The establishment of the Wycombe Furniture Forum, an alliance between industry, education and local government aimed at making Wycombe's local industry "the best it can be in providing secure, well-paid, satisfying employment to the next generation", is making good progress, reports founder Peter Spence.
Having assessed the opportunities, challenges and potential partnerships inherent in creating the forum, the team has now wound up its steering group, and the forum is now moving to Phase 2 of its development (implementation), and expanding its furniture manufacturer scope to cover furnishings and interior designers.
The forum's advisory board comprises: Henry Tadros, ercol (chair); Sri-Kartini Leet, Bucks New University; and Philippa Batting, Bucks Business First. Its executive team comprises: Peter Spence; Helen Pethybridge, Chiltern Coaching; and Alessia Civettini, forma marketing.
The forum is also establishing an expert panel, currently comprising: Helen Pethybridge (business advice); Alessia Civetinni (marketing); Jamie Claret (AI); Joanna Knight (sustainability); and Alys Bryan (industry intelligence).
Wycombe is home to numerous furniture manufacturers, large and small, and Buckinghamshire College Group is soon to have a central campus there. There is also a range of local and national industry support agencies and media in the area.
"Thanks in part to the great support we've received from Henry at ercol, we're now looking to firm up this local furniture and furnishing industry organisation," Peter adds. "It would be great to hear from anyone else around the country trying to do something similar."
