Newman & Bright is a Manchester based manufacturer of high-quality upholstered seating.
Origins
The former Neumann Leathers workshops at 39 Derby Street, Manchester
The story behind Newman & Bright is rooted in a long tradition of leather craftsmanship dating back to the late 19th century.
In the early 20th century, a well-established leather business was operating from Manchester, supplying high-quality hides to the footwear and furniture industries. Over time, it developed a strong reputation for material expertise, consistency, and craftsmanship within the trade.
Working from workshops in the city, this tradition of working with fine materials laid the foundation for a deep understanding of quality, durability, and finish.
From Materials to Furniture
Current owner Sam Neumann, with sister and father Leopold Neumann at the NEC Birmingham
As that expertise evolved, it naturally extended into furniture making—transforming raw materials into finely crafted pieces.
This progression marked a shift from supply to craftsmanship, bringing together material knowledge with design and manufacturing. The result was the development of high-quality upholstered furniture, combining structure, comfort, and attention to detail.
A Contemporary Revival
In recent years, the Newman & Bright name and website were acquired and carefully reintroduced as part of a new, independent venture.
Today’s business operates separately, drawing on the principles of craftsmanship, material knowledge, and attention to detail, while focusing on contemporary design and modern standards of service.
The present business operates independently and is not affiliated with any previouscompany of the same name.
Bespoke Sofa Manufacturing Today
Today, our workshops are staffed by experienced craftsmen, producing furniture using locally sourced materials, including hardwood frames and high-quality fillings.
As one of the few remaining bespoke sofa manufacturers in the North West, we offer a genuinely tailored service. Whether refining proportions, adjusting comfort, or adapting designs, each piece is made to suit the individual client.
If a standard model does not fit, dimensions can be adjusted, fillings refined, and details adapted to suit both space and preference.
Every project is approached with care, precision, and a commitment to enduring quality — supported by a complete after-sales service to ensure lasting satisfaction.
Our Clients Include…
As Seen On…
Why Choose Us?
Experience
We have a long history of manufacturing experience and a close team of highly skilled craftsmen. All our products are fully inspected before shipment and fully insured in case of damage en route. We make a special effort to ensure our customers are completely satisfied after receiving their orders. We are not just a business, rather we want to feel we have contributed in some way to the material welfare of our customers.
Made by hand
All our sofas & chairs are manufactured in our two workshops in the North of England peopled by specialised time served craftsmen. This provides a level of care and expertise that creates the highest quality furniture. We have complete control of the manufacturing process, giving us the flexibility to fulfil the individual requirements of our customers.
Leather Specialists
We have over 100 years’ experience in the leather trade via our sister company, Neumann Leathers and can provide comprehensive advice as to what would be best for any particular job. We supply some of the finest leathers in Europe and can offer a wide variety of colours, textures and finishes.
For those who prefer a fabric finish, we likewise have access to a large range of high quality upholstery fabrics – from chenilles to velvets – sourced from some of the best UK suppliers.
Bespoke Made
We are adaptable and make our sofas according to our customer’s needs. So, if the standard model doesn’t fit, we can adjust depth, height and width, and adjust fillings and trim, and even alter the design as required. We ensure every aspect of the model selected is explained in detail to our customers so they know exactly what they will be getting as a finished product.
We can even use our design team to create something unique – we are one of the only workshops that make one-off products to cater for something different from the run-of-the mill designs.
The Best Materials
We use only locally sourced hardwood frames, foams and springs – all of a tested high quality and guaranteed for 5 years. For our commercial customers, our materials, both leather and fabric, come with Crib 5 fire retardant certification.
Experience
We have a long history of manufacturing experience and a close team of highly skilled craftsmen. All our products are fully inspected before shipment and fully insured in case of damage en route. We make a special effort to ensure our customers are completely satisfied after receiving their orders. We are not just a business, rather we want to feel we have contributed in some way to the material welfare of our customers.
Made by hand
All our sofas & chairs are manufactured in our two workshops in the North of England peopled by specialised time served craftsmen. This provides a level of care and expertise that creates the highest quality furniture. We have complete control of the manufacturing process, giving us the flexibility to fulfil the individual requirements of our customers.
Leather Specialists
We have over 100 years’ experience in the leather trade via our sister company, Neumann Leathers and can provide comprehensive advice as to what would be best for any particular job. We supply some of the finest leathers in Europe and can offer a wide variety of colours, textures and finishes.
For those who prefer a fabric finish, we likewise have access to a large range of high quality upholstery fabrics – from chenilles to velvets – sourced from some of the best UK suppliers.
Bespoke Made
We are adaptable and make our sofas according to our customer’s needs. So, if the standard model doesn’t fit, we can adjust depth, height and width, and adjust fillings and trim, and even alter the design as required. We ensure every aspect of the model selected is explained in detail to our customers so they know exactly what they will be getting as a finished product.
We can even use our design team to create something unique – we are one of the only workshops that make one-off products to cater for something different from the run-of-the mill designs.
The Best Materials
We use only locally sourced hardwood frames, foams and springs – all of a tested high quality and guaranteed for 5 years. For our commercial customers, our materials, both leather and fabric, come with Crib 5 fire retardant certification.
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