With limited spaces available, FIRA International and the Furniture Industry Research Association will welcome visitors to its Stevenage headquarters on Thursday 22nd October for its final open day in 2015.

The event will help visitors understand more about how they can ensure furniture products are safe and how industry standards are set, be confident that they are complying with relevant legislation, and witness first-hand how furniture is tested and repaired.

It will include a brief update on flammability regulations, and delegates will have the opportunity to get involved in an interactive furniture repair demonstration.

From concept and design to manufacture, retail and after-sales care and repair, FIRA works with the whole furniture supply chain, offering a range of services to provide support where it is needed and raise standards across the whole industry.

Visitors can take a tour of the testing laboratories, which includes a flammability testing demonstration, and find out how the association supports the industry with a variety of projects such as National Furniture Specifications, Export Hub, Furniture Design Toolkit and the ongoing research into flammability testing.

Phil Reynolds, COO at FIRA International, says: “Whether you are a designer, small retailer, part of a large manufacturer or a supplier with an interest in the furniture industry, we would welcome you to attend one of our open days.

“They are a great opportunity to ask our experts questions, find out how to keep up to date with the latest changes to legislation and topical issues affecting the industry, and see how we offer a wide range of support and technical expertise to the entire furniture supply chain.

“We have many years’ experience of writing and interpreting British and European standards for furniture, and there isn’t much we don’t know about furniture or the furniture industry. Previous open days have proven very popular, so get in touch soon to reserve your place.”

The day includes a demonstration from FIRA’s ergonomists, and informative presentations from experts on topics such as sustainability in the furniture industry, which looks at the Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme, how to comply with the EU Timber Regulations and carbon footprinting. A networking break in the morning will provide an opportunity to speak to FIRA’s experts in furniture testing.