THE LIFETIME GUARANTEE
When it comes to solid surface fabrication, BSF Solid Surfaces is one to watch. Through almost 26 years of development and previous knowledge of the market, the company has built its own solid surface empire.
Managing Director Nicola Barden provided insight into the company’s latest successes, during an in-depth interview with Inside Sustainability. Report by Imogen Ward.
Over the years, BSF Solid Surfaces has built a reputation unlike any other. The Brentwood-based expert has dedicated more than two decades to refining its craft, in order to provide customers with a top-quality solution that is hardwearing and long-lasting.
“100 per cent of our projects are made from solid surface, which is long-life and durable,” said Managing Director Nicola Barden. “It’s a material that can be sculptured or shaped to meet the vision of each of our clients and has been essential in developing our reputation for the cutting-edge.”
A solid background
BSF Solid Surfaces was born from a weekend away at a shopfitting fair in Las Vegas. The founders (David and Betty Bailey) already had substantial experience in using solid surfaces whilst running their own shopfitting business but wanted to know more about the product.
“My parents went to the conference with the intention of enjoying the experience, but without really expecting to get too much out of it,” explained Ms Barden. “They attended several seminars and were soon sold on the idea of solid surfaces. Whilst waiting for their return
flight home, they crafted a business plan and BSF was born.
“Who we are now doesn’t resemble where we began. Many products have come and gone, and my brother Paul and I have since taken over the reins from our parents who have retired from the business. It remains a family-run business, but it has evolved significantly through various development and investments.”
Today, the company has a wide-ranging portfolio of materials perfect for any commercial or residential space. From the durability of Corian, which is foodsafe and recyclable, to the natural look of Hi Macs with its stone-like appearance and antibacterial properties, BSF works with the best solutions on the market.
Thinking outside the box
During the past five years, BSF has acquired a new five-axis CNC machine and ALPHACAM software to boost its capabilities. The company also utilises MicroStation and AutoCAD when developing new designs for customers.
BSF Solid Surfaces Managing Director, Nicola Barden
“We like to remain ahead of the curve when it comes to industry developments to make sure we provide an unparalleled service,” commented Ms Barden. “One great example is thermoforming – which involves heat treating the solid surface until it can be manipulated to form curves When this technology first came to the market, we invested heavily into the technology: acquiring our own thermoform platen oven.
“Although there are now others on the market that offer this service, they don’t have the same experience, and we often end up taking on jobs that others fail to complete.”
This expertise has led to some rather unusual projects, including a propellor wall for Forbury Place in Reading, which was so successful it led to return custom from the client.
“Often when people think of solid surfaces their minds go to worktops, but actually we can create some amazing designs that really are a work of art,” said Ms Barden. “The Forbury Place project was a great example of what the material is truly capable of.”
Another brilliant example of solid surfaces in art was Molton Brown’s marble-effect ‘Faberge egg.’ The effect that wanted was not available, so BSF helped the company find an appropriate solution, resulting in the product being marbleised and lacquered after thermoforming took place.
Reduce, reuse, recycle
By design, solid surface is quite sustainable thanks to its durability and repairability. However, when end-users
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Managing Director, Nicola
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decide it no longer matches their aesthetic it can be hard to recycle. There are several players within the industry that are now offering methods to improve recyclability rates, and BSF is keeping a watchful eye on this area of the market.
In the meantime, all of BSF’s projects are completed with care and attention, whilst carefully avoiding any potential waste. The company makes sure to use only the required amounts of material for each project, and if any offcuts are created, they are either reused or resold.
“We have an ongoing partnership with Reutilize,” Ms Barden explained. “This is a website dedicated to diverting from landfill.”
BSF SOLID SURFACES I PROFILE
The company also plans to install a scraps box on its site where people can buy any remaining offcuts at a minimal cost. There are currently two parties interested in the development, and BSF is in discussions with them both.
This ethos reflects throughout BSF’s entire operation, with the company regularly investing in new measures to improve its environmental impact. From LED lighting and sensors to paper reduction, the company has covered all its bases to become greener.
When it comes to sustainability more broadly, another area hot on BSF’s mind is education. With 100% of its projects completed using solid surface, the company wants to make sure the material remains marketable.
“Our segment is fairly new, having only been around for around 45 years, yet there is still talk of attrition, which just doesn’t make sense,” said Ms Barden. “The problem lies in the younger age group, who have been almost completely ignored as a potential target audience. To overcome this, we have been visiting schools to highlight the opportunities in the industry and the true potential of solid surfaces.”
What next?
Naturally, the market continues to shift with the times, and colours often go in and out of fashion. BSF tracks the market for emerging trends and has noticed that terrazzo colours are gaining momentum. The company has also detected an increasing desire for bespoke colours,
which is an option that BSF can offer thanks to its suppliers.
“Our suppliers work hard to provide us with the exact colours that these clients desire,” commented Ms Barden. “And there’s an argument for sustainability in that, because if the clients are happy and they receive exactly what they want, then they are less likely to rip out the piece in a few years.”
As the company continues to adapt to new trends and developments, one certainty is BSF’s determination to grow.
“I want to see BSF expand and enter new markets because it will be great for our business,” explained Ms Barden, in conclusion. “More than anything though, I want to make sure this industry survives and thrives, it’s a sector that I believe strongly in, and there are a lot of people who rely on its success.
“Over the past 26 years, we have experienced it all – from recessions to technological advancement – and each time we have survived and thrived. We are dedicated to pushing forward the solid surface legacy to provide the world with top-quality sustainable surfaces.” n
