BFC Executive Meeting (26 July 2023 and 11 September 2023)
On 26 July 2023, the BFC Executive met to discuss several significant topics. These included apprenticeships in the furniture industry and the upcoming consultation regarding flammability regulations. The BFC Executive also discussed the implications of the recent by-elections on net zero policy. The meeting also examined the work of the APPFIG including a future state of the nation report and the revised rules governing All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs).
A further meeting took place on 11 September, where the primary topics of discussion included preparations for the upcoming APPFIG Meeting scheduled on 13 September, and the consultation on the fire safety of domestic upholstered furniture that has been launched over the summer. During this meeting, the BFC decided to meet more regularly due to the work needed by the BFC in preparation for the next General Election expected in Autumn 2024.
APPFIG Meetings (28 June 2023 and 13 September 2023)
The APPFIG met on 28 June 2023 and heard from a guest speaker – Dr Ruth L Mallors-Ray OBE, Chair of the Strategy Board of the Advanced Machinery and Productivity Institute (AMPI). Ruth kindly agreed to share her insights and expertise with the APPFIG and set out the ambitious plans for AMPI and its relevance to the furniture industry. More information on the work of AMPI can be found at: www.ampi.org.uk.
The APPFIG also discussed Fire Safety Regulations, Apprenticeships and offered feedback on the Confederation Lunch.
On 13 September 2023, the APPFIG discussed ongoing matters relating to the consultation on fire safety regulations for domestic upholstered furniture. The Group agreed to meet again later in the year and to invite Minister Hollinrake to meet with the Group.
Survey Meeting (4 July 2023)
On 4 July 2023, the members of the BFC Executive held a meeting to discuss the survey work being undertaken by each of the trade associations that are members of the BFC. The key aim of the meeting was to explore better coordination of member surveys.
During the meeting, the BFC reviewed their respective surveys and discussed ways to align them more closely. Additional questions were proposed that could be included in future surveys to ensure similarity and consistency in the data collected.
At the meeting, it was agreed that as the surveys would be conducted at different times of the year, with some members conducting their surveys immediately and others in the Autumn, the BFC Executive would compare the answers and findings from these surveys in October, once all the surveys had been completed. By doing so, the BFC aimed to generate comprehensive insights and a holistic understanding of the sector and its challenges.
Carpet Recycling UK – new member of the BFC
Carpet Recycling UK became a member on 1 July 2023 and commenced attending Executive meetings.
Ongoing engagement with Government Departments
The BFC has continued to liaise with Civil Servants in the Department of Business and Trade (formerly BEIS) to ensure that industry concerns and issues are brought to the immediate attention of ministers. These have included labour shortages, business rates relief, the future of the super-deduction capital allowance, skills and training, the cost of energy, and supply chain challenges.
Flammability Regulations
The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (amended 1989, 1993 and 2010) are UK law and designed to ensure that upholstery components and composites used for furniture supplied in the UK meet specified ignition resistance levels.
On 2 August 2023, the Office for Product Safety and Standards and the Department for Business and Trade, published a consultation document entitled “Smarter Regulation: Fire Safety of Domestic Upholstered Furniture.”
The consultation proposes changes in various aspects of fire safety regulations for domestic upholstered furniture, including scope, essential safety requirements, conformity assessment, labelling, technical documentation, implementation timeline, and measures to reduce chemical flame retardants. The consultation closes on 24 October 2023.
This was discussed at the BFC Executive Meeting on 11 September 2023 and the APPFIG meeting on 13 September 2023. The BFC Executive plan to respond as one organisation, and the individual trade association members also plan to respond.
Waste Prevention Plan
The BFC Executive has worked with the All-Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group to raise industry concerns with Rebecca Pow MP, Minister for Environment Quality and Resilience, regarding the publication of the Waste Prevention Programme. After considerable delay, The Waste Prevention Plan for England was published on 10 August 2023.
British-made furniture and furnishings for Schools
The BFC raised the issue of school buildings during the APPFIG meeting on 28 June and 13 September, acknowledging that there was an opportunity for the furniture industry to play a role in manufacturing better furniture to meet the needs arising from the changing pedagogy in schools.