The Furniture Makers' Company New Freemen's Admissions 14th April 2026

Four new freemen admitted to The Furniture Makers’ Company

Four new freemen admitted to The Furniture Makers’ Company

The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, has admitted four new freemen at an April ceremony.

The admission ceremony took place on Tuesday 14 April at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London, and was presided over by Debbie Johnson, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company.

The new members are:

James Lawrence, Head of Design at Ocee and Four Design, has over 20 years’ experience in furniture and upholstery design. He leads design direction and strategy across international manufacturing partners spanning the UK, Europe, North America, Asia and Australasia.

Trevor Scott, CEO of Rugby Fitted Kitchens, has built a successful business delivering bespoke kitchen solutions through retail showrooms as well as supplying developers and builders in the new-build market.

Geoff Tucker, Director of GRT Countryside Care, brings more than three decades of experience as an environmental and land-management contractor. His work includes the manufacture of bespoke garden and agricultural furniture and buildings, primarily across the South West of England.

James Woolley, Joint Managing Director of Webs Training, represents the future of skills development in the industry. Having joined Webs Training in 2004 as a Training Officer, he now plays a key role in delivering apprenticeships and training programmes for the furniture sector.

Debbie Johnson, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “We are delighted to welcome our new freemen. Each brings unique expertise and perspective, strengthening our community and supporting our mission to uphold excellence and sustainability within the furnishings industry.”

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 may 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.

Individuals and businesses interested in joining The Furniture Makers’ Company as a member are encouraged to email membership@furnituremakers.org.uk.

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

More news

WEBS Training 2026

Taking on an apprentice: Costs, wages and support

In her latest article, Samarah Dawson, Business Development Manager at specialist furniture and interiors apprenticeship training provider, WEBS Training, is back talking all aspects of apprenticeships, this week talking the cost of taking on an apprentice. I’m back talking all aspects of apprenticeships, and this week I’m talking money – the pounds and pence of… Continue reading Taking on an apprentice: Costs, wages and support
Gav NT 2026

MRA Analyst on construction data and conservation

Hear how MRA Research Data Analyst, Gavin Brooks, brings together two seemingly different worlds: construction market insight and hands-on conservation work with the National Trust. MRA Research has a long-established reputation for providing valuable insight into the construction sector, helping businesses understand market trends and plan for the future. But for Data Analyst Gavin Brooks,… Continue reading MRA Analyst on construction data and conservation
BFC 2026

BFC urges caution over furniture fire safety changes

The British Furniture Confederation (BFC) has submitted a sector-wide response to the Government’s consultation on proposed reforms to upholstered furniture fire safety regulations. Representing manufacturers, retailers, suppliers and trade associations across the UK, the BFC welcomes the ambition to reduce the use of harmful flame‑retardant chemicals where it can be achieved safely, while warning that… Continue reading BFC urges caution over furniture fire safety changes