Finding a UK manufacturer doesn’t have to be a challenge! In this bonus episode, I share the recording of my recent webinar, where I break down the 5 essential steps to finding your perfect manufacturing partner. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why manufacturers don’t respond to emails—and how to fix it. The biggest mistakes small businesses make when looking for a factory. How to prepare before reaching out to a manufacturer to save time and money. The 5 steps you need to follow to confidently approach the right manufacturing partner. Why finding a manufacturer isn’t just about Googling n ..read more

In this episode of the Make it British podcast, Karen McCluckie, the director of Bealies Adaptive Wear, shares her inspiring journey of creating adaptive clothing for wheelchair users and disabled individuals. Motivated by her son's disability and the lack of suitable clothing options in the market, Karen embarked on a mission to design stylish and functional joggers tailored to the needs of wheelchair users. From the initial idea to overcoming challenges and securing funding, Karen discusses the process of bringing her innovative designs to the market while juggling her role as a social worke ..read more

Welcome to episode 267 of the Make It British Podcast! In this episode, I share my recent experiences at the All Party Parliamentary Group for ethics and sustainability in fashion at the Houses of Parliament, organised by Fashion Roundtable. You can hear the full speech that I gave on the importance of localism, transparency, and ethical practices in the fashion industry. In which I highlighted the challenges faced by UK manufacturers, the need for skilled workers, and the potential for a thriving local manufacturing supply chain. You'll gain insight into the current British manufacturing land ..read more

Welcome to episode 300! Celebrating the 300th episode of this podcast I look back at some of the amazing guests that I've had on this show from the world of UK fashion and textile manufacturing. Manufacturers that have shared their stories, their challenges, and their successes with us. Episodes / Manufacturers featured in this episode: Episode 102 - David Collinge | John Spencer Textiles Episode 005 - Keith Hanshaw | The Leather Satchel Company Episode 088 - Chris Woodford | Crown Northampton Episode 193 - Ian Maclean | John Smedley MBE Episode 55 - Lance Mitchell | Mitchell Interflex Episode ..read more

In this episode I discuss some of the hidden costs of manufacturing, and offer tips on how to avoid them. Whether you're starting a new brand, or growing an existing one, there's typically five common areas where costs can spiral out of control, but the good thing is, they are all easily avoidable. Topics covered in this episode: The five hidden costs in UK manufacturing and how to avoid them How you can minimise sample costs Why it's easy to overspend on raw materials How to avoid buying too much stock Why making in the UK eliminates some of your logistics costs Resources mentioned in this ..read more

Join me on a tour round a factory! In this episode I'm chatting with Simon Michelson, owner of Vagabond Bags, a sewing factory in Swindon that makes cosmetic bags, shower caps and hot water bottle covers. Meet some of the people working in the factory, hear about the jobs they do and find out how many shower hats one person can make in a day. Spoiler - it's quite a lot! HANDY LINKS British Brand Accelerator - Work closely with me to start or grow your UK-made brand. Newsletter - Subscribe for a weekly dose of inspiration and advice on making in the UK Make it British Website YouTube Instagram ..read more

I'm joined today by 3 amazing people that work tirelessly in the UK fashion and textile industry. You may have seen in the press recently that several high profile brands have been affected by the close of Matches, but did you know about the knock on affect that has had on the UK manufacturers? I also heard yesterday the sad news that the Mackintosh factory in Lancashire is closing. What the heck is going on? So I went live on Instagram with 3 special guests to discuss the topic, and this episode is your opportunity to hear the full discussion if you missed the live. My guests are: Tamara Cinc ..read more

The title says it all. Listen to find out what it is! HANDY LINKS British Brand Accelerator - Work closely with me to start or grow your UK-made brand. Newsletter - Subscribe for a weekly dose of inspiration and advice on making in the UK Make it British Website YouTube Instagram ..read more

Join me on a visit to KC Manufacturing (previously Kalopsia Collective) in Dumferline, Scotland to meet with husband and wife team Adam Robertson and Nina Falk. KC Manufacturing is a social enterprise specialising in small batch manufacturing. Discover: How Adam & Nina met and ended up setting up their business. What it's like to run a factory together as husband and wife. Why 'made in Scotland' is so important. How KC Manufacturing are supporting other UK textile firms. The challenges of working with deadstock materials. Where Adam & Nina got the funding to set up their factory. How ..read more

Regular listeners to this podcast will know that I am all about encouraging brands to manufacture locally. But in some cases, it might not make good sense to do so. In this episode I explain the 4 reasons why you might NOT want to make in the UK. Want my advice on whether your product should or could be made here? Reach out to my with a direct message on Instagram @makeitbritish here HANDY LINKS British Brand Accelerator - Work closely with me to start or grow your UK-made brand. Newsletter - Subscribe for a weekly dose of inspiration and advice on. making in the UK Make it British Website You ..read more