FEMININE TOUCH GUIDES MANUFACTURER TO SUCCESS
Sisters, Pauline Archer and Angela Cookland, directors of Birstall-based manufacturers, James Bedford & Co Ltd, have been celebrating the firm’s on-going success, including achieving the ISO9001 quality standard, a full order book, and a significantly increased turnover.
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From its 21/2 acre site the company, which has 35 employees, produces a wide range of industrial workshop equipment, including workbenches, cabinets, trolleys & toolboxes, and specialises in the design and manufacture of bespoke items to customers’ individual specifications.
Running the business in a traditionally male dominated industry does not faze the two sisters. Managing Director Pauline Archer explained: “Our father, Ernest Howker, was a director of a well-known engineering company in Halifax. As children we regularly visited the factory and hence became familiar with the engineering environment”. |
In 1974 Mr Howker acquired James Bedford & Co Ltd, with Pauline and Angela gradually taking over responsibility for administration and accounts. Following his death in 1994 they became directors, and assumed full control of the company 18 months ago.
The two sisters are firm believers in moving the business forward and, with the assistance of consultant Nigel Albans from Quality Improvements UK, have recently achieved accreditation to the ISO 9001 quality standard. This has enabled the company to increase its client base and win a clutch of prestigious orders both in the UK and overseas.
Plans are in the pipeline to further expand the 25,000 sq ft factory, together with an ongoing programme of investment in plant, equipment and training.
However, Pauline & Angela are both keen to stress that the main reason for the success of the business is the loyalty and dedication of their employees, many of whom live locally including several who have worked for the company for over 20 years.
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