Manufacturing in Britain Still Matters. Here’s Why We Stand By It…
Another UK factory closure has once again highlighted the challenges facing British manufacturing. As more production moves overseas, the loss of skilled jobs and local expertise is being felt across the country. At Evertaut Ltd, our commitment to manufacturing in Britain remains unchanged.
Recent expansion of our warehousing capacity at our Lancashire headquarters has transformed production flow across the business. Latest investment strengthens in-house manufacturing while creating space for enhanced staff facilities, including a new canteen.
Alongside the expansion, the factory has been upgraded with new machinery, including a CNC wood machine, an automatic fabric cutting machine, industrial sewing machines, and improved upholstery tools and workbenches.
Investing in our facilities means investing in our people, while reinforcing our commitment to British manufacturing. As a Made in Britain accredited, second-generation family business, protecting skills and heritage sits at the heart of everything we do.
A Business with Heart
At Evertaut, family is not just part of the story, it is the foundation of the business. Alongside us, the Smalley family, many of our team members work alongside their own relatives, creating a culture built on trust, pride and shared purpose.
That sense of care is reflected in every chair we make. As we continue to invest in new technology and modernise our processes, our team has embraced change, combining innovation with the craftsmanship that has always defined us.
Design it. Build it. Sit on it until someone tells you to get back to work.
The people sitting on these sofas are the very same people who helped design and make them. They represent just a small part of the skilled team behind the work carried out at Evertaut every day. From concept and design through to manufacture and finishing, the entire process continues to take place in the UK.
Keeping production close to home is about more than location. It supports local employment, preserves specialist skills and maintains the quality standards the business is known for.
Our vision is already being tested by the next generation. It is not unusual to see the Smalley children in the factory, putting products through their paces, often rewarded with sweets by long serving team members who have been part of the Evertaut journey for decades.
This family first culture runs throughout the business. As Director Christopher Smalley explains, “Being a family business does not mean we stand still. It means we stay close to what matters. We do not just build seats, we build the backdrop for some of life’s big moments.”
Supporting British Suppliers
Our commitment to British manufacturing extends beyond the factory floor. The vast majority of our components are sourced from UK suppliers who share the same values of quality, reliability and craftsmanship.
By choosing to source locally wherever possible, we support other British businesses and help sustain the wider manufacturing ecosystem that so many industries rely on.
The foam, fabric, steel and wood used to manufacture our 442 two-seat soft seating unit are all sourced from within the UK, with 75% coming from within a five-mile radius of our factory.
Local Sourcing and Sustainability
Local sourcing also plays an important role in our sustainability ambitions. Shorter supply chains help to reduce transport distances and associated emissions, contributing to a lower carbon footprint. You can read more about our Carbon Reduction Plan here.
Supporting British suppliers is therefore not only about maintaining high standards and strengthening the UK manufacturing sector, it is also a practical step towards building a more sustainable way of working. This commitment is underpinned by our ISO 14001 accreditation, recognising our structured approach to environmental management and continuous improvement.
While the wider industry continues to face pressure from global manufacturing trends, we remain proud to design and manufacture in Britain. With almost a century of heritage in British manufacturing, it feels only right that we now hold the official Made in Britain accredited status.
Evertaut Ltd | Quality craftsmanship; designed to endure.
Evertaut Ltd is an accredited Made in Britain manufacturer.