KBzine: the original kitchen and bathroom industry e-news - since 2002
28th January 2021

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Moores head of product development, Andrew Story, appointed to FIRA Council

Andrew Story, head of product development at Moores Furniture Group, has become the latest Council member of the Furniture Industry Research Association. FIRA is a not-for-profit body and it is the Council's role to represent the needs of members and govern how funds are allocated, ensuring that projects undertaken are reflective of the furniture sector and will add value to the hundreds of organisations who are members.

Moores Furniture Group manufactures and installs kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture and accessories across the contract and retail markets. Moores has a three-brand strategy including the Affinity, Definitive and premium Roux Kitchen range in partnership with Michelin star Chef Michel Roux Jr.

Andrew was also a British Standards Institute committee member during the recent update of BS 6222-2:2009+A1:2017 Domestic kitchen equipment. Fitted kitchen units, peninsular units, island units and breakfast bars. Performance requirements and test methods and BS 6222-2:2017 and BS 6222-3:2017 Domestic kitchen equipment.
Performance requirements for durability of surface finish and adhesion of surfacing and edging materials. Specification.

The appointment of Andrew helps the bolster the Council's representation from the kitchen sector. Close to 10% of the Association's membership is from the kitchen sector, with a combined turnover of around £2 billion per annum.

Steve Parkin, CEO of Moores says: "We are very proud to have a FIRA council member as a designer and product developer on our team. Andrew's appointment demonstrates Moores' commitment to uphold the highest standards and lead by example in the furniture industry."

Speaking on Andrew's appointment, Phil Reynolds, chief operating office at FIRA, said: "It's a key priority to have a good balance of Council members to reflect the membership. We did identify that we had a gap from the kitchen sector and by Andy joining us we're readdressing this.

"It's only through having a cross-section of Council members that we can ensure that the Research Association delivers across the entire furniture sector, without bias towards one segment.

"A few months ago, Andy met the Council and both parties were eager for him to get on-board. I look forward to his participation in his first formal Council meeting in June and for the kitchen sector to once again have a stronger voice."

www.moores.co.uk / www.fira.co.uk

23rd May 2019