Member Article

Two winners in the West Midlands named among furniture industry’s national rising stars

The West Midlands’ vibrant furniture and furnishings industry has been recognised in a prestigious national awards scheme celebrating the achievements of 60 of the sector’s most talented upcoming stars, with two of the UK awards’ young winners working in the region.

Launched as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, the ‘60 for 60’ campaign recognises 60 of the most accomplished and promising young people in the sector. From product designers, cabinetmakers and technical developers to logistics professionals, commercial managers and operations directors, the awards showcase a diverse range of career opportunities within the sector.

The West Midlands winners: Chelsea Appleford, head of commercial at furniture manufacturer AMX Design in Dudley; and Kathryn Hall, marketing manager at Crofts & Assinder in Birmingham which provides handles and decorative hardware.

Chelsea, 31, is an experienced and commercially-focused senior buyer with a track of working with leading upholstery retailers. Skilled in trend analysis and product development, she has seen rapid career progression. She said: “It really has been one of the most rewarding and sometimes challenging journeys, however I have embraced every opportunity in the nearly 10 years of my furniture buying career. I am incredibly grateful that I’ve had some of the best leaders to date; their knowledge and support has been undeniably invaluable, also not forgetting the amazing people that I’ve met along the way too.”

In her current role with Crofts & Assinder, dynamic marketing manager Kathryn Hall has been pivotal to the company’s growth and success. Kathryn commented: “Our industry is a fantastic one to work in, and bringing to light young people within it, is integral to continuing to drive forward the growth and change required to remain at the forefront of what we do.”

Expert judges from within the industry reviewed the submissions and selected the winners who were announced at a special ‘60 for 60’ awards ceremony held in the City of London on 5 December. Amanda Waring, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “We received hundreds of entries for ‘60 for 60’, ranging from wood working to carpet and textile design, showing not only the vibrancy and diversity of British talent, but also that the industry continues to offer exciting and rewarding career opportunities.

“We congratulate every one of our 60 outstanding winners and look forward to sharing our members’ mentoring skills and providing networking opportunities as they continue to develop their professional careers.

“While we have a long history of supporting the UK’s flourishing and world-renowned furniture and furnishings industry, and are celebrating 60 years since we were awarded livery status, we are very much a modern organisation and it is vital that we use our position to reward and recognise emerging talent in the sector.”

To find out more about ‘60 for 60’ go to www.furnituremakers.org.uk/60for60

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Robinson .