Atlantic race for the Furnishing Industry Trust – 21st November to 8th December

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A message from Tony Attard OBE, FRSA; Group Chief Executive of Panaz Limited

One of the most exciting global challenges for a yachtsman to dream about is to sail the Atlantic. For many years sailors have been inspired by the around the world expeditions of Joshua Slocum, Chay Blyth, Sir Robin Knox Johnston, Sir Francis Chichester, Dame Ellen Macarthur and Dee Cathry. The personal achievements by such determined characters live on in history long after the voyage is over.Although crossing the Atlantic seems a small step by comparison to the achievements of these great adventurers, for me it will be an enormous challenge as my previous experience has been limited to crossing the Channel!

I will be sailing in November, and although none of us have sailed the Atlantic previously and this will be our longest trip at sea, the team are experienced sailors. However I am the novice and so a great deal of training and study will be required by me within the next few weeks to ensure I reach the levels of knowledge and sailing skill required.

I am taking the opportunity while crossing the Atlantic to raise money and indeed awareness for our UK industry specific Charity the Furnishing Industry Trust, known as FIT.

Our Charity FIT was established over 100 years ago to support people in the UK who have been employed in our Furnishings Industry with practical help. We give weekly grants to help with ongoing financial hardship, and one off payments for respite breaks and holidays, mobility aids, (for example wheelchairs) for people suffering critical illness. FIT is also developing grants to provide students with University bursaries to cover some of the costs of furnishing industry related courses. My Ambitions are to cross the Atlantic and raise £10,000 for FIT, and I hope that you can help. Every donation, large or small will enable FIT to give grants and payments to some of the most deserving and needy people in the UK.

Please give generously and help me raise £10,000 look me up on the website http://www.justgiving.com/tony-attard

Many thanks and best regards,

Tony Attard

Daniel Fountain / 09.10.2010

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

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Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher atSPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.
Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.