The one-stop-shop trade show allows manufacturers to review and purchase products across the whole furniture supply chain from leading suppliers.

And, arrangements for FCE 2025 are already underway.

A first for the industry, the first FCE, held in April, provided opportunities for delegates to explore products, network, gain industry insights and more.

BFM MD Phil Spademan said: “FCE is all about backing British furniture manufacturing and we were honoured to have Mark Eastwood MP, chair of the Furniture & Furnishings All-Party Parliamentary Group cut the ribbon at our inaugural show and meet some of our exhibitors.

“The show was also made possible through the support of our headline sponsors Vita Group and BeA Group, registration sponsor Carpenter Limited and DispatchTrack, sponsors of the seminar theatre.”

Mark Eastwood MP said: “I was delighted to be able to open this inaugural event which brings together component and furniture manufacturers and industry leaders.

“The furniture industry is worth £42 billion to the UK economy, and it is important that the we support the manufacturers and retailers to help them grow and thrive.”

FCE was the first show of its kind in the UK, bringing specific focus to the supply side of the furniture industry and designed to meet the needs of large and small makers of furniture including beds, mattresses, cabinet and upholstery.

Delegates were able to browse product ranges and talk to suppliers as well as network and collaborate with colleagues.

Audiences at the seminar theatre engaged in a range of interesting industry discussions such as Automation vs Skills and the proposed fire safety regulations.

Phil said: “I’d like to thank our exhibitors and everyone who took part in the seminar programme, especially our panellists and moderator, Paul Farley from Furniture News who helped make it a success.

“We’ve had positive responses from visitors and exhibitors across furniture manufacturing and supply chain sectors and we’re delighted that the Expo has been so well received.”

The event will return to Telford International Centre on 19 and 20 March. More information about exhibiting and sponsorship can be found at: fcexpo.co.uk

Want to exhibit?  Enquire at https://wkf.ms/3vsOeqI

Photo: (front) Nick Garratt, Chairman, BFM (left); Mark Eastwood, MP; back row Nichola Bell, Director BFM (left); Phil Spademan, MD, BFM; Brian Ahern, Director BFM; Ian Peers, Director BFM and Roz Guarnori, Events Consultant, BFM