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Home > News and Events

Latest News

26/07/24 | News

Eight young professionals complete industry experience

19/07/24 | News

Seven new freemen admitted to industry livery company

17/07/24 | News

Ashford-based bespoke kitchen company awarded Manufacturing Guild Mark

Upcoming Events

01/08/2024 | Events

Inter Livery Pétanque Competition

07/09/2024 | Events

Inter Livery Sailing Challenge

13/09/2024 | Events

Knole House Visit

Latest from Instagram

Thank you to everyone who attended the Young Profe

Thank you to everyone who attended the Young Professional Industry Experience programme (YPIE) presentations at Furniture Makers' Hall today! Your support and enthusiasm truly made the event a success.

Congratulations to all the participants on your incredibly interesting and thought-provoking presentations. It's inspiring to see so much talent in the future of our industry. We look forward to continuing this journey with you and fostering more opportunities for young professionals in the furniture and furnishing industry.

The participants represented @georgesmithfurniture, @sebastiancoxltd, @cbs_ergonomics, @hsl_chairs, @racefurniture, @sofasbysaxon, @silentnightbeds, and @sleepeezee. Their eagerness to learn and grow within the industry is inspiring, and we do not doubt that they will continue to achieve great things in their careers.

A special thank you to the hosts, @anti.copying.in.design, @cbs_ergonomics, @ercol_uk, @hypnosbeds, @sylvafoundation, @williamhandsfurniture, @axminstertools, @blum_uk, Designer Contracts Limited, @ergochairltd, @gplandesign, @halstockcabinetmakers, @johnmakepeacefurniture, @oceefourdesign, @panazfabrics, @millerknoll, SATRA, @shackletonsltd, @silentnightbeds, @simonthomaspirie, and @thevitagroup whose unwavering support and guidance has been invaluable.

Your dedication to fostering the next generation of professionals is not only commendable but also vital for the future success of our industry.

A special thanks to @blum_uk for sponsoring today's delicious lunch.

#YPIE2024 #furnitureindustry #furnishingsindustry #furniture

Mia’s passion for design started early with her

Mia’s passion for design started early with her favourite subjects being design technology and art. Supported by her teachers, she excelled in projects like creating a desk lamp and an extension lead organiser.

Now, Mia is thriving in a Furniture Manufacturer Level 2 Apprenticeship with @rycotewood_furniture and @ercol_uk. With ambitions to become a designer, she is eager to expand her CAD and SolidWorks skills.

Mia’s story is a testament to the endless possibilities in the furniture industry. Choose your work experience wisely, as it can set the path for an exciting and rewarding career!

Tap the link in @myfurniturecareer's bio to read Mia's inspirational case study.

#furnitureindustry #apprenticeship #ukapprenticeship #furniture

We're proud to serve as a beacon for creativity, i

We're proud to serve as a beacon for creativity, innovation, and community within the furniture industry. Whether you're a student, seasoned designer, skilled maker, ambitious entrepreneur, or anyone in between, we're here to support and champion your journey.

Join us as we celebrate the vibrant array of talent that makes our industry truly exceptional through our guild marks, @bespokeguildmark, @designguildmark, and our Manufacturing Guild Mark. Our awards, including the Young Furniture Makers exhibition and awards (#YFMexhibition), The Claxton Stevens Prize, and The Jonathan Hindle Prize.

We have a wide-ranging educational programme to develop young talent, including our recruitment website @myfurniturecareer, and the Young Professional Industry Experience programme (YPIE).

Tap the link in our bio to discover more.

#furnitureindustry #furniture #furnituredesign #furnishingindustry #YFMawards #designguildmark #bespokeguildmark

Whilst studying carpentry and joinery, Thomas was

Whilst studying carpentry and joinery, Thomas was encouraged by his lecturer to pursue his interest in Japanese woodworking and has since started his own business, @kigoroshi.woodworks, where he can see his initial design through to a completed piece.

Click the link in @myfurniturecareer's bio to watch Thomas's video.

Do you have an early careers vacancy?
Advertise FOR FREE on a platform dedicated solely to the furniture and furnishing industry, ensuring you reach candidates who are specifically interested in and knowledgeable about your sector; click the link in My Furniture Career's bio and select 'upload vacancy' to get started.

#furnitureindustry #japanesefurniture #japanesewoodwork #furnituredesign #furnishingindustry

Do you work or have you worked in the UK furniture

Do you work or have you worked in the UK furniture and furnishings industry and are facing financial challenges?

You may qualify for a grant from our charity. Tap the link in our bio and select 'Welfare' to see how we could support you.

#furnitureindustry #furnishingsindustry

Congratulations to all the participants and thank

Congratulations to all the participants and thank you to the hosts of the Young Professional Industry Experience programme (YPIE). Your dedication, hard work, and passion have truly shone throughout the programme.

The participants represented @georgesmithfurniture, @sebastiancoxltd, @cbs_ergonomics, @hsl_chairs, @racefurniture, @sofasbysaxon, @silentnightbeds, and @sleepeezee. Their eagerness to learn and grow within the industry is inspiring, and we have no doubt that they will continue to achieve great things in their careers.

A special thank you to the hosts, @anti.copying.in.design, @cbs_ergonomics, @ercol_uk, @hypnosbeds, @sylvafoundation, @williamhandsfurniture, @axminstertools, @blum_uk, Designer Contracts Limited, @ergochairltd,
@gplandesign, @halstockcabinetmakers, @johnmakepeacefurniture, @oceefourdesign, @panazfabrics, @millerknoll, SATRA, @shackletonsltd, @silentnightbeds, @simonthomaspirie, and @thevitagroup whose unwavering support and guidance has been invaluable.

Your commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals is commendable and crucial to the future success of our industry.

Here's to many more successes and milestones ahead!

#YPIE2024 #furnitureindustry #furnishingsindustry #furniture

The #ManchesterFurnitureShow by @thefurnitureshows

The #ManchesterFurnitureShow by @thefurnitureshows returns this week for its much-anticipated relaunch.

From 10-11 July @mcr_central will be the meeting place for the furniture industry as the UK’s best summer trade show returns after a short hiatus. With over 100 top brands to explore and thousands of on-trend pieces to snap up, MFS will once again be THE place to be this summer.

Plus, network at the show’s two unmissable events with the Summer Solstice Show Party and the Women in Furniture Network Brunch. You won’t want to miss this chance to grow your network as you meet and mingle with the best in the business.

Tap the link in our bio to register for your FREE badge now.

#furnitureshow #furnitureindustry #manchester #furnishingindustry #furniture

Big Shots 2024, the annual clay pigeon shoot organ

Big Shots 2024, the annual clay pigeon shoot organised in aid of our charity, has raised £42,000 – the largest amount in recorded memory.

The 29th edition of the fundraiser, which is supported by @furniturevillage, took place on Wednesday 12 June and was held at @hollandandholland in Northwood, Middlesex, one of the UK’s premier shooting destinations.

Around 150 big hitters from companies including @blum_uk, Castelan Group, @emmieragroup, @harrison_spinks, @hypnosbeds, @furniturevillage, @oceefourdesign, and TCM Living made up 38 teams.

After a tasty breakfast, Jonny Westbrooke, CEO of The Furniture Makers’ Company, welcomed the guests before the team from @emmasleepuk signalled the start of the 100-bird competition by firing Holland & Holland’s antique cannon. The teams then leisurely made their way round eight stands, manned by Holland & Holland’s excellent gun stewards, set in the estate’s 60 acres of stunning open countryside.

Once the final shots were fired, guests were able to relax and chat during a drinks reception before sitting down to a delicious three-course meal in the club house. The fun-packed day finished with a charity auction and raffle, followed by the results of the shooting competition, with the awards presented by Brian Ahern, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company.

We would like to thank main sponsor and corporate member Furniture Village as well as the other companies that kindly supported Big Shots through sponsorship or a donation to the auction, raffle and wine pull: @akantemobilier, Biglight, Blum UK, Castelan, Colourfast World, @davysoflondon, Emma Sleep, @emmieragroup, Global Furniture Alliance, @hypnosbeds, Ideal Furniture Limited, J&C, @stressless.uk, Luke Macdonald of @swordersfineart and the @royalairforceuk.

#furnitureindustry #furnishingindustry

The Best Chair in Show Prize, sponsored by @sittin

The Best Chair in Show Prize, sponsored by @sittingfirm by @gazeburvill will be awarded at the Young Furniture Makers Awards on 02 October.

The Best Chair in Show prize has been created to recognise the most outstanding chair exhibited at the Young Furniture Makers exhibition that year.

The winning chair will be chosen from the very best designed and crafted chairs exhibited.

The winning exhibitor will win a money cannot buy hands on learning experience at Sittingfirm by Gaze Burvill.

To learn more about The Best Chair in Show Prize, click the link in our bio.

Image: Last year's winner @archie_gs_furniture with @tomokoazumi.

#YFMawards #YFMexhibition #youngdesigners #youngfurnituremakers #furnituremakers

You have until THIS FRIDAY to submit your applicat

You have until THIS FRIDAY to submit your application for the Young Furniture Makers Awards.

Offering industry the opportunity to connect with young, creative designer-makers, who are looking to make an impact on the sector. Organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the event showcases the very best furniture and furnishing design talent from GCSE students to recent graduates.

The Young Furniture Makers Awards are the student equivalent of the Furniture Makers’ Guild Marks, recognising excellence and the future in design.

A huge number of entries are submitted every year for these highly competitive awards. The designs that impress the judges are invited to show at the annual Young Furniture Makers exhibition.

Click the link in our bio to get started.

#YFMexhibition #YFMawards #furnituredesign #bespokefurniture #textiledesign

Congratulations to our #YPIE2024 (Young Profession

Congratulations to our #YPIE2024 (Young Professional Industry Experience) participants from @georgesmithfurniture, @sebastiancoxltd, @cbs_ergonomics, @hsl_chairs, @racefurniture, @sofasbysaxon, @silentnightbeds, and @sleepeezee for a great first week on the programme.

The intensive programme where aspiring young people are given the opportunity to visit leading industry companies and understand all areas of the furniture industry, including materials, designing, manufacturing, pricing, marketing, sales, and customer service.

The experience offers an opportunity to gain a broad understanding of the wider industry while helping professionals forge links with senior-level members of industry as well as each other.

Thank you to the hosts @anti.copying.in.design, @cbs_ergonomics, @ercol_uk, @hypnosbeds, @sylvafoundation, and @williamhandsfurniture for making time for the participants, contributing to their learning of the wider industry, and making their first week on the programme so enjoyable.

#furnitureindustry #furnishingsindustry #furniture

The National School Design Prize, sponsored by @ki

The National School Design Prize, sponsored by @kieurope will be awarded at the Young Furniture Makers Awards on 02 October.

Organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the event showcases the very best furniture and furnishing design talent from GCSE students to recent graduates. The Young Furniture Makers Awards are the student equivalent of the Furniture Makers’ Guild Marks, recognising excellence and the future in design. A huge number of entries are submitted every year for these highly competitive awards. The designs that impress the judges are invited to show at the annual Young Furniture Makers exhibition.

To learn more about The National School Design Prize, click the link in our bio.

Image: Last year's winner @charlottewoo11ard with @tomokoazumi.

#YFMawards #YFMexhibition #youngdesigners #youngfurnituremakers #furnituremakers

The Leather Prize, sponsored by @theleathersellers

The Leather Prize, sponsored by @theleathersellers will be awarded at the Young Furniture Makers Awards on 02 October.

Organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the event showcases the very best furniture and furnishing design talent from GCSE students to recent graduates. The Young Furniture Makers Awards are the student equivalent of the Furniture Makers’ Guild Marks, recognising excellence and the future in design. A huge number of entries are submitted every year for these highly competitive awards. The designs that impress the judges are invited to show at the annual Young Furniture Makers exhibition.

To learn more about The Leather Prize, click the link in our bio.

Image: Last year's winner @hollypreece_designs.

#YFMawards #YFMexhibition #youngdesigners #youngfurnituremakers #furnituremakers

The Best in Show Prize, sponsored by @blum_uk will

The Best in Show Prize, sponsored by @blum_uk will be awarded at the Young Furniture Makers Awards on 02 October.

The Best in Show prize has been created to develop exceptional next generation talent in the furniture and furnishings industry. This new prize will share knowledge and expert insights, mentor and guide a talented designer/maker to design commercial furniture and furnishings which sell and fast track their career in the industry through industry visits in the UK and abroad and networking with key international industry figures.

The prize winner will be chosen from those shortlisted for a Young Furniture Makers award exhibiting at the Young Furniture Makers exhibition.

The winner will be granted a career defining opportunity to learn from global industry leaders successful approaches to bring a product to life, from design, prototyping, manufacture and production to marketing and retail.

The winner will receive a tour of the Blum factory and gain an unique insight into the manufacturing process.

To learn more about The Best in Show Prize, click the link in our bio.

Image: Last year's winner @joseygarbutt with @tomokoazumi.

#YFMawards #YFMexhibition #youngdesigners #youngfurnituremakers #furnituremakers

The deadline for the Young Furniture Makers Awards

The deadline for the Young Furniture Makers Awards 2024 is NEXT FRIDAY!

The event returns to the City of London for one day only in October, offering industry the opportunity to connect with young, creative designer-makers, who are looking to make an impact on the sector.

The event showcases the very best furniture and furnishing design talent from GCSE students to recent graduates.

The Young Furniture Makers Awards are the student equivalent of the Furniture Makers’ Guild Marks, recognising excellence and the future in design. A huge number of entries are submitted every year for these highly competitive awards.

The designs that impress the judges are invited to show at the annual Young Furniture Makers exhibition.

To apply, click the link in our bio.

#YFMawards #YFMexhibition #bespokefurniture #furniture #furnituredesign

The Young Professional Industry Experience program

The Young Professional Industry Experience programme (YPIE) launched yesterday at Furniture Makers' Hall with participants from @georgesmithfurniture, @sebastiancoxltd, @cbs_ergonomics, @hsl_chairs, @racefurniture, @sofasbysaxon, @silentnightbeds, and @sleepeezee.

The programme provides aspiring young people working in the industry a unique opportunity to visit sector leading companies and understand all areas of the wider trade, including materials, designing, manufacturing, pricing, marketing, sales and customer service.

Yesterday's introduction including talks from @anti.copying.in.design (ACID), Master of The Furniture Makers' Company, Brian Ahern, Andy Humphreys from Colebrook Bosson Saunders, and YPIE 2018 alumni, Joshua Chadwick from @millerknoll.

#YPIE2024 #furnitureindustry #furniture #furnishingsindustry

The deadline for the Young Furniture Makers exhibi

The deadline for the Young Furniture Makers exhibition is fast approaching. You have until 14 June to submit your application, with the exhibition returning to the City of London on 02 October 2024.

Offering industry the opportunity to connect with young, creative designer-makers, who are looking to make an impact on the sector. Organised by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the event showcases the very best furniture and furnishing design talent from GCSE students to recent graduates.

The Young Furniture Makers Awards are the student equivalent of the Furniture Makers’ Guild Marks, recognising excellence and the future in design.

A huge number of entries are submitted every year for these highly competitive awards. The designs that impress the judges are invited to show at the annual Young Furniture Makers exhibition.

Click the link in our bio to get started.

#YFMexhibition #YFMawards #furnituredesign #bespokefurniture #textiledesign

Applications for the Young Furniture Makers Awards

Applications for the Young Furniture Makers Awards 2024 are now open and new for 2024 is the introduction of a category that recognises the exceptional work of apprentices in the furniture sector.

Sponsored by @achieveepa, the Apprentice Award recognises excellence in craftsmanship and a commitment to learning and developing skills.

The category is open to apprentices currently studying at Level 2 or Level 3 on furniture and furnishing related apprenticeships or those who have completed their apprenticeship within in the last 12 months.

For further details, click the link in our bio.

#apprentice #apprenticeship #furniture #furnitureindustry #YFMawards

The Fast Track Prize, sponsored by Malcolm Walker

The Fast Track Prize, sponsored by Malcolm Walker will be awarded at the Young Furniture Makers Awards on 02 October.

The Fast Track Prize has been created to develop exceptional next generation talent in the furniture and furnishings industry. This new prize will share knowledge and expert insights, mentor and guide a talented designer/maker to design commercial furniture and furnishings which sell and fast track their career in the industry through industry visits in the UK and abroad and networking with key international industry figures.

The prize winner will be chosen from those shortlisted for a Young Furniture Makers award exhibiting at the Young Furniture Makers exhibition.

The winner will be granted a career defining opportunity to learn from global industry leaders successful approaches to bring a product to life, from design, prototyping, manufacture and production to marketing and retail.

The winner will be flown to Italy to witness the journey from prototype to showroom before heading to Scotland to the largest independent furniture store in the UK and see the product in a retail environment where you will find out what makes a great product. After the trips the winner will have access to one-to-one mentoring from an industry heavy weight to fast track your career.

To learn more about The Fast Track Prize, click the link in our bio.

Image: Last year's winner @maria_______gil.

#YFMawards #YFMexhibition #youngdesigners #youngfurnituremakers #furnituremakers

If you work or have worked in the UK furniture ind

If you work or have worked in the UK furniture industry and are struggling following a change in your financial situation, you may be eligible for a grant from our charity.

To learn how we could help you, click the link in our bio and select 'Welfare'.

#furnitureindustry #furnishingsindustry

Education & Development

Encouraging the next generation

Excellence

Our prestigious Guild Marks and Awards

Welfare

Supporting those who work in the industry