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28th January 2021
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FIRA and The Furniture Ombudsman visited by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers
Early this year, The Furniture Industry Research Association and The Furniture Ombudsman were visited by Hugh Garforth-Bles and Charles Kerrigan, Master and Clerk of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers.
The visitors met with FIRA Chief Operating Officer and WCFM Liveryman Jonny Westbrooke, as well as Kevin Grix, Head of The Furniture Ombudsman and WCFM Freeman.
Hugh and Charles visited FIRA to gather a more in-depth understanding of the multi-dimensional organisation which covers all aspects of the furniture industry including furniture testing, consultancy and training, as well as housing The Furniture Ombudsman. The visitors were also given a tour of FIRA's renowned furniture testing centre, which tests furniture, materials and components to British, European and International Standards.
The WCFM works to promote and develop the design, making and selling of furniture in the UK, and its marketing worldwide. This complements the work of FIRA, which supports the whole global furniture supply chain; and also The Furniture Ombudsman which helps to raise standards and inspire consumer confidence in the furniture and home improvement industries.
Commenting, Kevin said: "The City Livery Companies have a reputation for promoting quality, welfare and education. The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers continues to serve an important and modern purpose to the UK furniture industry. It is highly regarded for its charitable work and for the way in which it promotes training, education and supports aspiring students.
"I believe that training and education go hand in hand with improvement and quality, so it was an honour to welcome the Master and Clerk to our offices to discuss our work and how our training and advice is helping to raise standards."
Hugh Garforth-Bles is the 50th Master of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers. Each year a new person fulfils the role of Master of the WCFM. In 2008, the role was held by FIRA Council member Margaret Miller, who was the first woman to occupy the position. It is hoped that a visit to FIRA by the new Master of the WCFM is to become an annual event.
Caption: (from left) Hugh Garforth-Bles, Jonny Westbrooke, Kevin Grix and Charles Kerrigan
T: +44 (0)1438 777 796
F: +44 (0)1438 777800
E: [email protected]
www.fira.co.uk / www.thefurnitureombudsman.org
27th January 2012