What More UK gives tour to refugee and asylum seekers

What More UK, the Lancashire housewares manufacturer and exporter, is a proud member of the manufacturing heartland of East Lancashire and prides itself on having a multi-cultural and diverse team, with a recent count showing 19 different nationalities represented in their workforce of 350. 

Recently it hosted a visit from The Family Forge, a registered charity based in Skelmersdale, which works with refugees and asylum seekers. This group faces multiple barriers to prosperity and opportunity, and The Family Forge assists them with a place of welcome, friendship and support; and also the life skills necessary to establish and flourish in their new home.

The group, which includes people from many nationalities, is offered support with English language, maths, driving theory, CV development, job hunting, culinary and family topics amongst others. Practical assistance is also provided for refugee families when needed. As part of helping them settle into the UK, assistance with employment includes taking them into potential employers to get insight into working life in the UK. What More was delighted to be able to help them on their way. 

Company director Tony Grimshaw OBE, commented: “Both Garry Ireland, operations director and myself were delighted to be asked by Paula at The Family Forge to host their students on a visit to our factory, to show them what we do here. Lancashire has always embraced workers from outside our country, and they have been a tremendous addition to its already world-beating workforce.

"These students are so keen to be part of Lancashire’s manufacturing and service industry's success story, it’s great to see, and they will be bringing new ideas and generally a great work ethic to our counties manufacturing and services industries. We wish them all the best!“

Paula Walsh of The Family Forge added: “We received a very warm welcome at What More UK as we undertook a wonderfully comprehensive tour of both sites.

"During our visit we gained a great insight into the production of a whole variety of products made from recycled and recyclable plastic, as well as witnessing the upkeep of the machinery. Our students were undeniably positive in their subsequent feedback about our truly informative visit.”

What More UK is one of the largest houseware manufacturers in the UK. It manufactures storage boxes and housewares of all kinds including bakeware, around-the-sink items, products for the home laundry, utility room, and items for the garden such as planters and troughs. What More’s products are all made in East Lancashire and are sold in 76 countries around the world. More can be seen on their website here: www.whatmoreuk.com