BFM Furniture Component Expo aims to drive British exports

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) will set out export opportunities for the British furniture sector at BFM’s Furniture Component Expo 24.

Taking place at Telford International Centre on 24 and 25 April, the expo has a packed programme of seminars over the two days, with the latest addition from the DBT taking place on day two of the inaugural event.

A bespoke presentation will be given by Naomi Steemson, who is an International Trade Advisor at DBT in the Midlands.

Her talk will provide an overview of the complete service offer from DBT, which is designed to support enterprises of all sizes, including furniture businesses looking at export markets for the first time.

Naomi will also outline the role of International Trade Advisors, who are the DBT’s experts in connecting businesses with export opportunities.

She’ll also outline initiatives such as the UK Export Academy, UK Export Finance and Trade Missions.

Phil Spademan, MD of the BFM, said: “The session will provide a comprehensive guide to the advice, support, and promotion available for British furniture businesses wanting to grow and export, including the wide range of tools and resources provided by the DBT to assist businesses on their exporting journeys.”

The seminar programme also features talks on best practice, sustainability, workforce and apprenticeships alongside a workshop on carbon footprint and net zero.

The first day of the event will also feature two panel discussions.

Automation vs Skills: Friend or Foe? is the topic for The Dorset Chairman Alan Payne; Racheal Baker from JJ Smith and Ian Peers from Ercol.

The second panel discussion will feature Dr Jake Lane from Silentnight Panel and is entitled Fire regulations: what next?

Silentnight has engaged with the furniture sector on how to enable a reduction in CFR use, sharing their knowledge and findings on various subjects impacted by Fire Safety Regulations, and the segment will include a Q&A session.

Phil Spademan said: “This is a hugely important topic for our industry and the Furniture Component Expo 24.

“The session will see experts from their fields offering their perspectives and insights into the research which has been conducted since the announcement of the Government Consultation on the regulations.

“BFM is seeking input into creating a round table discussion beyond the Furniture Component Expo 24 to present to Government as a further industry response, so this will provide an invaluable opportunity to collate viewpoints across the sector.”

The expo currently has exhibitors covering a wide range of products and services in the manufacturing supply chain (see full list here) with three headline sponsors BeA UK (Fastening Systems Ltd), Carpenter, and the Vita Group.