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Kate Hills is on a one-woman mission to save UK manufacturing. In this podcast she shines the light on British brands and manufacturers, and goes behind the scenes of their businesses. With tips, hints and tricks to help you manufacture in the UK and buy British. Never has there been a more critical time to get behind 'made in Britain'.
- 442 - 295 - 4 Reasons NOT to Make in the UK
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
Fri, 03 May 2024 - 18min - 441 - 294 - Should you offer discounts to get people onto your mailing list?
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/waitlist
Fri, 12 Apr 2024 - 21min - 440 - 293 - Save English Fine Cottons
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.
Fri, 05 Apr 2024 - 44min - 439 - 292 – Reviving the UK Button Making Industry with Courtney & Co Button Makers
Today's guests are Andrea and David Courtney from Courtney & Co buttonmakers
Back 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 & Co
FURTHER RESOURCES
Quiz: Are you ready to work with a UK factory?
HANDY LINKS
Fri, 29 Mar 2024 - 31min - 438 - 291 - Micro Factories & Supply on Demand: UK Manufacturing at its Best
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/microfactories
Want 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.
FURTHER RESOURCES
Quiz: Are you ready to work with a UK factory?
HANDY LINKS
Fri, 22 Mar 2024 - 46min - 437 - 290 – From the archive: Why UK Manufacturing is More Sustainable with Christopher Nieper OBE
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 Nieper
Watch my Instagram reel showing behind the scenes at the David Nieper factory.
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Fri, 15 Mar 2024 - 36min - 436 - 289 – Creating Adaptive Clothing with Caron McLuckie from Bealies Adaptive Wear
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 McCluckie
Fri, 08 Mar 2024 - 30min - 435 - 288 – Why You Should Visit Your Factory
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!
Fri, 01 Mar 2024 - 15min - 434 - 287 – How To Sell Your Products
Today's episode is all about selling and sales, and how it's closely linked to product development.
A lot of creative business owners say that they aren't any good at selling, so the natural tendency is to drop their prices or default back to making more products.
I'm going to give you a different way of looking at sales, so that selling doesn't make you feel like a used car salesman.
Fri, 23 Feb 2024 - 12min - 433 - 286 – 21 Tips for Building a Great British Brand
Hear from 21 business founders as they give their tips on starting and growing a British-made brand.
These snippets were taken from 21 different guest interviews on this podcast.
If you want to listen to the full episodes you can find them as follows:
Ep.142 Julie Deane, Cambridge Satchel Company
Ep.076 Jack Millington, Billy Tannery
Ep.143 Kath Whitworth, Celtic & Co
Ep. 41 Paul Smithers, Halycon Blue
Ep 179 Rebecca J Mills
Ep 171 Rich Keegan & Linda Souto Maior, Usual Objections
Ep 23 Sian Reekie, Hettie Co
Ep 78 Katie Walker Furniture
Ep 27 Matt Booth, Both Barrells
Ep 139 Rachael Attwood, Britannical
Ep 108 Steff McGrath, Something Wicked
Ep 82 Joel, Chudleigh, Made to Last
Ep 96 Richard Ince, James Ince & Sons Umbrellas
Ep 120 Emma Willis
Ep 39 Genevieve Sweeney
Ep 129 Samanth Brooke, Waring Brooke
Ep 88 Chris Woodford, Crown Northampton
Ep 141 Emma Mathews, Socko
Ep 153 Gillian Tusting, Tusting
Ep 86 Pippa Dziubinski, The Little Art Collection
Ep 183 Brant Richards, HebTroCo
Here you will find a list of all of the episodes of this podcast, which you can filter by guest, subject and topic
So I hope that has inspired you to make in the UK if you aren’t already!
If you'd like to launch or grow a British-made brand, I'm here to help. Reach out to me via Instagram DM @makeitbritish or drop me an email and I will get back to you with ways that I can help.
HANDY LINKS
Mentioned in this episode:
Fri, 16 Feb 2024 - 23min - 432 - 285 – I Never Looked at Manufacturing Anywhere Else with Catherine Bedford, Dashel Cycle Helmets
On today’s episode I’m chatting with Catherine Bedford, founder of Dashel Cycle Helmets
Catherine had the idea for an innovative and stylish cycle helmet whilst watching the London 2012 Olympics. She set about creating her vision, and it took 5 years to develop and launch the Dashel helmet. All Dashel helmets are made in the UK, and in this episode Catherine talks about:
How she set about developing a new and innovative product.How she found factories to then make the helmetsSome of the safety testing that bike helmets have to go through. How she got PR and found stockists when she first launched.How she got her first stockists.And how the bike industry has been affected by Brexit.Mentioned in this episode:
Fri, 09 Feb 2024 - 35min - 431 - 284 – Repair Is The New Cool with Thami Schweichler, United Repair Centre
Welcome to Episode no.284!
Circularity is the buzzword on everyone's lips right now. It's no wonder, when you hear that 350,000 tonnes of clothing goes to landfill in the UK every year. Something needs to be done to stop the mass-consumption that the UK in particularly seems to be pretty bad at!
The United Repair Centre, a collaboration between outdoor brand Patagonia, social enterprise Makers Unite, and the Amsterdam Economic Board, is a much needed resource for the clothing industry. And they've opened one up in London!
On this episode I chat with one of the United Repair Centre co-founders, Thami Schweichler.
We chat about how the URC repair process has combined technology with sewing skills to make repair and circularity available to all, and how any brand can get involved in offering a repair service to their customers.
ABOUT UNITED REPAIR CENTRE
United Repair Centre Instagram
HANDY LINKS
British Brand Accelerator - My mentoring programme
Kate's Sunday Journal - My newsletter
Mentioned in this episode:
Fri, 02 Feb 2024 - 34min - 430 - 283 – Tackling Textile Waste as a Slow Fashion Designer with Lydia Bolton
Today's guest is Lydia Bolton, a slow fashion designer tackling textile waste by upcycling unwanted fabrics and garments and turning them into one-off pieces.
As well as having her own label, Lydia also teaches others how to upcycle with workshops that she runs and in her partnerships with big brands such as Lidl, Nike, Adidas and Lime bikes.
We chat about:
How Lydia started out in fashion and textiles and where she learnt to sew.The challenges of upcycling and making one-off pieces.Where she sources her raw materials from and how deadstock can be a misleading term.Her decision to only rent and not sell her garments going forward.How she collaborates with big brands to spread the word about upcycling.How she is teaching people to sew with her upcycling workshops.ABOUT LYDIA BOLTON
HANDY LINKS
Fri, 26 Jan 2024 - 36min - 429 - FAQ: Where’s The Best Place To Source Fabrics?
How to find fabrics, leathers and other raw materials for your brand, and avoid the most common mistake that many people make when sourcing fabric.
FURTHER RESOURCES
UK Fabric Mills on the Make it British website
HANDY LINKS
Fri, 19 Jan 2024 - 08min - 428 - FAQ: How Many Factories Should I Sample WIth?
Sampling with UK manufacturers can be quite a different ball game to sampling with manufacturers overseas. Here's why you might not want to sample with lots of different factories.
FURTHER RESOURCES
Quiz: Are you ready to work with a UK factory?
HANDY LINKS
Thu, 18 Jan 2024 - 06min - 427 - FAQ: Do I Really Need To Provide The Factory With A Tech Pack?
Tempted to skip this step? Find out why that might be a bad idea, and how having a tech pack can save you money in the long run.
FURTHER RESOURCES
Quiz: Are you ready to work with a UK factory?
HANDY LINKS
Wed, 17 Jan 2024 - 05min - 426 - FAQ: Should I Get My Manufacturer To Sign An NDA?Tue, 16 Jan 2024 - 05min
- 425 - FAQ: How Do I Approach A Manufacturer?
What are the secrets to getting a response from a manufacturer when you reach out to them? I explain how to word your approach and why you might not be getting a response.
FURTHER RESOURCES
How to get manufacturers to respond to your emails
Why manufacturers aren't getting back to your emails
HANDY LINKS
Mon, 15 Jan 2024 - 06min - 424 - FAQ: How Much Does It Cost To Start A Brand?
What are the main costs that you will incur to start a brand, and how can you save money by making your product in the UK?
FURTHER RESOURCES
25 Hidden Costs of Starting a Brand
How Much Does it Cost to Start a UK-Made Fashion Brand?
HANDY LINKS
Fri, 12 Jan 2024 - 06min - 423 - FAQ: How Do I Find The Right Manufacturer For My Brand?
Discover the best ways to the ideal UK manufacturers for your brand, and how to ensure that they get back to you every time.
FURTHER RESOURCES
Make it British Manufacturer Directory
5 Steps to Finding a UK Manufacturer
HANDY LINKS
Thu, 11 Jan 2024 - 08min - 422 - FAQ: Can A Manufacturer Source My Fabric For Me?
You might think that having the factory source your fabric for you sounds like the easiest option, but that's not always the case.
In this episode I explain what your options are when it comes to fabric sourcing, and why many UK clothing manufacturers operate on what is known as a CMT basis.
FURTHER RESOURCES
CMT or Full Service Manufacturer: What's the difference?
5 Steps to Finding a UK Manufacturer
HANDY LINKS
Wed, 10 Jan 2024 - 06min - 421 - FAQ: How long does it take to launch a brand?
Find out how long on average it might take to launch a brand and what the main variables are that will affect it.
FURTHER RESOURCES
5 Steps to Finding a UK Manufacturer
HANDY LINKS
Tue, 09 Jan 2024 - 05min - 420 - FAQ: How Do I Go From Idea To Prototype?
Discover the essential steps to turn your idea into a successful prototype.
Get practical advice on how to bring your concept to life efficiently and cost-effectively and how to common pitfalls.
FURTHER RESOURCES
5 Steps to Finding a UK Manufacturer
HANDY LINKS
Mon, 08 Jan 2024 - 07min - 419 - 272 - Happy New Year! What's coming in 2024?Fri, 05 Jan 2024 - 05min
- 418 - 271 – 3 Things I Learnt This Year
Hello and Welcome to Episode 271!
As 2023 draws to a close, and for my last podcast episode of the year, I reflect back on the 3 biggest lessons that I've learnt this year.
I also want to say a massive thank you to everyone that has listened to this podcast over the last 12 months. I cannot believe I am now at episode 271!
The Make it British Podcast will be back on 5th January 2024.
See you then!
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Plan Your Year - My annual planning workshop is the one thing you need to get your vision, goals, projects and tasks mapped out for 2024.
British Brand Accelerator - The best way to work with me in 2024. Apply now!
Reels Rockstars - The Instagram Reels course that I took that I highly recommend if you want to up your Instagram marketing next year.
HANDY LINKS
Fri, 22 Dec 2023 - 25min - 417 - 270 – Sustainability Insights for Small Businesses with Mark Shayler
Welcome to episode 270!
In this episode I'm chatting with the fascinating Mark Shayler about all things sustainability.
Mark is the author of You Can't Make Money From a Dead Planet, he consults with businesses big and small to help them do better when it comes to their environmental footprint, and he is one of the co founders of Reasons to be Cheerful, a platform for spreading good cheer and hope in a world that can sometimes feel bereft of both.
We discuss the environmental cost per wear of a garment; why wool is such a great fibre; which is better - recycled polyester versus cotton ( the answer may surprise you); and what other fibres we could be growing in the UK to be more regenerative.
About Mark Shayler
Mark is a sustainability consultant, author of You Can't Make Money From A Dead Plant, and one of the founders of publishing and events company Reasons to be Cheerful.
Buy Mark's Book - You Can't Make Money From A Dead Planet
HANDY LINKS
Fri, 08 Dec 2023 - 1h 04min - 416 - 269 – Stop Winging it & Have Your Best Year Ever!
Hello and welcome to episode 269 of the Make it British podcast!
At the time of recording this we are just a month away from the start of 2024, and that can only mean one thing - time to start planning!
If that idea fills you with dread, because you are a 'wing it and see' type of person, maybe next year needs to start a little differently.
In this episode I give you tips on how to stop winging it and start planning.
And if you need someone to hold you accountable to making that plan, I have an offer for you.
I am hosting my ever-popular online planning party very soon. It’s my Plan Your Year workshop, and you’re invited!
In this pre-Christmas online workshop, we'll get goals set, projects planned and tasks mapped out for your coming year.
I’ll be showing you how to make planning easy and fun, and you’ll walk away with a completed plan of action for the coming year.
Sound good?
If you want to join us, you can secure your spot by going to makeitbritish.co.uk/planyouryear
Everyone with a ticket will also receive the recording and a special workbook.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Plan Your Year- My Online Planning Party
HANDY LINKS
Mentioned in this episode:
Fri, 01 Dec 2023 - 10min - 415 - 268 – From Start-Up to Export Champion with Laura Ward from Exeat
Welcome to Episode 268 of the Make it British Podcast!
In this episode, I am joined by Laura Ward, founder of the luxury British tennis brand Exeat.
Exeat is the UK's most exported luxury tennis apparel brand, and Laura herself is the winner of many awards, including Global Startup of the Year. She's also one of the government's UK export champions, and the brand has been feature in Vogue, Forbes, The Financial Times, and Vanity Fair.
In this episode, she's going to give you tips on how to export your brand globally and how she's managed to get such amazing press in such a short space of time.
ABOUT EXEAT
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Made in the UK, Sold to the World
HANDY LINKS
British Brand Accelerator - Apply now to work with me to launch or grow your British-made brand.
Mentioned in this episode:
Fri, 24 Nov 2023 - 40min - 414 - 267 – Insights from my Houses of Parliament meeting with the APPG for Ethics and Sustainability in Fashion
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 landscape and discover how small businesses are leading the way in ethical and sustainable production.
The meeting was chaired by John McNally MP and the secretariat for the APPG is Fashion Roundtable, led by Tamara Cincik.
The other speakers were:
Mary Creagh CBE - Chair of the Ethical Trading Initiative, Former MP and Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee.Patrick Grant - Founder of Community Clothing and presenter on The Great British Sewing Bee.Professor Dilys Williams - Fashion Roundtable Board Member and Director of Centre for Sustainable Fashion.Sam Ludlow-Taylor - Head of Human Rights at John Lewis.Anna Bryher - Policy Lead at Labour Behind the LabelWatch the Speech on YouTube here
HANDY LINKS
Mentioned in this episode:
Fri, 17 Nov 2023 - 28min - 413 - 266 – The Business-Transforming Benefits of Investing in Yourself
Welcome to Episode 266 of the Make it British Podcast!
In this episode I discuss how and why investing in your own personal development can dramatically transform your business. I share insights from my own personal development journey and provide valuable advice on how investing in yourself can make a massive difference to your business growth.
We'll explore the risks of not investing in yourself, and the importance of matching your personal development with your business goals. Plus, I'll share some practical tips on how to make time for self-investment, even if you are super-busy.
HANDY LINKS
Mentioned in this episode:
Fri, 10 Nov 2023 - 30min - 412 - 265 - Mastering the Art of Selling at Pop-ups with Pip Chawner, Philippa London
Welcome to Episode 265 of the Make it British Podcast!
In this episode I'm chatting with Pip Chawner, who is the founder of womenswear brand Philippa London.
Pip has got some fantastic tips to share about her experiences of setting up her brand; some of the challenges she's had along the way, including a bit of a tricky experience with a manufacturer in India; and how she has had great success selling her products at pop-ups and live events.
So if you've ever thought about doing a live event, but you're a little bit nervous about how to do it and how to sell at these events, then Pip has got some great advice for you.
ABOUT PIP CHAWNER
Pip Chawner is the founder of Philippa London, a luxury brand, sustainably and ethically sourced within the UK.
Pip previously worked for many years in sourcing and production for Nichole Farhi, French Connection and Gap Inc in London and San Francisco.
HANDY LINKS
Mentioned in this episode:
Fri, 03 Nov 2023 - 37min - 411 - 264 – 12 Manufacturer Red Flags and How to Avoid Them
Welcome to Episode 264 of the Make it British Podcast!
What are the red flags to watch out for when searching for a manufacturer, particularly if you're starting your search on Google or another search engine?
From misleading claims of being a UK manufacturer to refusing to sign NDAs and the importance of visiting the factory floor. In this episode I provide valuable tips on how to spot these red flags and avoid potential pitfalls.
So join me as I uncover the secrets to finding a reliable manufacturer for your product, here on the Make it British Podcast!
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Checklist: 12 Questions to Ask a UK Manufacturer
HANDY LINKS
Fri, 27 Oct 2023 - 26min - 410 - 263 – The Joy of Partnering with UK Manufacturers with Clare Winton, Grow Wild Outdoorwear
Welcome to Episode 263 of the Make it British Podcast!
Today I'm chatting to Clare Winton from Grow Wild Outdoorwear, a new brand for women in pregnancy and the early stages of motherhood.
Clare had the idea to develop her maternity brand three years ago, and started, as many start-ups do, by searching Google to find a manufacturer. This led her to a frustrating two years trying to develop her collection in China.
She then stumbled across Make it British, and I introduced her to factories in the UK who she's been partnering with ever since.
Clare provides valuable advice on conducting customer research, navigating the challenges of garment production and the importance of face-to-face interactions with your manufacturer.
ABOUT CLARE WINTON
Clare Winton is the founder of Grow Wild Outdoorwear, a range of outdoor clothing and accessories for pregnancy and early motherhood.
After a semi-feral childhood growing up in West Ireland, she now lives in wild West Wales. She has spent 15 years working as a Quality Assurance Auditor, has a PhD in population genetics and is a volunteer trained Samaritans "Listener". Her outdoor passions include exploring local mountains and camping with her family.
Grow Wild Outdoorwear on Instagram
HANDY LINKS
Fri, 20 Oct 2023 - 41min - 409 - 262 – Nailing Your Pricing Strategy
Welcome to episode 262 of the Make it British Podcast!
In this episode, l explore the factors that go into setting the perfect price, from understanding your customer and competitors to considering the cost of alternatives.
Join me as we unravel the secrets behind pricing strategies for product-based businesses that make in the UK. Get ready to gain invaluable insights and advice to help you nail your pricing for once and for all!
HANDY LINKS
📺 YouTube
Mentioned in this episode:
Fri, 13 Oct 2023 - 20min - 408 - 261 - When is the Right Time to Make Big Changes in Your Business?
Welcome to episode 261 of the Make It British Podcast!
In this episode, you get the lowdown on why I ended up taking a 6 month break from podcasting. And why I've decided to make some big changes in my business.
There's also some valuable advice on knowing when it's time to make changes in your own business, and the questions you need to ask yourself before you do so.
HANDY LINKS
📺 YouTube
Mentioned in this episode:
Fri, 06 Oct 2023 - 27min - 407 - Series 6 Coming Soon!
Hello and welcome to Series 6 of the Make it British podcast.
After a 6 month break the Make it British Podcast is coming back! The first episode will be released on Friday 6th October 2023.
I have so much to fill you in on! Thanks to everyone that has requested more podcast episodes. It wasn't until I stopped doing them that I truly realised how much everyone loved and missed them.
A lot has changed at Make it British since I last recorded an episode of the podcast. And it's been so long since I recorded one that I almost forgot how to do it! But I've dusted the old mic off and will be bringing you an episode weekly (usually on a Friday) for the foreseeable future.
In the new series I'll be sharing tons of tips and advice for making in the UK, and getting into the nitty gritty of running a small business that is made in Britain. With lots of special guests who have been there, done it and are wearing the British-made T-shirt to prove it!
You'll also hear from UK manufacturers in the fashion and textile sector and there'll also be a few surprise guests from other sectors sharing useful advice that I think you'll want to hear.
Some of the episodes will also be recorded as videos and shared on my YouTube channel.
So if you want to make sure that you don't miss an episode, subscribe to the Make it British podcast in your favourite podcast app and also over on YouTube.
In the meantime, you can find a whole back catalogue of over 260 episodes of this podcast on my website at makeitbritish.co.uk/podcast or in the app that you are listening to this in now.
And if you want to contact me about anything you hear on the podcast please drop me an email to kate@katehills.me that way your message will go into my VIP folder.
Thank you so much for listening to this little trailer. And I look forward to bringing you series 6 of the Make it British podcast!
www.makeitbritish.co.uk
Tue, 03 Oct 2023 - 03min - 406 - 009 – How to Manufacture in the UK for Less
Do you think that manufacturing in the UK is more expensive?
In this episode I dispel some of the myths around making in the UK being more pricey. Quite often it's down to not WHERE you manufacture, but WHAT you manufacture.
Yes, the price of labour in the U.K. is higher than it is in many other countries, so products which are very labour intensive will have a higher cost price.
But when you compare the cost price of a product made overseas, are you comparing eggs with eggs?
There are lots of other factors to take into consideration, and if you do it right, making in the U.K. can be very cost effective.
You also have to ask yourself - if a manufacturer is TOO cheap, then why is that?
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 14 Dec 2018 - 15min - 405 - 008 – Bhavik Master, British Christmas Jumpers – How to Succeed with Seasonal Products
In this interview I chat with Bhavik Master, director at Leicester knitwear manufacturers Jackmasters and producers of British Christmas Jumpers
Did you know that £220 million of Christmas jumpers are sold every year? Many of them are produced in Leicester thanks to the ability of local factories such as Jackmasters to turn around seasonal product in as little as two weeks.
Discover
What it takes to make a successful seasonal productHow UK-made knitwear can be turned round for idea to finished product in just two weeksWhat goes into manufacturer a Christmas jumperHow a Christmas jumper went viral!Jackmasters knitwear manufacturing
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Tue, 11 Dec 2018 - 22min - 404 - 007 – The Best Place to Find a Manufacturer
Want to know the best place to find a UK Manufacturer?
In this episode I discuss how you can find a UK manufacturer. I believe the best way to find a manufacturer that’s right for you, and your specific product, is at a trade show.
Discover:
Why a UK manufacturer might not be responding to your emailsThe reason why I set up Make it British Live!The importance of meeting a manufacturer face-to-faceThe benefits of being able to see a manufacturer’s product in the fleshWhy attending a trade show can dramatically reduce your search timeThe amazing networking opportunities that a trade show can offerHow to prepare for a trade showDetails of the shows mentioned can be found at: makeitbritish.co.uk/007
Subscribe to this podcast – and support UK manufacturing
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 07 Dec 2018 - 16min - 403 - 006 – Keith Hanshaw, The Leather Satchel Co. – The Joy of Manufacturing
There’s a misconception that manufacturing is unpleasant and unwanted work. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Producing physical product can be incredibly satisfying and fulfilling. Listen to my interview with Keith Hanshaw from The Leather Satchel Co. to find out more about the joy of manufacturing
I had the pleasure of interviewing Keith Hanshaw, who works in his family's leather satchel business. Keith discusses the joy he finds in manufacturing - in creating something of value with skill and intelligence, and the pride that goes with that. And, how that joy and pride in the manufacturing process can form the foundation of a successful commercial business.
Discover
How his family business startedWhy craftsmanship is at the heart of everything his business doesHow the business survived the downturn in UK manufacturing in the 1990s and what turned it aroundHow he connects with his customers by sharing the processes and craft that goes into his productsThe benefits of selling direct to the customerWhy value is much more important than priceAbout Keith Hanshaw and The Leather Satchel Co.
Website: leathersatchel.com
More about the Leather Satchel Co. Story
Leather Satchel Co. shop at Albert Dock:19, Albert Dock Liverpool L3 4AD
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British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Tue, 04 Dec 2018 - 31min - 402 - 005 – So you want to manufacture in the UK?
There are so many benefits to having your product made in the UK. But, once you’ve made the decision to make here, how do you find the right manufacturer for you?
Whether you’re starting out with a new brand, or you’ve been making overseas and want to bring your production back to the UK, it can be difficult to know how to find the perfect UK manufacturer for your business.
In this episode I help you with some advice if you’re just starting out on your journey to look for a UK factory to work with. Chances are you’ve been looking in the wrong place.
Discover:
Why you shouldn’t start with GoogleHow to spot if a ‘UK-based’ manufacture actually have their production facilities in BritainThe importance of using the phone in your search to find a UK manufacturerThe questions that you need to ask a potential manufacturerWhere you can get your hands on a comprehensive list of vetted UK manufacturers and suppliersStay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 30 Nov 2018 - 13min - 401 - 004 – Jo Ashburner Farr, Red Dragon Flagmakers – Flying the Flag for Made in Britain
Can running a social enterprise and manufacturing a world-class product go hand in hand?
I talk to the inspiring Jo Ashburner-Farr, who has reinstated her family's flag making business as an ethical manufacturing business, focusing on social profit.
Run as a social enterprise, Red Dragon Flagmakers take on staff regardless of their background. They give them the skills and training required to make world-class flags, offering the opportunity of a job for life.
All profits go back into the personal and professional development of the staff.
Discover
The history of manufacturing in the Welsh ValleysHow manufacturing can help build communities and be used for social goodThe necessity to invest in people to maintain skills which would otherwise be lost with the ageing populationHer thoughts on being a female factory bossHow to run a successful factory by working collaboratively with your staffHow she builds relationships with her clientsWhy engaging with social media is critical to promote your businessThe importance of having a world-class productShownotes: makeitbritish.co.uk/004
Website: reddragonflagakers.co.uk
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Tue, 27 Nov 2018 - 29min - 400 - 003 – Why is UK Manufacturing Important?
What difference does it really make if you choose to manufacture in the U.K. rather than overseas?
You may wonder why I think it is so important that we support our U.K. manufacturers and continue to make here in Britain. In this episode I talk through some of the reasons why I bang the drum for U.K. manufacturing.
Discover how UK manufacturing can:
Make the most of the exchange rate, especially with Brexit loomingSupport the U.K. economyProvide well paid and highly skilled jobsCreate communitiesBe sustainable and environmentally responsibleOffer short lead times for your productGive a sense of pride in what we are able to produce in the U.K.Subscribe to this podcast – and support U.K. manufacturing
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 23 Nov 2018 - 14min - 399 - 002 – James Eden, Private White V.C. – Why I’m boycotting Black Friday
How do UK manufacturers and brands compete with huge overseas factories and the likes of Black Friday discounting?
In this episode I conduct a 'no holds barred' interview with James Eden, owner of Private White V.C. James tells me how he's turned a clothing factory that solely manufactured for other brands, into one that makes 9o% own-brand luxury clothing sold direct to the customer.
Find out how (and why) James took on this challenge, and his unique costing policies which have helped his business stand out in the crowd.
Discover
The history behind the Private White V.C. brandWhy James decided to switch his factories production from solely manufacturing for other brands to launching his own labelAdvice he’d give to other manufacturers that want to launch their own brandThe challenges the factory faced when supplying big brands and retailersThe pros and cons of selling wholesaleHow he’s flipped his pricing strategy on its head and the reaction that it’s had with their customersHis decision to offer transparent costingsWhy good design is so importantHis thoughts on Black Friday - “zero discount on everything”How to build a loyal customer baseHis initiatives to recruit and develop staff and skillsAbout James Eden and Private White V.C.
Website: privatewhitevc.com
Factory & Shop:
Cottenham House 1 Cottenham Lane Manchester M3 7LJ
James Eden's Linkedin Post about Black Friday
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Tue, 20 Nov 2018 - 33min - 398 - 001 – The Making of Make it British
Who is Kate Hills? And why is she so passionate about UK manufacturing?
In this first full-length episode I give you the behind the scenes of who I am, why I do what I do and who Make it British is for.
Discover
Why I set up my own factory after I graduatedThe role that the model Kate Moss played in my career successThe role UK factories played in the early part of my careerThe meeting at M&S that I never forgave myself forHow retailers work out their margins and why it doesn't work for local manufacturersThe time I jacked in my job without a plan and without telling my husbandWhy I set up Make it British and who I aim to helpShownotes: makeitbritish.co.uk/001
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 16 Nov 2018 - 22min - 396 - 260 – 5 Hidden Manufacturing Costs and How to Avoid Them
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 themHow you can minimise sample costsWhy it's easy to overspend on raw materialsHow to avoid buying too much stockWhy making in the UK eliminates some of your logistics costsResources mentioned in this episode
25 Hidden Costs of Starting a Brand
Enjoyed this podcast? I also have a private podcast called ‘British Brand Bedrock’.
The British Brand Bedrock private podcast feed answers more than 30 of your most commonly asked questions on starting and growing a British-made Brand.
Subscribe to British Brand Bedrock podcast here
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator – My group programme for small businesses who want to manufacture clothing, accessories and homeware in the UK.
Join Make it British – become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube – subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Mentioned in this episode:
Fri, 05 May 2023 - 18min - 395 - 259 - The Impact of Brexit on Small Businesses in the UK Textile Industry - Tamara Cincik, Fashion Roundtable
In this episode I'm joined by Tamara Cincik, founder of think tank Fashion Roundtable to discuss the impact of Brexit on small UK textile businesses.
We delve into the challenges of supporting and promoting heritage brands, the need for trade associations to refocus their agendas, and the importance of heritage manufacturing in the textile industry.
The conversation includes a discussion of the plight of Cluny Lace, the last manufacturer of Nottingham lace in England, and the negative impact of Brexit on small businesses.
Topics covered in this episode:
The challenges facing heritage manufacturers like Cluny laceImpact of Brexit on small businesses in the UK textile industryThe role of trade associations in the fashion industry Importance of traditional skills and machineryAbout Tamara Cincik and Fashion Roundtable
Tamara Cincik is the founder of Fashion Roundtable, an industry think tank established in 2017. With a background in the fashion industry as a stylist and editor, she founded Fashion Roundtable to give the fashion industry a voice in politics. With a British-Turkish background , Tamara has a strong connection to textiles and fashion through her family heritage. Fashion Roundtable is the secretariat for the All Party parliamentary group for ethics and sustainability and fashion and Cincik is an advocate for change in the political landscape to benefit the fashion industry as a whole.
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator – A 6-month group programme for small businesses who want to manufacture and sell profitable UK-made products.
Join Make it British – become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube – subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Enjoyed this podcast? I also have a private podcast called ‘British Brand Bedrock’.
The British Brand Bedrock private podcast feed answers more than 30 of your most commonly asked questions on starting and growing a British-made Brand.
Subscribe to British Brand Bedrock here
Fri, 28 Apr 2023 - 36min - 394 - 258 – How Do You Define an ‘Ethical Factory’?
We get a lot of people contacting us at Make it British asking if we can put them in touch with a sustainable or ethical factory to make their brand. So in this episode I define ways in which a factory might meet this criteria.
I also talk about the launch of Primark's new circular denim collection, which has had mixed reviews in the media, with many thinking it is greenwashing and an insult to small brands that are genuinely doing the right thing.
You can read some of the comments about the Primark collection on my Instagram Post here and on the chief exec of Primark's LinkedIn Post here.
In this episode you'll learn:
Why we need to question whether fast fashion brands like Primark are heading in the right direction or just greenwashing [01:10]How do you define ethical? [04:10]The types of questions you need to ask a manufacturer [04:53]What is an audit and which ones should you check a factory has? [08:16]Should you work with a factory which doesn’t have an audit? [10:26]Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - A 6-month group programme for small businesses who want to manufacture and sell profitable UK-made products.
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Enjoyed this podcast? I also have a private podcast called 'British Brand Bedrock'.
The British Brand Bedrock private podcast feed answers more than 30 of your most commonly asked questions on starting and growing a British-made Brand.
Subscribe to British Brand Bedrock here
Fri, 21 Apr 2023 - 15min - 393 - 257 – From the Archives: Labour Behind the Label Call out BooHoo for Using Unethical Garment Factories
24th April 2023 marks the ten year anniversary of the collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory in Bangladesh, which killed over 1,000 workers and injured 2,500 more.
To mark the occasion, I look back on this episode of the podcast with Dominique Muller from Labour Behind the Label, in which we discuss the issues around fast fashion, and what effect it has had on the Leicester textile industry.
You'll learn:
Who Labour Behind the Label are and how the organisation came about [02:37]Why the organisation is focusing on the UK garment industry in particular [04:16]The reasons why Boohoo has been singled out in the report written by Labour Behind the Label [07:07]What local councils and other authorities can do to stop unethical factories [09:55]The worst discoveries that Labour Behind the Labour made when they looked into how garment workers were treated during the pandemic [13:36]Dominque’s thoughts on how the good manufacturers in Leicester would benefit from brands returning to the city [15:58]The work Labour Behind the Label does to educate brands and retailers on how to make sure their production is ethical [18:26]What distinguishes a brand or retailer that is ethical to its workers [20:05]What the consumer can do to make sure they aren’t funding unethical practices and companies [24:52]Why brands should be more transparent about where their products are made [27:31]What the government could be doing better in terms of positive changes being made in the fashion industry [30:27]How people can support Labour Behind the Label [38:34]About Labour Behind the Label
Boohoo & Covid 19 – The people behind the profits
Clean Clothes Campaign – improving working conditions in the global garment industry
Fashion Checker – find out if the brands you buy from are paying their factory workers a living wage
Why we need transparent supply chains
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - A 6-month group programme for small businesses who want to manufacture and sell profitable UK-made products.
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Enjoyed this podcast? I also have a private podcast called 'British Brand Bedrock'.
The British Brand Bedrock private podcast feed answers more than 30 of your most commonly asked questions on starting and growing a British-made Brand.
Subscribe to British Brand Bedrock here
Fri, 14 Apr 2023 - 36min - 392 - 256 – The No.1 Reason That Product Businesses Fail
Do you know what the no.1 reason is that product businesses fail? It's not legal problems, it's not finance problems, it's not even marketing problems. In this episode, you'll find out what it is, and how to avoid it.
You'll learn:
Why everything starts with the customer [03:47]The reasons why getting your target customer right will help your business [06:09]How knowing your ideal customer can help to develop a good partnership with a UK manufacturer [08:01]Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - A 6-month group programme for small businesses who want to manufacture and sell profitable UK-made products.
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Enjoyed this podcast? I also have a private podcast called 'British Brand Bedrock'.
The British Brand Bedrock private podcast feed answers more than 30 of your most commonly asked questions on starting and growing a British-made Brand.
Subscribe to British Brand Bedrock here
Mentioned in this episode:
Fri, 07 Apr 2023 - 12min - 391 - 255 – What can Bentley Motors teach British-made brands about selling in a downturn?
Download my Selling Price > Profit Calculator that goes with this episodehere.
Recently Bentley Motors announced their financial results for 2022, which revealed they'd had their best year ever. This is a luxury car brand, made in the UK, having a phenomenal year during a cost of living crisis.
In this episode I discuss what small business can learn from Bentley's recent success, especially when it comes to price positioning.
You'll learn:
Why Bentley Motors had a phenomenal year in 2022 [01:48]What you need to calculate before you discount your prices. [03:21]Why profit is vanity and turnover is sanity. [05:37]Two valuable lessons you can learn from Bentley's pricing strategy. [06:28]Read the Bentley Motors financial results for 2022 here.
Fri, 31 Mar 2023 - 14min - 390 - 254 -From Idea to Product: Print-on-Demand with Contrado
If you love factories, then today I have a little treat for you, as we are going on a factory tour with Contrado, who are a print on demand company.
Contrado are a truly impressive UK manufacturer. They not only print fabric, leather and other surfaces like glass and pottery, in their huge facility in West London, but they also stitch bags, clothing and accessories from their printed fabrics, and even make furniture as well.
Listen in on my tour around the factory with Chris Childs, co-founder of Contrado, and then a deep-dive into the story behind the business and where he sees the future of uk manufacturing going.
You'll learn:
What kind of capabilities the Contrado factory has in order to keep up with customer demand [02:44]How a small business could utilise Contrado's low MOQ's to test out different product types [05:51]How Chris and his wife Fran started the business from humble beginnings [10:05]Why technology plays such a big part in the business [15:14]How Chris manages his skilled workforce to create over 500 different products [18:10] What systems Contrado has in place to guarantee happy customers [22:34]How the business has tapped into multiple international markets [27:11]Where Chris sees the business going in the next 20 years [32:46]More from Contrado
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - A 6-month group programme for small businesses who want to manufacture and sell profitable UK-made products.
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Mentioned in this episode:
Fri, 24 Mar 2023 - 35min - 389 - 253 – 9 Job Skills that UK-Brand Owners Need to Have
When you run a UK-made brand you need to wear a lot of different hats!
In this episode we explore all of the different jobs you need to do and the skills you need to have, on top of producing fantastic products.
You'll learn:
Why being the chief executive officer of your business is your first title [03:08]How managing marketing content plays a vital role in running a business [05:47]Why you need to be in control of your production and why you can't rely on manufacturers to do this for you [07:01]How managing your finances can make or break your business [08:35]What role plays a crucial part in determining your environmental impact [12:25]How to decide which of these jobs you might outsource first [15:22]Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - A 6-month group programme for small businesses who want to manufacture and sell profitable UK-made products.
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Mentioned in this episode:
Fri, 17 Mar 2023 - 20min - 388 - 252 – Behind the Scenes of Lingerie Manufacturing with Maxine Wells
On today’s episode I am chatting to Maxine Wells, who is the founder of Intimate Apparel Samples, a small lingerie studio in North West London.
Getting lingerie made in the UK can be challenging. Whilst the UK once had thousands of machinists making underwear for the likes of Marks & Spencers, sadly there are only now only a handful of lingerie manufacturers left in the UK.
I took a trip to Brent Cross where Intimate Apparel Samples is based to ask Maxine why there aren't more lingerie manufacturers in the UK and the benefits of having a great relationship with your manufacturer.
You'll learn:
How Maxine set up Intimate Apparel Samples after she had her own lingerie brand [03:14]Why Maxine believes there is such a lack of lingerie and swimwear manufacturers in the UK [05:30]The main pitfalls when it comes to making lingerie, and Maxine’s advice for how to avoid them [09:49]Why having a great relationship with your manufacturer is so important [12:43]How Maxine ensures she gets the fit right for her clients [14:49]Why Maxine enjoys meeting the clients she works with to build a working relationship [23:40]More from Intimate Apparel Samples
Intimate Apparel Samples on Instagram
Intimate Apparel Samples Website
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - A 6-month group programme for small businesses who want to manufacture and sell profitable UK-made products.
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Mentioned in this episode:
Fri, 10 Mar 2023 - 31min - 387 - 251 – Can You Sell Your Products without Using Social Media?
Welcome to Series 5!
After taking a couple of months hiatus to focus on writing my book, I'm back with a brand new series.
I'll be answering all of your most commonly asked questions about manufacturing, marketing and selling products that are made in the UK, and have some fantastic guests lined up for this series too.
In this episode you'll hear a snippet from Selling Without Social- a workshop I ran recently, which covers all of the different ways that you can market and sell your UK-made products without using social media.
You'll learn:
What Make it British has been up to during the podcast break [01:29]Why you should look at other forms of marketing, other than social media [04:59]How UK brands and businesses are currently feeling about social media [06:26]Which other forms of digital marketing offer a higher return on investment [09:48]Why it's dangerous to rely on social media to build your business [13:40]Which marketing content has the longest lifespan [17:07]Selling Without Social
An online workshop covering 140 different ways that you can market and sell your product-based business without using social media!
Sign up at makeitbritish.co.uk/sws and you’ll also get a £10 discount as a podcast listener.
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - A 6-month group programme for small businesses who want to manufacture and sell profitable UK-made products.
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Mentioned in this episode:
Fri, 03 Mar 2023 - 25min - 386 - Series 5 Coming Soon!
Hello and Welcome to Series 5 of the Make it British Podcast.
The new series is coming very soon. The first episode will be released on Friday 3rd March.
In the meantime, I wanted to tell you about a few things we have coming up, that if you are a listener of this podcast you will probably be really interested to hear about.
Selling Without Social
An online workshop that I will be hosting on Thursday 23rd February.
Covering all of the different ways that you can market and sell your product-based business without using social media!
Go to makeitbritish.co.uk/sws and you’ll also get a £10 discount as a podcast listener.
British Brand Accelerator
The doors for our group coaching programme, British Brand Accelerator, are opening at the end of this month (February 2023), but only for a very short time.
If you know you’re serious about launching or growing your business in 2023, then make sure that you sign up to the waitlist. We will then send you all the details ahead of the official launch, so that you can get first dibs on a spot.
Go to makeitbritish.co.uk/apply to save your spot on the waitlist
British Brand Bedrock Podcast
British Brand Bedrock is a private podcast feed covering over 30 of the most commonly asked questions that we get asked at Make it British.
Want to subscribe to this special, private podcast feed? Go to makeitbritish.co.uk/bedrock and you’ll be able to sign up.
Make it British - The Book!
Something really exciting that I wanted to tell you about, is that I am writing a book!
That’s part of the reason why I took a break from recording the podcast for a couple of months, as I wanted to focus on starting on the book.
The book will, of course, be about manufacturing products in the UK. And will include case studies on some of the very best UK manufacturers and British brands.
If you are interested in being one of the first to get hold of a copy of my book go to makeitbritish.co.uk/book to get more details :)
As always, I love getting your feedback about the podcast. Please do keep those comments coming, either as a review in your favourite podcast app. You can find a whole back catalogue of over 250 episodes at makeitbritish.co.uk/podcast
If you want to contact me about anything you hear on the podcast please drop me an email to kate@katehills.me that way your message will go into my VIP folder and won’t get lost in the Make it British inbox, which can be a very busy place at times.
Fri, 17 Feb 2023 - 11min - 385 - 250 – 11 Ways to Grow a British Brand in 2023
Having worked with hundreds of British brands over the last few years, and speaking to them about what is working for them right now, and what they see working in 2023, here are 11 ideas you can use for growing your British brand in 2023.
Discover:
02:31 Why being a small business means you're in a great position right now05:12 The 11 ways that you can grow your brand in 202329:35 How joining British Brand Accelerator can help to hit your goals in the next year30:27 Why now is a good time to reflect on the past few years of businessMentioned in this Episode
YouTube Live - How to Build a Brand in 2023
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Mentioned in this episode:
Fri, 02 Dec 2022 - 33min - 384 - 249 – Luxury Silk Scarves Celebrating the Art of Science – Siwan Oldham, By Biology
Meet Siwan Oldham, the founder of ByBiology, a business that is giving to scientific research by creating the most beautiful luxury silk scarves. Siwan talks about how her business idea came about, the reason she decided to manufacturer in the UK, and her journey so far in building the brand. Discover:
03:59 What Siwan's background is and how the idea for her business came about05:10 Why Siwan knew she always wanted to print her silk scarves in the UK07:52 The challenges Siwan faced during the process of lauching her business10:58 How Siwan prepared for her launch to ensure it would be successful18:04 Why Siwan believes it's important to invest in the key parts of your business22:20 How working with UK manufacturers means Siwan can test the market with different productsMore By Biology
Mentioned in this Episode
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Luxury Silk Scarves Celebrating the Art of Science - Watch on YouTube
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 25 Nov 2022 - 25min - 383 - 248 – For the Love of Wool with Sarah Turner, Little Beau Sheep
Sarah Turner is the founder of Little Beau Sheep, a brand that celebrates the best of British wool through a unique range of hand-made laundry and body care products.
Flying the flag for British wool, the Yorkshire-based entrepreneur came up with the idea of eco-friendly laundry balls to help families save money on washing. In this interview we chat all about how British wool has influenced Sarah and her brand.
Discover:
04:01 Why Sarah invented her cute wool laundry balls.07:34 How's she's grown the business from being a maker to employing staff to help with the manufacturing.08:22 What the benefits are of using British Wool.More Little Beau Sheep
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 18 Nov 2022 - 19min - 382 - 247 – Attracting Customers & Creating Raving Fans
How do you attract the right peoplt to your brand, and keep them coming back for more?
In this excerpt from one of the sessions at the Make it British Virtual Forum, you'll hear the ways in which three successful business founders are marketing their brands - and some of the tips they share may surprise you! My guests are Justine Tabak, from womenswear brand Justine Tabak; Jack Millington, from leathergoods brand Billy Tannery and Rosie Macpherson, from dog travel brand Where's Winnie.
Discover:
06:10 What forms of marketing are working for these successful British brands right now.11:09 How Rosie built up her audience before even launching her first product.15:38 Why stories help these brands to stand out.19:26 How each of the brands come up with ideas for marketing content.22:50 Their thoughts on TikTok versus Instagram.29:46 What really works with their email marketing.33:15 Thoughts on Black Friday and why should avoid itEnjoyed this Episode Get Access to the full video recording of this session and all of the other sessions from the Make it British Virtual Forum.
More Justine Tabak
More Where's Winnie
More Billy Tannery
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 11 Nov 2022 - 37min - 381 - 246 – Made in London – Carmel King and Mark Brearley
There are around 4,000 manufacturers based in Greater London, making everything from bicycles, ballet shoes, military uniforms, neon signs, umbrellas, mannequins and paint. Photographer Carmel King and factory owner Mark Brearley have produced a stunning book showcasing 50 of the best manufacturers in London. In this interview I talk to them about London’s rich and diverse manufacturing heritage and how they selected their favourite factories to go into the book.
Discover:
02:11 How the idea of the book came about04:12 How the 50 factories and workshops were picked to be featured09:11 How Mark loved one factory so much that he bought it!12:16 Some of Mark and Carmel's favourite London factories.16:01 The biggest challenge facing the inner city's factories and workshops.22:13 Carmel's tips on how to take good quality photographs in factoriesMentioned in this Episode
More Carmel King
More Mark Brearley
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 28 Oct 2022 - 25min - 380 - 245 – How to Plan Your Production
When it comes to manufacturing a product, planning is critical! In this episode, I cover exactly what you need to have prepared before going ahead with your production.
You’ll also find out what a critical path is, why you need one and most importantly, how to keep it updated.
Discover:
01:27 Why you need to plan your production03:46 What is a critical path and why you need one 06:41 How to create your own critical path for your product development 11:48 How to avoid the common mistakes people make when planning their productionMentioned in this Episode
YouTube Live - How to Plan Your Product Development
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 21 Oct 2022 - 17min - 379 - 244 – Sharing Wellness Through Well-Made Bags – Oscar Boatfield, Bearmade
In this episode, I chat with Oscar Boatfield, who is one of the co-founders of bags and accessory brand BearMade who make all of their bags in the UK. If ever there was a great example of a business doing the right thing by both the planet and its customers, then BearMade is definitely it.
Discover:
02:27 What Oscar was doing before BearMade which led to the launch of his business07:00 How Oscar found BearMade’s niche market09:09 Why Oscar doesn't offer discounts on their products11:20 Why Oscar and his wife Nell set up The Wildish Club14:20 How BearMade sticks by their brand ethics20:14 Why Oscar has been so honest with their customers about raising the prices of their products22:20 How Oscar is able to retain good value on his well-made bagsMentioned in this Episode
YouTube Live - Sharing Wellness Through Well Made Bags with Oscar Boatfield, BearMade
Make it British Virtual Event - A one-day online event for British brand founders
More BearMade
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Fri, 14 Oct 2022 - 34min - 378 - 243 – Pricing Your Products
This episode answers some of your most commonly asked questions about pricing.
Discover:
02:12 What markup do retailers add?08:19 Should you raise your prices if the cost of your fabric and manufacturing has increased?13:06 Should you lower your prices if your customers only buy from you when you have a sale on?17:36 How do you set your prices if you're making everything yourself?Mentioned in this Episode
YouTube Live Q&A: Pricing Your Products
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Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 07 Oct 2022 - 22min - 377 - 242 – From Bespoke to Ready-to-Wear – Dawn Clarke
In this episode, I chat with childrenswear designer Dawn Clarke, who is a member of Make It British and a part of our British Brand Accelerator programme.
Dawn tells us all about her journey going from making everything in-house and bespoke, to creating ready-to-wear pieces with a UK manufacturer.
Discover:
04:03 Why Dawn made the switch from offering bespoke to ready-to-wear children's clothing07:51 How being in the British Brand Accelerator programme helped Dawn to understand her customer11:59 What groundwork Dawn did before she started to reach out to UK manufacturers16:39 How Dawn overcame issues she had with her fabrics18:44 What special, one off features appear on Dawn's child's dresses20:27 How we helped Dawn prioritise marketing her products over making more garments25:16 What advice Dawn would give to someone who is currently making everything themselves and is thinking of outsourcing some of their productionMentioned in this Episode
YouTube Live - How this Chilrenswear Designer Pivoted From Bespoke to Ready-to-Wear
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand More Dawn Clarke Designs
Dawn Clarke Designs Website Dawn Clarke Designs on Instagram
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Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 30 Sep 2022 - 31min - 376 - 241 – How to Sell UK-Made Products During a Cost of Living Crisis
How can you sell a UK-made product, or any high end product, at a time when people may be more cautious about spending their money due to rising inflation and rising bills?
Firstly, don't panic! I've got 5 tips to help you stay on track with your marketing and mindset during these uncertain times.
Discover:
02:06 Why you shouldn't panic and make rash decisions03:55 Why now is a great time to be making your products in the UK04:46 Why you shouldn't feel tempted to take your foot off the pedal on marketing07:21 What you should be doing for your loyal customers rather than blanket sales10:12 How looking at your supply chain can help keep an eye on cash flow13:17 Why offering a unique product sets you apart from your competitorsMentioned in this Episode
YouTube Live - How to Sell UK-Made Products During a Cost of Living Crisis
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Making in the UK Sunday Newsletter - Join Over 30,000 Readers For a Very British Chinwag
In My View by Eric Musgrave: There are more reasons than ever to buy British
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British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 23 Sep 2022 - 19min - 375 - 240 – 7 Proven Ways to Promote Your UK-Made Brand
UK-made goods have huge value both at home and abroad. Are you doing enough to shout about your own British-made brand? I'll be sharing my 7 foolproof tips you can action right now to sell your UK-made goods. Discover:
03:01 Who will benefit from these tips and why there are no Union Jacks04:13 Why now is a great time to shout about the fact you make your products in the UK08:14 The 7 proven ways to promote your UK-made brandMentioned in this Episode
YouTube Live - 7 Proven Ways to Promote Your UK-Made Brand
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 16 Sep 2022 - 32min - 374 - 239 – Customer Service Secrets for British-Made Brands
Want to know how to create a loyal following and keep happy customers coming back for more?
Kate Barker (Lime Tree Design), Sue Longmore (Maude and Fox) and Linda de Ruiter (The Slow Wardrobe) share the customer service secrets that have grown their product businesses. Discover:
04:22 How each of the businesses found out who their ideal customers were08:30 What ways they communicate with their customers in real life and online14:42 What personal touches the brands offer to keep customers coming back for more25:08 How the businesses gather customer feedback in order to develop new products32:53: Their tips on building customer loyaltyMentioned in this Episode
YouTube Live - Customer Service Secrets for British-Made Brands
British Brand Accelerator - Apply now and find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 09 Sep 2022 - 43min - 373 - 238 – How to Start a Clothing Brand for Less
Is it possible to launch a brand with just a few hundred pounds?
We surveyed our Make it British members and they gave us the insights into how much it cost them to start-up a brand that is made in the UK, and what they spent their money on.
This episode will be really useful for you not only if you are thinking of launching a clothing brand, but also if you already have an existing business and you want to keep a track of your costs. I give you tips and advice for how to keep those costs down.
Discover:
03:43 How much do UK-made brands typically spend to start-up?04:48 A breakdown of the costs you'll likely incur.09:31 Tips on how to keep your costs down.Mentioned in this Episode
YouTube Live - How to Start a Clothing Brand for Less
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 02 Sep 2022 - 17min - 372 - 237 – How to Launch a Printed Textile Business – Veronica Galbraith
Joining me this week is Veronica Galbraith from fun, colourful homewares brand Republic of Happy. Originally from Colombia and now living permanently in Cornwall, Veronica is a graphic designer turned surface pattern designer. She tells me all about how she deals with perfectionism and the things she would have done differently when launching her printed textile business in the UK.
We also discuss the one thing that she did before she launched her business which led to her selling out in the first week!
Discover:
03:42 How Veronica's design background has influenced how Republic of Happy came about08:05 How Veronica decided what products she wanted to make12:17 Why Veronica puts together inspiring emails to her customers14:50 How Veronica decided on her pricing and why she stuck with them18:00 Why Veronica recommends other small businesses to invest in their marketing26:08 How Veronica won an advertising package for her brandMentioned in this Episode
YouTube Live - How to Start a Printed Textiles Business with Republic of Happy
More Republic of Happy
Republic of Happy on Instagram
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Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 26 Aug 2022 - 31min - 371 - 236 – How to Find a UK Manufacturer
Do you want to manufacture in the UK but factories keep giving your efforts the silent treatment? This one's for you. In this episode, I share five actionable tips for things that you can do before you start to reach out to a manufacturer in the UK to find your perfect manufacturing partner. Discover:
03:30 The reason why manufactures might not be getting back to you07:52 How doing your research makes you look more attractive to UK manufacturers 09:54 Why you can't expect manufacturers to source your raw materials12:20 How your cost price will determine how much you can sell your product for16:16 Why having a clear brief is going to save you time and money19:02 Why it's important to visit the factory you're looking to work withMentioned in this Episode
YouTube Live - How to Find a UK Manufacturer
5 Steps to Finding a UK Manufacturer In-Depth Masterclass
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British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 19 Aug 2022 - 25min - 370 - 235 – Spinning a Good Yarn
Find out about an exciting recycled cashmere collaboration between three UK businesses.
Dr. John Parkinson from iinouiio, Graham Holbrook from Turtle Doves, and Emma Mathews from Socko, share how the project came about, the importance of making in the UK and the possibilities of UK-made regenerated yarns in the future. Discover:
04:41 How the collaboration came about between the 3 UK businesses10:15 Why it's important for businesses to consider the circular economy of their products12:19 Why British wool was chosen as a component of the socks alongside cashmere15:07 How the socks could be recycled when they become unusable24:25 Where the collaborators see the project going in the future28:34 The manufacturing process behind the making of the socks35:26 The possibilities for UK-made regenerated yarns being used more regularlyWatch the video interview on YouTube
More Socko
More Turtle Doves
More iinouiio
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Fri, 12 Aug 2022 - 42min - 369 - 234 – What is a Factory Fortnight, and Why Do You Need to Prepare for it?
Summer is a time for holidays - not just for you, but also for your manufacturer and suppliers.
The Factory Fortnight - a time when manufacturers traditionally shuttered their doors for a couple of weeks - may be less common in the 21st century, but it is still something to prepare for.
In this episode I talk about the history of the Factory Fortnight, and what you can do to make sure that you are prepared for any lull in production during the summer months.
Discover:
02:12 Why Factory Fortnight started in the UK and what that meant for workers at the factory.04:08 How Factory Fortnight differed depending on each region in the UK.05:09 How the summer holidays affect manufacturers in the 21st Century.06:00 How to prepare for factory closures during the summer.09:12 How Factory Fornight can increase productivity.Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 05 Aug 2022 - 11min - 368 - 233 – The One Thing You’re Probably Doing Wrong With Your Email Marketing
This episode is dedicated to those of you that put sending an email to your mailing list at the bottom of your to-do list!
Discover:
02:25 Why email marketing is more important than social media marketing04:24 How to make sure your email content is engaging so that people don’t unsubscribe08:21 What to do if you think you don't have the time to send emails11:15 How to reengage with your email subscribers if they haven't heard from you in a while12:39 How often you should be sending emails to your mailing listMentioned in this episode:
Book: Do Open: How a simple email newsletter can transform your business by David Hieatt
Add: podcast@makeitbritish.co.uk to your newsletter list
Subscribe to the Make it British YouTube channel
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 29 Jul 2022 - 16min - 367 - 232 – What is a Manufacturing Agreement?
When you get a product manufactured, most of the time everything will go as planned. But what about the odd occasion when it doesn't? It's always better to have thought about what could go wrong in advance, and make sure that you have a plan in place if it does.
That's when a manufacturing agreement can come in handy. In this episode I look at what you should agree with a manufacturer before you place that order! Discover:
02:24 Why you should have a manufacturing agreement in place.06:39 The 4 things you must include in a manufacturing agreement.09:17 Extra points you may want to include in certain instances.12:07 What you can do if a manufacturer hasn't met your agreement terms.Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 22 Jul 2022 - 16min - 366 - 231 – 6 Lessons we Learnt From Rebuilding our Website
We're back! After a longer than planned hiatus, the Make it British Podcast has returned. And we'll be back to our regular Friday episodes. This week I'm discussing what went wrong with the recent rebuild of the Make it British website, and how you can make sure that it doesn't happen to you!
Discover:
01:09 Why it's been such a long time since the last episode of the podcast02:19 Why we're relaunching the weekly Make it British live shows06:30 Details about our live, in-person event coming up in October09:37 Why it's important to have a website for your business10:49 The 6 tips we learned from rebuilding the Make it British website27:35 Why you should make sure you test every aspect of your website before launchingStay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 15 Jul 2022 - 29min - 365 - 230 – Taking a Break
We're taking a break from new podcast episodes for a while. Back soon!
Stay Connected: Subscribe to the Make it British Newsletter
Fri, 03 Jun 2022 - 03min - 364 - 229 – Why Buying British is Key to Retaining UK Craftship
In this episode, recorded as an Instagram Live on Made in UK Day, I chat to two British makers:
Joseph Azagury, a high-end women's footwear designer with his own atelier in Wimbledon, LondonNelson and Jenny Were from leather goods brand Nelson Were.We chat about how the both of them learned their craft and why it's so important to keep these sorts of skills alive in the UK. Discover:
04:44 Joseph's background and how he got into handcrafting high-end footwear in the UK07:17 How Nelson applied the skills he learnt at university to start up his own leather goods business12:08 Why Joseph believes there needs to be more government support for the manufacturing industry13:37 Joseph's thoughts on spreading the awareness of British-made products14:52 Nelson's advice for start-ups looking to make in the UK16:24 Why Jenny believes it's so important to support your local brandsMore about Joseph Azagury
More about Nelson Were
Nelson Wereon Instagram
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Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
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Fri, 27 May 2022 - 19min - 363 - 228 – How to Promote Your Business on YouTube – Linda De Ruiter
Linda De Ruiter is the founder of sustainable womenswear brand, The Slow Wardrobe.
In this episode, we talk about Linda's business, The Slow Wardrobe, how she dresses women to feel more confident, and why she's chosen YouTube as the main marketing channel to drive sales for her business.
If you find it difficult to get in front of the camera to market your products, then take a leaf out of Linda's book!
She gives some great tips for how to produce video quickly and simply for YouTube, and how to repurpose those videos into other forms of content.
Discover:
[3:14] How Linda's clothing collection evolved because of customer demand.[6:39] Where Linda's collection is made.[9:00] How Linda sells using a pre-order model.[10:01] The Slow Wardrobe's pandemic pivot.[20:53] How Linda got started on YouTube.[22:45] Linda's equipment for creating YouTube content.[26:26] Simple prep-work for creating each video.More about The Slow Wardrobe
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British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 20 May 2022 - 39min - 362 - 227 – The Cost of Choosing the Wrong Manufacturer
If you have a limited budget to spend on product development and stock, the worst thing you can do is pick the wrong manufacturing partner.
Here's how to make sure that you don't.
Discover:
06:00 The expensive mistakes brands make when it comes to choosing the wrong manufacturer.07:03 The potential pitfalls the can happen when looking for a UK manufacturer.09:53 Why you should always visit a factory before you pay them any money.11:55 Why recommendations are important when it comes to choosing a manufacturing partner.13:04 Why you need to be cautious of the 'too good to be true' manufacturer that approaches you on social media.17:07 The sure-fire way of blowing your start-up budget all in one go.Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 06 May 2022 - 20min - 361 - 226 – Live Panel Discussion with 3 UK manufacturers
In this episode, recorded as an Instagram Live on Made in UK Day, I chat to three UK manufacturers:
Karen and Neville Clokey from NC Lancaster, who make cushions in LancashireSteff McGrath from Something Wicked, a UK-made lingerie brand and manufacturer.Alison Pottie from Wonky Woolies, a knitted accessory manufacturer in Scotland.We chat about why local manufacturing is important to them. The history of textile manufacturing in their areas, and how they find and retain skilled staff. Discover:
03:44 Alison's thoughts on why it's so important to be supporting local businesses06:54 The challenges Neville and Karen face when looking to recruit skilled machinists and their response to that09:09 How Steff works with a local university to encourage students into manufacturing13:11 What we can do to help educate people about buying products that are made in the UK.14:32 The value of a UK-made product overseas16:36 How UK manufacturers are dealing with rising costs18:03 Why it's better to make in the UK as you can make smaller quantities which is more sustainable.More NC Lancaster
More Wonky Woolies
More Something Wicked
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Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 22 Apr 2022 - 24min - 360 - 225 – Why Manufacturers Aren’t Getting Back to Your Emails
Make sure that manufacturers are getting back to your emails by avoiding these four common errors.
Discover:
03:08 The amount of emails that manufacturers are getting and why you need to stand out.04:23 The four reasons why emails to manufacturers don't get answered.07:13 The one topic you should NEVER start you email with.08:16 What you should do BEFORE you first contact a manufacturer.Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 22 Apr 2022 - 11min - 359 - 5 Steps to Finding a UK Manufacturer – Bonus Broadcast
Register for the masterclass > makeitbritish.co.uk/5steps
Tue, 12 Apr 2022 - 04min - 358 - 224 – Making it Your Own; The Advantages of Running a Micro-Factory – Paul Brown
In this episode, I chat with Paul Brown, founder of Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, a UK-made brand based in Suffolk. Paul founded his clothing business back in 2012, knowing nothing about clothing manufacturing, butwent on to set up his own micro-factory.
He shares how much it cost him to get his micro-factory up and running, and what the benefits are of having control of your own production. We also discuss how the brand has found success exporting to countries like America and Australia.
Discover:
03:09 How Paul went from no experience in clothing manufacture to setting up his own micro-factory.10:01 What has led to sales from overseas customers.16:17 How the brand manages to offer hundreds of different options for their 'Create Your Own Trousers' range.19:28 The exciting new relaunch coming up this year for Wolf in Sheep's ClothingMore Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
Paul's Podcast on British Fashion & Style Information on WISC British Chinos
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Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Fri, 08 Apr 2022 - 24min - 357 - 126 – Simon Cotton, Johnstons of Elgin – Looking after Scotland’s oldest cashmere brand
Johnstons of Elgin is the largest textile manufacturer in the UK. The 223 year old company employs over 1,000 people and was the first to bring cashmere weaving to Scotland.
Simon Cotton is the chief executive of Johnstons, and in this interview these are some of the points we cover:
The history of Scottish cashmereHow the business is making its products more sustainableThe need to focus on high value productsSupplying private label customersChanges he anticipates for the business as a result of Covid-19.Enjoy!
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British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Tue, 14 Jul 2020 - 36min - 356 - 125 – Calling out Boohoo for using unethical garment factories – Dominique Muller, Labour Behind the Label
Labour Behind the Label is a workers rights organisation that fights for living wages for garment workers. They have produced a report about the unethical working practices of factories in Leicester making for Boohoo. The industry has often called into question how Boohoo can sell dresses for £4 and still make them ethically in the UK, and this report by Labour Behind the Label makes for distressing reading. Talking of staff made to work in factories making Boohoo clothes whilst suffering with Covid 19. Dominique Muller is the policy director at Labour Behind the Label, and on this episode she talks about what needs to be done to ensure workers in Leicester are treated fairly and paid a living wage.
Labour Behind the Label
Boohoo & Covid 19 - The people behind the profits
Tell Boohoo to #gotransparent - sign the petition
Clean Clothes Campaign - improving working conditions in the global garment industry
Fashion Checker - find out if the brands you buy from are paying their factory workers a living wage
Why we need transparent supply chains
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Tue, 07 Jul 2020 - 43min - 355 - 124 – To Wholesale, or Not to Wholesale
Whether to wholesale is one of the biggest decisions that brands have to make, and it is often much more of a difficult decision for businesses that make in the UK as their cost price is often higher. Wholesale was the route that traditionally most brands went down if they wanted to build their profile quickly. But as retailer mark-ups have been increasing over the years, and more direct-to-consumer selling channels have been opening up, wholesaling is not the only way of increasing a brands reach and selling more products. In this episode I run through the pros and cons of wholesaling a British-made brand, as well as some of the alternatives for reaching new customers.
Purchase our cost price calculator to see what wholesaling does for your margin.
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British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Tue, 30 Jun 2020 - 29min - 354 - 123 – A pivotal time for UK retail
It’s back to business this week for many retailers - but how will shopping change post-lockdown? And what effect will this have on businesses that manufacture locally?
Whilst some people are rushing out hoping to secure a bargain on the seasonal stock that retailers are trying to shift before the summer ends, many others will be slightly more reticent about heading out to busy high streets and shopping centres.
Lockdown has created a sense of community and of supporting local businesses. This presents a great opportunity for small businesses and favours those that manufacture locally as consumers turn their back on imported goods.
I think we’ll start to see high streets change and become much more focused around community and independent shops. It’s an interesting time.
If you're a UK-made business you're in a great position right now as we go through this time of extraordinary change.
In this episode I offer advice for how locally made businesses can make the most of this big change in consumer buying behaviour.
Holly Tucker's Open Letter to British Shoppers
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Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Tue, 16 Jun 2020 - 15min - 353 - 122 – The Importance of Quality – Maria Grachvogel
London-based designer Maria Grachvogel is renowned for her clever use of cutting to flatter the female figure. In this interview Maria talks about why she has chosen to use more UK manufacturers for her collection, and how changing her business model has helped her to build closer relationships with her clients.
She also discusses the importance of quality, and how buying less, of better quality would solve many of the sustainability issues with clothing and fashion.
More Maria Grachvogel
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Tue, 09 Jun 2020 - 42min - 352 - 121 – An update on PPE
We've had two pieces of good news this week so I thought I'd share them with you in this episode.
The first is that the government has now officially placed orders with UK manufacturers for millions of pieces of PPE.
And the second is that the Fashion Roundtable's campaign to get garment and textile roles onto the Shortage Occupation List has progressed to the next stage.
Further listening
Ep 114 - PPE - Can we make it in the UK?
Ep 116 - Where are we on PPE?
Ep 104 - How can we solve the skills issue post-Brexit with Tamara Cincik, Fashion Roundtable
Ep 002 - Interview with James Eden, Private White VC
Further Reading
A letter to Boris about PPE More Make it British
Make it British Directory - search for brands and manufacturers that make in the UK
Find a UK Manufacturer - ways we can help you find your perfect manufacturing partner
Make it British Live! - our trade show
Mon, 01 Jun 2020 - 17min - 351 - 120 – The Bespoke English Shirt Maker – Emma Willis, Emma Willis London
Emma Willis founded her shirt making business in 1989. She has had a shop on London's famous Jermyn Street for over twenty years and all of her bespoke and ready to wear shirts are made in England.
The Emma Willis Factory in Gloucestershire has a team of dedicated seamstresses and cutters and she runs a successful apprenticeship programme which is helping to develop the next generation of shirtmakers.
In this interview Emma tells the story of how her shirt business came about, and how she has seen the shirt making industry change over the last two decades.
More about Emma Willis
Emma Willis London on Instagram
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British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Tue, 26 May 2020 - 36min - 350 - 119 – Are you seeking more UK-made products?
Buying habits are changing and there is definitely a renewed interest in buying made in the UK products.
At Make it British we've seen a 200% increase in enquiries from people looking for things that are made in Britain.
In this episode I look at the reasons why demand has increased, how made in the UK brands can capitalise on that, and what we're doing at Make it British to help make it easier for you to find products that are made in the UK.
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Tue, 19 May 2020 - 16min - 349 - 118 – Supplying the UK Knitwear Industry – David Williams, Knit Design Centre
David Williams has been supplying the UK knitwear industry his entire career.
He is the UK agent for Stoll knitting machines and the founder of the Knit Design Centre - a studio in Leicester where designers can develop their ideas and samples with experienced knitwear technicians.
During the Covid 19 pandemic he has worked with a local knitwear manufacturer to produce face coverings for businesses using a special programme on his machines. In this episode:
How many knitwear manufacturers now operate in the UKHow David has seen the industry change over the last few yearsThe renewed interest in locally spun yarnsThe technology that he uses to develop knitted masksHow knitwear manufacturers can diversify their businessesMore about Stoll GB
The Knit Design Centre Mars Knitwear - to buy the knitted masks
More info on the Knit Design Centre and the knitted masks, including videos and images can be found in the shownotes at makeitbritish.co.uk/118
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Tue, 12 May 2020 - 35min - 348 - 117 – Pivoting your business to manufacture PPE – Paul Noble, Specialised Canvas
During the Covid_19 crisis many UK manufacturers have adapted their businesses to manufacture PPE.
Specialised Canvas, based in Chesterfield, are one of the companies that very quickly pivoted their business to help alleviate the shortage of available protective equipment.
In this episode, Paul Noble, MD of Specialised Canvas, explains how the firm has risen to the challenge of making PPE.
Specialised is currently making gowns and visors. More details here: www.flexippe.com
Useful Links
About Specialised Canvas
More Make it British
Kate on BBC Breakfast talking about PPE
British Textile Consortium - list of manufacturers that can help make PPE
Register as a company that can make PPE
Tue, 05 May 2020 - 45min - 347 - 116 – Where are we on PPE?
In episode 114 I asked 'PPE - can we make it in the UK?' and on today's episode I thought it would be good to update you.
It has been 5 weeks since the Government put a call out for businesses to help manufacturer PPE. Since then hundreds of UK manufacturers have filled in the form on the government website and stepped up to offer their help and support. Make it British has created the British Textile Consortium to help bring together UK manufacturers that can help.
So where have we got to on UK-made PPE? This episode gives you an update and where we have got to so far and what one of the biggest challenges is when it comes to providing a long term solution to the problem.
Useful Links
Kate on BBC Breakfast talking about PPE
Toray Textiles Europe - manufacturer of bulk fabric for scrubs and gowns
British Textile Consortium - list of manufacturers that can help make PPE
Register as a company that can make PPE
More Make it British
Make it British Live! - our trade show
Tue, 28 Apr 2020 - 16min - 346 - 115 – Does your business need a PLM system? Lucy Blackley, BombyxPLM
In this week's episode I talk to Lucy Blackley who founded technology company BombyxPLM to help fashion business owners manage their product development.
A Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system helps your business have total visibility over the development of your brand from design through to production.
Traditionally these software systems are expensive, but Lucy wanted to make something that was affordable and usable for small businesses too.
More about BombyxPLM
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Tue, 21 Apr 2020 - 43min - 345 - 114 – PPE – can we make it in the UK?
Until a few weeks ago most people probably had no idea what PPE stood for. But during the Covid_19 outbreak PPE has regularly been in the news because Personal Protective Equipment can mean the difference between staying fit and well or catching the deadly coronavirus. In this episode I look at why there is such a terrible shortage of PPE in the UK and whether we can make the Personal Protective Equipment that we need locally.
Why is there a worldwide shortage of PPE?What have UK manufacturers and designers been doing to help?What is the UK government doing to address the shortage?How is Make it British getting involved and what is the British Textile Consortium?More about the British Textile Consortium Shownotes for this episode including links to organisations helping to make PPE in the UK can be found at www.makeitbritish.co.uk/114
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Tue, 14 Apr 2020 - 35min - 344 - 113 – The History of Harris Tweed – Ruth Masson, Harris Tweed Hebrides
Harris Tweed cloth is renowned the world over. Woven entirely in the Outer Hebrides, using wool from the local sheep, you could say it was the ultimate sustainable fabric. In this episode Ruth Masson, Marketing Manager at Harris Tweed Hebrides, tells us all about the history of the cloth and what makes it so special.
More about Harris Tweed Hebrides
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Tue, 31 Mar 2020 - 27min - 343 - 112 – How you can help manufacturers at this difficult time
The number one concern for all manufacturers right now is how they are going to pay their staff. They need help to support the jobs of their workers and retain their skills otherwise they may be gone for ever. We have so few manufacturers that we really can’t afford to lose any more.
What is left of our manufacturing base in the UK needs to be protected at all costs. We cannot afford to lose these skills.
In this episode I look at ways in which you can support local manufacturers at this difficult time.
Shownotes: www.makeitbritish.co.uk/112
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Tue, 24 Mar 2020 - 12min - 342 - 111 – Going Virtual
This episode was published on the day our Make it British Live! trade show was due to fling its doors open to 1,000s of visitors.
Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 outbreak we have had to postpone the live show until further notice.
But never has there been a more important time to manufacture locally and support brands that make in the UK.
As much of the world is in lockdown and the UK looks to be following suit, many people are looking to continue life as normally as possible.
Schools and universities are teaching lessons online, and instead of going to the gym people are taking exercise classes virtually.
So why can't finding and working with UK manufacturers be any different?
In this episode I talk about how we plan to take out trade show virtual - and how you can work with manufacturers when you can't get to the factory.
Show notes for this podcast can be found here: www.makeitbritish.co.uk/111
Stay in Touch
British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand
Join Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturers
Make it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.
Tue, 17 Mar 2020 - 15min
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