The Furniture Industry Research Association

Phil ReynoldsCOO FIRA International Ltd

The Association vision

“The Furniture Industry Research Association will provide technical support to the industry to ensure it has the reassurance that its products and processes

are safe, legal and fit for purpose.

In addition the Association will educate specifiers, retailers and consumers to properly understand

what ‘good’ looks like and encourage them to ask for it, thus driving demand for members’ products”

Our membersThe only Association to represent all product sectors with the furniture industry, with members from across the whole supply chain. Currently over 400 members from:

Market sector Supply chainOffice and contract Component suppliersDomestic UK manufacturersBeds and mattresses Overseas manufacturersEducational ImportersHealthcare RetailersKitchen Specifiers

Educational institutions

5 Reasons to be a member

Recognition

Be part of the UK’s largest furniture association, with a worldwide reputation for excellence.

5 Reasons to be a member

Protection

Understand the latest Standards and Regulations, often before they are published.

5 Reasons to be a member

Influence

Ensure that your voice is heard at all key levels within Government, standards and other forums.

5 Reasons to be a member

Knowledge

Keep up to date with the latest industry statistics and key industry research and initiatives.

5 Reasons to be a memberSales

Grow sales through a listing in the Association’s supplier directory on the Association website) and through the reassurance that membership of the Furniture Industry Research Association brings your clients.

Supporting the industry

• Part of the British Furniture Confederation (BFC) - the single voice acting on behalf of the industry.

• Ensures that we are heard by Government and have the appropriate influence.

• FIRA is the technical lead and holds BFC secretariat.

Supporting the industry

• Shaping national and international standards on behalf of membership

• Ensuring advance notice of changes, helping with new product development

• Expert interpretation and advice instantly available

Providing business information

Annual Industry Statistical Digest

Competitiveness Studies

Research and guides

• Research and publications to benefit the entire industry

• Raising standards - informing Government, consumers, retailers and specifiers

• Identifying new technologies and future trends

Research and guides

• FIRA technicians, trained by Blum, fitted designated kitchens with monitoring equipment, including sensors and 6-digit counters

• Usage of drawers, doors and

lifting systems within real kitchens

• Impact on the design, manufacture and installation of furniture fittings

FIRA funded a study by Blum into how real-life kitchens are used – comparing the UK and Europe

A day in the life of a kitchen

• Bariatric seating

• Current and future FR technologies

• Assessing the effectiveness and cost benefit of the proposed amendment to the UK Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations.

• Fire retardants and end of life implications

• A guide to the CE marking of furniture

• Furniture Design toolkit – domestic and healthcare furniture

Current research

Membership Benefits

• Technical support

• Industry information

• Discounts on key commercial services

• Promotion of your products on our web-based suppliers directory

• Voucher credits to spend on FIRA services

• Full access to FIRA website – and links from it to your website

• Sales and marketing support

FIRA International Ltd

Phil ReynoldsCOO FIRA International Ltd

BM TRADA

• A global Testing, Inspection and Certification business, headquartered in the UK

• Representation in over 70 countries• Testing - primarily related to the construction

industry and furniture• Certification – management systems, chain of

custody systems and industry schemes.

FIRA International Ltd

Using expertise to deliver exceptional customer assurance

FIRA International Ltd

• The exclusive service provider to the Association

• Provides high quality commercial services:

– Testing and Certification– Technical Support– Service Technicians – furniture aftercare– Training– Equipment

Any questions?