Investing in the future

Applications are now open for the 2025 Young Professionals Industry Experience, with a deadline of 16 February 2025.

Young people are the heartbeat of the future workforce, bringing fresh ideas, energy and adaptability to an ever-evolving world of work. But their success — and the success of the organisations they join — depends on more than just enthusiasm. It requires opportunities to nurture their skills, guide their growth and help them find their place in the professional landscape.

Recognising this, The Furniture Makers’ Company reintroduced its flagship Young Professionals Industry Experience in 2024. The programme has proven to be a game-changer for the participants and the wider furniture and furnishings industry.

The Young Professionals Industry Experience is a cornerstone of The Furniture Makers’ Company’s educational initiatives. It provides nominated young professionals with an unparalleled opportunity to gain a comprehensive overview of the industry. In 2024, eight promising individuals embarked on a transformative three-week journey across the UK. Their itinerary included visits to 20 companies representing every facet of the furniture supply chain, from raw materials and components to manufacturing, marketing and intellectual property.

The programme offered participants a rare opportunity to experience the industry in its entirety. Companies visited included household names like Ercol, G Plan, and Silentnight, alongside innovative organisations such as the Sylva Foundation and the Frogmore Conservation Workshop. Each stop featured masterclasses, behindthe-scenes tours, and insights into how different businesses operate and thrive within the industry.

For the participants, this journey was nothing short of transformative. Claire Anderson, assistant production manager at George Smith Ltd, summed up the experience: “The Young Professionals Industry Experience has been a once-in-acareer opportunity for me to gain open and honest access to some of the best businesses in the furniture industry. I have been inspired by the thought-provoking masterclasses at every visit and I am looking forward to implementing this new learning in my role at George Smith.”

The programme’s design ensures participants gain a broad and deep understanding of the industry. From exploring cutting-edge product development at Silentnight to witnessing the craftsmanship of bespoke furniture makers like Simon Thomas Pirie, the group left with an enriched perspective on the furniture trade.

Ellie Amodio, senior marketing executive at Sleepeezee, highlighted how the experience enhanced her knowledge: “The Young Professionals Industry Experience was a fantastic opportunity to visit a variety of businesses from across the furniture industry, which I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see otherwise. I was able to boost my knowledge in commercial areas, as well as learning completely new things about manufacturing and its complexities. Everyone on the programme brought different perspectives and questions, so we were able to bounce off each other and make the most of the opportunity we had.”

Participants were also able to directly connect the insights they gained to their own roles, making the experience immediately valuable. Jess Blake, social media manager at Saxon Furniture, reflected on how the programme would influence her work: “I firmly believe that a solid foundation of industry knowledge is fundamental to excelling in my role, crafting and delivering impactful marketing messages, and nurturing that profound trust and confidence our customers seek through our compelling narrative. The Young Professionals Industry Experience couldn’t have given me a better start to my professional journey. Observing how other companies navigate marketing, sales and customer service has offered valuable insights to assess and optimise my own approach.”

Beyond the professional insights, the programme also fostered strong connections among participants and industry leaders. These relationships are a key part of the YPIE’s value, helping to build a supportive network that will benefit both individuals and the broader industry for years to come. Lydia Burrows, head of brand experience at HSL Chairs, emphasised the unique opportunity to engage with a diverse group of industry leaders: “This has been a truly unique opportunity, offering rare insight into a wide range of furniture designers and makers across the UK. It has demonstrated that the industry is thriving and has also highlighted the sheer scale of knowledge and skill upon which it is founded. I can’t wait to put all the things I have learned into action in the coming years.”

With the overwhelming success of the 2024 programme, The Furniture Makers’ Company is already preparing for the next cohort. Applications are now open for the 2025 Young Professionals Industry Experience, with a deadline of 16 February 2025. The programme promises to be just as impactful, offering a fresh group of young professionals the chance to deepen their industry knowledge, build valuable connections, and accelerate their careers. Apply now and join the next generation shaping the future of the furniture and furnishings world.

For more information about nominating someone for the 2025 programme, email Taylor Douglas, education and training manager: taylor@furnituremakers.org.uk