New liverymen and corporate liverymen welcomed at June Court Meeting

We were pleased to admit five new liverymen and two new corporate liverymen to the Company at our June Court Meeting.

The five new liverymen were formally clothed in the livery of The Furniture Makers’ Company at a ceremony held at Furniture Makers’ Hall in London on Tuesday 17 June 2025.

In addition to the admission of the new liverymen, two new corporate liverymen representing new corporate member AIT Home Delivery were welcomed.

The new liverymen are:

Tim Higham, director of Higham Furniture Ltd, founded his business in 2025, specialising in the design and manufacture of high-quality kitchens, utility and boot rooms, wardrobes, and media units. Tim was first admitted as a freeman in 2024 and now progresses to the livery in recognition of his continued commitment to craftsmanship and bespoke furniture making.

Michael Mancini, director of Studio 1718 Ltd, designs and manufactures custom furniture for high-net-worth individuals, interior designers, and the hospitality sector. In addition to his creative output, Michael’s studio offers restoration and conservation services, blending tradition with innovation to deliver exceptional projects across residential and commercial spaces.

Gareth Mayhew, managing director of Roundhill Consultancy Ltd, brings decades of strategic expertise in risk, compliance, ESG, and quality. Gareth previously held senior roles at leading furniture companies, including TCM Living and Silentnight, and now advises businesses on governance, sustainability, and operational excellence.

Marius George Munteanu, compliance manager at Buoyant Upholstery, plays a key role in upholding standards at one of the UK’s prominent manufacturers of upholstered furniture. His work supports the company’s production of sofas, chairs, recliners, and sofa beds, ensuring quality and compliance across a wide range of motion and static products.

Paul Owen, director of business development at Castelan Group, leads initiatives for one of the UK’s leading providers of furniture repair, aftercare solutions, and extended warranties. Working closely with retailers, manufacturers, and suppliers, Paul’s work helps maintain product longevity and customer satisfaction across the home furnishings industry.

David Sentance, general manager at Spradling UK Ltd, oversees the supply of high-performance coated fabrics to a broad spectrum of markets including automotive, marine, healthcare, and education. With operations grounded in sustainability – thanks to their carbon-neutral production facilities – Spradling’s innovative textiles support seating manufacturers across the UK from their Lincoln warehouse.

The two corporate liverymen are:

Andy Dale, commercial director for Home Delivery Global at AIT, has over 30 years of logistics experience. Since joining the company eight years ago, Andy has risen through four key roles. Now leading commercial operations across the UK and US, he shapes strategy, drives growth, and supports market expansion in Europe. His leadership continues to elevate AIT’s two-person delivery service as a benchmark in the industry.

Samuel Scott, sales director UK & Europe at AIT Home Delivery, has driven exceptional commercial growth since joining in 2019. Promoted to the board in 2022, he now leads sales strategy across both established and emerging markets. Recognised as Northants Logistics Achiever of the Year, Samuel has played a central role in positioning AIT as a leader in premium two-person delivery services for major retail clients.

The liverymen were welcomed by the Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, Debbie Johnson.

Debbie Johnson, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “It is a great honour to welcome this distinguished group of professionals into the livery. Their combined expertise across design, manufacturing, logistics, and compliance reflects the richness and diversity of the UK furnishing industry. We look forward to their active involvement and future contributions to the life of the Company.”