Eight liverymen and corporate admissions at October Court meeting

We are delighted to announce that five new liverymen, two corporate liverymen and one corporate freeman were admitted at our October Court meeting.

The admission ceremony took place on 16 October 2023 at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London.

Our new liverymen are Stuart Anderson, sales director at Kesterport; Mark Flynn, director at Pro Auction Ltd; Daniel Mesecke, sales & account manager at Microvellum; Michael Priest, interior designer; and Simon Rose, director at Pro Auction Ltd.

Prior to their admission at the hall, the five new liverymen attended Guildhall to receive the Freedom of the City, which is needed before becoming a liveryman – a full member.

In addition to our new liverymen, we are pleased to welcome Ben Caton, managing director of Ergochair, as a corporate freeman; and Martin Heels, divisional manager – furnishing & chemistry at SATRA, and Alison Mallett, sales director – KI Education UK of KI, as new corporate liverymen.

The members were personally welcomed by Amanda Waring, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, and then invited to join the Court of Assistants and guests for a black-tie dinner at the hall.

More information about the new members is below.

Stuart Anderson, sales director, Kesterport

Stuart has been sales director of Kesterport for more than a decade.  The company manufactures and distributes high end loose furniture, supplying major retailers and hotel groups.  He is keen to bring through the next generation into the furniture industry.

Mark Flynn, director, Pro Auction Ltd

Mark is a director of Pro Auction Ltd, which values and auctions furniture products. They work with leading brands and luxury hotels for the sale of chattels, with an emphasis of high-quality furniture.

Daniel Mesecke, sales & account manager, Microvellum

Daniel now works for Microvellum, which provides CAD/CAM software solutions for woodworkers.  Microvellum is a sponsor of the Manufacturing Guild Mark.

Michael Priest, interior designer

Born into a furniture making family, Michael worked as an interior and furniture designer for 48 years having a London showroom for 26 years.  He now works as a consultant from Chelsea Harbour. He specialises in important, graded and listed houses. Michael is also a long term supporter of the Frederick Parker Collection.

Simon Rose, director, Pro Auction Ltd

Simon is also a director of Pro Auction Ltd, a high-end auction house that provides a bespoke and sophisticated service to both buyers and sellers.

Ben Caton, managing director, Ergochair

Ben began his career within private healthcare for Nuffield Health, eventually leaving to found the start-up Wellmi. After founding Titan Performance Gyms UK, a chain of gyms and physiotherapy clinics that support professional sports teams in multiple disciplines nationwide, he combined these previous experiences across human wellbeing support, global sustainability, and lifestyle into his current role as managing director of Ergochair, a market leading manufacturer of specialist office seating for employees with postural needs.

Martin Heels, divisional manager – furnishing & chemistry, SATRA

Martin recently celebrated 25-years since joining SATRA. Initially joining the company as a technician carrying out testing in the chemistry laboratory, following several promotions Martin became the head of the Chemistry business area in 2009. During the 13 years in this role the business area turnover more than quadrupled and Martin was promoted to his current divisional manager position in March 2023 where he overseas the chemistry, floorcoverings and furniture testing business areas.

Alison Mallett, sales director – KI Education UK, KI

Alison Mallett, the sales director for KI Education UK, brings almost 40 years of expertise in the UK furniture market to her role.  Throughout her extensive career, Alison’s primary focus has consistently been on representing UK manufacturers, serving major corporate clients and working with British dealers. Notably, she spent four years working with the French Manufacturer Buronomic, headquartered in Normandy, where she assumed responsibility for importing their product range into the UK dealer market.