Make it British Podcast

Not all factories are created equal!And if you’re contacting 20 different manufacturers hoping one will say yes — you're doing it the hard way.In this episode of MANUFACTURING SOS, I’m talking about one of the most common mistakes I see when people start looking for a UK manufacturer: assuming every factory can make every kind of product.You’ll learn why factory specialisms matter, how MOQs and capacity make a difference, and what you actually need to look for when shortlisting a manufacturer.I’ll also share why I took down my free directory of UK manufacturers and the surprising truth about what manufacturers really said about being in it.▶️ Watch this episode on YouTubeListen now to find out:🏭 Why not every factory with a sewing machine is right for your product🧵 What kind of research you really need to do before reaching out🛑 The red flag that means a manufacturer isn’t a good fit🍷 What looking for a factory partner and choosing a wine having in common!Get a copy of my UK Manufacturers List▶️ Watch all 5 episodes of MANUFACTURING SOS on YouTube🚀 Ready to scale your UK-made brand? Apply for the British Brand Accelerator at makeitbritish.co.uk/apply

In this episode in the MANUFACTURING SOS series, I’m breaking down why placing a big order with your manufacturer, especially on your first production run with them, can be a costly mistake.You’ll learn why it’s always smarter to treat your first production run as a test, how to avoid tying up all your money in stock, and how to respond when a manufacturer insists on high MOQs.If you’re at the stage of placing your first order with a factory, or wondering how many units to start with, don’t miss this one.▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube🎧 Listen now to find out:📦 Why ordering big on your first run is rarely a good idea🧪 How to treat your first production like a product test👚 How to avoid ending up with stock you can’t sell⭐️ Why less really is more when you're building a UK-made brand🎧 Subscribe to the Make it British podcast so you don’t miss the rest of this special MANUFACTURING SOS seriesGet my Range Plan Template Here▶️ Watch the full series on YouTube🚀 Ready to scale your UK-made brand? Apply for the British Brand Accelerator at makeitbritish.co.uk/apply

Think tech packs are optional? Or that your manufacturer can just "sort it for you"?Think again.In this episode of Manufacturing SOS, I’m breaking down exactly what happens when you don’t have a proper tech pack, and why skipping this step is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make.You’ll learn why a tech pack is your blueprint, not just a boring admin task, and how trying to wing it will cost you more in sampling, quality control, and wasted materials.I’m also busting the myth that you need to spend thousands on a designer to create one – and showing you what to include (in plain English).Whether you’ve been told you don’t need one, or you’ve been avoiding it because it sounds too techy, this episode is your wake-up call.▶️ Watch this episode on YouTubeListen now to find out:🧵 What a tech pack actually is and why it matters💸 How skipping it costs you money, time, and control🧠 Why pay £100s to get one made📋 What to include in a tech pack (and how to keep it simple)🎧 Subscribe to the Make it British podcast so you don’t miss the rest of this special MANUFACTURING SOS seriesGet my Tech Pack Template Here▶️ Watch the full series on YouTube🚀 Ready to scale your UK-made brand? Apply for the British Brand Accelerator at makeitbritish.co.uk/apply

What UK Manufacturers Really Think When You Ask About PriceIf the first thing you ask a factory is “How much?” — you’re not alone.But it might explain why you’re not getting the response you hoped for.In this episode of Manufacturing SOS, I’m unpacking what actually happens when you lead with price, and why it’s one of the fastest ways to put off the best manufacturers.You’ll learn how to work backwards from a realistic retail price, how to spot when your margins just don’t add up, and what to do before you ever ask for a quote.You’ll also get a reality check on what it really costs to make something in the UK — and why bartering isn’t a strategy.If you want to be taken seriously by UK factories and avoid wasting everyone’s time (including your own), this episode is for you.▶️ Watch this video on YouTubeListen now to find out:💸 Why asking for price too soon makes you look unprepared🧮 How to calculate a realistic target cost price🧵 Why most founders get their garment costings completely wrong📉 What happens when you treat manufacturing like price shopping🔁 What to say to a factory instead of “how much is this to make?”🎧 Subscribe to the Make it British podcast so you don’t miss the rest of this special MANUFACTURING SOS series▶️ Watch the full series on YouTube🚀 Ready to scale your UK-made brand? Apply for the British Brand Accelerator at makeitbritish.co.uk/apply

If your inbox is full of unanswered emails to factories, it's not personal. It's a sign you're making critical mistakes that scream 'newbie'.In this first episode in this special series MANUFACTURING SOS I’m diving into one of the most common frustrations I hear from founders - that they've contacted manufacturers and no one got back to them.Sound familiar?Before you assume UK manufacturers are just ignoring you, you need to hear this.I’m sharing the real reasons factories hit delete, including vague enquiries, missing tech packs, and the one thing they’ll always check before replying to you.You’ll also hear a cautionary tale about what happens when you work with a so-called UK manufacturer that turns out to be a middleman. Spoiler: it nearly cost one founder £30k.If you want to stop wasting time and make sure you’re actually factory-ready, this episode is for you.▶️ Watch this episode on YouTubeListen now to find out:🚩 What red flags instantly tell a manufacturer you're not ready👻 The mistake that gets your enquiry ghosted 75% of the time💌 Why your email address and Instagram feed matter more than you think👬 How to avoid falling for middlemen posing as UK factories🤓 What to do before you ever send that first email🎧 Subscribe to the Make it British podcast so you don't miss the rest of this special MANUFACTURING SOS series.▶️ Watch the full series on YouTube🚀 Ready to scale your UK-made brand? Apply for the British Brand Accelerator at makeitbritish.co.uk/apply

Brand New Mini Series Coming Soon: Manufacturing SOSAfter a year-long hiatus, the Make It British Podcast is coming back!Series 7 is currently in the works, but while you wait, I’ve got something special for you…Introducing a brand new mini series called Manufacturing SOS.This special series is for anyone who’s starting or scaling a clothing, accessories or homeware brand and wants to get their products made in the UK without wasting time, money or losing their mind in the process.Each episode is short and straight to the point. And in my usual no-nonsense style, I’ll be breaking down the most common manufacturing mistakes I see brands make, and how to avoid them.These are the things I hear the same mistakes I hear again and again during the hundreds of conversations I’ve had with brand founders over the last few years. They’re also the things I know UK manufacturers wish more brands understood before they reached out.Some of the mistakes I’ll be sharing might already be painfully familiar. But hopefully by hearing them now, you’ll avoid making the same ones, and potentially save yourself thousands in the process.Whether you’ve:Contacted a factory and not heard backReceived disappointing samplesOr you’re doing your homework before you begin…This Manufacturing SOS series is for you.🎬 First episode drops very soon.Make sure you're subscribed to the Make It British podcast on your favourite podcast platform and to my YouTube channel if you’d prefer to watch the video version.🎓 Want my full step-by-step framework?If you're ready to get serious about developing and manufacturing your product in the UK, watch my FREE masterclass:The 3-Part Framework for Growing a Profitable UK-Made Brand👉 Get instant access at makeitbritish.co.uk/masterclass

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: In just 4 weeks, learn exactly how to get your products made in the UK and find your perfect manufacturing partner.Mentioned in this episode:British Brand Accelerator

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 TextilesEpisode 005 - Keith Hanshaw | The Leather Satchel CompanyEpisode 088 - Chris Woodford | Crown NorthamptonEpisode 193 - Ian Maclean | John Smedley MBEEpisode 55 - Lance Mitchell | Mitchell InterflexEpisode 113 - Ruth Masson | Harris TweedEpisode 290 - Christopher Nieper | David Nieper OBEEpisode 96 - Richard Ince | Ince UmbrellasEpisode 004 - Jo Ashburner-Farr | Red Dragon FlagmakersEpisode 254 - Chris Childs | ContradoEpisode 21 - Jenny Holloway | Fashion EnterEpisode 31 - Mick Cheema | Basic PremierEpisode 299 - A visit to Vagabond bags with Simon MichelsonEpisode 118 - David Williams | Stoll GBEpisode 203 - Saed Saleh | Mars KnitwearEpisode 060 - Diana Kakkar

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 LINKSBritish 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 UKMake it British WebsiteYouTubeInstagramMentioned in this episode:British Brand Accelerator

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 RoundtableMustafa Fuat from Gosha LondonDiana Kakkar from Maes LondonSome 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 hereMentioned in this episode:British Brand Accelerator

The title says it all. Listen to find out what it is!HANDY LINKSBritish 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 UKMake it British WebsiteYouTubeInstagramMentioned in this episode:British Brand Accelerator

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 they get young people to work in the industry.About KC ManufacturingKC Manufacturing websiteEpisode 51 - Small Batch Manufacturing with Adam Robertson, Kalopsia Collective.HANDY LINKSBritish 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 UKMake it British WebsiteYouTubeInstagramMentioned in this episode:British Brand Accelerator

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 hereHANDY LINKSBritish 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 UKMake it British WebsiteYouTubeInstagramMentioned in this episode:British Brand Accelerator

One of the questions that came up on one of our recent British Brand Accelerator group coaching calls was so good, I thought I'd bring it to you on the podcast this week.The question was about whether a small business that makes in the UK should be offering a discount when someone opts in to their newsletter, and whether this strategy works.It opened a whole discussion amongst the group about the pros and cons of discounting and other ideas for getting potential customers to sign up to your newsletter.So if you are wondering the same thing about discounting, this episode is for you!Sign up the the British Brand Accelerator waitlist here - www.makeitbritish.co.uk/waitlistMentioned in this episode:British Brand Accelerator

This week I’m bringing some very sad news - that the UK’s only cotton spinning mill, English Fine Cottons, which brought cotton spinning back to Greater Manchester in 2018, has very sadly gone into administration.In case you don’t know about the history of English Fine Cottons, it was set up by the technical textile spinners Culimeta-Saveguard, who invested £4.8m of its own money, £2m of which was a loan from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, to regenerate a former Victorian cotton mill and install new technology to create luxury yarn. A further £1m was awarded as a grant by the N Brown Textile Growth Programme.English Fine Cottons was the start of something very exciting in UK manufacturing, and for this to have happened is tragic. The collapse into administration is caused by the parent group Culimeta-Saveguard going down, and unfortunately that has taken the cotton spinning down with it. Something needs to be done to save our only cotton spinning mill, otherwise this is history repeating itself.So today's episode is a remastered version of a visit that I did to English Fine Cottons in 2019, along with an interview with Andy Ogden, who was the general manager at the time.Mentioned in this episode:British Brand Accelerator

Today's guests are Andrea and David Courtney from Courtney & Co buttonmakersBack in 2012 I was contacted by someone who was trying to save the UK’s last remaining horn button maker - Grove & Sons. He was looking for investors to buy up the machinery and pattern books from the business so that the art of natural button making in the UK was not lost.Well it turns out that the investor that this guy eventually found was someone called David Courtney, who saw an ad to buy the machinery and patterns, and decided that he wanted to help.But things are never as easy as the seem, and this initial investment took David Courtney down a very long and winding path to bring button making back to the UK.Over a decade later and David Courtney now has an amazing button-making factory in the Cotswolds, with state of the art machinery, producing buttons from 3 different types of materials. He’s also enlisted his lovely wife Andrea to head the factory up, and they now supply the most beautiful buttons to brands and designers wanting an authentic UK-made button, still made using the original patterns that David saved from Grove & Sons.This interview was recorded onsite in their factory in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire, and Andrea and David recount the full tale of how Courtney & Co buttons got to where they are today.About Courtney & CoCourtney & Co WebsiteCourtney & Co on InstagramFURTHER RESOURCESQuiz: Are you ready to work with a UK factory? HANDY LINKSBritish Brand AcceleratorMake it British WebsiteYouTubeInstagramMentioned in this episode:British Brand Accelerator

This episode celebrates 15 years since I registered the domain makeitbritish.co.uk and busts some of the myths about UK manufacturing.You'll find out:Why I started Make it British and why I'm such a firm believer in UK manufacturing.The current UK manufacturing landscape.How the UK fashion and textile industry is made up of 1,000s of micro factories.How many garment factories there really are in the UK.The benefits of making in the UK.And why supply on demand is best done locally.To see the video recording of this talk, go to makeitbritish.co.uk/microfactoriesWant to work together? Fill in this form so I can find out more about your business goals, and I'll get back to you with ways I can help.Mentioned in this episode:British Brand Accelerator

Christopher Nieper OBE is the managing director of David Nieper, a womenswear business in Alfreton in Derbyshire. The firm was set up by Christopher's parents sixty years ago and is now one of the most vertical textile operations in the UK. Christopher recently invested in state-of-the-art digital printing equipment so that the factory can print it's own fabric onsite. David Nieper already prints all their own catalogues and produce their own knitwear in house, alongside the garment production.In this episode you can hear about the research Christopher commissioned from Nottingham university looking at the greenhouse gas emissions produced to make clothing at the David Nieper factory in Derbyshire. The study then compared these findings to the emissions produced by making garments in China, Turkey and Bangladesh and then shipping them to the UK. It makes for very interesting insights into how making in the UK can be quantified as more sustainable. A big advocate for slow fashion, Christopher has also found that his customers keep and wear his clothes 10 times longer than average. Listen to this episode to discover: How the David Nieper factory uses 'just-in-time' manufacturing to achieve a 98% sell-through on their garmentsChristopher's plans to make the David Nieper factory the greenest factory in Europe, recovering the heat generated by the factory to use as renewable energyHow he's changing the attitudes of young people in his local town by giving them a taste of what it's like inside a real manufacturing environmentThe charity that the business has set up to help rebuild a local secondary school that was in the bottom 2% of schools in the UK and make it over-subscribed for the first time in 30 yearsChristopher's idea for a labelling scheme for clothing that ranks the environmental sustainability of every garmentThis episode is the recording of a talk that Christopher did at Make it British Live! Online event in October 2020.About David NieperWatch my Instagram reel showing behind the scenes at the David Nieper factory.David Nieper website Stay in TouchBritish Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brandMake it British websiteMentioned in this episode:British Brand Accelerator

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 worker.With a commitment to UK manufacturing and a vision for expanding her product range, Karen's story highlights the power of innovation and determination in creating inclusive fashion solutions.About Caron McCluckieCaron on LinkedinBealies Adaptivewear WebsiteMentioned in this episode:British Brand Accelerator

This week I’ve been in the Midlands visiting factories, which is always one of my favourite things to do.I’d planned to take my podcast mic with me and get an episode to you today with an interview with one of the manufacturers, but sadly I was in such a rush when I set off early Sunday morning that I left my mic behind!So on today’s episode instead I'm discussing one of the amazing factories I went to see, and also sharing a recording from the archives - which is to encourage you to get out there and visit factories yourself!Mentioned in this episode:British Brand Accelerator