About us

Crafting Solutions for Demanding Environments

Specialist furniture & equipment

Since 2017, Durham Retail Displays (DRD) has been quietly setting a new standard in the design, manufacture, and installation of specialist furniture and equipment.

From our 10,000 sq. ft base in Washington, Tyne & Wear, we work across the UK to solve complex challenges for clients in secure, high-traffic, and highly regulated environments.

Our approach is simple: understand the problem, engineer the right solution, and deliver it with precision, care, and integrity.

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Who we work with

We serve a wide and diverse national customer base, including:

Police authorities

HM Prisons & Ministry of Justice

Construction & FM providers

Retailers

Schools & education

Transport hubs

Whether it’s a custody suite, a healthcare cell, or a high-use cafeteria, our clients trust us to deliver products that last longer, perform better, and meet the most stringent safety and hygiene standards.

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Solving problems others ignore

In critical environments, failure isn’t an option.

Our customers often come to us after experiencing issues with poorly designed or underperforming furniture—problems like delamination, fungal growth, difficult cleaning, and easy breakage.

We fix that. DRD furniture is designed from the ground up to:

Resist abuse, tampering, and impact
Withstand harsh cleaning regimes and constant use
Comply with strict security and hygiene standards
Be installed quickly and reliably by our in-house team

When safety, durability and compliance matter, we deliver.

What makes us different?

We’re proud to be one of only two companies in the UK accredited by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) to manufacture and install Safer Cell furniture. That’s not just a badge of honour—it’s a reflection of the six months of R&D we invested to develop something truly fit for purpose.

Here’s what sets us apart:

MOJ Accreditation
Our furniture meets and exceeds the latest custodial standards
End-to-End Service
We design, manufacture and install everything ourselves
Deep Sector Experience
Over 100 years of combined team experience
Specialist Workforce
SSSTS-supervised, EL1 & police vetted, Corian-certified installers
Relentless Quality
Tested, trialled, and built to last

Why our clients come back

We’ve built our reputation on reliability, technical excellence, and relationships. That’s why most of our work comes from repeat business and referrals.

Whether we’re turning around a time-critical project, working night shifts to avoid disruption, or refining a custom design with the client on-site, we bring the same energy and care every time.

We don’t just make furniture.

We make life easier for the people who rely on it.

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Frequently asked questions

What makes DRD Safer Cell furniture different from other custodial furniture?

DRD’s Safer Cell furniture is MOJ-accredited, designed through six months of R&D, and built using advanced materials that resist water ingress, fungal attack, and physical damage. Unlike other solutions, it lasts longer, performs better, and is easier to maintain

Are you approved by the Ministry of Justice (MOJ)?

Yes. DRD is one of only two companies in the UK approved by the MOJ to manufacture and install Safer Cell prison furniture, as detailed in the 2018 MOJ Safer Cell Guide.

Can you design custom furniture to suit our environment?

Absolutely. Our in-house design team can work with you to develop bespoke solutions tailored to your needs—whether that’s anti-ligature furniture for healthcare cells or durable seating for a public cafeteria.

Do you handle installation as well as manufacturing?

Yes. We provide a full end-to-end service, with our own SSSTS-supervised, EL1 and Police-vetted team managing installation nationwide.

Can DRD products be used outside of custodial settings?

Yes. While we’re known for custodial work, our robust, hygienic, and secure furniture is ideal for schools, transport hubs, leisure facilities, healthcare spaces, and commercial environments where durability matters.

What kind of problems do your clients typically face?

Our clients often struggle with poorly made furniture that degrades quickly, is difficult to clean, or fails compliance checks. We solve this with well-engineered, purpose-built products that stay in use longer and save money over time.

Do you provide fast turnaround or emergency support?

We understand the pressure on secure and public environments. Our team regularly works night shifts and tight deadlines to meet critical timeframes, including same-week call-outs for essential works.

What materials do you use?

We use a range of high-performance materials including lab-grade high-pressure laminate, Corian solid surfaces, polycarbonates, and anti-tamper fixings—chosen for their strength, hygiene, and long-term resilience.

How do I know your products are secure and tamper-resistant?

Our custodial furniture undergoes rigorous in-house testing, and our MOJ accreditation reflects the highest security and safety standards. From anti-ligature toilets to secure camera mounts, every item is built with safety first.

Do you work with police authorities?

Yes, we’ve supplied and installed secure desks, screens, and furniture for Northumbria, Greater Manchester, Essex, Devon & Cornwall, and North Yorkshire Police Authorities, among others.

Can you help with refurbishment projects?

We do. Whether replacing outdated cladding, refurbishing healthcare cells, or upgrading cafeteria areas, our team can handle full or partial refurbishments—often working out-of-hours to minimise disruption.

How long do your products last?

Our furniture is built to stay in use for years. In one recent case, our safer cell beds were removed after five years of constant use with only minor cosmetic wear—far outperforming competitor products.

Do you offer site surveys or consultations?

Yes. We’re happy to visit your site, assess your needs, and provide a tailored proposal. Every project starts with a conversation to understand your space, challenges, and objectives.