90 Years of Honest Advice: From Stansted to Harlow’s First Bed Warehouse
Since 1932, the Monks family has moved across Essex and Herts to bring quality sleep to our community. Now established in Harlow for 44 years, we provide the 'uncomfortable truth' about beds so you get the sleep you actually need.
Four Generations of Honesty: Our Family Journey
Our Family Journey: 90 Years of Monks & Worrell
1932: Walter Monks (Founder) Our story begins with Walter Monks in Albury. A pig farmer by trade, he started an upholstery business from home, collecting and re-delivering furniture by wheelbarrow. His grit and hands-on hard work set the standard for everything that followed.
1950s: Walter Monks (Son) & Patricia Monks The second generation moved the upholstery business to Stansted, opening our first official shop. Alongside his wife Patricia, Walter expanded our reputation for quality. While one side of the family continues "Monks Upholstery" to this day, this era saw the business evolve into a true high-street furniture specialist.
1982: Pioneering the Harlow Warehouse Under Walter’s leadership, we moved to Sawbridgeworth and then became the very first warehouse-style shop to open in Harlow. We have now been a landmark in this town for 44 years.
2005: The Birth of "Pronto Beds" My Grandad made the decision to specialise exclusively in beds. At a time when the industry wait-time was 6 months, he stocked £500,000 worth of furniture so customers could have it "Pronto." He proved that you shouldn't have to wait for a good night's sleep.
The Debbie Worrell Era Walter’s daughter, Debbie, took the reins and continued the Pronto Beds legacy. She maintained our commitment to the Harlow community and ensured that the family values of honesty and service remained at the heart of the showroom.
2018 – Today: Edward (Ted) Worrell I stepped away from my career as a plasterer to return to the family business. Today, as the 4th generation, I’ve evolved the business into a bespoke specialist. We still trade with the same "uncomfortable truth" my great-grandfather used—helping you customise the perfect bed with 90 years of family honesty behind it.
Walter Monks & Patricia Monks
The era of Monks Furnishers. These photos show our transition into the Harlow warehouse and our early days as the town's furniture pioneers
The Debbie Worrell Era
My mum, Debbie, leading the way. You can see the birth of the yellow 'Pronto Bed Co' branding—the start of our mission to get quality beds to customers without the 6-month wait.
Edward (Ted) Worrell – Today
The 4th generation. From the new grey branding on our vans to the bespoke, customized showroom, we are continuing the family tradition of honest, expert advice.
Visit Our 10,000 sq ft Harlow Showroom
See the history and feel the quality for yourself. No pressure, no 'selling up'—just 90 years of family expertise.
Pronto Beds Showroom in Harlow Essex
The Pronto Difference
What makes The Pronto Bed Company special isn't just our history - it's our unwavering commitment to doing things the right way. In an age of online-only retailers and impersonal service, we believe there's still immense value in the human touch.
When you visit our showroom, you're not just another sale. You're welcomed by experts who genuinely care about helping you find the perfect bed. Our team takes the time to understand your needs, preferences, and any specific requirements.
"Every person is unique, and so is every bed. Our job isn't to sell you the most expensive mattress - it's to find the one that's just right for you." -
The Monks Family
Family Values, Modern Service
Being family-run means we're accountable to more than just shareholders - we're accountable to our community, our reputation, and the legacy that four generations have built. We take that responsibility seriously.
We stock only brands we trust and would happily have in our own homes. We offer honest advice, even if it means recommending a less expensive option. We're here for the long term, not just the quick sale.
This approach has earned us thousands of loyal customers who return to us again and again, and who recommend us to their friends and family. That's the greatest compliment we could receive.