The new Furniture Makers' Company liverymen

The Furniture Makers’ Company admits new liveryman

The Furniture Makers’ Company admits new liveryman

The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, has welcomed four new members to its livery, including one individual liveryman and three corporate liverymen.

The Furniture Makers’ Company is one of the 114 City of London historic livery companies – professional associations that support their industries, charitable causes and the traditions of the City.

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.

The admission ceremony took place on Tuesday 3 March at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London, and was presided over by Debbie Johnson, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company.

At the March ceremony, Will Purves, Director of bespoke furniture manufacturer, David Lawrence Furniture, was admitted as a liveryman.

Three new corporate liverymen were also welcomed:

  • Mike Holmes, Managing Director of John Cotton Group (Nonwovens Division)
  • Robin Scott, Group Head of Quality and Compliance at DFS
  • Matt Burton, Head of people at DFS & Sofology

Following the ceremony, the new members joined the Company’s Court (board) and guests for dinner at Furniture Makers’ Hall.

Debbie Johnson said: “We are delighted that individuals and businesses from across the furnishing industry continue to recognise the value of joining the Company and supporting our livery and charitable work. All members, including corporate members, are invited to take part in the many events in the City livery calendar, which provide excellent opportunities for networking, entertaining and enjoying the traditions of the City.”

Robin Scott, added: “After 43 years in the furniture industry I feel incredibly proud and privileged to join the Furniture Makers’ Company, along with my colleague Matt Burton. We’re looking forward to getting involved and giving back to an industry that has given me so much throughout my career.”

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

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