With the downturn in the economy and the prospect of a recession looming, having a competitive edge is paramount. Many furniture companies across different market sectors are therefore looking increasingly at FIRA’s Awards and Certification Schemes to help differentiate their products or services.
FIRA’s Gold Award for product and installation, School Furniture Certification Scheme, Ergonomics Excellence and Innovation Awards are recognised as a valuable evaluation aid by manufacturers and specifiers alike.
Manufacturers can enjoy the marketing advantage which comes with independent third party endorsement for first class products and services from the world’s leading furniture experts, while specifiers can simplify their tender requirements by insisting on FIRA endorsement as part of the tender process.
The FIRA Gold Award for Products
The FIRA Gold Award is the ultimate mark of product excellence within the furniture industry. This Award provides a solid assurance that a product meets all necessary standards. The Award provides comprehensive testing and ongoing auditing programmes, for a complete range or item of furniture, thus ensuring that it has been manufactured to the highest possible standards.
The FIRA Gold Award for Installation
The FIRA Gold Award for Installation Excellence is the only endorsement to encompass legislation, good working practice and company policy across most if not all elements of installation for kitchens, bedrooms bathrooms and office furniture. Its primary aim is to ensure specified quality standards of installation are maintained, whilst providing customer confidence via third party endorsement. In addition, the FIRA Gold Award offers holders the ability to differentiate their service from that of their competitors. The Award and audits focus on the technical aspects of the installation service, ensuring that installations were carried out in accordance with legislation and good practice.
Regular auditing of installations, staff, documentation and quality systems by a FIRA expert ensures a consistently high standard of service is offered to consumers.45 companies have achieved FIRA Gold – a full list is available on our website,
45 companies have achieved FIRA Gold – a full list is available on our website, www.fira.co.uk
FIRA Product Certification Scheme for School Furniture
Developed out of focus groups and discussions with key stakeholders, the FIRA mark for educational furniture addresses the problem of inadequate furniture in schools. There are currently only a limited number of standards for furniture included in public sector school tenders – and none regarding quality or longevity – which has resulted in often poorly designed or inappropriate products. The FIRA mark for school furniture meets and exceeds existing performance standards and includes technical considerations. Specifiers can now identify one prerequisite, the FIRA mark, for school furniture tenders and no longer have to determine individual standards and requirements. The FIRA mark provides a blueprint for fit for purpose, flexible and ergonomically designed furniture with a proven track record. Manufacturers use the FIRA mark to promote furniture ranges which are high quality and fit for purpose. Having products with the FIRA mark gives a competitive advantage over other suppliers and manufacturers.
FIRA Certification Scheme for Leisure Accommodation Vehicles
Ergonomics in the work place has become increasingly prominent. However, many products, whilst exhibiting some ergonomic features, would fall short of many pertinent ergonomics criteria.
The Ergonomics Excellence Award recognises companies which design and manufacture ergonomically outstanding products, especially those which meet and generally exceed the requirements of British and European standards.
The FIRA Innovation Award
The FIRA Innovation Award identifies businesses that differentiate their products from those of their competitors. The introduction of unique products to the market helps award holders gain recognition within the furniture industry as companies with a forward thinking attitude. The award also supports the company in its quest to gain the reward of competitive advantage through innovation.
Adding Value through new initiatives
FIRA is continuously working with members to add value to their products or services. If you wish to discuss developing a new initiate to help you be first to market and gain a competitive edge please contact us; we’re here to help.
More Information
Our Awards and Certification Schemes are available across all furniture sectors, so if you would like more information on any of the above, please contact Terry Woods, Commercial Executive on 07920 041439 or email .
The FIRA Gold Award for Installation Excellence is the only endorsement to encompass legislation, good working practice and company policy across most if not all elements of installation for kitchens, bedrooms bathrooms and office furniture. Its primary aim is to ensure specified quality standards of installation are maintained, whilst providing customer confidence via third party endorsement. In addition, the FIRA Gold Award offers holders the ability to differentiate their service from that of their competitors. The Award and audits focus on the technical aspects of the installation service, ensuring that installations were carried out in accordance with legislation and good practice.
Ergonomics in the work place has become increasingly prominent. However, many products, whilst exhibiting some ergonomic features, would fall short of many pertinent ergonomics criteria. 
standards.