The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, is to honour 60 outstanding young people working in the furniture and furnishing industry in 2023 as part of the livery’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

The ‘60 for 60’ campaign will recognise 60 exceptional people 35 years old or younger who are exhibiting dedication to their careers and show promise as tomorrow’s leaders.

Starting in June 2023, the Company will call for nominations or self-entries for individuals working in any role within the industry. Expert judges, including Amanda Waring, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, will review the submissions and select the winners. These 60 outstanding individuals will be announced at a special awards ceremony in autumn 2023.

Amanda Waring, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “For over 60 years, The Furniture Makers’ Company has brought together some of the most influential people and recognised brands from the furnishing sector with the purpose of cultivating bonds of fellowship and fortifying the industry though charitable endeavours.

“Instead of reflecting on past successes,we're shifting our focus to the future and honouring the incredible young individuals who will shape the furniture and furnishing industryBy acknowledging their talent, we hope to demonstrate that the furniture industry values their growth and offers a lifelong profession.”

As part of the campaign, The Furniture Makers’ Company wants to raise £60,000 in sponsorship which will be used to give the winners an awards evening as well as fund events and initiatives to support their on-going development throughout 2023 and beyond. Surplus funds will be used to drive forward the organisation’s educational and training strategy, which aims to reduce the industry skills gap. Businesses wishing to support the campaign can do so by becoming a sponsor or a principal partner.

Buying group Associated Independent Stores has already signed up as principal partner of the campaign with several other companies from the industry confirmed as sponsors.

The Master added: “This is the major fundraising campaign for my year as Master, and I hope you will consider supporting the initiative by becoming a sponsor or principal partner. I’m very excited about 60 for 60 as I think it’s an excellent way of demonstrating to young people in our sector that we are an industry that cares about them and recognises the vital role they play.”

For more information about sponsoring 60 for 60, contact George Cooper, marketing communications manager: george@furnituremakers.org.uk 020 7562 85222.