INDUSTRY UPDATE BRITISH FURNITURE ASSOCIATION THE IPG Supporting Independents
BFA Forum puts focus on why ESG matters now
xpert speakers, case studies and future plans were on the agenda at the most recent ESG Forum held by British Furniture Association (BFA).
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The event explored the impact ESG is having on the industry, the BFA’s short term objectives in this area and included a presentation on a new support tool for SME’s developed by Planet Mark.
Chaired by BFA Sustainability Consultant Richard Naylor, the ‘Why ESG
Matters Now’ event was hosted by Blum and brought members together for an insightful and practical discussion.
Richard said: “The forum discussions explored the commercial, regulatory and competitive reasons ESG can no longer be treated as a side issue and reinforced the message that ESG is now a commercial reality. “Through a series of case studies, it becomes clear that ESG is increasingly shaping the business landscape across the furniture sector and with the right guidance and tools, businesses can move forward with greater confidence.”
The forum also considered the original ESG Steering Group’s key ‘pains,’ mapping member concerns across five areas:
• Knowledge and skills • Leadership and culture • Resources and capacity • Market and supply chain • Future and regulation.
Participants were encouraged to think about questions such as what businesses don’t yet understand about ESG, what is holding back buy-in, where resources are most stretched, what pressures feel unfair or unrealistic and which ESG risks are most concerning for the future. BFA set out its ESG action agenda for the next 12–36 months as well as introducing the group to its new dedicated ESG web pages, which include an evaluation tool designed to help businesses assess their current progress and identify the next steps in their ESG journey.
The session concluded with a presentation from James Shorey of Planet Mark, who introduced Safe Planet, a new support tool for SMEs designed to help them calculate and share Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions data more easily.
Richard added: “The forum set out a roadmap that is intended to give members clear, practical support as they navigate a fast-changing landscape. “The new web pages will provide a new level of support for members, and we will continue to highlight mechanisms that can help businesses achieve ESG objectives, such as Planet Mark’s Safe Planet tool.”
01295 724202
info@bfa.org.uk
www.bfa.org.uk
Why Visit The IPG at InstallerSHOW 2026?
s proud sponsors of the World Plumbing Conference (WPC), The IPG is committed to being part of the conversations shaping the future of the plumbing, heating and merchant sectors. Key industry challenges including sustainability, water conservation, skills shortages and public health remain high on the agenda across the sector. We believe it is important that independent merchants have a strong voice within these discussions and remain connected to the latest thinking, innovation and policy developments affecting the industry.
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For The IPG, supporting the WPC is about more than simply attending an event. As a buying group representing independent merchants across the UK, we understand the importance of staying informed, sharing knowledge and ensuring our members and supplier partners are prepared for both the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. Industry events such as InstallerSHOW and the WPC provide an important platform for merchants, suppliers and industry leaders to come together, exchange ideas and discuss how the industry can continue to evolve in a fast- changing marketplace.
We’re delighted that industry expert and The IPG brand ambassador
Mark Millar will be joining us throughout the event. On Tuesday 23rd June, Mark will host the WPC panel discussion, The Role of Independent Merchants in Driving Local Innovation and Skills, from 16:30 - 17:15, alongside IPG members James Bacon, Jason Drake, Paul Jacobs and Nick McCartney. The session will explore the important role independent merchants continue to play within their local communities, from supporting apprenticeships and skills development to driving innovation and maintaining strong customer relationships.
Alongside Mark and The IPG team, existing members will be joining us on the stand to share their experiences of being part of our growing independent community. We look forward to welcoming prospective members, suppliers, existing members and industry partners to stand 4G30 at InstallerSHOW.
Nike Lovell,
Marketing Director, The IPG.
www.the-ipg.co.uk
BKU JUNE 2026 47
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