Join a membership organisation where you’ll be making a difference

By Jonny Westbrooke, CEO of The Furniture Makers’ Company

City of London livery companies, with their roots in the medieval era, are often misunderstood. To many, these institutions appear as relics of a bygone era, irrelevant to today’s society. However, this perception couldn’t be further from the truth. One common misconception is that livery companies are merely antiquated trade guilds. While they did originate as trade associations to regulate standards and practices, their roles have evolved significantly over time. Today, many livery companies focus on charitable activities, education, and professional standards, while also playing an important part in the governance of the City.

At The Furniture Makers’ Company, we are unique in being both the livery company and charity dedicated to the furniture and furnishing industry. Unlike other livery companies that support external charities, we directly deliver charitable outcomes through welfare grants and educational initiatives.

Over the past five years, we have awarded over three-quarters of a million pounds in annuities and welfare grants to industry professionals facing financial hardship. In fact, our welfare spending has exceeded budget for the past two years. Recently, we’ve seen an increase in applications from younger people, those on long-term sick leave with complex physical and mental health issues, and individuals struggling with significant debt. Our welfare officer, Jo Goga, is available to guide applicants through the process, and we strongly encourage HR professionals in the trade to connect with her.

For our sector to thrive, attracting top talent from among school leavers and graduates is crucial. That’s why we have invested considerable effort into developing an educational programme that connects young learners with incredible opportunities in the industry. Our initiatives include fostering engagement between industry and educational institutions, promoting apprenticeships, launching a recruitment and training brand and website for early careers, hosting an annual Young Furniture Makers exhibition to showcase emerging talent, and offering continuous professional development to support career growth.

Most of our educational activities are made possible through the support of our members, which brings me to another point. There’s a belief that livery companies are exclusive clubs for the wealthy and well-connected. While historically, some livery companies may have had such reputations, modern livery companies, including ours, are committed to inclusivity and diversity.

All our members, whether corporate or individual, must have a connection to the furniture and furnishing industry, including beds, fabrics, kitchens, carpets, or floor coverings. This industry focus ensures we remain relevant and facilitates meaningful business connections among our members who share a passion for the industry and a philanthropic desire to give back, while wishing to engage with like-minded individuals.

Pleasingly, in the past six months, we’ve seen a 20% rise in corporate membership — businesses joining because they recognise the positive impact our charitable activities have on the trade.

By joining The Furniture Makers’ Company, you’re not only gaining access to a network of industry peers but also directly supporting our charitable work. If you’re interested in learning more about membership— whether corporate or individual — we’d be delighted to hear from you.