Make it British Podcast

Join me on a tour round a factory!In this episode I'm chatting with Simon Michelson, owner of Vagabond Bags, a sewing factory in Swindon that makes cosmetic bags, shower caps and hot water bottle covers.Meet some of the people working in the factory, hear about the jobs they do and find out how many shower hats one person can make in a day. Spoiler - it's quite a lot!HANDY LINKSBritish Brand Accelerator - Work closely with me to start or grow your UK-made brand.Newsletter - Subscribe for a weekly dose of inspiration and advice on making in the UKMake it British WebsiteYouTubeInstagram

I'm joined today by 3 amazing people that work tirelessly in the UK fashion and textile industry.You may have seen in the press recently that several high profile brands have been affected by the close of Matches, but did you know about the knock on affect that has had on the UK manufacturers?I also heard yesterday the sad news that the Mackintosh factory in Lancashire is closing. What the heck is going on?So I went live on Instagram with 3 special guests to discuss the topic, and this episode is your opportunity to hear the full discussion if you missed the live.My guests are:Tamara Cincik from think tank Fashion RoundtableMustafa Fuat from Gosha LondonDiana Kakkar from Maes LondonSome of the keys points we discussed:How the Matches collapse has impacted local manufacturers.The financial instability of fashion brands.Why the industry needs to be regulated.How other countries support their local production.How public procurement buying British could help the entire industry.The grants and tax credits needed to make local production more affordable.Why lobbying for changes in government policies is essential.The need for STEAM education, putting creativity back on the curriculum.Watch the original Instagram live here

The title says it all. Listen to find out what it is!HANDY LINKSBritish Brand Accelerator - Work closely with me to start or grow your UK-made brand.Newsletter - Subscribe for a weekly dose of inspiration and advice on making in the UKMake it British WebsiteYouTubeInstagram

Join me on a visit to KC Manufacturing (previously Kalopsia Collective) in Dumferline, Scotland to meet with husband and wife team Adam Robertson and Nina Falk.KC Manufacturing is a social enterprise specialising in small batch manufacturing.Discover:How Adam & Nina met and ended up setting up their business.What it's like to run a factory together as husband and wife.Why 'made in Scotland' is so important.How KC Manufacturing are supporting other UK textile firms.The challenges of working with deadstock materials.Where Adam & Nina got the funding to set up their factory.How they get young people to work in the industry.About KC ManufacturingKC Manufacturing websiteEpisode 51 - Small Batch Manufacturing with Adam Robertson, Kalopsia Collective.HANDY LINKSBritish Brand Accelerator - Work closely with me to start or grow your UK-made brand.Newsletter - Subscribe for a weekly dose of inspiration and advice on. making in the UKMake it British WebsiteYouTubeInstagram