Local History

The term ‘Made in Sheffield’ has been used for hundreds of years, more recently the trademark has been rejuvenated.

Maybe ‘Made in Sheffield’ is in your cutlery drawer, but now the phrase is not just physical property, now MiS could be on your computer software license without you even knowing.

The Chairman of ‘Made in Sheffield’ [MiS] Charles Turner is the man responsible for bringing the registered trademark ‘Made in Sheffield’ into the 21st century.

What is ‘Made in Sheffield’

“The actual and factual description is that the produce is made in Sheffield, and we make sure that it is fit for purpose. It determines what is and what is not made in Sheffield.

Chairman, Charles Turner

“Sheffield’ itself is a protected name and a trademark within its own right. If you track it back, Sheffield is the capital of Hallamshire which is the ‘S’ postcode. We have a unique geographic location with a unique provenance of quality.

“We in Sheffield are known for high quality products. In the competitive market that the world thrives on, that is our selling point."

The history

Made in Sheffield was officially first referenced as a tax return filed in 1297 by Robert the Cutler.

In 1905 the Cutlers Company, the Chamber of Commerce and Sheffield City Council came together and formed ‘the Sheffield Defence Committee’ and recognised ‘Made in Sheffield.’ Towns and villages around the world tried to capitalise on the success of Sheffield and the role of the committee was to put a stop to this.

MiS committee, November 2008

Charles Turner explains: “What they tried to do was protect it as a commercial benefit and as one of the world’s iconic brands. Most brands date back no more than 150 years old, for example Coca Cola, Ford and Kellogg’s. Sheffield goes back hundreds of years. We haven’t had to do anything to develop this brand, ‘Made in Sheffield’ exists because it is a guarantee of quality.”

The world has changed, Sheffield’s industries have been and gone and continue to evolve but where does this leave the ‘S’ postcode? ‘MiS’ joins Barnsley, Rotherham and Sheffield [whether you like it or not] creating the license trademark. Although Doncaster does not full under the 'S' postcode it does fall under the Sheffield city region under the 'MiS' rule. Contrary to belief 'Made in Sheffield' isn’t just the city of Sheffield.

Richard Edwards is the Chairman of G&J Hall [which manufactures cutting tools and is one of the companies which holds the ‘MiS’ license] and is part of the committee who decides who holds the license.

“The rate of change is speeding up. For 300 years the city of Sheffield was known for its cutlery and now it is known for its creative food, technology and service industries. We adapt to that and it’s all about introducing that to people too and introducing ‘MiS’ to other people."

Many people associate the trademark ‘Made in Sheffield’ with manufacturing and heavy industry, but these days it is much more than that.

Did you know that the word ‘Sheffield’ is protected?

Sheffield is not only a city but a brand. Sheffield remains the only city in the UK whose name is protected by an Act of Parliament due to its unique association with the quality of its products.

Steel hooks and knives being made, 1932

Have you noticed that the word is taking over? MuseumsSheffield, Eatsheffield [restaurateurs] and Pro:Sheffield [lawyers and accountants] are seen across the city as the council unite with ‘MiS’ and promote quality.

“The word ‘Sheffield’ is protected under the 2006 Companies Act.” Charles Turner, Mis Sheffield Chairman and MD of Durham Duplex who manufacture knives and blades explains: “Anyone wanting to use the word ‘Sheffield’ in a company name has to apply through the company of ‘Cutlers’ for permission. It is something that is special and unique and I’m sure it is something other cities would like.

Made in China

What are the differences between Made in Sheffield and Made in China? Charles Turner explains:

“Made in Sheffield is a guarantee of a product that is substantially finished within the Sheffield area. Because of the skills that are here in Sheffield, we would say that most product ranges are better.

“Quality is measured differently. In most places it is judged by longevity of a product, in most places it’s the continuous performance without any problems.

“Companies around the world come to Forgemasters if they want steel casting because they want it to be right first time, they can’t afford errors. If you want something special, pieces from the likes of David Mellor or Chimo Holdings you know it is MiS. Nine out of ten customers come to us because they know that they will get a product which works first time.

How to get a license

How do you decide who can use the Made in Sheffield trademark? Graham Thompson who represents Swann Morton [who manufactures surgical blades and scalpels] from the committee explains:

“You get a feel for the company when going on to the premises; how they welcome you. We view the products and look at the processes involved in making their products. We are duty bound to make sure the products are Made in Sheffield and reach the standard.

“An international company has made a submission for its Sheffield plant but the committee decide it will be given approval on the condition that it can’t use the ‘Made in Sheffield’ stamp across the board."

We all know that South Yorkshire isn't known for it's growth of the coffee bean so why do Pollards Tea and Coffee hold the license to 'Made in Sheffield?' Simon Bower the MD tells us why...

“Sheffield is not known for its coffee plants. It comes in to Sheffield as a green raw bean. We roast it and process and package it in Sheffield so it’s made in Sheffield. It’s very tightly and legally defined.”

Holding the license to use ‘Made in Sheffield’

Once you’ve got the license, what next? Surprisingly, it costs £100 to hold the ‘MiS’ license for two years.

Made in Sheffield has stood the test of time and seen many companies come and go in the city. How many companies would you expect to see hold the historic trademark? There were 110 license holders in October 2008.

110 members is almost one license holder for every year ‘Made in Sheffield’ has been trademarked.

MiS stainless steel cutlery sold in 1960

Is this proof that the ‘Made in Sheffield’ committee really do hold quality over anything else and are not frivolous with the license? Or is it the fact that no one is really bothered about using it as part of their company in the 21st century?

Whether you have the stamp or not, Made in Sheffield is about supporting local industries, artists and businesses and keeping the local economy thriving.