Archived News Article
Whitemeadow achieve ‘Certified Company’ status under compliance scheme
Upholstery manufacturers, Whitemeadow, are the latest organisation to achieve ‘Certified Company’ status as part of the Furniture Industry Research Association’s ‘Compliance Scheme for the Fire Performance of Upholstered Furniture’.
The Compliance Scheme, which includes upholstery manufacturers, retailers and suppliers, was created by the Furniture Industry Research Association in response to a series of high profile media and enforcement investigation, including to a BBC Fake Britain programme entitled ‘Furniture Inferno’ which aired in 2014. This programme looked at the dangers of non-compliant furniture.
The Compliance Scheme was then developed, with industry feedback, to support those from across the upholstery industry in ensuring they have relevant processes and procedures in place to demonstrate due diligence in complying with the requirements of the Furniture & Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (FFFSR). Due to this, all Certified Companies are subject to an initial in-depth audit, which is then repeated annually to ensure compliance remains high.
Speaking on their new Certified Company status, Andy Pinder, Head of Quality, at Whitemeadow, said “As a key supplier to many of the UK’s largest blue chip multi-store and premium independent retailers it’s important for us to not only offer great design and craftsmanship, but to back this up with the highest compliance and due diligence standards. That’s why as an organisation we decided to work towards becoming a Certified Company of the FIRA ‘Compliance Scheme for the Fire Performance of Upholstered Furniture’.
“The scheme is not only integral for the upholstery sector, but also for retailers and ultimately end customers, who rely on manufacturers such as Whitemeadow to ensure that industry standards remain high. Having this new Certified Status sends a strong message that we have procedures in place throughout our manufacturing process, from start to finish, to maintain compliance with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations.”
As a Certified Company of the Compliance Scheme, Whitemeadow will also benefit from Assured Advice from Hertfordshire Trading Standards. Advice will respected by other regulatory enforcement bodies, helping to prevent inconsistent interpretations of the FFFSR.
Full details on the Furniture Industry Research Association’s Compliance Scheme for the Fire Performance of Upholstered Furniture are available from www.fira.co.uk/compliance
Any organisations interested in becoming a Certified Company should contact FIRA on info@fira.co.uk or call +44 (0)1438 777 700.
