The British Furniture Confederation (BFC) is pleased to recognise Stephen McPartland, who has been MP for Stevenage since 2010, for his outstanding support for the British furniture, furnishing and bed industry since he entered Parliament.
Stephen has been particularly involved in supporting the BFC’s campaigns to:limit the biomass subsidy for the burning of virgin timber for major electricity only generation, ensure that there is a full and not partial review of the flammability regulations,resist the impractical introduction of new general product safety regulations, gain trailblazer status for the industry’s apprenticeship scheme, manage the proper operation of European timber regulations, include the industry’s creative efforts within the Britain is Great campaign, gain support for the industry’s export efforts.
Paul von der Heyde, chairman of the BFC says: “Stephen has been an active and vocal advocate for our industry. He has chaired the All Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group and been a great supporter in our efforts to ensure that the Government’s legislation and activities have been as helpful to our Industry as possible.”
He has also helped with the BFC’s representations to the Departments of Business, Innovation and Skills; Energy and Climate Change; Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; the Treasury; Cabinet Office; and No 10.