The two accolades shine a spotlight on the work BFM has been doing to support its members across the furniture industry.

BFM MD, Phil Spademan, said: “To be recognised by the readership of such a well-respected title as Interiors Monthly is a fantastic achievement and I am grateful to each person who cast their vote.

“I’d also like to congratulate the team at BFM, whose hard work has been recognised with these two prestigious awards.”

The Best Business Support award reflects BFM’s commitment to providing information, advice and services to members, including its ‘Trends’ reports and analysis, which offers insight into key factors such as sales, labour costs and material prices.

Based on regular in-depth surveys of its members, the BFM’s Trends series help identify long-term patterns as well as setting a data-driven baseline for industry forecasting.

BFM members can also drill down into specific subjects via events such as in-person roundtable workshops, regional meetings and webinars on topics including fire regulations and fabrics, Planet Mark, exporting, apprenticeships and technology solutions.

Phil Spademan added: “We are delighted to have been recognised for the Best Business Support Award. It is a clear endorsement of the work we have been doing to ensure our members have access to a variety of benefits and services.

“To then also be awarded Best Trade Association 2024 is a real honour. The BFM team work incredibly hard to help our members boost their businesses and promote the excellence of British-made furniture on a wider scale.”

Membership of BFM has expanded in recent years, with Full Membership for manufacturers and Associate Membership for associated suppliers or services joined by Approved Retail Membership for retailers that sell furniture products made in the UK by British manufacturers.

This year, the BFM built on that foundation further with the introduction of the first-ever Furniture Components Expo (FCE), which provided a platform for companies from across the supply chain to come together in a one-stop-shop format and showcase their products and services to manufacturers and retailers.

The Expo also featured a series of in-depth seminars and discussion panels on subjects including fire safety, automation and export.

Its success has led to the date being set for the next FCE, which takes places again at Telford International Centre on 19 and 20 March 2025

Earlier this year, BFM hosted its own Future of Furniture Awards, which recognise member companies that excel in Education, Sustainability and Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting, as well as presenting an individual prize for Sustainability Champion.

Phil said: “Awards are key to highlighting great work and it’s a pleasure for BFM to be celebrating this double success.

“I’d like to again thank the readers of Interiors Monthly for recognising our achievements.”

 

Photo: (left to right): Phil Spademan, MD; Joanna Privett, Membership Engagement Manager; Joanna Audley, Marketing & Communications Manager