The UK Government has been urged to provide the furniture industry with a timetable for changes to flammability regulations and that they reflect modern life.
Progress on updating the rules has been slowed because of ministerial changes and industry needs time to adjust to changes, including developing tests, Brian Ahern, FIRA chairman and British Furniture Confederation director told attendees at the BFC’s annual lunch networking event at the Houses of Parliament (pictured).
‘Following the Government’s long-awaited response to the 2023 review of the Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations, we continue to monitor developments very closely. The Government has recognised the vital role that robust fire-safety regulations play in protecting consumers while signalling a clear intention to reduce reliance on chemical flame retardants,’ the former Furniture Makers Company master and BFA chairman said.
‘Recent ministerial changes at Department for Business and Trade have slowed progress, and the industry urgently needs clarity on the final regulatory position and the timeline for implementation. Future testing regimes must reflect modern risks – such as the declining relevance of smouldering-cigarette ignition tests and the rising concerns around lithium-ion batteries in household devices. Developing and validating these new tests will take time, and we urge DBT to provide an indicative timetable as soon as possible.’
The event saw Tony Attard, new BFC chairman set out his plans for the group. Under my chairmanship, the BFC will focus on defending British enterprise and driving growth through action, not words. We will defend British business from excessive taxation, reframe the productivity debate as a national – not just industrial – challenge and hold government to account for damaging legislation that undermines confidence and investment.
‘We will champion the creative industries, push for fair and competitive business rates and energy tariffs, align education with the skills our industries need, and promote practical, proportionate regulation. We will strengthen partnerships with trade bodies and Parliament to turn these priorities into real progress.’
Adam Thompson, All-Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group chairman and Labour MP for Erewash, told guests: ‘I will continue working with the DBT and other departments to ensure British furniture manufacturing receives the recognition it deserves in the national industrial strategy. The sector also faces wider challenges – from fair trading conditions and tariffs on imports to evolving environmental and regulatory frameworks.
‘I welcome the collaboration with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on circular-economy policy and encourage continued engagement from across the industry. When businesses are involved early in shaping regulation, the outcomes are better for consumers, for growth and for sustainability. The furniture, furnishings and flooring sectors show what Britain can achieve when craftsmanship and innovation come together, and I will continue to champion this industry in Westminster.’
