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# Manufacturing with heart: the people behind the product
- URL: https://www.plasticsiq.com/manufacturing-with-heart-the-people-behind-the-product/
- Published: 2026-10-30T11:28:17.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-30T11:29:18.000Z
- Author: Giulia Daniele
- Tags: BP&R Magazine, Opinion

*Emma Hockley, Managing Director at* [*Big Bear Plastic Products Ltd*](https://www.bigbearplastics.com/?ref=plasticsiq.com)*,* 
*explores the unique role family businesses play in helping UK* 
*manufacturing succeed despite the lack of government support.*

Soaring business rates, complex new employment legislation, the highest energy costs in the world, supply chain disruption and punishing inheritance tax...as Jeremy Clarkson recently said, “Why would anybody want to start a business in the UK right now?”

The TV presenter-turned-farm owner was referring primarily to the farming sector, but those of us in the ultra-competitive world of manufacturing understand his comments all too well. A constant onslaught of challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, and the total lack of support from government is both disappointing and incredibly frustrating. 

Make UK’s recent survey highlighted ‘the vital role family-owned firms play in anchoring skilled jobs, investment and industrial know-how across the UK.’ Unfortunately, it appears that the only people who don’t seem to understand this are those legislating against them at every turn – all of which seems rather at odds with their promise to ‘re-industrialise’ the UK. Nevertheless, many SMEs in this country not only manage to survive, but thrive. And how do they do this? People. 

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the Family Business Awards in London. My father, Gerald Bloom, was being honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to British plastics manufacturing over seven decades…and counting! There were several other people celebrated for similar achievements, all of them having demonstrated unwavering commitment, dedication and sheer hard work over the years. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/34/28/3428fdf9-74dc-4cfd-9519-e5e23a7ca0e0/content/images/2026/10/image001.jpg)

Each one of them had a compelling story to tell, and it was fascinating to hear how they were inspired to start their businesses, not to mention what they had had to contend with on their journey to success. One thing they all had in common? An absolute and total appreciation of the people who had worked in and shaped their companies.

Gerald summed it up best in his acceptance speech on the evening: “None of my business achievements would have been possible without the support and performance of the many wonderful people I have had the pleasure of employing and working with over the years. It is a great responsibility to employ a significant number of people…and knowing that you are responsible for them and their families is certainly a serious motivator. Persistence, energy, good luck, good health, leadership, doing the job properly and treating people with respect and consideration are some of the principal ingredients required for success. In fact, they are essential.” 

This sentiment was repeated in one way or another by every business leader recognised at the event and is echoed by the vast majority of SMEs across this great country. The impact of these small businesses, not just in terms of employment and income generated, but also on the wider communities in which they operate, cannot be underestimated.

I came away from the Family Business awards feeling inspired. Yes, running a manufacturing business is hard, and there is certainly no shortage of the unexpected to keep us entertained! But perhaps that is why we do what Jeremy Clarkson says we shouldn’t…because we know that it’s worthwhile. We are making something useful. We are employing people. We are giving back to our communities. We are building something great. And yes…we love it!