Richard Naylor of Hawksfield Ltd will act as the BFA’s Sustainability Consultant, tasked with creating a roadmap that will help members understand their Net Zero journey and access the resources and accreditations they need to move forward.

With more than 20 years of commercial experiences in the UK furniture sector, including board positions within Steinhoff UK, Hypnos and Harrison Spinks, Richard Naylor is the founder and managing partner at Hawksfield Ltd, offering transparent sustainability services for SMEs.

Richard said, “I am passionate about helping the UK furniture industry become more sustainable and helping businesses build financial value or find lost financial value through the various opportunities that sustainability represents.”

A specialist in circular design and materials, Richard is currently undertaking a PhD in Design and is a fellow of several sustainability organisations, as well as being a guest lecturer on Cranfield University’s executive MBA.

He holds an MSc with distinction in Sustainability and a Level 7 apprenticeship as a sustainability business specialist.

Over the next 12 months Richard will support the BFA’s plans to launch a new steering group dedicated to sustainability alongside a new resource area on the Association’s website.

This area will provide policy templates and guides to help members navigate towards a more prosperous and sustainable future, covering everything from greenwashing guides to modern slavery statement templates.

A new guide to raw materials is also being produced to help members understand all sustainability aspects of the everyday materials they employ, while the launch of a new blog will invite the industry to join the sustainability conversation and discuss the areas that really matter.

BFA MD, Phil Spademan, said: “Our aim is to champion sustainability in the British furniture industry by driving innovation, setting standards, and empowering our members to create a prosperous, greener and more socially just future.

“We’re delighted to have brought Richard Naylor on board as our Sustainability Consultant.

“Not only does he have extensive expertise in sustainability, but also a strong background and deep links to the furniture industry across Britain.”