British Furniture Association’s (BFA) pioneering component trade show is on track for success with a variety of new attractions in place for 2025.
Building on the success of its inaugural Furniture Component Expo, BFA has advanced plans for this year’s event, which takes place at Telford International Centre on the 19 and 20 March.
A first for the industry, the initial event – held in April last year – provided opportunities for delegates to explore products, network, gain industry insights and more.
The show was given a vote of approval by visitors, exhibitors and sponsors, who welcomed the one-stop-shop format, which allows manufacturers to review and purchase products across the whole furniture supply chain from leading suppliers.
Its success was reflected by the fact that Vita Group, BeA Group and Carpenter Limited all renewed sponsorship arrangements in the middle of 2024, ready for the 2025 event.
BFA MD Phil Spademan said: “We are really looking forward to the Furniture Component Expo 2025, which is gaining momentum as the industry event that is all about backing British furniture manufacturing. Once again, the event is made possible through the support of our headline sponsors Vita Group and BeA Group, along with registration sponsor Carpenter Limited, and we are grateful for their support again this year.
“They have recognised the value that the event brings to the sector as the first show of its kind in the UK, bringing specific focus to the supply side of the furniture industry and designed to meet the needs of large and small makers of furniture including beds, mattresses, cabinet and upholstery.”
The event format
Delegates heading to Telford will once again be able to browse product ranges and talk to suppliers as well as network and collaborate with colleagues.
There will also be the chance to attend a range of interesting industry discussions in the seminar theatre.
The seminar agenda is still being finalised but sessions on industry-critical topics including ESG, Intellectual Property, Technology, EU Policy and Regulations and health guidance are all confirmed, as well as the ‘Sit On This!’ podcast, hosted by Vicky Grubb and Ray Clarke.
This year, visitors can expect more attractions too, including Erdem Fabrics who will be running a competition, ‘Guess the Fabric Weight’ where delegates can visit their stand (number 9) to test their knowledge of fabric, examining the five samples on display and guess their weight (per metre) and composition.
The closest guess wins and each participant is allowed one entry per day, with the prize being a gift card worth £500 to spend on fabric, available both days of the exhibition.
Isaac Lord, stand 64, is also running a competition, ‘How Many Lamello Biscuits are in the Blum Legrabox Drawer?’, which will run over the two-day expo. The closest to the correct number will win a £250 Isaac Lord Voucher.
The venue
The venue for FCE, the Telford International Centre, was widely recognised by last year’s attendees and exhibitors for a range of features across the board.
This included transportation, with the location served by motorway and rail networks, as well as the ease of access for those moving exhibition materials in and out of the site.
This year there’s free, spacious parking right at the entrance of the exhibition hall, making it a seamless experience from door to door for delegates.
There’s also a choice of accommodation within the facility, with 400 hotel rooms either on-site or within a minute’s walk of the venue. There are a further 1,000 rooms within a 10 minute drive and 3,000 within a 20 minute drive.
And remember that BFA members will have free access to Club BFA, an exclusive lounge where refreshments will be available over the two days.
Get involved
There are still some opportunities to get involved and enquiries should be made now to avoid disappointment. All aspects of the furniture supply chain are welcome, including fabric suppliers, large or small machinery, kitchen and cabinet component manufacturers.
There are also some limited new sponsorship opportunities for companies to elevate their brand visibility and seminar slots to engage directly with a buying audience. All information about the Furniture Component Expo 2025 – including exhibiting and sponsorship – can be found on the event’s dedicated website, www.fcexpo.co.uk/
