A Local Labour of Love

The pandemic and Brexit have changed the way consumers shop, with two thirds of the population more likely to buy UK-made products than in 2019, according to a recent survey conducted by Make it British.

As a proud Scottish brand we’re huge supporters of the ‘Buy British’ initiative but during a cost-of-living crisis when everyone has a tight grip on their finances, we understand the temptation to buy cheaper imports is appealing. But are you really saving money and if so, what are the true costs of your savings?

The 9^th of March is Made in UK Day and the campaign is calling on everyone to celebrate UK makers by buying something made here in the UK.  It is also promoting UK-made to lower carbon footprint, save traditional skills and techniques, create job opportunities, promote craftsmanship, and boost the economy. Do you shop local and buy British? If not, the following reasons might make you rethink your shopping habits:

Quality
When you buy something made in Britain, you are typically buying a skilfully manufactured product that is made to last. Although British products can be more expensive than imports, they have an extra level of quality that you won’t find in products made overseas.

Economy Boost
Buying British is great news for the UK economy. You are investing in skilled craftsmanship and helping to secure the future for manufacturers. Money spent on British products also filters through to your local economy and enables UK companies to invest in each other. 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 large multinational business.

Eco-friendly Choice
UK manufacturing is in line with environmental laws and products manufactured on home soil often have a lower carbon footprint than those mass produced in countries abroad. Of course, when you do buy British, those goods don’t need to be transported halfway across the world meaning they are much more environmentally friendly!

5* Service
Customer service is key. Companies who manufacture locally can often provide shorter lead times and respond to special requests quicker than those who import or manufacture out with the UK. There’s no need to factor in long shipping delays (or costs) and if something isn’t right, replacements or repairs can be arranged quickly and efficiently.

Ethical Shopping
Many products imported from overseas are manufactured in awful conditions. British manufacturers ensure their employees work in safe and comfortable surroundings and are paid fairly for their labour. Supporting ethical companies means you’re saying no to cheap labour and helping to put an end to exploiting workers overseas.  

House of Cheviot design, knit and hand finish luxury socks in Hawick, Scotland. We are committed to working with the best British suppliers and retailers to provide quality products and excellent service. We support craftsmanship and strive to keep traditional skills and techniques at the forefront of our business.

Our luxury shooting, country and kilt socks are available on our website as well as in leading retailers throughout the UK. If you’d like to see behind the scenes, please watch our production video.