The BFA has turned to seasoned industry executive Richard Naylor to boost members’ sustainability drive.
The association has hired Naylor as a consultant to create a plan that will help members understand their Net Zero journey and access the resources and accreditations they need.
Naylor has more than two decades of experiences in the UK furniture sector, including board positions at Steinhoff UK, Harrison Spinks and Hypnos.
‘I am passionate about helping the UK furniture industry become more sustainable and helping businesses build financial value or find lost financial value through the various opportunities that sustainability represents,’ he says.
A specialist in circular design and materials, Naylor is studying for a PhD in Design and is a fellow of several sustainability organisations, as well as being a guest lecturer on Cranfield University’s executive MBA course. He holds an MSc with distinction in Sustainability and a Level 7 apprenticeship as a sustainability business specialist.
Over the next year he will support the BFA’s plans to launch a sustainability steering group alongside a resource area on the association’s website.
This will provide policy templates and guides to help members navigate towards a more sustainable future, covering topic such as greenwashing guides to modern slavery statement templates.
A new guide to raw materials is also being produced to help members understand the sustainability aspects of the materials they employ, while the launch of a new blog will invite the industry to join the sustainability conversation.
‘Our aim is to champion sustainability in the British furniture industry by driving innovation, setting standards, and empowering our members to create a prosperous, greener and more socially just future. We’re delighted to have brought Richard on board. Not only does he have extensive expertise in sustainability, but also a strong background and deep links to the furniture industry across Britain,’ says Phil Spademan, BFA md.
