British Furniture Manufacturers (BFM) has confirmed the success of its inaugural Furniture Component Expo (FCE) and will see the event return to the Telford International Centre next year.

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

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.

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