Meet our members – Simon Acres

As the City of London livery company for the furnishing industry, our membership is as diverse as the many people, functions and sectors that work within this wonderful trade.

Every month we are going to be finding out more about our members, learning about their jobs and discovering what it is about The Furniture Makers’ Company that resonates with them. This month it is the turn of liveryman Simon Acres.

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

I’m the owner of Simon Acres Group Ltd, a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom retailer and merchant service provider, with a strategic plan to be recognised as the first choice for considered recruitment, customised accredited sales training and experienced media production.

At Omega PLC I held the position of group sales director with 20 years’ service and achieving kitchen furniture sales of over £52m. Since 1990, I’ve gained extensive knowledge and expertise in manufacturing and retail within the KBB & merchant industry.

For the last 10 years, I held the position of retail corporate chairman of the KBSA, the trade association for the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom industry.

Supporting training and education, I was a former apprenticeship `Independent Assessor’ with OAL Ltd working with their furniture clients such as John Lewis, Wickes, and Benchmarx.

I’m an approved training provider for the Builders Merchant Federation (BMF) and association ambassador.

How did you break into the industry and what is it about the sector that made you stay in it?

During my first position with John Lewis my management training included the introduction to kitchen furniture. Both the design and sales aspect appealed to me, and making a customer’s dream kitchen become a reality.

When working for kitchen accessories distributer PJH Group Ltd, I quickly realised the higher value kitchen furniture products would achieve my sales targets more quickly and from here chose to specialise in this category.

When did you first hear about The Furniture Makers’ Company and who encouraged you to join?

Liveryman and training provider Rennie Mascari invited me to attend a Royal Charter Dinner as her guest and explained that the company was looking to gain more members from the kitchen furniture background. The company values and networking opportunities instantly made an impression.

What area of the company’s output resonates most with you and why? (i.e. welfare, education, excellence)

Training and education is our business but also my passion. I employ Jordan Burns who’s now a freeman and former Northamptonshire Apprenticeship Ambassador. Encouraged by Tony Smart, we would like to work with the company promoting apprenticeships within our industry. I’m currently working with a kitchen furniture industry steering committee to develop a level 6 home Fitted Furniture Design apprenticeship standard.

Can you share a highlight or fond memory of your time involved with The Furniture Makers’ Company?

Early days, but for me the social functions I’ve attended have been amazing and after Covid, I very much look forward to attending as many actual events as possible.

Have you got any advice to any new members regarding getting the most out of membership?

I was invited to join the membership and events committee, enjoy the discussions and supporting this particularly important function.  I’d advise other members to join a committee, as giving back with a little part of your time is extremely rewarding.

Finally, tell us something your fellow members may not know about you – a secret talent, an interest outside of the world of furniture.

I’m a passionate narrow boater. I started owning a few for refurbishment/ interior fit out projects and became hooked. There is nothing more relaxing than opening a bottle when taking life at a slower pace, a complete contrast to my normal day to day working week.