Some of Bucks’ most influential businessmen in the furniture industry gathered in High Wycombe in a nod to the town’s furniture-making history on Monday. 

The successful businessmen behind firms like Ercol and Hypnos joined representatives from the Furniture Makers’ Company - a city of London livery company - at John Hampden Grammar School (JHGS) to mark the launch of a new partnership aimed to help support schools that teach design technology. 

The initiative has been launched in response to research that shows the number of schools able to teach design and technology is dropping due to funding issues.

The scheme is being piloted in High Wycombe - which is still a hub of UK furnishing manufacture - and will provide support and assistance to pupils through mentoring, competitions and visits. 

Cllr Brian Pearce, who was special guest at the launch, said: “It is so encouraging to know that furniture manufacturing is thriving - High Wycombe was renowned for its furniture industry and it’s a real thrill to be here at the launch of this fabulous scheme.” 

The launch was also a chance for budding furniture designers to show off their work to the key players in the industry. 

Peter Keen, chairman of Hypnos, said: “I hope it will help the future of the furniture industry in Bucks.” 

JHGS head teacher, Tracey Hartley, added: “John Hampden began its life as a school passing on High Wycombe’s traditional crafts of cabinetmaking, carving and polishing. This partnership brings that proud history right up to date.”