Her Master’s Voice – the National Bed Federation show they care

Master Dids Macdonald OBE recently attended the National Bed Federation’s Bed Show Gala Dinner on 17 September. The evening was a glamorous celebration of the sector’s accomplishments over the past 12 months. However it also included an important message that The Furniture Makers’ Company is ready and waiting to support anyone from the industry if they fall on hard times. Attendees dug deep in response to this and kindly raised £3,400  for the charity.

How do we know we are engaging the furnishings sector with our welfare message?

Well, the bed sector has just shown us at the recent Bed Show Gala Dinner in Telford. They get it and hats off to our generous bed industry friends – 450 of them – who partied long, laughed loudly at Giles Brandreth’s irreverent but funny hosting of the Bed Awards. They danced the night away to the Queen tribute band and dug deep into their pockets to help our charity. A total of £3,400 was received, and this is a big step that has made a mega difference. Thank you National Bed Federation.

Why does the National Bed Federation support us?

The National Bed Federation has unanimously voted The Furniture Makers’ Company as its nominated charity and they have done so for 10 years now.  Why? Because they realise that galvanising those in the industry to give something back reflects one of their raison d’etre. They agree with us that supporting those who have served us is a no-brainer.

Why are One Step Champions in the bed sector award winners?

Because, in the view of the judges, they are the best.

Vitafoam, for example, raced away with FReefoam. The judges felt this winning innovation could have significant benefits to UK mattress producers, retailers, consumers and the environment. Not waiting for any potential changes to UK flammability regulations which could see the banning of certain FR chemicals, this new ‘TCPP-Free’ foam material doesn’t compromise on quality, performance or fire retardancy.

• Vitafoam are ahead of the game with sustainability but also in supporting their own.

Harrison Spinks won the Component of the Year award with Cortec – a truly innovative component that is set to redefine comfort technology and potentially change the bed industry. Five years in the making, this glue-free, patented pocket spring system has already enabled the development of the world’s first 100% recyclable luxury sustainable mattress.

• Harrison Spinks did not hesitate to sign up to become One Step Champions and enormous thanks are due.

National Bed Federation winners Vitafoam and Harrison Spinks were two of the first to support the campaign.  Clearly being industry leaders and corporate social responsibility is part of their DNA.

How do we measure success?

As the campaign has gathered pace, I am delighted to say that we now have 35 companies signed up as One Step Champions,  reaching 8,348 employees. There is still a bit of a journey to reach 100 companies and many thousands within our industry by May 2020. Please help us achieve this.

How easy it to become involved?

It’s simple, it’s free and is just a few simple communication tick boxes and once included on new employees’ payslips, in staff newsletters, on noticeboards, on your website, induction packs performance management meetings, appraisals, board meetings staff conferences, common areas, staff canteens, the welfare message is there for good.

Letting people know there is a helping hand if ever they need, as a caring employer, is obvious.

Will you join us and become a One Step Champion now?

Find out more here