The furniture industry’s foundation is built on people and relationships. These relationships are not only between customers and suppliers but also within the businesses themselves. As a labour-intensive sector, furniture manufacturing – and the production of its essential components – faces significant challenges. Among the most pressing is the need to attract young talent into a environment that is often overlooked by the younger generation.
Fibreline understands this challenge well. A key supplier of upholstery kits and cushions to UK sofa manufacturers, the company has a long history of investing in technology to enhance product quality and streamline processes. At the same time, it also recognises that the future of the industry hinges on having a flexible, skilled and engaged workforce.
Fibreline employs almost 250 people, collectively boasting over 1,500 years of experience in manufacturing comfort solutions. The company’s private ownership – it is a family-owned and managed business, now in its fourth decade – allows it to make decisions with a focus on long-term objectives. With the third generation of the family now involved in the business, Fibreline remains committed to the continuous development of its team.
In 2019, Fibreline became an early adopter of the Degree Apprenticeship programme. This four-year scheme offers an alternative to traditional university education, allowing school leavers to work in the business four days a week while studying and attending university on the fifth day. This model enables participants to earn a degree without incurring debt. So far, two employees have graduated with a 2:1 degree, and seven more are enrolled in the scheme.
The company is a strong supporter of initiatives such as the British Furniture Manufacturers’ Future of Furniture campaign, emphasising the need to work together to attract young talent. The furniture sector offers a wide range of career opportunities in areas such as design, operations, distribution, sales, marketing and finance. More must be done to highlight these opportunities and make the industry an attractive career choice for the next generation.
Recognising that formal qualifications are not always the best fit for every role, Fibreline is developing Cushion College, an in-house training programme. This initiative is designed to ensure that the company’s skills remain strong and up-to-date, particularly in areas like the cutting and sewing department.
‘I am looking forward to seeing future graduates of Cushion College take the business to new heights, further cementing our reputation as a leader in comfort within the furniture industry. The company’s commitment to employee development is not just about maintaining current standards: it’s about driving the industry forward and ensuring a bright future for the next generation,’ says Richard Prudhoe, Fibreline md.
