How will joining AMUSF benefit me and my company?
Full membership of the AMUSF is open to all practitioners within the crafts of Upholstery and Soft Furnishers who are based either in the UK or The Republic of Ireland. Membership is held by the company not an individual although it is recognised that many may well be sole traders rather than larger limited companies. It is though beholding on the applicant to demonstrate that the employee(s) within the company are able to produce work to a high standard whilst offering excellent customer service. It is not envisaged that a company where the principal has less than three years post qualification/training experience would be ready for full membership. They can though apply for Associate membership to stay in touch with us as their company grows.
Applications are also welcome from Trade Suppliers within our crafts.
Training organisations may also apply to be members if they also produce commercial work but cannot link membership to their training unless they are delivering our qualifications and have become an Approved Training Centre.
Benefits of Membership
As a member of the AMUSF you will have access to a wide range of services:
Use of the AMUSF crest on your stationery, website, social media, signage and vehicles, signifying that your company has been assessed and meets the high standards set by the AMUSF for membership, including quality, expertise, professionalism, and excellence of craft skills
Dedicated member page on the AMUSF website directory, allowing you to publicise your business and attract more consumer enquiries
• Access to the AMUSF fabric buying scheme, enabling you to buy fabric at a discount
Access to discounts on specialised company insurance
Support through fellow members – both in advice on projects and sourcing products and services
Regular trade updates in the monthly e-newsletter, plus a copy of our quarterly magazine, “Upholsterer and Soft Furnisher”
Access to training in Upholstery & Soft Furnishing via our professional approved training centres
Free access to Legal Advice Helpline for commercial, employment and contractual queries
Mediation and Conciliation Service between members and their customers
Help and technical support from our experienced Head Office staff, supported by the Board of Directors
For more information and an information pack, complete our membership enquiry form.
Alternatively, speak to Manjeet or Susan at Head Office by calling 01494 854920 or emailing enquiries@upholsterers.co.uk. If they cannot answer your question, they will find someone who will be able to help you.
Memberships
If you are a retired member of the AMUSF or the Chair Frame Makers Association, we invite you to join, or indeed re-join, us as a Retired Member.
As a retired member you will receive the following benefits:
- Subscription to the AMUSF quarterly journal Upholsterer & Soft Furnisher which contains news and views of upholsterers, soft furnishers and chair makers
- The opportunity to submit your own input to the journal or advertise at discounted rates
- Free annual wall planner
- The opportunity to attend the Ordinary General Meeting & the Annual General Meeting, where you will be able to join in the discussions and vote on matters arising
- Opportunities to attend branches’ and regional network meetings, social events & conferences
- Use of the Group Fabric Buying Scheme
- Telephone advice line on all Furniture, Sourcing or Fire Regulation issues
- Access to the AMUSF website members area
- Expenses paid when attending exhibitions and craft shows as a volunteer, demonstrating Upholstery, Soft Furnishing, Woodwork or Antique Restoration for the AMUSF
All of the above for only £60 per year inclusive of VAT:
Please note that as a Retired Member, you will not be allowed to use the AMUSF crest on any of your signage, stationary, websites, advertising or promotional material in any form.
If you wish to take up this offer, please contact the AMUSF head office on 01494 854920 or enquiries@upholsterers.co.uk.
Student Membership
AMUSF Students
Students undertaking an AMUSF qualification at an approved training centre are automatically enrolled as ‘Student Members’ from the date of their registration with Head Office to the date of issue of a certificate signifying successful completion of their course. Their training centre will supply them with the appropriate registration form which should be sent to AMUSF within 30 days of commencing the course; a copy of the registration form is available to download below.
Student registration entitles the student to use the Group Fabric Buying Service, the Head Office helpline, and receive a copy of the Upholsterer and Soft Furnisher Quarterly Journal and the monthly e-newsletter for the duration of their training. They have no voting rights and cannot use the crest or logo in any form.
Associate Membership
The Associate Membership category is for those students who have qualified through the AMUSF or have another recognised qualification, ie City & Guilds, or who have experience working for an upholstery company. This is a stepping stone category for those going on to start their own business and is open to them for up to three years before applying for full membership.
For an application fee of £60 incl VAT, and an annual subscription of £72 incl VAT, Associate Members are entitled to the following benefits:
- A copy of the quarterly journal “Upholsterer and Soft Furnisher”;
- E-Newsletters;
- Access to the Group Fabric Buying Scheme enabling purchase of materials at preferential rates;
- Access to the head office helpline for all queries and questions relating to our craft.
Associate Members have no voting rights. Associates are not able to use the AMUSF crest, at any time, in their promotional material, whether that is stationery, business cards, social media, or websites. Only full members may use the crest.