A British manufacturer supplying crayons, pencils, chalk and children’s activity sheets to some of the UK’s largest food chains, including household names such as Marks & Spencer, has joined Made in Britain.
Wirral-based KEEKO Kids produces around 25 million crayons every year, manufacturing bespoke crayons for tourism and catering organisations such as the National Trust and P&O Ferries.
The company has built its reputation on its flexibility, which enables customers to create fully customisable products, featuring unique designs for each client. In recognition of its commitment to UK manufacturing, KEEKO Kids has now gained the right to use the internationally recognised Made in Britain trademark on its products after meeting the rigorous requirements for verified domestic manufacturing by the national trade body.
Unlike many competitors, KEEKO Kids manufactures entirely in Britain, allowing customers to tailor everything from crayon wrappers and packaging to colouring sheets and colouring wall boards. The maker can even custom-make colouring sheets and colouring wall boards in Pantone colours, making it a hit for well-known hospitality venues that value consistency.
Florence Evennett, General Manager at KEEKO Kids, said: “Competing against low-cost imports means British manufacturers have to offer something uniquely different, and for us that’s flexibility, quality and the ability to create completely bespoke products for every customer.
“All of our crayons are proudly manufactured in Britain using trusted local partners. This allows us to maintain exceptional quality while reducing transportation impact.
“There’s something really rewarding about seeing children put down a screen, pick up a crayon and become completely absorbed in creating something of their own. For restaurants, cafés and leisure venues, it’s a simple way to encourage families to spend quality time together while giving young visitors an experience that’s creative, engaging and memorable.
“We previously displayed the Union Flag on our packaging, but we’ve opted to replace flags with facts. Using the Made in Britain trademark gives our customers confidence that every crayon we produce has been independently verified as being made right here in the UK.”
John Pearce, CEO of Made in Britain, said: “A pack of crayons and a colouring sheet is one of the most wholesome staples of any family restaurant and now families can enjoy the experience even more knowing that their children are using high-quality, genuinely British stationery.
“The best manufacturers don’t compete by being the cheapest. Instead, they compete by doing things better and holding themselves to higher standards and supporting jobs and livelihoods in their communities. KEEKO Kids isn’t lacking in either of these terms and it has built its reputation by offering the flexibility and responsiveness that mass-produced imports simply can’t match.
“This manufacturer is actively supplying 25 million British-made crayons each year to some of the UK’s biggest hospitality, retail and leisure brands, demonstrating the strength and adaptability of UK manufacturing. We’re thrilled to grant KEEKO Kids the right to use the Made in Britain trademark on their products as independently verified recognition of that commitment.”
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