More so than ever people are interested in the provenance and sustainability of the products they buy and that’s one of the reasons why our output is 25% up on the production levels of the early eighties. And it’s continuing to rise. You wouldn’t be the first person to think that Britain doesn’t manufacture anything anymore, but you’d be wrong! Britain is producing high quality goods and they are in demand!
Buying British isn’t about parading about with the Union Jack, it’s about choosing good-value British basics and locally sourced goods.
But why should we buy British? Or buy local? It’s a good question. But there are many economic, social and environmental reasons for it.
1. It’s environmentally friendly
Lots of people would like to do more to conserve and protect our natural resources, but don’t know where to begin when it comes to being environmentally friendly. We all have a role to play when it comes to supporting an eco friendly environment and buying British (or buying local) means we are taking responsibility for the environmental impact of our own consumption. Nowadays, eco friendly products are readily available; and so too are British goods. When you buy British, you create a smaller carbon footprint. It’s as simple as that! Mass produced products are often flown into the UK from the other side of the world, leaving a massive carbon footprint behind it and buying British Made goods helps counteract this. People are now more aware than ever. The UK trend reflects a global rise in interest in environmentally friendly products, with consumers prepared to pay more to protect the natural world doubling in recent years.
2. You are investing in quality
Globalisation has opened up many opportunities and has helped provide mass volumes that retailers need, but it’s also changed the way businesses think. Globalisation is about producing the largest amount of products for the cheapest price, rather than focusing on quality. British made products may be more expensive but are often better made, meaning that you have long, lasting products.
3. It helps create employment
Wouldn’t it be nice to help boost the British economy by keeping people in jobs? Local business has the opportunity to place people in careers, educate them and promote a good work ethic. When buying British Made products you are helping to keep the manufacturing market in the UK exciting and vibrant.
4. Your spending will boost the local economy.
When you buy local more money stays in the community. Research on spending by local authorities shows that for every £1 spent with a small or medium-sized business 63p stayed in the local economy, compared to 40p with a larger business.
So how do you know when it’s Made in Britain?
In January 2011 cooker manufacturer Stoves commissioned independent market research among 1,000 British adults which found that almost half of those surveyed admitted confusion about which brands could still claim to be made in Britain. More than a third (37%) of those questioned stated they would buy British if it was easier to identify authentic made in Britain products.
Introducing the Made in Britain Marque
The idea for a logo to identify products made in Britain was conceived by Stoves following their research. The marque is designed to be used by British manufacturers on their marketing material, websites and products to help consumers and businesses understand the origins of the goods they are purchasing. The chosen design was unveiled in July 2011 and in November 2012 a committee was formed to oversee the marque and assist with the ongoing promotion of the campaign.
In 2013, further research was carried out by Make it British, which found that many people were willing to pay more to buy British, particular the older generation. Superior quality, support for the UK economy, and job creation were the main reasons cited for their choice.
In June 2013 the logo was redesigned the new one is based on a quadrant of the Union flag.
Their mission:
So will you buy British?