about us
Mission Statement
“We share a passion for good design & excellent customer service.”
At Inside Out we combine quality design with functionality at the most competitive price. Our furniture is aesthetically pleasing and extremely durable - essential qualities for a contract environment.
We pride ourselves in excellent customer service; we actively listen to feedback and continuously introduce exciting new collections to satisfy our client’s Contract Furniture needs.
Whatever your requirements, the team at Inside Out are happy to help with every stage of your project, from design and space planning through to delivery and installation.
History
Inside Out Contracts Ltd was established in 1999 by Lisa Cluer. With experience in the Commercial Furniture industry extending over a decade, Lisa had become aware of a gap in the market for innovative, design led furniture within the leisure industry. With a passion for beautiful design and with an integral understanding of customer services Lisa propelled Inside Out from strength to strength, driving and expanding the company to become one of the most successful and well respected contract Furniture Suppliers in the UK.
From its inception, Inside Out has consistently focused on providing bold, fresh, and exciting contemporary furniture of a superior quality that create unforgettable interior and exterior spaces. Inside Out have strived to create durability through design, and relentlessly maintain a core philosophy of putting customer’s needs first.
The success of this approach is evident in a customer list including some of the biggest names in the restaurant, hotel and leisure industries. Inside Out have worked with a broad spectrum of clients, from large international brands to small privately owned establishments. The portfolio of Inside Out’s client list gives some idea of the diversity of contracts catered for; including McDonalds, Pizza Express, Fortnum & Masons, Hilton Hotels, IMAX and Krispy Kreme.
Inside Out constitute a London based head office and showroom, and warehouse facility in Hemel Hempstead for the prompt supply of stock, as well as allowing for temporary storage for customers who require this service. The showroom enables clients to "try before they buy" allowing for an efficient way for customers to view and test out the latest furniture designs and wide range of fabrics on offer.
Quality Assurance statement
Quality is important to our business because we value our customers. We strive to provide our customers with products and services which meet and even exceed their expectations. We are committed to continuous improvement and have established a Quality Management System which provides a framework for measuring and improving our performance.
We have the following systems and procedures in place to support us in our aim of total customer satisfaction and continuous improvement throughout our business:-
- regular gathering and monitoring of customer feedback
- a customer complaints procedure
- selection and performance monitoring of suppliers against set criteria
- training and development for our employees
- regular audit of our internal processes
- measurable quality objectives which reflect our business aims
- management reviews of audit results, customer feedback and complaints
Our internal procedures are reviewed regularly and are held in a Quality Manual which is made available to all employees. This policy is posted on the Company Notice Board and can also be found in the staff handbook.
Though the Managing Director has ultimate responsibility for Quality all employees have a responsibility within their own areas of work so helping to ensure that Quality is embedded within the whole of the company.
Environmental Policy
Inside Out are a company which has always been ecologically aware. A forward thinking approach has enabled all processes and resources to be evaluated from an environmental perspective from the outset. This has enabled fundamental ecological precepts to be embraced and implemented without additional cost, or unnecessary disruption to the smooth running of the company.
All of the factories which we use strictly adhere and usually surpass their countries environmental legislation. Wherever it is commercially viable we source products locally to reduce unnecessary transportation. All importation is carried out in an efficient manner to reduce commercial and environmental overheads.
Packaging materials are kept to a minimum and re-used as often as possible. All cardboard boxes are re-used. Blankets and paper packing are used in place of non-recyclable plastic bubble wrap whenever suitable. Pallets are used where possible, and re-used until they reach the end of their useful life. Our environmental policy embraces all aspects of the company including working practices within our head office and showroom, as well as our warehouse.
Computers and technology which have reached the end of their commercial use have been donated to charities wherever possible. Spent cartridges and inkjet cartridges are reused. All paper products which can no longer be re-used are recycled. Simple measures such as issuing quotes, proformas and invoices electronically and the use of glasses in place of plastic cups also help to reduce unnecessary consumption.
Many products are supplied for assembly – meaning replacement of individual components is always a valid option. All timber chairs are produced from timber obtained from sustainable sources. This means if you buy a timber chair from Inside Out you can be sure you are actively endorsing the planting of trees and the correct management of the world’s natural resources.
Inside Out are proud to be taking positive action to protect the environment.
Our furniture is of a high quality and durable. The designs are both contemporary and classic and designed to last. This we feel is in itself a valuable contribution to the environment.
Some Frequently Asked Questions
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept payment by BACS, cheque, bankers draft all the major credit cards.
Is the furniture guaranteed?
All our contract furniture and hospitality furniture is guaranteed against manufacturing defects. The Inside Out Contracts Ltd mission statement is:
“We share a passion for good design and excellent customer service”
Our long-standing reputation within this competitive industry has been built on the way we value our customers. Much of our business is built on customers who use us again and again, and this is something of which we are rightfully proud.
Do you have a price list?
No we don’t have a price list, although we can provide you with a quote for anything you want straight away if you call us. The reason for this is because the price is dependent upon so many factors due to the wide range of fabrics or finishes we provide, our numerous delivery options, the lead times involved, and the quantities you may require.
Inside Out Price Promise; Ask us for a quotation!
At Inside Out Contracts, our aim is to be the most competitive and reliable UK supplier of contract furniture for the health, leisure and hospitality sectors in the UK. Companies who are currently not buying from Inside Out Contracts are almost certainly paying more than is necessary. Thanks to our streamline business practice, and our long term relationships with our factories, we are able to pass on better prices to you; and if you obtain a more competitive quote in writing for a similar product, we will aim to beat it. Prices are generally based on quantity, as higher order numbers allow us to reduce the cost per unit, and pass on these reductions in cost to you.
I am unsure what to order, can you help?
Years of experience within the contract furniture industry mean we can offer you meaningful advice, and prevent costly errors. Our friendly Sales Team are always on hand to discuss your requirements and those of your clients. We are able to offer expert advice on all our products and fabrics to ensure that you are completely satisfied with the end result.
How do I place an order with Inside Out Contracts?
Placing an order couldn’t be easier. If you know what you require phone, email or fax your order through to us. If your order is more complex, or if you would like to view samples first then you are welcome to visit our London showroom where you can test out the very latest designs; or alternatively, we can arrange to visit you, or send out a sample.
When can I expect to receive my order?
We hold many products in stock for a 2-3 day delivery time. However, we also manufacture many items to order, when it usually takes 3 – 5 weeks for us to complete your order. We are aware that you may have urgent furniture requirements and we are often able to deliver within a very short time-frame – do please ask and if we can possibly help we always will.
How do I care for my upholstery fabrics?
We have an information pack providing some general guidelines on how to care for your furniture. You can find that on the same page as these FAQ’s. We also are always on the end of the phone to provide any assistance we can.
I’m starting a restaurant; at what stage of our design process should we contact you?
As soon as possible. Selecting the right style of restaurant furniture is critical for setting the mood, maximising the number of covers in your restaurant, and communicating the high standards you may wish to portray to your customers. It is important to purchase restaurant furniture that is contract quality to ensure durability, and the restaurant furniture supplied by Inside Out Contracts is the highest quality and the highest durability. We will happily visit site, take accurate measurements and discuss models and upholstery options as well as how to make best use of your space.
Can you make bespoke items?
Yes we do, have a look at the bespoke section of our website to see some of the amazing projects we’ve been privileged enough to provide furniture for. Inside Out has always been driven by our customers needs, and many of the designs originally created as bespoke items as requested by our customers have ended up being a product we offer as standard.
How do I know I am buying contract quality items?
All of our items are supplied by trusted, quality suppliers that we have been using for many years. They are designed for intensive contract use and with our in-house manufacturing, can be adapted and strengthened when required. All our products are guaranteed for use in a contract environment, and we would not have been able to survive as long as we have as a dedicated contract furniture company, without only supplying durable products which fulfil these criteria.
What is Contract Furniture? Do you mean Office Furniture or Rental Furniture?
First of all, Office Furniture is Contract Furniture - but Contract Furniture is a much broader term. A loose definition might be: Furniture not intended for residential use. However, some contract furniture is used that way. An example might be furniture supplied to the government or companies to house overseas employees. Essentially we specialise in providing furniture to all industries. We specialise in medium to large scale projects and we provide businesses with furniture strong enough to withstand a commercial environment whether that be an airport lounge, a hotel reception, a café, restaurant, university, school, sports centre, bar, flagship department store or a night club (all of which, incidentally, we have supplied at some point). Inside Out do NOT supply furniture for hire.
What is hospitality furniture?
Our hospitality furniture collections include restaurant furniture, bar furniture, café furniture and hotel furniture. We provide our clients with durable and aesthetically pleasing contract furniture for the hospitality sector. Our motivated sales team will help you to find the perfect furniture for your hospitality location. View some of inspiring examples of our furniture here.
How is Contract Furniture made?
Contract furniture may look like residential furniture and it may look like the inexpensive furniture available at large retail furniture outlets. However, there is a crucial difference in contract furniture in that it's specifically made for a different purpose.
Contract furniture is specifically made to withstand the heavy use associated with the contract environment (restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs, hotels, educational facilities, leisure environments and all other contract environments). It is the strength and durability of contract furniture that sets it apart from furniture for a commercial setting, and makes it ideal for a the contract industry.
Contract furniture may appear to be the same quality, but the materials used are a shade better - a shade more consistent - a shade more expensive, and the manufacturing process more precise and careful.
If you are really interested, the manufacturer will send you product specifications. Don't be afraid to ask and don't buy anything you're not comfortable with. These days, with OSHA and EPA requirements, full disclosure is the norm.
Can you ship outside of the UK?
Yes we can, and do on a regular basis.
Is there a standard price for bespoke seating?
No, there is no standard price for bespoke seating because every piece we create is different, and we take all factors into consideration when pricing a bespoke unit including the fabric, finish, dimensions and style, making it impossible to give a standard price. Each piece of bespoke furniture we hand make is tailor made for your environment; Inside Out create these pieces for those looking for something different and unique specifically created for their venue.
