Communities

Supporting Woodworking Communities

We've spent more than 50 years building our Axminster Tools woodworking community. We've met some incredible people along the way and we want to reward and celebrate them. From those at the start of their journey to the unsung heroes who put their heart and soul into sharing a passion for all things creative. We hope that by sharing some of these stories we can inspire and connect even more people.

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 Tools 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 Axminster Tools 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 Tools Community

Our online community of Axminster Tools 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.