Fast-growing procurement specialist joins The Furniture Makers’ Company

K&J Solutions, who are purchasing agents for the hospitality industry, is the latest business to become a corporate supporter of The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry.

Based in Orpington, Greater London, the company was founded in 2016 by managing director Kerri Lewis. With over 25 years’ experience in accounting, project management and operations, she has built the reputation of K&J Solutions as a reliable FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures & Fittings) and OS&E (Operating Supplies & Equipment) procurement partner. Working with project managers, designers and architects, the business has delivered a number of complex refurbishment projects for four and five star hotels and serviced apartments. Recent projects include the Marriott/DELTA portfolio, Admiralty Arch, the Twenty Two and Escapade Silverstone.

Having grown to a 12-strong team, K&J Solutions is now looking at expansion into Europe and the Middle East as well as to develop its services.

Kerri Lewis, managing director, says: “We pride ourselves on covering every single aspect of a refurbishment project – the easiest way to explain our services is that if you took the hotel and turned it upside down, we are responsible for purchasing every item that falls out, including the decorative lighting, wall coverings and flooring too! Working closely with the designer, it is our job to deliver the project to standard, on time and on budget, sourcing and installing all furnishing as well as commissioning bespoke joinery.

“As we work so closely with furniture and furnishings suppliers, we wanted to play an active role in the sector and joining The Furniture Makers’ Company seems like a really positive step. We want to expand our network by connecting with more local suppliers and we’re particularly keen to support the Company’s initiatives to attract young people into the industry and to help develop skills.

“In addition, sustainability is a key issue for us, which again chimes with values of The Furniture Makers’ Company, and we believe they could play a key part in our next venture. We are currently exploring the idea of setting up a complementary company which would ‘upcycle’ the pre-loved furnishings removed during refurbishment projects. The aim would be to divert these often-bulky items from landfill, and report back to our clients about where they have been ‘re-homed’ in order to fit with their own sustainability targets.”

K&J Solutions will be formally welcomed as a corporate supporter at an admission ceremony in July at Furniture Makers’ Hall, London. Kerri Lewis, founder and managing director, will be admitted as a corporate liveryman and personally welcomed by the Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company.
Brian Ahern, Master of The Furniture Makers’ Company, said: “It’s great to see a dynamic business like K&J Solutions joining us. Not only have they established a successful procurement business here in the UK, but they now have ambitious plans to expand overseas too. The creation of a bespoke upcycling system is an exciting idea which we’re looking forward to supporting.”
Corporate membership provides opportunities for leading businesses from the trade to support the Company’s charitable activities, get involved with civic events and network with other members.