Bed chain and manufacturer Bensons for Beds has become the latest corporate member of The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and furnishing industry charity.
‘The British bed industry is unique, not only do we benefit from a vibrant base of manufacturers here in the UK, but the industry is fortunate that there is so much investment in product development. By joining The Furniture Makers’ Company, we will be able to play a bigger role in driving the sector’s continued success as part of our commitment to expertise, people and operations,’ says David Jameson, Bensons for Beds commercial director.
‘As members of a larger organisation, we plan to participate in peer-to-peer conversations and build relationships with the common goal of moving mattress development forward. We’re also keen to share our expertise by finding ways of increasing diversity in the industry and making it more accessible to people with particular needs or difficulties. Quality and craftmanship is, of course, key with many processes still being manual and we want to raise awareness of this as well as attracting more talent to the sector.
‘We see ourselves as leaders rather than followers and membership of the industry’s livery company and charity will help support our aim of increasing the profile of British manufacturing and taking it to the next level.’
The company will be formally welcomed as a corporate member at an admission ceremony in June at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London. Jamieson; Matthew Richardson, operations director and Linda Sleath, chief people officer, will be admitted as corporate liverymen and personally welcomed by Amanda Waring, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company.
‘We’re excited to see another dynamic British manufacturer and retailer whose vision and principles align so closely with our own joining the livery company. It’s very encouraging to see so many businesses committed to taking the industry forward,’ says Waring.
