TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP AT ITS BEST!
Founded by John Haws in 1886, this family run business is now in its third generation and today we chat with Richard. From designing to making, we go behind the scenes of these gardening essentials!
MADE IN THE UK
HAWS
ESTABLISHED IN 1886
HAWS
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE CHALLENGES OF KEEPING TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP RELEVANT?
The biggest challenges we face are the cheaper products imported from overseas. We value our quality but also our impact on the environment.
Anything travelling from half way around the world clocks up a huge carbon footprint.
WHAT DOES A NORMAL DAY IN THE HAWS FACTORY LOOK LIKE?
Apart from running around like a headless runner bean, a normal day in the factory is exciting. We have loads of new developments and project work at the moment, the latest being our new website.
COULD YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT MORE ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS WHEN IT COMES TO DESIGNING AND MAKING THE BEST ACCESSORIES FOR PLANT LOVERS?
When it comes to the design process, we visit gardeners and experts and explore what makes the perfect accessory. We then go to the drawing board!
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE MOST FUN PART OF HANDCRAFTING YOUR PRODUCTS?
The most interesting part of handcrafting our own products is the response from customers who share a similar ethos as Haws, and we love locally handmade products that inspire growth.
COPPER INDOOR WATERING CAN
HAWS
COPPER PLANT MISTER
HAWS
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE MATERIALS TO WORK WITH?
Definitely copper! It is easily scratched and tough to process, but when we get it right it looks stunning!
The copper shine can be maintained with occasional polishing, but I prefer letting the copper tarnish and turn a rustic green/turquoise colour.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO COMMUNICATE TO THE PERSON WHO PURCHASES ONE OF YOUR PRODUCTS?
We want to thank customers who made the conscious decision to choose Haws over the imported alternatives, and hope they are inspired to grow more, whether it’s a single pot on the windowsill or a row of carrots in the allotment.
A MORE SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO US AND OUR CUSTOMERS. COULD YOU TELL US WHAT YOU DO TO APPROACH YOUR BUSINESS IN A MORE SUSTAINABLE WAY?
We source sustainable materials locally, we employ local staff and we use recycled and recyclable materials and packaging. We reduce our environmental impact as much as commercially possible in every business decision we make.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS FOR THE NEAR FUTURE TO INCREASE YOUR SUSTAINABILITY EVEN FURTHER?
We are always continuing to improve our environmental commitment through our infrastructure, logistics and processes, but we are also signing up for 1% for the planet & maybe B-Corporation. Ideally I want to plant a tree for every can we sell, but that is still in the pipeline.
IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE ONLY ONE OF YOUR PRODUCTS TO USE FOREVER, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE?
For my garden, it has to be 'The Warley Fall - Two Gallon' it offers the ultimate balance and long reach, as well as the range of rose accessories for every gardening requirements. For my home, 'The Rowley Ripple in Copper', especially after 5 years of oxidisation so that the copper has tarnished to a beautiful rustic mottled green that compliments my thrifty, dated interior.
