British manufacturers encouraged to attend and discover how holding a Manufacturing Guild Mark can benefit their business.
British furnishing manufacturers interested in finding out about the marketing and operational benefits of holding the Manufacturing Guild Mark are encouraged to attend a free open day this month at Biesse Group UK’s Daventry headquarters.
Awarded by The Furniture Makers’ Company and in partnership with Biesse and Lectra, the Manufacturing Guild Mark has been the mark of excellence, distinguishing Britain’s top furnishing manufacturers, since 1993.
The mark is awarded to manufacturers on completion of a successful independent audit, performed by FIRA International, that assesses high standards across all aspects of the business, including manufacturing, design, product quality, marketing, finance, commitment to training, employment conditions and sustainability.
Manufacturers of any size operating within the wider furnishing industry, including furniture, beds, upholstery, kitchens, carpets and flooring, are eligible to apply for the mark. Currently 19 British manufacturers hold the Manufacturing Guild Mark, including Bisley, Delcor, Ercol, Gratnells, Harrison Spinks, Herman Miller, Jay-Be and Wren Kitchens.
The open day is taking place on Thursday 24th October and will include an overview of The Furniture Makers’ Company and what is involved in the Manufacturing Guild Mark audit process.
Visitors will also get the opportunity to meet an existing Manufacturing Guild Mark holder and find out first-hand the positive promotional impact the mark has had on its business and how the audit process has enabled it to improve operationally and embrace change at the business.
“Holding a Manufacturing Guild Mark provides a great platform for any company involved in the UK furniture industry to showcase their business, hence why we have committed to supporting this initiative and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the event”, states Steve Bulmer, CEO Biesse Group UK.
Rick Petini, managing director at Delcor, adds: “We promote the fact that we hold this award in our stores, on our website and in our marketing communications. We want our customers to know we have this seal of approval. It’s a guarantee for them that we are a British company, that does things right.”
“The Manufacturing Guild Mark gives us recognition. It gives our customers more confidence in our brand, ensures them that they are getting the best quality product, the best service and that we will be there to support them today, tomorrow and in the future,” concludes Charles Winn-Jones, UK operations director at Herman Miller.
The open day will also include a tour around Biesse’s state-of-the-art tech centre, during which delegates will get to see demonstrations of Biesse machinery.
Interested parties can choose to attend either a morning or afternoon session, with a working lunch in between, giving delegates an opportunity to network.
Ben Burbidge, Manufacturing Guild Mark chairman, concludes: “We are holding this event to explain the benefits to potential holders of achieving the coveted Manufacturing Guild Mark – an award that celebrates the often unsung capabilities of great British furnishing manufacturing companies, big and small, at a time when a receptive audience is growing in the UK.
“We’d like to thank co-partner Biesse for hosting in their headquarters – the team share our passion of promoting exceptional British manufacturers and we’re very grateful for their support.”
Companies interested in attending one of the free open day sessions can register via Eventbrite – http://bit.ly/MGMopenday
For more information about the open day, contact Sheena Kotecha, interim guild marks manager.
020 7562 8520
[email protected]
www.furnituremakers.org.uk/excellence
For tickets, check Eventbrite http://bit.ly/MGMopenday
