Factory tuck shop boosts hospice funds

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Profits from a La-Z-Boy UK factory tuck shop have led to a record donation to a nearby hospice.

Over the last year, two members of staff at our factory in Colne, Lancashire, have sold drinks, crisps, cakes, sweets and other snacks to their colleagues to raise money for charity. All the profits from the tuck shop are then given to Pendleside Hospice, which provides care for adults with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses in the Burnley and Pendle area.

Julie Haydock, a development sewing machinist, first had the idea to set up the tuck shop seven years ago to raise money for factory supervisor Ian Hodkinson, who had been diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, Ian passed away but Julie continued selling snacks to raise money for good causes in the local area and factory employees in need of support.

Julie is now joined in the tuck shop by sewing room team member Jayne Middleton and the pair both give their time voluntarily. This year’s total of £2,000 is the highest amount they’ve raised for the hospice so far.

Record amount raised

Julie said: “In any year so far, £2,000 is the most we’ve raised for the hospice. It’s amazing how it all adds up and we’re really pleased with the amount.

“We’ve put posters up around the factory to let everyone know how their money has helped out.”

Factory director Stuart Shackleton said: “We’re so proud of the great work that Julie and Jayne have undertaken voluntarily. Our 285 staff live throughout the local area and we all know what fantastic work Pendleside Hospice does. We’re delighted to support them.”

The Colne factory had been run by Furnico Furniture Ltd, which had manufactured sofas and chairs for the La-Z-Boy brand since 2008. But last year, La-Z-Boy UK bought the British upholstery business to give the company its own plant presence in Europe.

Manufacturing more La-Z-Boy ranges in Britain will hopefully reduce the amount of time customers have to wait to get hold of the models they want. It will also speed up the product development process.

Designed and Manufactured in Britain

The Made in Britain campaign is a movement designed to bring together the manufacturing community in the UK, awarding companies who manufacture their products in Britain a collective mark we can use on our products and communications.

The mark proudly demonstrates La-Z-Boy’s commitment to supporting the local economy and community.

You can identify our UK manufactured products by the Made in Britain flag on the product’s photos.

We launch new ranges throughout the year, so be sure to follow us on social media and check back to keep up-to-date with our new products.