Meet the family

In 1978, John and Sandra purchased a small general furnishing business trading as Miles House Furnishers located in St Leonards.

Inspired following a visit to a trade show featuring a ‘Bed Specialist’ store concept, in December 1981 they opened the first Sussex Beds in Hastings, East Sussex. From these early founding days, the culture was established and centred around family values. The purpose was clear, to improve quality of sleep by providing great product with great service.

This remains as important and central today as the reach and team expand with stores across south east England. We care about our people and our customers. And for this we thank John & Sandra for their vision and legacy.

Although they’re now enjoying their semi retirement, John is still the Chairman. Some days there is still a big chance you will meet him on the showroom floor, which is where he loves to be, meeting and enjoying time with customers.

Creative by nature, friendly and approachable has lead the business since 2014.

Steve joined the company in 1987 starting his career on the sales floor, gaining experience and knowledge as he moved upward through the business. Driven and focussed, Steve has been influential in guiding the business through its award winning success in recent years, awards recognising business acumen, customer and team, service and care.

In his spare time you may catch him ‘treading the boards’ in various local amdram productions and well as Producing an annual youth ‘Gang Show’ in Hastings, East Sussex.

Detailed and conscientious with a wicked sense of humour, Matt heads the Financial and HR department.

Strong financial leadership is essential in the success in any modern business. Matt and his team have revolutionised the department over recent years ensuring continued performance success and financial security.

A keen runner and extreme eventer, Matt has literally climbed mountains over the years completing the 3 Peaks Challenge, London Marathon, Man vs Mountain, numerous Half Marathons and Obstacle races. And in doing so has raised over £8,000 for charities.

I started my Sussex Beds career way back in 1989, when my uncle John offered me a job straight from leaving school at 16. I have had many job roles over the years, but started on the sales floor, before taking over running the warehouse in 1999.

In 2010 I proudly became a director, and 15 years on from there I love working with my family running our business. My latest role as head of operations is looking at all operational costs of running our business and of course finding and opening new stores.

Assertive and highly motivated, Sue drives the Sales department from the front.

Sue has been passionate about Sales ever since joining the family business in 1995 and excelling on the Sales floor. Gaining experience and knowledge, Sue successfully lead various roles in Sales-Management through to her current position as head of Sales and Buying.

Outside the office, Sue is a keen equestrian and enjoys training her horse.

Paula is Steves wife and mum to Josh and Grace, she began her marketing career over 30 years ago training as a Graphic Designer. Her role in marketing has evolved over time but she still loves designing and the creative areas of her job.

Handling a fast growing Marketing budget for 14 stores is exciting and challenging at the same time. Paula really enjoys investigating the ever-changing media trends and creating awareness and developing the Sussex Beds brand.

In her spare time Paula loves travelling, walking her dogs and socialising with her family and friends.

Beds are in our blood really, so officially I’ve worked in the business over 10 years now, but in reality it’s from birth!