Five intrepid Furniture Makers are cycling from Axminster to London this weekend as part of The Furniture Makers' Company's Step 2 It campaign. Pictured above (L to R): Ben Burbidge, Alan Styles, David Dewing, Peter Hooper and Paul von der Heyde.

The ride, which is being organised by the South West Region of The Furniture Makers' Company, will see the team cycle 200 miles across three days. They start at Axminster Tools HQ on Friday 18th June and arrive at Furniture Makers' Hall, London on Sunday 20th June. The route will follow minor roads passing Yeovil, Salisbury, Farnham and Kingston, with two overnight stops near Salisbury and Godalming.

Alan Styles, Managing Director of Axminster Tools is part of the group which includes three past Masters. Alan is also the Deputy Chairman of the South West Region of The Furniture Makers.


Step 2 It

Step 2 It is the new 12 month campaign from The Furniture Makers' Company. It aims to inspire companies and individuals in the UK furnishing industry to organise sports-based fundraisers in aid of the charity. The hope is to raise £250,000 which will be used to support those in the trade struggling with financial hardship. The cycling group are well on the way to reaching their target of £10,000 which will go a long way in supporting the cause.

Step 2 It

Axminster Tools has been supplying tools to the furniture industry for nearly 50 years. As corporate members of The Furniture Makers’ Company, we do all we can to support, promote and connect the industry.

The past 12 months have been difficult for many. So, when the Master set the Step 2 It challenge to raise money to go towards welfare, I was keen to be involved. A group of us, including three past masters, are taking a leisurely ride from Axminster to London over three days. I think I speak for everyone when I say, we are looking forward to every mile of it. Little did I know this time last year that my next trip to London would be by bicycle. We are confident we can raise a good amount of money. We also hope to create some great awareness for the charity and what it does to help.

Alan Styles (Managing Director, Axminster Tools)

How to Donate

If you would like to follow the group's journey or make a donation you can do so by visiting the South West Region Furniture Makers' Cycle Ride page on Just Giving.

I'd like to donate

Cycling team setting off