David Gascoigne, new Long Eaton Guild chairman has set out his vision for the group’s members.
Gascoigne, Gascoigne Designs md has succeeded Andrew Mitchell, Artistic Upholstery md in the role.
He says the guild has an increasingly important role to play, not only as organiser of the Long Point exhibitions, but as the collective voice of Long Eaton’s furniture industry: championing British manufacturing, supporting its members and ensuring the town continues to be recognised nationally and internationally for excellence in upholstery and furniture making.
The core of his vision is a renewed focus on promoting Long Eaton as the home of British quality upholstery, celebrating the exceptional craftsmanship, heritage and manufacturing expertise that continue to distinguish its members.
He hopes to explore the creation of an official Long Eaton Guild Quality Mark. Awarded exclusively to furniture manufactured by guild members, he says it would provide retailers and consumers with confidence that products carrying the mark have been made in Britain by recognised manufacturers committed to the guild’s standards of quality, craftsmanship and integrity.
He wants to increase the Guild’s presence across the wider furniture industry by promoting Long Eaton collectively at carefully selected UK and international trade exhibitions, creating greater awareness of the Guild and showcasing the quality, innovation and craftsmanship of its members to new audiences.
The Spring and Autumn Long Point exhibitions will remain central to the guild. Gascoigne hopes to develop the visitor experience by encouraging buyers to spend more time in the town through closer partnerships with local hotels, restaurants and hospitality venues, alongside informal networking opportunities that strengthen relationships across the industry and encourage visitors to explore more guild member showrooms.
‘The guild has an important role to play in promoting careers within furniture manufacturing, helping preserve traditional skills while embracing innovation to ensure Britain’s upholstery industry continues to thrive for decades to come,’ he says.
‘Long Eaton has something incredibly special. We have generations of knowledge, exceptional craftsmanship and businesses that continue to manufacture world-class furniture here in Britain. My ambition is for the guild to become recognised not simply as the organiser of Long Point, but as the collective voice of British quality upholstery-championing our manufacturers, protecting our heritage and promoting Long Eaton as the home of British craftsmanship throughout the UK and overseas.
‘The guild has always been strongest when its members work together. By sharing ideas, supporting one another and promoting ourselves collectively, we can continue to strengthen Long Eaton’s reputation and create new opportunities for every member.
‘Andrew has made an enormous contribution to the guild over many years. His leadership, commitment and passion have helped strengthen both the guild and Long Point, and I know everyone associated with the organisation is extremely grateful for everything he has achieved. I look forward to building on the strong foundations he has helped create.’
‘It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman and to work alongside so many passionate people who care deeply about the future of furniture manufacturing in Long Eaton. David brings extensive experience, genuine enthusiasm and a clear vision for the guild’s future,’ says Mitchell.
Iain Mitchell, Iain James Furniture md will continue as the guild’s treasurer.
