www.fira.co.uk

ANNUALREVIEW2017 - 2018

Knowledge Information Research Influence

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Contents03 Chairman’sIntroduction04 TheFIRACouncil05 AboutFIRA06 FactsandFigures07 StandardsUpdate10 BritishFurnitureConfederation12 FlammabilityRegulations13 BariatricSeating14 Sustainability15 MoreMembershipProjects16 TheGoldStandard17 OntheHorizon18 MaketheMostofYourMembership

12monthsagointhe2016/2017reviewIintroducedourfourpillars(knowledge,research,information,influence)whichunderpintheworkoftheResearchAssociation.Muchworkhastakenplacethroughout2017guidedbythesepillars,andtoreflectthistheAnnualReviewisallcenteredonthiswork.

Under‘knowledge’readaboutthepaperauthoredbyPhilReynolds,GeneralManageroftheAssociation’sservicesupplier,FIRAInternational,onfireregulations.WorkingwiththeBritishFurnitureConfederation,thepaperaimstoinformtheindustryonproposedchangestothefireregulations,andintendstokick-startgovernmentdiscussiononthisemotivetopic.

Under‘research’youcanlearnmoreabouttheworkbehindthenewbariatricseatingstandard,FS058:2017Seating-Performanceanddimensionalrequirementforbariatricseating.Wealsogiveupdatesonourimportantcirculareconomywork,givingyouupdatesonprojectsunderwayduringourlastannualreview.Youcanalsogotowww.fira.co.uk/researchtoseethemostcurrentpublishedresearch.

Movingto‘information’wehaveanextractfromourannualStatisticsDigest,givingyoutheviewofthelatestfactsandfiguresonfurnituremanufacturingandtrade.Usethisasabarometeroftheoverallindustry.Wealsohavethreepagesdedicatedtothelateststandardsupdates.Membersregularlytellus

howkeythisknowledgeistothem,sowe’velistenedandallocate15%oftheResearchAssociation’sbudgettosupportingstandardsdevelopment,ensuringthereisrepresentationfromtheResearchAssociationonBritish,EuropeanandInternationalcommittees.AlongsidethisupdateResearchAssociationmembersareadvisedtocheckthelateststatusofstandardsviawww.fira.co.uk/standardsplus/browse-afullysearchabledatabasewhichisregularlyupdated.

Readabout‘influence’throughourimportantworkwiththeBritishFurnitureConfederation(BFC),includingworkwiththeAllPartyParliamentaryFurnitureIndustryGroup(APPFIG),theirmanifesto,workaroundeducationandfunding,supportingexportingandtheirfocusonsustainability.SeethelatestnewsandprojectsfromtheBFCatwww.britishfurnitureconfederation.org.uk.

HopefullythisgivesyouatasteofthebroadrangeofworktheResearchAssociationhasembarkedonthroughout2017.Andinthisreviewforthefirsttimewe’veincludedanewoutlooksection,soyoucangetaninsightastoworkwhichwillbeundertakenduring2018.Formemberswealsocoveroffimportantpointerstoensureyou’reallmakingthemostofyourmembership

AsalwaysIwouldlovetohearyourviewsontheworkoftheResearchAssociation,pleasesendyourfeedback,commentsorideastomembership@fira.co.uk.

Finally,inclosing,IwouldliketothankeveryonewhoassistedtheResearchAssociationin2017.Whetheryou’reamember,attendedoneofourevents,aidedthecouncilorplayedyourpartinshapingourknowledge,research,informationorinfluence,yoursupportisinvaluableinhelpingusachieveallthatwedidin2017.

Charles VernonChairman,FurnitureIndustryResearchAssociation

Chairman’s IntroductionWelcome to the second annual review during my tenure as Chairman of the Furniture Industry Research Association.

Introduction

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TheResearchAssociationwouldliketothankthefollowingCouncilmemberswhostooddownfromtheCouncilin2017,fortheirhardworkandsupportoftheResearchAssociation:

• Andy Corbett –VitaCellularFoamsUKLtd

• David Huss–EuropeanFurnitureGroupLtd

• Margaret Miller–KnightsbridgeFurnitureProductionsLtd

• Jeremy Stein–BritishContractFurnishingAssociation

• Richard Stevenson – WellmanInternationalLtd

• Rob Veitch–ExovaGroup

• ACCO Brands• Akzo Nobel Industrial Coatings Ltd• Alfred Franks & Bartlett• Atlas Furniture Asia• BDP Imports (Bramblecrest)• BFM Ltd• CDS Superstores t/a The Range

Home, Leisure & Garden• Chris Garrod Global• Coach House• Dalen Ltd• Dilwyn Lear Ltd• Dorel Home Furnishings Ltd• Fox Linton Ltd• Global Upholstery Solutions Ltd• Globe Online (Worldstores)

• Halls Furnishings Ltd t/a LOFT Interiors

• Hill Upholstery & Design• Houzz Shop LLC• Insignia Manufacturing Ltd• Kettler GB Ltd• Kids Funtime Beds Ltd• L Jones Chairframes Ltd• Matalan Retail Ltd• Palliser Furniture Upholstery Ltd• Parlour Farm Kitchens• PJTC• S. A. Wood Chemicals Sdn Bhd• Sainsbury’s Argos• SGS-CSTC Standards

Tech Services Co. Ltd

• Shanghai Meaton Trade Co. Ltd• Siddall & Hilton Products Ltd• Steeple Associates Ltd t/a

Peter Cook International• Stuart Jones Ltd• Stuart Scott Associates Ltd• The Contract Chair Company• TK Components

In 2017 the Furniture Industry Research Association welcomed 36 new members:

The FIRA Council As of January 2018, the Furniture Industry Research Association Council comprised:

Chairman,CharlesVernon

ViceChairman,MarkRichardson BlumUKLtd

JessicaAlexander NationalBedFederationLtd

AnneBarber InHeavenatHome

SteveBarton LifeArtLtd(co-opted)

PeteBeele FIRAInternationalLtd

AlanBennett StuartJonesLtd

EricCatton CattonAssociates(co-opted)

PaulCritchley HomeRetailGroupPlc

AndyGreen MinistryofFurniture

JonathanHindle KIGroup

RobJones ScS

RodneyMcMahon MorganContractFurnitureLtd

NigelPunshon HilleEducationalProducts

RichardRanklin AssociationofMasterUpholsterers&SoftFurnishers

PhilReynolds FIRAInternationalLtd

JohnStevenson ExovaGroup

Membership

www.fira.co.uk/membership

KnowledgeAstheResearchAssociationforthefurnitureindustry,FIRAisatthecentreoftechnicalknowledge.Membersarekeptup-to-datewithchangestostandardsandregulations.Updatesfromstandardscommitteemeetingsaresharedtoenablememberstofollowkeydecisionsandobjectionsaffectingtheirsector.Latestregulationchangesandnewsoncomplianceaffectingeverythingfromtimbertochemicals,fromflammabilitytosafetyisalsomadeavailabletomembers.

There’salsoawealthofknowledgecontainedwithintheStandardsDatabaseonfira.co.ukwhichisexclusivetomembers.Thiscontainsadescriptionofeachstandard,status,year,standardtypeandmuchmore.

ResearchFromanannualStatisticsDigesttoQuarterlyStandardsUpdates,toresearchonthehottopicswhichaffecttheindustry,theResearchAssociationfundsandundertakeskeyresearchtohelpmembersunderstandtrends,marketconditionsandregulations.

InformationThemembers-onlysectionoffira.co.ukhostsallofFIRA’sknowledgeandresearch.Aspartofmembership,youremployeesreceivealoginsotheycansearchandaccesswhattheyneed,whentheyneedit.

InfluenceTheResearchAssociationworkswiththeBritishFurnitureConfederation(BFC)toensuretheindustry’sviewsaretakenintoaccountwithingovernment.Memberscanfeedbackthroughconsultationstosharetheirviewswithgovernment,standardscommitteesandotherbodieswhichaffecttheindustry.

The Furniture Industry Research Association and FIRA InternationalFIRAInternationalistheexclusiveserviceprovidertotheFurnitureIndustryResearchAssociation.FIRAInternationalofferssolutionsacrosstheglobalfurnituresupplychainincludingtesting,consultancy,trainingandfurnitureaftercare.DuetothecloserelationshipbetweentheResearchAssociationandFIRAInternational,fullassociationmembersreceive‘vouchercredits’whichcanberedeemedagainstthecostofFIRAInternationalcommercialservices.MembersalsoreceivepreferentialratesonFIRAInternationaltestingandtrainingservices.

The ‘four pillars’ – Knowledge, research, information, influence

Establishedin1949,theFurnitureIndustryResearchAssociationistheUK’slargestfurnitureresearchassociationandtheonlyorganisationthatprovidessupporttothewholefurnituresupplychain,acrossallsectors.TheResearchAssociationisauniquenot-for-profitmembership-basedorganisationrunbythefurnitureindustry,forthefurnitureindustry.Membershipisbasedonfourpillars;knowledge,research,informationandinfluence.

Not a member?MembershipoftheResearchAssociationisopentoallacrossthefurnituresupplychain,andwehavetailoredmembershiptypestosuitdifferentorganisations.ByjoiningyouwillbesupportingtheAssociationinfurtheringresearchandknowledgetothewiderbenefitoftheindustry.Membershiprunsfor12monthsandyoucanjoinatanytime.

Ifyouareinterestedinjoiningemailmembership@fira.co.uk orcall+44 (0)1438 777 700.Assoonasyourmembershipisconfirmedyouwillhaveaccesstoallmemberbenefits.

About FIRAFIRA 05

TheResearchAssociation’sannual‘StatisticsDigest’showsthatconsumerdemandforfurnitureandfurnishingscontinuestogrow.Whilstsomeofthisgrowthhasbeenfedbyrisingimports,UKmanufacturershavealsobenefited,with2016beingthelatestinfivesuccessiveyearsofincrementalgrowth.

Consumer expenditure Consumerexpenditureonfurnitureandfurnishingswasalmost£16.7billionin2016.Thisrepresenteda24%increasefrom2013.Year-on-yeargrowthfrom2013to2015wasbetween8-9%.However,growthfrom2015to2016wassomewhatless,at6%.

Thefullretailpicturefor2017hasyettoemerge,butpreliminarysignsaregood,despitepressspeculationtothecontrary.Salescontinuedtoriseinto2017withfirstandsecondquarterconsumerexpendituresbeingbetween5-6%higherthanfortheequivalentperiodsin2016.

Furniture manufacturingUKfurnituremanufacturershavecontinuedtoperformwelloverrecentyearswith2016salesreaching£8.4billion;4.5%higherthanthepreviousyear.Provisionaldataforthefirstthreequartersof2017suggestanotheryearofgrowth,althoughanecdotalevidenceforthelastquarterhasbeensomewhatcircumspect. Furnituremanufacturingin2013equatedto1.35%oftheUK’stotalmanufacturingturnover,whereasin2016thisincreasedto1.60%,asignthatthesectorisperformingbetterthansomeofitscounterparts.

Itisdifficulttodrawemploymentcomparisonsovertimeduetothenatureofthesourcedata.However,UKfurnituremanufacturersemployedanaverageof88,000individualsin2016and,despitetheirturnoverbeing1.60%ofthetotalforUKmanufacturing,thesectoraccountedfor3.47%ofallmanufacturingpersonnel.

International tradeTotalfurnitureimportsintotheUKareontherise,withtheprovisionalfigurefor2016being£5.8billion.ExtrapolationsbasedonimportdatapublisheduptoSeptembersuggestthatthetotalfor2017couldincreasetoabout£6.5billiononcethefullyear’sfiguresareconfirmed.

TheUKfurnituresector’sexportperformancealwaysappearsrelativelystatic,especiallywhencomparedwiththemuchlargervaluesattributabletoimports.However,exportshavegraduallyincreasedsince2012,reaching£1.13billionin2016,whichrepresenteda13%increaseonthepreviousyear.

Estimatesfor2017,basedonextrapolationsfromSeptemberdata,arethatthisfigurewillexceed£1.23billion,whichwillequatetoanotheryear-on-yearrise,thistimeof9%.

DespitetheUK’sstrengtheningexportperformance,the2016negativetradegapwithChina(thelargestforthesector)increasedto£1.86billion(from£1.75billionin2015).NextonthelistwerethenegativetradegapswithPoland,ItalyandGermany,whichequatedto£0.58billion,£0.56billionand£0.50billionrespectively.

Itisinterestingtonotethat22%ofexportsweretotheRepublicofIreland

and63%totheEuropeanCommunityasawhole.WithBrexitloomingitisclearthattheEUrepresentsanimportantmarketforUKfurnituremanufacturers.However,manyofthesecountriescontinuedtoexportmoretotheUKthanviceversaresultingina2016negativeEUtradegapof£2.20billion.

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Imports

Trade gap

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UK Furniture Trade Figures: 2012 to 2017

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Note: 2017 figures are estimates based on an extrapolation of data up to, and including, September 2017

Facts and FiguresFurniture Recovery Continues

Visit www.fira.co.uk/publications to download your copy of the ‘Statistics Digest’, available free of charge to members or for £2,000 +VAT for non-members.

Research

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Standards UpdateKey Information and UpdatesFifteen percent of the

Research Association’s budget is allocated to standards making, ensuring the UK is represented by the Research Association experts on British, European and International committees.

Thisinvestmentnotonlyreflectstheresourcerequiredtoinfluence,negotiateanddeliverasuiteofrobustandpracticalstandards,butisalsoameasureoftheimportancethatmembersplaceonknowinghowthesestandardswillimpactontheirproducts;inmostcasesbeforefinaldocumentationiseverpublished.WithBrexitfastapproachingitcanonlybeexpectedthatstandardsexpertiseandknowledgewillbeincreasinglyimportantfactorsinfuturebusinessconsiderations.

StandardsinformationisregularlycollatedbytheResearchAssociation’srepresentativesandcommunicatedasmember-onlybenefitsintheformof:

• Aquarterlyupdateonthelateststatusoffurniturestandardsunderdevelopment.

• Afullysearchabledatabaseofcurrentandrecentlywithdrawnstandards.

WithintheResearchAssociation’sfieldofrepresentation,2017sawthepublicationof16neworamendedstandards,withafurther27(notlistedinthe2016-2017AnnualReview)releasedin2016.SixofthesehavebeendevisedbytheResearchAssociationtoplugtechnicalgapsand/ortoclarifyinterpretationofotherstandards.

ANSI/BIFMA X5.1:2017. Office Chairs

FIRA / FRQG G0001:2017. Glass in furniture. Requirements

FS 058:2017. Seating. Performance and dimensional requirements for bariatric seating

BS 6222-2:2009+A1:2017. Domestic kitchen equipment. Fitted kitchen units, peninsular units, island units and breakfast bars. Performance requirements and test methods

BS 6222-3:2017. Domestic kitchen equipment. Part 3: Performance requirements for durability of surface finish and adhesion of surfacing and edging materials. Specification

BS EN 581-1:2017. Outdoor furniture. Seating and tables for camping, domestic and contract use. General safety requirements

BS EN 581-3:2017. Outdoor furniture. Seating and tables for camping, domestic and contract use. Mechanical safety requirements for tables

BS EN 716-1:2017. Furniture. Children’s cots and folding cots for domestic use. Safety requirements

BS EN 716-2: 2017. Furniture. Children’s cots and folding cots for domestic use. Test methods

BS EN 1272:2017. Child care articles. Table mounted chairs. Safety requirements and test methods

BS EN 14988:2017. Children’s high chairs. Requirements and test methods

BS EN 16890:2017. Children’s furniture. Mattresses for cots and cribs. Safety requirements and test methods

BS EN 16955:2017. Hardware for furniture. Tapered pressure tubes for self-supporting gas springs for the height adjustment of seating. Test methods and requirements for strength and durability

BS EN ISO 5402-1:2017. Leather. Determination of flex resistance. Flexometer method

BS EN ISO 9227:2017. Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres. Salt spray tests

New standards released in 2017

Knowledge

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FIRA/FRQG C001: 2016 - Furniture - Children’s Domestic Furniture - General safety requirements

FIRA/FRQG C002: 2016 - Furniture - Children’s domestic furniture - Seating - Requirements for strength, stability and durability

FIRA/FRQG C003: 2016 - Furniture - Children’s domestic furniture - Tables & desks – Requirements for strength, stability and durability

FIRA/FRQG C004: 2016 - Furniture - Children’s domestic furniture - Storage furniture - Requirements for strength, stability and durability

BS 8423:2010+A1:2016. Fireguards for fires and heating appliances for domestic use. Specification

BS EN 204:2016. Classification of thermoplastic wood adhesives for non-structural applications

BS EN 205:2016. Adhesives. Wood adhesives for non-structural applications. Determination of tensile shear strength of lap joints

BS EN 438-1:2016. High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL). Sheets based on thermosetting resins (usually called laminates). Introduction and general information

BS EN 438-2:2016. High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL). Sheets based on thermosetting resins (usually called laminates). Determination of properties

BS EN 438-3:2016. High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL). Sheets based on thermosetting resins (usually called laminates). Classification and specifications for laminates less than 2 mm thick intended for bonding to supporting substrates

BS EN 438-4:2016. High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL). Sheets based on thermosetting resins (usually called laminates). Classification and specifications for compact laminates of thickness 2 mm and greater

BS EN 438-5:2016. High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL). Sheets based on thermosetting resins (usually called laminates). Classification and specifications for flooring grade laminates less than 2 mm thick intended for bonding to supporting substrates

BS EN 438-6:2016. High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL). Sheets based on thermosetting resins (usually called laminates). Classification and specifications for Exterior-grade compact laminates of thickness 2 mm and greater

BS EN 527-2:2016. Office furniture. Work tables. Safety, strength and durability requirements

BS EN 12727:2016. Furniture. Ranked seating. Requirements for safety, strength and durability

BS EN 15372:2016. Furniture. Strength, durability and safety. Requirements for non-domestic tables

BS EN 16120:2012+A2:2016. Child use and care articles. Chair mounted seat

BS EN ISO 105-D02:2016. Textiles. Tests for colour fastness. Colour fastness to rubbing: Organic solvents

BS EN ISO 105-X12:2016. Textiles. Tests for colour fastness. Colour fastness to rubbing

BS EN ISO 105-X16:2016. Textiles. Tests for colour fastness. Colour fastness to rubbing. Small areas

BS EN ISO 2589:2016. Leather. Physical and mechanical tests. Determination of thickness

BS EN ISO 3377-2:2016. Leather. Physical and mechanical tests. Determination of tear load. Double edge tear

BS EN ISO 12947-2:2016. Textiles. Determination of the abrasion resistance of fabrics by the Martindale method. Determination of specimen breakdown

BS ISO 22879:2016. Castors and wheels. Requirements for castors for furniture

BS ISO 22880:2016. Castors and wheels. Requirements for castors for swivel chairs ISO 16893:2016. Wood-based panels. Particleboard

New standards released in 2016

Knowledge

www.fira.co.uk

FIRA Standards Database

With43standardspublishedinlessthan2yearstherehardlyseemstimetoconsiderthereviewofotherdocumentation.However,atthetimeofwriting(November2017)ResearchAssociationexpertsareactivelyreviewinganddevelopingapproximately50additionalBritish,EuropeanandInternationalstandards.

OneoftheResearchAssociation’smaininitiativesin2017hasbeentodevelopamutuallyrecognisableTechnicalReportcoveringtheentrapmentoffingers.Thiswaspromptedbythefactthatentrapmentisakeysafetyelementofmanystandardsyetthereisaninconsistencyofapproachandrequirementsleadingtopotentialconfusionamongstdesigners,manufacturersandstandardsdevelopers.Thiswillnotonlystreamlinethedevelopmentofnewstandards,butwillalsointroduceconsistencyasandwhenexistingversionsarereviewed,revisedandre-published.

ThedraftTechnicalReportisentitled‘FprCEN/TR17202.September

2017.Generalsafetyguidelines.Entrapmentoffingers’,andthefinaldraftwascirculatedforapprovaltopublish,withavotingdeadlineof21November2017.Itcomprises:• Ageneralsafetyphilosophy.• Aguidelineonthesafetyassessment

thatexpertsarerecommendedtousewhendraftingstandards.

• Guidanceonspecificgeneralsafetyrecommendations.

• Testmethodsrelatingtohazardscausedbyholesandopeningsthatarecommontoalltypesoffurniture.

TheTechnicalReportaddressescommonrisksposedbyitemsoffurnituretoadultsandchildrenover36monthsold.Forchildrenunder36month’sreferenceneedstobemadetothe‘CEN/TR13387-5:2015.Childuseandcarearticles.Generalsafetyguidelines.Productinformation’suiteofdocuments. Thesafetyrisksaddressedarehazardscausedbyholesandopeningsandspecifically:

• Entrapmentoffingers.• Shearingorcompression/

crushingoffingers.• Sharpedges.• Safetyrisksoutsideofthe

scopeofthedocument,butstillpotentiallycausedbyholesandopenings,include:• Entrapmentofheadandneck.• Entrapmentoflimbs.

Theseguidelinesdonotcoveralltypesofhazardsandrisks,suchasinappropriateuseofproducts,orinadequatesupervisionofchildren.

StandardsupdatesareregularlycommunicatedtomembersoftheResearchAssociationandthesearchablestandardsdatabaseisupdatedasandwhenstandardsarepublished,amendedorwithdrawn.

www.fira.co.uk/standards-plus/browse

Knowledge

Standards in development

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British Furniture Confederation

The Research Association’s ability to influence key decision makers in Westminster, Whitehall and Brussels is one of the core benefits of membership. The Furniture Industry Research Association combines forces with other trade bodies in the guise of the British Furniture Confederation (BFC), which acts as industry’s single voice for dialogue with government. As Research Association Directors, FIRA International’s Phil Reynolds and Peter Beele both retain positions on the BFC’s Executive Board.

All Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group CommunicationwithpoliticiansandcivilservantsisoftenfacilitatedasaresultoftheexistenceoftheAllPartyParliamentaryFurnitureIndustryGroup(APPFIG),chairedbyStephenMcPartlandMP(Stevenage).SubsequenttoaGeneralElectionevery‘AllPartyGroup’isrequiredtodisbandandreformwithinastipulatedtimescale.Giventheimportanceofthegrouptoindustry,itsreformationwaskeyandthiswasformalisedatameetinginWestminsterinSeptember2017.

Themeetingalsoprovidedanopportunityforindustryleadersfrom30companiestobetterunderstandthenewrolethatTradingStandardswillplayintheenforcementofregulationsthatimpactonthefurnituresector.SpeakersattheeventincludedStephenMcPartlandMP;LordTobyHarris,ChairmanoftheNationalTradingStandardsBoardandEricaSherwardfromtheRegulatoryDeliveryteamattheDepartmentforBusiness,EnergyandIndustrialStrategy(BEIS),whichoverseesPrimaryAuthorityPartnershipswithregionalTradingStandardsauthorities.Theyaddressedsomeoftheissuesfacingbothindustry,andenforcers,infightingarisingtideofroguetraders,particularlythenewchallengespresentedbye-commerce.

General Election, Brexit and manifestoThe2017GeneralElectionandearlierBrexitvotehavesignificantlyalteredthepoliticallandscape.WhilsttheBFC’smessageshavealwaysbeenclear,itbecameapparentthatthephrasingofitsobjectivesneededtobealignedwithgovernmentthinkingandreflectquestionsbeingraisedinaseriesof

consultationswhichrequiredBFCinput.Theseconsultationsincluded:• PotentialimpactsofBrexiton

industryandmeetingswithBEIS• GreenPaperon‘Building

ourIndustrialStrategy’• MigrationAdvisoryConsultation

TothiseffectthefurnitureindustrywasaskedtorespondtoaseriesofquestionsandtheBFCpublishedamanifestosettingoutcallsforactioncoveringissuessuchas:• Skillsandapprenticeships• Tradeandexports• Fireresistanceregulations• Circulareconomy

Theplanistoreviewandamendthismanifestoin2018soitcontinuestoechoindustry’sneedsandengagewithcurrentpoliticalthinking.

Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations Considerabletechnicalandpoliticaleffortwasinvestedintheprogressionofthere-writeoftheFurnitureandFurnishings(Fire)(Safety)Regulations(FFFSR).Thelong-standingexpertiseofFIRAInternational’sPhilReynoldshasbeencriticaltothiscampaign.RevisionoftheRegulationshasbeenontheindustry’sagendaformany(overseven)years,but,despiteithavinginitiatedaseriesofconsultations,progresswithinBEIShasbeenslow,partlyinfluencedbythedifferingopinionsofawiderangeofstakeholders.

Inthesummerof2017,fuelledbycontinuedprocrastinationonbehalfof

The Single Voice of the Furniture Industry

Influence

government,theBFCconsultedawiderangeofindustryorganisationsandputforwardaworkable,mutuallyacceptablesolutioninanattempttoprogresstherevisionandremovethecurrentstateoflimbowhichisprovingdisconcertingtomanufacturers,retailersandimportersalike.AresponsehadstillnotbeenreceivedinNovember2017andtheBFCcontinuestoexploreallavenuestoexpediteaconclusiontothisissue.

Education and fundingRepresentationstogovernmentweremadeduetoindustryconcernsabouttheimpactsthatlatesteducationpolicieswouldhaveontheavailabilityofdesignandtechnologyqualificationsinschools,whicharethecornerstonesformanywhowouldwishtoprogressacareerinfurnituremanufacturing.

Inaddition,inequitablefundingfortheadulteducationbudget,andtheimportanceoffurnitureindustryspecificapprenticeships,bothatlevel2andlevel3,haveallbeenontheBFC’scampaignagenda.Futurefundingisparticularlycriticaltoapprenticeshipsandeducationandapre-budgetletter,senttoChancellorPhilipHammondMP,pointedoutthat:

• Thesector’syearonyeargrowthreliesontheabilitytoaccessspecialisedtrainingacrossthecountry.

• WhentheUKleavestheEuropeanUnion,itisassumedthatindustrywillnothavethesameaccesstotheEuropeanemploymentpoolasitcurrentlydoes.Consequentlyinvestmentintrainingisimperativeifindustryistoreplacethecurrentskilledworkerssourcedfromwithin

theEuropeanemploymentmarket.• Somecompaniesareseeingthe

apprenticeshiplevyasanother‘tax’,andnotasafundtoassistfurniturecompaniestoemployapprentices.Governmentneedstoensureleviedmoneyisfullyspentonapprenticeships.Anyunspentmoneywithinthesectormustbereinvestedinthetrainingandeducationofthefurnitureindustryandnotdivertedtootherunknownbudgets.

• Theremustbeanadequateandfairdistributionoftheadulteducationbudget(AEB).Manyoftheseproviderswithinthefurnituresectorrelyontheprovisionoftrainingtobothadultsandyoungpeoplefortheirorganisationstoremainviable.Removalofsupportforadulteducationwill,therefore,impactontheirabilitytosupportgovernment’s‘3millionapprenticeships’goal.

ExportingTherewasacontinuedpushforgreaterclarityofexportsupportandTradeShowAccess(TAP)fundingthroughmeetingsandrepresentationswithUKTIandtheTradeAlliance.ThissubjectformedthebasisofameetinginWestminsterinlate2016andgreaterclarityongovernment’slongtermstrategicintentionsinthisareacontinuestobesought.Engagementwithinthisareahasbeenparticularlyfrustratingduetoregularchangesinministerialresponsibilities.

Sustainability Awatchingbriefhasbeenmaintainedonsustainability,endoflifeandthecirculareconomy,andtherehasbeengreaterinvolvementinapplicable

consultationsandstandardsassociatedwiththeseimportantbusinessfunctions.Inparticular,theBFChaskeptitselfinformedonEuropeanlobbyingfortheremovalofflameretardantsfromfurnitureandonpotentialextendedproducerresponsibility(EPR)schemesformattressesandfurniture.

ThisisjustasnapshotoftheworkcarriedoutbytheResearchAssociationonbehalfof,andincollaborationwith,theBritishFurnitureConfederation.Detailsoflatestcampaignsandevents,plusthefullcontentoftheBFCmanifestoanditsresponsetothegreenpaperconsultationonbuildinganindustrialstrategycanbefoundontheBFCwebsite. www.britishfurnitureconfederation.org.uk

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www.fira.co.uk

Flammability RegulationsThe BFC’s perspective on the proposed changesTheFurnitureIndustryResearchAssociation’sDirector,PhilReynolds,playedakeyroleintheBritishFurnitureConfederation’s(BFC)campaigntorevisetheFurniture&Furnishings(Fire)(Safety)Regulations1988(asamended)(FFFSRs)throughdraftingaconsultationpaperwhichwaspublishedinJuly2017.ThefullpaperandproposalsareavailableontheBFCwebsite(www.britishfurnitureconfederation.org.uk),butinessence:

SinceitsinceptiontheBFChassupportedtheFFFSRandhascampaignedtohavetheregulationsrevisedandimprovedtoremoveareasofuncertainty,andtoreflectdevelopmentsinmaterialsandmanufacturingtechniques.

Intheabsenceofarevision,twofiresafetyguideswerecommissionedforboththedomesticandcontractmarketsectors,explainingtheobligationsofimporters,manufacturersandretailers,aswellasofferingadviceonareasofuncertaintythatstillremainenshrinedwithinthecurrentregulations.

TheFFFSRs,combinedwiththeincreaseintheuseofsmokealarmsandreductioninsmokinginthehome,havebeeninstrumentalindrivingdownthenumberofdeathsinhousefiresbyslowingdowntherateofescalationoffiresandincreasingthetimehomedwellershavetoexitabuilding.ThisviewissupportedbytwoGovernmentreportsandarecentreportbytheFederationoftheEuropeanUnionFireOfficersAssociations.

TheBFChasbeenactivelyinvolvedinthevariousinitiativesundertakenbytheDepartmentofBusiness,EnergyandIndustrialStrategy,anditspredecessors,torevisetheFFFSR,contributingtoallconsultations,pre-consultationmeetingsandtechnicalmeetings,asitiscommittedtoensuringtheUKhasthebestfiresafetylegislationintheworld.

InitiativestoraisefiresafetystandardsacrossEuropetoalevelequivalenttotheUKaresupported,suchasthoseproposedbytheFederationoftheEuropeanUnionFireOfficersAssociations.

SuccessfulimplementationoftheFFFSRsisdependentonenforcement.BEISisurgedtoadequatelyfundTradingStandardstoensurethistakesplace.RecenttargetedinvestigationsbyBEIS/TradingStandardshaveidentifiedsignificantlevelsofnon-compliancewhichreinforcestheneedbothforapplicableregulationsandforanadequatelyresourcedenforcementagency.

TheNationalBedFederation,theLeisureandOutdoorFurnitureAssociationandtheFurnitureIndustryResearchAssociationsitontheBFCExecutiveandhaveintroduced,orareintroducing,auditedcodeofconductschemesrequiringthatthefurnitureindustryhassystemsinplacetodemonstratecompliancewiththeFFFSRs.TheseinvolvecollaborationwithTradingStandardsbutwillsignificantlyreducetheirburdenofenforcement.

TheBEISinitiativetofullyrevisetheFFFSRswasfullywelcomed.However,researchbyExecutivememberAssociationsindicatedthatproposedchangeswouldnothavethedesiredeffectofreducingtheamountoffireretardantchemicalsbeingusedandwouldresultinmorevariabilityintestresults,whichwouldbedetrimentalbothintermsofmanufactureandenforcement.

Analternative,interimsolutiontoamendtheregulations,hasbeenproposedandcirculatedtokeystakeholders.ThishasthefullsupportoftheBFC’smemberassociationsandtheBritishRetailConsortium.Thisproposalwouldallowforareductioninlevelsoffireretardantsinsomefabricswithoutaffectingfiresafety.Itwouldresultinimmediatemeaningful,enforceableregulation,enablingindustrytofocusonthedevelopmentofsolutionsthatmaintainfiresafetyyetreducetheneedforpotentiallyhazardouschemicaltreatments.

PhilReynoldssaid‘ThefurnitureindustryhasbeencriticisedbysomeforopposingchangestotheUK’sfiresafetylegislationforfurniture.Thiscouldn’tbefurtherfromthetruthastheBFChaslongpetitionedforchangestotheregulationswhicharenow30yearsold.Whattheindustryneedsiscertainty–bothintermsofwhatchangesaregoingtohappenandwhen,andthatanychangesproduceconsistentresults,whilstmaintainingthecurrentleveloffiresafetyinthehome.’

www.britishfurnitureconfederation.org.uk

Knowledge & Influence

www.fira.co.uk

Bariatric SeatingSetting the StandardsSeptember 2017 saw the publication of our new standard for bariatric seating; FS 058: 2017 Seating - Performance and dimensional requirement for bariatric seating.

Thedevelopmentofthestandardtookanumberofyearsandinvolvedengagementwithanumberofstakeholdersincludingthehealthservice,patients,retailers,manufacturersandsupplierstothehealthcaremarket.

ThestandardwascreatedinresponsetothegrowingnumberofpeopleinWesternEuropebecomingoverweight,seeingobesitybecomingamajorchallenge.Obesityraisestheriskofheartdisease,canceranddiabetes,andsomestudiesestimatethatnearly10%ofmedicalspendingcanbeattributedtobariatricpatients.Thedemandforproductsforbariatricusers(thosewhoweighinexcessof20stone)isincreasing,howeverthereisalackofinformationformanufacturersdevelopingbariatricproductstohelpthemmeetthischallenge.

Withthisinmind,theResearchAssociationexpertsundertookinterviewsandfact-findingdiscussionswithallstakeholdersandworkedwithbariatricmodels,usingpressuremapping,toassessloaddistributionofbariatricusersastheysitdown,relaxandthengetoutofseating.Thisresearch,combinedwiththeResearchAssociation’sintimateknowledgeoffurniturestandardsandtesting,hasresultedintheUK’sfirstbariatricfurniturestandard.

Sectionsofthestandardinclude:

• Testequipmentandtestconditions• Tolerances• Generalsafetyrequirements,

includingsqueezeandshearpoints• Stabilityofseatingand

alsoswivelseats• Strengthanddurabilityrequirements,

includingseatandbackloadingpoints• Dimensionalrequirements,including

fillingmaterials,seatsupport,backsupports,armsupportandgeneralconsiderations

Thestandarddoesnotcontainrequirementsformorespecialistseatingsuchasriser-reclinerseating,rankedseating,seatingforeducationalinstitutionsandworkchairsforindustrialuse.Whilsttheseusesareexcludedfromthescopeofthisdocument,therequirementscontainedwithinthestandardmaybeusedasaguideindevelopingperformanceanddimensionalrequirementsforsuchuses.

ChiefErgonomistatFIRAInternational,LeventÇaglar,wholedtheresearchsaid:

“We were really pleased to announce the publication of this standard. It presented a unique challenge, as no two bariatric patients are the same in size, shape, weight and ability. This means just making a larger version of existing designs is not realistic, you have to consider size and shape, the type of fillings needed to give adequate support to a bariatric user. In addition the mobility of patients can be a significant factor, larger patients tend to be less mobile

and this poses additional safety risks, both from excessive periods of inactivity and then the risk to the user and carers when exiting the chair. We believe this standard offers excellent advice to designers and manufacturers of bariatric products, and also those specifying products for bariatric users.”

TheResearchAssociationwouldliketothankallthestakeholderswhocontributedtothedevelopmentofthisstandardandinparticularAssociationmembersKnightsbridgeFurniture,whosuppliedseatingsamplesforassessment,andVitafoamwhosharedtheirexperiencesinsupplyingfoamsandfillingsforbariatricseating.

www.fira.co.uk/ergonomics

Research & Information 13

www.fira.co.uk

SustainabilitySustainability across the furniture supply chain

Knowledge, Research & Information

Sustainable Hotspot Analysis ReportHighlightedinourlastreview,thisprojectwasdeliveredin2017andprovidedawiderangingresourcehotspotanalysis,withanemphasisonfurnitureproducts.ThefullreportwasmadeavailabletomembersinMay2017.Thereportpresentedthewiderangingaspectsofasustainabilityhotspotanalysisbyresearchingandcontextualisingthecommercial,reputationalandmaterialsourcerisksthatexistwithinsupplychains.Itaimedtoinformedbusinessleadersofpracticalmethodologiesthatwillmitigatetheserisks,whichinturnenablesdatadriven,sustainabilitydecisionmakingwithinorganisations.

Thereportshowedthatacrossthefurnitureindustrymuchwiderconsiderationsareneededthanjustcarbonfootprinting,andthisshouldalignwithariskbasedapproach.ThisisimportantandshouldbefamiliargroundforthosewhohavetransitionedorareintheprocessoftransitioningtothelatestISO9001/14001standardsandforthoseorganisationsthatarerequestingorexperiencingrequestsformoreinformationfromtheircustomersaspartofretailerorcustomerduediligence.

FurnitureIndustryResearchAssociationmemberscanreadthefullreportatwww.fira.co.uk/publications

Remanufacturing Product StandardAnotherprojectwhichmadegoodprogressinwasthe‘RemanufacturingProductStandard’

Thefirsttechnicalcommitteeforthestandardmetin2017.Itisplannedthatthefirstdraftstandardwillincorporateconsiderationsfor:• Asingleproductstandardtodealwith

refurbishmentandremanufacturing• Goodasnewproducts• Minimumwarrantyequivalent

tothatofnewproducts• Definedproductcore• Therewillbealimitedinitialscope

ofchairsanddesks(i.e.highvalueitemswherethereisanexistingsupplychainandmarket)

• Requireddocumentation• Traceabilitytoproductspecifications

/testingconducted

Theremanufacturedproductswillneedtodemonstrate:• Theyaresafe• Fitforpurpose• Meetergonomicrequirements• Meetrelevantlegislation,e.g.for

displayscreenequipmentetc.

Furtherupdatesonthestandardareplannedfor2018.

Circular Economy Task Force for the industryThetaskforcehasbeensetup,andtheyhaveconsultedontheremanufacturingstandard.Thesmalltechnicalcommitteehasrepresentativesfromacrossthefurniturechain,givingabalancedviewofwhatthestandardneedstoachieveinordertomeettheneedsofboththeenvironmentandthefurnitureindustry.

Establishing a product stewardship framework and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme AstheinitialprojectscopeforanEPRwasundertaken,signsfromthefurnitureindustrywasthattherewasnotangibledemandforanEPR,noristherethelikelihoodofaUKGovernmentpushforfurtherEPRs.ThedevolvedadministrationsaremoreinterestedinEPRschemes,howevertheyarenotcurrentlylookingatfurniturespecificschemesasthereisastrongerfocusongenericbulkywasteschemes,butwithconcernsrisingabouttheenvironmentalandfinancialimpactofflytippingthismaychange.TheinitialresearchdidhighlightgoodworkthroughcurrentFrenchEPRschemes,soshouldthisprojectcontinuetheirmodelwouldmostlikelybethebasis.

AnymembersinterestedinanEPRschemeshouldemailinfo@fira.co.uk.

The Research Association has a keen interest in sustainability, recognising the role the furniture industry can plan in promoting and practicing a circular economy (whereby products and materials are kept in circulation for as long as possible through reuse or recycling).

www.fira.co.uk

More Membership Projects

Supporting the Furniture Industry

REACHTheRegistration,Evaluation,AuthorisationandRestrictionofChemicals(REACH)Regulationscontinuetobeofimportancetomanymembers,andmuchworkwascommunicatedtomembersonthistopicthroughout2017.

InJulyanewsubstancewasaddedtotheSubstancesofVeryHighConcern(SVHC)CandidateListundertheREACHRegulations,alongsideupdatestofivechemicals.AssuchtheResearchAssociationpublishedaguidetosupportmembers.ThiswasalongsideadditionalreportspublishedinFebruaryandJunetofurthersupportmembersinunderstandingmoreaboutREACHobligations.

CE Marking for Electrically Actuated FurnitureOctobersawanew42pageguideforResearchAssociationmemberspublished:‘Electricallyactuatedfurnitureforthedomesticmarket-aguidetotheUKRegulations’.TheguideservedtohelpthosefromacrossthefurnituresupplychaintounderstandhowtheEuropeanMachineryDirective2006/42/EC2006/42/ECimpactsdomesticfurniture,especiallyafterupdatestothedirectivewhichcameintoeffectinJuly2017.

European Timber RegulationsMuchworktookplacearoundeducatingmembersontheEUTimberRegulation(EUTR)–whichcameintoforceinMarch2013,withtheaimofpreventingillegallyharvestedwoodfrombeingplacedonto

themarketwithintheEuropeanUnion.AnewguidewaspublishedtohelpmembersunderstandmoreabouttheEUTR,andhowtoremaincompliant.

EU Green Public Procurement (GPP) guidelines for textilesInJune,advicewasissuedtomembersonhowtobecompliantwiththenewEUGreenPublicProcurement(GPP)guidelinesfortextiles,whichwerelaunchedearlierthatmonth.TheEUGPPcriteriaexisttofacilitatetheinclusionofgreenrequirementsinpublictenderdocuments.Thecriteriaaimstoreachabalancebetweenenvironmentalperformance,costconsiderations,marketavailabilityandeaseofverification.TenderdocumentsmayincludeallorsomeoftheGPP

guidelines,dependingonthespecificrequirementsofthetender,andthisguideaimedtosupportmemberstolearnmoreabouthowtomeettheguidelines.

Environmental Legislation for Weeds and Non Native SpeciesAnotherguideexclusivelyformemberswas‘EnvironmentalLegislationforWeedsandNonNativeSpecies’,whichsimplifiedtheRegulationsthatgoverntheidentificationandmanagementofweedsandnon-nativefloraspeciesbyoccupiersandlandowners.Theguidewasproducedfollowingfeedbackfromsomemembersthatthemanagementofweedsandthepresenceofnon-nativespecieswasofincreasingconcern.

www.fira.co.uk/publications

A number of smaller, but still important research projects were carried out throughout 2017 on a range of topics to educate and advise members.

Research & Reports 15

www.fira.co.uk

The Gold StandardFIRA Gold CertificationResearchAssociationmembersareeligibletoapplyforFIRAGoldcertification,whichistherecognisedqualitymarkforfurnitureproductsorinstallationservices.FIRAGoldcertificationappliestoinstallationorproductsacrossthesupplychain,includingthedomesticandnon-domesticsectors,andisapplicableforentirefinalproducts,orcomponents.

TobecertifiedFIRAGold,theproductorinstallationserviceisassessedagainstspecificperformancelevelsthroughvigoroustestsconductedbyFIRAInternational.TheFIRAGoldCertificationholderisthenre-assessedviafutureaudittestingandinspectionstoensurestandardsremainhigh.

In2017werecognisedthefollowingResearchAssociationmemberswithFIRAGoldcertification:

TK ComponentsInFebruary,arangeofkitchendoorsandpanelsfromTKComponents(TKC)achievedFIRAGoldProductcertification.Inadditiontotheproducttesting,thecertificationassessmentincludedawarehouseinspection,duringwhichtheassessornotedhewasveryimpressedwithqualitycontrolpracticesinplace.

Howdens Joinery Co.InApril,HowdensJoineryCoreceivedFIRAGoldProductcertificationforarangeoftheirkitchendoorsandpanels.AnumberoftheHowdensJoineryCoteamattendedtheFurnitureIndustryResearchAssociationannualreceptionattheHouseofLordswheretheywerepresentedwiththeircertification.

Wade SpringInSeptember,WadeSpring’s‘SuperLoop’and‘Fishmouth’springswererecognisedwithFIRAGold,whichfollowedonfromtheirGoldCertificationfortheir‘ZigZagSinuousSprings’achievedinMarch2016.ThiswasbolsteredbytwofurtherawardsinNovemberfortheir‘ReclinerSprings,4.00mmFullArcKinkedMediumLoop’and‘ReclinerBackSprings10G/3.25mmSuperLoop’.

Imperial OfficeInOctober,ImperialOfficewereawardedFIRAGoldforInstallationforOfficeandContractFurniture.ToachieveFIRAGoldInstallationforOfficeFurniture,ImperialOfficeweresubjecttoanin-depthaudittoensuretheycoulddemonstratetheirinstallersaresuitablyqualified,andthatallnecessaryprocedures,documentationandqualitystandardsareinplace.

Vitafoam LtdVitafoamLtdreceivedFIRAGoldProductCertificationforfourproductsfromtheir‘Reflex’foamfilledcushionrange-ReflexR340,ReflexR340S,ReflexR400andReflexR400H.Alongsideresultsofphysicalpoundingtests,thefactoryaudithighlightedthequalityoftheirmanufacturingprocesses,withgoodtraceabilitysystemsinplacealongsideacontinuousimprovementprogramme.

Siddall & Hilton Products Ltd InNovemberSiddall&HiltonreceivedFIRAGoldProductCertificationfortheirZigZagSprings:FPGS042.Aspartofthetestingprocessthespringsweresubjecttodurabilitytestswhichranfor200,000cycles.Duringtheaudit,Siddall&Hilton’squalityassurancewashighlightedasastrength.

www.fira.co.uk/gold

HowdensJoineryCo.

ImperialOffice

WadeSpring

Certification

On the HorizonWhat can you expect to see from the Research Association in 2018?KnowledgeThefullStatisticsDigestReport(seepage6)wasreleasedinJanuary,actingasabarometerforthefurnitureindustry.MemberswillfurtherbenefitfromexclusiveQuarterlyStandardsUpdates.ThesearecurrentlyscheduledforreleaseinMarch,June,SeptemberandDecember.Thisisinadditiontoad-hocupdatesfollowingstandardsmeetingsastheyareheldthroughout2018.

InformationImprovementstowww.fira.co.ukwillcontinuethroughout2018.ThesitehostsalloftheResearchAssociation’sinformation,whichisavailabletoallemployeesofmembercompanies.IfyouareanemployeeofaResearchAssociationmemberwhodoesnotcurrentlyhavealogintothesiteyoushouldcontact marketing@fira.co.uk,theteamwillthenbeabletoarrange accessforyou.

ResearchAspartoftheResearchAssociation’sworkwithintheCircularEconomy,adraftRemanufacturingProductStandardshouldbeoutforconsultationin2018asmuchofthebehindthescenesworkisnowcomplete.

FollowingonfromtheBariatricChairStandardpublishedbytheResearchAssociationseenin2017(seepage13),aBariatricBedStandardisplannedfor2018publication.

TheResearchAssociationCouncilhasgrantedextensionstoscopeofsomeoftheworkseenin2017.Thisincludescontinuedresearchonhowdecabromodiphenylether(decaBDE)impactsthefurniturewastestream–theoutcomeofwhichmayinformfutureactionbytheindustryorGovernment.

Completedprojectworkonelectricallyactuatedfurniturewillbeextendedtoincorporatekitchenfurnitureandtheimplicationsforretailersandfitters.

WorkisalsoplannedaroundtheGeneralProductSafetyDirective(GPSD),toaddresspotentialknowledgegapsinhowtheyrelatetootherlegislationandspecificproductRegulations,forexamplechildren’sfurniture.

Ergonomicsexpertsareworkingontwoprojects,thefirsttounderstandthecorrelationbetweenpressuremappingandcomfort;thesecondtoextendtherangeofdesignguidestocoverkitchendesign(complementingthedomesticandnon-domesticfurnituredesignguidesalreadypublished).

InfluenceThroughtheResearchAssociation’srolewithintheBritishFurnitureConfederation(BFC),members’viewswillberepresentedasthemainprojectsaroundapprenticesandtraining,andtheproposalforupdatingtheFurniture&Furnishings(Fire)(Safety)Regulations1988(asamended)continue.www.britishfurnitureconfederation.org.uk willbeupdatedasworkprogressesthroughout2018.

Theconfederationwillalsobekeepingaweather-eyeonpossibleBrexitoutcomes,andResearchAssociationmemberswillbegivenupdatesandpredictionsasandwhenthesearepossible.

MembershipTheResearchAssociationalsoplanstocontinuetogrowviamembershipbybuildingonthegoodworkfrom2017.Additionalresourcesgeneratedfromnewmemberswillbeusedtodeliverfurtherknowledge,informationandresearchacrossthefurnituresupplychain.

Atthetimeofwriting(December2017)initialplanningwasunderwayfortheResearchAssociation’sannualreception.TheeventprovidesagreatopportunityforFIRAtocelebrateeverythingthatmembers,andthewiderfurnitureindustry,contributetothesocietyandtheeconomy.

ThreeOpenDaysarealsoplannedatFIRAInternational,basedinStevenage.TheeventstakingplaceinFebruary,MayandOctoberareagreatopportunityformembers(andnon-members)tolearnmoreabouttheworkoftheResearchAssociationandtheircommercialpartner,FIRAInternational.

Outlook for 2018 17

www.fira.co.uk

Make the Most of Your MembershipUtilise all the BenefitsAlongside the benefits of knowledge, information, research and influence, there are further ways to make the most of your Research Association membership.

Emailmarketing@fira.co.uktofindoutmoreonalltheopportunitiestomakethemostofyourResearchAssociationmembership.

Member website accessIt’scrucialtomakesurethatallthosewithinyourmemberorganisationhavealogintothewebsite(www.fira.co.uk). Byhavingalogin,colleaguescanaccessallofFIRA’sknowledge,researchandinformation.Anyemployeeofamembercompanycangetawebsitelogin,soifyourequirealogin,orknowofacolleaguewhodoes,emailmarketing@fira.co.uk.

Member’s Directory ListingAllmemberorganisationshaveacompanyprofileonwww.fira.co.uk/directory.Thiscanbeavaluableshopwindowforamembercompany,drivingsalesenquiriesthroughthewebsite,soit’sworthcheckingthisiscurrentasit’swhereotherswilllearnmoreaboutyou.YourmaincontactfortheFurnitureIndustryResearchAssociationmembershipcanamendtheprofileifrequired.

Share your newswww.fira.co.uk/member-newsisadedicatedareawhereyoucanshareyourlatestpressreleasesandnews.Wethenposttheseviaoursocialmediachannelstohelpyoureachawideraudience.

www.fira.co.uk/jobsMemberscanadvertisejobvacancies onwww.fira.co.uk/jobs.RolesarehighlightedthroughtheResearchAssociationsocialmediachannelsandeNews-helpingmembersreachadifferentaudience.

FIRA ShowcaseMemberscanexhibittheirproductsaspartofthe‘FIRAShowcase’withinourreceptionarea.Previousdisplaysincludealltypesofdomesticandcontractfurnitureincludingseating,tables,desks,mattresses,storageunits,wardrobesandchildren’splayequipment.www.fira.co.uk/showcase includesdetailsofcurrentexhibitors.

FIRA Open DaysMemberswhowanttolearnfirst-handabouthowtomakethemostoftheirmembershipareencouragedtoattendaFIRAOpenDay.The2018OpenDaysarescheduledforFebruary,MayandOctober-butearlybookingisadvisedasthepopulareventsoftenreachcapacitywithawaitinglistinplace.

Using the membership logoTheFurnitureIndustryResearchAssociationmembershiplogoisavailableformemberstouseontheirwebsite,marketingmaterial,exhibitionstandsetc.Ithighlightstoothersyou’repartoftheResearchAssociationandcommittedtoraisingstandardsacrossthefurnitureindustry.

Membership Advantages

House of Lords Reception. September 2017

FIRA International LtdAstheexclusiveserviceprovidertotheResearchAssociation,FIRAInternationalofferawiderangeofservicesacrosstheglobalfurnituresupplychainincluding:• Testing• Consultancy• Training• Furnitureaftercare

FurnitureIndustryResearchAssociationmembers:don’tforgetthat20%(excludingVAT)ofmembershipfeesforfullmembersareconvertedinto‘vouchercredits’whichcanberedeemedagainstFIRAInternationalservicesincludingtesting,consultancyandtraining!

Contact FIRA International for testing, consultancy, training and furniture aftercare:

info@fira.co.uk+44(0)1438777700

www.fira.co.uk

FIRA International Ltd · Maxwell Road · Stevenage · Hertfordshire · SG1 2EW · +44 (0)1438 777 700 · info@fira.co.uk

@FIRAnews