What is BIS?
Bridal Industry Suppliers (BIS) is a trade association of companies that supply gowns and goods to bridal shops. BIS represents everyone involved in manufacturing, wholesaling, importing and exporting bridal goods and services in the UK. Any supplier to UK shops can join as long as they have a link to a UK postal address.
BIS aims
BIS aims to support the development of the British bridal industry; Provide a channel of communication between suppliers and retailers; Act as the interface between the sector and the government; Represent the industry in negotiations with the organisers of the British Bridal Exhibition Harrogate (BBEH).
How BIS operates
BIS is a company limited by guarantee that was incorporated in 2004. It is a member organisation led by two directors, a committee made up of members, a chair of that committee, an association manager and a treasurer, all of whom have many years experience in the bridal supplier and retail sector. They cover all aspects of bridal suppliers including gown manufacturers, agents, distributors, online specialists, consumer magazines and bridal accessories.
Director: Karl Metcalfe, whose multi-award winning accessory company Liza Designs was established in 1988, is a family run business. Karl’s sister Liza is the designer behind the name, and she works with her daughter Kelly. With over 300 customers in the UK, Liza Designs headdresses and veils are designed and made in the UK.
Director: Nick Day operates Sincerity Bridal in the UK. Sincerity offering four stunning collections: Sincerity, Justin Alexander, Sarah Danielle and Sweetheart, in more than 300 shops across the UK. The Sincerity group also operates in Europe. In the recent BIS Survey of UK retailers, Sincerity was voted one of the best selling labels.
Chair of the Committee: Jane Watson owns and manages The Bridal Consultancy Service which offers services for suppliers and retailers in the bridal industry. For more than 30 years, Jane was involved in retail and manufacturing, most recently with her own labels Eva Jordan and Samantha Jane Collection.
BIS Association Manager: Andy Jackson has spent many years working in the bridal sector for suppliers, designers, trade magazines and online business to consumer websites.
BIS Treasurer: Mark Monk is director of gown company Mark Lesley. Having spent many years with Margaret Lee, Mark set up his own label with wife Lesley in 2006. The company has quickly become a favourite of both brides and retailers, and was recently featured on Wedding TV.
If you have any queries, please contact the association by clicking here or calling 01992 621912.
Other committee members
David Morton, Mon Cheri Bridal and Sophia Tolli
Catherine Westwood, Editor, Wedding Magazine
Philippa Onslow, confetti.co.uk
Vivien Felstein, Veromia and D'Zage
Wendy Adams, Event Director, BBEH
Rachel Morgan, Editor, Wedding Ideas
Mark Wilde, Demetrios
The Committee meets at least three times a year and has an AGM.
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