The British Furniture Association (BFA) has announced that the submission window for entries to the Future of Furniture Awards 2027 is now open.
A celebration of sustainability, education, ESG reporting and individual action, the Future of Furniture Awards recognise BFA members who demonstrate a commitment to excellence.
Judged by an independent panel, the awards are presented at BFA’s Furniture Component Expo (FCE), which returns to Telford International Centre in March.
“Submissions for the awards are now open and we are encouraging furniture manufacturers, suppliers and retailers of all sizes to showcase the work they have been doing in sustainable action, environmental care, education and social value," says BFA MD, Phil Spademan.
“Our members are leading by example through preserving skills, creating opportunities and protecting the planet, and they deserve to be recognised for that.”
The Future of Furniture Awards are presented across four categories:
Excellence in Education - Recognising BFA members who are successful in engaging and igniting a passion for talented trainees to work and thrive in the furniture sector, the award criteria includes showing a commitment to providing a rewarding working and learning environment for all staff as well as partnerships and initiatives designed to attract talent.
Excellence in Sustainability - Criteria for entries for this category include evidence of continuous improvement across the business, sustainable actions planned over the next three and five years, how people within the organisation have been empowered to create a more sustainable future and how this approach is communicated to staff and customers.
Excellence in ESG Reporting - Judges will be looking for evidence of a commitment to continuous improvement across the business as well as a balance across all three areas of reporting alongside engaging content that captivates readers and provides a clear assessment of best practice and performance in the three areas. Entrants will also need to show a defined timeline for change, setting out achievements and a clear plan for the future, as well as an overview across operations showing how teams and individuals are focused on a more sustainable future.
Sustainability Champion - Applicants can be nominated or put themselves forward in this category. Criteria include demonstrating a commitment to leading change in sustainability through promotion, networking, reporting and co-ordinating activities to deliver improvements, building on knowledge to educate and inform others and showing evidence of staff engagement and challenges encountered.
Phil Spademan said: “Inspiring case studies featuring past Future of Furniture Award winners are available on our website and we urge all BFA members to look at their achievements in these areas over the past year or two and consider submitting an entry for 2027.
The BFA website has a section dedicated to the Future of Furniture campaign, with a series of case studies:
Entries for the Future of Furniture Awards 2027 will remain open until Friday 22nd January 2027. The forms can be accessed here.
