The annual installation of the new master of the Furniture Makers – the City of London livery company which is the British furnishing industry’s central organisation, charity and patron – took place at Guildhall on 13th May. The new master was named as Jonathan Hindle, Group European MD of KI, a global leader in the manufacture of contract furniture solutions to the business, education, healthcare and government markets.
Jonathan, who succeeds Charles Vernon, says: “This is a very special occasion. We are marking 50 years as a fully-fledged livery and 63 years since forming originally as a guild. With the FTBA, we have a combined history of over 150 years of charitable giving.
“As a designer, it is hardly surprising that the principal focus of my year will be on design, particularly investment in design by British manufacturers. The UK is home to some of the rising global stars of design and they are being engaged by enlightened international manufacturers. Those UK furnishing companies who are currently growing and exporting are all distinguished by their investment in design.
“The Furniture Makers will be seeking to create forums where design studios can meet prospective furniture manufacturers who want to engage them. We will also be looking to encourage more graduates to join our industry. We must do more to highlight our industry as a wise career choice, with varied opportunities for the entrepreneurial and inventive.”
