Great store in MPs exhibition

12 July 2012

A four-day exhibition, organised by the British Furniture Confederation, is being held at the House of Commons this week (9-12 July 2012). The exhibition, which showcases a range of manufacturers and industry bodies, provides an opportunity for MPs, peers and civil servants to learn about the challenges and opportunities facing the UK’s furniture industry.

The British furniture industry is estimated to contribute £7 billion annually to the economy, supporting more than 100,000 jobs across 6,000 companies.

Steel storage manufacturer Bisley – twice winner of the Queen’s Award for Export Achievement – is among participants taking the message about the importance of the British furniture industry to Parliament. The company has factories in Surrey and Newport, Wales and 40% of all production is exported.

Despite the current economic downturn, Bisley directly employs more than 750 people. During the last 15 years, more than £50 million has been invested in state-of-the-art plant and machinery.

Bisley is keen to discuss a number of crucial issues facing both the furniture industry and wider manufacturing sector. These include:
Reduction in the annual investment allowance for plant and machinery
Phased abolition of the Industrial Buildings Allowance
Increase in employer National Insurance contributions to 13.8%
The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme

The exhibition is sponsored by Stephen McPartland MP, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Furniture Industry Group,