BRITISH MADE AWARDS 2022 British Made Awards 2022
Welcome to the British Made Awards 2022 This programme aims to reward a vastly diverse range of creative manufacturers, suppliers, and all-round creative makers from across the UK, a leading nation within the industry! The UK remains the ninth largest manufacturing nation in the world, with over £180billion of output from the UK manufacturing sector, and 2.5 million jobs provided by UK manufacturing. As we start to emerge from the other side of the immediate COVID pandemic, there is widespread optimism for a recovery, with manufacturing set to increase across the country as businesses start to ramp up production! The global pandemic has continued to drive industrial innovation, leading to a greater reliance on automation. Manufacturers are investing more and more money and time into automated solutions for their operations, with the agricultural and food industries in particular at the forefront of this. These exciting innovations and advancements currently being driven further by the lessons learned from the COVID pandemic are only driving the industry to further success, so there is no better time to have your industry-leading services recognised by an awards programme! Sif Brookes | Senior Editor
Contents 4. Blueshift Manufacturing: Recognised Leaders in Space Software & Hardware Design 2022 6. Prime Casual: Best British Ladies Clothing Manufacturer 2022 8. Falcon Tenders: Best Custom Yacht Tender Builders 2022 10. Magnet Mouse: Most Innovative British Babywear Brand 2022: Magnet Mouse 11. SRR Marine Ltd: Most Innovative Marine Electrical Company 2022 12. SQR Group: Best HSQE Systems Consultancy 2022 13. Eqclusive: Best Luxury Horse Grooming Products Retailer 2022 14. Glencroft: Countrywear Brand of the Year 2022 15. Ecomar Propulsion: Best Marine Propulsion Systems Manufacturer 2022 16. Kids Fingers and Thumbs: Best 2 & 3 Finger Gloves Manufacturer 2022 17. Colour Clad Profiles Ltd: Best Family-Run Cladding Manufacturer 2022
4 | British Made Awards 2022 Sep22068 Recognised Leaders in Space Software & Hardware Design 2022 Over six million people attended 1851’s Great Exhibition in London, with this number amounting to approximately a third of Great Britain’s population at the time. The event sparked a national interest in science, technology, and the arts, with its profits being used to establish the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum. Indeed, the event was revolutionary, and its legacy continues to this day, with many contemporary businesses hoping to carry on the torch. One such business is Blueshift Manufacturing, a company that provides specialist services to companies within the space industry. Founded in 2012, Blueshift Manufacturing’s genesis came in order to assist the renowned brand SpaceX with development of the Falcon 9 – the world’s first orbital class reusable rocket – and Dragon spacecraft. During its inaugural project, Blueshift Manufacturing undertook the design of systems for flight qualification, avionic testing, and the composite manufacture of components. Such work was carried out with the goal to push the company from a research & development firm to a mass manufacture organisation, which was – at the time – unheard of in the industry. The company’s logo, which could at first be mistaken for Saturn, is actually showcasing Neptune, drawing meaning from the marriage of heaven and earth in Roman mythology. ‘We see it as representing Blueshift’s core business of increasing accessibility to space and space exploration,’ adds Matthew Thorne, Technical Director and Control Systems Engineer. Moreover, sightings of Neptune’s rings have been incredibly rare, with the most recent capture taking place in September 2022 – producing the clearest view of the spectacle in over 30 years. Perhaps this could unintentionally represent just how impressive Blueshift Manufacturing’s services are. With the industry undergoing explosive growth, it is clear to see why industry in the United Kingdom is keen to get involved – of course, this means that Blueshift Manufacturing has to stand out. Matthew explains, ‘although it has been regarded as a small player globally, government led initiatives such as the National Space Partnership and the UK Space Agency’s £1.7m injection for funding space sustainability puts the UK in a prominent position for global market growth.’ Blueshift hopes to capitalise on the reduction of space flight ready hardware costs that come along with such developments, preparing itself to become a key player within the market. Henceforth, the company’s team is gearing up to meet this growth, working exceptionally hard to drive progression. Built to support such evolution, Blueshift Manufacturing’s internal culture is one of respect and everyone is therefore entitled to their opinion no matter what role they have in the company. As such, regular meetings and social events are held, and it is thanks to these formal and informal gatherings that the whole team is on the same page. In terms of hierarchy, Blueshift Manufacturing operates on a flat organisational structure, meaning that every member has their own role, but no one individual presides over the other. It is with this in mind that Blueshift Manufacturing strives to hire the best possible candidates. When asked about the hiring process, Matthew noted that, ‘If an individual is known to one of our engineering team they will ordinarily be put through with a selection of the other candidates. This sounds nepotistic but the team member who puts forward a candidate is not allowed on any stage of the interview or recruitment process. It is through such mechanisms that we maintain our ‘family feel’ to the organisation. I was also a founding member of a STEM charity in the US which was designed to encourage youngsters of all persuasions into STEM fields, especially young women who are often overlooked in science, technology, and engineering.’ With its 10th anniversary rapidly approaching, Blueshift Manufacturing is looking forward to leveraging its success to bring more innovations to life, contributing to the future of space travel. Over the next year, Blueshift Manufacturing will be releasing a number of product lines that have been designed to complement its service offerings. In addition, the company is currently working on a satellite communications and brokerage platform, which it hopes will provide its customers with a return on the investment for their projects. ‘Busy’ is one way to describe the company’s future, but its invaluable hard work is sure to bring in incredible results – not only for the company, but for science, and subsequently, humanity. Matthew concludes with a quotation from Newsweek Magazine’s 1977 profile of Carl Sagan, ‘Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.’ Contact: Matthew Thorne Company: Blueshift Manufacturing Web Address: www.blueshift.space Space: its something that unites everyone through a natural curiosity in the unknown. There is always a new discovery on the horizon that holds the potential to unlock a greater understanding of not only the universe, but also our home planet. Blueshift Manufacturing holds the key to these revelations. The unique company works with leaders in the space exploration industry, providing them with quality space hardware products.
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6 | British Made Awards 2022 Aug22587 Best British Ladies Clothing Manufacturer 2022 The fashion industry is booming, but behind it stands an impressive textiles industry, and in the UK, much of this sector can be found in the city of Leicester. For centuries, Leicester has housed some of the nation’s largest clothing manufacturers – but with its heyday long gone, can Leicester reignite the fire behind its largest industry? Prime Casual, a leading women and children’s clothing manufacturer, believes so. The world has changed greatly since 1987: mobile phones are now commonplace, you can stream films on laptops and televisions, and social media has connected people across the globe. For Prime Casual, a family-run business based in Leicester, 1987 was the year of its genesis. Mr Singh, the company’s director, founded the business, and has since pushed it to become a leader within the UK textile and manufacturing industry. Prime Casual specialises in the design and manufacturing of ladies’ and children’s clothing from e-retail, high street, and wholesale to bespoke tailoring. Within these areas, the company offers design, sampling, fabric sourcing, bulk production, and quality control services. Such offerings are fulfilled through the use of cutting-edge technology, and it is this that has enabled the company to work with some of the most prominent international clothing retailers and up and coming fashion brands. Boasting a team of experienced in-house designers, Prime Casual strives to consistently produce fresh concepts to all of its customers. Their designers create garments that are in line with the clients’ budgets and specifications, with designs manifesting through the use of 3D technology. Through using this system, Prime Casual is able to offer its customers the best possible fits. Once these designs have been approved, the company brings the garment to life, utilising the sampling stage to cultivate a prototype. The company sources its fabrics from local suppliers which, thanks to Leicester’s booming industry, means that the client receives exceptional quality. Furthermore, this also guarantees sustainability. From here, the process moves on to bulk production, which is optimised through a specialised CAD system. By using CAD, Prime Casual ensures that the pattern is perfectly graded to meet its clients’ sizing requirements. Prime Casual finishes off its method with quality control, during which the garments are placed through a specialist metal detection system and then packaged per the client’s individual requirements. Quality is key – this is Prime Casual’s core belief. As such, client-centricity is the company’s main priority, as it hopes to provide customers with a personable service from design to shipping. This is, in part, due to the fact that it wants to support Leicester and the local manufacturing industry, driving more business into the UK. Henceforth, the company is proud to deliver internationally, and even maintains Fastforward approved fully audited status. Leicester has been Prime Casual’s home for the past 35 years, but the city’s involvement with the textile industry spans much further. From the 19th to the end of the 20th century, Leicester supported thriving hosiery, footwear, and engineering industries, with names such as the British Shoe Corporation finding their homes in the city. It was a place where both men and women could work – a place of opportunity and diversity – and therefore, Leicester became the hub for a vibrant community. Whilst much of this industry has since moved away, Leicester is still known for its textile sector and is known as the heart of the UK’s textile industry. It is fair to say that in recent years the coverage of this industry has been turbulent; there has been a great amount of discussion surrounding factory conditions and workers’ rights. Yet in spite of this, the industry is undergoing a revival of sorts, and at the forefront is Prime Casual. The company currently employs a team of 100 and it treats these team members like family, as family is at the heart of everything Prime Casual does. It wants its team to feel like they are part of a shared purpose that centres around client-centricity and the textile industry. Simply, for Prime Casual, it all comes down to quality, especially within its products. Every single person that works for the company understands the importance of this, from quality design to seamless manufacturing. Prime Casual has seen unprecedented growth over the past few years. Its customer portfolio has blossomed, and the company opened its second production unit this year. Prime Casual hopes to sustain this growth, maintaining service levels whilst continuing to improve its offerings. In addition, over the next year, it hopes to acquire an even greater range of clients. Contact: Pargan Singh Company: Prime Casual Web Address: https://primecasual.co.uk/
British Made Awards 2022 | 7 Best British Ladies Clothing Manufacturer 2022
8 | British Made Awards 2022 Best Custom Yacht Tender Builders 2022 As the purveyor of exemplary and expertly realised boats, vehicles with both style and manoeuvrability, Falcon Tenders created the ‘Beach Club Limousine Tender’. These vessels provide service, support, and entertainment to the private or chartered superyacht; from ferrying people to and from shore to handling activities such as water skiing, its customisable limousine tenders and open crewed launches have earned it a stellar reputation. In such a small, lucrative, exclusive market, Falcon has thrived by ensuring each of its crafts deliver comfort, performance, and experience reliably. With an incredible range of customisable tenders for superyacht owners that have been developed over the past 25 years, the award-winning team at Falcon Tenders have built over 205 different projects, all with a range of different specifications and requirements. Nominally, it creates and realizes its builds with sustainability, technology, and design in mind always, with Falcon Tenders striving to walk an environmentally responsible path, giving clients the option of having a diesel-electric propulsion engine which makes for a silent and emission-free hybrid solution. It has also developed to include gyroscopic stabilisers that guarantee greater comfort in open and closed limousines. Designed for everything from daytrips to passenger transport, it can fit superyachts of all sizes, with Falcon Tenders determined to fit all its tenders to scale and specification; however, it often finds itself serving the upper end of this scale, with larger superyachts that need more specialized tenders in mind. Ostensibly, the boats all boast a luxurious guest area with soft, waterproof fabric sofas secluded by privacy screens, an equipped crew area that can deliver exemplary drinks service, ergonomic sun loungers, boarding ladder, and shower to the aft. Indeed, its dedication to sustainability is also decking-deep when it comes to Falcon Tenders’ limousine tenders. Each of them has been created out of lightweight, plant based composite construction material, and due to the malleable and adaptable nature of the designs in which it uses this material, it has been able to build its reputation on fulfilling a promise to bring any project to life. Its beach club limousine tender is a 16-seater, but with all manner of different limousines available in all manner of different seating capacities and with a variety of different amenities that can be included, it hopes to impress upon its clients that when it comes to their tender, the only limit is their imagination. Founded by leading minds in yachting, Mark Pascoe and Dean Stoneman, both have propelled the name of Falcon Tenders into the international spotlight thanks to their own reputations. Independently, both had already made themselves legacy names in boatbuilding and powerboat racing, setting up the company to enable others to have access to the kind of quality experience that they themselves have championed throughout their enjoyment of boats in leisure and sports. Additionally, the design, development, and manufacture of its boats are all handled by British crafters who have made it their mission to design, develop, and deliver the best of the best on a large scale and without scruples. Manufactured at its 2,300sqm custom composites facility in Southampton in the UK, it has proven itself time and again with the quality finish of a family business, earning it the good will and return custom of its market segment. These people often hear about it through the glowing word of mouth referrals or interstellar reviews that it receives through a variety of different mediums, and Falcon Tenders prides itself on showing instead of telling new clients the truth behind each of the compliments it receives on its hard work. Indeed, its 150 years of combined experience between each member of the workforce allow it to combine traditional shipbuilding experience with modern innovation. Having taken its name from Mark Pascoe’s involvement in the creation and building of the iconic S/Y Maltese Falcon in 2005, it wears its diligence and exemplary nature on its sleeve, allowing prospective clients to find it with ease through existing knowledge of this work as one of its many channels of naturalistic marketing. Another is the further awards it has won. Simply by continuing to build tenders that are exemplars of great technique and fine-tuned to deliver on each of its core values, it has earned itself a variety of accreditations and titles that speak to the quality of its work. Nominally, the result is a tender that doesn’t scrimp on comfort, performance, or user experience, with its heritage boatbuilding granting an immersive and magical experience that will capture the heart and the imagination. As a company at the apex of high-performance superyacht auxiliary crafts, its passion and tenacity bring heritage boats to the bespoke market, fusing the techniques of the old masters with all the safety and amenities of the modern-day yachting industry. Directed by an in-house workforce, the Falcon Tenders team each operate with the strictest levels of rigour. Their attention to detail, ability to keep an eye on the bigger picture, and ability to deliver renowned, high-performance tenders is something that Mark Pascoe – as CEO and Director – has become incredibly proud of over time. Crucially, so much of this was made possible in the first place by him and his incredible work, winning awards for work such as his aluminium Cougar US1 46, a craft that was able to reach incredible speeds suitable for class 1 offshore racing. The engineering, diligence, and comprehensive excellence that went into his racing boats now goes into his yachting tenders, and his pride in doing so is reflected by the rest of his impeccable team as they continue to innovate. Sep22066
British Made Awards 2022 | 9 Best Custom Yacht Tender Builders 2022 Company: Falcon Tenders Contact: Mark Pascoe Website: falcon-tenders.com
10 | British Made Awards 2022 Sep22218 Most Innovative British Babywear Brand 2022: Magnet Mouse Helping all those who look after and dress babies and toddlers, Magnet Mouse creates clothing which has transformed changing time. From sleep suits that ‘virtually fasten themselves’ to pretty yet practical tops for little ones. Their award winning, innovative clothing range extends to accessories and maternity wear. Whether a tired parent, grandparent, nanny, able bodied or not, their clothes are designed to help everyone. Magnet Mouse’s clothing range for babies, children and expectant mothers is characterised by incredibly easy, quick, safe and stress-free fastenings. They are championing parents’ dreams to an easier nappy change. Whether a Grandparent, who hasn’t the eyesight or dexterity of their younger years, a carer/nursery worker with multiple charges to change or simply a parent at 2am nervous to turn the lights on, Magnet Mouse clothing offers the solution. The company is a true pioneer in baby-friendly fastenings that give comfort to the child and ease to the parent. In addition, their designs, supply sourcing and manufacturing are all British based allowing Magnet Mouse to have full control over the process. A commitment to ‘British Made’ was made early on and allowed the company to build an impeccable working relationship with its manufacturer. Magnet Mouse has been working with the same manufacturer for over 10 years now. Having made several of their first collections abroad, they found few of the countries or factories lived up to their non-negotiable standards of ethics and quality. A testament to the tenacity, diligence and ongoing research that goes into every step of garment manufacturing. Magnet Mouse works with companies which are professional, long standing and people-oriented; whose staff work together to support and inspire each other, cultivating an atmosphere of trust and respect that has created a top-quality business thanks to the fantastic employees working within it. Solving the issue of fiddly fastening for parents while ensuring that all their clothing is ethical and of the highest quality is at the heart of Magnet Mouse. They care, and hope to encourage their customers to care, about the social responsibility that comes with manufacturing and buying clothes. Magnet Mouse clothes will always be made for children, never by children. Featuring their own bespoke designs and inspired by their British heritage, they are excited to announce new additions to their clothing and bedding range in time for Christmas. Magnet Mouse is proud to represent the high standards of innovation and quality manufacturing to be found here in Britain, Company: Magnet Mouse Contact: Mouse Lesser Website: magnetmouse.co.uk
Aug22614 Most Innovative Marine Electrical Company 2022 As a company that specialises in all things marine electrical and electronics, SRR Marine LTD is a front runner. Covering a variety of different customer bases and verticals, providing professional, reliable and safe marine electricals it has earnt significant renown across the commercial, defence, leisure and superyacht sectors all of whom benefit from impeccable dedication and determination. Examples of the marine electricals and electronics this company can handle span from navigational systems upgrades to electrical troubleshooting on large or complex vessels. Indeed, when it comes to the excellence that SRR Marine champions as part of its business model, it can refit vessels from top to bottom, replacing entire faulty wiring systems for all manner of different vessels. With a strong focus on customer service and how to achieve this by a way of empathy and effectiveness, it is always prompt and punctual, priding itself on being available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year in order to provide the most comprehensive and reliable solutions to any problem. Moreover, despite being UK based, it does not just work in the UK. Operating all over the globe, it pulls ahead of the pack in its industry byway of its honest, transparent, and dependable work that ensures its customers can have the utmost confidence that they have chosen the right professionals for the job. Indeed, being an incredibly busy company as a result of the repute it has gathered through doing the best work it can – reaping the rewards of glowing client reviews and word of mouth referrals – it has been able to secure all new high standards for its industry proper. Being committed to travelling to wherever its customers need it and at whenever time, to resolve all manner of challenges, its director, Stuart Rutherford, ensures it is consistently excellent. Hands on, passionate, and hardworking, his principles have forged the attitude of the company in the macro scale, especially how he takes time to understand and empathise with each individual customer, setting its goals only after its professionals have a comprehensive view of these. Hiring more communicative, teamfocused, client-oriented workers as it continues to grow, it is excited to keep working hard for its clients, with many projects in the works currently keeping it busy. Indeed, it is looking forward to seeing what other challenges will be brought to its attention in the future, hoping to continue working with its usual excellence long into the future. Company: SRR Marine Ltd Contact: Stuart Rutherford - 07772571849 Email: srrmarineltd@gmail.com Website: https://www.srr-marine.com/
12 | British Made Awards 2022 Sep22064 Best HSQE Systems Consultancy 2022 SQR Group’s climb to the top of its industry has been characterised by innovation, expertise, and development. Over the 3 years that it has been in operation, it has built up an everimproving application of health and safety, quality, and environmental management systems, each of which assist a client in the achievement and retention of ISO accreditations, as well as other types of industry certification. These include BRCGS Food Safety, RISQS, NERS, WIRS, GIRS, HERS, and FORS certificates, and give its clients the ability to show instead of tell when it comes to proving their compliance standards to their end customers. Ranging from big companies to small startups, SQR Group has a diverse client base, all who are treated with the same level of diligence and dedication, adapting to their needs and requirements to foster great working relationships with its clients over time. SQR Group builds these lifelong bonds with its clients to bolster both sides of the relationship. Nominally, a rising tide lifts all ships, and its uplifting of its clients’ abilities to develop and implement health, safety, quality, and environmental management systems ensures the elevation of the industry in the macro scale, allowing for the latest and greatest innovations to be implemented across a multitude of industry verticals. Therefore, it has been able to keep up with a diverse and changeable industry, reaping its rewards in the form of glowing client reviews and resulting sustainable growth. As a business, it keeps all its operations in house so that clients can rely on it to be dependably excellent, giving its impeccable team all the tools and training they need to achieve their tasks successfully. Thus, the resulting internal culture is one of respect, personal development positivity, care, and accountability. The devoted determination to maintaining this excellent internal atmosphere has earned it a reputation as an excellent place to work, one that welcomes new staff into a workplace that has a clear vision, inviting them to contribute majorly towards its goals by trusting them with its ambitions. In this way, it has been able to attract and retain the best talent, taking care of each of them to ensure they are supported in delivering the best health, safety, quality, and environmental services to SQR Group’s customers. Company: SQR Group Contact: Magdalena Cholewa Website: sqrgroup.co.uk Focusing on becoming the best consultancy service in the UK, SQR Group has channelled its ef forts into the development and implementation of health, safety, environmental, quality, and solutions. Able to help clients achieve accreditations for businesses and to support them in achieving several certifications.
British Made Awards 2022 | 13 Best Luxury Horse Grooming Products Retailer 2022 With a range of brushes, cosmetics, and other grooming products that ensure horses can be kept looking ‘show ring ready’, Eqclusive is a specialist in equine care. Inviting clients to visit its impeccably designed website, they can benefit from fast and efficient ecommerce, as well as intuitive browsing, special offers through its mailing list, and quick and empathic support through its live chat service. Thus, customers have come to appreciate the open nature of Eqclusive, a company that prides itself on being as exemplary in customer service as its products are in quality. Eqclusive is a brand with a staunch commitment to horses and their owners. When it comes to the care of equine coats, Eqclusive is the home of several exemplary brands that allow equestrians to look after their horses using only the best equipment. Nominally, this range covers everything from HAAS brushes – a brand that has been in operation producing brushes for all aspects of grooming – to Pro Diamond cosmetics, SleekEZ metal bladed brushes, and even Alan Davies’ own range of brushes from his unique all-rounder to his stud brush, curry comb, and mane and tail comb. With each of these outstanding brands under one roof, the owner and founder of Eqclusive – Marta Kotonska – has cultivated pride in the variety of different grooming solutions that it offers, each product being something that Marta herself believes in. Fundamentally, this has meant the creation of a brand that recognises that different horses require different brushes, and that depending on what the groom is for, different brush strengths, textures, and cosmetics will be preferred by the groom or rider in question. Indeed, the grooming packs offered by its different brands have been designed to clean a horse’s coat form the base outwards. This ensures a clean, happy, and showstopping horse. Additionally, these packs contain brushes that are specific to different coat types and colours, and Eqclusive guarantees that an equestrian will be satisfied with the result even without the use of different shampoos or sprays; however, when such products are needed, it is proud to recommend the Pro Diamond range as one of the best on the market. Its ability to offer brushes that groom so effectively they don’t need shampoo – even on greys – has secured Eqclusive its place as a true darling of the market. Critically, each brush also has a unique role in the grooming process. When used correctly, each of its products can improve the overall condition of a horse’s coat, and Eqclusive’s level of research into and accountability for each product it serves has set it apart from other equestrian grooming equipment providers as a result. This, in essence, is how it has built enough of a reputation to stock and sell brushes by world renowned groom Alan Davies, and it looks forward to seeing where such excellence will take it in the future as its trajectory towards further growth continues. Company: Eqclusive Contact: Marta Kotonska Website: eqclusive.com Its ability to offer brushes that groom so effectively they don’t need shampoo – even on greys – has secured Eqclusive its place as a true darling of the market.
Countrywear Brand of the Year 2022 Glencroft make clothes that last a lifetime. Designed for the incredible rigours of country life, their products have earned a reputation for excellence. In SME News’ British Made Awards 2022, this reputation was translated into their stunning awards success. We caught up with them to find out how. Based in the Yorkshire Dales village of Clapham, the team at Glencroft are intimately connected with the local natural landscape. Using such as 100% British Wool, Harris Tweed, British sheepskin, alongside their own traceable wool made from the fleece of sheep on the local fields around their office, they have designed a range of jumpers, hats, caps, gloves, slippers, scarves, rugs and accessories that stands apart from the crowd. The business is still run by the same family as when it was opened in 1987 by Richard Sexton. His son Edward now runs the company, offering the same high standards of service that were set over thirty years ago. “Since we started in business, we’ve tried to make everything as locally as we can using local materials,” Edward tells us. “Today, over 90% of our range is still made in the UK, with the other 10% responsibly made in Portugal and Poland in factories that we know well.” When people turn to Glencroft, they turn to a team that is committed to building trust at every part of the supply chain. “Responsible sourcing is essential to our brand and always has been,” explains Edward. “People trust us and this trust has been gained over many years – but could be easily lost. We like to be completely honest and open about producing proper country clothing. Making in the UK is a key part of that, as we can trust our supply chain – the raw material, the yarns, the tweed, the people in our factories and the trade bodies that support it.” Even where the team have been forced to go overseas, Glencroft make a point of regularly visiting the Portuguese factory in order to get to know the people involved and ensure that they can trust the supply and working conditions. This care and attention goes in the other direction too, with customer service being paramount to how Glencroft operates. “The personal touch is part of the reason why we still visit as many of our trade customers in person as we can each year,” Edward smiles, “driving from the far North of Scotland to Cornwall. We handwrite a thank you note in every retail order we send out, so consumers know there are real people behind their purchase - like you’re buying from a trusted friend!” While a traditional family business at the core, modern methods are what keeps Glencroft relevant in today’s economy. Sustainability is one of the big drivers of the direction the company has taken over the last few years. “Sustainability is becoming increasingly more important to everyone,” explains Edward, “whether it’s the materials, the products you buy, the way brands operate, the carbon footprint and traceability.” One of the biggest projects the team revolves around Clapdale wool, with the team offering traceable hand knit yarn from local sheep. This innovative project has helped to establish the brand as a leader in sustainability. Working in a way that is more sustainable creates new challenges for this long-established business. “Making more sustainable clothing does cost more money,” Edward admits,” and the desire to be more sustainable is juxtaposed with worldwide inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, which is making people think hard about what to spend their money on. Despite this, we continue to believe that focusing on high quality, sustainable, local materials and production is the only way brands like us can survive.” While it’s likely that people will buy less, they will buy better – and there’s very little more durable and longlasting than the extensive range by the Glencroft team. When we think of the countryside, we think of something everchanging, whilst constantly evolving. When describing Glencroft, there’s very little more apt. Their commitment to quality, to sustainability and to the personal touch has seen them achieve tremendous customer loyalty over the last thirty-five years. It’s something worth celebrating, as is the strength of their position for many years yet to come! Company: Glencroft Name: Edward Sexton Email: edward@glencroft.co.uk Web Address: www.glencroft.co.uk
British Made Awards 2022 | 15 Best Marine Propulsion Systems Manufacturer 2022 With exemplary research, design, and manufacture, Ecomar Propulsion boasts high performance, innovative, and clean zero emission marine propulsion systems thanks to its electric and hybrid hydrogen motors. Ecomar Propulsion is leading the way in cleaning up the marine environment, aiming to reduce maritime GHGs by 10 million tonnes within the next ten years. Their ground-breaking propulsion systems are available for both inboard and outboard requirements. As the world in the macro scale becomes increasingly better at prioritising the environment, Ecomar Propulsion is determined to ensure that the marine sector is not left behind. Fundamentally, with the reduction of emissions and safeguarding of the oceans always on its mind, it creates zero-emission propulsion systems that preserve the environment and work flawlessly; thanks to this combined goal, it has been able to create the most efficient, reliant and powerful outboard green machine on the market. Moreover, being created and manufactured in the UK, it is quick to reassure its clients that each of its products are rigorously tested before they hit the market. Far from wanting a customer to simply take its word for it when it comes to such things, it boasts a thorough carbon audit for each product that proves its status of being 94% recyclable and industry tested. Indeed, aimed specifically at the commercial maritime industry – a sector responsible for a whopping 6% of the globe’s total CO2 production – it has positioned itself to serve the market that would benefit the most from greener propulsion systems the reduce emissions and preserve outstanding maritime vehicle function. Additionally, Ecomar Propulsion provides inboard system consultancy for coastal and inshore vessels. With its range of battery sizes, it can advise customers on appropriate propulsion product choice, with optional hydrogen systems that include fuel cells, tanks, and pipework, each of which is responsive to survey and duty cycle imperatives. Ostensibly, yet another display of its dedication to green energy and operation, it has also developed specific products for CTV and offshore windfarms, regularly working alongside naval architects to develop better zero emissions solutions; this has recently grown to include a project with SERCO, as well as the universities of Exeter and Plymouth. Having received its ISO9001 this year, it looks forward to continuing to expand to include a Danish operation in 2023. From there, it is looking to branch out into India, Scandinavia, Saudi Arabia, and the EU. The ÅRKA range – having made a name for itself with its innovative features, unique design, and modular capabilities – is just one amongst its many technological breakthroughs, and its zero-emission inboard range of 80kW to 1MW has continued to maintain itsplace in the spotlight in marine propulsion. Indeed, keeping itself paramount in this niche is allowing it to keep developing and growing, adding yet more emission-free propulsion systems as it progresses towards an eco-friendlier future. Company: Ecomar Propulsion Contact: Anthony Bennett info@ ecomarpropulsion.com Website: ecomarpropulsion.com
16 | British Made Awards 2022 Sep22155 As a company that does what it says on the tin, Kids Fingers and Thumbs Ltd. is a business that has been built to project the delicate hands of kids, adolescents, and adults. Its specialist gloves, each of which boast an innovative, comfortable, and hygiene-focused design, are all designed specifically for the mitigation of finger or thumb sucking, skin picking, or compulsive hair pulling, all of which can be simply habitual or behavioural results of neurological difficulties or conditions, as well as body focused repetitive behaviours; something that is very common in young children and adolescents. In latter cases, Fingers&Thumbs® gloves can be an incredible training tool that can help a anyone wean themselves out of a habit in a soft approach with comfortable gloves. Based in Kent, this small but committed team sells directly to customers via Amazon, Etsy, and Ebay, as well as its own website, and works through other companies such as Sensooli.com in order to get its products to the young people and adults alike who will benefit from their help. The innovative design, built for comfort and flexibility, has been developed so that detrimental skin picking and trich can be addressed in all age groups, giving them an option for behaviour training and mitigation. Moreover, with its gloves being touch screen compatible, it ensures that its customers don’t have to struggle with the frustration of not being able to wear their aid whilst they work, create, or web surf. The ethical approach this company takes to its products is also impeccable; using only organic cotton, it does not recommend its gloves to children younger than 4. Indeed, it also wants to let parents and carers know not to worry too much about thumb or finger sucking in early life, as this is often a natural soother for children that can be pivotal to managing anxiety, as they lack the cognitive power to develop more sophisticated mechanisms until they grow older. However, for children who engage in such behaviour past this age to an excessive degree, the effect can be the opposite, and cause more stress than it soothes; hence Fingers&Thumbs® stepping in to help. Unique, morally stalwart, and UK based, this small but committed team looks forward to bringing new colours into its range soon. Company: Kids Fingers and Thumbs Ltd Contact: Vibeke Oliver Website: kidsfingersandthumbs.co.uk Best 2 & 3 Finger Gloves Manufacturer 2022 & Most Innovative Healthcare SME - Kent Kids Fingers and Thumbs Ltd, winners of both the above award and the Award for the ‘Most Innovative Healthcare SME’ in Kent, has made itself an exemplary and well-loved provider of specialty gloves that aid in the prevention and mitigation of various compulsive conditions. Having designed the Thumb, 2Finger, and 3Finger gloves for this exact purpose, its products are aimed at children, but people of all ages from elder teens to adults have benefitted from the use of its products. Kids Fingers and Thumbs Ltd
British Made Awards 2022 | 17 Aug22567 Best Family-Run Cladding Manufacturer 2022 When it comes to cladding sheets and roofing sheets, there are few firms finer than those at Colour Clad Profiles. The team’s incredible rise to success is built on the back of a passionate family run enterprise. In SME News’ British Made Awards, the Colour Clad Profiles team were recognised for their amazing achievements over the years. We dig a little deeper to uncover more. Nestled in the heart of Somerset, the team at Colour Clad Profiles have made a name for themselves as a competitor without parallel when it comes to cladding. Over the years, the team has gained an astonishing knowledge of how best to approach the roofing sheet and steel industry, the benefits of which are passed down to each and every customer. For the Colour Clad Profiles team, quality comes first at all times. From concept to completion, they work hand in hand with their clients to ensure total satisfaction in every respect. The close relationships that the team are able to build with their clients has been key to the success that the business has managed to achieve over the years. As a family run enterprise that prides itself on the strength of connection with customers, it’s little wonder that when people discover the exceptional service of the Colour Clad Profiles team, they don’t turn anywhere else. The degree of trust with which the team is held has been crucial to their continual expansion over the years. The team’s offerings include an amazing array of cladding sheets and roofing sheets with a huge range of colours, finishes, and thicknesses. This has been achieved, in no small part, thanks to the expert knowledge that comes from working with this team. Because they work incredibly closely with their clients, they ensure that they achieve the right finish as well as a finish that is on time too. Alongside their amazing range of cladding and roofing, the Colour Clad Profiles team also offers a host of different substrates, including an industry-proven HPS range, comprising leather grain, polyester, and PVF. With this host of different options available, there is something suitable for everyone. Thanks to the team’s unique colour-sourcing service, the finish and colour can be made bespoke to a client’s specification. It’s easy to see how the Colour Clad Profiles team has been able to achieve such enviable success. Their work has transformed how many companies work, especially when combined with the firm’s exceptional approach to service and delivery. This is a team that deliver the cladding you need, when you need it. We celebrate their success and look forward to their achievements in the future. Company: Colour Clad Profiles Ltd. Name: Samuel Denham Email: info@colourcladprofiles.com Web Address: https://www.colourcladprofiles.com/ “ The degree of trust with which the team is held has been crucial to their continual expansion over the years. ”
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