SHAWS EXPAND CUSTOMER SERVICE & MERCHANT ROLES

Stephanie Fielding has joined Shaws, the well-known fireclay sink manufacturer as Customer Services Manager and Leon Harber has been promoted from within the company, taking on the important new role of Merchant Sales Manager.

In her new role, Stephanie’s remit will be to re-inforce the company’s mantra as ‘being easy to do business with’.  Strong customer service and reliability has become synonymous with the Shaws brand and as part of that, the Lancashire ceramics manufacturer has added to their existing team. 

Stephanie joins the company to champion our existing excellent customer service whilst Leon has been promoted to further develop a more direct relationship with our Commercial/Merchant customers.

David Dare, CEO of Shaws comments: “Stephanie brings a wealth of experience to improve our customer service, we pride ourselves on reliability and flexibility for all customers big and small.  Leon has been with the Company for many years and knows our product range technically across the board.  His new role supports the ongoing development of commercial ranges to architects, designers, specifiers and merchants across the UK.”

Shaws Of Darwen Joins Historic Institution

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded entry into The Guild of Master Crafstmen. It's a fantastic and historic institution that recognises unrivalled skills and service, it feels great that Shaws are in the company of Aston Martin, Harrods, Fortnum & Mason and many other amazing British companies.

SHAWS SINKS TEST AS 99.99% ANTIBACTERIAL

Shaws sinks are not only for use in homes, but are commercially used in laboratories, hospitals, institutions, restaurants, hotels, schools, universities and many other applications. To ensure that they are safe for every environment and being a considerate company, testing of the various ingredients used to manufacture our range of unique sinks is routinely carried out.

 Our handcrafted fireclay sinks have recently been tested by SteriTouch, an independent laboratory, for an evaluation of antimicrobial performance. The testing was conducted using the ISO 22196/JIS Z 2801:2000 test method to international standards and all samples proved to be ‘antibacterial’. Shaws glaze reduced bacterial colonies of E-Coli and MRSA by 99.99% over a 24 hour period and were classified as EXCELLENT in this area. Safe to use in every environment.

 The Shaws glaze, is not new or a new glaze development, or a thin coating, as some other manufacturers use, which can be considered temporary, but is the original glaze we’ve always used and is the regular and permanent performance of our glaze. Other tests are regularly carried out include: Determination of Chemical Resistance (BS 3402: 1969) and Determination of Resistance to Staining and Burning (BS 3402: 1969). In these tests Shaws sinks proved to be completely stainless and resistant to aggressive alkalis, acids and bleach. A durable glaze which will last forever.

 Shaws are the world’s only producer of heavy duty fireclay, sourced from the West Country and the clay is at least 25% denser and stronger than fine fireclay. Our heavy duty fireclay is responsibly sourced, sustainable, lead-free and 100% recyclable.

 Our sinks are chip and impact resilient as a heavyweight Shaws Original has 2” thick solid walls giving extra durability. Each sink is twice glazed with up to four times the glaze thickness of other sinks and fired at over 1200ºC.

 Taking over three weeks to create, Shaws use more clay, more glaze, more heat and more care to craft character products, made by real people. Every Shaws sink is unique and designed to last a lifetime!

SHAWS OF DARWEN WIN HIGHLY COMMENDED INTERNATIONAL TRADE AWARD

Shaws of Darwen, the renowned hand-crafted fireclay ceramic kitchen sink manufacturer based in Lancashire, won a Highly Commended International Award at the “North West Insider magazine International Trade Awards” ceremony, held in association with UK Trade and Investment.  Shaws was entered in the ‘International Company of the Year’ category with a turnover of up to £10m. 

When the Awards were first launched five years ago, there was a big push for companies to go global, to seek growth outside a slowing and stagnant UK market.  Since that time, Shaws have grown enormously and continue to celebrate their export success across the world, proving that British made quality products, are desirable worldwide.

This Awards event celebrates import, export and international business right across the North West of England.  Successful entrants were interviewed over a three day period by the team of judges and Rupert Cornford, features editor of Insider commented: “These Awards have gone from strength to strength and it’s great for local companies to be judged and rewarded for their successes”.

David Dare, CEO of Shaws was delighted with the Highly Commended Award and celebrated with some of his distributor partners, who were his guests for the evening.  “It’s always good to receive recognition for all the hard work put into running a successful company.  We are all very proud to be a British manufacturer with an international customer base”.

EXTRA PEACE AT CHRISTMAS

There are few things more annoying than a house guest that doesn’t quite look after your belongings as vigilantly as you do.

During the Christmas Feast, as your favourite nephew drops a large saucepan in your Shaws of Darwen sink, you can be confident that the sink should stand up to the abuse, but might want to take reassurance by protecting your sink with a Shaws of Darwen handcrafted Sink Grid.

Each Sink Grid size has been manufactured by hand, using the world's finest quality stainless steel, to match the size of your Shaws sink for durable yet elegant protection.

Make sure you enjoy Christmas without the extra worry, by clicking on the link below and placing your order before 5pm Wednesday 17th December for delivery before Christmas.

HandcraftedSink Grid

 

WEBSITE ON THE MOVE WITH SHAWS OF DARWEN

Shaws of Darwen have been in existence since 1897 and are very proud of their heritage, but they never sit back on their laurels and are always looking to modernise wherever possible and their website is no exception.

How many times have you struggled to view a website easily on your Smartphone or Tablet to hand?  Now Shaws of Darwen has made the online experience much more accessible with an exciting mobile friendly version of their website which automatically changes to suit any screen size. Images and copy can be clearly seen across the screen with indicators to all sections housed within the site.

This new mobile friendly website, with all its facets can be used in any location and on any device.  The new facility has been designed for the convenience of all of our customers, trade and consumers and will enable the browser access to the entire portfolio of Shaws kitchen sinks, photographic illustrations, accessories and graphic technical support.

David Dare, Managing Director of Shaws comments: “I know how important it is to be able to access information quickly and efficiently, which is why we have designed our website to provide this facility. I wanted to provide users easy access whilst on the move, plus having invaluable customer support at your fingertips at all times is key to success”.  Almost half our website visitors come from mobile devices and this has doubled in the last two years”, concludes Dare.

The new Shaws mobile interactive web pages are live now and allow the user to source every page of the site whilst on the move on their Smart devices.

COMMERCIAL RANGE

The Shaws of Darwen Commercial Range proved to be as popular as ever during the October Half-Term Holiday.

The hard–wearing quality and integrity of our laundry sinks, lab sinks and cleaner’s sinks appeal to many schools, colleges and university installations.

Each sink is produced in exactly the same fashion as our domestic ranges, using heavy fireclay material then cast, finished and glazed by hand. This is ideal for heavy duty usage, such as educational premises.

All Shaws of Darwen Commercial Sinks have received industry accreditations for quality and resistance against chemicals and staining, to give you the peace of mind your sink will be just the job!

To view our Commercial Sink Range, please click the link below.

http://shawsofdarwen.com/shaws-kitchen-sink-commercial.cfm

THE SHAWS OF DARWEN BUTLER FAMILY

There are three sizes of handcrafted sinks in the Shaws of Darwen Classic Butler family, ranging from 600 to 1000mm. All Shaws sinks are designed, created and made in Britain and manufactured from the finest fireclay ceramic. They are designed to look and feel cool to the touch and beautiful to look at. The three heavyweight Butler sinks are of a deep Victorian style and feature a round overflow and central 3½” waste outlet suitable for basket strainer or waste disposer and are produced with a durable glaze designed for years of usage.

Shaws traditional style sinks, like the Butler, are always in vogue – they never go out of fashion and they complement all styles of kitchens, whatever the design and decor. Due to their weight it is recommended that bespoke cabinetry is in place prior to installation.

All of our sinks are available in white and biscuit colourways and are both acid and alkaline resistant. They are all hand finished and each sink is signed with the impression of its craftsman maker and delivered with a certificate of authenticity, verifying the products handmade quality.

Visit www.shawsofdarwen.com to see our full range of sinks, taps and accessories.

SHAWS CLASSIC CURVED DESIGN WATERSIDE

The British made Shaws Classic Collection is a range of sinks designed to appeal to more contemporary styles, yet true to the heritage of handcrafted fireclay. Sinks in the Classic Collection have stylish slimline side walls with no compromise to their construction quality.

Launched last year, this Classic Waterside kitchen sink is a huge, single 800mm bowl model with a stylish, yet practical curved bow-front which looks stunning in any style of kitchen and creates the perfect focal point for any elegant kitchen. The sink comes complete with central 3½” waste outlet for basket strainer or waste disposer plus the renowned Shaws logo at the back of the sink featured below the round overflow. The Waterside is an elegant alternative to the timeless classic Belfast sink.

The 800mm Classic Waterside won the Gold Award as ‘Best Product in Show’ at an industry show in New Orleans, showing that British manufacturing is the ‘best in the world’.

Waterside is a heavyweight fireclay sink – a weighty 45kg, with dimensions of 760x530x255mm and is 40mm deeper than the original 600mm original model. Due to the handcrafted nature of Shaws sinks and their weight, it is recommended that they are installed by specialist kitchen fitters to ensure they are properly supported.

All Shaws sinks are available in White and Biscuit finishes and the basket strainers come complete with ceramic indices with the Shaws logo to finish off the ‘look’. Visit www.shawsofdarwen.com to view the complete range of sinks, taps and accessories.

SHAWS APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME

Shaws of Darwen have been manufacturing fireclay sinks and terracotta architectural pieces for over 117 years, using time honoured traditional methods and materials. Each sink and terracotta piece crafted today is an individual product, bearing testament to the craftsmen who produce them.

Whilst modern technology has improved manufacturing models over the years, the principles of this hand-crafted product remains the same. Each sink is proudly stamped with the impression of its maker and bears its own distinctive badge. Traditional craftsmanship is as important now as it was in 1897.

Each year Shaws take on a number of young apprentices to join their graduation course to learn the time-honoured skills of hand-crafting their fireclay sinks for both the UK and export markets and commissioned terracotta pieces for buildings around the world.

David Dare, Managing Director of Shaws comments: “Our apprentices and trainees learn our skills slowly and it takes a very long time to become a fully capable finisher, sprayer or modeller. Our craftsmen work together to ensure precious skills are transferred to younger work members to carry on the tradition.”

“A typical 3-year apprenticeship is simply not long enough in a factory likes ours, which moves so slowly. In the past, all of the original craftsmen and apprentices who worked for Shaws were local people who lived within walking distance of the factory, which was built long before the road to it. This part of England – Darwen in Lancashire – is famous for its hard working, skilled artisans and their contribution to the industrial revolution. Skills were passed down through generations, just as they are today.”

Two of the new apprentices have parents who already work at the company and want to learn the trade and be part of Shaws who are one of the major employers in the area.

David Dare continued: “Adapting to the ever increasing styles of homes and styles over the centuries, we are very proud to have supplied the construction industry for well over a hundred years and today our commitment to providing the very best quality of product and services, remains as strong as ever.”

SHAWS OF DARWEN BOWLAND

Superb craftsmanship and inspired design are combined by Shaws of Darwen to create and produce our Original Collection of traditional and elegant fireclay ceramic sinks. Made in England, this Collection contains an array of original designs and details which are unique in fireclay ceramics.

Designed to look and feel cool to the touch and beautiful to look at, the Bowland 800 features a distinctive fluted front and is an ideal sink for spacious kitchens but if space is an issue, then the smaller Bowland 600 is for you. The traditionally styled ceramic Bowland is available in white and biscuit finishes, features include a 3-hole overflow and 3½” waste outlet suitable for basket strainer or waste disposer.

Having refined fireclay production over more than 114 years to an ‘art form’, each Shaws of Darwen sink is individually handcrafted, making them ‘simply the best in the world’. A true test of quality is to examine the finished product, admire the finish and feel the weight – no lightweight imitations from Shaws – just traditional quality with world-class manufacturing standards.

SHAWS QUALITY BRITISH PRODUCTS

Having refined fireclay production over more than 117 years to an ‘art form’, each Shaws sink is individually hand-made, making them ‘simply the best in the world’. A true test of quality is to examine the finished product, admire the finish and feel the weight – no lightweight imitations from Shaws – just traditional quality built with ‘world-class’ manufacturing standards.

The combination of handcrafted skills and modern production techniques enable Shaws to deliver a high end product at the right price. There are many Shaws sinks which have, and continue to be installed, into some of the finest houses in the land. No self-respecting stately home is without its Shaws sinks, upstairs and downstairs!

Edgworth: Place Names and Shaws of Darwen Sinks

Once again, we look at one of the area’s villages that gives its name to one of our Original Collection Heavy Duty Fireclay Sinks.

Edgworth
Edgworth is a small village near Darwen within the Blackburn borough of Lancashire and is an Anglo-Saxon word meaning ‘Village in the Hills’.

Edgworth’s most famous son was Sir Thomas Barlow who went on to become physician not only to Queen Victoria but also King Edward VII & King George 5th. The Barlow Memorial Institute was the family's gift to the people of Edgworth and continues to see increased usage.

Egerton: Place Names and Shaws of Darwen Sinks

Continuing our heritage visits to the villages and towns that give their names to the Heavy Duty Fire Clay Sinks in our Original Collection, this month we look at the Mill Village of Egerton.

Egerton
Early evidence of man in the Egerton area is shown by the Stone Circle on Chetham Close. The circle is thought to date from the early Bronze Age and is 1050 feet above sea level.

Stumps are all that remain of the circle today after a local farmer virtually demolished the near perfect 51 feet circle with a sledgehammer.

Entwistle: Place Names and Shaws of Darwen Sinks

Our Original Collection heavy duty fireclay Sinks are characterised by superb craftsmanship and inspired design, some of which are unique to fireclay ceramics.

Manufactured in Darwen, Lancashire, the heritage of our Original Collection is reflected in the names we give our products today. These are carefully selected in tribute to the local communities and villages that make up our region and provide homes for our staff and their families.

For our Info Blog Series which reflects this, below are details for one of the local village places of interest our sinks are named after.

Entwisle Kitchen Sink

Traditional Sink Vs Contemporary Sink

We produce the World’s finest kitchen sinks and have done for over 115 years, handcrafted at our factory in Darwen, Lancashire. Our current Kitchen sink range includes two distinctly different styles; Original, which is a more traditional fireclay sink, and the Classic, which appeals to more contemporary styles.

The differences don’t end there though, allowing our Customers to select a sink that fits best with their kitchen style; be it Farmhouse, Traditional or Contemporary.

Shaws Waterside Kitchen Sink Wins Gold at KBIS 2013

Shaws of Darwen are extremely proud to have been awarded Gold in Best of Kitchen at the KBIS show for our Waterside 800 sink.

The Gold Award Winning Waterside 800 Kitchen Sink by Shaws of Darwen 

Belfast Sink or Butler Sink: What is the difference?

Butler sink or Belfast sink what is it that makes these sinks different.

Basically both are in fact Butler sinks. That is to say that both sinks were designed to be used below stairs in the Butler’s Pantry. However the Belfast sink has the benefit of a weir overflow and therein lays the difference.

The Belfast Sink showing the weir overflow

The Waterside Kitchen Sink; an Elegant Alternative to the Belfast Sink.

An elegant alternative to the traditional Belfast kitchen sink from Shaws of Darwen is the Waterside sink.

What is a Belfast Sink?

The Oxford Dictionary defines a Belfast sink as: a type of deep rectangular kitchen sink, traditionally made of glazed white porcelain. 

Belfast Sink in Biscuit Galze Finish