The Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, is pleased to announce that technology manufacturer Biesse has signed a three-year deal to be co-sponsor of the prestigious Manufacturing Guild Mark.

Awarded by The Furniture Makers’ Company, the Manufacturing Guild Mark has been the mark of excellence, distinguishing Britain’s top furnishing manufacturers, since 1993.

The mark is awarded to companies on completion of a successful independent audit that assesses high standards across all aspects of the business, including manufacturing, design, product quality, marketing, finance, commitment to training, employment conditions and sustainability.

The audit is carried out by FIRA International on behalf of The Furniture Makers’ Company and companies are re-audited every three years to ensure they retain their high standards.

As co-sponsors, along with Lectra, Biesse has given an undisclosed sum and committed to promoting the Manufacturing Guild Mark to its extensive customer base through its website and sales team.

The Manufacturing Guild Mark is only open to companies that manufacture most of their products in the UK. Currently 19 British manufacturers hold the coveted Manufacturing Guild Mark, including Bisley, Delcor, Ercol, Gratnells, Harrison Spinks, Jay-Be and Wren Kitchens.

Ben Burbidge, Manufacturing Guild Mark chairman, says: “Biesse is known worldwide as a manufacturer of quality machinery and has built this reputation over the past 50 years. We couldn’t think of a better partner to work with, alongside our existing sponsor Lectra, as we look to build upon the Manufacturing Guild Mark’s reputation as a distinguisher of excellence for UK furnishing manufacturers.”

Steve Bulmer, CEO at Biesse Group UK, adds: “To be involved as corporate members of this great charitable organisation in addition to being co-sponsors of the Manufacturing Guild Mark presents us with a great opportunity to not only support the industry as a whole

but also to encourage manufacturing excellence within the UK furniture industry. We know that existing holders have benefitted greatly as the Guild Mark demonstrates that they have achieved and maintain the highest standards in all aspects of their businesses.”

For more information about the Manufacturing Guild Mark and to see a complete list of holders, refer to the organisation’s website.

www.furnituremakers.org.uk/excellence