NEWS to drive growth in UK manufacturing post Brexit


Innovation and authenticity will be the key drivers of growth in UK manufacturing post Brexit - that was the overarching message of over 100 leading British manufacturers, producers and brands at this year's Make it British Forum on 2 November at the Textile Centre of Excellence, Huddersfield. They met to debate how to be uniquely British and capitalise on customers' desire to buy British-made products, with demand for British-made goods up 36% in the last five years*.


Mark Jarvis, Managing Director, World Textile Information Network, gave


delegates an inspiring glimpse of the impact of digitisation, describing the capabilities of microprocessors woven into fabrics, connecting garments to the internet in a new and innovative way. “Our opportunities for growth in materials and manufacturing lie in digitisation,” he urged.


“Collaboration is vital and mass personalisation is the key to meet the


needs of the consumer. By 2025 the power will shift to the consumer. Every manufacturer in the UK has the opportunity to be the most innovative and leading manufacturer in the UK. The opportunity is there to put us at the forefront of agile manufacturing. But we mustn’t be lulled into inaction.”


His rallying call certainly inspired delegates at the forum - business


owners and operators - to tell their personal journeys, enjoying the opportunity to share ideas and learn from each other. But how do businesses tell their own compelling 'made in Britain' stories in order to get noticed in an overcrowded market?


Kate Hills, founder of Make it British, explained: “It’s not enough to simply


stick a Union Jack on your product in order to translate desire into sales. It’s all about adding value."


The inspiring line-up of speakers included Stephen Bent, International


Sourcing/Production Manager, Dr Martens, who helped to demystify social media as a means to help promote your British brand, sharing details of the Dr Martens’ project to engage their apprentices with social media, claiming: “Their passion for our brand and confidence in using social media enables them to share the message in their own individual ways. We’ve found three out of four of our apprentices through Instagram.”


“We need to bang the drum about the good ethical practices of British


producers,” added Oliver Platts, Managing Director, Joshua Ellis & Co. Andy Ogden, Director & General Manager, English Fine Cottons, urged delegates: “have the courage to be authentic and tell your story!”


For more information visit: www.makeitbritish.co.uk


* Source: Barclays Brand Britain – Export Opportunities for UK Businesses report, based on market research conducted by Opinium and economic modelling conducted by Development Economics Dec 2017


Make it British founder , Kate Hills


Make it British Make it British is the campaign set up by Kate Hills to encourage more people to buy British and make in the UK. Kate, a former fashion buyer, founded a website called Make it British in 2011 as a platform for promoting UK manufacturers and British-made brands. Make it British now includes events, such as Make it British Live! and regional Make it British forums, along with an extensive Make it British membership and directory and online training. www.makeitbritish.co.uk


Make it British Live! Make it British Live! began in 2014 and was originally called Meet the Manufacturer. This unique show prides itself on being the only sourcing event exclusively showcasing British manufacturers and producers. The annual two-day event includes a trade show with over 200 exhibitors, seminars and workshops and takes place in London. www.makeitbritishlive.com


Make it British Forums Make it British introduced a series of regional forums in 2016, taking Make it British to different areas of the UK to bring together British producers, manufacturers and retailers to share ideas and encourage more people to buy British.


Rosie McFarlane E: press@makeitbritish.co.uk T: 07899 061505


12 • FOOTWEAR TODAY


• JANUARY 2019


www.footweartoday.co.uk


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