Handmade kitchen company Collins Bespoke, in Kent, has won a national quality award for its business, production processes and products.

Pictured left to right: Founder and director of Collins Bespoke Nick Collins and Manufacturing Guild Mark chairman Daniel Mesecke

Located in Bethersden, near Ashford, the business has been recognised by the City of London livery company and charity for the furnishing industry, The Furniture Makers’ Company, with the Manufacturing Guild Mark.

Collins Bespoke employs a 15-strong team of designers, joiners and fitters; and manufactures luxury kitchens and other interiors for domestic and commercial clients across the South East.

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Founder Nick Collins began his career 30 years’ ago as an apprentice for Kent rocking-horse maker, Stevenson Brothers, setting up his own interiors business in 2001.

Collins Bespoke hand crafts and installs around 60 kitchens every year from its showroom and production workshop.

“It’s a huge honour to be given this recognition by The Furniture Makers’ Company, which is such a renowned mark of quality,” said Nick Collins.

“Everything we do is about ensuring our work and materials meet the highest quality standards and are constantly improving, so it’s tremendous to have this endorsement.”

The company generates a £1.2m turnover, with 70% of its work focused on high-end kitchens, ranging from £8,000 to £50,000.

It also has an apprenticeship scheme to provide skilled younger talent, and four current Collins Bespoke employees started out with the business as apprentices.

Manufacturing Guild Mark chairman Daniel Mesecke said: “Congratulations to Nick and all the Collins Bespoke team.

“The Manufacturing Guild Mark is testament to the excellence of their business and of the kitchens and interiors they make and fit.

“During the audit process, Collins Bespoke really impressed us with, among other things, their strong environmental credentials: waste is minimised and any wood waste is burnt to fuel the firm’s heating and hot water, while suppliers must be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council to ensure the timber is sustainably produced.

“They are also dedicated to constantly improving their own designs, processes and the service they provide to clients and show a real commitment to excellence.”

The Manufacturing Guild Mark has been awarded to Britain’s top furniture and furnishing manufacturers for the past 30 years.

It is given to companies that can evidence high standards across design, product development and function, manufacture, human resources, financial stability, sustainability and sales and marketing.

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.