Martin Deane - Bio

I began my journey in the furniture industry some 39 years ago on 1st June 1986, joining as a sub-agent for my father, representing Bymacks Upholstery. Tragically, his passing from lung cancer shortly thereafter thrust me into unfamiliar territory. Thankfully, the incredible team at Bymacks supported me through that difficult time, helping me establish myself as a respected agent across the South Wales and Southwest regions.

That foundation led to fruitful collaborations with prominent brands such as Comfortluxe, Silentnight Group, Snugfit, Rainbow Headboards & Pine, Royams, Lou Reading, and Furmanac. After two rewarding decades as an agent, I took a detour into the motor industry, running a Hyundai franchise and working with brands including Citroën, Mitsubishi, and Mercedes-Benz. But my heart was always set on returning to the world I knew and loved, furniture.

I re-entered the industry as National Business Development Manager for an art company, overseeing a network of agents across the UK. From there, I joined Rainbow Upholstery as Southern Sales Manager, eventually progressing to Sales Director. Later roles included time at Kingstown Furniture, and in 2015, I found my home at Julian Bowen, where I’ve continued to grow my territory and responsibilities for the past decade now as Business Development Manager.

Outside the industry, family life is my anchor—especially time with my partner, family and the grandchildren, who are pure joy after a busy week. "And of course, I can't forget the dogs—Dennis, a certified menace in every sense, and the latest recruit, Buster, who’s brought some much-needed companionship to the mix."

I'm a keen enthusiast of great food and drink, enjoy socialising, and have a true passion for travel—whether it’s jetting off on global adventures, diving into quirky city escapes, or soaking up the magic of a West End show.

While sport isn’t as front-and-centre these days, I still love cycling (even if my bike doesn't get out as often as it should) and have dabbled in couch to 5k runs. Rugby internationals are a personal favourite—the electric atmosphere, the camaraderie, and of course, the pint and curry tradition always make for a great occasion.

Julian Bowen

Julian Bowen has reignited my passion for furniture. As one of the UK’s largest and leading importers, we offer an expansive range—over 1,300 SKUs—from footstools and mirrors to fully assembled oak lounge and bedroom collections. Each day brings fresh challenges and opportunities to support high street retailers, e-commerce partners, interior designers, and the contract sector. Visit www.julian-bowen.co.uk to explore our diverse offerings.

We're proud to have been named Best Furniture Wholesaler for 12 consecutive years and Best Customer Service for 9 years, among other accolades.