AS a third-generation family business The Bed Specialist celebrates its 60th anniversary, your New Blackmore Vale learnt how it all began with a touch of entrepreneurial spirit.

The year is 1965. Ruth and Derek Lush were on a long weekend away in Wales visiting their friends who owned a furniture shop.

After seeing how their business thrived and the exciting collections of furniture available, they returned home to Yeovil brimming with ideas, keen to establish their very own furniture shop.

After a last-minute dash to post a letter at the general post office in Huish, Derek noticed the old Cooperative stores were up for sale across the street, and that same night an offer was made on the premises.

The dream became a reality, and Preston Furnishing – The Bed Specialist was established.

The shop soon became well known as the go-to destination for trusted advice and quality furniture, building a reputation for stocking household name brands for every budget.

Now owned by the third generation of the same family, Nick Stokes learnt his trade from dad Martin, who spent 40 years in the business, and today, the team at The Bed Specialist continues providing award-winning expertise, quality products and honest service to each customer because sleep has never been more vital to maintaining good health and wellbeing.

June 2025 sees The Bed Specialist in Yeovil reach their big milestone of 60 years trading in the town, and the business continues to thrive, welcoming customers back time and again.

Nick said: “We rely on our happy customers recommending us to friends and family.

“Customers who purchased their beds back in the 60s and 70s regularly return to let us know how our furniture has been at the centre of their homes for generations.

“The business has been built over many years on a reputation of trust and good value so we truly appreciate the good will of our customers returning and sharing what we offer.

“In a hectic world where folks are busier than ever, choosing the right mattress is a worthy investment in yourself and we love to see the difference it can make.”

This local Yeovil-based business has grown into a leading force for good sleep in the UK furniture industry and now sells premium beds, mattresses and luxury bedding to customers the length and breadth of the UK offering free delivery services on the entire range.

The collections can be viewed online and purchased via the website. Guides and advice blogs along with useful hints and tips on every mattress can be found online too.

Of course, not forgetting their beautiful showrooms which are open six days a week where shoppers can browse and test over 40 beds and mattresses with the helpful guidance of their sleep experts.

The Bed Specialist now offers a 100-night sleep trial on every mattress purchased in store with a no-quibble swap if it isn’t quite right after the first few weeks of sleep, and the special anniversary summer sale is going to be quite something with some of the biggest discounts and offers they have ever managed to negotiate from suppliers such as Vispring, Hypnos, Sleepeezee and Dunlopillo to mark the momentous occasion.

Nick added: “We can’t wait to welcome you to our showrooms in Huish, straight opposite the Yeovil General Post Office.

“There’s ample free parking and you’ll be amazed at what is on offer for every taste and budget in our double storey showrooms.

“Thanks for being a part of our 60-year journey and we can’t wait to help you find the perfect new bed in the years to come.”

Shop online at thebedspecialist.co.uk or call 01935 423 596 to find out more.