Staples & Co to sponsor New Furniture Makers Exhibition

The Furniture Makers’ Company has announced Staples & Co as the headline sponsor of the New Furniture Makers Exhibition 2026, marking the first time the British bed brand has supported the annual showcase of emerging design talent.

Taking place on Wednesday 4 November in London, the New Furniture Makers Exhibition will showcase more than 75 furniture and furnishing designs from graduates and up-and-coming designers from leading universities, colleges and design schools across the UK.

Held across Furniture Makers’ Hall and the neighbouring Dutch Church, the free-to-attend exhibition brings emerging talent together with manufacturers, retailers, designers, specifiers and other professionals from across the furniture and furnishing industry.

Staples & Co, available exclusively at Bensons for Beds, has a long-standing connection with British craftsmanship and manufacturing, and is committed to encouraging the next generation of designers and makers entering the sector.

Emma Forbes, Owned Brands Director at Bensons for Beds, said: “For 130 years, Staples & Co has been built on British craftsmanship, quality materials and the skill of expert makers.

“Supporting the New Furniture Makers Exhibition allows us to celebrate that heritage while looking firmly to the future – championing emerging designer-makers and helping open up pathways into furniture design, upholstery and British manufacturing.

“We’re proud to play a part in supporting the next generation of talent who will shape the future of our industry.”

The exhibition reportedly forms an important part of The Furniture Makers’ Company’s commitment to education and excellence, providing budding designers with a platform to present their work directly to industry, develop valuable connections and gain exposure as they take their first steps into their careers.

For the furniture trade, the event offers the opportunity to discover new talent, explore fresh approaches to design, materials and making, and meet potential future employees and collaborators.

Jonny Westbrooke, CEO of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “We are delighted to welcome Staples & Co as headline sponsor of the New Furniture Makers exhibition for the first time.

“The exhibition is about connecting talented emerging designers and makers with the industry they hope to build their careers in, and the support of businesses such as Staples & Co is vital in helping us provide that platform.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming professionals from across the sector in November to discover the creativity, craftsmanship and fresh thinking of the next generation.”

Visitors will be able to view the work of more than 75 emerging designers, meet the makers behind the pieces and network with colleagues and representatives from educational establishments from across the UK.

The New Furniture Makers exhibition 2026 takes place on Wednesday 4 November 2026, from 2.00pm – 9.00pm, at Furniture Makers’ Hall and the Dutch Church, London EC2N 2HE.

Register free: https://bit.ly/NFMexhibition2026

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