Kate Hills, founder of Make it British, in a UK garment factory This article explores the common reasons why brands might hesitate to manufacture locally and aims to debunk these myths, offering a fresh perspective on the untapped potential of UK manufacturing for clothing and textile brands. In an era where transparency in garment production is more crucial than ever, more brands than ever are thinking about manufacturing in the UK. I've been advocating for and spotlighting the benefits of local manufacturing for over a decade. With firsthand experience and a unparalleled knowledge of t ..read more

We need to talk about BooHoo, and what they have done to the garment making industry in Leicester… Buckle up, this is not a pleasant ride. At its peak, BooHoo was making 1.5 MILLION garments a week in Leicester. Yes, you did read that correctly! After some bad media exposure over the last few years, including: Garment workers in Leicester at factories used by BooHoo  being paid well below the minimum wage BooHoo using their own Leicester factory just to relabel imported goods as ‘made in UK’ Closing their Thurmaston Lane factory NOW the fast fashion retailer has abandoned Leicester and ..read more

Make it British has been championing UK manufacturing and local sourcing since 2011. As someone who has over 30 years experience as a designer and fashion buyer working with both local and global supply chains in the fashion industry, to me, making locally  makes sense. Here are some of the opportunities and challenges that I see for the industry over the next few years, and a wish list for what UK manufacturers and brands would like government to take action upon. Onshoring Opportunities Lower Carbon Footprint If we are to reach Net Zero targets we can’t be shipping, and worse flying, cl ..read more

L to R: Rachel Walker (LLUK), Kate Hills (Make it British), Tamara Cincik (Fashion Roundtable) On the 31st January 2024, Make it British, along with Fashion Roundtable, hosted an industry-focused roundtable discussion with Baroness Jane Bonham-Carter – the Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson for Culture Media and Sport, as well as the Liberal Democrat Creative Network and the Liberal Democrat DCMS Parliamentary Group.  Chaired by Fashion Roundtable’s CEO, Tamara Cincik, as well as Charles Brand, the Chair of the Liberal Democrat Creative Network, Make it British founder Kate Hills ga ..read more

If you’re looking to work with a UK manufacturer Make it British can help. I’ve been developing my network of UK manufacturing contacts for over 15 years, and maintaining these valuable relationships is a priority for me. This is why I am committed to making sure that only well-prepared and serious businesses are introduced to them. Here are the reasons why… Finding the perfect manufacturer is a matchmaking process Finding the manufacturer that’s right for your brand, is a bit like finding a partner. What works for someone else might not necessarily be right for you. When I matchmake brands wi ..read more

In the world of clothing, various studies have shown that a “Made in the UK” label can be of great value to a brand. It symbolises quality, craftsmanship, and a commitment to ethical practices. However, recent events at BooHoo have cast a dark shadow over what constitutes “Made in UK” and brought British manufacturing into disrepute. ‘Made in UK’ Controversy Recent news has exposed BooHoo as secretly relabelling clothes from overseas as “Made in the UK.”  BooHoo’s sneaky scheme involved importing garments and then allegedly printing on them in the UK, and claiming that they were made here ..read more

If you’re a small business that makes in the UK, have you thought about selling your products on pre-order? More and more small businesses are now operating on a pre-order basis because it not only helps with cash flow, but saves on waste because you are not making more than you can sell. And it works particularly well if you are making locally or manufacturing your products in house. This article covers how to adopt a pre-order sales strategy and common pitfalls to avoid, along with the case studies of three brands that are doing it well. Pre-order versus made-to-order – what’s the differenc ..read more

In this video I answer the question ‘What funds should I put aside for production costs? And how long should I allow from order to completion on average? This video is a snippet taken from a taster coaching Q&A session for my British Brand Accelerator programme. If you’re looking to launch or grow a British-made brand, and want tailored advice in a supportive group with 1-2-1 support, find out more here. Key Takeaways: What Funds Should I Put Aside For Production Costs? Before considering production costs, it’s essential to factor in sampling costs. Manufacturers typically charge abou ..read more

Make it British is looking for a part-time Community Manager Are you an outgoing and organised person with a passion for building meaningful connections? Do you want to work part-time in a flexible role with a small and agile team? Would you thrive in fostering a vibrant online community that feels like a big, happy family? At Make it British our mission is to support small businesses that manufacture in the UK. Our platform has been working with British brands and UK manufacturers since 2011, through a membership, online marketing, digital courses, mentoring and live events. The primary focus ..read more

Make it British is looking for a Marketing & Design Executive – could it be you? Are you an enthusiastic person who delights in creating engaging imagery and wonderful words? Do you want to work part-time in a flexible role with a small and agile team? Would you love to use your skills to help UK manufacturing thrive? At Make it British our mission is to support small businesses that manufacture in the UK. Our platform has been working with British brands and UK manufacturers since 2011, through online marketing, digital courses, mentoring and live events. The primary focus of the Marketin ..read more