We work with policymakers and politicians at every level raising awareness of the issues affecting our members’ businesses and campaign for changes in the law on these issues.
BFA is a founding member of The British Furniture Confederation (BFC), a lobby group that represents the furniture and bed making industries of the United Kingdom.
About The British Furniture Confederation
- The British Furniture Confederation (BFC) maintains regular dialogue with Government and other influential stakeholders to ensure that all policies and initiatives support a thriving furniture, furnishings and bed sector. Many of its activities are channelled through the All Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group (APPFIG).
- The sector is larger than many envisage, operating within a diverse marketplace including houses, offices, hotels, schools, cruise liners, hospitals, restaurants, residential accommodation, stadia, airports and other public spaces. UK furniture, bed and furnishings manufacturing is a substantial growth industry for the UK. Latest verified government figures from 2023 put total consumer expenditure on furniture and furnishings at £28.72 billion, supporting 33,000 registered companies in the wider furniture and furnishings sector, which contributes over £41 billion to the UK economy.
- Manufacturing turnover for the sector in 2023 was £9.6 billion, emanating from 9,000 companies employing 94,000 people.
- Imports in 2023 were £11.96 billion, a drop of 13% on 2022. China accounts for almost a third at £3.85 billion followed by Italy (£972 million), Poland (£878 million) and Germany (£839 million).
- Exports in 2023 from the UK grew 11% on 2022 reaching £3.49 billion.