British Furniture Association fosters HR collaboration with industry forum

A special interest group initiated by the British Furniture Association (BFA) is enhancing collaboration among HR professionals in the furniture industry. Established in September 2022, the BFA’s HR Forum aims to provide a networking platform where participants can share ideas, identify solutions, and exchange best practices.

The initiative was spearheaded by Sarah Jane Hutchinson, Head of Group HR at Whitemeadow Upholstery, who recognised the importance of fostering connections among HR experts. The inaugural meeting took place at Whitemeadow’s headquarters, marking the beginning of a network tailored to the unique challenges faced by professionals in the furniture manufacturing sector.

“HR professionals throughout the BFA membership are at the forefront of dealing with the ever-changing landscapes of day-to-day operational business requirements and needs within furniture manufacturing,” Hutchinson remarked. Speaking to Big Furniture Group, she emphasised the value of creating a supportive community where these professionals could connect and learn from one another.

The first forum proved successful, paving the way for subsequent gatherings. The second forum occurred on March 6, 2023, at DFS in Doncaster and attracted notable participation from various industry representatives including G-Plan, Parker Knoll, Lebus Upholstery, Dreams, and Silentnight. The discussions during this meeting centred around crucial topics such as the impending minimum wage increases, insights from the BFA Wages Survey, and strategies for improving employee retention.

Phil Spademan, Managing Director of the BFA, underscored the significance of adapting human resource strategies in response to evolving workplace dynamics. “HR teams within the sector of manufacturing, supply, and retail have to develop as new working practices emerge, driven by technological advancements, changing employee expectations, and nationwide events,” he stated. Spademan further highlighted the forum's role in bridging gaps within the industry by providing a non-competitive environment for HR professionals to engage with shared challenges.

The feedback following the forums has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees finding the gatherings beneficial for professional development and networking. Spademan noted that the initiative has resonated with the community, successfully establishing a venue for open dialogue amongst HR leaders in the furniture sector.

The BFA has announced that the next HR Forum is scheduled for September 18, 2023, hosted by Lebus Upholstery in Scunthorpe. This upcoming event aims to continue building on the momentum generated by previous meetings and to further enhance the collaborative spirit within the industry.

HR professionals affiliated with the BFA are encouraged to participate in this initiative. Interested individuals can reach out via email to join the forum and contribute to the ongoing discussions and learning opportunities.

The establishment of the BFA HR Forum exemplifies a proactive approach to addressing contemporary human resource challenges in the furniture sector while fostering a collaborative environment among member organisations.