Operator appointed for Moray innovation centre
Elevator UK will develop and manage the services offered by the Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray
BFL secured £100,000 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in 2019. Its Ava Innes range of luxury duvet and pillow products are UK made using cashmere guard hair and Scottish wool.
Only 30% of the fibre brushed annually from the cashmere goat is used in traditional knitting and weaving. Cashmere guard hair makes up the remaining fibre.
At the end of their lifecycle the products can be returned to the ground instead of going to landfill, which further enhances their environmental credentials.
Scott McKnockiter, business development account manager with HIE in Moray, said:
“We have worked with BFL since the outset and delighted to see the firm secure the patent and plan further growth. The business forms part of Moray’s growing creative industries sector. As it develops, it will create the potential to employ more local people, which will benefit the local economy and contribute wider to efforts to attract and retain local talent.
“The type of innovation shown by BFL is increasingly important as we work towards an economy based on net zero emissions. We look forward to continuing to work with the company as they implement their growth plans.”
Joan Johnston, BFL founder and managing director, said:
“With a passion for natural local made fabrics, I set out to create a purpose driven business utilising natural resources, that gives back to people and to the planet. Our customers tell us how they are sleeping better and reflect on the temperature-regulating nature of the duvets and pillows. In addition, we complement our own range by actively sourcing locally made premium products with a focus on relaxation and sleep, whilst supporting other local makers.”
“This product is natural, sustainable and is perfect for bedding. As a small business securing the patent for the innovative fabric development was important for our business to grow and I am delighted that has now been achieved “
“We have plans to expand and build on our online presence and engage with more customers across the UK and internationally. I am proud of what has been achieved to date and am excited about future plans for expansion.”
Related Articles
New shellfish processing plant to create jobs in Buckie
Over the next three years, the project is expected to generate nearly £1m in turnover and create 12 new jobs.
Moray agriculture firm in £400k growth project
New state of the art automated plant and machinery, including artificial intelligence (AI), is being installed.
Forres firm to boost turnover, cut carbon and create jobs
Investment by Forres-based Maclean’s Highland Bakery will create up to five new jobs
Elgin company to increase efficiency and cut carbon
Highland Galvanizers, is upgrading buildings equipment and infrastructure at is premises in the town’s Pinefield Industrial Estate where it employs 34 people
Contract awarded for Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray
A £1.3m contract has been awarded for the refurbishment of a building on Enterprise Park Forres to create the new Manufacturing Innovation Centre Moray (MICM).
100+ jobs supported by HIE in Moray in 2023/24
As a result of HIE’s support, businesses in Moray are forecast to see combined turnover rise by more than £85m and international sales by almost £14m.
Manufacturing Innovation Centre for Moray receives £5.6m approval
Plans to establish a new facility in Moray that is expected to support up to 300 manufacturing jobs in the next ten years have secured up to £5.6m capital investment.
Project under way to improve energy efficiency of Forres Town Hall
Work is under way on a major project to significantly improve the energy efficiency of Forres Town Hall.
Community to create distillery in reputed ‘birthplace of malt whisky’
Community trust to convert steading to create new distillery