Why Buckinghamshire Still Matters in UK Furniture Making

Buckinghamshire is still an important part of furniture making

Buckinghamshire, and especially High Wycombe, has long been regarded as the beating heart of the British furniture industry. For over 150 years, it was a powerhouse of chair-making and craftsmanship, with its products found in schools, boardrooms, churches and homes across the country.

But in the face of shifting markets, offshore manufacturing, and changing tastes, some question whether the region still holds its place in the UK’s furniture story.

At Wycombe Furniture Forum, we believe it absolutely does — and we’re working to ensure that Bucks doesn’t just rest on its legacy, but leads the future. Here are five reasons why this region still matters in UK furniture:

A Living Legacy of Craft and Design

High Wycombe isn’t just famous for furniture — it’s defined by it. Companies like Ercol, founded in 1920, and Hypnos, renowned for sustainable luxury beds, are still operating from the area, blending decades of tradition with contemporary innovation.

The town’s very streets whisper the story of British furniture making. Walk through the town and you’ll find traces of factories, workshops, and showrooms — many still in use, others ready to be revived.

These businesses prove that heritage isn’t static; it can evolve, adapt, and remain relevant in a changing world.

A Skilled Workforce Rooted in Craft

While many industries struggle with skills shortages, Buckinghamshire still benefits from a rich seam of craftspeople — experienced cabinetmakers, upholsterers, restorers, and joiners, many of whom have lived and worked here for decades.

That living knowledge is irreplaceable — and, if passed on properly, it becomes the foundation of future innovation. We see intergenerational skill-sharing as a vital part of keeping the local industry alive and competitive.

Outstanding Furniture Education

With institutions like Buckinghamshire New University and Rycotewood College on our doorstep, the region is well-equipped to develop the next generation of designer-makers.

These colleges don’t just teach woodworking — they foster design thinking, sustainability, and business skills. They also offer pathways to real-world experience through placements, showcases, and links with local employers.

Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transformation — and Bucks has the foundations to grow it even further.

Focus on Quality, Not Quantity

Bucks’ manufacturers and makers are not trying to compete with low-cost overseas mass production. Instead, the region focuses on bespoke, sustainable, high-quality products that appeal to conscious consumers and design-led markets.

From handcrafted furniture for luxury hotels to restoration work and innovative design commissions, the sector here is geared towards craftsmanship, longevity, and care — exactly the values that today’s buyers are seeking.

This makes the region highly relevant in a world turning away from “fast furniture” and towards responsible making.

Untapped Potential for Regeneration and Growth

Perhaps the most exciting reason Bucks still matters is this: we’ve only just begun to unlock what’s possible.

The area’s furniture sector is full of ideas, talent, and infrastructure — but it needs greater support, visibility, and joined-up thinking. That’s where initiatives like Wycombe Furniture Forum come in.

WFF is building connections between industry, education, local government, and support bodies. We’re helping to coordinate resources, amplify voices, and create a collective vision for how the furniture and furnishings sector can thrive again — not just as a heritage industry, but as a modern, forward-facing ecosystem.

Looking Forward

The story of furniture in Bucks is far from over. In fact, we believe the next chapter could be one of its most exciting yet — if we work together to make it happen.

At WFF, we’re committed to shifting the narrative from “heritage” to “opportunity” — creating a future where the region’s legacy of making becomes a springboard for innovation, sustainability, and employment.

If you're part of the industry — or would like to be — we’d love to hear from you. Join us as we help shape the future of British furniture, right here in Buckinghamshire.