British-made brands and UK manufacturing

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If you’re a small business that makes in the UK, have you thought about selling your products on pre-order?

More and more small businesses are now operating on a pre-order basis because it not only helps with cash flow, but saves on waste because you are not making more than you can sell. And it works particularly well if you are making locally or manufacturing your products in house.

This article covers how to adopt a pre-order sales strategy and common pitfalls to avoid, along with the case studies of three brands that are doing it well.

Pre-order versus made-to-order – what’s the difference?

Firstly, let’s clear up the confusion that many people have regarding the difference between pre-order and made-to-order, as they are not the same thing.

Pre-order is when you tell customers you are going to be making a new product and you let them order it in advance. Once you’ve received all the orders for that product, usually because you give a cut-off date when people can place the order, you then start making them in a batch. Often when you offer a pre-order there is an incentive for the customer to order in advance and wait for delivery, such as a discount or limited edition quantity being made.

Made-to-order on the other hand, is when the customer can order the product at any time and you make a single item just for them. Sometimes with made-to-order you might offer bespoke sizes or customisation to the product, which is the reason that someone will wait. Unlike pre-orders, this can be ongoing and is not usually limited to new or special product launches.

Both pre-order and made-to-order mean that as the brand you do not have to hold a lot of stock. Pre-orders are usually time-sensitive and geared towards generating buzz, while made-to-order is an ongoing strategy to keep your investment in stock to a minimum and offer your customer something more personalised.

Advantages of a pre-order business model

So now that I’ve convinced you of the advantages of selling via pre-order, let’s look at the best way to do it.

10 Steps to running a successful pre-order campaign

How long should your pre-order window be?

There are two parts to the pre-order process. The time during which the customer can place the order (the ordering phase), and the time from when they place the order to when they receive it (the fulfilment phase). Let’s look at the ideal length for both.

Ordering phase – Your ordering phase needs to be long enough that you have time to get the message out and ensure the maximum number of people see it, but short enough that your audience does not get fatigued by it. So this will very much depend on the size and loyalty of your audience, the amount of products offered for pre-order at any one time, and the frequency of your pre-order promotions. If you are launching a whole collection via pre-order and plan to do it twice a year, your ordering phase may be something like six to eight weeks. Whereas if you bring out new products fortnightly and have an audience ready and waiting to buy them, your ordering phase may only be a few days.

Fulfilment phase – This is the timeframe from the closure of your ordering phase to when the customer actually receives the product. The ideal time frame can vary but often ranges from four to eight weeks for clothing and homeware items made in the UK. The exact duration will depend on the complexity of your products, capacity of you and/or your manufacturer to make them, and how long your customer is willing to wait. Err on the side of caution, and if you find yourself getting more orders than expected, consider shipping them in two or three drops so that you reward early birds with a shorter wait time than those that wait until the last minute to order.

Common mistakes to avoid when it comes to your pre-order strategy

Having a pre-order business model has numerous benefits, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. There are pitfalls that can hinder your success if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Case studies of British-made brands that do the pre-order model well

The Slow Wardrobe

Linda at The Slow Wardrobe offers size inclusive womenswear, predominantly made in linen. As well as a ready to wear collection, The Slow Wardrobe runs regular pre-order campaigns for specific garments. Linda’s pre-order marketing campaigns always start with a YouTube video that she makes to introduce the product that is going on pre-order. She then follows this up with an email to her subscribers focusing on the pre-order offer and outlining the cut off dates for ordering and the delivery date.

One of the benefits to The Slow Wardrobe of selling certain styles via pre-order is that they are able to offer a large amount of options without investing in the stock. The jumpsuit style shown above was offered in 5 colours, 4 sizes and 3 lengths – a total of 60 options.
For returning customers, The Slow Wardrobe offers a loyalty discount on top of the pre-order discount, to reward regular customers. Because of this, Linda says she has many customers that will order something every single time she runs a pre-order.

Three lessons learnt from The Slow Wardrobe’s pre-order offer:

Community Clothing

Community Clothing works with several factories around the UK to make quality basics at affordable prices. Part of the ethos of the brand is retaining sewing skills in the UK and avoiding over-consumtpion by making pieces that last, so the pre-order model suits their customer profile well.

They chose to run a pre-order campaign for a new collection of underwear in order to secure a minimum quantity of orders needed to restart production lines in Wales. The campaign aligns with their mission to revive local craftsmanship and create skilled jobs in the UK. The company aligns itself with the mission of reviving the lost craftsmanship and providing employment in the area. The “greater good” aspect lends authenticity and a sense of purpose to the campaign, motivating consumers to participate.

Three lessons learnt from Community Clothing’s pre-order offer:

1. Use storytelling to add emotional appeal that not only provides context but also generates interest in the product’s revival.

2. Be transparent about why you’re offering a pre-order. By being upfront about the need to take orders upfront, you invite customers to invest in your brand, which creates a sense of community and shared responsibility.

3. The use of a timer (even if it’s not a real one) acts as a psychological trigger that encourages action rather than procrastination.

Love and Unique

Love and Unique is a womenswear brand that makes clothing from size 8 to 24. Carly the founder has built a loyal community of followers on Instagram and uses the social media platform to test new designs and announce pre-orders.

In one particular pre-order that Love and Unique ran, Carly asked her audience whether they wanted a new dress design in a long or short option using a reel she posted on Instagram. This not only helped her to make the decision to offer the dress in both lengths, but because so many of her followers commented on the post with their preference, it helped the Instagram algorithm know to push the post out even further. The result was that she exceeded her pre-order expectations on the dress, and pleased both the customers that wanted short as well as those that wanted long. Something that would not have been achieved if she’d taken the decision to gaborone or the other and make them all upfront.

Three lessons learnt from Love and Unique’s pre-order offer:

In summary: The power and potential of pre-order for small businesses

Embracing a pre-order model can be a game-changer for small businesses, particularly those manufacturing in the UK on limited budgets. Not only does it offer a safer, more sustainable approach to production and sales, but it also allows you to engage deeply with your customer base. From better cash flow to reducing waste and increasing community engagement, the advantages are many.

However, success is not guaranteed—it takes careful planning, clear communication, and a good understanding of your ideal customer. Companies like The Slow Wardrobe, Community Clothing and Love and Unique demonstrate how pre-order campaigns can revive local craftsmanship and contribute to a greater cause while ensuring business viability.

So if you’re considering launching a pre-order campaign, take heed of the tips, tricks, and common pitfalls mentioned in this article to set your business up for success. By doing so, you can join the ranks of brands that aren’t just selling products but are also building communities and making a positive impact.

In this video I answer the question ‘What funds should I put aside for production costs? And how long should I allow from order to completion on average? This video is a snippet taken from a taster coaching Q&A session …

In this video I answer the question ‘What funds should I put aside for production costs? And how long should I allow from order to completion on average?

This video is a snippet taken from a taster coaching Q&A session for my British Brand Accelerator programme. If you’re looking to launch or grow a British-made brand, and want tailored advice in a supportive group with 1-2-1 support, find out more here.

Key Takeaways:

What Funds Should I Put Aside For Production Costs?

How long should I allow from order to completion on average?

Apply for British Brand Accelerator today to get your exclusive access to my advanced private training ‘The 3-part framework for developing profitable UK-made product with ease’.

I constantly have people telling me, “I can get X made much cheaper overseas than in the UK.” Yes, that might be true, and the allure of a lower cost-price from overseas can seem tempting initially. However, for small businesses, …

I constantly have people telling me, “I can get X made much cheaper overseas than in the UK.”

Yes, that might be true, and the allure of a lower cost-price from overseas can seem tempting initially.

However, for small businesses, when you purchase from an overseas manufacturer with much higher MOQs (minimum order quantities), the maths doesn’t always add up.

Local vs Overseas: Let’s Dive into the Numbers

Made locally in the UK

Manufactured overseas

You spend £2,500 for 500 pieces. After selling the first 100 you’ve still not made any profit. The rest is still sitting there waiting to be sold.

Can you see how it is better to buy less and not have all your cash tied up in unsold stock?

OK you might argue that the cheaper selling price for the overseas-made tees will boost sales. But think about it: as a small business, where are you going to find a load of extra customers to sell to?

More customers often means more marketing and advertising expenses. Plus there’s the risk that you’ll commit to a large order, only to discover it’s not what your customers are after.

Going overseas might seem tempting with its low costs, but don’t forget, it comes with potential pitfalls: the risk of biting off more that you can chew, the gamble of inconsistent quality, and the logistical nightmares of shipping.

On the other hand, producing in the UK might come with a slightly higher price tag upfront, but it rewards you with consistency, a sense of familiarity, fewer headaches, and crucially, less money trapped in unsold stock.

I go into the above in a lot more detail in my private workshop ”The 3-part Framework for Developing Profitable, UK-Made Products’. To get access to the workshop, apply for my British Brand Accelerator and I’ll send it to you.

Make it British is looking for a part-time Community Manager Are you an outgoing and organised person with a passion for building meaningful connections? Do you want to work part-time in a flexible role with a small and agile team? …

Make it British is looking for a part-time Community Manager

Are you an outgoing and organised person with a passion for building meaningful connections?

Would you thrive in fostering a vibrant online community that feels like a big, happy family?

At Make it British our mission is to support small businesses that manufacture in the UK. Our platform has been working with British brands and UK manufacturers since 2011, through a membership, online marketing, digital courses, mentoring and live events.

The primary focus of the Community Manager is to interact and communicate with our members, delivering a membership offer that engages, promotes and educates our community and brings them together.

The Community Manager will help to organise virtual gatherings, masterclasses, and networking events, that leave our community buzzing with excitement.

You’ll devise strategies for membership growth and nurture existing members to increase retention and ensure they feel supported.

If you’re someone who is passionate about building and nurturing online communities, is super-organised and has exceptional written and verbal communication skills, then you are the person we’re looking for!

We are a small and agile team at Make it British, and whilst the role is remote, you’ll need to work closely with other members of the team on a regular basis.

There will be flexibility in the hours you work, but there may also be times when we need you to work certain dates, for instance when we hold online and in-person events.

Closing date: TBC – apply asap.

Make it British is looking for a Marketing & Design Executive - could it be you? Are you an enthusiastic person who delights in creating engaging imagery and wonderful words? Do you want to work part-time in a flexible role …

Make it British is looking for a Marketing & Design Executive - could it be you?

Are you an enthusiastic person who delights in creating engaging imagery and wonderful words?

Do you want to work part-time in a flexible role with a small and agile team?

Would you love to use your skills to help UK manufacturing thrive?

At Make it British our mission is to support small businesses that manufacture in the UK. Our platform has been working with British brands and UK manufacturers since 2011, through online marketing, digital courses, mentoring and live events.

The primary focus of the Marketing and Design Executive will be to create engaging content that aligns with the mission and integrity of the Make it British brand and that of our audience.

You will have design flair and the ability to create social media posts that inspire conversation. You’ll have experience of using digital technology to create on-brand content, and the willingness to learn new systems when needed.

Our team is committed to making sure that each member of our community feels listened to and supported. We strongly believe that social media is a two way conversation, and you’ll be the type of person who enjoys commenting on the posts of others, as much as you do creating your own.

You’ll be full of ideas for how we can build on our existing social media accounts, which total over 100,000 followers, and be able to translate those ideas into a content plan that delivers results.

We are a small and agile team at Make it British, and whilst the role is remote, you’ll need to work closely with other members of the team on a regular basis.

This role will start out at 16 hours per week but could quickly grow to more with the right person onboard.

There will be flexibility in the hours you work, but there will also be times when we need you to work certain dates, for instance when we hold online and in-person events.

If you feel you have the passion and enthusiasm to be our social media superstar, please complete the form below.

When it comes to getting products made, sometimes things go wrong. It’s a fact. The trick is to know how to handle it and put it right. When I worked as a fashion buyer, a big part of my job …

When it comes to getting products made, sometimes things go wrong. It’s a fact. The trick is to know how to handle it and put it right.

When I worked as a fashion buyer, a big part of my job was product development. You probably think that sounds like fun – flying around the world, creating beautiful products – and it was. But that was only 20% of the job. The other 80% of my time was problem-solving any issues that would inevitably arise.

Because no matter how experienced the buyer and how amazing the factory, there were nearly always problems that cropped up at some stage in the development process that needed to be solved.

Sometimes it was something simple, like the fact that a detail had been left off a tech pack, which the factory had spotted. A quick email to confirm the details and sampling could continue.

Other times it was more tricky, like a fabric failing a color-fastness test. In that case, a decision had to be made as to whether to choose a new color or find a new fabric. Or a weak stitching point on a sample that resulted in a bag handle coming off if you gave it a tug.

But the worst problems were always those that weren’t spotted until after production had been finished and the order shipped. In the case of the big retailers that I worked for, whose orders were often in the thousands of units, these errors were potentially extremely costly. So determining who was liable was a major exercise in detective work and negotiation.

In the latter part of my corporate career, nearly all of the factories we used were on the other side of the world. So issues had to be solved with an endless thread of emails, which was time-consuming and frustrating. It definitely took the fun out of the role at times.

One of the advantages of manufacturing locally is definitely that a lot fewer errors occur because you can visit a factory and have these conversations face to face. But still, manufacturing issues do arise.

So here are my top tips for how to solve manufacturing issues amicably and easily…

✓ DO meet the manufacturer face-to-face to talk through your issues

You have a much better chance of a successful outcome for both parties if you meet in person. Showing them where the problem lies is much easier than trying to describe it over the phone or via email. Working with a factory is a partnership. Sending them shouty emails is akin to dumping a boyfriend via text!

✓ DO remember it is a business transaction and don’t take it personally

While manufacturing issues can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that they are simply a part of running a business. Avoid taking things personally and approach the situation with a calm and professional attitude. The manufacturer is not out to get you, so don’t get upset about it or lose your head. Nine times out of ten the problem can be solved with an amicable discussion.

✓ DO listen to what the manufacturer has to say

Understand how the problem has occurred from their side as well as your own, and listen carefully to the manufacturer’s perspective. It’s natural to want to blame them for everything because you’re disappointed, but there may also be something that you could have done to prevent it from happening. Knowing what caused the issues will help to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

✓ DO try and reach a conclusion that works for both parties

Try to resolve the situation so that neither you, nor the manufacturer feels like you’ve lost out. For instance, negotiating a discount on faulty goods, or agreeing a reasonable timeframe for the work to be put right, rather than demanding they remake everything or refund you in full. Strive for a win-win situation that preserves your business relationship and leaves you on good terms.

✓ DO reflect on your communication and learn from the experience

Could you have done things differently to avoid the issue happening? Was your communication on the order always 100% clear? Or was something left open to interpretation? Maybe you cut a corner or skipped a step in order to meet a deadline, and in doing so forced the manufacturer into a difficult position. No one works at their best when they’re under pressure.

✗ DON’T panic!

It’s natural to panic when things go wrong, but doing so won’t help the situation. Remember that nine times out of ten mistakes can be sorted out by discussing the issue in a friendly fashion. Stay calm, focus on finding a solution, and maintain and smile

✗ DON’T start looking for another manufacturer

Resist the urge to jump ship and search for a new manufacturer immediately. Hear what the original one has to say first. You might end up just repeating the same mistakes with a new factory – and take it from me, the grass is not always greener!

✗ DON’T bad-mouth the manufacturer

No matter how frustrated you may feel, avoid bad-mouthing the manufacturer to peers or on social media! This will always come back to bite you. The UK manufacturing industry is small and many manufacturers and suppliers know each other. You may find that another factory won’t take you on if they think you might be difficult or unprofessional to work with, even if the situation was not your fault.

Remember…

Manufacturing issues are just a part of developing products. They happen to everyone at some point, no matter how much experience you have. The trick is knowing how to handle them, and not turning the whole thing into a stressful blame-game. Whilst dealing with problems in production can be a trying experience, it doesn’t have to result in strained relationships or recurring issues.

By following these dos and don’ts when working with a manufacturer, you can approach challenges with a level-headed perspective, maintain professionalism, and resolve your issues in an amicable way.

For the living room, bedroom, garden or study, we bring you our list of the best British furniture brands. Our furniture is what makes a house a home, and there are plenty of options to choose UK-made furniture. So whether …

For the living room, bedroom, garden or study, we bring you our list of the best British furniture brands.

Our furniture is what makes a house a home, and there are plenty of options to choose UK-made furniture. So whether you're looking for something to make a statement or to compliment your interiors, our list of the best British furniture brands will be sure to offer something to everyone's tastes.

Living Room Furniture Brands

Humpties

Humpties are the manufacturers of beautiful handcrafted floor cushions.

Hand-cut and sewn in a range of timelessly beautiful shades, every Humptie is carefully stuffed with 100% pure wool from British upland sheep for a soft but sturdy shape that lasts. And with their lifetime guarantee, you can rest easy knowing your Humptie will always be a part of your home.

Shop the Humpties collection here

A Little Furniture Shop

Handmade sofas, chairs and footstools, individually hand made in Shropshire. A Little Furniture Shop also restores and re-upholsters a range of Danish and mid century furniture. All of their pieces and unique and made or restored just for you.

Shop the A Little Furniture Shop collection here

Plank Design

From their Northamptonshire workshop, Plank Design handcraft all of their furniture using locally sourced timber. From stylish coffee tables to side and hall tables, each of their pieces are unique, made to last and easily maintained making them sustainable and environmentally sound.

Shop the Plank Design collection here

Bedroom Furniture Brands

Natural Bed Company

The Natural Bed Company offer hand made solid wooden beds, made in UK bedroom furniture, bedding and mattresses, and a range of gifts and accessories. Their beds are Hand Made in Sheffield and built to last.

Shop the Natural Bed Company collection here

Beds Direct Batley

Beds Direct Batley is a well-established, family-owned manufacturer & direct retailer of all types of beds and associated products. Their long-standing staff have many years of knowledge and expertise in the manufacture and supply of beds.

All of their mattresses and divan bases are made in their own workshop, located in Batley, West Yorkshire.

Shop the Beds Direct Batley collection here

Pendenza Beds

Pendenza Beds is Britain's only dedicated online retailer of inclined bed products, aiming to supply people with 'an inclination for a relaxing sleep'. They cater for the growing number of people who find that they get a better night's rest on a gently inclined sleeping surface.

Shop the Pendenza Beds collection here

Outdoor Furniture Brands

Perkins & Morley

Perkins and Morley create wildlife & nature inspired artisan cards, gifts & home-wares; designed & made in the UK, including deckchairs and outdoor stools featuring their own fabrics.

The deckchair frame is made from oiled Merpauh wood and the sling from the hard-wearing polyester canvas; providing a durable print and excellent protection in all weather conditions. Great for relaxing in the garden; this eye-catching deckchair can easily be folded flat and stored when not in use.

Shop the Perkins & Morley collection here

White Castle Furniture

White Castle Furniture is a family business that has made furniture for over 30 years as Abergavenny Sawmill. Their handmade wooden garden furniture offers premium quality and comfort at affordable prices. What's more, all of their furniture is delivered fully-assembled, so you get to enjoy right away!

Shop the White Castle Furniture collection here

Armadillo Sun

Armadillo Sun design and make amazing luxury bean bag chairs and furniture for use outdoors and indoors. Their luxury bean bag chairs are waterproof, mould and fade-resistant. They also make bean bag loungers and bean bag tables.

Wanting to have the products made in the UK they had a workshop built and so they could design and produce all their products in Kent, UK.

Shop the Armadillo Sun collection here

We hope you enjoyed this article on British furniture brands. Do you make furniture in the UK or have a suggestion of a brand that does? Join Make it British today to be featured.

Discover our curated made in UK jewellery makers. We’ve selected a range of brands in various styles and budgets, from bespoke fine jewellery to statement costume jewellery pieces, all made in the UK. If you’re after a piece of jewellery …

If you’re after a piece of jewellery for that special event or just as a treat to yourself, there is no need to look any further than home crafted. The UK is full of creativity and craftsmanship and we produce some beautifully designed and made jewellery. So if you’re looking for a bold statement necklace or a fine diamond ring, something off the shelf or custom made, you can find it here.

Perkins & Morley

Design duo Jill Perkins & Jan Morley – two women who produce different, unique designs and have a passion for cards, gifts and home-wares that celebrate nature, wildlife and our landscape.

Contrado

Discover handmade and personalised jewellery at Contrado. Made in the UK using the finest materials, their selection includes customisable sterling silver necklaces, silver and wooden earrings and necklaces, and more. Find the perfect piece for yourself or a loved one, including personalised jewellery boxes and cufflinks. Their commitment to quality and craftsmanship ensures that each piece is beautiful and made to last. Stand out with unique, high-quality jewellery from Contrado.

Shop the Contrado jewellery collection here

Odissa

A marketplace of online jewellery, arts and crafts shops catering for the growth in fine handmade products and brings you the best of thoughtfully curated modern creative workmanship.

A way for jewellery makers to have a platform to sell designer, made in UK jewellery, showcase their products and help to maintain and grow the British jewellery making industry.

Shop the Odissa jewellery collection here

Gemstoneriver

Gemstoneriver® create handmade & bespoke, glamorous & street fashion UK made jewellery for all occasions.

Glam up effortlessly with Gemstoneriver® for uniquely handcrafted, bespoke jewellery pieces at affordable prices. With high quality materials and in-house rigorous quality assurance, they’ve been providing brides, bridesmaids, flower girls, and all with memorable jewellery pieces since 2012. All of their glamorous jewellery pieces and accessories are handmade in London, UK.

Shop the Gemstoneriver jewellery collection here

MMzS

MMzS pieces are all about adding colour and sparkle to an outfit – they are not to be kept in the vault but are to be worn and loved for many years!

Their Jewellery Design pieces are designed and UK made by an experienced jeweller and a very skilled leather craftsman. The metal pieces are hallmarked by the London Assay Office, the leather pieces are embossed with the ‘MMzS’ logo.

Shop the MMzS jewellery collection here

David Law ‘your personal jeweller’

Specialising in creating bespoke, UK made jewellery and offering an individually personalised buying experience.

Whether you are looking to create a bespoke engagement ring, matching wedding bands, eternity rings, pendants, earrings and more, when you work with David Law he can design and make them for you.

Shop the David Law jewellery collection here

Form Bespoke

Form Bespoke Jewellers are a multi award winning fine jewellers, specialising in bespoke engagement rings and wedding rings. With a combined experience of over 60 years in the jewellery industry, their Yorkshire team are experts in working with platinum, 18 carat gold, diamonds and precious gems.

They are highly recommended for their friendly customer service, high quality and expert British craftsmanship.

Shop the Form Bespoke jewellery collection here

ANNIE HAAK Designs

From the kitchen table of a cottage to the height of jewellery cool, Annie Haak Designs has grown exponentially as a business and by reputation amongst its trade partners and ever-increasing wearers of an enchanting range of bracelets, necklaces, rings and stacks.

All of Annie’s designs carry special meaning to the creator which is relayed by way of mantras or symbols representing luck, love, protection, strength and wellbeing.

Shop the ANNIE HAAK jewellery collection here

Jeweller’s Loupe

Their expert jewellers have over 60 years of experience in the British jewellery industry. Working with the likes of Harrods, Marks and Spencer and Odgen of Harrogate, their jewellers have mastered their craft and are now creating great British jewellery just for you.

Centuries of jewellery craftsmanship heritage in the UK has preceded Jeweller’s Loupe. Proud to be keeping this creative spark and ancient craft alive and are committed to playing their part in supporting British manufacturing.

Shop the Jeweller’s Loupe jewellery collection here

Tatty Devine

The worlds go-to brand for original and fun statement UK made jewellery! Born in 1999 in the heart of East London by founders Harriet and Rosie. Not long after they achieved a cult following with fans that are still standing with them almost 20 years later.

All Tatty Devine jewellery is designed and handmade in-house by a small, skilled team of makers with a passion for perspex. They work hard to ensure that every piece boasts the quality and unique stamp that’s become synonymous with the label.

We hope you enjoyed this article on UK-made jewellery. If you have any suggestions for British-made jewellery brands, or if you’re a jeweller yourself and making in the UK, we’d love to hear from you. Let us know in the comments below.

Last week I was invited to a meeting at the Houses of Parliament organised by Fashion Roundtable to talk about the current landscape for UK fashion and textile manufacturers, and what key challenges they face in the next five years. …

As well as propose potential solutions for the long-term growth of the industry.

2 weeks ago the owner of the last remaining Nottingham lace factory felt compelled to write to the Financial Times to say that Brexit was killing his business.

His 300 year old, 9th generation family business has gone from 20 staff to 4 since we left the EU.

90% of UK fashion and textile manufacturers employ less than 10 people. Our industry is made up of thousands of micro businesses who feel unheard and unsupported.

The industry is fragmented and we are at risk of losing many key skills, which if we don’t act quickly will be impossible to replace.

UK fashion and textile manufacturers biggest concerns right now are training and retaining staff and remaining competitive against their European counterparts. Increased shipping costs, duty and red tape are crippling their businesses.

Italy, Portugal and Turkey, our three main competitors in Europe, have millions in funding to their textile industry to help them promote their businesses to the outside world.

In comparison, the UK manufacturers get very little. There’s funding through Innovate UK, but so little of this goes to the textile and garment manufacturers that actually need it, and it doesn’t help with the biggest issue, which is the skills shortage and making the industry attractive for young people to want to come and work in it.

We have an apprenticeship scheme which is not fit for purpose, so very few garment and textile manufacturers use it, and an education system which is churning out 1000s of designers every year, who are not equipped with the know how of how to make something in a factory setting.

To address the skills issue we can’t even bring in skilled workers from overseas as they don’t meet the language qualifications that required.

We need centrally located training hubs, not just for machinists but in the other key poorly resourced areas, such as machine mechanics, in cities such as London, Leicester and Manchester, and incentives to encourage uptake of such training.

We need support from the ground up for the manufacturers that really need it, not just for the big organisations that shout loudest.

We need an industry trade show that is supported by government that showcases our manufacturers both here and abroad.

We need tax rebates for uk manufacturers to enable them to invest in new machinery and training staff.

We need an increase in duty and taxes on imported goods to encourage more people to buy locally.

I’m sure all of you saw the coronation? And admired the amazing craftsmanship of the uniforms worn at the parade?

All made by one small family factory in north london, founded by immigrants three generations ago, using buttons made in Birmingham and wool cloth woven in Yorkshire.

If we lose these skills because we are unable to support our UK manufacturers who’s going to make the uniforms for the next coronation?

There are a range of ways to fund your business based on what stage you are at, what you need the money for, and where you are located. How much you need to start your brand, and what you need …

There are a range of ways to fund your business based on what stage you are at, what you need the money for, and where you are located.

How much you need to start your brand, and what you need it for, will depend on the nature of your business. Bear in mind that at the beginning it is best to keep your investment to a minimum by launching with the minimum viable product to test your idea in the market.

With this in mind, often the best place to start is with your own funds.

When you do reach out for funding you’ll need to have a business plan in place and understand how much you need, what you need it for, and how you are going to sell your product.

Here are some of the different types of funding options for your start up brand you might want to explore:

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding can be a great way to raise cash for your product-based business, but don’t under-estimate how much work needs to be put into it in order to make your crowdfunding campaign a success!

This type of funding is best suited to those businesses that have a unique or exciting idea that people can get really excited about and want to invest to make it happen. A successful crowdfunder is essentially a marketing campaign that gets customers on board prior to launch.

In all types of crowdfunding you will need to give a percentage of the money raised to the platform that you used to run the campaign, and the fees can vary from one platform to the next.

Unless you specifically want to raise money from overseas look for a platform that has UK-based support and a good audience in the UK.

With all of these platforms make sure to do lots of research to see the types of campaigns that work best on the site, and whether your business and products would be a good fit. Backerkit.com has some good info on the success of recent campaigns.

There are several different types of crowdfunding that you can do, as follows:

Reward-Based Crowdfunding

This is when you offer something to your ‘funders’ in exchange for their money. Typical platforms that people use for this type of crowdfunding are Kickstarter and Indiegogo.

Pros: You can sell your product before you have manufactured it, allowing you to gauge the interest of buyers for new product ideas, usually for a discount on the future price.

Cons: There is a lot of competition on sites like Kickstarter and you will need to find ways of driving traffic to your campaign. So if marketing and PR is not your strength you might find it tough.

On some sites, if you don’t meet your target you get nothing at all, so make sure you have some friends and family to chip in at the end if you don’t quite reach it.

➞ https://www.kickstarter.com/
➞ https://www.indiegogo.com/

Investment Crowdfunding

You can sell shares using crowdfunding sites such as Crowdcube or Seedrs.

Pros: If you are happy to sell a share of your business then this could be a good route to go down if you need to raise a lot of cash for something such as machinery.

Cons: Investors will expect to see a return on their cash and you will have them to answer to if the business doesn’t go as planned!

➞ https://www.crowdcube.com/
➞ https://www.seedrs.com/

Donation Crowdfunding

Donation-based crowdfunding is when people give you money to support your charity or cause. Sites that you can run a donation-based crowdfunding campaign on include Go Fund Me and Just Giving.

Pros: If you have a worthwhile cause and a great story to tell they could be an option.
Cons: Not used so much by product-based businesses

➞ https://www.gofundme.com/
➞ https://www.justgiving.com/

Peer-to-peer Lending

Peer-to-peer lending is a way of getting a loan from members of the public – and then paying it back with interest. It’s like a crowdfunding bank! Funding Circle is one such platform that has been around for a while in the UK.

Pros: Can be a quick way to raise money if you need cashflow and can’t get a bank loan
Cons: You have to pay the money back – with interest!

➞ https://www.fundingcircle.com/

Government Backed Start-Up Loan

You can apply for a government-backed Start Up Loan of £500 to £25,000 to fund a new business.

Unlike a business loan, this is an unsecured personal loan with a fixed interest rate of 6% per year, payable over a period of 1 to 5 years. You’ll need to have a detailed business plan outlining your figures to be approved for the loan and pass a credit check to be approved for the loan.

If your application is successful you’ll also get free support and guidance to help write your business plan and up to 12 months of free mentoring.

➞ https://www.gov.uk/apply-start-up-loan

Local Enterprise Growth Hubs

LEPs (Local Enterprise Partnerships) are ‘Growth Hubs’ that support businesses locally throughout England. They have information on local funding available from the Government.

Availability of information and grants can vary widely by region, tending to be more available in areas that have higher levels of economic hardship.

What’s available can change on an ongoing basis, and as much of the recent funding came through the EU it remains to be seen what will be available in the future, but your first port of call for grant and loans should be contacting your LEP to find out what they are offering.

➞ Find a LEP Growth Hub near you

Department for Business, Energy Industrial Strategy (BEIS)

You can search for funding via the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy on the Government website.

You can search through available schemes, from grants to expertise and advice based on your location, size and business stage and industry.

➞ https://www.gov.uk/business-finance-support

When it comes to Government grants, these change all the time, as do the different types of tax relief available, so it is worth befriending a business advisor from your Local Enterprise Partnership to keep on top of what you might be entitled to.

Often grants are given on a match-funded basis i.e. you need to put in a certain percentage of the cash and the grant will match a percentage of it. Grants and funding applications can take up a lot of your time, often having complex forms to complete and a range of criteria your business needs to meet.

You need to assess whether the amount of money you will receive at the end is worth the time it will take you to apply for the funding – or whether your time and resources might be best spent adding value to other areas of your business.

There is no such thing as a free lunch, as they say!

Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme

The Government’s SEIS offers tax relief to people that invest in your business. You can receive up to £150,000 from investors in this scheme and they get a 50% tax break.

Your business has to be under a certain size but be a Limited company. There are various advisors that can help you complete all of the paperwork.

More details on the Government website – written in their usual jargon

Manufacturing Growth Programme

An EU-funded project for manufacturing SMEs. It’s match funded up to 35% but is only available in certain regions.

There are various phases of when the money is available (due to run out in March 2023) and lots of different regional advisors set up to help do all of the paperwork.

➞ https://www.manufacturinggrowthprogramme.co.uk/

UKRI (Previously Innovate UK)

UKRI runs various bids for businesses that want to raise cash for an innovation-based project. The funding is fiercely competitive and often the same companies (who know how to best win a bid) get the money.

Keep an eye on the UKRI website to see the funding rounds that come up and if you might have a project that would qualify.

UK Trade Show Programme

Employing an apprentice

UnLtd Starting Up Award

UnLtd Starting Up Award is for those who have an idea or are already making a difference and are looking for support to develop a social venture. They offer funding and support to help you get started or grow. Funds available up to £18,000.

➞ https://www.unltd.org.uk/awards

Pre-order versus made-to-order – what’s the difference?

Advantages of a pre-order business model

10 Steps to running a successful pre-order campaign

How long should your pre-order window be?

Common mistakes to avoid when it comes to your pre-order strategy

Case studies of British-made brands that do the pre-order model well

The Slow Wardrobe

Three lessons learnt from The Slow Wardrobe’s pre-order offer:

Community Clothing

Three lessons learnt from Community Clothing’s pre-order offer:

Love and Unique

Three lessons learnt from Love and Unique’s pre-order offer:

In summary: The power and potential of pre-order for small businesses

In this video I answer the question ‘What funds should I put aside for production costs? And how long should I allow from order to completion on average?

Key Takeaways:

What Funds Should I Put Aside For Production Costs?

How long should I allow from order to completion on average?

Local vs Overseas: Let’s Dive into the Numbers

Made locally in the UK

Manufactured overseas

I go into the above in a lot more detail in my private workshop ”The 3-part Framework for Developing Profitable, UK-Made Products’. To get access to the workshop, apply for my British Brand Accelerator and I’ll send it to you.

Make it British is looking for a part-time Community Manager

Closing date: TBC – apply asap.

Make it British is looking for a Marketing & Design Executive - could it be you?

✓ DO meet the manufacturer face-to-face to talk through your issues

✓ DO remember it is a business transaction and don’t take it personally

✓ DO listen to what the manufacturer has to say

✓ DO try and reach a conclusion that works for both parties

✓ DO reflect on your communication and learn from the experience

✗ DON’T panic!

✗ DON’T start looking for another manufacturer

✗ DON’T bad-mouth the manufacturer

Remember…

For the living room, bedroom, garden or study, we bring you our list of the best British furniture brands.

Living Room Furniture Brands

Humpties

A Little Furniture Shop

Plank Design

Bedroom Furniture Brands

Natural Bed Company

Beds Direct Batley

Pendenza Beds

Outdoor Furniture Brands

Perkins & Morley

White Castle Furniture

Armadillo Sun

We hope you enjoyed this article on British furniture brands. Do you make furniture in the UK or have a suggestion of a brand that does? Join Make it British today to be featured.

Discover our curated made in UK jewellery makers. We’ve selected a range of brands in various styles and budgets, from bespoke fine jewellery to statement costume jewellery pieces, all made in the UK.

Perkins & Morley

Contrado

Odissa

Gemstoneriver

MMzS

David Law ‘your personal jeweller’

Form Bespoke

ANNIE HAAK Designs

Jeweller’s Loupe

Tatty Devine

We hope you enjoyed this article on UK-made jewellery. If you have any suggestions for British-made jewellery brands, or if you’re a jeweller yourself and making in the UK, we’d love to hear from you. Let us know in the comments below.

Crowdfunding

There are several different types of crowdfunding that you can do, as follows:

Government Backed Start-Up Loan

Local Enterprise Growth Hubs

Department for Business, Energy Industrial Strategy (BEIS)

Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme

Manufacturing Growth Programme

UKRI (Previously Innovate UK)

UK Trade Show Programme

Employing an apprentice

UnLtd Starting Up Award

Are you looking for help with launching or growing your own UK-made brand? Check out our buffet of resources, courses and templates to help you take the next step in your manufacturing journey.