British furniture manufacturers’ confidence high as trade association unveils new identity
After conducting research revealing the British furniture manufacturing sector is enjoying increased order intake and output, the British Furniture Manufacturer (BFM) association has launched a new brand identity.
The trade association, which lobbies the Government on behalf of manufacturers across the breadth of the furniture industry, unveiled its new look earlier this month, released results from it ‘October 2019 State of Trade & Price Trends Survey’ last month.
Produced every four months for BFM, the most recent survey suggested furniture manufacturers in Britain are optimistic about the future as both new order intake and output increased over the quarter.
According to the results, business confidence stands at +22 percent, a significant shift from June’s -6 percent.
“Business confidence is an important indicator and it is good to see it has increased in the last four months,” commented Nick Garratt, Managing Director of the BFM.
“Output and order intake are expected to remain at positive levels as we approach Christmas, which for many companies is a traditionally busy period.”
A substantial membership of the BFM consists of companies operating in the mobility and independent living sector, including Celebrity, Rise & Recline Ltd, Gordon Ellis & Co, Oak Tree Mobility and Furmanac.
Following the promising findings from its survey, the BFM unveiled its new brand identity, stating it has been developed to reflect the sign of quality associated with British manufacturing.
“The overall aim is to send a professional message and a feeling of quality, security and trust that you get from British manufacturing,” explained Nick.
“British manufacturing is seen as a badge of quality and consumers respect and value membership of credible, long term trade organisations.
“Our new design has been developed to capture that.”
Highlighting that the new design aims “to provide an attractive and meaningful connection with consumers, as well as the trade,” Nick said the refreshed branding is key for the trade association to take its work further forward.
Featuring the red, white and blue colours of the Union Jack, the new branding comes as the BFM begins to roll out its now comms strategy, focusing on engaging the public and with trade and delivered by its new specialist PR company.
Alongside its new logo, the organisation has overhauled its website to enable members to access more information and showcase the value and significance of furniture made in Britain and the talent across the industry.
