British manufacturers encouraged to attend Manufacturing Guild Mark open day

British furnishing manufacturers interested in finding out about the marketing and operational benefits of the Manufacturing Guild Mark are encouraged to attend a free open day this October at technology giant Biesse Group UK’s Daventry headquarters.

Awarded by The Furniture Makers’ Company and co-sponsored by 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.

Any manufacturer of any size operating within the wider furnishing industry, including furniture, beds, upholstery, kitchens, carpets and flooring, is 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 24 October 2019 and will include an overview of The Furniture Maker’s Company and what is involved in the audit process.

Visitors will get to hear from an existing Manufacturing Guild Mark holder and find out first-hand the positive promotional impact the mark has had on their business and how the audit process has enabled them to make improvements and embrace change at the business.

The open day will conclude with 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 session (10.00am – 1.00pm) or the afternoon session (2.00pm – 5.00pm) with a working lunch in between, giving delegates an opportunity to network.

Ben Burbidge, Manufacturing Guild Mark chairman, said: “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-sponsor Biesse for hosting in their headquarters – the team share our passion of promoting exceptional British manufacturers and we’re very grateful for their support.”

Steve Bulmer, CEO at Biesse Group UK, said: “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.”

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, please contact Sheena Kotecha, interim guild marks manager, by email guildmarks@furnituremakers.org.uk or call 020 7562 8520.