Rhubarb Seating, based in Oxfordshire, earned the title in Design Conformity’s 2026 industry report, which assessed the sustainability performance of more than 170,000 furniture businesses across the UK and Europe.

It was one of only four UK companies to receive the ‘Leader’ classification, reserved for just 0.1 per cent of those evaluated.

David Matthews, director at Rhubarb Seating, said: “Rhubarb has always got one eye on refurbishment and future-proofing when developing a product, focusing on making it easy to reupholster, repair and re-use.

“Being recognised above most of the sector’s biggest names validates what we’ve always believed: good design and sustainable design are the same thing.”

The recognition follows independent verification of Rhubarb’s Cantay and Banquette seating ranges through Design Conformity’s Carbon Efficiency platform.

Both products achieved C3 Carbon Efficiency Ratings, reflecting strong performance in planned reuse.

The analysis found the Cantay 2-Seater Sofa had a verified carbon footprint of 60.99kg CO₂e, while the Banq Medium Back Straight unit recorded 69.48kg CO₂e.

Mr Matthews said: “There is definitely something inherently beautiful about a board of timber, utilised to its maximum, to create the component elements of a piece of furniture.”

Certified products are now listed on the Design Conformity directory.

Knights has welcomed Rachel Khiara and Helen Close as partners, joining the firm’s corporate and property litigation teams respectively.

Ms Khiara, a corporate law specialist, advises on LLP and partnership law, SRA regulations, M&A, and private equity within the legal sector.

Her clients include professional services firms, fund managers, and family-owned businesses, whom she supports on governance, profit-sharing arrangements, partner exits, and complex cross-border matters.

Rachel Khiara, partner at Knights, said: “I’m delighted to be joining Knights at such an exciting time.

“Its ability to balance national growth with a strong local presence is one of the reasons I decided to make this move – alongside the chance to work with such a talented corporate team in Oxford and nationally.

“I’m also looking forward to embracing the firm’s unique one team approach and work with colleagues from across the Knights network to deliver the best possible experience for our clients.”

Ms Close brings extensive experience in property disputes and telecoms, with a background in advising corporate occupiers, landlords, and public sector bodies.

She also has expertise in the Electronic Communications Code and telecoms litigation.

Helen Close, partner at Knights, said: “It is clear that Knights is very much on an upward trajectory, and I’m thrilled to be joining at such an exciting time.”

Knights is the largest legal and professional services business built for the UK regions, with 1,400 professionals working collaboratively nationwide.

Taking place at the University of Oxford’s Saïd Business School on June 18, the event will see finalists present three-minute pitches followed by a Q&A session.

Emma Crystal, chair of the judging panel and chief executive of Coutts, said: “Oxford has a history of great ideas and innovation.

“Winning pitches do two things really well – they make their idea feel possible and leave no doubt that their team can make it happen.”

Finalists will be assessed on criteria including clarity of vision, market opportunity, traction, scalability, and founder capability.

The event forms part of a UK-wide NatWest competition distributing £1 million to help early-stage businesses grow during 2025 and 2026.

Three winners will share the £100,000 prize fund, with first place receiving £70,000, second place £20,000, and third place £10,000.

The judging panel includes Dr Olga Kozlova, director of innovation and engagement at the University of Oxford, who brings experience as a former biotech founder and a leader in connecting research, innovation, and industry.

Dr Kozlova said: “Great founders come from everywhere, and the best pitches prove it: clear thinking, genuine market insight, and that one memorable moment that makes you sit up.

“I’m excited to see what this Oxford cohort brings, and to help direct real investment towards the ideas that deserve to scale.”

Also on the panel is Thanh Catachanas, director of collaboration and acquisition at JCDecaux UK, who supports founders in reaching new audiences and building commercial partnerships.

Mr Catachanas said: “A winning pitch blends clear impact, real passion and credible numbers.

“It explains why the idea matters, proves it can deliver results, and highlights a distinctive point of difference that sets it apart.”

Judge Michael Tefula, an investor and startup advisor, said: “A great pitch has two qualities: it makes you care and it makes you believe.

“A compelling story gets you the first.

“Evidence of concrete achievement gets you the second.

“Founders who do well deliver both.”

Graham Drury, UK financial services director at Google Cloud, rounds out the panel and brings experience in cloud and AI technology for financial services, regulatory reporting, and sustainability.

Oxford remains one of Europe’s leading hubs for early-stage innovation, with strong links between academia, investors, and industry supporting the rapid development of ideas from research to market.