CERAM works with materials based industries around the world in sectors such as ceramics, metals, composites, engineering, medical and construction.
Campden BRI provides practical scientific, technical, legislative and information support to the food, drink and allied industries.
City University London is a principal provider of undergraduate, postgraduate, professional and vocational education in the United Kingdom.
E-Synergy provides management, technology and strategic support, training and early stage financing to new companies and technology spin-outs.
LGC is an international science-based company and market leader in analytical, forensic and diagnostic services and reference standards.
MIRA is a leading vehicle design, development & certification consultancy.
Thatcham is the motor insurers' research centre and provides some 70% of the data that insurers use to define a car's insurance grouping.
NAMTEC is a centre of excellence for the UK metals industry and aims to increase the global competitiveness of the metals sector.
NPL is the UK´s national standard laboratory. It develops, maintains and disseminates national measurement standards for physical quantities.
The National Nuclear Laboratory has a highly experienced workforce with unique skills and internationally recognised expertise.
Pera is one of Europe's leading innovation and business support organisations with a presence in eight European countries.
PRA provides information and technical services to support innovation and growth in the global surface coatings industry.
QinetiQ is a leading international provider of technology–based services and solutions to the defence, security and related markets.
SATRA is the largest research and technology organisation in the world for the footwear and leather goods industries.
SCI is the leading, independent provider of technical expertise and disseminator of best practice to the steel construction sector.
Smithers Rapra, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Smithers Group and is recognised as a World leading rubber and plastic consultancy.
The Scotch Whisky Research Institute is a member based company providing research, services and consultancy to the distilled drinks industry.
The Smith Institute for Industrial Mathematics and System Engineering enables businesses to secure commercial advantage.
TRADA Technology (TTL) predominantly serves the building and construction industry and its material and component suppliers and users.
TWI Ltd is the world´s foremost research and technology organisation concerned with joining and structural integrity of engineered products.
The University of Surrey has a world class research profile and a reputation for excellence in teaching and research.
FIRA International Ltd
Maxwell Road
Stevenage
Hertfordshire
SG1 2EW
Tel: 01438 777700
Fax: 01438 777800
e-mail: info@fira.co.uk
www.fira.co.uk
Managing Director: Mr Jonny Westbrooke
Turnover: £5,000,000
Number of staff: 75
The Furniture Industry Research Association was first established 60 years ago by the furniture industry for the industry. FIRA International continues to provide a wide range of expert services that are dedicated to the global furniture supply chain, as well as safeguarding the industry through managing the Association's membership activity.
Research and development programmes feed into British, European and International Standards for performance and testing with FIRA International experts representing the UK on a number of Standards committees. This enables its furniture testing laboratory to provide the best service when testing components, materials and finished product to ascertain performance safety and durability. International recognition gives the FIRA testing certificate acceptance worldwide.
FIRA's expertise is available on a consultancy basis for business process improvement, ergonomics and environmental management issues.
Further services from FIRA include customer service solutions. FIRA Service Technicians provides a highly-efficient, after-sales service for furniture retailers, manufacturers and importers, to quickly resolve customer complaints as effectively as possible within reasonable cost constraints.
Officially recognised by the European Commission as an ADR scheme in the UK, The Furniture Ombudsman is the independent standards body for furniture and floor coverings.
It aims to raise the standard of customer service in the furniture industry through providing a Code of Conduct to its members. Members of The Furniture Ombudsman offer an extra reassurance to their customers and demonstrate their commitment to providing a quality service.
To support their members, The Furniture Ombudsman provide a range of services including consumer law and customer service training, a legal helpline and an alternative dispute resolution service whereby disputes between consumers and retailers can be resolved through conciliation or adjudication. The Ombudsman also provides independent inspection services for both non-member organizations and consumers to aid resolving disputes and complaints.
The Furniture Industry Sustainability Programme (FISP) was set up in 2006 to support best practice in all aspects of sustainable business. Companies may join as associate or full members. Associate members have two years to meet a number of set criteria to become full members; sustainability audits of member companies form the basis for benchmarking data from which the whole industry can benefit.
FIRA's business process improvement consultancy works with furniture manufacturers to assist in the generation of sustainable process improvements that will not only improve competitiveness but will also enhance customer satisfaction.
FIRA supports manufacturing and other improvement initiatives within individual companies and also implements projects that will provide industry wide benefits by promoting the common approach methodology for process improvements throughout the furniture industry.