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 2024 put total consumer expenditure on furniture and furnishings at £21.5 billion. This is a fall on previous years showing the impact of continued pressure on discretionary spending.
- Manufacturing turnover for the sector in 2024 was £10.8 billion. In 2023 there were 9,000 companies employing 94,000 people.
- Imports in 2024 were £8.51 billion, a drop of 29% on 2023 and continuing the downward trend, mostly from Europe. China accounts for almost a third at £3.28 billion followed by Italy (£802 million), Poland (£720 million) and Germany (£632 million).
- Exports in 2024 were £2.61 billion an increase of 6.1% on the previous year.