Two well-established furniture industry bodies are working together to get clarity on the details of support for businesses in the midst of the Covid-19 situation.
The National Bed Federation (NBF) alongside the British Furniture Confederation (BFC) are seeking urgent clarification on a number of issues including whether business rate relief will be extended to cover factories. Protecting public health is the primary concern but while the bed industry is not among those sectors forced to close under the current lockdown, many NBF members have been suspending production and closing factories, both to protect workers and because they can no longer fulfil and deliver orders. Meanwhile many questions remain.
Said Jessica Alexander, executive director of the NBF: “Some of our members – both bed manufacturers and suppliers – are continuing to supply the healthcare and food packaging sectors with huge extra demand and we know the government is keen to hear from any companies who may be in a position to help the NHS gear up for increasing hospital cases. It’s not just ventilators which are needed – so we are asking members to get in touch with government to offer their services, if they think they can be of use.
“These are incredibly challenging times for everyone in our industry and we are reassuring our members that we are still here to help by updating members regularly on the latest information and guidance from BEIS and other organisations; but also by asking them to give us their feedback as to any specific concerns or uncertainties they have about the support and guidance being given so we can pass it on to the right sources.”
Any members with information should directly email Jessica at jessica@bedfed.org.uk
