The Furniture Makers' Company has launched a new award that is designed to “encourage and reward the export efforts of UK furnishing manufacturers”, with entries open to any furnishings company that manufactures in the UK.
According to the charity, the award “will consider all aspects of how a business operates, including development initiatives, overseas markets penetrated, volumes, growth, techniques, long-term commitment and relevant accreditation”.
The Export Award, which was launched today (4 July), is open to any furnishings company, including bedding, flooring and furniture, that manufactures in Great Britain.
The United Kingdom has a balance of trade deficit in excess of £3.3 billion in regards to furniture, furnishings and bedding. Recognising the need to help repair the UK’s balance of trade, The Furniture Makers’ Company will acknowledge companies currently excelling in export and promote them through the new award as an example to others.
“The goal of the Export Award is to recognise and champion companies that are flying the flag for British manufacture in export markets,” said Manufacturing Guild Mark Committee chairman Paul von der Heyde.
“The UK has a great tradition of fine furniture, bedding and furnishing design and manufacturing and, while imitations are often manufactured overseas, there is an increasing demand for ‘the real thing’,” he added.
The deadline for entries is 31st August 2016. To find out more and enter, go to furnituremakers.org.uk/excellence
The Furniture Makers' Company is a registered charity that seeks to help everyone involved with the exciting and creative world of British furniture making, whether a student, designer, maker, business owner, retailer or employee past or present and in addition to the Export Award, the Furniture Makers' Company also offer grants, services, time and support to all involved.
Corporate Members of Furniture Makers' Company include household names such as Ikea, Blum, DFS, Howdens, John Lewis, M&S, and SilentNight plus organisations such as the Institute of Kitchen, Bedroom & Bathroom Installers and the Furniture Makers Ombudsman.