Celebrating 50 Years of AIS with Bedeck
Fifty years ago, a handshake in Belfast started a partnership.
As AIS celebrates its Golden Anniversary, it felt only right to return to the heart of the linen industry to visit Bedeck, a family-run business that has been with us since day one.
Our visit began the evening before, current Chair Darryl joined former Chairs Stephen McCammon from Menarys and Neville Moore from Ulster Stores, alongside Tina from Aldiss, Ian and Andrew from SD Kells, Alistair and Rosie from Burgess of Athlone, and Nick with his son Toby from Browns of York, with Gary, Richard and Elise from Bedeck. Over dinner, there was laughter and honest conversation.
The following day, Bedeck welcomed us to Belfast with a remarkable showcase of both heritage and ambition.
From their exceptional showroom to an in-depth tour of the distribution centre and design studios, it was clear that Bedeck are committed to innovation while staying true to the craftsmanship that has defined them for generations.
Over the last 12 months, the business has worked tirelessly on refining both branded and own-label collections. Their licensed portfolio continues to thrive, with Joules delivering standout success across key retail platforms, while V&A, Sanderson, Harlequin, English Heritage and National Trust strengthen an already impressive offering. Excitement is also building for a major new launch in 2027 with Orla Kiely.
At the same time, Bedeck’s own collections — including Bedeck, Murmur and Helena Springfield are evolving rapidly. New textures, waffles, stripes and neutral palettes demonstrate a confident move to compete alongside new competitors, while the upcoming collaboration with the leading interior personality Abigail Ahern marks another bold step forward.
With more than 5,000 archive textiles housed on site, Bedeck’s team still believe in design as an artisan craft. Their approach is not about simply printing fabric; it is about transforming textiles into something distinctive.
The Perspectives
Sue, Managing Director:
“Seeing the continuity of Bedeck’s ranges reminds me of why AIS exists — to protect and promote quality that lasts generations.”
Liz, Senior Category Manager:
“Bedeck is a wonderful family-run heritageTextiles brand and has signature coordination across all bedding formats. In addition, the iconic collaborations that have been established create a wide portfolio of collections, offering our customers true choice.
Gary Irwin, Bedeck CEO:
“The loyalty and support of the AIS buying group over five decades has been instrumental. Together, we’ve not only weathered change, we’ve continued to grow through it.”
AIS Member:
“We’ve got them coming to visit us on Monday, to help create a new offer for linens as we replace Sheridan.
Operationally, Bedeck are equally focused on the future. Their drive for efficiency, stock readiness for January and July, and expansion into cushions, throws and towels all signal a business that is not standing still, but actively shaping the next chapter.
Additionally for AIS we have a new point of contact Director of Trading Elise Nicholson EliseNicholson@bedeck.co.uk
From one handshake in Belfast to five decades of collaboration, Bedeck remains not just part of our history but part of our future.
