The jigsaw firm whose success is no puzzle

BASED in deepest Derbyshire a family-run company that has been going for three generations is the last British manufacturer of hand-cut wooden jigsaws.

- By Richard Ashmore

Just Jigsaws Ltd was established in 1973 and makes more than 5,000 puzzles each week, exporting more than 50% of them abroad.

As part of the Daily Express Buy British campaign, we are unashamedly championing UK-based firms, which are the lifeblood of entrepreneurial spirit in this country.

Just Jigsaws could not be a better example. The materials it uses to make its products are all sourced and manufactured in England.

Most come from within 50 miles of the factory in Alfreton.

John Trowsdale, 30, is the director, having taken over from his parents Tony and Vanessa, who followed in the footsteps of his grandfather and grandmother, John and Jackie. In the 1970s, John Snr broke the world record for the biggest jigsaw puzzle. His creation measured 6.3m x 3.15m, with all 32,000 pieces being cut by hand.

As well as wooden jigsaws, the company makes peg boards and other educational products, which are sold in countries like Canada, Australia, Norway and Denmark.