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Connect, Collaborate, Celebrate
For over 30 years, Clarion Retail has been dedicated to curating best-in-industry furniture shows that connect businesses worldwide. During that time, we have seen countless women push the boundaries and drive the industry in ground-breaking ways.
Here, we believe in the power of connection, collaboration, and celebration of women's achievements. That’s why we’ve founded the Women in Furniture Network. Whatever position you hold within the furniture industry, our group offers a supportive space where you can grow and thrive professionally.
Most importantly, we want to give you the platform and network to share your perspectives to learn and connect with other like-minded women in the industry. Therefore, we are excited to bring you specialised networking events to support professional growth in a male-dominated industry.
Next Event: Celebrate Success, 21 January 2025, Birmingham
WIFN will be reuniting once again to learn, connect and be inspired on the 21 January 2025, 5:30pm-7.30pm at the January Furniture Show, NEC Birmingham. We will be joined by an expert panel of senior women who have been trailblazing change in the industry. They will be sharing their success stories as they share their career journeys along with offering actionable tips to overcome challenges and forge your own path to success.
January Furniture Show
Location: NEC Birmingham
21 January 2025
17:30-19:30
Theme: Celebrating Success
Panel: Celebrate Success
Sarah Bianchi
Owner and Lead Buyer, Arighi Bianchi
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Sarah is the fourth generation of the Bianchi family to run the 170-year-old furniture and interiors business and has worked for the family business for 25 years. After her ascension to CEO in April 2021, Sarah is leading a 5-year growth strategy and significant investment in the brand and shopper experience, with the aim of cementing the brand legacy in 2024 (the 170th anniversary year of Arighi Bianchi) and beyond.
Gisela Lancaster
Head of Buying, Sofology
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With over 20 years in the home sector, Gisela is an experienced retail buyer who began her career at Makro and advanced to Buyer and Senior Buyer roles at N Brown Group, where she successfully quadrupled the furniture category and developed key product and sourcing strategies.
Currently, Gisela is focused on redefining Sofology’s design identity and enhancing customer experience, leading to a 120-point improvement in ratings post-COVID. Her global travels have helped her build strong supplier relationships, ensuring the brand delivers top-quality products. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring interiors, shopping, and traveling for fresh trends and inspiration.
Katy Hawes
Founder, Grace & Favour
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Katy Hawes is the director of Grace & Favour, a family-run business specialising in luxury sofas, chairs, furniture, and accessories. Launched earlier this year as a sister company to Vintage Sofa Co. Yorkshire, Grace & Favour focuses on combining comfort, design, and quality craftsmanship. With over 10 years of experience in the UK furniture industry, Katy, alongside her husband Peter, built Vintage Sofa Co. into an award-winning, multi-million-pound business. Known for her creativity, eye for detail, and love of glamour, Katy brings her expertise and passion for design to every piece at Grace & Favour.
Victoria Darnell
International Furniture Designer and Merchandiser, Hooker Furnishings
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With a BA in Product Design from the London College of Fashion, Victoria moved from fashion to furniture and spent nine years at The Cotswold Company as a furniture buyer, specialising in product design, sourcing, and range building. Her passion for furniture design and product development drives her current consulting role with Hooker Furnishings, where she is set to launch an exciting new collection with the brand, debuting at JFS in Hall 1.
Take A Look Back At Our London Event
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MENTORSHIP PLATFORM
Our events are the perfect space to meet and connect but we know that sometimes you need support or advice outside of our events. So we have created the Mentorship Platform where you can connect with our group of Mentors all at the top of their field across the furniture industry.
The platform is your space to connect with Mentors ready and willing to share their expertise and insights no matter what stage you are at on your career journey. Our diverse collection of Mentors are here to inspire, advise and support our fast growing network.
Whether you are looking for long term mentoring or some advice on facing a challenge, our group of Mentors are here to help.
Contact Franky now to find out more and access the Platform.
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Hear From Our Members...
First Time Joining WIFN?
Here is what you can expect...
Our events are tailored to support women professionals in the furniture industry, providing an exceptional opportunity to establish connections, foster collaboration, and expand your professional network.
Meet Industry Leaders: With opportunities to listen to and meet key female leaders from across your industry. This is a great way to hear success stories and be inspired by accomplished women who have made a significant impact in the field of furniture.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals, forge valuable partnerships, and expand your professional network. Share experiences, exchange ideas, and collaborate with fellow women in the industry.
Supportive Community: Join a community of like-minded women who share your passion for furniture and design. Build long-lasting relationships, find mentors, and contribute to a supportive network that can help navigate challenges and celebrate achievements together.
Provide Your Input: Let us know what we can do for you. This event is the first of many, and we want to make sure you get the most out of the WIFN.
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At Clarion, we recognise the incredible talent and expertise that women bring to the industry, and we believe in providing an equal platform to network, collaborate, and excel. As a Portfolio Director, I understand that networking is crucial for professional development and recognise that women can face unique challenges and biases. We firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are essential for a thriving industry, and we are actively working towards creating more opportunities, promoting leadership roles, and celebrating the achievements of women in this field. I invite all women in the UK furniture sector to join our Women in Furniture Network and I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming event.
Women In Furniture Network News
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The Women in Furniture Network are excited to announce their speaker line-up for their next event! Taking place at Olympia London on Monday 9 September at 4:30pm, read on to find out more... -
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The Women in Furniture Network (WIFN) are excited to announce the keynote speaker for their fifth event at the Manchester Furniture Show on the 11 July. WIFN will be hosting a Brunch where La-Z-Boy In ... -
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After the success of the first Women in Furniture Network event in June, there are 3 upcoming new dates for women from across the UK to unite in their shared passion for innovation and design. As the ... -
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Clarion Retail, the organiser of trade events including the January Furniture Show, Manchester Furniture Show, Home Interiors Show, Top Drawer and Home & Gift, has announced its next Women in Furnitur ... -
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Clarion Retail (the organiser of industry trade shows including January Furniture Show, Manchester Furniture Show, Home & Gift and Top Drawer) has announced three more meeting dates for its Women in F ... -
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Clarion Retail, the organiser of trade events including the January Furniture Show, Manchester Furniture Show, Home Interiors Show, Top Drawer and Home & Gift, has launched a professional network to e ... -
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The first Women in Furniture Network (WIFN) event, held at London's Furniture Makers’ Hall yesterday afternoon, saw attendees from diverse areas of furniture and furnishings gather to network and hear ... -
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The first Women in Furniture Network (WIFN) mixer – entitled Cocktails, Canapés and Connections – proved a resounding success, paving the way for more like it, says Zoë Bonser, portfolio director at t ...
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