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Make it British Podcast

Business & Economics Podcasts

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'.

Location:

United Kingdom

Description:

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'.

Language:

English

Contact:

07753678146


Episodes

290 – From the archive: Why UK Manufacturing is More Sustainable with Christopher Nieper OBE

3/14/2024
Christopher Nieper OBE is the managing director of David Nieper, a womenswear business in Alfreton in Derbyshire. The firm was set up by Christopher's parents sixty years ago and is now one of the most vertical textile operations in the UK. Christopher recently invested in state-of-the-art digital printing equipment so that the factory can print it's own fabric onsite. David Nieper already prints all their own catalogues and produce their own knitwear in house, alongside the garment production. In this episode you can hear about the research Christopher commissioned from Nottingham university looking at the greenhouse gas emissions produced to make clothing at the David Nieper factory in Derbyshire. The study then compared these findings to the emissions produced by making garments in China, Turkey and Bangladesh and then shipping them to the UK. It makes for very interesting insights into how making in the UK can be quantified as more sustainable. A big advocate for slow fashion, Christopher has also found that his customers keep and wear his clothes 10 times longer than average. Listen to this episode to discover: This episode is the recording of a talk that Christopher did at Make it British Live! Online event in October 2020. About David Nieper Watch my Instagram reel showing behind the scenes at the David Nieper factory. David Nieper website Stay in Touch British Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brand Make it British website

Duration:00:36:03

289 – Creating Adaptive Clothing with Caron McLuckie from Bealies Adaptive Wear

3/7/2024
In this episode of the Make it British podcast, Karen McCluckie, the director of Bealies Adaptive Wear, shares her inspiring journey of creating adaptive clothing for wheelchair users and disabled individuals. Motivated by her son's disability and the lack of suitable clothing options in the market, Karen embarked on a mission to design stylish and functional joggers tailored to the needs of wheelchair users. From the initial idea to overcoming challenges and securing funding, Karen discusses the process of bringing her innovative designs to the market while juggling her role as a social worker. With a commitment to UK manufacturing and a vision for expanding her product range, Karen's story highlights the power of innovation and determination in creating inclusive fashion solutions. About Caron McCluckie Caron on Linkedin Bealies Adaptivewear Website

Duration:00:30:45

288 – Why You Should Visit Your Factory

2/29/2024
This week I’ve been in the Midlands visiting factories, which is always one of my favourite things to do. I’d planned to take my podcast mic with me and get an episode to you today with an interview with one of the manufacturers, but sadly I was in such a rush when I set off early Sunday morning that I left my mic behind! So on today’s episode instead I'm discussing one of the amazing factories I went to see, and also sharing a recording from the archives - which is to encourage you to get out there and visit factories yourself!

Duration:00:15:16

287 – How To Sell Your Products

2/22/2024
Today's episode is all about selling and sales, and how it's closely linked to product development. A lot of creative business owners say that they aren't any good at selling, so the natural tendency is to drop their prices or default back to making more products. I'm going to give you a different way of looking at sales, so that selling doesn't make you feel like a used car salesman.

Duration:00:12:11

286 – 21 Tips for Building a Great British Brand

2/15/2024
Hear from 21 business founders as they give their tips on starting and growing a British-made brand. These snippets were taken from 21 different guest interviews on this podcast. If you want to listen to the full episodes you can find them as follows: Ep.142 Julie Deane, Cambridge Satchel Company Ep.076 Jack Millington, Billy Tannery Ep.143 Kath Whitworth, Celtic & Co Ep. 41 Paul Smithers, Halycon Blue Ep 179 Rebecca J Mills Ep 171 Rich Keegan & Linda Souto Maior, Usual Objections Ep 23 Sian Reekie, Hettie Co Ep 78 Katie Walker Furniture Ep 27 Matt Booth, Both Barrells Ep 139 Rachael Attwood, Britannical Ep 108 Steff McGrath, Something Wicked Ep 82 Joel, Chudleigh, Made to Last Ep 96 Richard Ince, James Ince & Sons Umbrellas Ep 120 Emma Willis Ep 39 Genevieve Sweeney Ep 129 Samanth Brooke, Waring Brooke Ep 88 Chris Woodford, Crown Northampton Ep 141 Emma Mathews, Socko Ep 153 Gillian Tusting, Tusting Ep 86

Duration:00:23:35

285 – I Never Looked at Manufacturing Anywhere Else with Catherine Bedford, Dashel Cycle Helmets

2/8/2024
On today’s episode I’m chatting with Catherine Bedford, founder of Dashel Cycle Helmets Catherine had the idea for an innovative and stylish cycle helmet whilst watching the London 2012 Olympics. She set about creating her vision, and it took 5 years to develop and launch the Dashel helmet. All Dashel helmets are made in the UK, and in this episode Catherine talks about: Mentioned in this episode: British Brand Accelerator

Duration:00:35:14

284 – Repair Is The New Cool with Thami Schweichler, United Repair Centre

2/1/2024
Welcome to Episode no.284! Circularity is the buzzword on everyone's lips right now. It's no wonder, when you hear that 350,000 tonnes of clothing goes to landfill in the UK every year. Something needs to be done to stop the mass-consumption that the UK in particularly seems to be pretty bad at! The United Repair Centre, a collaboration between outdoor brand Patagonia, social enterprise Makers Unite, and the Amsterdam Economic Board, is a much needed resource for the clothing industry. And they've opened one up in London! On this episode I chat with one of the United Repair Centre co-founders, Thami Schweichler. We chat about how the URC repair process has combined technology with sewing skills to make repair and circularity available to all, and how any brand can get involved in offering a repair service to their customers. ABOUT UNITED REPAIR CENTRE United Repair Centre Website United Repair Centre Instagram Thami Schweichler Linkedin HANDY LINKS British Brand Accelerator - My mentoring programme Kate's Sunday Journal - My newsletter Make it British Website YouTube Instagram Mentioned in this episode: British Brand Accelerator

Duration:00:33:25

283 – Tackling Textile Waste as a Slow Fashion Designer with Lydia Bolton

1/25/2024
Today's guest is Lydia Bolton, a slow fashion designer tackling textile waste by upcycling unwanted fabrics and garments and turning them into one-off pieces. As well as having her own label, Lydia also teaches others how to upcycle with workshops that she runs and in her partnerships with big brands such as Lidl, Nike, Adidas and Lime bikes. We chat about: ABOUT LYDIA BOLTON Lydia's Website Lydia on Instagram HANDY LINKS British Brand Accelerator Make it British Website YouTube Instagram

Duration:00:36:31

FAQ: Where’s The Best Place To Source Fabrics?

1/18/2024
How to find fabrics, leathers and other raw materials for your brand, and avoid the most common mistake that many people make when sourcing fabric. FURTHER RESOURCES UK Fabric Mills on the Make it British website HANDY LINKS British Brand Accelerator Make it British Website YouTube Instagram Rate This Podcast

Duration:00:08:43

FAQ: How Many Factories Should I Sample WIth?

1/17/2024
Sampling with UK manufacturers can be quite a different ball game to sampling with manufacturers overseas. Here's why you might not want to sample with lots of different factories. FURTHER RESOURCES Quiz: Are you ready to work with a UK factory? HANDY LINKS British Brand Accelerator Make it British Website YouTube Instagram Rate This Podcast

Duration:00:06:51

FAQ: Do I Really Need To Provide The Factory With A Tech Pack?

1/16/2024
Tempted to skip this step? Find out why that might be a bad idea, and how having a tech pack can save you money in the long run. FURTHER RESOURCES Tech Pack Bundle Quiz: Are you ready to work with a UK factory? HANDY LINKS British Brand Accelerator Make it British Website YouTube Instagram Rate This Podcast

Duration:00:05:25

FAQ: Should I Get My Manufacturer To Sign An NDA?

1/15/2024
A Non Disclosure Agreement is a legal document you might ask a manufacturer to sign in order to protect your designs. Find out what the pros and cons are of asking a manufacturer to sign an NDA, and what the alternatives are. FURTHER RESOURCES How to find a UK manufacturer HANDY LINKS British Brand Accelerator Make it British Website YouTube Instagram Rate This Podcast

Duration:00:05:51

FAQ: How Do I Approach A Manufacturer?

1/14/2024
What are the secrets to getting a response from a manufacturer when you reach out to them? I explain how to word your approach and why you might not be getting a response. FURTHER RESOURCES How to get manufacturers to respond to your emails How to find a UK manufacturer Why manufacturers aren't getting back to your emails HANDY LINKS British Brand Accelerator Make it British Website YouTube Instagram Rate This Podcast

Duration:00:06:05

FAQ: How Much Does It Cost To Start A Brand?

1/11/2024
What are the main costs that you will incur to start a brand, and how can you save money by making your product in the UK? FURTHER RESOURCES 25 Hidden Costs of Starting a Brand How Much Does it Cost to Start a UK-Made Fashion Brand? How to Start a UK Made Brand HANDY LINKS British Brand Accelerator Make it British Website YouTube Instagram Rate This Podcast

Duration:00:06:42

FAQ: How Do I Find The Right Manufacturer For My Brand?

1/10/2024
Discover the best ways to the ideal UK manufacturers for your brand, and how to ensure that they get back to you every time. FURTHER RESOURCES Make it British Manufacturer Directory 5 Steps to Finding a UK Manufacturer How to Start a UK Made Brand HANDY LINKS British Brand Accelerator Make it British Website YouTube Instagram Rate This Podcast

Duration:00:08:01

FAQ: Can A Manufacturer Source My Fabric For Me?

1/9/2024
You might think that having the factory source your fabric for you sounds like the easiest option, but that's not always the case. In this episode I explain what your options are when it comes to fabric sourcing, and why many UK clothing manufacturers operate on what is known as a CMT basis. FURTHER RESOURCES CMT or Full Service Manufacturer: What's the difference? 5 Steps to Finding a UK Manufacturer How to Start a UK Made Brand HANDY LINKS British Brand Accelerator Make it British Website YouTube Instagram Rate This Podcast

Duration:00:06:57

FAQ: How long does it take to launch a brand?

1/8/2024
Find out how long on average it might take to launch a brand and what the main variables are that will affect it. FURTHER RESOURCES 5 Steps to Finding a UK Manufacturer How to Start a UK Made Brand HANDY LINKS British Brand Accelerator Make it British Website YouTube Instagram Rate This Podcast

Duration:00:05:15

FAQ: How Do I Go From Idea To Prototype?

1/7/2024
Discover the essential steps to turn your idea into a successful prototype. Get practical advice on how to bring your concept to life efficiently and cost-effectively and how to common pitfalls. FURTHER RESOURCES 5 Steps to Finding a UK Manufacturer How to Start a UK Made Brand HANDY LINKS British Brand Accelerator Make it British Website YouTube Instagram Rate This Podcast

Duration:00:07:40

272 - Happy New Year! What's coming in 2024?

1/4/2024
Welcome to Episode 272 of the Make it British Podcast Starting off the new year with something a bit different. This episode explains everything. Looking out for my special FAQ series, starting on Monday 7th January. HANDY LINKS British Brand Accelerator Make it British Website YouTube Instagram Rate This Podcast

Duration:00:05:57

271 – 3 Things I Learnt This Year

12/21/2023
Hello and Welcome to Episode 271! As 2023 draws to a close, and for my last podcast episode of the year, I reflect back on the 3 biggest lessons that I've learnt this year. I also want to say a massive thank you to everyone that has listened to this podcast over the last 12 months. I cannot believe I am now at episode 271! The Make it British Podcast will be back on 5th January 2024. See you then! MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Plan Your Year - My annual planning workshop is the one thing you need to get your vision, goals, projects and tasks mapped out for 2024. British Brand Accelerator - The best way to work with me in 2024. Apply now! Reels Rockstars - The Instagram Reels course that I took that I highly recommend if you want to up your Instagram marketing next year. HANDY LINKS British Brand Accelerator Make it British Website YouTube Instagram Rate This Podcast

Duration:00:25:00