Eight new freemen were recently welcomed to the Furniture Makers' Company at its Common Hall event (annual general meeting) on Thursday 10th April.
The new freemen were formally admitted to the Company at a ceremony held at Furniture Makers’ Hall in London. They included:
- Nigel Gearing, chairman of Gearing Media. Nigel founded Gearing Media in 1982, which publishes Furniture News, the UK’s leading trade publication for the domestic furniture industry. His company continues to be a key voice through its print and digital platforms.
- Lynda Corrigan, managing director of DPG Foam Convertors Ltd, leads the family business, established in 1991, which supplies foam products to the furniture industry for sofas, seating, mattresses, and more. Under her leadership, the company continues to be a vital supplier to the sector.
- Annik Heal, a new partner freeman, has a longstanding connection with the Company as the wife of the late liveryman Oliver Heal. Annik is a trained ballerina and dance teacher from the Royal Ballet School, bringing artistic elegance and cultural richness to the community.
- Sahika Karagoz, managing director of Erdem Fabrics, becomes a freeman following her leadership in the third generation of her family business. With over six decades of heritage, Erdem Fabrics designs textile collections for interiors. Sahika’s previous career in retail banking and her financial expertise support the business’s continued innovation.
- Alex Muradian, principal of Oyster Studio Furniture, joins from the United States. Alex leads two companies: Oyster Studio Furniture, which creates bespoke furniture using traditional and modern methods, and Oyster Wellness, which crafts custom meditation seating. He began his career with training at Williams & Cleal.
