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 2021 put total consumer expenditure on furniture and furnishings at £42.2 billion, supporting 265,200 across 26,405 registered companies in the wider furniture and furnishings sector, including specialist retail but excluding general retail.
- Manufacturing turnover for the sector in 2021 was £12.6 billion up 22% on 2018, emanating from 8,790 companies employing 108,800 individuals. The number 1 source of export income is from trade with the EU, totalling £0.8 billion however there is a £2.3 billion trade gap. Exports to Ireland reached £0.2 billion.
- Global furniture imports reached £8.4 billion in 2021, while exports reached £1.5 billion.