Helston staircase firm opens its doors for Manufacturing Day

There is something almost hypnotic about looking straight down a spiral staircase, the treads fanning out like a compass rose, timber and steel curling away into the floor below. That kind of craftsmanship, built by hand in Cornwall, is what visitors will get to see up close later this month.

Spiral UK is opening its doors as part of National Manufacturing Day, inviting schools, colleges, suppliers and local communities to look inside manufacturing businesses and see what the sector actually involves.

What’s happening on the day

National Manufacturing Day takes place on Thursday 24 September 2026. Companies across the UK are opening up so visitors can see the technology, processes and people behind modern manufacturing, and explore the range of careers on offer across the sector.

Spiral UK, headquartered in Helston, has been manufacturing bespoke staircases in Cornwall for more than 40 years, and is taking part to give the local community a look at what happens on its own doorstep.

Andrew Holland, CEO of Spiral UK, said:

“We’re proud to open our doors for National Manufacturing Day and welcome the local community here in Cornwall. It’s a great opportunity to showcase the craftsmanship, technology and people behind every staircase we design, manufacture and install.”

More than one route into the business

Spiral UK is employee-owned, and Andrew is keen to show that a career there covers far more than the production floor.

“As a growing, employee-owned business, we’re always looking for talented individuals to join us. From designers and engineers to roles in production, sales, finance, HR, IT and beyond. Manufacturing offers a wide range of rewarding career paths, and we’re keen to highlight just how diverse those opportunities are.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors, connecting with future talent and showing people what a career in bespoke staircase manufacturing can offer.”

The open day is aimed at everyone from students still weighing up subject choices, through to school leavers and professionals considering a change of direction.

A national event, a local invitation

Manufacturing in the UK spans everything from aerospace and automotive to food and drink, defence and pharmaceuticals, and National Manufacturing Day is designed to show just how wide that range of manufacturing businesses really is.

Stephen Phipson CBE, CEO of Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation, said:

“National Manufacturing Day continues to grow year on year, bringing together the diverse sector I’m proud to represent to celebrate the innovation British manufacturers deliver every day and the wide range of careers on offer across the UK.

“Our industry is at the forefront of advanced technology and cutting-edge innovation, and this year’s event is a great opportunity for people of all ages to see first-hand what a modern manufacturing career really looks like. It’s a high-value, high-skilled sector with opportunities for everyone. I began my own career as an apprentice engineer, and it’s a path I’ve never once regretted.”

More information on National Manufacturing Day is available via Make UK.

For Spiral UK, the invitation is a simple one: come and see what forty years of staircase-making in Helston actually looks like, from the drawing board to the finished spiral.

📷Venton Gassic, St Just in Roseland spiral staircase for Spiral UK. Andrew and Alison Robinson [email protected] Contact number: 07973 190504 Venton Gassic St. Just in Roseland Cornwall TR2 5HY