Neil Stevenson, Director and Owner of one of the UK’s most highly regarded bespoke furniture manufacturers, NEJ Stevenson Ltd has been appointed as Chairman for the Heart of England Region for the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers. The Heart of England region is the newest addition to the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers’ regional engagement.
The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers was founded as a guild in 1951 and granted Livery status in 1963; it aims to support the highest standards of design, manufacturing, marketing and retailing of all types. The vision of the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers is for a thriving British furnishing industry with a talented work force delivering high quality products. They support the industry by helping those who work or have worked in the sector; ensure its long-term success by developing the future generations and inspire excellence in design and manufacture.
Neil is passionate about increasing awareness of the furniture sector and encouraging young people to enter the skilled trades. Neil brings a wealth of experience to the post, in addition to being a Royal Warrant holder and a Brother and Trustee of the Artworkers Guild, NEJ Stevenson is an Industry Partner of the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) and Neil was formerly their Industry Director. He chaired the National Training Board for Furniture and sat on the Board of Proskills (the Sector Skills Council for Process and Manufacturing). He is excited by the appointment and commented, “this will help the Worship Company of Furniture Makers’ extend their reach into the region and provide valuable resources and assistance to craftspeople.”