Make it British Podcast

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 names—and what to do instead. RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED: * Join Get Set for Manufacturing [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/get-set-for-manufacturing/?utm_campaign=Get-Set&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=podcast_shownotes]: In just 4 weeks, learn exactly how to get your products made in the UK and find your perfect manufacturing partner.

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 [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/102-how-does-a-textile-mill-thrive-in-2020-david-collinge-john-spencer-textiles/] Episode 005 - Keith Hanshaw | The Leather Satchel Company [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/006-keith-hanshaw-the-leather-satchel-co-the-joy-of-manufacturing-2/] Episode 088 - Chris Woodford | Crown Northampton [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/088-a-visit-to-a-footwear-factory-crown-northampton-2/] Episode 193 - Ian Maclean | John Smedley MBE [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/193-from-the-archive-running-the-oldest-factory-in-the-uk-ian-maclean-mbe-john-smedley] Episode 55 - Lance Mitchell | Mitchell Interflex [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/055-lance-mitchell-mitchell-interflex-the-future-of-the-uk-woven-textile-industry-2/] Episode 113 - Ruth Masson | Harris Tweed [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/113-the-history-of-harris-tweed-ruth-masson-harris-tweed-hebrides/] Episode 290 - Christopher Nieper | David Nieper OBE [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/290-from-the-archive-why-uk-manufacturing-is-more-sustainable-with-christopher-nieper-obe/] Episode 96 - Richard Ince | Ince Umbrellas [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/096-a-visit-to-an-umbrella-factory-richard-ince-james-ince-sons-2/] Episode 004 - Jo Ashburner-Farr | Red Dragon Flagmakers [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/004-jo-ashburner-farr-red-dragon-flagmakers-flying-the-flag-for-made-in-britain/] Episode 254 - Chris Childs | Contrado [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/] Episode 21 - Jenny Holloway | Fashion Enter [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/021-jenny-holloway-fashion-enter-what-ive-learnt-from-running-a-clothing-factory-2/] Episode 31 - Mick Cheema | Basic Premier [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/031-mick-cheema-basic-premier-life-as-an-ethical-clothing-manufacturer-in-leicester-2/] Episode 299 - A visit to Vagabond bags with Simon Michelson [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/298-a-visit-to-vagabond-bags/] Episode 118 - David Williams | Stoll GB [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/118-supplying-the-uk-knitwear-industry-david-williams-knit-design-centre/] Episode 203 - Saed Saleh | Mars Knitwear [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/203-30-years-of-knitwear-manufacturing-in-leicester-with-mars-knitwear/] Episode 060 - Diana Kakkar | Maes London [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/060-diana-kakkar-maes-london-high-end-product-development-in-the-fashion-industry-2/] Episode 252 - Maxine Wells | Intimate Apparel Samples [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/252-developing-intimates-and-lingerie-for-independent-brands/] Episode 080 - Mustafa Fuat | Gosha London [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/080-mustafa-fuat-gosha-london-behind-the-scenes-of-a-high-end-garment-manufacturer-2/] Episode 054 - Peter Philips | Abbey England [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/054-peter-philips-abbey-england-growing-the-uk-leather-and-saddlery-industry-2/] Episode 292 - David Courtney | Courtney & Co [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/makeitbritishpodcast/292-reviving-the-uk-button-making-industry-with-courtney-co-button-makers/] This episode also marks the final episode of series 6. I'll be taking a break from podcasting for a while. Whilst there won't be making any new episodes for you to listen to, there are over 150 hours of previous episodes to catch up and re-listen to. HANDY LINKS British Brand Accelerator [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/british-brand-accelerator/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=podcast_shownotes] - Work closely with me to start or grow your UK-made brand. Newsletter [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/newsletter-sign-up/] - Subscribe for a weekly dose of inspiration and advice on making in the UK Make it British Website [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@MakeitBritishLtd] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/makeitbritish] Mentioned in this episode: British Brand Accelerator [https://makeitbritish.captivate.fm/british-brand-accelerator]

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 [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/british-brand-accelerator/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=podcast_shownotes] - Work closely with me to start or grow your UK-made brand. Newsletter [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/newsletter-sign-up/] - Subscribe for a weekly dose of inspiration and advice on making in the UK Make it British Website [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@MakeitBritishLtd] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/makeitbritish]

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 Cincik from think tank Fashion Roundtable Mustafa Fuat from Gosha London Diana Kakkar from Maes London Some of the keys points we discussed: * How the Matches collapse has impacted local manufacturers. * The financial instability of fashion brands. * Why the industry needs to be regulated. * How other countries support their local production. * How public procurement buying British could help the entire industry. * The grants and tax credits needed to make local production more affordable. * Why lobbying for changes in government policies is essential. * The need for STEAM education, putting creativity back on the curriculum. Watch the original Instagram live here [https://www.instagram.com/p/C76oGqaIFQs/]

The title says it all. Listen to find out what it is! HANDY LINKS British Brand Accelerator [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/british-brand-accelerator/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=podcast_shownotes] - Work closely with me to start or grow your UK-made brand. Newsletter [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/newsletter-sign-up/] - Subscribe for a weekly dose of inspiration and advice on making in the UK Make it British Website [https://makeitbritish.co.uk/] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@MakeitBritishLtd] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/makeitbritish]