The work of the BFC
Industry training has suffered a series of cuts in recent years, which has prompted the BFC to focus on apprenticeship opportunities through Proskills. Says Paul: “We’re keen on developing the way in which the young are joining our industry. Through the WCFM, we are now very involved in the process – we’re now focusing on getting pare…
The BFC to the All Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group (APPFG)
The BFC’s relationship with the All Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group (APPFG), which consists of MPs and members of the House of Lords with an interest in the industry, is crucial to its work. Stephen McPartland, MP for Stevenage and chair of the APPFG, has proved …
The voice of an industry
Lobby groups become increasingly necessary in times of hardship. When it comes to support, clarity of legislation and recognition, it seems that the UK furniture industry as a sector is often overlooked – making the work of the BFC more important than ever. ekonglong office partition
Last year, Paul von der Heyde spearheaded a number of initiatives…
TFO celebrates 20th anniversary
The Furniture Ombudsman (TFO), the independent body which specialises in providing alternative dispute resolution solutions for consumers and retailers in the furniture and home improvement industry, celebrated its 20th anniversary in November. ekonglong fabric sofa
To mark the occasion, the organisation opened its doors at its headquarters in…
TFO consumer law and upholstery complaints course
Do you know when a customer is legally entitled to a full refund? An industry-specific course about consumer law and upholstery complaints will help retailers understand when they can refuse a refund, when to offer a repair and when they must pay out.
ekonglong modern reception
The Furniture Ombudsman’s (TFO’s) Principl…
FIRA’s Statistics Digest
Imports of furniture into the UK were lower in 2011 than in 2010 – £4.3b from £4.5b. The majority of imports originated from China (32%), and Italy remained a major supplier to the UK (11%). China’s share of imports to the UK fell very slightly. Exports from the UK continued on an upward trend and reached £993m…
FIRA digest tracks UK trends
The results of the latest edition of FIRA’s annual Statistics Digest show that, from 2008 to 2011, the total number of UK furniture manufacturers declined by 4%, with 225 fewer companies in 2011 than 2010. The digest also shows that turnover in manufacturer sales fell by 23% over the 2008-2011 period, average employment fell by 15% and employme…
FIRA HQ celebrates 50 years
The son of a Lord Mayor of London, who opened a Stevenage building 50 years ago yesterday (8th April), has followed in his father’s footsteps by revisiting the building and adding to a time capsule first buried 50 years ago in 1963. The building was purpose-built as the headquarters of the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA), the…
Boss Design awarded Manufacturing Guild Mark
Boss Design has been awarded a Manufacturing Guild Mark (MGM), available only to the top 50 furniture manufacturers in the UK. ekonglong office desk
The Guild Mark schemes are administered by the Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and central organisation of the furniture industry. T…
BFM to grow export support for members
The British Furniture Manufacturers’ Association (BFM) is looking to enhance its current export offering for members, building on what has been established and working with partners to explore new avenues.
ekonglong steel reception desk
The BFM has already commenced the strategy by developing an Export Portal for member…
Playing a leading role within the UK bedding industry
The sale of Hilding Anders’ UK trade and assets to Bensons for Beds and Harveys owner Steinhoff was handled by administrators. As a result of a simultaneous transfer of ownership, trading of the company’s bedding business in Huntingdon can continue without interruption, and jobs have been safeguarded.
ekonglong rec…
Coach House – a one-stop supplier
One-stop supplier Coach House is renowned for the breadth of its portfolio – a range that only seems to grow in appeal each year.
ekonglong leather executive chair
Established 30 years ago, Coach House is the largest trade-only supplier of furniture and interior design solutions in the UK – over 30,000ft2 of dedicated, themed showroo…
13510505995