INDUSTRY UPDATE BRITISH FURNITURE ASSOCIATION


New bespoke furniture from Blum UK boosts Ride High charity’s life-changing work


arranging the build of new furniture for the organisation. Located in Milton Keynes, Ride High uses horses to transform the lives of


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vulnerable children. Around 120 children attend the charity each week, taking part in a structured learning programme to help encourage a healthy lifestyle. Time spent with the horses promotes confidence, responsible behaviour, respect and trust, and positive mental wellbeing. With its UK head office also located in Milton Keynes, Blum UK has


worked with Ride High since 2025, welcoming children to visit the beehives installed at its office gardens and supporting the charity through regular volunteering each week. The latest gesture includes Blum experts creating four made to measure


BFA events gain momentum ahead of milestone FCE


T


he British Furniture Association (BFA) is building on the success of its 2026 event programme as it looks to further


the presence of the kitchen and bathroom sector at its flagship Furniture Component Expo (FCE) next year. This autumn saw a sell-out AI Summit, featuring a packed agenda of


speakers from Google, Chick Digital, Autonomate, Push Group, Furniture Connect and ACID. Delegates had the chance to explore the cutting-edge technology, as


well as gaining deeper insights understanding the potential benefits of AI and incorporating it into a business strategy. The summit was followed by a BFA Health & Safety Day, held in


partnership with Rochdale Occupational Health and Didac, providing expert-led presentations, live face-fit testing and legislative updates. Now, BFA is looking ahead to the major milestone in its calendar, the


Furniture Component Expo, which returns to Telford International Centre on 10 and 11 March 2027. FCE offers something distinct from the usual trade shows: a


concentrated supply-chain environment where you can meet manufacturers, specifiers and buyers across seating, bedding, cabinet components and surface materials – all under one roof. The debut Innovation Trail, sponsored by Blum UK, shone a spotlight on


new products less than 18 months old, with winners like Comfortex demonstrating how component innovation can drive differentiation in finished KBB products. Featuring more than 70 exhibitors, the expo saw visitor numbers rise by


over 11%, with key suppliers, 3D Ply, Comfortex, Mobus Fabrics, The Vita Group, Carpenter, and Glazpart, all showcasing innovative materials, foams and fabrics that translate directly into KBB applications. 3D Ply highlighted its curved board solutions – a technology increasingly


specified for modern kitchen carcasses, vanity units and bathroom furniture. The company’s feedback from the floor was emphatic: “Visitors were serious companies looking for solutions and ideas. I’d recommend this for anyone to exhibit or visit that’s in our industry.” Exhibition space is still available and KBB businesses at the cutting edge


of design and production can also feature in this year’s Innovation Trail, sponsored by Blum UK, which highlights products that are less than 18 months old. BFA members benefit from discounted exhibiting rates at FCE, making it


an accessible platform to test new markets, launch innovations and meet the buyers shaping the next generation of kitchen and bathroom products. For details about exhibiting and visiting FCE go to: https://fcexpo.co.uk/.


▶ 01295 724202 ▶ info@bfa.org.uk ▶ www.bfa.org.uk 38 BKU OCTOBER 2026


pieces of furniture to support the refurbishment of the charity’s changing room, where riding gear such as helmets, jackets and boots are stored. Olivia Sugdon, CEO, Ride High, said: "The transformation of our changing


room has made a huge difference. The bespoke furniture has completely changed how we use the space, making it much more organised, efficient and welcoming for the children, staff and volunteers who use it every day. Having dedicated storage for our riding equipment means everything now has its place, creating an environment that's easier to manage and far more inviting for the children as they begin their Ride High journey. “We're incredibly grateful to Blum UK for sharing their expertise and


creating a solution that has been designed specifically around our needs. Their generosity will have a lasting impact on our charity for many years to come. “At Ride High, we use horses to engage vulnerable and disadvantaged


children in a way that many more traditional interventions cannot. Through the unique connection they build with the horses, children develop confidence, resilience and self-belief, while taking part in a structured programme that supports their emotional wellbeing, education and personal development. “Many of the children referred to us have experienced significant


challenges in their young lives. Our aim is to help them recognise their strengths, build positive relationships and equip them with the skills and confidence they need to create brighter futures. We simply couldn't achieve this without partners like Blum UK, whose generosity and commitment help us provide the very best environment for the children who walk through our doors." Matthew Glanfield, Managing Director for Blum UK, commented: “It’s clear


to see just what a valuable difference this fantastic organisation makes to local children. It can be a transformational step and that's what makes it so special, Blum UK is honoured to help such a great cause. “The furniture should breathe new life into an essential part of the stables.


We’re proud to have been involved in the designing and installing of some unique pieces of furniture. We will continue to volunteer and help out where we can so that the charity can thrive long into the future.” As a responsible employer, Blum UK is proud to continue its commitment


to supporting charitable initiatives which champion people, sustainability, and the wider industry. For more information on the brand, please visit:


▶ https://www.blum.com/gb/en


urnishing solutions manufacturer Blum UK has bolstered its partnership with children’s charity Ride High by designing and


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