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 Textiles

Episode 005 - Keith Hanshaw | The Leather Satchel Company

Episode 088 - Chris Woodford | Crown Northampton

Episode 193 - Ian Maclean | John Smedley MBE

Episode 55 - Lance Mitchell | Mitchell Interflex

Episode 113 - Ruth Masson | Harris Tweed

Episode 290 - Christopher Nieper | David Nieper OBE

Episode 96 - Richard Ince | Ince Umbrellas

Episode 004 - Jo Ashburner-Farr | Red Dragon Flagmakers

Episode 254 - Chris Childs | Contrado

Episode 21 - Jenny Holloway | Fashion Enter

Episode 31 - Mick Cheema | Basic Premier

Episode 299 - A visit to Vagabond bags with Simon Michelson

Episode 118 - David Williams | Stoll GB

Episode 203 - Saed Saleh | Mars Knitwear

Episode 060 - Diana Kakkar

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 LINKS

British 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 UK

Make it British Website

YouTube

Instagram

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 Roundtable

Mustafa Fuat from Gosha London

Diana Kakkar from Maes London

Some 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