Austin Friar 2023

OUR ROLE IS TO SUSTAIN A THRIVING BRITISH FURNISHING INDUSTRY WITH A TALENTED WORKFORCE DELIVERING HIGHQUALITY PRODUCTS, WHICH SUPPORTS THOSE IN NEED FROM WITHIN ITS RANKS AND THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED IT IN THE PAST

The Furniture Makers’ Company is the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry. We are a modern livery company whose membership comprises individuals and businesses that make up the diverse, vibrant and creative UK furnishing industry.

As an organisation, we are a force for good, and our members are the fuel that fire the engine and help us foster the trade by nurturing skills and expertise, inspiring excellence and supporting the welfare of furnishing industry people.

Welcome to our yearbook, which reflects on our numerous achievements from the past livery year. After two years of unpredictability brought about by the pandemic, we were pleased to return to normality in 2022-2023. Our programme of educational activity recommenced; we continued to recognise excellence in British design and manufacturing through our Guild Marks; and we bolstered our occupational welfare support provision at a time when the rising cost of living is affecting everyone.

2023 marks two very significant milestones for our organisation – the 120th anniversary of our charity and 60 years since we received livery status. While these anniversaries serve as a great opportunity for celebrating what we’ve achieved to date, our attention lies on the years ahead and the continued positive impact we want to have on the UK furnishing industry.

03–09

Introduction

10–19

Welfare 20–45

Excellence 46–55

Education 56–87

Membership