The Furniture Awards, the annual celebration of the January Furniture Show’s best and brightest exhibitors, is open for entries. An industry-leading panel of judges will select the top candidates – among them panel mainstay, consultant Malcolm Walker …
For the last 50 years, Malcolm’s career has revolved around retail, chiefly the home furnishing market.
He was the buying director and director of product for Furniture Village for many years. Prior to that, Malcolm spent over 20 years with the Maple, Waring & Gillow group, in various roles from sales consultant to store management, making the move into buying in 1987 while managing the flagship international store on Tottenham Court Road, before becoming group buying director.
He now runs his own consultancy business, FIRST MW – progressive company, working with industry-leading home furnishing brands and high-quality suppliers in the UK, Europe, US and Asia, on product design, development and concept realisation.
“In my opinion, it’s one of the best jobs in the industry, and plays to my commercial instincts, retailing strengths and creative ability,” he says. “It’s my job to bring products to life and to help companies reach their true potential.
“Alongside my retail, manufacturing and development business, I have been working with The Furniture Makers’ Company, our industry’s charity, sponsoring the Young Furniture Makers’ Fast Track award, and mentoring and working with the recipient for a year to help guide them through to a career, and ensure our industry retains its talent. Having just finished my first year, I can say it’s been a hugely rewarding experience, and our first recipient has been asked to design for one of the leading Italian manufacturers.”
Malcolm joins fellow judges Becca Maloy, Darryl Simpson, Emma Leeke and Richard Naylor, who, chaired by Furniture News’ Paul Farley, will pick 2025’s winners. The category champions will be announced at January Furniture Show’s Social Studio (Hall 2, NEC Birmingham), at 5.30pm on Sunday 19th January. The deadline for entries is Wednesday 4th December – click here for more details.
Meet The Furniture Awards 2025 judges: Malcolm Walker
