As well as opportunities to give back to the industry, membership of The Furniture Makers’ Company – the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry – brings a host of benefits, explains its senior warden and membership co-chairman, Jessica Alexander …
When I first joined The Furniture Makers’ Company (then the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers) over 20 years ago, little did I know that a whole new world would open up before me.
It wouldn’t be exaggerating to say that becoming a member has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding things I have done throughout my almost-50 years in the industry.
If you are active in the furniture industry, you may well have been asked to put your hand in your pocket on more than one occasion to support the company, which has been the industry’s only charity since 2013, when it merged with the Furnishing Industry Trust, formerly FTBA. But joining the company is a whole other level and brings with it so much more than just a sense of temporary satisfaction from an occasional donation or attendance at a fundraising event.
So, over and above that warm fuzzy feeling of doing good, what else do you get from becoming a member?
A unique platform for personal and professional growth
If you get involved, join committees and come to events, you’ll get access to an unparalleled network of peers, leaders and innovators. Whether you work in design, manufacturing, retail, upholstery, craft, education or supply chains, the livery brings together professionals from every corner of the industry – the only organisation to do so. This creates opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and knowledge exchange that rarely exist elsewhere in such a concentrated and supportive form.
Get connected
The livery acts as a powerful voice for the industry, promoting high standards, celebrating craftmanship and advocating for skills development. As a member you become part of this collective effort. Engaging in networking events, lectures, factory visits – both in London or around the country (thanks to the efforts of our regional committees) – keeps you informed about market trends, sustainability initiatives, manufacturing innovations and policy developments that shape the UK furniture and furnishings landscape. Staying connected in this way can help you broaden your expertise, spark new ideas and stay competitive in an evolving marketplace.
Have a positive lasting impact on future generations
One of the livery’s most crucial charitable roles is nurturing future talent and raising the profile of the British furniture trade. There are plenty of initiatives aimed at helping students, apprentices and early-career professionals, ranging from awards programmes to educational outreach and the amazing annual New Makers Exhibition for schools and colleges
Join a community that will enrich your life
Becoming a member also brings with it a strong sense of heritage, purpose and community. The organisation’s long-standing tradition of fellowship – rooted in centuries of livery movement history – offers something deeper than a typical trade association. Members join a community built on shared values – integrity, education and a commitment to strengthening the industry for future generations. This spirit of camaraderie is reinforced through social events, formal dinners and charitable fundraising that brings together members in meaningful ways. And they are really enjoyable and fun too!
For people working in the UK furniture and furnishings sector, I think the case for joining is compelling. Whether you’re new to the industry, mid-career or, like me, an industry ‘lifer’ – whether you’re seeking professional development, better industry insight, new relationships or a way to give back, the community offers an inclusive and unique environment to achieve these goals. It connects individuals not just to each other but to the wider story of the British furniture and furnishings industry – its traditions, innovations and aspirations.
And perhaps most important of all, none of it would happen without members.
Find out more about joining The Furniture Makers' Company here.
