COMPANY PROFILE The Furniture Makers Company

THE FURNITURE MAKERS' COMPANY - A COMPANY WITH A TRULY HISTORIC PAST.

The BiKBBI CEO, Damian Walters, is about to scale Everest (he sets off in April) and his intention is to raise £100,000 for The Furniture Makers’ Company. Many of you will have heard of this business as it has become an institution, but you may wonder what it’s all about? The Installer takes a closer look by chatting to Ben Burbidge, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company and Managing Director of Burbidge Kitchens.

So how did the organisation come to be and what are its hopes for 2017?

Our charity was established over 10 years ago to help people from the furnishing industry in times of hardship. Today we also encourage new talent with our extensive education programme to support school children, students and young professionals. We also work to promote our industry and inspire excellence though our prestigious Guild Marks and awards. These three priorities – educating for the future, supporting those in need and inspiring excellence – are what continue to drive everything we do. We have just finished the strategy for the next four years, so it is a very exciting time at The Furniture Makers’ Company.

Can you explain the ‘livery’ component of the business and how does it work?

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 began introducing their own clothing and regalia, or livery, to distinguish their members from other guilds. Today, there are more than 100 liveries that support matters of trade, education, charity and fellowship within their sector. They also play an integral part in the City’s governance, such as the election of the Lord Mayor. The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers was formed as a guild in1952 and established as the 83rd livery company of the City of London in 1963.

It’s actually very interesting as City of London livery companies comprise Every year all livery companies appoint a new Master, in our case a Master

Furniture Maker, who is essentially Chairman of the Company for a year, which I’m very proud to be.

So how does fundraising apply to livery company?

A lot of people don’t know about the amazing charitable work livery companies perform and support. In total, the livery companies collectively donate over £40m to charities and good causes each year, the great majority of this going to welfare and education.

What are the main changes the company has undergone over the last decade?

The biggest change the Company has undergone in the past decade is the merger of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers, the industry’s livery company, with the industry’s charity, the Furnishing Industry Trust (FIT), formerly the Furnishing Trades Benevolent Association (FTBA), in 2013. It was a natural fit for both organisations and has seen the Company/charity go from strength to strength.

How are the funds spent?

The furnishing industry needs skilled and talented designers, makers, merchandisers and managers in order to maintain the competitive edge in today’s international market. A great deal of the funds we raise go towards the continuation and development of a wide ranging education programme.

From awarding design prizes that raise awareness and reward talent, organising a dedicated exhibition to

From awarding design prizes that raise awareness and reward talent, organising a dedicated exhibition to showcase work from young designers, through to mentoring schemes, giving grants, bursaries and scholarships to universities, colleges and their students, our educational programme is allencompassing.

showcase work from young designers, through to mentoring schemes, giving grants, bursaries and scholarships to universities, colleges and their students, our educational programme is allencompassing.

Regarding how we support people in need, much of the help that we give is in the form of one-off grants to assist with a particular situation that has cropped up. People who work or have worked in the furnishing industry can apply for a grant through our website.

The grant might be for essential home repairs or a contribution towards specialised equipment, help with the costs of a respite break or replacing a wornout fridge. Every story is different and we assess each application with care and consideration.

How do you become a member?

The majority of our members are recommended by existing members and being endorsed for membership is a great honour. However we are seeing more and more people enquiring about membership off their own volition.

By becoming a member, people can make sure that what we are doing is relevant and engaging, helping us to support our industry to thrive.

Most importantly though, you get to give back to the industry and help others who have given their life to it and to those just starting out on their career.

In addition to individual membership, we also have corporate membership which enables companies to give something back to the furnishing industry and fulfil Corporate Social Responsibility requirements.

Regarding how we support people in need, much of the help that we give is in the form of one-off grants to assist with a particular situation that has cropped up. However for those people who simply want to support their industry charity, as opposed to joining as a member, we are launching a ‘supporter’ level this year, which will allow them to make an annual donation to the charity.

www.furnituremakers.org.uk.