1. On November 24, Volodymyr Patis, the President of the Ukrainian Association of Furniture Manufacturers (UAFM), and Oksana Donska, a member of the UAFM Board and CEO of the FUBE exhibition, became speakers at a networking and matchmaking workshop organized by the Ukrainian Cluster Alliance as part of EU4Business. To foster the development of young clusters and associations, UAFM experts shared their experience in implementing export strategies and growing community potential through networking and educational events. The meeting was moderated by Vitaliy Ivakhov, a UAFM Board member.
2. FURNITURE OF UKRAINE is now showcased in the most prestigious residential complex in the center of Amsterdam. All furniture, shelves, mirrors, tables, cabinets, doors, and beauty and health panels for the Phenomena home were crafted by artisans from the UAFM’s participant company Varenycia Manufacture. Designed by the local Studio Linse and adorned with Ukrainian art from Natura Ceramica.

 

3. In order to simplify, the Cabinet of Ministers approved amendments to the procedure for registering VAT invoices and the mechanism for their blocking. Invoices of companies that work steadily, pay taxes on time, and demonstrate consistency in their activities should not be blocked (for example: if a company purchases timber, it sells timber products).

4. The CEO of “Kronospan Ukraine,” Natalia Pokinska, participated in the largest investment forum of the year, “FIT for Ukraine: Annual Meeting,” organized by “Ukraine Invest” in Warsaw. In her speech, she stated, “Since the beginning of the war, the company has made every effort to reorganize the raw material supply chains and ensure the energy independence of its plants.”

5. According to research by Gartner, by 2027, chatbots will become the primary customer service channel for approximately 25% of companies. Generative artificial intelligence can also change the approach to sales in both B2B and B2C businesses, working in partnership with managers to accelerate processes and increase productivity.

6. In the next decade, artificial intelligence will enable millions of workers to transition to a four-day workweek without a loss of income, according to a study by Autonomy. This will provide people with more free time, social interactions, and improve mental health.

7. The Belgian educational research center “Woodwize,” dedicated to developing knowledge in the wood processing and furniture industry, has developed a didactic package for specialized educational institutions. It includes theoretical and practical modules for students to independently work on developing their knowledge and skills in furniture production and interior design.

8. The renowned wood-based materials manufacturer, “EGGER,” has developed a comprehensive set of measures for the entire group of companies to constantly reduce harmful emissions that harm the climate and eliminate them by 2050. The Net Zero goal: emissions must be removed from the atmosphere at the same rate they are generated.

9. The Dutch studio “InReal” provides developers with an unusual service: it designs the full-size plan of a future building on a 175-square-meter floor using specially calibrated projectors. Clients can use movable furniture and walls to precisely simulate the planning and furnishing of future living spaces.

10. Foreign experience: The Polish Agency for Entrepreneurship Development will support small and medium-sized enterprises with 155 million zlotys in organizing advertising events aimed at international markets. A competition has been organized to identify companies with the highest export potential.

11. Instead of the traditional “Black Friday,” IKEA proposes a “Green Friday.” The goal is to encourage users to not discard old or damaged items but, by refreshing them, extend their usage. The brand offers innovative solutions that support customers in self-servicing and repairing furniture, including providing components for free.