According to a recent survey conducted by Make it British, UK textile manufacturing production has increased by 25% compared to last year. Following this, the Make it British campaign is changing the name of its annual trade show to Make it British Live!.
Previously called Meet the Manufacturer, event organisers say it is a 100% British sourcing event and is proving a magnet for thousands of designers, manufacturers, retailers and academics each year. Since its launch five years ago the event has grown from 56 to over 200 exhibitors and it is fast becoming the ‘go to’ event for British manufacturers and businesses who want to source products that are made in the UK, according to organisers.
Kate Hills, founder of Make it British, says: “Our new name, Make it British Live!, reflects the essence of the Make it British campaign and is a stronger reflection of our core values, to encourage more people to buy British and manufacture in the UK. We’re confident that the rebrand will be the fanfare to attract even more progressive businesses looking to source locally and re-shore their production back to the UK.”
From garment manufacturing and textile mills to pattern cutters and trimming suppliers, Make it British Live! brings together British manufacturers under one roof. The event is also the place to go to discover a British brand, with a selection of creative businesses showcasing their distinct labels, organisers add. The event will also have a two-day programme of talks with a line-up of speakers and informative workshops that reflect the diversity of the fashion, textiles and homeware industries.
The rebranding comes at a time when UK textile manufacturing is booming, with production up 25%, and 50% of businesses in the industry reporting an increase in turnover compared to last year, according to a recent survey conducted by Make it British.
Hills adds: “More and more businesses in the UK are looking to manufacture locally and we’re seeing more interest than ever before from overseas as more companies seek out brands with a made in Britain label. For many years the fashion and textiles supply chain in this country has been fragmented but Make it British Live! is all about bringing that supply chain back together.”
Source: www.wtin.com