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 sc...
Finding a UK manufacturer doesn’t have to be a challenge!In this bonus episode, I share the recording of my recent webinar, where I break down the 5 essential steps to finding your perfect manufacturing partner.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why manufacturers don’t respond to emails—and how to fix it.The biggest mistakes small businesses make when looking for a factory.How to prepare before reaching out to a manufacturer to save time and money.The 5 steps you need to follow to confidently approach the right manufacturing partner.Why finding a manufacturer isn’t just about Googling names—and what to do instead.Resources & Links Mentioned:Join Get Set for Manufacturing: In just 4 weeks, learn exactly how to get your products made in the UK and find your perfect manufacturing partner.
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300 - Words of wisdom from UK manufacturers featured on this show
Welcome to episode 300!Celebrating the 300th episode of this podcast I look back at some of the amazing guests that I've had on this show from the world of UK fashion and textile manufacturing. Manufacturers that have shared their stories, their challenges, and their successes with us.Episodes / Manufacturers featured in this episode:Episode 102 - David Collinge | John Spencer TextilesEpisode 005 - Keith Hanshaw | The Leather Satchel CompanyEpisode 088 - Chris Woodford | Crown NorthamptonEpisode 193 - Ian Maclean | John Smedley MBEEpisode 55 - Lance Mitchell | Mitchell InterflexEpisode 113 - Ruth Masson | Harris TweedEpisode 290 - Christopher Nieper | David Nieper OBEEpisode 96 - Richard Ince | Ince UmbrellasEpisode 004 - Jo Ashburner-Farr | Red Dragon FlagmakersEpisode 254 - Chris Childs | ContradoEpisode 21 - Jenny Holloway | Fashion EnterEpisode 31 - Mick Cheema | Basic PremierEpisode 299 - A visit to Vagabond bags with Simon MichelsonEpisode 118 - David Williams | Stoll GBEpisode 203 - Saed Saleh | Mars KnitwearEpisode 060 - Diana Kakkar
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299 – A Visit to Vagabond Bags
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
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298 – What’s going on with UK manufacturers? [with special guests]
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
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41:46
297 – The Biggest Mistake Made by Product Businesses
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
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'.
UK