We are committed to supporting our local and the wider community through a variety of schemes.
Each year our HQ chooses a charity local to the East Devon area to support and raise funds for. Our stores are involved with other charities and the communities local to them.
Resources from a pension fund have been utilised to build a new leisure facility which can be used and enjoyed by the local community.
The Furniture Makers’ Company
The Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers is the British furnishing industry’s charity. The Company does invaluable work supporting the industry by helping those in need, nurturing skills and expertise and championing excellence.
We have been supporting and working with FMC since 2013, taking a particular interest in the work the Company does with young furniture makers. It's vital for the future of the industry that we continue to support and develop fresh new talent.
Axminster’s Managing Director Alan Styles has been a Liveryman of the Company since 2018.
Welfare Support
If your financial situation has changed and you are struggling to pay your bills, if you work or have worked in the UK furnishing industry you may be eligible for a grant through The Furniture Makers Company. Learn more
Men’s Sheds
At the start of 2017, Axminster Tools made a commitment to the Men’s Sheds Association to provide training to ‘shedders’ in the best interests of member safety and assistance, where possible, with the supply of tools and machines to reduce setup costs and help Sheds become self-sustaining.
All of the Axminster stores are encouraged to support at least one UK Men’s Sheds Association Shed and help direct customers to Shed locations in the area.
The Sylva Foundation
We support the Sylva Foundation in Oxfordshire which in turn supports education and training in woodworking crafts at the Sylva Wood Centre. The Centre provides a dedicated space and equipment plus facilities to nurture business incubation.
A Shared Passion
We also work with Worshipful Company of Turners and The Institute of Carpenters, both of whom share our passion for building a sustainable future for the industry.
Online Axminster Community
Our online community of Axminster customers and followers has grown significantly since the beginning of 2020. We facilitate and encourage discussion and support between all levels of makers through our Community Forum , social media platforms and, more recently, our live YouTube series Woodworking Wisdom.
Business Support
We have a dedicated Business Services team who work alongside businesses to share knowledge and industry insights. We support our business customers in a number of ways including opportunities to make connections and learn about industry related topics through Lunch & Learn Workshops.