York Handmade Brick has been producing bricks, tiles, balustrades, arches and special orders for over 70 years. Based in in Alne, just north of York, they specialize in using very modern technique to produce the effect of old-school brick. They plunked 26,000 bricks down to restore a Victorian garden at Broughton Hall, near Skipton, and made it all blend totally seamlessly. So if you're in a more elderly space that you want to update, they'se your guys.
Their terracotta tile has a lovely buttery light reflection that just encourages natural sun versus artificial electric glow. They also took the Ceramic Industry Pledge, which "is a health and safety initiative taken by the industry to improve the record of all companies in the health and safety field, not only in terms of accidents but also in terms of health and especially in employee involvement in the safe and healthy management of the workplace." [GT]
From: BEST OF 2008: Eco-friendy and sustainable shoes