The concepts of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development are commanding increased attention in the UK. Those companies that have already embraced CSR are seeing the benefits of committing to environmental, social and economic improvements.
For more than 50 years, FIRA (Furniture Industry Research Association) has been providing research, information, testing, training and support to the furniture industry. Whilst the majority of the trada knows who we are, not everyone knows the full extent of our activities.
With fire safety requirements for upholstered furniture a regulatory requirement of the UK government, this is an area that everyone in the furniture industry needs to understand.
With leather upholstery continuing to grow in popularity and reduce in price, a huge amount of leather products of differing quality and performance are being imported into the UK. It is important for leather users and retailers to understand the characteristics of leather, along with product performance, quality and testing requirements.
Industrial injury statistics consistently reveal that back injury is the most common type of accident affecting workers in the UK. Back injury and other associated manual handling injuries result in high levels of absenteeism and unproductive working environments.
Government procurement policies, more awareness and better understanding by the public are all contributing to an increased demand for certified timber goods. This demand will continue to grow, with furniture and DIY retailing expected to respond accordingly.
