Despite crippling economic uncertainty the Furnishing Industry Trust (FIT, formerly the FTBA) raised the value of its giving by 24% during 2009/10.

At the AGM of the industry’s only dedicated charity in April, chairman Edward Tadros said the trust had provided support for around 200 beneficiaries through weekly grants, and one-off grants for another 80 individuals. And it raised the total value of funds from £4.8m to £5.8m.



“Our charity is in good shape,” said Edward. “We had a pleasant surprise with the sale of Fulwood Place towards the end of the year. The property, which was getting into an increasingly poor condition, sold for considerably more than our expectations.

“In spite of this the board felt that there was a need to do more to ensure that the FTBA remained and indeed increased its relevance for the 21st century. Last autumn a plan was devised to re-launch the FTBA as the Furnishing Industries Trust, FIT for short. The board also agreed a three-year plan to invest heavily in promoting FIT with the aim of increasing giving by more or less double to £300k per year, and to increase our income to £600k.

“This is reflected in our budget figures for 2010 and 2011 which show a modest loss/investment in the future, returning to break-even in 2012.”

Edward also reported that FIT continued to work closely with the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers. As well as sharing premises at Furniture Makers’ Hall, he said the two organisations had now successfully integrated their administration structures to improve standards and reduce costs.
He said: “FIT and the WCFM have so many common goals and common members that we continue to seek the most appropriate means to make them function well together.” Thanks were also given to two retiring board members after many years of service, Michael Gilham and Roger Blaney.

www.fi-trust.co.uk