A record 20 people working in the UK furniture and furnishing industry, including two members of the Furniture News team, have been admitted as freemen of The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company.
The new freemen, who represent all sectors from the wider trade, were admitted at a ceremony at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London last night (Tuesday 9th April).
The admission ceremony was presided over by Amanda Waring, master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, along with: Brian Ahern, senior warden; and Debbie Johnson, junior warden. As part of the ceremony, the 20 new freemen declared their support to the company and signed a declaration.
The new freemen are: Tom Addison, founder, Tom Addison Fine Furniture; Jarrad Belton, tutor, The Farnham School of Furniture Making; Finlay Champion, cabinetmaker, Edward Johnson; Richard Chapman, French polisher, Chapman Brothers French Polishers; Mark Denby, head of sales, Saxon Furniture; Simon Elliott, MD, Halstock Cabinet Makers; Sean Evelegh, designer-maker, Sean Evelegh; Paul Farley, editor-in-chief, Gearing Media Group (Furniture News);
Geoffrey Fowler, CEO and principal, The London Design & Engineering University Technical College; Tim Higham, founder, Higham Furniture; Sam Horscroft, sales and marketing director, Gearing Media Group (Furniture News); Lynne Isham, founder, The Modern Garden Company; Derek Jones, subject lead, The London Design & Engineering University Technical College; Tab van der Lande, designer-maker, Sebastian Cox; Keith Lovelace, MD, Ideas; Merianne Molina-Pethers, ecommerce business owner, Luce Interiors; Thomas O’Neill, senior design and projects engineer, Race Furniture; Anna Parkinson, operations manager, Make An Entrance; David Sentance, general manager, Spradling UK Ltd; and James White, operations director, Halstock Cabinet Makers.
Furniture News' Paul Farley says: “I’ve worked closely with The Furniture Makers’ Company during many years spent editing the industry’s leading trade magazine – helping share and promote its aims, and more recently playing an active role in its communications strategy – and I decided it was high time to make my participation official!”
Furniture News' Sam Horscroft comments: “I'm delighted to join the Furniture Makers as a freeman. Having now worked as advertising and marketing director for Furniture News trade magazine for 19 years and counting, I want to give back to the furniture industry. To raise funds, share ideas and help move forward with others in our industry will be a wonderful contribution.”
After the ceremony, the new freemen joined other members at the company’s AGM, known as Common Hall, before a drinks reception.
Amanda Waring, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, says: “The Furniture Makers’ Company is a modern livery company whose membership comprises of individuals and businesses that make up the diverse, vibrant and creative UK furnishing industry. We are a force for good and our members are the fuel that fire the engine and help us fulfill our vision.
“I’m delighted to welcome a record 20 new freemen to the Furniture Makers who bring a wealth of different experience from across our industry. Being part of the Furniture Makers gives members the opportunity to network with others working or retired from the industry and support our charitable and livery activities.”
Click here to find out more about joining as a freeman or corporate member.
