Jessica Alexander was last night (11th May) installed as the 64th master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, succeeding Debbie Johnson.
The annual installation ceremony took place in the Long Parlour at Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London. During the same ceremony, Alistair Gough, CEO of Ocee International, and Donna Bellingham, CEO of Shackletons, were installed as the new senior and junior warden of the company, respectively.
On leaving university, Jessica fell into the furniture industry through a job as a trainee journalist on the weekly publication Cabinet Maker. Over the years, Jessica’s career evolved through journalism, PR and marketing, as well as running her own company and working for many furniture and flooring businesses. She later spent 17 years leading trade association the National Bed Federation (NBF).
Although now officially retired, Jessica continues to undertake PR work and remains a director of the British Furniture Confederation (BFC), the single voice for the UK’s furniture and beds, furnishings and flooring sector. Jessica joined The Furniture Makers’ Company more than 20 years ago and has become increasingly involved in the organisation’s charitable and industry work.
The installation of a new master is one of the oldest and most important traditions in the City of London livery movement. While each livery company has its own customs, the ceremony generally follows practices that evolved from the medieval trade guilds that began forming in London from the 12th century onwards. The master is the senior elected figure responsible for governing the company for a one-year term.
The ceremony was followed by a celebratory dinner in the venue’s Egyptian Room. Around 150 guests were in attendance to celebrate, and were joined by City dignitaries including Alderman Bronek Masojada representing the Lady Mayor, Alderman and Sheriff Robert Hughes-Penney, and Sheriff and Deputy Keith Bottomley.
Jessica says: “Taking on this role as the figurehead of the furniture industry’s charity and livery company for the next 12 months is an honour and a privilege. Like others before me, I will do my best to spread the word about what an important and special organisation we are – to support and inspire everyone involved, all of whom work so hard to further its aims, and to encourage even more of those who have chosen to work in our industry long term to join us and help secure our future.”
