Furniture Makers launches call for entries for ‘60 for 60’ campaign

The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, has launched the call for entries for its 60th anniversary campaign, ’60 for 60’, which is honouring 60 outstanding young people working in the furniture and furnishing industry.

The ‘60 for 60’ campaign will recognise 60 exceptional people 35 years old or younger working in any role who are exhibiting dedication to their careers and show promise as tomorrow’s leaders. Expert judges, including Amanda Waring, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company; Carla Barnett, group HR director of Sanderson Design Group; Edward Tadros, longtime chairman of Ercol; and John Makepeace MBE, award-winning designer-maker, will then review the submissions and select the winners. These 60 outstanding individuals will be announced at a special awards ceremony in autumn 2023.

The 60 winners of the prize will receive: esteemed recognition from the industry’s most prestigious institution, an award certificate, digital assets to promote the achievement, inclusion in press activity and social media, inclusion in a commemorative 60 for 60 booklet, and an invitation to an exclusive networking event with other winners, and professional development, including the offer of a mentor and networking opportunities.

Amanda Waring, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “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’re shifting our focus to the future and honouring the incredible young individuals who will shape the furniture and furnishing industry going forward. By acknowledging their talent, we hope to demonstrate that the industry values their growth and offers a lifelong profession. This is not only an excellent opportunity for young people within our sector to get recognition as ‘ones to watch’ but also for the company where they work, so we encourage businesses to put forward their talent for this great prize.”

Associated Independent Stores, Biesse UK, Castelan, Furniture Village and Tempur are principal partners of the campaign with several other companies from the industry confirmed as sponsors.

The Master added: “We would like to thank the companies who have signed up in support of the campaign, particularly our principal partners Associated Independent Stores, Biesse UK, Castelan, Furniture Village and Tempur.”

The deadline for entries is 22 September 2023. To enter someone for 60 for 60, go to www.furnituremakers.org.uk/60for60

Principal partners and sponsors

Principal partners

Associated Independent Stores, Biesse UK, Castelan, Furniture Village and Tempur.

Sponsors

Celtheath, Ercol, Harrison Spinks, Hypnos, Hypnos Contract Beds, KI, the National Bed Federation, Ocee & Four Design, Sanderson Design Group, Shackletons and the Tusler Studio.