Past Master appointed as chair of BFC

Jonathan Hindle, group managing director of KI (Krueger International) and a past Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, has been appointed as the chairman of the British Furniture Confederation (BFC).

Jonathan has succeeded Paul von der Heyde, who has acted as chairman for the past four years.

The BFC acts a single voice for the UK furniture, furnishing and bed industries and has a mission to ensure that it has a strong and sustainable dialogue with Government in order to understand and influence changes in the market

Jonathan originally trained as an architect/designer before moving into sales and marketing in office furniture and property. He has been with KI for the past 21 years developing its UK, European and Middle East and Asian operations.

Master of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers from 2012-2013, Jonathan founded the Design Guild Mark and Corporate Membership at the Livery. He is currently Chairman of the Fundraising Committee.

He also sits on the FIRA Council and the board of the British Contract Furnishing Association, which are both members of the BFC.

Paul said: “It has been a great pleasure and very rewarding to chair the BFC. Our voice into politicians, government and the European Commission has made a difference – I am sure that will continue and wish Jonathan huge success as he takes over the challenge.”

Commenting on his appointment, Jonathan said: “The BFC is currently engaged on a number of key issues – apprenticeships and design & technology education in schools, the flammability regulations, exports, design copyright and sustainability and the circular economy.

“I am looking forward to helping what is already an effective organisation to drive forward with its aim to ensure our important industry has a voice in government and is recognised for the considerable contribution it makes to the UK economy.”