In the cut-throat business of textiles, which has seen so many companies fall to the influences of foreign production and imports, Berisfords has good reason to celebrate not only its survival, but for setting a benchmark for quality - not to mention its 150th anniversary this month.
Based in Thomas Street, Congleton, the company was founded in the town in 1858 by Charles Berisford and his two brothers William and Francis. From the beginnings of weaving, using two floors at a mill in Congleton - a town already well-established as a centre for silk throwing and weaving - the company grew.
Berisfords survived the upheaval of two world wars and in 1992 became part of the Swiss-based Kuny Group, which was followed by a large investment in machinery and systems.
Today the company sets the benchmark for quality ribbons, bow manufacture and fabric and accessories for the bra industry. Blue chip customers dealing with Berisfords include Body Shop, Thorntons and Estee Lauder and then there are well-known names such as Asda, Marks and Spencer and Tesco to name but a few.
Peter Bowers, company managing director, heads up a team of 100 direct employees and some 250 outworkers, who mainly produce bows from home.
He is joined by fellow directors Andrew Walker, finance; Graham Parker, production; Matthew Roberts, sales; and Fiona Hampton, marketing and design - the first woman director at the company in its 150 year history.
Maurice said: "Of the 250 outworkers tying bows, mainly for the packaging industry, there are a lot from the town or from the Stoke-on-Trent area in general.
"In terms of markets, we supply the textile industry and we are very strong in the food and packaging markets as well as developments in making components for the bra industry."
Part 2>
Based in Thomas Street, Congleton, the company was founded in the town in 1858 by Charles Berisford and his two brothers William and Francis. From the beginnings of weaving, using two floors at a mill in Congleton - a town already well-established as a centre for silk throwing and weaving - the company grew.
Berisfords survived the upheaval of two world wars and in 1992 became part of the Swiss-based Kuny Group, which was followed by a large investment in machinery and systems.
Today the company sets the benchmark for quality ribbons, bow manufacture and fabric and accessories for the bra industry. Blue chip customers dealing with Berisfords include Body Shop, Thorntons and Estee Lauder and then there are well-known names such as Asda, Marks and Spencer and Tesco to name but a few.
Peter Bowers, company managing director, heads up a team of 100 direct employees and some 250 outworkers, who mainly produce bows from home.
He is joined by fellow directors Andrew Walker, finance; Graham Parker, production; Matthew Roberts, sales; and Fiona Hampton, marketing and design - the first woman director at the company in its 150 year history.
Maurice said: "Of the 250 outworkers tying bows, mainly for the packaging industry, there are a lot from the town or from the Stoke-on-Trent area in general.
"In terms of markets, we supply the textile industry and we are very strong in the food and packaging markets as well as developments in making components for the bra industry."
Part 2>
Text and colour Images courtesy of
Local Life Magazine
Black & white images from John Clowes book ‘Ribbons and Bows’
Local Life Magazine
Black & white images from John Clowes book ‘Ribbons and Bows’
