News

The new name comes with a brand new image and plans for some new initiatives, but the aims of the 107-year-old charity remain the same as ever – to help people from across the industry in times of difficulty.

Tony Attard OBE, FIT national president, says: “If we are to survive and continue helping less fortunate colleagues for the next 100 years, FIT is going to need more support from many more people. In short, we must become much more business-minded and forge commercial links with companies across the sector.”

One initiative being launched to generate new income streams is the FIT Furnishings Scheme. Tony says: “Manufacturers, suppliers and distributors of furnishings products are being asked to nominate a product from which 5% of the proceeds will be donated to FIT to fund grants for people working in or retired from the furnishing industry.

“Consumers are now familiar with and open to the idea of a charitable element being included within the cost of a product and for many it offers an additional reason to buy, particularly where the cause is made clear.”

FIT has also announced the new Women in Furnishings Awards, designed to recognise women of achievement across the furnishing industry. Says exhibition and award organiser Theresa Raymond: “There are too few high-profile women working in our sector and the awards are designed to encourage recognition of those who do and have made a difference.”

The new FIT Champion Awards were announced at interiors 2010, going to: Mick Cooper, health and safety manager at Victoria Carpets; the team at Furniture Village, which marked the company’s 20th anniversary with a donation of £20,000 to the association;  and National Fishing Day organiser Andy Corbett, business manager of Prima Foam.

The charity’s popular events – such as Big Shots and the annual fishing and golfing competitions – are expected to go ahead this year as usual.