The Furniture Makers' Company

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Young Furniture Makers Awards, which were revealed earlier this month at the prestigious Young Furniture Makers exhibition. Sponsored by Tizo , the highly anticipated exhibition took place on Wednesday, 2nd October, at Furniture Makers’ Hall and the Dutch Church, Austin Friars, in the heart of London. The event showcased nearly 70 innovative designs from emerging talent, offering school-age students to graduates a platform to present their work to leading figures in the design industry. Established over 15 years ago, this one-day exhibition has become a key event for young designer-makers, helping them connect with potential employers and gain valuable exposure. The exhibition quickly attracted an enthusiastic crowd eager to view the impressive array of furniture and lighting designs on display. Alongside the exhibition, visitors and participants were invited to attend a series of five insightful seminars as part of the Talks Programme, offering expert advice and inspiration. As the day progressed, anticipation built towards the highlight of the event: the announcement of the 2024 Young Furniture Makers Award winners. The Dutch Church was packed with attendees keen to hear the results, as renowned furniture maker John Makepeace OBE took to the stage to announce the outstanding designs that topped each category. This event once again demonstrated the exceptional creativity and craftsmanship of the next generation of furniture designers. School Design Prize sponsored by KI: Nautical Bench by Madaleine Richardson Apprentice Award, sponsored by Achieve and Partners:  Wrapped Grain Walnut Tambour Record Cabinet by Stanley Mackintosh from Bill Cleyndert & Company Bespoke Award, sponsored by Axminster Tools: Oomugi – a Japanese Whisky Shrine by Ed Ryland Design Award, sponsored by NaughtOne: 'Torsion’ Dresser Sideboard by Tom Wilkinson-Dix Textiles Award, sponsored by House of Sonnaz Ltd / Sonnaz Nooranvary: Cove by Eva Ellis Best Chair in Show Prize, sponsored by Meon by Gaze Burvill Limited: Verne Easy Chair by Kevin Tronel Best in Show Prize, sponsored by Blum UK: Diamond + Pearls Chair by Tomer Arad Fast Track Prize, sponsored by F.I.R.S.T MW / Malcolm Walker: Cove by Eva Ellis Nick Groves, CEO at Tizo Limited, principal sponsor of the event said: “It was a fantastic privilege to be a small part of the day, sponsoring the event. We had a real opportunity to gain an insight into the level of talent on show. It’s inspiring to see such exceptional talent and creativity from the next generation of designers and makers. Supporting young talent is crucial to the future of the industry, and we are thrilled to be part of an event that celebrates innovation and craftsmanship. Congratulations to all the participants and winners - you are the future of the industry.” Read more: https://lnkd.in/eNRQG_kU

Celebrating young talent in furniture design, Tomer Arad has captured the Best in Show Prize at the 2024 Young Furniture Makers exhibition with his "Diamonds + Pearls Chair" distinguished for its unique artistry and craftsmanship. Reflecting on the experience, Tomer shared, "It was truly exciting to participate in such a wonderful event and witness the appreciation young designers like myself are receiving. This exhibition was a significant milestone for me and others, as we typically spend most of our time in the workshop, away from public and client interaction. It provided us with a valuable opportunity to showcase a precious part of ourselves that usually remains hidden." His win underscores the value of traditional skills in modern design, fostering confidence for a bright career ahead. Exhibitions like this connect emerging designers with industry leaders, igniting collaboration and innovation. Tomer's journey highlights the importance of such platforms in nurturing the next generation of creative minds. Read Tomer's case study: https://lnkd.in/erQjW__d

Is your business multigenerational, or does it skew towards a more ‘mature’ cohort? There’s long been a lack of new blood in the furniture industry, and it’s arguably further than ever from securing the workforce it needs. In November’s issue, we celebrate two initiatives designed to bring would-be furniture professionals closer to the industry – the Young Professionals Industry Experience (YPIE) and Young Furniture Makers showcase – while discussing the best routes for learning the trade. Elsewhere, we look back at another successful Bed Show, and present our official NBF Bed Industry Awards supplement – learn all about this year’s winners and finalists, with insight from the judges and alumni. Other highlights include an interview with Suns Lifestyle’ Reilly Gray, Katie Marshall on women in the workplace, and selling tips from some of the best in the business. Read it now at https://lnkd.in/etqGn_nC National Bed Federation Samantha Horscroft #bedshow #furniture #uk #furnitureindustry The Furniture Makers' Company #beds #retail #b2b #magazine #supply #sales #promotion #talent #employment #recruitment #bedshow #bedindustryawards #winners

We are delighted to welcome Barons Contract Furniture as our newest corporate supporter. With over 50 years of experience in fitting out care homes and assisted living spaces, Barons is a recognised leader in the sector, known for its quality craftsmanship and dedication to the residential care market. Following a management buyout last year, Barons has entered an exciting phase of growth, moving to a larger distribution centre and joining us at The Furniture Makers’ Company. Their membership will help accelerate their transformation, offering opportunities for networking, training, and collaboration across the industry. “Having worked in the furniture industry for many years, including being familiar with MBOs, I joined Barons to share my experience and act as a mentor,” explains Gary Lasham, chair of Barons Furniture. “I could see that there was a huge opportunity to drive the business forward and as I had been involved with other business that had joined The Furniture Makers’ Company, I know that membership will really help our transformation. Read the full story to learn more about Barons' journey and the benefits of membership: https://lnkd.in/d7iu3RgE

It was a pleasure to host the Young Furniture Makers exhibition on 2 October at the Furniture Makers' Hall and the historic Dutch Church in the City of London. A heartfelt thank you to our attendees, judges, guest speakers, and sponsors. Your support and enthusiasm were key to making this event a success. Special thanks to our primary sponsor, Tizo and to Celtheath for their logistical support. We also extend our gratitude to our awards and prize sponsors: Axminster Tools, NaughtOne, Sonnaz Nooranvary, Achieve and Partners, KI, Gaze Burvill Limited, Blum UK, and Malcolm Walker / F.I.R.S.T MW. Thank you to our judges: Chris Hyde, Helen Welch from The London School of Furniture Making, Paul Salem from NaughtOne, Alan Styles from Axminster Tools, Sonnaz, Charlotte McGuinness, Simon Burvill, Charles Dedman from Gaze Burvill, Jonathan M. Hindle FCSD from KI, Katryn Furmston, Alexander Gifford from Morley College London, Amanda Waring from Catfoot Designs, Christian Notley MBE from Chichester College, Amanda Moore from Achieve and Partners, Jack Talbot from Jennor (UK) Ltd, and Malcolm Walker. We were also privileged to have guest speakers Bill Amberg, Dids Macdonald OBE., FRSA from Anti Copying In Design (ACID), Gabriella Charlton-Little from Colebrook Bosson Saunders, Joanna Knight, Malcolm Walker, Thomas O'Neill from Race Furniture, and Claire Anderson from George Smith. A special thank you to our guest of honour, John Makepeace OBE and to the tireless dedication of Taylor Douglas for organising this incredible event. Video by FrameShot.

Busy October here at Clarion Retail HQ! From meeting with our partners the British Furniture Manufacturers, attending the The Furniture Makers' Company Young Furniture Makers Exhibition & Awards, to being aboard the beautiful Silver Sturgeon for a lovely lunch with Mash Media EN100 to our Retail Strategy session. It has been thought provoking and great to get out in the retail and events market to share ideas and talk about new initiatives. To top it off we are about to board our flight to the US to head to Highpoint to meet some new and existing clients. Looking forward to seeing the furniture community there! Do message me if you are going and want to talk about opportunities in the UK furniture market! ✈️🇬🇧x🇺🇸 #Retail #Networking #Inspo #NewBusiness #Travel #Partnerships Paddy Wallace shona carmichael Roberta Bontempo Kayleigh Craine Alice Bowling Ren Noel Francesca Sequeira Simone Ward Snezana Price David Westbrooke Alison Graham Alexander Winstanley Matt T. Sallie James Paria Mercer Joash Nelson-Piercy Willow Chamberlain Mairi Weir Alice Kinchington

A Week in the Life… This week was all about connecting with our community, training, and supporting causes close to our hearts. Here’s what I got up to: Monday - Kicked off with some hands-on product training for our closest dealer, Pearce Brothers Mobility, to ensure they’re fully up-to-speed on our latest Ergochair models and features. Seeing them engaged and excited about our products is always a highlight! Excited for what the future holds for Danielle Base and her Team. Tuesday - A morning session of easiSpec training, expertly led by Andy Pirie, with Jon Nottingham in attendance, making sure he has everything he needs to empower his customers with comfort and ergonomics. Wednesday - A visit to The Furniture Makers' Company, where Ergochair Ltd is a proud corporate supporter. I had the pleasure of meeting with Clerk and CEO, Jonny Westbrooke, and Education & Training Manager, Taylor Douglas. Later, I attended an event hosted by our new charity partner, Blesma, The Limbless Veterans (organised by the impressive Chris Knight). This included an unforgettable evening at the Tower of London, with a private tour by 420th Yeoman Garry McCormick and witnessing the historic Ceremony of the Keys – a tradition over 700 years old! 🇬🇧 Friday - Wrapped up the week by delivering a batch of our recycled, renewed chairs to the wonderful team at Children's Hospice South West, including Matt Norman. It’s fantastic to give these chairs a new lease of life and support such an important charity in the process. ♻️💙 A busy but incredibly rewarding week! We feel proud of our partnerships and the opportunities to make an impact on our clients and community. Here’s to more weeks like this one! Ps - Lovely to catch-up with a former manager too, the lovely Kirsty Couch! ☕️ Have a great weekend everyone. #Ergochair #CommunitySupport #TrainingAndEmpowerment #FurnitureWithPurpose #CorporateResponsibility

President of KI Europe and judge for the School Design Prize, Jonathan Hindle, explains why exhibitions, like the Young Furniture Makers, are important to KI and the furniture industry. Watch the full video here - https://bit.ly/4hk8z4M Jonathan M. Hindle FCSD The Furniture Makers' Company #yfmexhibition #yfmawards

Last month we had the pleasure of sponsoring the “School Design Prize” at the 2024 edition of the “Young Furniture Makers Exhibition” Congratulations to the winners Madaleine & Harry! 🏆 We are eager to see how these young designers continue to refine their craft and contribute to the future of furniture making. Read the full press release - https://bit.ly/4hk8z4M The Furniture Makers' Company #yfmexhibition #yfmawards

Whether you're aiming to obtain the Freedom of the City, become a Liveryman, or one day aspire to be installed as Master of our esteemed Company, every journey with the Furniture Makers starts by joining as a Freeman. We warmly welcome applications from those within the industry who share our vision and values, and who are qualified to join – whether through professional training, education, skills, experience, or their connection to the furniture industry. We’re offering an informal virtual interview to discover how becoming a Freeman can elevate your career, expand your network, and give back to this thriving industry. There you will meet with our co-membership chairmen, Amanda Waring and Jessica Alexander so they may get acquainted with you and assess your suitability for joining. This is also your opportunity to find out more about our organisation and ask any questions you have. During the interview, you will find out more about the aims of the Company and how you can participate in our wide range of activities. The next interviews will be held on: Thursday 31 October at 4pm Thursday 28 November at 4.30pm To learn more about becoming a member, please contact our Membership and Events Manager, Sally: sally@furnituremakers.org.uk