Ercol, a century-old furniture maker from Buckinghamshire, is transforming the UK furniture industry by partnering with Grown in Britain and Tyler Hardwoods to promote sustainable forestry and local craftsmanship.

The collaboration aims to create a sustainable market for ash timber, with a focus on using Grown in Britain certified ash for iconic ercol products, addressing challenges posed by ash dieback.

Despite initial challenges with costs and technical issues, ercol and Tyler Hardwoods have successfully scaled up production while maintaining design integrity, accepting reduced profit margins to establish a sustainable supply chain.

Looking ahead, ercol plans to expand its product line in 2025, with improved economies of scale making home-grown timber increasingly competitive against imports.

This project serves as a model for UK manufacturers to rebuild lost capabilities and create sustainable business models, positively impacting local economies and woodlands.

With funding from Grown in Britain, Tyler Hardwoods has invested in new equipment, enhancing efficiency and quality in timber processing, while also developing local alternatives to imported materials.

This initiative comes at a crucial time, as the UK currently imports 73% of its timber, with a significant portion of locally sourced hardwood being burned as fuel, highlighting the need for a shift towards home-grown timber.

Ercol aims to revive local timber sourcing after previously closing their sawmill, which resulted in a loss of expertise and ecological damage in woodlands.

Innovative solutions have included using local poplar for seat bases instead of imported plywood, showcasing the potential for home-grown alternatives in traditional furniture components.

Interestingly, while the broader furniture market faces downturns, ercol's Grown in Britain product lines are experiencing growth, demonstrating the potential of local timber.

To further strengthen customer relationships, ercol has opened its first branded store on King's Road in Chelsea, showcasing their Grown in Britain certified furniture.

Overall, the collaboration between Grown in Britain and ercol serves as a model for other UK manufacturers, showcasing how traditional craftsmanship can thrive while supporting local economies and woodlands.