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: Graham Connell, is the General Manager for Mori Lee in the UK and Europe, the company that supplies Mori Lee by Madeline Gardner, Blu, Angelina Faccenda as well as a number of other leading bridal, bridesmaids, prom and mother of the bride collections. Mori Lee also warns brides about websites selling counterfeit dresses and those using official images without permission: www.morilee.com/beware
Director: Martin Jenkins is a director of the Sherford Group which operates a number of prestigious brands including that of multiple award-winning designer Sassi Holford. www.sassiholford.com
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. He also runs a design and production agency, Designer Solutions, and works in the charity sector.
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.
Other committee members
Wendy Adams, Event Director, BBEH
Nick Day, Sincerity and Daisy Day
Vivien Felstein, Veromia
Rachel Morgan, Editor, Wedding Ideas
David Morton, Mon Cheri Bridal and Sophia Tolli
The Committee meets at least four times a year and has an AGM. All meetings are open to members.
Brides Aware
BIS is proud to support Brides Aware scheme, which aims to stop the sale of counterfeit dresses online.
Bridal Buyer Awards
BIS is proud to be a sponsor of the Bridal Buyer Awards 2012
Bad debtors website
BIS operates a secure website for members to share information about retailers who owe them money.
Contact us
If you have any queries, please contact the association by clicking here or calling 01992 621912.
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