Member spotlight: Mark Wilkins

Every month we’re going to shine a light on our members. This week it’s the turn of Mark Wilkins of Wilkins Agencies.

Livery  Status: Freeman

Tell me about yourself, background and company you work for.

Most of my career has been spent in various sales roles with some high profile fabric houses. I reformed my own freelance and consultancy business in May 2017 representing fabric, furniture and lighting brands in the mid – high end residential and contract interior design sector.

When did you first hear about The Furniture Makers’ Company?

I have worked with or for some leading lights in our industry over the years. Two of them, Martin Jourdan and Tony Attard nominated me to become a freeman having told me of the good work that the Company carries out for the benefit of so many.

Why did you want to join The Furniture Makers’ Company?

Once Martin and Tony explained how the Company worked and what it stood for I wanted to join straightaway.

How has the membership helped you?

My membership has given me the opportunity to engage with likeminded people with the common bond of working in the same industry whatever our roles might be.

Would you recommend being a member to others?

Yes of course. I’d recommend anyone in the industry to get involved! The Company is also the industry’s charity so I try and attend the fundraising events whenever possible. I have also visited some interesting venues which wouldn’t normally be open to the general public. I have just joined the Southern Committee and was delighted to see so much enthusiasm. We have some great ideas for future events – watch this space!

What area of the Company’s output (support, education, and excellence) resonates with you?

We must make sure that there is as much encouragement as possible for future generations to see a career in the furnishing industry.

Tells us something no other member would know about you.

I am well aware that I like a good ‘chat’ so on that basis how can I keep any secrets?! Perhaps there is a couple of things. I am very proud of my family’s history in the industry – my great grandfather was a bodger in the beech woods near Amersham (I have inherited his tools). Here is one for the members of senior years in my part of the world, my grandfather built the enormous Windsor wheel back chair that sat splendidly on the roof of Dancer and Hearne’s factory in Penn Street for many years.