“As a designer, it is hardly surprising that the principal focus of my year will be on design, particularly investment in design by British manufacturers. The UK is home to some of the rising global stars of design and they are being engaged by enlightened international manufacturers. Those UK furnishing companies who are currently growing and exporting are all distinguished by their investment in design.
These small firms believe that initiatives including businesses relocating to town centres (60%), flexible opening hours (38%) and more pop-up stores (37%) should also be part of key plans to revitalise high streets.
The news comes as the FSB backs Local Business Week, calling on UK shoppers to buy three things from their high street. The FSB has also recently relaunched its Keep Trade Local campaign to highlight the need to save local stores.
Mike Cherry, FSB national policy chairman, says: "Reviving town centres from decline is possible with the right measures from councils and local authorities. We want improved dialogue and co-operation between independent retailers and their local decision-makers, so they can work jointly on improving their town centres. Attracting new businesses and shoppers is one way to ensure the survival of small businesses, which is why we are supporting Local Business Week and its pledge for shop
, so we have brought onboard additional technicians in order to maintain our service levels.”
“The Furniture Makers will be seeking to create forums where design studios can meet prospective furniture manufacturers who want to engage them. We will also be looking to encourage more graduates to join our industry. We must do more to highlight our industry as a wise career choice, with varied opportunities for the entrepreneurial and inventive.
Jael.Liu