The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Jackie Slesenger was present to officially open the 1907 showroom alongside John Lee, Chief Executive of Your Homes Newcastle. Staff, customers and suppliers enjoyed a speech from the Lord Mayor, which touched on the history of the mattress as well as highlighting the positive impact of the launch of 1907 both for Palatine Beds and for business in the region.

Expected to increase staff numbers by 20% within the next 12 months, the 1907 brand consists of luxury mattresses which are hand-crafted by a skilled team at Palatine Beds.

The 1907 range comprises eight mattresses – four natural, four memory foam – and will be sold directly to consumers via the website, http://www.1907beds.co.uk/, and the showroom in Westerhope.

Using the finest natural materials or high quality memory foam to create their signature range as well as bespoke mattresses, 1907 are the ultimate connoisseurs of comfort. This is combined with very affordable prices and a user-friendly and secure website. 

The Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Councillor Jackie Slesenger said, “This is excellent news at a time when unemployment levels are at a high in the region. Palatine Beds began over 100 years ago and their commitment to providing quality products and excellent customer service will no doubt ensure the new luxury 1907 brand is a success. As the region’s largest employer of disabled people, they have staff that have worked for the company for over 33 years, which I think speaks volumes and is testament to the company’s longstanding commitment to employee welfare and development.”

Andrew Waters, Sales and Marketing Manager, 1907, said, “Palatine Beds have such a long and impressive history and our new 1907 range is testament to our expert knowledge and quality craftsmanship.  Luxurious and affordable, we’re keen to grow the brand nationally and in doing so will generate many new jobs in the area, making additions to our highly skilled team.”

Palatine Beds has a rich and unique history. Founded in 1907 as an Adult Workshop for the Blind, Palatine Beds was established after local entrepreneur George Handyside, of Newton on the Moor, bequeathed £10k. Beginning with a boot repair business at the age of 18, Handyside quickly grew his empire and within a short space of time oversaw the running of 50 shops. Moving into alternative medicine, Handyside gained popularity amongst the poor, giving free medicines to those who could not afford it. He died in 1904, at the age of 83, with the Chronicle reporting that over 1,000 (largely poor) people attended his funeral. Today, a 105 year-old plaque commemorating his generosity hangs proudly in the Palatine Beds reception.

To this day, Palatine Beds continues to be one of the few supported businesses in the North East. Employing staff with disabilities, there are currently 42 employees working at the site, 32 of whom were employed under the government’s Work Choice programme to help people with disabilities gain employment. Managed by Your Homes Newcastle, Palatine Beds are looking to grow and will continue to be the leading supportive business in the region.

For more information please visit www.1907beds.co.uk.