Bert Frank: The Award-Winning Lighting Company Embracing A New Dawn

Bert Frank is an entry in our Great British Brands 2024 book. 

Bert Frank: Great British Brand 2024

Farol Double Wall Light

‘I joined Bert Frank in July 2023 and am very excited to be part of such a beloved British brand. Each of our products has a very strong identity. All of our pieces are made in our workshop in Birmingham and the detail behind each piece is unique. We have beautiful machines, which are about 100 years old, mixed with very modern laser cutting equipment. Other than that, we don’t see AI playing a part in our production. Humans are at the heart of our company.

To celebrate our tenth anniversary, we were the main sponsor for the Material Matters fair at the Bargehouse, Oxo Tower Wharf. Here, we launched our Rinato collection. When I came on board, I discontinued some of the pieces to really focus on who we are. So, this new range is the essence of Bert Frank.

I would like to further refine our collections to show our high-quality products alongside unique projects, integrating wall panelling and lighting. We work with many high-end hotels and restaurants. So, we now want to develop our bespoke side so we can be in control of making our products and if a person wants something different then we can offer that.

In the next two years, we want to focus on having a stronger presence in the UK. Many people are keen to source a product from the UK for sustainability reasons, so we want to show that we are a British brand with our products made here. We are also going to build a structure in Europe and plan to open a space in the USA within the next three years. Initially, the challenge was to find the right people. However, I have now successfully assembled a team where everyone works with passion and love for the brand.’

Michael Evesque, Managing Director

Beran Table Lamp Large, Antique Brass, Olive

Five Proudest Moments

1. Becoming Bert Frank’s Managing Director in July 2023 and having the opportunity to elevate the brand.
2. Launching our popular Beran collection in August 2023. Originally available only as a wall light, the range now includes pendants, chandeliers and award-winning table lamps.
3. The launch of the Rinato collection in October 2023. With a variety of finish choices, the range offers customisation and marks its debut in using leather on one of its pieces.
4. The brand’s stand at the Decorex fair in October 2023 was entirely hand-crafted in Bert Frank’s Birmingham workshop. It took artisans six months to complete. The aim was to make it reusable for future exhibitions.
5. Collaborating closely with well-known fashion, jewellery and hospitality brands committed to sustainability, which produce their pieces and components in-house without compromising on quality.

Rinato Chandelier, oxblood

What I’ve Learnt…

• The benefits of manufacturing our own products. It’s astonishing how easy it is to fix any small issues.
• To trust your team’s expertise. It is okay not to know everything; it is about orchestrating the talents of your team.
• That people like products made in the UK. This includes hotel groups that want to improve their sustainability.

BERT FRANK

67 Farringdon Road, London EC1M 3JB

+44 (0)20 7164 6482

bertfrank.co.uk

@bertfrankltd