After ten years within the sizzling seat, Jonathan Hindle is stepping down as chairman of the British Furnishings Confederation (BFC). The brand new chairman is Tony Attard, OBE, DL, founder and chairman of the Panaz Group. The BFC was arrange in 2006 by the Worshipful Firm of Furnishings Makers Firm (WCFM) to be the voice of the trade to authorities. Since its formation, its chairs have historically been Previous Masters of the WCFM– Tony was Grasp in 2022-3 and President of the Furnishing Trade Benevolent Affiliation (FTBA) previous to its merger with the FMC in 2012.
Tony started his profession profitable a Courtaulds Scholarship to learn for a BSc Hons diploma in design administration from Manchester College. In 1985, he based Burnley-based Panaz, which manufactures flame retardant materials for the worldwide hospitality, leisure, cruise ship, healthcare and company sectors. Fashioned in 1986, the corporate right this moment exports to over 60 nations, working worldwide via subsidiary corporations in Europe and the USA and a world community of distributors.
He’s additionally presently a member of the Manchester College Division of Materials Science Industrial Advisory Group; a Fellow of the Institute of Administrators, an Affiliate of the Institute of Textiles and Fellow of the College of Lancashire. Tony has additionally acquired an Excellent Alumnus award from Manchester College, whereas different accolades have come from the Design Council and the DIT in recognition of his contribution to the Design trade worldwide.
Tony Attard was Chair of Advertising Lancashire 2015 -2022 , a co-opted board member of the Lancashire Enterprise partnership; a previous IoD North West Director of the 12 months and former Chair for IoD North West area 2010-2015. Tony was made an OBE by Her Majesty the late Queen within the 2010 New 12 months’s honours; and a Deputy Lieutenant of Lancashire in 2016. Tony was proud to serve Lancashire as its Excessive Sheriff from 2018-2019.
Handing over the reins to Tony, Jonathan Hindle stated: “It has been an excellent pleasure and really rewarding to chair the BFC. The Confederation is a unified and decided group with a typical goal. I’ve completely loved working with the chief executives of the commerce associations of our broad trade, who’ve solid a great frequent understanding. Collectively, now we have labored onerous to boost the profile of our very important sector – which contributes c.£40 billion to the UK financial system and supplies employment to c. 250,000 folks. I want Tony large success as he takes over the problem.”
Says Tony of his appointment to the BFC: “I’m honoured to be taking over the function of chairman of the BFC from Jonathan, who has accomplished such an excellent job championing our trade in authorities circles over the previous decade. There may be a lot to do, as we grapple with a number of enterprise challenges, each at residence and overseas. If enterprise is to outlive and thrive, we want authorities to pay attention and reply to our issues. I plan so as to add the load of our £40 billion trade to that of different distinguished industrial teams with the intention to promote a pro-business financial system that may drive prosperity for our sector.”
