A West Wiltshire-based furniture maker has received external validation of its sustainability status through the Grown in Britain certification programme.

Forest to Home Ltd, based in rural workshops between Lacock and Melksham, has been awarded GIB Chain of Custody Certification.

The company is now one of the UK’s largest and leading sustainable, handcrafted furniture businesses.

Founded in 2015, the company employs ten people and has two brands: Forest to Home for the domestic market, and Forest & Maker, which serves the commercial market.

William Hibbert, 30, the company's managing director, said: “As a proud, British company, we’re delighted to have achieved the Grown in Britain Certification.

"It’s extremely important to us that we do all we can to strengthen customer confidence in how we sourcing the timber we use to make our products."

“We have seen a groundswell of interest from both our domestic customers and architects, designers and specifiers on our commercial projects, for more information on our supply chain and raw-materials sourcing.

“People want to be sure they’re buying British timber - and this offers proof of this, which in turn impacts on the UK forest industry, local economies, wildlife habitats and the wider environment.”

The business is a passionate exponent of supply-chain transparency and supports various initiatives and programmes that protect British forests and woodlands.

The Grown in Britain Chain of Custody Certification mark will last until 2025 and provides validation of the origin of timber products and materials.

For Forest to Home’s customers, the certification confirms the company’s commitment to full transparency of its supply chain and demonstrates its leadership in the field of sustainable furniture making.

Grown in Britain has led the drive for more innovation in the use of British timber and is supporting the development of local added-value processing in order to facilitate a reduction in imports.

The GIB mark supports a growing demand from consumers and specifiers for full transparency about where timber comes from and what impact its use will have.

To achieve GIB Certification, Forest to Home had to demonstrate its commitment to local economies, the UK forestry industry and the wider environment.

Its certification was dependent on a successful audit of its supply chain and internal processes.

Forest to Home will now feature on the Grown in Britain searchable database of certified makers and designers.

This story first appeared in the Wiltshire Times.

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