Why are we still manufacturing in Yorkshire?

Since 1968, HSL has been a proud family-run business operating in the town of Dewsbury. This small town is famous for its fine furniture-making heritage. The vision of the first-generation owners, Jeffrey and Patricia Burrows, has continued at the Comfort House Warehouse.

Although the HSL name has extended beyond the county walls, with over 60 showrooms nationwide and a home demonstration option, Dewsbury remains the home of all manufacturing operations and customer service activities.

According to The Times, nearly 25% of UK manufacturing firms have relocated production overseas. This is due to rising energy and employment costs. So, why are we still manufacturing in the UK?

We caught up with Charlotte Akroyd, Head of Manufacturing, to get her insights.

Family Roots

Starting as a family-run operation, it has been important to keep the tradition going. Now ran by the third-generation members and owned by the second-generation, HSL has evolved from a local furniture maker into a wellbeing furniture brand.

The head office and factory are located round the corner from where the business began all those years ago. With the family continuing to stay local and closely involved, helping to shape the business in an evolving landscape and modern practices.

Within the offices and warehouse, many other local families work together to craft high-quality furniture. Over the years, HSL has built a loyal, longstanding workforce. Many of our craftsmen and women working alongside their own parents, siblings and even childhood friends.

By staying true to our roots, we can continue to maintain and grow the business.

Local Employment and Apprenticeships

We now employ over 500 people across our factory and showrooms and are one of the largest employers in the area. Investing in innovation and people means we can continue building handcrafted, quality furniture.

At HSL, we believe it is important to invest in our future talent. That's why we value employing young people and early-career talent through apprenticeships. Working with the local college, school leavers can find a range of apprenticeships, including wood machining, joinery, sewing and modern upholstery. This way we can embrace our rich heritage, allow people to learn the craft and industry, and continue being a reputable business.

Promoting British Manufacturing

By keeping the manufacturing close to home, HSL can control one crucial aspect of the furniture-making journey… the quality. From start to finish, including the designs of the chairs to their departure, everything is made on-site within dedicated departments.

As everyone in manufacturing and the head office work on the same site, we can monitor the customer’s journey. Whether that's online, on social media, booking a home visit or enquiring with customer service.

We work with UK-based suppliers and other UK-based brands, including:

  • Morris & Co. fabrics, which are still crafted in their Grade II-listed Lancashire factory.
  • Hypnos® who use British wool and farming techniques in our mattresses.
  • ercol, who use British Ash wood in our exclusive ercol | HSL collaboration range.

Our distribution centres are based on site in Dewsbury and Batley, making Yorkshire the perfect midpoint for all our 62 showrooms.

Shop Chairs, Sofas and Beds today.

We have been a trusted name in comfort for over 55 years. Because of this our heritage and legacy drive us forward. We’re here to make quality, long-lasting furniture that incorporates innovative technology and expert knowledge. Staying in Yorkshire to manufacture our products means we can control the quality at every step, employ local people and train future talent. All whilst staying close to where it all began.