Manufacturing in Britain draws on a rich heritage that dates back to the Industrial Revolution. But nostalgia alone doesn’t fuel the sector; it’s about adaptation and resilience in an ever-evolving landscape.
With Brexit having reshaped the business landscape, UK manufacturers are navigating challenges and new opportunities. A renewed focus on local production has emerged, with companies reducing lead times and tightening control over quality by sourcing materials closer to home.
Take JGBM, for instance, which has recently introduced its own line of ergonomic office chairs under the Atlas brand. For the past few years, the wholesaler has supplied standard office chairs, but with Display Screen Equipment (DSE) regulations covering a wide range of products, it was time to offer a more comprehensive solution for the growing demand in ergonomics. The new Atlas range is designed with DSE compliance in mind and is sourced from a UK-based supplier in the Midlands.
Explaining the decision to embrace British manufacturing, Managing Director John George told Workplace360: “There are plenty of reasons, such as it’s a premium product, easier communication, greater quality control, the use of recycled and fully fire-retardant materials, quicker lead times, reduced supply chain risks, and shorter transportation distances mean a lower carbon footprint.”
As environmental concerns increasingly drive decision-making, manufacturers are stepping up to the plate. ExaClair Marketing Manager Lawrence Savage says: “Our UK site is a centre of excellence for filing production within the Exacompta Clairefontaine group. Recently, we’ve reduced plastic usage per pallet by at least 50% by sourcing a new, stronger wrap – cutting overall plastic usage by up to 77%.
“Additionally, by partnering with charities and educational organisations, ExaClair has reduced material wastage from rejected or surplus products that would have previously been thrown away. Instead, we’ve reimagined and redistributed them for new use.”
The benefits of ‘Made in Britain/UK’ extend far beyond quality and ethics. The label is more than just a mark of origin; it represents a commitment to quality, innovation, reliability and sustainability. In an age where ‘local’ carries new significance, the demand for British-made products is on the rise – and for good reason.
Avery UK – A competitive edge
Avery UK takes pride in producing over 90% of its goods in Britain, gaining a significant competitive advantage through its make-to-order model. By maintaining shorter production runs, Avery can monitor quality live and quickly act to remove any defective products.
Post-pandemic, consumer perception of British-made products has shifted positively, with more people embracing ‘localism’. More customers are now keen to support local businesses and protect domestic resources, strengthening Avery’s position in the market. Being UK-based has allowed the company to stay close to customers, improving service quality and speeding up delivery times.
Economic appeal
Local manufacturing is a cornerstone of the UK economy, and Avery is proud to contribute. Its Northamptonshire production facility employs more than 100 people with diverse backgrounds and experiences and the company has committed to recruiting and developing local people, upskilling at all levels, and investing in infrastructure and equipment.
Operating a UK-based plant brings numerous economic benefits compared to sourcing products from other locations in Europe or further afield, which enables Avery to closely manage freight costs.
In addition, control over the manufacturing and production process has had a positive impact on Avery’s speed of service and flexibility as the company can address product requests more easily and adapt faster to customer demands.
Sustainability in action
Being based in the UK also provides significant advantages for Avery’s supply chain and logistics operations. Located near key motorway arteries, the company’s facility is well-positioned to receive goods and distribute products efficiently across the UK. This strategy provides a clear competitive and cost advantage, enabling a reduction in the number of freight deliveries and lowering overall transportation costs. It also significantly reduces the distance products travel, resulting in a lower carbon footprint.
Avery benefits from sourcing raw materials directly, as opposed to importing finished items, further minimising the environmental impact. This is all part of the company’s broader sustainability goals, which focus on reducing waste and emissions while maintaining a high-quality standard.
Bisley – A commitment to British-made products
Bisley upholds product quality through its Green Design protocol evaluating the environmental impact at every stage – from inception to testing, through to the finished item and delivery. Every step is carefully considered, including material selection, build quality and reuse at the end of life. Designs accommodate future needs, with modularity incorporated into products making it easier for customers to upgrade or retrofit them over time – aligning perfectly with Bisley’s core message of ‘Made for Life’.
The power of a label
Bisley actively promotes the ‘Made in Britain’ label, which plays an important role in how buyers perceive the company’s products. According to trademark organisation Made in Britain, over 90% of UK shoppers are willing to pay more for British-made goods, and 77% believe items are of good quality.
“Our products are competitively priced, even compared with furniture manufactured in the Far East, but are of a much higher quality. We use the Made in Britain trademark across our website, printed literature and tradeshows, and have found customers respond positively to the label, often not realising that we manufacture in the UK,” says Bisley CEO Richard Costin.
The company’s commitment to British manufacturing is reflected in its largely local workforce – employing 360 people in the UK and an additional 100 staff across its subsidiaries in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates and North America.
Bisley actively hires locally and cultivates an environment where employees can grow and develop. “When you buy British, you not only support the UK economy, but a sustainable one – benefitting the local community, its businesses and nurturing valuable experience and individual skill sets,” notes Costin.
The company has adopted Training Within Industry, which focuses on creating safer, more efficient work methods and improving employee skills. Over the past year alone, Bisley has invested in professional development that has led to over 30% of its staff receiving training ranging from NVQs to degrees.
Driving positive change
Sustainability is central to Bisley’s manufacturing approach. All process waste at its manufacturing site – including steel and wood offcuts – is captured and segregated for appropriate disposal and recycling, with 100% of general and wood waste being recycled or diverted from landfill. The company aims to be zero-to-landfill by 2030.
Bisley has also partnered with the British Heart Foundation and Clearabee to allow customers to donate unwanted products, contributing to a circular economy. Additionally, proceeds from scrap metal recycling are donated to St David’s Hospice.
Pukka Pads – Dedicated to British manufacturing
Pukka Pads Marketing Manager Jessica Stott shares why the company remains dedicated to manufacturing in the UK:
“At Pukka Pads, we take great pride in producing all our bespoke and branded filing at our Bingley factory in Yorkshire. This hands-on approach enables us to react quickly to market trends and ensures our production quality meets our high standards – an aspect far harder to achieve when outsourcing.
While the business can be affected by elements outside our control, such as shipping delays or other factors that may result in higher costs, Pukka Pads remains a steadfast champion of British-made products. Sustainability is a major factor in this decision. Although some materials are still sourced from overseas, this volume is much less than if we imported finished products.
We are also working hard towards energy independence by harnessing solar power to operate our factory, machinery and forklifts. We are on a journey to become entirely off-grid, with plans to expand our solar panel installations in 2025. All these efforts allow us to help our customers make eco-friendly choices when sourcing products.
Pukka Pads is proud to support our local community, and it is something we deeply value. By maintaining our base in the UK, we provide over 50 jobs at our factory, positions that would not exist if production moved offshore. As a result, we have a strong team of manufacturing experts, some of whom have dedicated years of service to the company and the workplace supplies industry.”
Really Useful Products – A success story
If there’s one company that epitomises ‘Britishness’, it’s Really Useful Products. Workplace360 asked founder and CEO Mike Pickles some quick-fire questions about the significance of ‘Made in Britain’.
Workplace360: How do you ensure product quality for ‘Made in Britain’ goods?
Mike Pickles: We own and operate two manufacturing sites in the UK, with a subcontractor in the US producing exclusively for that market. By retaining control of our UK and European production, we ensure our boxes meet the high standards our customers expect.
W360: Do you use specific quality control processes unique to the UK?
MP: In the UK, I’ve appointed staff to oversee quality control to ensure customer requirements are met. For the US, we rely on the subcontractor to create the quality we have demanded and we verify all items received are to the desired quantity.
W360: Do you use any kind of ‘Made in Britain’ label?
MP: Yes. Predominantly, the message is ‘Boxes made with Love in the UK’. We use it as a marketing slogan.
W360: How does manufacturing in Britain contribute to the local economy and job creation?
MP: Really Useful Products employs approximately 300 people in the UK. In addition to direct employment, we support the local economy through indirect job creation, such as local transport companies – the most important being our breakfast food supplier!
W360: What are the economic benefits of operating in the UK?
MP: Manufacturing in our own facility means we can directly oversee the supply chain, making us a reliable and consistent supplier. This allows us to keep pricing competitive and reduce our carbon footprint by maximising our on-time deliveries.
Sinclairs – Almost two centuries of creativity
Nestled on the edge of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, Sinclairs has been crafting quality paper products for over 180 years. Established in 1837 in Otley, the company proudly upholds its heritage as a manufacturer with deep roots in British craftsmanship.
Sinclairs continues to thrive by combining time-honoured techniques with innovation, and its 120 employees are passionate about making exceptional paper products that reflect the tradition of British manufacturing.
Sustainable brands
Sinclairs’ diverse portfolio caters to a wide range of market needs. Silvine, the flagship brand, delivers an impressive selection of stationery for home, school and office use. The Luxpad by Silvine appeals to students and young professionals seeking stylish paper products, while Silvine Originals reimagine the iconic bold red notebooks with modern functionality.
Pink Pig provides creative freedom with more than 7,000 handmade sketchbook options, and Artgecko Sketchbooks, made from FSC-certified materials, offer tailored paper types for artists.
Leading the way
Sinclairs’ environmental commitments go beyond the basics. By aligning with the UN’s Sustainability Development Goals, the company is focused on reducing its carbon footprint and creating products that are both high-quality and eco-friendly. From using FSC-certified papers to harnessing renewable energy such as solar and biomass, it is on a mission to protect the planet.
As holders of ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and FSC certifications, Sinclairs is setting industry standards in innovation and responsible manufacturing. By using bio-inks and clean energy, the company continues to lead the way in sustainable British stationery production.
