Marks & Spencer archive is recognised as one of best in the country

THE MARKS & Spencer company archive has been named one of the UK’s best – just six years after opening its doors to the public.

The exhibition, at the University of Leeds’s Michael Marks building, has been given the coveted Archive Service Accreditation, making it in the top five per cent of all archives in the UK and the first ever retailer to achieve such a standard.

National Archives assessors were impressed with the stronger links formed between the archive – which houses more than 71,000 historic items – and the community and collaborative work with partners including the University of Leeds.

Bruce Jackson, the chairman of the Archive Service Accreditation Committee, said: “The service exemplifies how a business archive can balance outreach and engagement with corporate goals, and the archive team deserve congratulations on their success and achievements.”

The M&S Company Archive welcomes 17,000 visitors a year and charts the development of M&S from its beginnings as a Penny Bazaar market stall at Kirkgate Market in Leeds to national high-street retailer.

M&S company archivist, Katharine Carter, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised as one of the top archives in the country. M&S has such a rich heritage, particularly in its hometown of Leeds, so it’s fantastic to be able to share and utilise that in such a positive way.

“Whether that’s working with the wider business to develop innovative new products, supporting learning and development with students and schoolchildren, or engaging with local community groups and visitors to the public exhibition, we take great pride in playing our part.”