The firm is in the running for the BWF Process and Resource Efficiency Award (sponsored by Materials and Finishes Show 2024): an award that recognises exceptional projects or initiatives that demonstrate the most efficient use of business resources or materials.

Over the past 16 months, Blairs has undergone significant investments and operational changes in order to modernise, improve and future-proof the business. Following a review of its systems and machinery, Blairs identified that ageing systems, efficiencies and reliability and dependability of machinery could all be improved.

As a result of the investments in staff training, machinery and systems, lead times have decreased which has led the factory to have greater capacity to manufacture more products within the same working hours, reliability and dependability of the machinery has improved, the speed of management decision making has been faster, precision and quality of the products has increased and the team has seen a significant improvement in overall performance and sustainability, aligning with Blair’s commitment to sustainable practices.

Blairs continues to invest in the business and skill level of its team and is currently running an apprentice training scheme to encourage young people into the industry as well as support local employment.

The 15th Annual BWF Awards and Dinner will be taking place on the 24th November 2023 in London.