Companies are invited to nominate apprentices working within their business who have made exceptional progress and demonstrated a commitment to pursuing a career in the furnishing industry.

The judges of the new award will be Tony Smart, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company 2017-2018; Paul von der Heyde, chairman of the Manufacturing Guild Mark; Karen Clarridge, HR manager at Whitemeadow; Julie Dix, training and development manager at Silentnight Brands; and Caroline Gascoigne, learning and development manager at DFS.

The deadline for applications is Friday 19 May 2017. Apprentices that are shortlisted will be invited, with a representative from their company, to make a brief presentation to the judges during a judging day at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London in June. The winner will be presented with the award at the Company’s annual Royal Charter Dinner on Thursday 26 October 2017.

Paul von der Heyde, chairman of the Manufacturing Guild Mark, said:

“The Furniture Makers’ Company is keen to support, encourage and reward outstanding apprentices pursuing a career in the industry.

“With the Level 2 Apprentice Standards given ministerial approval last year and the new Apprenticeship Levy coming into force in April, there has never been a better time for a company to implement an apprenticeship programme. This new award, which is part of the Manufacturing Guild Mark, will celebrate the work of apprentices that are flourishing and the companies supporting them.”

Entry forms are available from The Furniture Makers’ Company website – www.furnituremakers.org.uk/excellence. Questions about this award can be answered by Jonny Westbrooke, Chief Executive and Clerk of The Furniture Makers’ Company, by telephone on 020 7256 5558 or email: [email protected]

About The Furniture Makers’ Company

The Furniture Makers’ Company is the British furnishing industry’s charity, which fosters and supports the industry by nurturing skills and expertise, supporting those in need and championing excellence.

• It encourages the highest standards and best practice in the design, making, marketing and selling of all kinds of furniture and furnishings throughout the UK, recognising quality through the award of its Guild Marks
• It supports students and young people with grants, training and mentoring in order to foster talent and safeguard the future of the industry
• It provides support and assistance to those in need who are working or have worked in the UK furnishing industry.

For further information, contact George Cooper, [email protected] or 020 7562 8522

About the Manufacturing Guild Mark

The Manufacturing Guild Mark is the mark of excellence for Britain’s top furniture and furnishing manufacturers.

High standards in all aspects of the business are required, and applicants are independently audited against a comprehensive set of criteria, while existing Holders are re-audited at regular intervals.