Now in its second successful year since returning from a five-year hiatus, the Manchester Furniture Show (MFS) once again brought the UK furniture industry together at Manchester Central on 6–7 July for two vibrant days of buying, networking and inspiration.
Following its revitalised comeback in 2024, this year’s edition built on that momentum, delivering a focused, energetic and commercially valuable sourcing opportunity for furniture professionals from across the UK and Ireland.
A Stronger, Sharper MFS
More than 120 brands showcased upholstery, cabinet furniture, beds and accessories, offering a concise, trend-aware product edit that resonated with buyers. With fresh launches and carefully presented collections, exhibitors captured attention from an impressive cross-section of retailers and industry specialists.
Retailers including Casey’s Furniture, Sainsbury’s, DFS, Sterling Furniture Group, Cousins Furniture Store, Fairway Furniture, Glasswells Ltd, W J Aldiss Ltd, Stokers Ltd, Housing Units Ltd, Stocktons, Anderson of Inverurie, Glenkeen Furnishings Ltd, B&B Furniture, Connollys of Moy, Home World Beds, Hegartys and Hafren Furnishers were among those attending to reconnect with suppliers and discover standout new products.
“Last year’s show was good, but this year’s has been even better. We’ve ordered from multiple suppliers, and because the show is compact, it’s easy to see everyone. Day One has been incredibly productive, and we’re expecting even more tomorrow. We’ve already placed a lot of orders and plan to spend more. These new orders will help secure strong repeat business, not just for us, but for the suppliers too. It’s great to see the show back – it’s been well worth it!” Buyer, BB Furniture Ltd
High-Value Buyers Driving Growth
This year saw a significant uplift in buyer quality, underlining MFS’s growing importance as a commercial hub. Notably:
- VIP buyer attendance rose by 86% year-on-year, indicating stronger senior-level engagement
- Buyers with £500K – £1 million budgets increased by 46%, while the £1 million – £2 million band rose by 26%
- Buyers with annual budgets over £1 million increased by 6%, and overall attendance from those with budgets over £500K rose by 17% compared to 2024
- These figures reaffirm the show’s role as a key touchpoint for high-value decision-makers in the furniture sector.
Connection at the Core
Alongside the business focus, MFS created space for relaxed connection and community. The Spritz Bar, sponsored by Claimlane, and the VIP Lounge became go-to spots for informal networking – where visitors caught up with clients, met new contacts and progressed conversations between appointments.
The Official Show Party on Sunday evening brought a lively end to Day One, featuring Pimm’s, cocktails, strawberries and cream, a live DJ and a fast-paced table tennis tournament that brought out the fun – and the competitive side – of the industry.
Empowering Industry Voices
Monday morning welcomed the return of the Women in Furniture Network (WIFN) with a well-attended brunch and panel session, chaired by Zoë Bonser, Portfolio Director at Clarion Events.
Panellists Kellie Wyles (DFS), Jan Duckworth (Cox & Cox) and Fara Butt (Shire Beds) discussed leadership, visibility and mentorship, sharing personal reflections on the progress of women in the industry and the importance of paving the way for future generations. Attendees stayed on long after the session ended to continue conversations and build new connections.
“The WIFN panel was a powerful reminder of how important it is to create space for honest conversations in our industry. The stories shared were inspiring, and the energy in the room showed just how much appetite there is for progress, visibility and support,” said Zoë Bonser, Portfolio Director, Clarion Events
Looking Ahead to 2026 With two confident editions now delivered, the Manchester Furniture Show has firmly re-established itself as the UK’s essential mid-year trade event. The next edition will return to Manchester Central on 5–6 July 2026, with interest already building among returning buyers and new exhibitors alike. Be part of the momentum, register your interest today and stay connected with everything to come.
