year when you can go home (1 return flight a year). This contract can be extended if you like the work and they like you.
You will work in their Design Studio/Fabric Library with other designers & stylists including one British employee (everyone speaks excellent English).
Over the last 15 years we have sent many designers abroad to work, so you can talk to them about their experiences before you decide to take the job. Many of them have returned to the UK and with this experience on their CV have found excellent design jobs within the industry for example Romo, GP & J Baker, Prestigious, Next, Ashley Wilde & Harlequin.
First interviews will take place with Diane, who worked in Jeddah for 2 years and loved it. She can tell you so much more.
Some more info:
• You will be creating/styling interior textile collections/pattern books working with a vast selection of stocked fabrics in an array of colours.
• You will be working with the graphic designer to develop the graphics/ room sets to enhance the collections.
• If you have the relevant management experience you will manage the Design Team.
• If you have enough organisational experience you will manage the library ensuring the correct stock of all samples.
• A driver will be provided to drive you to and from home each day.
• A designer/stylist/colourist with 3 years plus experience could earn £4000 a month tax free (which includes £1000 a month towards accommodation - the company will help you find a great place to live)
• You will work 5 days a week Sunday–Thursday (9am–6pm with a 60 mins break). Long hours but you will soon get used to it and I can promise the work will be exceptionally creative and satisfying -the time flies!
• The company will pay for the return flight at the start and end of your 1 year contract along with Visa and Health & Travel Insurance.
Interested? If I have not interviewed you before, please email me your CV with pics of your best work including design co-ordinates and colourways ASAP! If I have interviewed you before then let me know and send an updated CV and portfolio.
You are welcome to email or call me with any questions or concerns: [email protected] Tel: 07912 379739

24/09/2024

AREA SALES REPRESENTATIVE – Interior Textiles & Made to Measure Curtains & Blinds *POSITION NOW CLOSED*
Industry Sector: Interior Fabrics, Decorative Fabrics, Curtains, Soft Furnishings, Interior Decorative Products, Retailers, Showrooms, Studios, Interior Designers, Furniture manufacturers, Cushion Manufacturers
Our client is an established well known middle market brand looking for 2 Territory Sales Representatives
• South East including London (up to but excluding Midlands and down to South Coast)
• South West (up to but excluding Midlands and across to M25)
Salary: £25,000 + 1% commission on increased sales (paid Quarterly) + potential £3,000 bonus for achieving targets (paid monthly)
Benefits: Hybrid company car & Pension Plan
The role of the Area Sales Representative – Textiles & Fabrics & Made to Measure Curtains and blinds, will involve:
• Field sales position selling high quality range of Interior Textiles & Bespoke Curtains
• You will work from home – but the majority of your time will be spent on the road – visiting and selling to independent retailers, showrooms, Interior Designers and stockists such as: curtain & blind / soft furnishing retailers, fabric retailers & showrooms as well as designers working from home.
• You will be required to stay away from home for a few nights a month – to ensure efficient territory management.
• It will be a good blend of account management and sourcing and creating new business
• You will report directly to the Sales Director
The ideal applicant will have a passion for design, colour, textiles and soft furnishings
• However - you do not have to have experience in the interior decorative marketplace.
• We are looking for a candidate who is keen to learn and develop as full training will be given.
• You may already have experience within an interior retailers / showroom looking to step into field sales
• Or maybe you have a design degree and a confident personality who loves a challenge and meeting new people – with a desire to work with beautiful fabrics.
• But most important - You must have excellent communication skills
To apply send your cv to [email protected] and if you do not receive a response within 24 hrs – send a WhatsApp message to 07912 379739 thank you.

Address

Unit 21 Walker Avenue
Milton Keynes
MK125TW

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+441908410598

Website

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