Furniture manufacturers, retailers and suppliers that are making strides in sustainability and training have until the end of January to enter the British Furniture Association’s Future of Furniture Awards 2026.
The awards recognise the efforts of businesses that are blazing a trail in sustainable working practices, ESG reporting and education as well as individuals who are championing sustainable changes within their organisations.
Entry is a swift and simple process, says the BFA, whose members can download a short form for the category they wish to enter from the BFA website.
BFA MD Phil Spademan says: “The Future of Furniture Awards are part of BFA’s ongoing commitment to advocating for education and training across the industry, as well as advancing into a more sustainable future for all.
“The awards are a key opportunity members to highlight the work they are doing and demonstrate how the industry is making meaningful changes to help empower people and protect the environment.
“We’ve extended the deadline to January 30th to ensure that all BFA members have a chance to step into the spotlight.
“Entering the Future of Furniture Awards is a simple way to show customers and stakeholders that what they do is already embedded in how they work. Judged by independent experts, a short entry turns day-to-day environmental or training work into credible, third-party evidence of commitment.”
Judges of the Future of Excellence in Education Award will be looking for evidence of a commitment to providing a rewarding working and learning environment for new and existing staff of all ages, as well as details of partnerships and initiatives with other organisations such as colleges and schools to attract talent into the sector.
Criteria for the Future of Excellence in Sustainability Award includes evidence of a dedication to continuous improvements across the business, ambitions to become more sustainable over the next three and five years, ways people within the organisation have been empowered to create a more sustainable future and how a sustainable approach is communicated to staff and customers.
The focus on a commitment to sustainability also applies to judging for the Future of Excellence in ESG Reporting Award, which, in addition, requires a balance across all three areas of Environment, Social and Governance reporting, alongside a clear assessment of best practice, a defined timeline for change and a clear plan for the future.
The final award category recognises an individual working within a BFA member company, who will be named the BFA Future of Excellence – Sustainability Champion (pictured is the 2025 winner, Ethan McGuigan). Nominations should include examples of leadership in sustainability, a passion to empower others and evidence of challenges encountered and outcomes achieved.
Entry to all the award categories is free and BFA members can enter as many categories as they choose. The winners will be announced at a reception at the BFA’s Furniture Component Expo at Telford International Centre on March 11-12th.
To find out more about the Future of Furniture Awards, or to enter, click here.
