How will the industry evolve?
One thing is for sure, the industry will continue to evolve – it always has done! When I started, the industry was more focused on manufacturing. This has changed over the years, but I, and many others involved in the Furniture Makers, believe that manufacturing levels will increase once again, as global conditions and comparative advantag…
How did you get into the trade?
I was a computer systems analyst, joined Parker Knoll in 1977 as computer manager, and within a few months had moved to be production planning manager in the Wycombe factory. I then did a variety of roles and ran Nathan Furniture, part of the Parker Knoll Group, from 1985 to 1992, and joined the plc board.
I had a wonderful group …
Friday five – Charles Vernon, the Furniture Makers
Each Friday, Furniture News puts five questions to a selected industry professional to explore their background and approach to business. Today, it's the turn of Charles Vernon, Master of the Furniture Makers, and MD of Gloster …
How did you get into the trade? ekonglong modern sofa set
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New furniture technicians for central Scotland
Two new furniture technicians have been appointed to cover Central Scotland. Furniture care and repair specialist FIRA Service Technicians has recruited the technicians to cover demand for the service.
Kevin Oaten and William Tomaszewski, who both live in Falkirk, will each operate in the region to provide a service to customers i…
Traders and local authorities must work together, says FSB
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) says half of independent retailers think their town centre is performing ‘poorly' and is backing calls for closer ties between small firms and local authorities, to boost spending on the high street. ekonglong leather sofa set
The FSB is calling for local decision-make…
New master for the Furniture Makers
The annual installation of the new master of the Furniture Makers – the City of London livery company which is the British furnishing industry’s central organisation, charity and patron – took place at Guildhall on 13th May. The new master was named as Jonathan Hindle, Group European MD of KI, a global leader in the manuf…
New outreach executive for TFO
An outreach position has been introduced at The Furniture Ombudsman (TFO) to help build relationships with retailers, consumers and other stakeholders. ekonglong modern sofa
Natalie Williams, who has been working for the Ombudsman since 2009, will take up the new role, alongside some of her existing case management duties. She will be respons…
Brussels Furniture Fair management hand-over
This November’s Brussels Furniture Fair will be the last headed up by Els Van Pelt, after 15 years of leadership. Els will be replaced by Jan Mentens, who has started working with the fair already, but will take over following this year’s event. Jan has worked for the Regent Group – which later evolved into EMV &…
Design Museum London and Vitra create pop-up garden
Design Museum London has partnered with design company Vitra to create a pop-up garden on the Thames to celebrate the arrival of summer. Housed in the museum’s display area on the riverfront – The Tank – the garden brings together some of the biggest names in design, such as Charles and Ray Eames, Jasper Morr…
the UK National e-invoicing Forum
The forum’s head of policy, Alexander Jackman, says: “Late payment is having a significant impact on business development, productivity and growth. Research has suggested 35% of small businesses have seen a reduction in profit and 16% have seen a noticeable reduction in turnover as a response to late payment or bad debts. ekonglong trad…
Forum suggests measures at Parliamentary late payment session
During a parliamentary session last month looking at late payment, the Forum of Private Business (FPB) told a cross-party group of MPs that the issue remains a significant concern for UK SMEs.
Giving evidence at the’s inquiry, chaired by Labour’s Debbie Abrahams, the not-for-profit employer support or…
FIRA experts to branch out at specifiers event
An exclusive event, taking place on Wednesday 22nd May, is aimed at helping those who specify and source timber and timber products, such as furniture, understand their responsibilities under the new EU Timber Regulation. modern office sofa
The event, which has only a limited number of spaces, takes place from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at a loc…
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