The National Bed Federation (NBF), the trade association representing British and Irish bed manufacturers and their suppliers, appointed Fara Butt as its president and elected five new council members following its AGM on 7th May.
Fara Butt, director at Shire Beds, steps up from her longstanding role on the NBF board and council and as chair of the federation’s marketing committee. She succeeds outgoing president Tean Dallaway and will serve two years as NBF president.
Tean Dallaway (Airsprung Group), Mark Cort (Hypnos) and Angela Moran (Silentnight) stepped down from the council, and Nick Harland-Smith (Handy), Tristine Hargreaves (NBF), and Steve Warren (Sleepeezee) were re-elected for a period of no more than three years.
The NBF also welcomed five new council members, who were elected for a period of no more than three years: Danny Blackmore (Silentnight); Neil Clark (Sealy); George Joyce (Wolf Components); James Keen (Hypnos); and Neil McCarroll (L&P Springs UK), bringing the total to 14.
“It is a real honour to be appointed president of the NBF,” says Fara (pictured front and centre). “The federation plays a crucial role in supporting and representing our industry, from championing high standards to ensuring the strength of our manufacturing base and supply chain. I am proud to take on this role and look forward to working with members to continue driving the industry forward.”
Fara brings nearly two decades of industry experience, having joined Shire Beds in 2006. Alongside her role at the bed manufacturer, Fara has been a strong advocate for the bed manufacturing sector, contributing to industry initiatives and supporting collaboration across manufacturers and suppliers.
Matt Richardson (Dreams), continues as the VP of manufacturers, and Simon Green (CPS), as the VP of suppliers.
Pictured: the new NBF council, from left: top row – Neil McCarroll, James Keen, Neil Clark, Danny Blackmore, George Joyce, Nick Booth, Steve Warren and Mark Baron; and bottom row – Tristine Hargreaves, Matt Richardson, Fara Butt, Simon Green and Mike Holmes (MD, John Cotton Group, non-wovens division, in Nick Harland-Smith's absence)
