The trade missions that we organize for you go beyond simple business. They serve as gateways to broader opportunities and immensely valuable experiences for our industry.

These missions are more than pathways to showcase our products on the global stage; they are exhilarating journeys that offer a dual advantage. They not only open doors to international markets and facilitate sales but also provide a platform for knowledge exchange and insights among colleagues.

UAFM’s special focus on orchestrating such missions reflects our deep commitment to fostering a dynamic community of furniture manufacturers. By participating, enterprises not only unveil their creations to the world but also gain access to diverse perspectives, innovative practices, and collaborative networks.

Through these missions, UAFM members not only showcase their products but also immerse themselves in the vibrant world of the international furniture scene. They return not just with contracts but also with new ideas, fresh contacts, and a deeper understanding of global trends.

In the rapidly evolving industry, these trade missions serve as our compass for navigating the waters of innovation and competition. They bear witness to our resilience and adaptability, enabling us to thrive in the face of challenges and uncertainties.

Visit Bloqs Coworking Space

During the trade mission to London, which took place from April 25 to April 29, 2023, we visited the Bloqs collaborative workspace, a prime example of a furniture cluster. Bloqs is a shared production facility with open access to top-of-the-line industry equipment and a vast production space spanning 32,000 square feet.

Our aim was to glean insights into effective cluster-based work and adapt those principles in Ukraine.

If you’re curious to envision an ideal furniture cluster, we’re excited to share video footage from our tour of Bloqs, showcasing its functionality and advantages.

 

We share with you insights about Bloqs from a coworking representative:

• In the hub, qualifications for working on the equipment are checked and training is provided.
• They have a warehouse of materials, if someone needs something, they can buy it on the spot and work without leaving.
• Everything is included in the payment for renting a workplace: use of equipment, electricity, and cleaning.
• This project was established by the London municipal authorities 10 years ago to develop small and medium-sized businesses. Schoolchildren and students of colleges and universities come to the co-working space.
• The demographics of the hub are people of student age or already mature businessmen.
• About 20 people work in the hub – these are technologists and administrative staff.
• The social network is right here – an average of 100 residents per month working on various orders. The practice of involving colleagues in the hub for the implementation of large projects is very common. Here everyone knows each other and is happy to share their experience and help with the mastering of technologies.

So, during the upcoming trade mission to London which will take place from September 21 to 24, 2023 let’s remember that the benefits extend far beyond the point of sale. Let’s seize the opportunity to learn, communicate, and enhance our craft together. With each journey, we collectively contribute to the growth and dynamism of the Ukrainian furniture industry. 🛋️🌎🤝

UAFM organises a trade mission to Great Britain with the support of the USAID Competitive Economy Program in Ukraine (USAID CEP).