Jonathan Hindle, the president and MD of workplace furniture specialist KI and former chair of the British Furniture Confederation, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026 for his exceptional services to the furniture industry.
"This prestigious recognition reflects Jonathan’s lifelong dedication and work across the sector," says KI. "Throughout his career, he has been a driving force for growth, innovation and education.
"As the founder of the Design Guild Mark, Jonathan established a benchmark that recognises excellence in the design of furniture and furnishings for volume production. In his role as chairman of the British Furniture Confederation (2015-25), he consistently championed the industry's causes directly to the Government.
"Alongside this, Jonathan has also dedicated countless hours to supporting the industry's workforce and advancing the prospects of young designers through mentoring, judging and sponsoring different initiatives. KI annually sponsors the School Design Prize for the livery’s New Furniture Makers Awards.
"His chairmanship of the trustees of the industry's charity at The Furniture Makers' Company, and his work with various other charities and educational institutions, makes Jonathan a very worthy recipient of this recognition."
Jessica Alexander, master of The Furniture Makers' Company, says: "Jonathan’s appointment as an MBE is richly deserved and warmly celebrated throughout The Furniture Makers’ Company and the wider furnishings industry. As a past master of the company, founder of our Design Guild Mark, former chairman of the British Furniture Confederation for a decade, and now chairman of our board of trustees, Jonathan has devoted countless hours to championing excellence, supporting the British furniture industry and raising standards across the sector.
"His unwavering commitment, leadership and passion have made a lasting impact and will continue to benefit businesses, designers and future generations alike. We are delighted to see his exceptional contribution recognised with this well-deserved honour."
Peter Kyle MP, Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade, and president of the Board of Trade, adds: “This distinction reflects Jonathan’s exceptional contributions to the UK furniture industry through sustained commercial leadership, design excellence and sector-wide advocacy over more than three decades.
"Jonathan founded and grew KI Europe into a leading international manufacturer, combining design innovation with sustainability, including pioneering the UK manufacture of furniture products made from 100% post-consumer waste. He has shaped the strategic direction of the £41b furniture sector through long-standing pro bono leadership as chair of the British Furniture Confederation, championing skills, supply chain resilience and sustainability with ministers and industry leaders.
"Through founding the Design Guild Mark and supporting design heritage, education and skills development, he has set enduring standards that have strengthened British furniture design and manufacturing at home and internationally. It is fitting that His Majesty the King has recognised Jonathan’s contribution in this way. I would like to thank him for the dedication he has shown in supporting the department’s priorities.”
Jonathan concludes: "I am deeply honoured and proud to receive this recognition. While the MBE is awarded to me personally, it reflects the collective efforts and achievements of many people over the years. I have been fortunate to work alongside outstanding colleagues at KI, dedicated members of The Furniture Makers’ Company, and passionate individuals across our industry charities and educational organisations. Together, we have worked to support the furniture sector, nurture future talent, and champion the value of British design and manufacturing. This recognition belongs as much to them as it does to me."
