The leader of a major Welsh retailer has been appointed to the Board of national trade body, the British Furniture Association (BFA).

Emma Leeke, Managing Director at Leekes, was appointed to the BFA Board as part of an ongoing commitment to represent businesses across the furniture industry.

Part of the Leekes Retail and Leisure Group, Leekes retail business was first established in the Welsh Valleys more than 125 years ago by Emma’s great grandfather, an ironmonger.

Now employing more than 650 people and with a turnover of close to £90m, Emma has overseen the expansion of Leekes into the West Midlands through the acquisition of the Coles of Bilston group and into Bristol through the acquisition of Park Furnishers.

She sits on a number of national buying groups and has been a panellist for a UK Government initiative looking at future strategy for the retail industry, as well as hosting both local MPs and Welsh Assembly politicians.

Emma said: “I am delighted to accept the invitation to join the Board of Directors of the recently renamed British Furniture Association, with a particular brief of representing the interests of British furniture retailers.

“With a variety of challenges facing the sector currently, I am looking forward to working with the Board to continue to raise the profile of our industry and to lobby on its behalf.”

Alongside her professional achievements, Emma supports several charities, including her role as Appeal Board member for NSPCC Wales, a founder of Rhondda Netball, a charity which develops the aspirations of young girls through sport, and a Governor at Howell’s School, Llandaff.

She has also recently been inducted into the Furniture Makers’ Company as a freeman and is a judge at the annual Furniture Awards, run by Furniture News, which are awarded at the January Furniture Show.

BFA Managing Director, Phil Spademan said: “We’re extremely pleased to welcome Emma to the Board. Her leadership at Leekes and in the wider industry shows the breadth of knowledge and experience she has to offer.

“The BFA was established to reflect the broadening scope of the former British Furniture Manufacturers as a trade body, and Emma’s appointment demonstrates our commitment to be representative of furniture retailers as well as suppliers and manufacturers.

“The BFA will be in Hall 5 at the January Furniture Show and the team will be on hand to welcome furniture businesses across manufacture, supply and retail, to discuss routes to membership.”