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 UK and European trade shows.
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 is the Senior Sales Manager with JLM Couture, who started in the industry with his sister in the family-run business Liza Designs.
Director: Nick Day operates Sincerity Bridal in the UK and NLD Sales. In the recent BIS Survey of UK retailers, Sincerity was voted one of the best selling labels and has won awards for its customer service.
Chair of the Committee: Jane Watson owns and manages the Bridal Consultancy Service and Bridal Retailers Network offering help and advice for New and Established businesses plus suppliers in the bridal industry. For many years Jane was involved in her own retail bridal shops also designing and manufacturing her own labels.
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
Graham Connell, Mori Lee and Ronald Joyce
Martin Jenkins, Sassi Holford and Kate Sherford
Vivien Felstein, Veromia
Rachel Morgan, Editor, Wedding Ideas
Wendy Adams, Event Director, BBEH
Philippa Onslow, Serene Media
The Committee meets at least four times a year and has an AGM.
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