Industry award winners demonstrating excellence in sustainability, education and training in the furniture sector have been named by national trade body the British Furniture Association (BFA).
The awards were announced by BFA MD Phil Spademan at a reception at the BFA’s Furniture Component Expo, held last month at the Telford International Centre.
He said: “Our Future of Furniture Awards are recognised as a hallmark of forward-thinking businesses. They provide an ideal opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the excellent work around training and sustainability that is happening in the furniture sector.”
Yorkshire-based Fibreline secured the top Excellence in Education accolade, which highlights excellence in training. Established in 1982, the company is one of the largest independently owned cushion fillings suppliers in the UK. The judges gave the award to Fibreline for its commitment to providing a pathway for talented trainees to work and thrive in the furniture manufacturing sector.
The award was presented to Richard Prudhoe, Fibreline’s MD, who said: “Our culture is to work together as a team, learn from one another, and grow from our experience. It's truly rewarding to see our dedication to enhancing training and development within the business acknowledged."
Peak Converters, a Wirksworth-based foam and fibre manufacturer, won the Excellence in Sustainability accolade. Its solar panel project impressed the judges – including Tom Malkin, sustainability expert at Planet Mark – as a model for integrating renewable energy solutions into existing manufacturing operations.
MD Mike Crowshaw said: “Sustainability takes centre stage in everything we do. We have significantly reduced our carbon footprint and advanced our commitment to sustainability.”
Employing more than 60 people on its Wirksworth site, Peak Converters manufactures foam and fibre components for hundreds of applications from upholstery to packaging to mattresses.
The awards also recognise an individual who has gone above and beyond to champion sustainability in the workplace. Harrison Spinks’ technical manager, Ethan McGuigan, secured the title of Sustainability Champion.
Ethan joined Harrison Spinks in 2022 as part of the sustainability team, with the task to further improve the company’s self-sufficient, vertical marketing ethos.
He says: “I was delighted to win this award and am committed to making Harrison Spinks the UK’s most sustainable bedmaker. Sustainability is not about drastic change - but focusing on responsible business and being more flexible to the changing business environment.”
Harrison Spinks designs and manufactures its own springs in-house at its Leeds site, as well as rearing sheep and growing natural hemp fibres and linen flax on its Yorkshire farm. It was the first bed manufacturer to win a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development, in 2013, and was recognised again in 2019, and most recently in 2024 with a King's Award.
Pictured: BFA chair Nick Garratt, Peak Converters’ MD Mike Crowshaw and BFA MD Phil Spademan
