Made in UK Day!

9 March 2011; the day Kate Hills founded Make it British. The date now marks the anniversary as a celebration, and call to arms, to support British manufacturing. This support is needed from government and each one of us. Foregoing cheap alternatives made in China and paying a little more for the peace of mind the goods are made ethically (or held to account if they are found not to be), that your little extra investment in the piece represents an investment in the country, the workers and yourself. The piece you buy is likely to be of a higher quality that alone justifies the price, but you will be supporting so much more. In marking Make it British 2022, Kate Hills says

More than 65 million people live in the UK. If everyone bought just one item made in the UK worth £20 on #madeinukday it would be worth £1.3 billion!

As a small independent label we have been manufacturing in England for over 30 years, we do it because we love it. It is personal and those who buy from me love what we do. If you do not already do so, and you are able to, make today the day you start loving Made in Britain. Start reading the labels, the small print too, and ensure you know where the goods you enjoy everyday come from and the real cost of making them for the price you are prepared to pay. Ask yourself, how can they make it for that? If you cannot see a reasonable price for materials, labour, shipping, packing, labels etc. don’t buy it because your money is likely to be supporting suffering to our planet and your fellow humans. Have a great day, have a Made in UK Day.

I’m off to my studio to make some beautiful children’s summer tops, lined in cotton spun just down the road!