George Cooper, Head of Communications and Corporate Membership at The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, talks about his role, a varied career, people he admires and why more work needs to be done to entice young people into the industry.
Let’s start with you. Can you share a bit about yourself and your background?
I trained as a journalist at university and landed an editorial job at Cabinet Maker. I’ve also worked at The Conran Shop and then at a national disability support provider. I’ve worked for the Furniture Makers’ Company for 10 years now and it’s gone in a flash.
What is your current job role and key responsibilities?
I’m Head of Communications and Corporate Membership. I oversee and manage all marketing and communications activity for the organization, as well as allocating time to recruit new corporate members and planning events.
What do you love about your job?
It’s incredibly varied. On the charity side, we’re helping people from the industry who have fallen on hard times with welfare grants, while supporting the next generation of workers through our education initiatives, like the New Furniture Makers exhibition. On the livery side, I have the privilege of meeting and working with so many of our members – it really is an added perk of the job to have access to so many successful people from the trade.
What time is your alarm clock set for?
During the working week, it’s set for 5.40am as I like to go to the gym before work each morning. The office is based in the City of London, and I walk across London Bridge and get treated to some spectacular sun rises with the Tower of London in the foreground throughout the year.
Why did you choose to work in the furnishing industry?
I fell into the industry. On graduating with a degree in journalism, I became a news writer at B2B magazine Cabinet Maker. It was there that I first met and had a hand in the training and development of a certain editor of Big Furniture Group ; ).
Who do you most admire in the industry and why?
You can’t help but admire entrepreneurs like Peter Harrison, Mike Clare and Lord Kirkham for building businesses from the ground up. However, when I first entered the sector in 2008, the industry was – and to a certain extent still is – heavily male dominated. That’s why I admire the strong women I encounter, such as the late Margaret Miller, Dids Macdonald, Joanna Knight, our current Master Jessica Alexander, Donna Bellingham, and my first employer, Debbie Johnson.
Have there been any special moments during your career?
One project I worked on in recent years, that was my brainchild, was a 60th anniversary campaign, called ’60 for 60’. To celebrate 60 years of the livery, we decided to put the spotlight on 60 of the young rising stars in furniture and furnishings who will be taking the industry forward. We received an overwhelming number of applications submitted by businesses putting forward employees who were working in all manner of roles across companies from every sector in the trade. I felt incredibly proud on the night of the ceremony when we presented the 60 young people with their awards.
What is your favorite item of furniture you own and why?
I have a Balance Shelving Unit that was designed by Sir Terence Conran that I’m particularly fond of, as well as ercol bedroom furniture. ercol is one of my favourite furniture brands – the designs are timeless.
What do you think is trending within the industry at present?
Sustainability. More companies are looking at how they can improve their business practises to be greener. Our Sustainability and Climate Change Committee does a tremendous job in organising engaging, insightful conferences once or twice a year.
What would you change in the industry?
I think there is still more work to be done in showcasing the industry as a sector of choice for young people who are deciding upon their career paths. Furniture and furnishings are such an important part of our lives, but they’re taken for granted. We have several initiatives that we run throughout the year to inspire, connect and support young people who are considering careers, but there is a lot more that could be done.
Can you share an insight into your future plans?
On the livery side, it’s to continue growing individual and corporate membership. We have spent a lot of time cultivating regional committees – we now have nine – around the UK to take the values of the Company and organise events for local industry professionals to attend, with the hope they may want to join as members. One of our newest and proactive committees is based in the Midlands, which includes the furniture stronghold of Long Eaton. They have organised multiple social events and are holding their second annual Tug of War and Family Fun Day on 27 June. There is still time to submit a team for this year.
What do you enjoy most outside of work / free time?
I love to learn about and explore new cities, countries and cultures, so I always try to have a holiday or two booked. I’ve lived in London since 2010 and I love it. There is always something new to do or see, so I spend a lot of my free time making the most of what the capital has to offer.
What might someone not know about you?
I was a very adept horse rider for the first 20 years of my life – I grew up around and riding horses and competed in show jumping and cross country on a near weekly basis.
If you had a different career, what would it be?
Something in travel most likely. Being able to see the world while working would be a dream.
Finally, if you were an item of furniture, what would it be and why?
A drinks cabinet – looks presentable on the outside but always ready when its time for some fun and a party.
Five Fun qs:
1) If you could hack into any one computer, whose computer would you choose and why?
Probably Donald Trump – we all know why.
2) What fact amazes you every time you think of it?
The phone in our pocket is more powerful technologically than the computers that were used by NASA during the Apollo Moon Landing.
3) What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?
When I was younger, I got some spontaneous piercings. These days it’s more of a last-minute trip away somewhere.
4) What is the most important object you own and why?
Probably my phone. It keeps me connected with friends and family. Time passes us by so quickly and as you get older priorities change, people move – sometimes abroad.
5) What did you think was cool when you were young but isn’t cool now?
Hulk Hogan.
