A NEW group that represents the area's furniture industry is being launched later this month.

Supported by regional development agency Advantage West Midlands, Furniture West Midlands (FWM) will be charged with flying the flag for what is the second largest industrial sector in the region with 2,000 businesses and 23,000 workers.

Following the launch of a steering group 15 months ago, FWM has been looking at the issues facing the furniture industry, specifically the core areas of design, training and marketing.

FWM is officially launched at the Furniture Show at the NEC on Tuesday, January 25, with an all-day networking event.

"We feel there is need for an organisation that focuses on the key issues for the West Midlands furniture industry," said Gerry Logue, chairman of FWM.

For more information on FWM call 0121 3317925 or visit www.furniturewestmidlands.co.uk