Wrought Iron & Brass Beds Ltd, a family-run British manufacturer of handcrafted iron and brass bedsteads, has been recognised for its outstanding leadership as its Founder and Managing Director, Amanda Oldfield, was named ‘Inspiring Leader of the Year’ at the 2025 Made in Britain Impact Awards.
The Norfolk-based business, known for its heritage craftsmanship and sustainable British-made designs, secured the accolade at the ceremony this week, hosted by Made in Britain – the internationally recognised trademark for British-made goods.
Amanda Oldfield, Co-founder of Wrought Iron & Brass Beds Ltd, said: “This recognition is amazing, but it’s the team behind me that makes it possible. There really is no such word as ‘can’t’.”
Harry Oldfield, Head of Marketing and Product Development, added: “Mum really sets the tone for the whole company, ever since she had the idea for the company 22 years ago.
“Everything that we do today is down to her original ethos. 16 years ago, a major retailer really let us down and it would have been easy for us to walk away, but Mum said ‘No, we’re going to carry on’. Having shifted focus from B2B to B2C, we do still supply retailers, but it’s under our terms. It all comes from Mum’s unwavering determination, and she would never tell you this herself.”
Judges praised Amanda Oldfield for her inclusive and values-driven leadership, which has guided the company through sustained growth while maintaining a steadfast commitment to traditional British manufacturing and environmental responsibility. 
They commended her for championing local employment, developing apprenticeship opportunities and ensuring sustainability runs through every part of the business, from materials sourcing to ethical production and energy efficiency. Judges added that Amanda has “transformed a family workshop into a national brand, while leading from the front across sustainability and UK manufacturing.”
John Pearce, CEO of Made in Britain, said:
“I’m delighted to recognise Amanda Oldfield as Made in Britain’s Inspiring Leader of the Year. Amanda exemplifies what strong, purpose-led leadership looks like in British manufacturing, combining heritage craftsmanship with forward-thinking sustainability. Her commitment to her people, her community and to ethical business has helped shape a company that balances tradition with innovation.
“She really is an outstanding example of leadership that inspires trust, loyalty and lasting success.”
The award was presented by last year’s winner and member of the 2025 judging panel, Tamsin Lishman, CEO of Kensa. Judges commended Amanda’s ability to motivate and empower her team, while championing sustainable manufacturing and local craftsmanship on a national scale.
Amanda Oldfield was in esteemed company in the category, with Nick Phillips, Managing Director of Britwind, coming highly commended, and Fiona Connor, Managing Director of Trust Electric Heating, taking home the runner-up prize.
Organised and hosted by the not-for-profit trade body, Made in Britain, the Impact Awards are open exclusively to its 2,200+ members – manufacturers who proudly use the official Made in Britain trademark to promote their goods.
Other winners from the 2025 Made in Britain Impact Awards include WDS Components (Heritage Manufacturer of the Year), Raeon (Innovation of the Year), Paxman Scalp Cooling (Heroes of British Export), Sunswap Ltd (Excellence in Procurement and Marketing Campaign of the Year), Morland (Social Impact) and Britwind (Sustainability Initiative of the Year).
For more information about the official Made in Britain campaign, visit: www.madeinbritain.org
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