The Furniture Makers’ Company is celebrating 60 years since becoming the 83rd livery company of the City of London in 2023, by honouring 60 outstanding young people working in the furnishing industry and showcasing them as ‘ones to watch’ for the future …
The ‘60 for 60’ campaign, which launches this month, will celebrate a cross section of the most accomplished and promising people, 35 years or younger, who are demonstrating outstanding commitment to their career and the businesses in which they work.
Following the campaign’s launch, nominations and self-entries will be sought, with the winners selected by a panel of experts from the industry, including Amanda Waring (pictured), master of The Furniture Makers’ Company. The 60 award winners will be officially announced at an awards evening in October.
City of London livery companies comprise London’s ancient and modern trade associations and guilds. The earliest guilds date back to the 12th century, when people working in the same craft in London grouped together to regulate competition within their trade and maintain high standards.
The term ‘livery company’ was introduced when guilds started introducing their own clothing and regalia – or livery – to distinguish their members from other guilds. Today, there are 110 liveries, that support matters of trade, education, charity and fellowship within their sector. They also play an integral part in the City’s governance. The Furniture Makers’ Company was founded as a guild in 1951 and granted livery status in 1963, and was incorporated by Royal Charter in 2013.
Amanda says: “For over 60 years, The Furniture Makers’ Company has brought together some of the most influential people and recognised brands from the furnishing sector with the purpose of cultivating bonds of fellowship and fortifying the industry though charitable endeavours.
“Instead of reflecting on past successes, we want to look to the future of the furnishing industry and recognise emerging talent. The 60 for 60 campaign is our way of recognising and lauding the disrupters, the promising leaders and business lynchpins.”
As part of the campaign, The Furniture Makers’ Company wants to raise £60,000 in sponsorship, which will be used to give the award-winners an unforgettable awards evening, as well as to fund events and initiatives to support their ongoing development throughout 2023 and beyond. Surplus funds will be used to drive forward the organisation’s educational and training strategy, which aims to reduce the industry skills gap.
Businesses wishing to support the campaign can do so by becoming a sponsor or a principal partner. For information about sponsoring 60 for 60, email marketing communications manager George Cooper at [email protected], or call 020 7562 85222.
Amanda adds: “This is the major fundraising campaign for my year as master, and I hope you will consider supporting the initiative by becoming a sponsor or principal partner. I’m very excited about 60 for 60 as I think it’s an excellent way of demonstrating to young people in our sector that we are an industry that cares about them and recognises the vital role they play.”
