Momentum is building for the British Furniture Association’s (BFA) pioneering component trade show. Expanding on its initial success, the Furniture Component Expo (FCE) promises a packed agenda of seminars, talks and additional attractions.
The expo returns to Telford International Centre from 19-20th March, with a host of new exhibitors for 2025.
A first for the industry, the initial event – held in April last year – provided opportunities for delegates to explore products, network, gain industry insights and more.
The show was given a vote of approval by visitors, exhibitors and sponsors, who welcomed the one-stop-shop format, which allows manufacturers to review and purchase products across the whole furniture supply chain from leading suppliers.
Its success was reflected by the fact that Vita Group, BeA Group and Carpenter Limited all renewed sponsorship arrangements in the middle of 2024, with Prima Tooling joining the headline sponsors earlier this year and Furniture & Joinery Production Magazine sponsoring the seminar theatre and drinks reception.
“The Furniture Component Expo 2025 is cementing its position as the industry event that is all about backing British furniture manufacturing,” says BFA MD, Phil Spademan. “Following the success of our launch show last year, we’ve seen incredible momentum.
“This year, we achieved an 80% rebook rate – a clear testament to the value and ROI the expo delivers. We’ve also expanded the expo, with 50% of exhibitors attending for the first time this year, drawn by the event’s growing reputation and the tangible benefits it provides.”
The event format
Delegates heading to Telford will once again be able to browse product ranges and talk to suppliers, as well as network and collaborate with colleagues.
There will also be the chance to attend a range of interesting industry discussions in the seminar theatre.
The seminar agenda is almost finalised with talks on industry-critical topics including ESG, Intellectual Property, Technology, and health guidance all confirmed.
Sessions will also include Unravelling EU Policy & Regulations – sustainable product design, product labelling and digital passports with Q&A alongside the ‘Sit On This!’ podcast, hosted by Vicky Grubb and Ray Clarke.
This year, visitors can expect more attractions too, including Erdem Fabrics who will be running a competition, ‘Guess the Fabric Weight’ where delegates can visit their stand (number 9) to test their knowledge of fabric, examining the five samples on display and guess their weight (per metre) and composition. The closest guess wins and each participant is allowed one entry per day, with the prize being a gift card worth £500 to spend on fabric, available both days of the exhibition.
Isaac Lord, stand 64, is also running a competition, ‘How Many Lamello Biscuits are in the Blum Legrabox Drawer?’, which will run over the two-day expo. The closest to the correct number will win a £250 Isaac Lord Voucher.
JET PRESS, stand 48, a leading supplier of T-Nuts, challenges you to estimate the total distance covered if all the T-Nuts they sold in 2024 were lined up end-to-end. A thrilling £150 Virgin Experience Days Gift Card awaits the winner.
And delegates who leave their business card in the slotted box at The Insert Company’s stand will be in with the chance to win a £50 Amazon voucher.
Future of furniture
As part of the FCE, a special reception will be held to announce the winners of BFA’s Future of Furniture Awards.
These awards recognise projects and businesses that focus on sustainability and education, shining a spotlight on some of the excellent work around training and sustainability that is happening in the sector.
One individual – nominated by their employer for going above and beyond to champion sustainability in the workplace – will also be named Future of Excellence Sustainability Champion.
Judges for the Future of Furniture Awards include Amanda Moore, Managing Director of Achieve & Partners and Tom Malkin, a sustainability expert at Planet Mark.
The venue
The venue for FCE, the Telford International Centre, was widely recognised by last year’s attendees and exhibitors for a range of features across the board.
This included transportation, with the location served by motorway and rail networks, as well as the ease of access for those moving exhibition materials in and out of the site.
This year there’s free, spacious parking right at the entrance of the exhibition hall, making it a seamless experience from door to door for visitors.
BFA members will have free access to Club BFA, an exclusive lounge where refreshments will be available over the two days.
“The FCE is made possible through the support of our sponsors who have recognised the value that the event brings to the sector,” concludes BFA MD, Phil Spademan. “The first show of its kind in the UK to bring specific focus to the supply side of the furniture industry, it is designed to meet the needs of large and small makers of furniture including beds, mattresses, cabinet and upholstery.”
Expo delegates are invited to register for free at: https://rb.gy/6mcqfg
