10 December 2024, 02:09
By Furniture News Feb 28, 2024

Sofamaker rejoins industry livery company/charity

Upholstery manufacturer Whitemeadow Furniture has joined The Furniture Makers’ Company as a corporate member.

With its origins dating back to the 1980s, Whitemeadow is one of the UK’s largest independent upholstery manufacturers, using the latest technology and skilled craftspeople to stay at the forefront of the sector. Headquartered in Sutton in Ashfield, it has four sites in Nottinghamshire, providing 350,000 sqft of manufacturing space. With a 560-strong team, the company supplies many high street names and independent retailers with its 100% British-designed-and-made upholstery.

Over the last few years, Whitemeadow has continued to support The Furniture Makers’ Company’s charitable activities and industry events despite having let its corporate membership lapse in the midst of the Covid disruption. It is now keen to once again play an active role in the future of the industry.

Whitemeadow's CFO Michael Clarridge says: “The Furniture Makers’ Company is at the heart of the industry, and we believe that it is vital to be part of it. As well as feeling that it is right to be represented, we are committed to contributing to the sector’s continued success.

“There are also sound business reasons for corporate membership, such as raising awareness of Whitemeadow and shoring up our own CSR activities. From an HR perspective, it gives us the opportunity to be at the forefront of industry initiatives to support young talent and, as a major employer, we have also seen first-hand the positive impact the organisation has had on the lives of some of our team.”

Whitemeadow Furniture will be formally welcomed as a corporate member at an admission ceremony in June at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London. CEO Andrew Kitchen, Michael Clarridge, and head of group human resources Sarah-Jane Hutchinson will be admitted as corporate liverymen and personally welcomed by the master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, Amanda Waring, who says: “Whitemeadow is one of our long-time supporters and we are pleased to welcome them back. After a few tough years for the furniture industry, along with many others, it’s pleasing to see firms once again keen to re-establish themselves and play a proactive part in the sector’s continued success.”

© 2013 - 2024 Gearing Media Group Ltd. All Rights Reserved.