Member Article

Top industry award helps drive growth for Bradford bed manufacturer

Bradford bed manufacturer Easy Rest Beds has announced plans for growth and new jobs after being awarded the prestigious Manufacturing Guild Mark for business excellence by the Furniture Makers’ Company, the City of London livery company and furnishing industry charity.

Founded in Dewsbury in 1997, family business Easy Rest Beds manufactures both divan bases and mattresses under the Barker & Finch brand. The company employs 30 people at its 60,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in the West Bowling area of Bradford, where it has been based since 1998.

Easy Rest Beds managing director Talib Hussain, said: “Our beds have always been known for their quality and, as a manufacturer, being recognised by the Furniture Makers’ Company for our high business standards is incredibly rewarding and a testament to our fantastic team.

“I founded Easy Rest Beds nearly three decades ago with my father and brother Tariq, and now my own children are part of the third generation of the family to work for the business”

He added: “We are so proud of our diverse and talented workforce and as a Bradford business we’re committed to investing in our community and providing skilled employment opportunities in this great city where so may positive things are now happening.”

Mr Hussain said that current escalating demand for Easy Rest Beds’ products was already driving growth. “Building on the honour of achieving the Manufacturing Guild Mark, we hope to be able to create new jobs in 2024 and we are also looking at either expanding our current manufacturing facility, or relocating to new larger premises, driven by the need to increase production.”

The Manufacturing Guild Mark has been the mark of excellence, distinguishing Britain’s top furnishing manufacturers for 30 years and is awarded to companies demonstrating high standards across seven assessment criteria: design, product development and function, manufacture, human resources, financial stability, sustainability and sales and marketing.

Steve Bulmer, Manufacturing Guild Mark chairman, said: “I would like to congratulate Easy Rest Beds for being awarded the Manufacturing Guild Mark and being an exemplar of the UK furnishing industry. Remaining loyal to its West Yorkshire roots, the business have achieved extraordinary levels of quality, innovation and craftsmanship from humble beginnings and as an employer they are a great asset to their community and to our industry.”

The Manufacturing Guild Mark is only open to businesses that manufacture most of their products in the UK. Companies undergo an independent audit every three years by the Furniture Industry Research Association on behalf of The Furniture Makers’ Company to ensure their standards of operation remain high.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Robinson .