Picture caption: seen left to right from the BFC team are: Jonny Westbrooke (The Furniture Makers), Colin Watson (British Contract Furnishing Association), Paul von der Heyde (BFC chairman), Jessica Alexander (National Bed Federation), Jackie Bazeley (Association of British Furniture Manufacturers), Phil Reynolds (Furniture Industry Research Association), Pete Beele (BFC secretary)
The scale and diversity of Britain’s furniture industry was put on show for hundreds of MPs, peers and civil servants during a four day exhibition staged by The British Furniture Confederation (BFC) at the House of Commons.
As the voice of the British furniture and bed industry, the BFC showcased the excellence and variety of furniture manufactured in the UK, highlighting the fact that the industry contributes £7 billion to the economy and supports in excess of 100,000 jobs across more than 6,000 companies.
Said BFC chairman Paul von der Heyde: “The exhibition was a big success in terms of raising the profile of the industry and was seen by the many MPs, peers, civil servants attending the House and the hundreds visiting committee rooms during the four days it was on display.”
The high profile exhibition was held at the Upper Waiting Hall- the main foyer to committee rooms – from July 9 to 12. It included a display of office furniture, upholstery, domestic cabinet furniture, hospital and educational items, garden furniture, beds and pillows.
Said Paul von der Heyde: “The exhibition was sponsored by Stephen McPartland, MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group to whom we are very grateful.”
Picture shows: Steve McPartland, Furniture APPG chairman (left) and Paul von der Heyde, BFC chairman, at the House of Commons exhibition