Membership
What Membership Offers
Why join the Furniture makers’ company?
The Furniture Makers’ Company is a modern livery company whose membership comprises of individuals and businesses that make up the diverse, vibrant and creative UK furnishing industry. We are a force for good and our members are the fuel that fire the engine and help us fulfill our vision. On joining The Furniture Makers’ Company, you will be warmly welcomed into a friendly and supportive community of furnishing industry colleagues and professionals.
The Furniture Makers’ Company was founded as a guild in 1951 and granted livery status in 1963, becoming the 83rd livery company of the City of London and only the sixth to be formed since the reign of Queen Anne ended in 1714. We were incorporated by Royal Charter in 2013.
Choose the right membership for you
Unlike some other livery companies, all our members must be associated in some way to the furniture and furnishing industry, including beds, fabrics, kitchens, carpets and floor coverings. This helps us maintain industry relevance and facilitate meaningful business connections among our membership.
You could be a designer, manufacturer, distributor, craftsperson, retailer, supplier, lecturer, PR practitioner or journalist – all are welcome. We encourage and welcome diversity – sectoral and cultural – within our membership and would be happy to hear from you, even if you now retired.
What our members tend to have in common is a passion for the furnishing industry, a philanthropic desire to ‘give back’ and a wish to meet and converse with like-minded individuals.
Get involved locally
Our head office is located at Furniture Makers’ Hall in London, but we are a national charity that supports the entire UK furnishing industry. With members from businesses up and down the country, we’re not short of people supporting and organising events to fundraise for the charity, mentor and encourage local students and promote the work we do.
Our eight regional committees enable furnishing industry colleagues to build links with local members and get involved with our many activities, both charitable and otherwise.
What's a livery company?
City of London livery companies comprise London’s ancient and modern trade associations and guilds. The earliest guilds date back to the 12th century when people working in the same craft in London grouped together to regulate competition within their trade and maintain high standards. The term livery company was introduced when guilds started introducing their own clothing and regalia – or livery – to distinguish their members from other guilds. Today, there are 111 liveries that support matters of trade, education, charity and fellowship. They also play an integral part in the City’s governance.
Next steps
If you are interested in joining The Furniture Makers’ Company as a freeman or corporate member, we invite you to get in touch with our membership manager to find out more. We hold several prospective new member events such as mixers each year, where you can hear more about the benefits of membership. There are plenty of opportunities to ask questions and to meet other members in a social setting. If you are interested in attending a session, please contact us.
Any Questions?
For more information about individual membership, contact Sally Kent,
events and membership manager, using the form below or by calling 020 7562 8529.