Preparations for the inaugural Furniture Component Expo are in full swing and enthusiastic support is already being expressed across the sector, writes British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM) MD, Phil Spademan.
The Furniture Component Expo (FCE) will be the first boutique show in the UK that is specifically tailored to the furniture industry and will take place in April 2024 at Telford International Centre.
During a webinar this week, I had the pleasure of chatting about plans for the FCE with Andy Corbett of Vita Group and Nichola Bell at Alpha Design and getting their feedback on this exciting new project for the BFM.
The appeal for BFM is that it’s a platform for our Associate members to meet furniture manufacturers in a face-to-face setting.
We’ve got a fantastic furniture industry in the UK with pioneering suppliers that are bringing innovations all the time and this is an opportunity to link our industry together.
We know exhibitors are hoping to attract a broad spectrum of visitors, not just buyers but specifiers and heads of sustainability. This type of event is an opportunity for new inspirations and ideas to germinate, as well as a chance to promote products and services across the whole supply chain.
The show will give businesses the chance to meet with new suppliers and discuss options for future projects, as well as find out about new innovations, what the trends are, a spectrum of suppliers in the market, where people are on their sustainability path and new product ideas.
Although the show is called the Furniture Component Expo, it’s more than just components. We aim to see end-to-end of the supply chain, including machine suppliers, logistics, home delivery, insurance, IT and software, and training providers, alongside transport, packaging solutions and fleet information.
This isn’t just a show for widgets and bits and bobs, this is everything a furniture manufacturer needs for their business, as well as their products.
We’re also having a seminar theatre covering topics such as sustainability and automation – key issues for people to discuss. It’s a great space to network, which is a key part of exhibiting either with existing suppliers or new ones.
The FCE is a great benefit to BFM Members and non-members, offering a platform to generate business and form links across the industry.
Non-members are also welcome to visit and exhibit at the event – the show is for the furniture industry as a whole and we aim to see a mix of members and non-members enjoying themselves on the day.
The FCE is one of many industry-centred benefits for BFM Members. Industry-specific news is another popular benefit for BFM Members, enabling them to promote their business in a positive manner while also receiving technical and legislative guidance.
We’ve still got six months to go and we’re excited that we’re nearly 50% sold, which for a first show we’re very happy with, but we would like to see more exhibitors and more variety from other types of industries.
If you are interested, please do get in touch at https://wkf.ms/3Nc82ES
Find out more at www.fcexpo.co.uk/exhibit-sponsor/ and register to visit at www.fcexpo.co.uk/visit/
