Members Focus: Alex Crofts

Alex presenting a prize to Terry Davies, runner-up of the 2016 Young Furniture Makers Design Award

Alex Crofts, CEO of corporate member Crofts and Assinder, tells us why being a member of The Furniture Makers’ Company is important to him.

Status: Liveryman, court assistant and Young Furniture Makers chairman.

What was your first job connected to the furnishings sector?

My first job was at 18 working for the family business, which has supplied the furniture industry since 1875. My first role was to set up a design sample archive and catalogue all of our products from over the years.

When did you first get involved with The Furniture Makers’ Company?

I first became involved with The Furniture Makers’ Company back in 2008. In 2009 I joined the manufacturing training committee and the rest, as they say, is history. Today I’m chairman of the Young Furniture Makers and sit on the Education and Training committee.

Who is your design hero?

Antoni Gaudi. I really liked his ability to incorporate different crafts and interior design into his architecture when developing a building, as well as his incredible diversity and ability to adapt different styles into his work as his career evolved.

What do you see as the benefits of being involved in The Furniture Makers’ Company?

For me, The Furniture Makers’ Company allows you the opportunity to meet with likeminded people who all have the industry’s best interests at heart. It gives you a great opportunity to network and importantly, for me, the opportunity to assist and support the industry be it through welfare support, design excellence and educational support for the next generation of furniture and furnishings professionals who are entering our industry.

What is your favourite thing about the furnishings sector?

The people and the products.