Seven new freemen admitted to industry livery company

Directors, owners and senior leadership team members from a luxury bespoke cabinet making business, a prominent independent furniture retailer and the industry ombudsman are among the crop of seven new freemen admitted to The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry.

The new members were admitted during a ceremony on Thursday 18 July at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London. The seven new freemen declared their support to the Company, before signing the declaration and being personally welcomed by Brian Ahern, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company.

Following the ceremony, the new freemen were invited to join other members and guests at the Company’s Summer Mixer event.

The new members are:

David Golding, commercial director, Halstock Cabinet Makers Ltd

Based in Somerset, Halstock designs, manufactures and installs fitted furniture and architecture for the luxury residential market. David has worked at Halstock since 2014 and is now commercial director, having worked as a project manager for several years.

Jake Goodison, founder and design director, Bespoke-3D

Jake is founder and design director of CLEVR product development and its furniture and interiors arm, Bespoke-3D, which focuses on furniture design for the leisure vehicle sector.

Scott Harper, senior lecturer, Buckinghamshire New University

As well as being a senior lecturer in furniture design and sustainable product design at the university, Scott also tutors at Brooklands Museum and is director, designer-maker, project and production manager of Home Counties Joinery, making and installing bespoke furniture and joinery projects.

Mascha Lapotchkina-Evanson, owner, Obi Bespoke

Mascha is a self-employed upholsterer, mainly providing a traditional upholstery service to interior designers and furniture designers.

Emma Leeke, managing director, Leekes Retail/Leekes Limited

Emma joined the family business over 20 years ago after completing the Marks & Spencer graduate training programme and working in their stores and as a senior buyer at their head office. She is now managing director of the retail business which consists of several home department stores and employs over 450 people.

Carl Singleton, director, Sofeasy Ltd

With a background in engineering, Carl took his skills and applied them to manufacturing access restricted sofas that are modular in concept but not appearance.They are built with a unique design and technology which allows delivery to any room.

Judith Turner, deputy chief ombudsman, Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman

Judith is an experienced solicitor and ADR professional who practised commercial law in a City law firm before joining Dispute Resolution Ombudsman in 2011. She is now deputy chief ombudsman. 

Brian Ahern, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “We are delighted to welcome our seven new freemen to The Furniture Makers’ Company. Each of these individuals brings a unique set of skills and experiences from diverse sectors within the furniture industry. Their dedication and passion reflect the values we uphold as a livery company. I look forward to seeing how their contributions will enrich our community and help us continue to support our charitable and livery objectives.

“Anyone working in the UK furniture and furnishing industry is eligible to join the Furniture Makers. If you are interested in joining a membership organisation where you’ll be making a difference, we’d be delighted to hear from you.”

Emma Leeke, managing director of Leekes Retail, said: “Having worked in the furniture industry for over 20 years, I am delighted to be admitted to The Furniture Makers’ Company as a freeman, joining like-minded individuals who are passionate about our industry. The Company serves such a valuable role in promoting the British furniture industry, providing valuable networking opportunities and raising valuable funds to offer its hugely important charitable support.”

David Golding, commercial director of Halstock Cabinet Makers Ltd, said: “The UK furniture industry has provided me a fantastic career since leaving school 20 years ago. Joining The Furniture Makers’ Company starts my own journey of giving something back to the industry that has helped shaped me. I am excited to contribute to the existing great work the Company does, helping the younger generations who are entering the industry and, the existing industry members.”

Jake Goodison, founder and design director of Bespoke-3D, said: “I am joining The Furniture Makers’ Company because I have found myself transitioning from designing objects to treading new ground in the area in processes and methodologies. Historically, guilds have been the networks by which methodologies have been stewarded and explored and so it made sense to join one. I hope to contribute to this endeavour in a way that leaves a legacy for the next generation of makers.”

Mascha Lapotchkina-Evanson, owner of Obi Bespoke, said: “Joining The Furniture Makers’ Company, for me, means joining a larger family where I hope to meet likeminded people and grow in my small business. Being self-employed and working in isolation much of the time means that you sometimes don’t see the big picture or have someone there to offer help and support. Knowing that people are out there for you is heartwarming.”