British Furniture Association launches HR Forum to tackle sector challenges collaboratively
A special interest group initiated by the British Furniture Association (BFA) is creating an avenue for professionals in the furniture industry to exchange ideas, explore solutions, and share best practices. This initiative, termed the BFA HR Forum, was established in September and is spearheaded by Sarah Jane Hutchinson, the Head of Group HR at Whitemeadow Upholstery.
The inception of the HR Forum arose from a recognition of the advantages that could be gained through networking and the sharing of insights among HR professionals within the furniture manufacturing sector. The inaugural meeting took place at Whitemeadow's headquarters in September, where Hutchinson noted, “HR professionals throughout the BFA membership are at the forefront of dealing with ever-changing landscapes of day-to-day operational business requirements and needs within furniture manufacturing.” She added that the forum has successfully established a network of individuals who can provide support beyond their respective organisations, allowing attendees to cultivate connections, exchange insights, and learn from one another.
On 6 March, the second forum convened at DFS in Doncaster, attracting discussions around key issues such as upcoming minimum wage increases, insights from the BFA Wages Survey, and strategies for employee retention. Representatives from well-known companies including G-Plan, Parker Knoll, DFS, Lebus Upholstery, Dreams, and Silentnight participated in these discussions, highlighting a collective commitment to addressing common challenges faced by the industry.
According to Phil Spademan, Managing Director of the BFA, the evolution of HR teams in sectors such as manufacturing, supply, and retail is essential as they adapt to new working conditions influenced by technological advancements and changing employee expectations. Spademan stated, “The BFA HR forum is dedicated to bringing HR professionals together to learn, network and share best practice – providing non-competitive opportunities to get the whole furniture sector involved to discuss common issues and challenges.” Feedback from participants in the forum has indicated that it has been both beneficial and useful for attendees.
The next gathering of the HR Forum is scheduled for 18 September, hosted by Lebus Upholstery in Scunthorpe. BFA members engaged in HR are invited to join the forum by reaching out to Joanna Privett at the BFA via email. This ongoing effort reflects the BFA's dedication to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the furniture manufacturing community.