The Furniture Awards are back for 2023, and once again a panel of expert judges has been arrayed to single out the stars of the January Furniture Show.
Chaired by awards co-ordinator Paul Farley, this year’s judging panel comprises: Malcolm Walker (owner, FIRST MW); Suzy McMahon (CCO, Oak Furnitureland); Sheetal Sachdev (founder, Treniq); and Andy Stockwell (senior retail manager, Gardiner Haskins).
For nearly 50 years, judging panel mainstay Malcolm’s career has revolved around retail and home furnishings. Formerly director of product for Furniture Village, Malcolm now runs his own consultancy business, and works on retail strategy with the likes of Sterling Furniture, and with industry suppliers in the UK, Europe and Asia on product design, development and concept realisation.
Suzy is the CCO for UK hardwood furniture retailer, Oak Furnitureland. Having worked in retail for 30 years, Suzy started her career in the sector for Reid Furniture as the Natuzzi buyer, and has since worked for a number of high-profile retailers, and alongside a number of suppliers.
Sheetal brings a wealth of experience to the panel, having been at the heart of the business end of trading in the sector. She is the founder and CEO of Treniq, QHost and QService, an ever-active entrepreneur and a Virgin Start-up Mentor, and her experience in the interiors industry and the SaaS space have made her a figurehead in both interior trading and virtual technology.
Andy has been in retail management since 1990, and worked with Tesco, Sports Direct and JD Sports before joining Gardiner Haskins in 2002. A keen supporter of British product, Andy is passionate about the future of the high street, physical retail and the role of retailers and suppliers in the fight against climate change.
As the UK’s foremost showcase of suppliers working in the domestic marketplace, the January Furniture Show is the perfect forum in which to identify the players leading the field, and The Furniture Awards have celebrated the industry’s stand-out performers since 2015.
Established by Furniture News magazine in partnership with the January Furniture Show, The Furniture Awards reflect the quality of the suppliers present at each edition, and are an integral part of the fair. Exhibiting entrants are asked to explain why their business excels in one of several thematic categories, putting their cases before the judges. The finalists are revealed in January, and the winners announced at the show.
Confirmed January Furniture Show 2023 exhibitors can find the entry form here, and must enter by Wednesday 7th December.
"The Furniture Awards are a valuable opportunity for exhibitors to celebrate their achievements with the industry," says Paul Farley. "They should not miss their chance to enter!"
Pictured: Malcolm Walker, Suzy McMahon, Sheetal Sachdev and Andy Stockwell
