Sourcing Success: An Interview with Protocol’s Paul Hayes on Curiosity and Opportunity

In today’s quickfire Q&A, Design Insider sits down with Paul Hayes, Product and Supplier Manager at Protocol, to explore the pivotal moments that have shaped his impressive career. We uncover how Paul’s wealth of experience informs his approach to sourcing new suppliers, his commitment to curating a diverse and accessible product range, and the creative passion that initially drew him to Protocol. Paul offers valuable insights into the evolving design landscape, highlights the role of curiosity in driving innovation, and shares his vision for Protocol’s future.

How did you get to this point in your career?

My background is actually in Fashion Buying and Merchandising, which might seem like a different world compared to furniture, but there are more similarities than you’d expect. Both fields are all about providing high-quality items to customers and clients. Whether it’s a bespoke piece of furniture or a fashion item, ensuring we have access to the best products and companies is crucial. Lead times are slightly longer in furniture, but it’s still essential to manage these timelines efficiently to meet client needs.

How do you look for new suppliers?

Protocol is well-known in the industry, so often, suppliers reach out to us via email or LinkedIn. I make sure to follow up with these leads to see if they might be a good fit for our portfolio. We also regularly attend trade shows, so far this year we’ve been to Salone del Mobile, Milan and Clerkenwell Design Week, with more planned in before the end of the year. Our team also brings a wealth of experience from previous roles, which gives us a fantastic pool of knowledge and connections.

How do you ensure you have suppliers suitable for everyone’s price range?

We put a lot of effort into curating a diverse mix of products that cater to various styles and price points. Our clientele ranges from large hotel groups looking to create a luxurious guest experience to smaller enterprises that are more price-sensitive. We work closely with our sales team and, in turn, our clients, to gather feedback and ensure our broad portfolio meets their needs. This helps us stay on point and ensures that we have solutions across design genres and budgets.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career to date?

I’ve learned two key things: never stop learning and always stay curious. One of the things that excites me about my role at Protocol is the opportunity to constantly learn and discover new products. Staying curious means not just doing things the way they’ve always been done, but also exploring different approaches and continually seeking improvements.

What attracted you to the Protocol team? What are your future plans within Protocol?

Protocol is one of the leading contract furniture suppliers in the country, and their impressive portfolio of projects immediately drew me in. The opportunity to bring my experience from the fashion industry into a new environment was incredibly appealing. Moving forward, I’m excited to continue building relationships with both new and existing suppliers, while refining our offerings to meet the diverse needs of our clients. My goal is to help make Protocol the go-to source for all contract furniture needs.

Find Protocol on Supplier Finder

Supplier Finder is the UK’s only search platform for accredited suppliers of commercial interior furnishings.

At Supplier Finder, our mission is simple: to help you find the perfect commercial furnishing suppliers for your interior schemes and projects. We understand the importance of having confidence in the suppliers you specify and the products that bring your designs to life. That’s why each supplier featured on our platform is accredited through Commercial Interiors UK’s rigorous membership application process. This ensures that you engage with only the best in the industry!