A ‘barometer’ of progress is set to give an overview of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in the UK furniture sector.
The steering group is acting as a precursor to a new Special Interest Group, soon to be open to all BFA members, offering everyone the opportunity to get involved and help shape the future of responsible business in our industry.
Richard Naylor, BFA’s ESG Consultant presented at the inaugural steering group meeting hosted by Planet Mark in London, which started with a draft of the very first comprehensive ESG roadmap. The roadmap project was launched to provide an extensive guide to a complex and wide-ranging area of business, encompassing everything from environmental sustainability and social responsibility to ethical governance and compliance. The diversity and depth of ESG issues means that businesses must navigate a broad spectrum of challenges, regulations, and opportunities as they work to integrate these principles into their operations.
Representatives from DFS, Welcome Furniture, YKK, Silentnight, Harrison Spinks, Think Group (Texfelt), Whitemeadow and The Dorset Chairman were all in attendance.
BFA MD Phil Spademan said: “Green claims, third party certificates and education around environmental impact were identified as high importance topics during the meeting.
“It’s clear there are businesses in our sector that are placing a great deal of emphasis on ESG and it’s vital that we bring members together to share their thoughts and help establish best practice, alongside seeking solutions to the challenges on the horizon.
“Among the many items debated during the meeting, it was agreed that setting a base line of where the sector is at now in terms of ESG is going to be a vital step in determining the direction of travel as we progress.”
The Steering Group discussions leant towards the establishment of a clear timeline and priority list of areas for the sector. This collaborative approach ensures that BFA members can direct their efforts where they will have the greatest impact. Additionally, the group has recommended the creation of a comprehensive glossary of ESG terms to promote a shared understanding and empower all members to engage confidently with ESG initiatives.
Looking ahead, The BFA is committed to supporting its members with practical guidance and resources as we navigate the complexities of ESG.
The next ESG Steering Group will take place in early autumn and BFA members can express their interest in joining the Special Interest Group by emailing [email protected]
