The Long Eaton Guild of Furniture Manufacturers has announced the appointment of David Gascoigne, MD of Gascoigne Designs, as its new chairman.
David succeeds Andrew Mitchell, the MD of Artistic Upholstery, who steps down after many years of leadership, during which he helped strengthen the guild, enhance the reputation of its biannual Long Point exhibitions and reinforced Long Eaton's position as the home of British quality upholstery.
Iain Mitchell, MD of Iain James Furniture, will continue in his role as treasurer, providing continuity and support as the guild enters "an ambitious new chapter".
Having been a member of the guild for 25 years, David brings extensive manufacturing experience, a deep commitment to British furnituremaking and a clear vision for the future of the organisation.
He takes on the role at a time when the guild is expanding its ambitions beyond Long Point, with a renewed focus on promoting British manufacturing, supporting its members, and raising the profile of Long Eaton's furniture industry across the UK and overseas.
David says: "It is a tremendous honour to be appointed chairman of the Long Eaton Guild. Having been a member for 25 years, I have seen first-hand the dedication, craftsmanship and innovation that have made Long Eaton one of the most respected furniture manufacturing centres in Britain.
"The guild has played an important role in protecting and promoting that reputation for 66 years, and I feel privileged to help lead it into its next chapter."
David believes the guild has an increasingly important role to play, not only as organiser of the Long Point exhibitions, but as the collective voice of Long Eaton's furniture industry – championing British manufacturing, supporting its members and ensuring the town continues to be recognised nationally and internationally for excellence in upholstery and furnituremaking.
At the heart of his vision is a renewed focus on promoting Long Eaton as the home of British quality upholstery, celebrating the craftsmanship, heritage and manufacturing expertise that continue to distinguish its members.
The guild's twice-yearly Long Point exhibitions will remain central to that ambition. David hopes to further enhance the visitor experience by encouraging buyers to spend more time in the town through closer partnerships with local hotels, restaurants and hospitality venues, alongside informal networking opportunities that strengthen relationships across the industry and encourage visitors to explore more guild member showrooms.
Looking beyond Long Point, David also wants to increase the guild's presence across the wider furniture industry by promoting Long Eaton collectively at selected UK and international trade exhibitions, creating greater awareness of the guild and showcasing the quality, innovation and craftsmanship of its members to new audiences.
He also hopes to explore the creation of an official Long Eaton Guild Quality Mark. Awarded exclusively to furniture manufactured by guild members, he says it would "provide retailers and consumers with confidence that products carrying the mark have been made in Britain by recognised manufacturers committed to the guild's standards of quality, craftsmanship and integrity".
Supporting the next generation is another key priority. David believes the guild has an important role to play in promoting careers within furniture manufacturing, "helping preserve traditional skills while embracing innovation to ensure Britain's upholstery industry continues to thrive for decades to come".
"Long Eaton has something incredibly special," David continues. "We have generations of knowledge, exceptional craftsmanship and businesses that continue to manufacture world-class furniture here in Britain. My ambition is for the guild to become recognised not simply as the organiser of Long Point, but as the collective voice of British quality upholstery – championing our manufacturers, protecting our heritage and promoting Long Eaton as the home of British craftsmanship throughout the UK and overseas.
"The guild has always been strongest when its members work together. By sharing ideas, supporting one another and promoting ourselves collectively, we can continue to strengthen Long Eaton's reputation and create new opportunities for every member."
David also pays tribute to outgoing chairman Andrew Mitchell: "Andrew has made an enormous contribution to the guild over many years. His leadership, commitment and passion have helped strengthen both the guild and Long Point, and I know everyone associated with the organisation is extremely grateful for everything he has achieved. I look forward to building on the strong foundations he has helped create."
Andrew welcomed David's appointment, saying: "It has been a privilege to serve as chairman and to work alongside so many passionate people who care deeply about the future of furniture manufacturing in Long Eaton.
"David brings extensive experience, genuine enthusiasm and a clear vision for the guild's future. I have every confidence he will be an excellent chairman, and I look forward to supporting David, Iain and the committee as they continue to build on everything the guild has achieved."
Read more about the guild, and Long Eaton's wider furniture industry, in our dedicated annual supplement.
Pictured: Andrew and David
