Lancashire Furniture Maker Shortlisted for Prestigious Award

Posted In: Press Releases . By dens

By: Jane Shepherd

Lancashire’s environmentally friendly furniture maker HJ Berry has won through to the final of a prestigious award’s scheme.

The Forest of Bowland based company has been recognised as a leading contender in the North West section of the National Business Awards, sponsored by Orange – regarded as the ‘Oscars’ of British commerce.

HJ Berry is on the four strong shortlist in the Corporate Social Responsibility sector of the awards programme.

Corporate Social Responsibility involves companies taking account of the impact of their activities on the environment, economy, and communities.

HJ Berry’s awards entry draws heavily on its commitment to the local area and environment. The company has been carbon neutral in its manufacturing process since the 1990s and heats its manufacturing plant with off cuts of wood.

Materials are sourced from as close to the factory as possible and HJ Berry has a policy of only using sustainable British-grown beech, ash, oak and other woods for its furniture.

HJ Berry also works closely with the Lancashire Woodlands Project. A forest has been created in the company’s grounds with the planting of more than 20,000 trees.

Staff benefits include a transport-to-work system and low-cost homes for rent.

HJ Berry Managing Director John Woodruffe said: “We are delighted to make the shortlist for such an important award.

“Corporate social responsibility is very important to HJ Berry - we see the company as an integral part of the local community and custodian of the beautiful environment in which we work.”

The four shortlisted companies will now have their entries scrutinised further before the winner is announced in July, 2008. More details at www.nationalbusinessawards.com/regionals

HJ Berry started producing furniture in 1840 and is believed to be the oldest chair manufacturer in the country.

Located in the picturesque village of Chipping, part of its factory is based within a mill once used by a pioneer of the Industrial Revolution, Sir Richard Arkwright.

The site still retains a waterwheel which powered the plant up to the 20th century.

Find out more about the company at http://www.hjberry.co.uk

ENDS

Based in Kirk Mills, Chipping, Preston, Lancashire, HJ Berry manufactures furniture for the nursing and healthcare sector, as well as commercial and residential markets.

www.hjberry.co.uk

Press release issued by Jane Shepherd, Shepherd PR Ltd.

01538 308685
Mobile 07985 129315