Biesse figures amongst 10 join Furniture Makers’ Company in June

Six new liverymen and four corporate liverymen to The Furniture Makers’ Company at the charity’s June Court board meeting.

The new members were admitted at a ceremony presided over by Master Jessica Alexander at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London on Tuesday 16 June.

Following the ceremony, the new members joined the Court for a lunch at the hall.

The six liverymen admitted were:

Tristine Hargreaves –  Executive Director, the National Bed Federation

Tristine is Executive Director at trade association the National Bed Federation. She has reportedly held numerous technical roles in the industry, working for SATRA, Silentnight, Next and FIRA.

Julian Penrose-Smith – fine furniture conservator, Penrose Restoration

Said to be a skilled antique furniture restorer and conservator, Julian works on intricate repairs to both structural and surface elements of period and 20th century furniture, including gilding, marquetry, and ormolu restoration.

Susan Mancini – Commercial Manager, Studio 1718

Susan entered the furniture industry six years ago to work alongside her husband, liveryman Michael Mancini.

Studio 1718 designs, manufactures and restores bespoke furniture for high-net-worth clients, interior designers and commercial and hospitality businesses from its workshop in Dundonald, Scotland.

Alex Muradian – principal, Oyster Studio Furniture

Alex leads two companies: Oyster Studio Furniture, which creates bespoke furniture using traditional and modern methods, and Oyster Wellness, which crafts custom meditation seating. He began his career with training at Williams & Cleal.

Dannie Rusling – Owner, Rusling Furniture Makers

Dannie started his business making bespoke furniture, including kitchens and libraries as well as free standing pieces, in 2008.

He now has a workshop in the Scottish Highlands.

David Walker

David began his career in 1986 as a merchandiser at the Burton Group’s London head office.

In 1988, he transitioned to management accounting, qualifying in 1994 and becoming financial director in 1997.

For the past decade, he has worked in flooring contracting at Designer Contracts, focusing on improving site performance and simplifying accounts through KPIs and training. He recently retired from the business.

Carrie Westwell – Chief People and Culture Officer, Bensons for Beds

Carrie Westwell is chief people and culture officer at Bensons for Beds, serving on the board and executive team and leading the organisation’s people strategy and culture.

With more than 20 years’ experience across retail, FMCG and property, she has held senior roles at Peel Land and Property, Kellogg Company and Comet.

An EMCC-accredited coach with an MA in Psychology, Carrie is said to be recognised for building inclusive, high-performing cultures and championing colleague wellbeing and engagement.

Jamie Donald – Head of Manufacturing, Bensons for Beds

Jamie Donald is Head of Manufacturing at Bensons for Beds, bringing more than 35 years of experience at the company’s Huntingdon manufacturing site.

Having joined the business in 1989, he progressed from upholsterer to team leader, section manager and production manager before being appointed head of manufacturing in 2025.

Throughout his career, Jamie has worked across every factory department, developing extensive operational expertise and a deep understanding of manufacturing excellence, people leadership and continuous improvement.

Phil Breeze – Technology Application Director, Biesse UK

Phil Breeze is a qualified civil and structural engineer who began his career as an international commissioning and geophysical engineer in the oil and minerals sector.

He moved into technical sales with Biesse UK, serving as area manager for the glass and stone division from 2014 to 2018.

After a period as business development manager at Lapicida, he rejoined Biesse in 2021 to relaunch its UK advanced materials division and now serves as technology application director for the UK.

Rosie Hitchcock – Marketing Manager, Biesse UK

Rosie Hitchcock is the Marketing Manager for Biesse in the UK and Ireland, where she reportedly plays a key role in strengthening the company’s presence within the furniture manufacturing sector.

With broad marketing experience and a strong focus on industry engagement, Rosie has spent the past two years supporting the growth and positioning of the Biesse brand across the UK&I market.

Membership of the Company is open to individuals and businesses working across the UK furniture and furnishing industry, offering opportunities to support its charitable work while taking part in networking, social and City livery events with a broad network of industry professionals.

Individuals initially join the Company as a freeman and then progress to become a liveryman, a full member of the organisation.

The Furniture Makers’ Company also welcomes businesses to join as corporate members, with the option to appoint up to three employees as corporate liverymen.

For more information about The Furniture Makers’ Company, visit: The Furniture Makers’ Company – City of London livery company