The Furniture Makers Company has announced the admission of fifteen new members to The during its June Court meeting held on 25 June at Furniture Makers Hall, London. The ceremony, presided over by Brian Ahern, Master of The Furniture Makers' Company, welcomed four liverymen, ten new corporate liverymen, and one honorary freeman.
The newly admitted liverymen include Geoffrey Fowler, CEO and principal of The London Design & Engineering University Technical College, bringing over three decades of educational leadership to the furniture-making industry. Richard Griffin, Membership Director at The Furniture and Home Improvement Ombudsman, joined alongside Dawn Hamlet, HR Manager at the same organization, each bringing diverse professional backgrounds to their roles.
Derek Jones, Subject Lead for furniture T Level at The London Design & Engineering UTC, joined after a career encompassing bespoke cabinetry, project management, and editorial work in the furniture sector.
Meanwhile, new corporate liverymen were welcomed from Bensons for Beds, Dreams, Emmiera Group, and Sleepeezee, including leaders like Jason Grinall, Operations Director at Emmiera Group, and James Lane, CEO of the same company, recognized for transforming their industry presence.
Additionally, Kelly Davis, Head of Internal and Corporate Communications at Dreams, and Linda Sleath, Chief People Officer at Bensons for Beds, were among those recognized for their significant contributions to their respective organizations.
During the ceremony, Reverend George Bush was also honoured as an honorary freeman for his longstanding service as Honorary Chaplain to The Furniture Makers' Company.
George Bush, recently retired as Rector of St Mary-le-Bow church after two decades, has been a cherished presence and spiritual guide within the company, contributing memorable homilies and graces throughout his tenure.
These admissions highlight The Furniture Makers' Company's commitment to integrating accomplished professionals and esteemed figures who will continue to enrich the industry and the community it serves.
More information:
The Furniture Makers' Company
www.furnituremakers.org.uk