Social Value & Company Values Statement
At JVL Interiors, we believe that what we create — finely crafted furniture and interiors — is equally important as how we create it. We are committed to delivering high‑quality furniture solutions, and doing so in a way that brings real value to people, places and the planet. Our social value commitments reflect UK national procurement policy, the local priorities of Essex, and the regulatory expectations of the furniture‑making sector.
Core Company Values
- Integrity & Accountability: We act honestly and transparently, take ownership for our craftsmanship and delivery, and hold ourselves accountable to our clients, communities and supply‑chain partners.
- Inclusivity & Respect: We value diversity in our team and our supply chain, treat everyone with dignity, promote equal opportunities, and engage positively with the local community.
- Innovation & Sustainability: We constantly look for smarter, more efficient and more sustainable methods of design and manufacture — reducing waste, selecting responsibly‑sourced materials, and minimising environmental impact.
- Community & Collaboration: We partner with local businesses, education and training providers in Essex and beyond, support local employment, and champion the growth of our region’s economy and workforce.
- Quality & Continuous Improvement: From design to installation, we deliver craftsmanship to a high standard, and we continually review and improve our operations and practices to drive better outcomes for our clients and society.
Our Social Value Promise
In line with the UK government’s procurement guidance (for example, Procurement Policy Note 002 – The Social Value Model) and the social‑value priorities of Essex County Council, as well as the regulatory standards applicable to furniture manufacturing, we commit to delivering added value through every contract we undertake. Specifically:
- Local Employment & Skills: We will prioritise staffing, apprenticeships, work‑experience placements and training for people in Essex and surrounding areas. We will give particular focus to individuals who are care‑leavers, people with disabilities or those furthest from the labour market.
- Local Supply Chain & Economy: We will maximise our spend with local Essex‑based SMEs and fabricators, promote supplier diversity, and seek to build resilient and inclusive supply‑chains within the region.
- Sustainable Manufacturing & Material Sourcing: We will source timber and raw materials from responsibly managed forests (or certified sustainable sources). We will use low‑VOC adhesives, finishes and surface treatments, limit harmful chemicals and minimise waste in our manufacturing processes (aligned with the Government Buying Standards for furniture).
- Safety & Compliance: We will ensure our upholstered items comply with the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (and forthcoming amendments), maintain records, and meet fire‑resistance standards. Our manufacturing environment will comply with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and best practice for equipment, solvent and dust control.
- Community Engagement & Well‑being: We will proactively engage with local schools, colleges and community groups, offering mentoring, site visits, skills‑workshops, or donated furniture for community use. We will also support wellbeing‑focused initiatives in the areas in which we operate.
- Measurement, Transparency & Improvement: We will set measurable KPIs for our social value commitments and report progress to clients and stakeholders. We will embed social‑value delivery in our project‑planning and post‑project review.
Why This Matters
For UK public procurement, social value is increasingly recognised as a key part of contract award and delivery, not only cost and service. Locally in Essex, the Council emphasises outcomes around employment, inclusion of disadvantaged groups, and environmental sustainability. In the furniture manufacturing industry, regulations (fire‑safety, product safety, materials standards) set by UK law and industry bodies mean that manufacturers must integrate safety, sustainability and traceability into their business models. For JVL Interiors, embedding social value strengthens our reputation, bid competitiveness, and ensures our business contributes positively to both our clients and our community.
How We Implement It at JVL Interiors
- At the outset of every contract we will review and identify relevant social‑value opportunities, tailor them to the project’s location and scope, and include them in our project plan.
- We will select materials and suppliers mindful of sustainable credentials, recognised certifications and local‑economic benefit.
- We will record and monitor KPIs (apprenticeships created, local supplier spend, local % workforce, tonnes of waste diverted, hours of community outreach delivered) and provide this in our contract‑reporting.
- At project close we will conduct a social‑value review: compare actual vs planned values, capture lessons learned and commit to continuous improvement.
- We will ensure that any social‑value promise is truly additional — beyond our standard contractual deliverables — and relevant to the local context.
Our Commitment to Essex and Beyond
Whilst JVL Interiors serves clients across the UK, when working in Essex we commit to being a local partner: investing in the local workforce, local supply‑chain, sustainable manufacturing practices and long‑term community benefit. We proudly align with the vision for a strong, inclusive and sustainable economy and contribute to building high‑quality, sustainable interiors that enhance people’s lives.