Commercial Interiors UK is pleased to share the first edition of BFC Review, a new bulletin from the British Furniture Confederation, introduced by BFC Chairman Tony Attard OBE.
As a member of the BFC, Commercial Interiors UK helps ensure that the voice of the commercial interiors sector is represented within the wider furniture, furnishings and flooring industry. This gives our accredited members a direct connection to policy discussion, sector-wide collaboration and advocacy at government level, supporting the issues that matter most to our industry, from skills and exports to standards, regulation and sustainability.
In this inaugural edition, Tony reflects on the role of the BFC, its work with government and Parliament, and the importance of strengthening representation for the UK’s furniture, furnishings and flooring sector.
Welcome to BFC Review
Dear Colleague,
Welcome to the first edition of BFC Review.
I'm Tony Attard, Chairman of the British Furniture Confederation (BFC) and Panaz Group, and I'm delighted to introduce this new bulletin for our members and partners across the furniture and beds, furnishings, and flooring (FFF) sector.
As this is our inaugural edition, I'd like to pause and reflect on who we are, what we do, and why our work matters. Future editions will take a more streamlined approach.
Who we are
This year marks 20 years since the BFC was established in 2006. Over the past two decades, we have continued to serve as the trusted, single voice of the UK's FFF sector.
Ours is a significant industry. Collectively, we contribute around £40 billion to the UK economy through manufacturing, retail, and associated activities, while supporting more than 230,000 jobs across over 30,000 businesses. These are impressive figures, particularly given the challenging trading environment many businesses continue to face.
The BFC brings together the leading trade associations representing our sector: the British Furniture Association (BFA), Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA), National Bed Federation (NBF), and the UK Sustainable Flooring Alliance (UKSFA) and Commercial Interiors UK (CIUK). We also work closely with the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers (WCoFM).
The BFC also funds the Secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group (APPFIG), which works to raise awareness of the FFF sector in both Houses of Parliament and champion its contribution to the UK economy, helping to safeguard jobs, investment, and growth.
Supporting our Board is the BFC Public Affairs Advisory Council (PAAC), which brings together representatives from our member trade associations to ensure that our policy priorities remain firmly rooted in the needs of the wider industry.
What we do
The BFC exists to champion policies that support the long-term success of our sector. Our work focuses on four key pillars (in no particular order):
- Skills and Education
- Trade and Exports
- Standards and Regulations
- Environment and the Circular Economy.
- Through constructive engagement, collaboration, and informed advocacy, we work to ensure the interests of the FFF sector are represented at the highest levels of UK government and policymaking.
Over the coming year, we'll continue to focus on the issues that matter most to our members, helping businesses navigate change while identifying opportunities for future growth, innovation, and investment.
In an increasingly complex and fast-moving environment, building trust and maintaining strong relationships across government, Parliament, and industry has never been more important. Ensuring our members' voices are heard remains at the heart of everything we do.
To support this work, I'm pleased to welcome Adam Honeysett-Watts as our new Public Affairs & Communications Director. Adam will help strengthen our engagement with policymakers, stakeholders, and the wider industry as we continue to raise the profile and influence of our sector. He is also a Court Assistant of the Worshipful Company of Communicators.
Looking ahead
Through BFC Review, we'll keep you informed about the PAAC and APPFIG, parliamentary engagement, consultations, industry developments, livery news, and upcoming events.
This bulletin is intended to be a valuable resource for our members, and I hope you will find it both informative and useful. If there are issues, insights, or stories you would like us to feature, please contact your trade association(s) or do feel free to get in touch with me directly.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. I look forward to working with you as we build on the achievements of the past twenty years and shape an even stronger future for the FFF industry!
Best wishes,
Tony Attard OBE
Chairman
British Furniture Confederation