A Furniture Makers scholarship that led to a successful career

Sarah Hudson received a scholarship from the Furniture Makers in 2001. This was the impetus she needed to work hard for a successful career.
Sarah was sponsored by The Furniture Makers’ Company while studying Furniture and Related Product Design at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication in 2001.

The scholarship meant that a year of Sarah’s study was paid for and encouraged her to work towards and to win a Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce award.

After graduating in 2002, Sarah applied for an Internship with Morris Furniture Group in Glasgow, Scotland. She was offered a six month placement and then a full time job as design assistant. Sarah was promoted three times while at the company and took on the senior role of design controller, setting trends for the furniture Industry.

Sarah made the move to Ercol in August 2010 as a designer, but not long after, changed paths to project coordinator. Sarah received further training, which led her to start a Global MBA at Oxford Brookes, which was partly sponsored by Ercol

During her three years at Oxford Brookes, Sarah studied subjects ranging from accounting, strategy, marketing and operations to leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Sarah said “The Furniture Makers scholarship encouraged me to work harder at University. I am here today because individuals and organisations supported me.”
She added: “Looking ahead I hope to give something back by supporting others. I would like to say a huge thank you to Ravensbourne University, The Furniture Makers’ Company and Ercol for investing in me.”

If you would like to find out how more about our grants and scholarships contact Anne Sampson, education events & campaigns manager:
grantsandeducation@furnituremakers.org.uk