New certification ‘to empower’ UK manufacturers

Mark Moody, sales and marketing director of WDS Components

Made in Britain, a not-for-profit trade organisation that champions British-made products, has launched a new and purpose-built Environmental & Social Value (ESV) Certification, strengthening its offer to UK manufacturing companies.

The Certification is designed to inform and empower UK businesses, specifically SMEs, by drawing out and promoting the role they already play in driving economic growth, environmental responsibility and positive social impact. Aligned with the UK Government’s latest Social Value Model (2025) and the Procurement Act 2023, the Certification offers a commercial benefit open to all 2,200 Made in Britain companies — helping them communicate their positive impact and unlock a competitive advantage.

It also serves as a practical tool for buying authorities and businesses seeking suppliers that are committed to local jobs and skills, community engagement, environmental sustainability, and ethical and local supply chains. The certification has been developed in collaboration with MAP UK & International. MAP delivers supply chain and international trade solutions for SMEs, multinationals, not-for-profits and governments.

John Pearce, Made in Britain’s CEO, said: “The ESV Certification offers members a practical, quick and inexpensive way to showcase their social value via a rapid and straightforward assessment. It recognises what companies are doing as part of their day-to-day business operations, without burdening them with having to do and spend more.”

Pictured right: David Osborne, chief executive officer of Roman, with its Made in Britain ESV Certification

He continued: “Environmental and Social Value is increasingly central to how the UK buys, builds and grows. Made in Britain companies are already showing exactly the kind of positive impact that buyers, stakeholders and communities want to see — the ESV Certification is simply helping them to showcase this impact and how they are doing better business for people, the planet and place.”

Shirley Cooper, Small Business Crown Representative, added: “UK SMEs are the backbone of our economy — driving sustainable growth, creating jobs and strengthening communities across the country. I am pleased to support accessible and credible initiatives that help SMEs stand out, win new orders and get more recognition for their commitment and contribution to the environment and society.”

Pudsey-based WDS Components Ltd is leading the way and has already benefitted from the ESV Certification. Mark Moody, sales and marketing director, said: “As a small manufacturer, we really appreciated how straightforward the process was. It helped us reflect on what we are already doing around ESV and gave us a new way to demonstrate that to customers and buyers.”

Roman Ltd is also ESV Certified and CEO David Osborne said: “This is a great initiative for Made in Britain companies. It gave our team simple and practical tools to help communicate our contribution to people, planet and place, in a credible and confident way.”

The ESV Certification is now available to all Made in Britain members. To find out more about the certification and its benefits, visit the website here.