The Furniture Makers' Company has hosted its fourth annual Confederation Lunch in The Churchill Room at the House of Commons on March 26. The event was attended by industry's most prominent figures such as MPs to discuss the relevant issues most affecting the industry. Stephen McPartland, Chairman of the APPFG, was the parliamentary host and keynote speaker.
The Confederation lunch acts as an important networking event of the year for its corporate members, allowing them direct access to the heads of the trade bodies that make up the British Furniture Confederation (BFC) and MPs of the All Party Parliamentary Furniture Group (APPFG).
Jonny Westbrooke, Chief Executive and Clerk of the Furniture Makers, highlighted some of the key initiatives that have taken place during the year following the merger with the Furniture Industry Trust, including the growth of the Company's corporate membership base, the Company's charitable activities, and the plans to expand the Company's involvement with young people and graduates coming into the industry.
Jonathan Hindle, Master of The Furniture Makers' Company, commented on this occassion, "This event is an important opportunity for Parliament to hear what our corporate members need to keep growing successful businesses, vital for the UK's economic recovery."
"The manufacturing industry in the UK is worth £10 billion, representing 1.7% GDP. The furnishing industry as a whole is estimated to be worth £20 billion, employs 250,000 and makes a contribution of 3.4% of GDP."
