Four corporate liverymen admitted in October

We were delighted to admit four new corporate liverymen to The Furniture Makers’ Company at our October Court (board) meeting.

The new members were admitted at a ceremony presided over by Master Jessica Alexander at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London, on Tuesday 6 October.

The four corporate liverymen admitted were Matthew Glanfield, managing director of Blum UK; Ben Muirhead, head of business development at Blum UK; Jessica Mistry, head of HR at Harrison Spinks; and David Johnstone, sales director at Sealy UK.

Jessica Alexander, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Matthew, Ben, Jessica and David to The Furniture Makers’ Company. Each brings valuable experience and expertise from across our industry, and I look forward to seeing them become involved in the life of the Company.

“Our strength lies in bringing people together, building lasting connections and working collectively to support the future of the furnishing industry.”

Meet our new corporate liverymen

Matthew Glanfield – managing director, Blum UK

Matthew became managing director of Blum UK in July 2024, having joined the business in 2018 and progressed through several senior roles, most recently as technical manager. His experience has given him an extensive understanding of Blum’s products and services across the furniture, kitchen and interiors sectors. He leads the company’s strategic direction and long-term development, with a focus on people development, innovation and strengthening relationships with customers and industry partners.

Ben Muirhead – head of business development, Blum UK

Ben is head of business development at Blum UK and a member of its Senior Leadership Group. He joined the company 14 years ago as a regional representative and has progressed through roles of increasing responsibility. Having started his career as an apprentice in the merchanting industry, he became the youngest branch manager within the Saint-Gobain Group at the age of 21. His experience spans operations, customer service, team leadership and commercial growth.

Jessica Mistry – head of HR, Harrison Spinks

Jessica joined Harrison Spinks in April 2021 as HR manager before being promoted to head of HR. A CIPD-qualified HR professional, she has extensive experience across retail, aviation, luxury fashion and manufacturing. Her previous roles include positions at Morrisons, Leeds Bradford International Airport and Burberry, as well as six years as an HR business partner at Optare Group.

David Johnstone – sales director, Sealy UK

David was appointed sales director of Sealy UK in February 2026, having joined the business in November 2020 to lead its national accounts sales function. He began his career in the mattress industry in 2013 with Silentnight Group, where he progressed to leading the national accounts team. His earlier career included roles at Belray and Gelert, giving him extensive experience in sales leadership and account management across the housewares, leisure and mattress industries.

Become a member

Membership of the Company is open to individuals and businesses working across the UK furniture and furnishing industry, offering opportunities to support its charitable work while taking part in networking, social and City livery events with a broad network of industry professionals.

Individuals initially join the Company as a freeman and then progress to become a liveryman, a full member of the organisation. The Furniture Makers’ Company also welcomes businesses to join as corporate members, with the option to appoint up to three employees as corporate liverymen.

The Company is one of the 114 City of London historic livery companies – professional associations that support their industries, charitable causes and the traditions of the City.

For more information about joining The Furniture Makers’ Company, visit our membership page.