ANNUAL REVIEW2011/2012

www.fira.co.uk

World leaders in research and innovation for the furniture industry

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FIRA Annual Review 2011/2012

Contents3 IntroductIon

4 our councIl And MEMBErSMembers of FIRA’s council

New FIRA members for 2011

FISP

6 MAkIng FIrA work For you One organisation for all

How FIRA supports the industry

Plans for 2012

8 loBByIng on your BEhAlF British Furniture Confederation (BFC) Biomass report

10 SEttIng And MAIntAInIng StAndArdSStandards committees

12 kEEpIng you up-to-dAtEWhat to look out for in 2012

14 projEctS And rESEArchSpecifiers’ Guide and FIRA Specifier Services

FIRA’s annual Statistical Digest

Carbon Footprinting Product Benchmarking Project

16 cElEBrAtIng SuccESS Innovation Award

Ergonomic Excellence Award

FIRA Gold Certification

18 FIrA MEMBEr vouchEr crEdItS

19 FIrA MArkEtIng Support

We are now using QR codes, or quick response codes, to allow people to visit our website quickly and easily from their smartphones. Most smartphones have a QR code reader already installed, however some people may need to download and install a QR code reader or barcode scanner.After you have your reader installed, start the application and take a picture of the QR code. Make sure that you include the whole code into the picture. Your phone should take you directly to our website once the code has been scanned.

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The past year has continued to be a diffi cult one for many FIRA members. The suppressed global economy and general lack of confi dence in fi nancial institutions and political solutions have led many consumers to be more discerning with their purchases, leading to lower demand for furniture manufacturers and retailers. However, I do not believe that as an industry we should just sit back and complain about tough conditions; positive action and leadership are more important than ever. I consider that this is one aspect where FIRA is really starting to make a difference, particularly when working with other organisations and associations. The British Furniture Confederation (BFC) in particular has grown in infl uence since last year’s report. It now meets regularly with the All Party Parliamentary Furniture Group (APPFG) headed by Stevenage MP Stephen McPartland. This in turn gains access to Ministers and senior civil servants allowing us to highlight areas of concern and suggest improvements and changes to policy and legislation. One example is the issue of government subsidies to energy suppliers for burning biomass. This well intentioned policy is actually leading to distortions in the marketplace which are increasing prices for chipboard;

a huge area of concern for the furniture industry. FIRA and the BFC are jointly tackling this issue with a report that was written and presented to government on 12 December 2011. In order for us to become even more infl uential and relevant, we need to grow our membership. I am pleased to announce that numbers are continuing to rise steadily despite the obvious challenges. We have sadly lost a number of members, but almost entirely as a result of them ceasing to trade. This has been more than countered by new members joining, including retailers, offi ce, contract and domestic sector manufacturers and a number of specifi ers. In short, our strength is derived from our broad membership base and our ability to attract organisations by delivering meaningful services and benefi ts. The rebranded FIRA Gold Certifi cation schemes for products and installations have been a key pillar in our continued membership growth. Big names like IKEA, B&Q, Homebase, Senator, J&J Ormerod plc and RSBi have achieved certifi cation which has strengthened the FIRA brand, particularly with consumers. Looking to the near future we will be launching the Specifi er’s Guide in 2012. This will help transform business between specifi ers and furniture suppliers, as it will educate specifi ers on ‘what good furniture looks like’. I am confi dent that this will reduce the wasted time caused by suppliers having to clarify requirements and will also help promote the benefi ts of purchasing from the responsible and professional end of the marketplace, rather than focussing simply on lowest cost providers. Finally, I would draw you attention to our continued ability to attract outstanding Council members to represent members and direct the Association. This year we have welcomed Eric Catton from Amaryllis, Margaret Miller from Knightsbridge, Charles Vernon from Gloster and Sheila Draper from AMUSF to the Council. We have also said farewell to Wendy Shorter and Alan Bennett as Council members, as well as Bob Lee, who has retired after a number of years as our Vice Chairman. We are pleased to welcome Mark Richardson, Managing Director of Blum UK, as our new Vice Chairman.I hope you enjoy reading our second annual review and encourage you to give me your comments and feedback; we must continue to set the standards within our industry and push forward, however tricky the future may appear. M Powell, ChairmanDecember 2011

Introduction

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Our Council and members

Members of FIRA’s councilCHAIRMAN Michael Powell Formerly MD of Blum UK LtdVICE CHAIRMANMark Richardson Blum UK LtdJessica Alexander National Bed Federation Ltd Steve Barton Raventree Ltd t/a The Premiere Kitchen CompanyDr Peter Beele FIRA International LtdEric Catton Amaryllis LtdAndy Corbett Vita Cellular Foams UK LtdPaul Critchley Home Retail Group plcHayden Davies BM TRADA Group LtdSheila Draper Association of Master Upholsterers & Soft Furnishers (AMUSF)Anne Gardner Tesco Stores LtdJeff Gwilliam Burbidge & Sons LtdRodney McMahon Morgan Contract Furniture Ltd Margaret Miller Knightsbridge Furniture Productions LtdStephen Perkins Herman Miller LtdCharles Vernon Gloster Furniture LtdColin Watson British Contract Furnishing Association (BCFA)Jonny Westbrooke FIRA International Ltd

Charles VernonCharles joined Gloster Furniture Ltd in June 1993 as the Managing Director of the UK Operation.In 2003 Charles became the Deputy CEO for the Gloster Group. Charles is currently Senior Warden of the Worshipful

Company of Furniture Makers and in May 2012 will become Master.

Margaret Miller Margaret is Chairman of Knightsbridge Furniture and other companies in the Furniture Productions (Contracts) Ltd Group. In 2008, Margaret became the fi rst woman to occupy the position of Master of the Worshipful Company

of Furniture Makers. Margaret is currently a Director of the British Contract Furnishing Association.

Eric Catton Eric has held an association with FIRA for most of his 31 years experience within the furniture industry. For 22 years Eric worked for Project Offi ce Furniture in the Design & Development department, followed by 4 years as a freelance

consultant working with clients on project management initiatives and specialist sales. Since 2006 Eric has worked for Amaryllis, a leading force in workplace management.

Sheila DraperSheila is FIRA’s newest Board member, having been appointed to run The Association of Master Upholsterers & Soft Furnishers in summer 2011. She hopes to offer knowledge and experience to benefi t both members and the

wider furnishing industry, whilst still representing crafters and technicians within the AMUSF. Over a decade ago she worked for BM TRADA Certifi cation as its Marketing Services Manager.

This year we have welcomed a number of new members to the FIRA council

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A spotlight on our members

New FIRA members for 2011

In 2011 we welcomed 32 new FIRA members.

• Ambic Ltd• B&Q plc• Chorus Furniture Ltd• CIMC Ltd• Connection Seating Ltd• CSL Furniture• Daro Ltd• Davison Highly Ltd• Folio Dual Purpose Computer Desks• Handy Ltd• HCS (Hunters Contracts Scotland Ltd)• Hesse Gmbh & Co. KG• Humanscale• Julian Chichester Designs• KI (UK) Ltd• Kintech Ltd• Kyoto Futons Ltd

• Michael Kearney Furniture (Navan) Ltd

• Morgan Contract Furniture Ltd• NuBax Ltd• Panaz Ltd• PSI Seating Ltd• Richard Burbidge Ltd• Screenbase Ltd• Shackletons Ltd• Sliderobes Group Ltd• Steve Soult Ltd• TMS Kitchens Direct Ltd• Wade Spring Ltd• Whitbread Group plc• Xpert Banking Furniture Ltd• Zenith Metaplast PVT

“FIRA has allowed Julian Chichester invaluable access to technical data and materials testing facilities.” Mark Wolverson of Julian Chichester Designs

Furniture Industry Sustainability ProgrammeWe are proud to announce that in 2011, Teal, Logic Office Furniture and Magnet have attained full membership of the Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme through an independent inspection by FIRA.

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Making FIRA work for you

One organisation for allThe furniture industry is diverse. FIRA is the only organisation that provides support for all industry sectors, whether they be domestic, offi ce, kitchen, hotel or education. FIRA’s membership covers the entire supply chain from component supplier to manufacturer/importer, to retailer/specifi er.This depth in membership means that FIRA is ideally placed to represent the views of the furniture industry.

A thriving organisationAs already stated, 2011 has been a hard year for the majority of the industry. The economic crisis has slowed consumer spending on big ticket items and government/business spending continues to be depressed. However, businesses still recognise the importance of a strong representation and thirty two companies have joined FIRA in 2011.The new members refl ect FIRA’s broad membership base including the Whitbread Group, B&Q, KI, Shackletons, Morgan Contract Furniture and Panaz. FIRA’s UK manufacturing members have a combined turnover of approximately £2.8 billion, representing over 40% of the industry in terms of sales.

FIRA Membership by industry sector

Contract sector

Domestic sector

FIRA Membership by business type

UK Manufacturers

UK Retailers

Suppliers

Non-manufacturers

International

Associates

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How FIRA supports the industryThe Association’s work centres around fi ve key areas:The fi rst is government lobbying, undertaken in association with the British Furniture Confederation.The second is technical knowledge and expertise, relating to new product standards and legislation. The third is business information, from trends for long-term strategic planning to up-to-date performance data.The fourth key service is the development of research-based projects benefi ting the entire industry.The fi nal support services offered by the Association are FIRA’s certifi cation schemes. Recognised as the mark of excellence in the furniture industry, the certifi cation schemes add value to our members’ products and services.As with any other Association, there are additional benefi ts, including preferential rates on some of FIRA International Ltd’s commercial services – such as training and testing – and discounts on all services via the Association’s voucher credit scheme.

The centre for knowledgeAccess to all the technical support needed for their business is key to FIRA members. Whether it is through our online database of articles, via telephone support or through face-to-face technical forums, FIRA’s experts are there to support the industry.

• continue to actively support the activities of the British Furniture Confederation, both as a key member and by undertaking the secretariat.

• continue to represent the views of the industry on all relevant British, European and International Standards committees.

• continue to represent the views of the industry on other key topics, including legislative issues and government purchasing.

• disseminate all relevant information on Standards and legislative changes to the industry and to actively seek feedback and comment.

• raise standards across the furniture supply chain – from manufacturing to specifying.

• be the centre of excellence for all technical issues within the furniture industry.

Specifi cally, the Association will look to build on the work undertaken by the three existing technical forums – the Furniture Retail Quality Group, the FIRA/BCFA Offi ce Furniture Manufacturers’ forum and the FISP/Environmental Forum – looking to strengthen the groups and add other forums where necessary.FIRA will deliver the Specifi ers’ Guide in 2012 and undertake extensive promotion and training.

Plans for 2012In 2012, FIRA pledges to:

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The BFC is extremely pleased with the engagement and progress made due to the work of the All Party Parliamentary Furniture Group (APPFG) members over the past year under the excellent leadership of Stephen McPartland MP. A number of issues have been raised over the past year by the APPFG and BFC which have led to signifi cant achievements in the following areas: • Flammability: We have continued to resist the EU

pressure to dilute the British fl ammability regulations. • Finance: We lobbied successfully to increase the

insurance cover available following insolvency and lobbied, less successfully, to prevent banks from requiring personal guarantees from Directors for extensions to overdraft facilities.

• Procurement: We were successful, with others, in persuading government to eliminate Pre-Qualifi cation Questionnaires for all central government contracts under £100,000.

• Bribery Act: We expressed concerns that the elasticity of the proposed Act would catch practices not intended to be legislated against; changes were made and detail clarifi ed.

• Late payment: The APPFG has written to the Minister asking that local government pay on time and do not hold up payment when just one item is in dispute. They received a reply to the effect that the matter will be on the agenda of the Local Government Group.

• Furniture Consumer Code: We have met with Ed Davey, the Minister responsible, who has agreed to unblock the impasse in his department which at present is holding up progress on this issue.

• UKTI: We have written to the Minister, Mark Prisk MP to complain about approaches made to UK designers to work for overseas companies importing into the UK and to point out that UKTI spends no time on the export requirements of the furniture industry.

Lobbying on your behalf

All of our lobbying is done through the British Furniture Confederation (BFC)

FIRA Chief Operating Offi cer Jonny Westbrooke (left) and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Furniture Group, Stephen McPartland MP

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• Hargreaves report: The APPFG wrote to the Minister expressing our support for the report on intellectual property.

• Fair fuel campaign: We have added the BFC to those addressing the rise in petrol and diesel.

• Default retirement age: We have expressed concern at the difficulties this will impose on smaller furniture manufacturing companies.

• Creative industries: We have maintained an input to the Creative Industries Marketing Board. Colin Watson has been asked by Lord Green to sit on the Creative Panel to advise on the content and overlay for the London 2012 business programme to be held at Lancaster House. This will be an opportune time to spotlight the UK and encourage exports.

Biomass reportThe Furniture Industry Research Association has commissioned a report that focuses on the Renewables Obligation woody biomass subsidy and the detrimental effect it is having on British manufacturing. This report will be used to lobby the government on behalf of the furniture industry and is the outcome of the Biomass Summits that were held at FIRA earlier this year. The events brought together key industry leaders to discuss how government subsidies encouraging power companies to burn wood are distorting the market for new timber and forcing up prices for the manufacturing of furniture products. This report outlines a series of recommendations for government to ensure that manufacturers are allowed to continue business without facing the difficulty of coping with rising prices from the woody biomass subsidy distortion.Download the report at www.fira.co.uk/publications.

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Setting and maintaining StandardsRegulations and Standards govern so much day-to-day business that it is essential for members to be actively involved in shaping Standards and keeping staff up-to-date. That is where FIRA eases the burden. Our Standards activities are in three strands:• Being engaged, and often chairing, Standards committees• Delivering updates to members• Facilitating technical forums

Standards committeesFIRA plays a crucial role in representing the industry on all relevant British, European and International Standards committees. FIRA’s participation ensures that UK industry’s views are fully represented during the generation and revision of Standards. In addition, FIRA members receive advance knowledge of any changes that may happen.

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The FIRA Standards team comprises:

Dr Peter Beele, Technical Development ManagerA long standing member of the FIRA team, Pete has a broad knowledge of furniture-related issues and is currently chair of: BSI FW0 – the parent committee for all BSI furniture committees.

Phil Reynolds, Principal Technical ManagerAs well as running FIRA’s technical team, Phil is a trained mechanical engineer and specialises in structural requirements for furniture. Alongside being involved in many British and European Standards committees, Phil is chair of: BSI FW0/2 – domestic and contract furniture. CEN TC207 WG5 – requirements for contract furniture. CEN TC207 WG9 – common test methods for furniture.

Levent Caglar, Senior Ergonomics Consultant Levent is the UK’s leading furniture ergonomist and an expert in educational furniture. Levent specialises in dimensional/ergonomic requirements. Levent also sits on many committees and is chair of: BSI FW0/4 – educational furniture. CEN TC207 WG6 – educational furniture. ISO TC136 WG1 TG1 – offi ce seating measurement.

Sue Calver, Project ManagerAs well as being one of FIRA’s key consultants, Sue is a materials and surface-fi nishes expert. Sue represents both FIRA and the UK on a number of Standards committees dealing with surface-fi nish and coating performance and is chair of: BSI FW0/1 – common test methods for furniture.

Steve Cotton, Technical Specialist, FlammabilitySteve is the newest recruit to the FIRA Standards team. Steve is an expert in fl ammability and also has a great working knowledge of foams, mattresses and fabrics. Steve currently represents FIRA on BSI committees dealing with foam performance.

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FIRA Annual Review 2011/2012

Whilst FIRA appreciates the importance of representing the views of the industry on the various Standards committees, it also recognises that the transmittal of Standards data to its members is vital.FIRA achieves this through a variety of channels:News stories – all new Standards are publicised through news stories on our website and relayed through other streams such as twitter. In addition, FIRA also reports back key outcomes from Standards meetings as news stories. Members can also read full reports from the FIRA delegates on the FIRA website. Website database – FIRA’s Standards Plus database on the website contains information on all furniture Standards. This fully searchable database is a major benefit to members, allowing quick access to key Standards. In addition, it allows members to purchase Standards at a preferential rate.Technical forums – FIRA works closely with the industry through three technical forums: the Furniture Retail Quality Group, the Office Furniture Manufacturers’ Technical Forum (run jointly with the BCFA) and the FISP/Environmental Forum. These forums meet both face-to-face and online and are key to disseminating information to the industry and garnering industry feedback.

Keeping you up-to-date

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FlammabilityThe department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is currently reviewing the Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations. Following a round of industry consultations in 2011, it is likely that a draft revision will be issued for public comment in 2012.In addition, it should be noted that as of November 2011, all cigarettes on sale in the EU are ‘reduced ignition propensity’, that is they will self-extinguish if not inhaled. This may cause problems for test laboratories across Europe. Both UK and European committees are looking at ways to resolve this.TimberA new EU Timber Regulation comes into effect in March 2013. This requires that the first placer of timber and timber based products onto the European Union market is able to demonstrate that the items are made using legally felled wood. This will primarily affect furniture importers, although all companies in the supply chain will need to hold records.EducationIt is likely that a revised version of EN 1729-2 Furniture. Chairs and tables for educational institutions. Safety requirements and test methods will be published in 2012. The new Standard will have requirements for stools, height adjustable chairs and chairs with arms, which were overlooked in the first document.BeddingA revised version of EN 747 Parts 1 and 2, describing the requirements and test methods for bunk beds, will finally be published in 2012. This document combines the requirements for domestic bunks (contained with the previous versions of EN 747) and contract bunks (contained within EN 13453 Parts 1 & 2).ContractTowards the end of 2012, it is expected that a new Standard, EN 16121, will be published containing requirements for all types of contract storage (except office use). When this Standard is published it is likely that it will force the withdrawal of long standing British Standards BS 4875-7, BS 4875-8, and BS 5873-4.

Test MethodsIn 2012 it is likely that three key test methods Standards will be published: EN 1728 Furniture. Seating. Test methods for the determination of strength and durability. This Standard has been revised to include and update all test methods for seating. It is likely that it will then precipitate the revision of the majority of seating Standards.EN 1730 Furniture. Tables. Test methods for the determination of strength, durability and stability. This Standard has been revised to include and update all test methods for tables. It is likely that it will then precipitate the revision of the majority of table Standards.EN 16122 Domestic and non-domestic storage furniture. Test methods for the determination of strength, durability and stability. A new Standard that may also trigger the revision of other storage Standards.

What to look out for in 2012

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FIRA Annual Review 2011/2012

FIRA’s annual Statistical DigestFIRA’s Statistical Digest is a distillation of information sourced from the websites of government bodies including the Offi ce for National Statistics (ONS), HM Customs and Revenue and Communities and Local Government. The data (covering the period 2007 to 2010) has been analysed and compiled to produce a series of reports including:

• National economic trends such as consumer spend, credit and housing.

• The structure of the UK furniture manufacturing industry, its size and number of employees.

• Manufacturers’ turnover, imports and exports.• Trading relationships with the rest of the world and an analysis

of trade gaps.All data sources are referenced to enable the reader to use the publicly available resources to undertake more detailed, comprehensive analysis of their own.The industry structure fi gures cover manufacturing as a whole and, in addition, data are presented for the following sub-sectors:• Offi ce and shop furniture• Kitchen furniture• Mattresses• Other furnitureThe turnover, import and export data are broken into the above sub-sectors, but it has also been possible to analyse each of these sub-sectors in more depth. As such, trade fi gures are shown for a range of contract/offi ce and domestic products.

The Digest is available free to FIRA members as a downloadable PDF. Non-members can purchase the report in electronic format for £250 via the FIRA website.

Projects and research

The turnover, import and export

sub-sectors, but it has also been possible to analyse each of these

such, trade fi gures are shown for

Specifi ers’ Guide and FIRA Specifi er ServicesFurniture is a deceptively complex product to purchase with many factors to consider, from the performance of the supplier company to the performance of the actual product. Tenders for furniture often specify misleading or inappropriate Standards and requirements that cause problems for both specifi ers and their suppliers.

To ease this situation, FIRA has been working to produce a portal offering support to specifi ers of contract/non-domestic furniture. Key to this will be access to the FIRA Specifi ers’ Guide. This online document will be on the new FIRA Specifi er Services website and will offer advice on how to specify furniture and important aspects relating to supplier and product. The portal will also contain information on Standards applicable to typical items of non-domestic furniture.The benefi ts of this service for specifi ers and manufacturers will be:• A simple-to-use service explaining what

is important when specifying furniture and providing up-to-date information.

• Reassurance that tenders have effectively been ratifi ed by FIRA.

• A more consistent approach to tendering, making it quicker, easier and therefore cheaper to respond to tenders.

• The reassurance that the right requirements are being specifi ed and that everybody can compete on a like-for-like basis.

The Specifi ers’ Guide and FIRA Specifi er Services are due to be launched in 2012, with further training sessions to be offered to specifi ers throughout the year.

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Carbon Footprinting Product Benchmarking ProjectThe UK government’s aim to move into one low carbon economy will pressurise companies into understanding the footprints of their materials, components and products.

Carbon footprinting is a recognised tool for establishing the environmental impact of a product, service or company. However, while it is relatively straight forward to produce, a furniture carbon footprint is not always easy to understand. This is because:• Not everybody uses the same boundaries for collecting data.• There is no benchmark enabling legitimate comparisons between products.Therefore, FIRA conducted a major research project that aimed to examine the feasibility of developing carbon footprinting benchmarks for the UK furniture industry. FIRA worked with various furniture manufacturers to produce product footprints across a variety of different product areas. The footprints were produced using FIRA’s carbon footprinting scheme and the Furniture FootprinterTM tool. This scheme, which is based around the recommendations within PAS 2050, has been specifically designed to meet the requirements of the furniture industry and is a template for footprints to be compared on a like-for-like basis.The project findings were launched in December 2011, and whilst the report concluded that the current methodology was not suitable for benchmarking products, it was recommended that carbon footprinting is a key tool for furniture manufacturers, allowing then to reduce both cost and carbon impact.

The Specifier Services and Carbon Footprinting projects are led by Dr Asli Tamer Vestlund, FIRA’s Deputy Technical Manager

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FIRA Annual Review 2011/2012

David Attwell, Furniture Technologist at Marks and Spencer“Marks and Spencer is committed to innovation, and we are delighted to be recognised by FIRA for our Sonoma wardrobe. We are sure the award will raise the awareness and desirability of the Sonoma Wardrobe. The FIRA Innovation Award is an important milestone for us as it provides further independent validation for our technology.”

Martyn Colebrook, Managing Director of ColebrookBossonSaunders“We are delighted that the Flo Monitor Arm has received the FIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award. This means that people that buy our product are assured that the Flo Monitor Arm has been designed with their safety, comfort and ease-of-use in mind, as well as being aesthetically pleasing and fit-for-purpose.”

Welcomed once again by Lord Hoyle of Warrington, FIRA members were treated to tours of the Houses of Parliament before enjoying networking with colleagues and taking in the view from the terrace overlooking the Thames. Jonny Westbrooke, FIRA’s Chief Operating Officer, said, “We always enjoy our annual event, it is good to catch up with old friends and meet with new members and clients.”A number of FIRA certifications and awards achieved during 2011 were presented and celebrated at the event.

Celebrating success

FIRA’s annual event at the House of Lords proved to be a highly successful evening with around 180 people from across the UK’s furniture industry attending.

Lord Hoyle (left) and FIRA Chief Operating Officer Jonny Westbrooke (right) present

Marks and Spencer Furniture Technologist, David Attwell (centre) with the FIRA

Innovation Award for the Sonoma wardrobe.

Ergonomic Excellence winners 2011: • Fellowes UK Ltd

Professional Series Laptop Workstation• Humanscale

M8 Monitor Arm • Interstuhl Ltd

Airpad Swivel Arm Chair and Hero Swivel Arm Chair• Orangebox

Flo Chair and Newton School Chair• SBFI

Axess - ERGO Dealer Desking• Source (for Innovative Office Products Inc)

EVO II Monitor Arm• Technology Desking

SmartArm Monitor Arm and Transcend Dealer Desking System

• ColebrookBossonSaunders Flo Monitor Arm.

FIRA Innovation Award: Marks and Spencer received the FIRA Innovation Award for the Sonoma Wardrobe which folds completely flat for easy storage, transportation and assembly.

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FIRA Gold Product Certification • Anco Storage

Freewall office storage units• BA Components

Domestic kitchen cabinet doors from their Bella and Zurfix ranges

• Homebase Kitchen ranges supplied by Interior Solutions, plastic laminate domestic kitchen worktops and their Maia solid surface worktops

• J&J Ormerod Plc Colonial and Eco kitchen ranges

• Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft Industries (RSBi) Airth kitchen range

• Senator The Agitus chair

• Smith and Frater Housing associate kitchen range

• Uno Kitchens Contract kitchen range

Bridget Kontic & Neil Harrison of Sharps receive FIRA Gold Installation Certification for their bedroom and home office installation service.

Heather Rooke, IKEA Easy Buying Process Manager“The main benefit for IKEA in having the FIRA accreditation is that the FIRA Gold logo confirms that our installation providers have been approved and meet the required criteria. This will give our customers assurance that they are using installers they can trust, allowing them to use our installation service with confidence and peace of mind.”

Ian Jones, Homebase Retail and Distribution Director “Achieving FIRA Gold certification for our kitchen furniture means we have not just reached minimum standards but exceeded them through independent testing and evaluation by FIRA. The FIRA Gold certification will ensure that our high consumer confidence in Homebase products and installation is maintained to ensure a high quality installation service with high quality products.”

FIRA Gold Installation Certification • B&Q

Kitchen, bedroom and bathroom installation service

• IKEA Fitted kitchen and bathroom furniture installation service

• Sharps Bedroom and home office installation service

FIRA Chief Operating Officer Jonny Westbrooke presents Billy Quinn of B&Q with FIRA Gold Installation certification.

FIRA Gold Certification Since its relaunch in early 2011, FIRA Gold Certification has gone from strength to strength – continuing to raise the profile of both furniture companies and FIRA. This year we have presented a number of product and installation certificates.

The Agitus chair from Senator

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Members can use their free voucher credits to get even more value from their membership.

FIRA member voucher credits

Full members are entitled to a discount on these offerings through the voucher credit system. They are entitled to receive these services at half price, up to a value of 20% of their annual membership subscription. For example, a company whose subscription is £2000 is eligible to receive up to £800 of services for only £400.Testing: There has never been a better time to use the FIRA Stevenage testing centre. Over the last year FIRA has expanded its testing centres in the UK and abroad, as well as supplying equipment to manufacturers and test labs in Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Egypt, Vietnam and the Philippines. The Stevenage-based testing centre can test products to all UK, European and American ANSI Bifma Standards.

Training: FIRA delivers a wide range of training courses designed to keep its members, along with the whole furniture supply chain abreast of industry developments and business opportunities. FIRA members can also take part in FIRA and The Furniture Ombudsman courses for a significantly reduced price. For a full list of upcoming training sessions visit www.fira.co.uk/training. Industry publications: This year we have produced a number of industry publications, including FIRA newsletters, reports on issues affecting the furniture industry and also the annual FIRA Statistical Digest – all of which are available free of charge to FIRA members.

FIRA offers a wide range of commercial activities such as testing, training courses and consultancy.

For more information on how voucher credits can be used contact FIRA customer services on 01438 777 700 or email info@fira.co.uk.

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FIRA marketing support

Exhibitions and shows In 2011, FIRA exhibited at both the Timber Expo and Interiors shows. In order to raise and maintain the profi le of FIRA and recruit new members, FIRA is already making plans for next year and plans to have a presence at Interiors 2012 and for the fi rst time, KBB.

The FIRA marketing team is a source that you can use to help promote your business, from PR when joining, to joint advertising campaigns. We have a whole host of proven marketing communications that will assist your own marketing activities, including:

• Your company profi le and products on our Suppliers Directory & Specifi ers’ Guide if appropriate (to be launched early 2012).

• Artwork ready, co-branded brochures that explain the benefi ts of third party certifi cation to your clients.

• Joint press articles, case studies and advertising opportunities.

• Your press stories on our website. • Advertising of new vacancies on our Industry Jobs Page.• Your new products displayed within our FIRA Innovation

Showcase area and promoted to the industry.

“At FIRA the marketing department is always keen to look at innovative and effective ways of working with our members and certifi cation holders to promote their successes and achievements. We are happy to spend time with new and existing members and award holders, to consider ways of working together to help explain how FIRA services, such as testing and certifi cation, can benefi t their customers.” Inga Wells, Senior Manager: Head of Marketing

Inga Wells, Senior Manager: Head of Marketing

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Testing•Certification • Consultancy • Training • Equipment • Membership

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