As a proud UK office furniture manufacturer, Flexiform is part of the Northern Powerhouse community. Based in Bradford, Flexiform has a long-established reputation for the design, manufacture, and installation of workplace office interiors and office furniture for education, private sector and government offices across the UK.

What is the Northern Powerhouse?

The Northern Powerhouse is the Government’s vision for a super-connected, globally-competitive northern economy with a flourishing private sector, a highly-skilled population, and world-renowned civic and business leadership. The Northern Powerhouse Partner Programme is a growing network of businesses and organisations who all believe strongly in the economic potential of the North, and support the need for a combined effort to realise that potential.

Driving the Northern Powerhouse

Flexiform believes in the power of the North’s long history of manufacturing, and its ability to stimulate growth and innovation through the wider UK economy. The abundance of talent in the surrounding areas has allowed Flexiform to continuously grow and succeed. Our long history of manufacturing experience has seen us outgrow previous facilities, from our original Wellington Street, premises in Leeds to expanding to the current Thornbury site in 1988. Throughout history, we have always stuck to our Northern roots!

“The North is world-famous for its manufacturing and steel industries so it’s fitting that Flexiform has become the latest member of our Northern Powerhouse Partner Programme. Flexiform’s growth and increased investment in the Bradford City Region provide good, well-paid jobs and they are well placed to work with us to build on our significant £145 million Local Growth Fund investment across Yorkshire to ensure businesses can take full advantage of the global opportunities coming when we leave the EU.”
– Minister for the Northern Powerhouse, the Rt Hon Jake Berry, MP

Factory Investments

Our 118,000 sq. ft production facility has been undergoing significant multi–million-pound investment for a number of years to facilitate our ambitious growth plans. In 2019, Flexiform were listed in the Business Desktop 50 fastest-growing companies across the Leeds City Region. This continuous investment will allow us to grow and build on our reputation as key Northern Manufacturers and leaders in our marketplace.  

For more information on our manufacturing facilities, please click here.

Staff Training

At Flexiform, we continually run training programmes to develop the skills of our staff ensuring all employees are at the forefront of their given areas. Some of our most recent investments include BIM ISO 19650 – BIM essentials and Information Management Courses, bespoke Marketing sessions, managerial courses, IT courses, NVQs in manufacturing, plus training on new machinery and Combi-lift’s. 

“We continually support our staff, offering personal development training as well as machinery programming and operations. Giving this level of training engages staff and develops the skills and capability of the factory.” – Mark Parrish, General Manager.

In recent years, we have trained dozens of staff with NVQ certifications in Business Improvement Techniques, alongside workshops in health and safety, and 5s principles. We have completed Kaizen projects across several departments to improve productivity and efficiency, with further assessments in English, Maths and ICT.  All our staff passed, gaining new skills and qualifications. 

For more information on our staff training, please click here.

Apprenticeships

In the last few years, we have launched new apprenticeship programmes in collaboration with KIT’s College in Brighouse. The Production team has had a total of 5 students, with 2 currently specialising in a Mechanical & Electrical qualification and a Mechanical CNC qualification. With some of our staff members being with us for over 30 years, we believe this experience is invaluable for future generations and passes on our combined knowledge. We are now looking to employ a further 3 apprentices within the Mechanical, Fabrication and Quality/ Health and Safety departments.

“Engaging with the local community is important to us, by opening our doors to the local community we look to encourage the next generation of designers and manufacturers.  Spending time with students is good for both parties, we can advise on all aspects of getting a job in design and manufacturing, right down to writing a good CV.” – Chris Raby, Engineering Manager.

We have also had a number of work experience students from Bradford College, spending time  with us to gain an understanding of manufacturing roles and responsibilities on the shop floor. This year, we are once again inviting local schools to come in and visit our manufacturing and design facilities, helping to inspire future generations of manufacturers! The students will get a tour with our Managing Director, Nick Hewitt, followed by a demonstration and talk from our Engineering and Interior Design departments. Our guests will be able to experience our Virtual Reality headsets and understand the various processes in designing, manufacturing and planning products.

For more information on our staff training and apprenticeships, please click here.

Investing in the Local Community

Flexiform is a great believer in giving back to the community, either fundraising for worthy causes close to our staff’s hearts, donating furniture, or other items. With our sister brand, Asgard Secure Steel Storage, we have worked with charities such as Kirkwood Hospice (Huddersfield), St. Curthbert’s Church & Wrose Community Garden (Bradford), CHAS @ St. Vincent’s, 39th Parkwood Scouts (Huddersfield) and local Bradford & Leeds schools. As a team, we have also donated to local food banks and raised large amounts of money for National Charities, and sponsored competitions with local colleges. 

For more information on our community investments, please click here.

To find out more about Flexiform’s heritage and commitment to the Northern Powerhouse, contact Andy Heath at andyh@flexiform.co.uk