The Furniture Makers’ Company is the City of London livery company and charity for the UK furnishing industry. With a history dating back to 1952 and livery status granted in 1963, it serves as a powerful unifying body for all professionals and businesses involved in the design, manufacture, retail, and installation of furniture and furnishings.
Individuals and companies alike join The Furniture Makers’ Company not only to network but also to contribute to a more supportive, sustainable, and skilled industry.
For individuals, joining the Company offers a unique opportunity to become part of a prestigious professional community that spans the entire furnishing sector. Members range from young designers and makers to senior executives of major brands. The Company provides a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and personal development. Through events, talks, awards, and mentoring, individuals can broaden their horizons, access career-enhancing opportunities, and build long-lasting professional relationships. For those who value heritage and tradition, membership also offers a tangible connection to the rich history of British craftsmanship, supported by the ceremonial and philanthropic activities of the City livery movement.
The charitable mission of The Furniture Makers’ Company is a major draw for both individuals and organisations. As the industry’s dedicated charity, it provides financial support and practical assistance to current and former employees in times of hardship, from illness and redundancy to family crises. Members take pride in giving back to their professional community, knowing their contributions help protect vulnerable colleagues and safeguard the industry’s long-term well-being.
For companies, joining the Company – particularly through corporate membership – signals a commitment to excellence, ethics, and industry stewardship. It provides businesses with public recognition and reputational benefits, aligning their brand with the highest standards of social responsibility. Corporate members often take part in judging and sponsoring awards, hosting educational visits, and shaping sector-wide initiatives. This involvement not only raises their profile but helps nurture the next generation of skilled workers through the Company’s educational and training partnerships.
Another compelling reason to join is the opportunity to influence the future of the industry. The Furniture Makers’ Company champions sustainable practices, technological innovation, and design excellence. It provides a neutral forum where industry leaders can collaborate, share insights, and address common challenges - from skills shortages to supply chain resilience. Companies and individuals engaged with the Company often find themselves at the heart of important conversations that shape policy and drive progress.
In essence, joining The Furniture Makers’ Company is about more than prestige or tradition - it’s about being part of a dynamic, supportive community with a shared purpose: to strengthen the UK furnishing industry. Whether through philanthropy, mentorship, advocacy, or celebration, members play a meaningful role in preserving the past, empowering the present, and securing the future of one of Britain’s most creative and vital sectors.
