Our Chairman

The Chairman Caroline Cowlard.

Caroline Cowlard

Foundation and Growth.

The Association of Master Upholsterers was founded in 1947 by a small group of dedicated businessmen who were concerned at the introduction of legislation following the war, which severely limited the production of furniture.

From that early beginning as the voice of the upholstery ‘trade’ at Government level, the Association has continued to build links and make representations to the benefit of Upholsterers and their customers, to a wide range of National and Local Government bodies.

The Association added ‘Soft Furnishers’ to its title in the 80’s and has widened its activities in a bid promote best practices in Upholstery and Furnishing. In addition to advice lines for members, commissioning special products, and the provision of professional services, the Association also publishes the highly successful colour magazine ‘ The Upholsterer and Soft Furnisher’.

In recent years the Association has sought to improve professional standards further, and has contributed substantial time and money to this end. Awards are made to college and university students who produce outstanding work, and the Association is also a founding member of the Furniture, Furnishings and Interiors National Training Organisation which has been set up to promote standards within the industry.

As part of its’ commitment to quality, the Association has access to a team of experts who can prepare reports on upholstery work and act as expert witnesses. And to help communicate the difference between good and indifferent workmanship, the Association regularly contributes informative articles in National publications, provides comment on issues affecting the trade, and stages exhibitions throughout the Country.

Underlying this activity is a commitment to support Association members in providing the highest standards of professional upholstery and soft furnishing work. This aim is supported by a strict vetting of new members and a rigorous examination of any complaints should they occur. By commissioning a member firm to undertake work on your behalf you may be assured that they are members of the foremost Trade Association in the industry, and that they will be expected to carry out their work in a courteous and efficient manner. And in the unlikely event that you experience a problem which cannot readily be resolved, the Association will intervene and attempt to resolve any dispute without delay.

As chairman I preside over a Board of Directors made up from directly elected individuals and representatives appointed by branches around the country. All the Board members give up a considerable amount of time to further the interests of the Association, and I am proud to be associated with such individuals and such a forward thinking organisation.

Caroline Cowlard.
Chairman of the Board.

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