Boom time for the babies’ Rolls-Royce

Silver Cross, which makes its Balmoral prams near Keighley, says its heritage has helped to make it a leading UK brand.

Company chairman Alan Halsall said: “The prams made by Silver Cross today are the product of 133 years of great British design and engineering.

“The Silver Cross Balmoral is the only pram to still be manufactured in the UK today and the ride for babies in the Balmoral is quite simply the best ride any baby could wish for,” he said.

The British-owned firm opened a flagship store in Hong Kong in October 2012 in response to interest from the market in Asia.

Mr Halsall added: “The last 10 years especially have seen an introduction of many new lines with a focus on design and style whilst ensuring quality is always of the utmost importance.”

While Silver Cross does not disclose which public figures have bought prams, it says the company is “delighted that celebrities and royalty have chosen Silver Cross for their babies throughout the years”.

All Balmoral prams are handmade in the firm’s factory near Keighley and about 600 are made every year.

Mr Halsall said: “Silver Cross could sell many more Balmorals than are manufactured, but 
Silver Cross will never let this iconic pram be anything other than an exclusive work of craftsmanship.

“I am proud that Silver Cross remains a truly British business.”

Silver Cross’s history dates back to 1877 when the company was founded in Leeds by inventor William Wilson, who took the company name from Silver Cross Street, where his workshops were based.

The idea was based on the needs of his own children and in the company’s 130 year history about 10 million parents have opted to buy Silver Cross products.