Research Association Council Updates

At a recent Furniture Industry Research Association Council meeting, three new Council members were confirmed.

Tristine Hargreaves, Executive Director of the National Bed Federation, was appointed. Tristine has worked in the furniture industry for over 30 years, with experience in beds, upholstery and furniture manufacturing, standards and regulations, testing, retail, importing and furniture trade associations.

Tristine serves as a Director of the British Furniture Confederation and a Freeman of the Furniture Makers Company. She chairs the BSI Domestic and Contract Furniture Requirements Technical Committee and is a member of various technical and circular economy committees in the UK, Europe, and internationally.

We also welcomed Chris Meadows, Technical Manager at Track Record Global (TRG). Chris has been with TRG since 2019, focused on the product compliance and risk management area of the business, working closely with clients and their suppliers to ensure the correct documentation is gathered for their products and consulting on the supply chain due diligence work carried out by TRG.

Over his career, Chris has helped develop standards in the UK and overseas. He has also travelled extensively, working directly with suppliers and clients to develop the best products possible. He strongly believes in protecting the environment and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Our third new Council member is Phil Spademan, Managing Director of the British Furniture Association. Phil has extensive experience in the furniture industry, having held key roles such as Managing Director at Nielsen Design, Sales Director at Siren Furniture, and Sales & Marketing Director at Ercol for over seven years.

Phil has worked with large multinationals and small businesses and even started his own company supplying drawing office equipment to architects and engineers, which he later sold. He is passionate about promoting British manufacturing to ensure the long-term success of the furniture industry.

As of 5 March 2025, the Furniture Industry Research Association council comprises:

• Brian Ahern (Chair)
• Mark Richardson, Blum (Vice Chair)
• Sam Brown, SB Consulting (Company Secretary)
• Tristine Hargreaves, National Bed Federation
• Anne Barber, In Heaven at Home
• Andy Green, Integrity Furniture Solutions
• Jonathan Hindle, KI Inc
• Joanna Knight, The Knight Partnership
• Nigel Punshon, Hille
• Chris Meadows, Track Record Global
• Robin Scott, DFS
• Phil Spademan, British Furniture Association
• Andrew Story, Moores Furniture Group

All members are eligible to consider joining the Council. The primary commitment is four Council Meetings a year where new projects are discussed, current project progress is evaluated, and budgets are reviewed. Market conditions and forthcoming predictions are also assessed to ensure projects reflect members' needs. More details about Council roles are available via membership@fira.co.uk