In an exclusive and well-timed interview with Hotel Designs, David Johnston, Managing Director of wallcovering company Newmor, meets editor Hamish Kilburn to explain more about the Welsh brand’s new look…
Wales is famous for its rugged coastline, mountainous National Parks and elegant language. Beyond the beautiful beaches, the Welsh people are also known as some of the friendliest – which set a comfortable tone for my latest interview.
What, in all honesty, I was not aware of was that Wales, a modest country that has more sheep than people, is also home to the UK’s largest independent commercial wallcovering manufacturer.
Established in 1967, Newmor (one of Hotel Designs’ recommended suppliers) is privately owned and proud to be family-run to this day. Its roots may be local but the company’s presence on the international hotel design scene is anything but restricted. The brand operates in more than 70 countries worldwide through a vast network of international distributors and regional sales offices.
Now in its mid-50s, Newmor has earned the right to go through something of a transformation – so it was a great time for me to catch up with David Johnston, the brand’s Managing Director, who through his 24-year career at the brand has been able to see the brand’s operations from various perspectives. “I became Managing Director just over two years ago and I believe my journey from the factory floor to senior operational and commercial management has given me a unique insight and appreciation of what we do,” explains Johnston. “In my previous role, as commercial director, I extended Newmor’s reach in international markets, and as Managing Director I have been able to put in place an infrastructure to build on that – so now is absolutely the right time to refresh our branding.
“Our relaunch allows us to bring a focal point to the brands core values in colour and design as well as renewed appreciation in its heritage.” – David Johnston, Managing Director, Newmor.”
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- Image caption: Newmor Ice cream bespoke wallcoverings at Ibis Styles Bournemouth. | Image credit: Newmor
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- Image caption: Newmor Designer wallcoverings at RB Pharma, Lisbon. | Image credit: Newmor
When looking at the general landscape – and considering the enormous culture shift our industry has recently endured – it’s an apt time for any brand to consider a new look. But for Newmor, pre-pandemic, the idea of development and evolving with the industry has always been a focus. “I think it’s important to highlight that the rebrand has been a culmination of three to four years development,” says Johnston. “We took a hard look at ourselves and what we wanted to become both as an employer in the local area and as well a key supplier to the global interiors market. Our relaunch allows us to bring a focal point to the brands core values in colour and design as well as renewed appreciation in its heritage.
“The brand firmly believes that design, pattern, and colour have the power to change how people feel in an interior space.”
Newmor designs and manufactures its products at its own facility in Welshpool. The business is a family business in every sense as the brand’s skilled workforce have decades of experience. And from talking to David, it’s clear that the brand firmly believes that design, pattern, and colour have the power to change how people feel in an interior space. As experts in design and manufacturing, the team’s vision is to celebrate pattern and design in commercial installations globally, whilst reducing life cycle cost and the impact on the environment.
And by looking at the company’s capabilities and ambitions, Newmor is well placed to provide solutions suitable for any project or budget. There are thousands of designs and colour options within its portfolio, a dedicated design team to create custom solutions, all backed up by an impressive warehouse of stocked wallcoverings – a facility that has been invaluable in a post Brexit world.
Image caption: Newmor Bespoke wallcoverings at Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas. | Image credit: Newmor
I asked Johnston to give me 10 words to describe Newmor. He came back with this: “Innovative, creative, approachable, authentic, adaptable, specialist, reliable, durable, agile and UK made. “I believe these ten words encapsulate the business’ values and ethics accurately and signifies the customers journey when working with us,” he adds.
Whether it is large format bespoke digital prints, fully fire rated durable fabric-backed vinyl wallcoverings, an array of printable films or creating write and wipe walls, Newmor has the capability and infrastructure to supply the most demanding commercial sectors. And it’s the third word, ‘approachable’ that, despite a modern makeover to its brand, keeps Newmor a much-valued recommended supplier.
Newmor is one of our Recommended Suppliers and regularly features in our Supplier News section of the website. If you are interested in becoming one of our recommended suppliers, please email Katy Phillips.
Main image credit: Newmor
