Searching for a handbag factory in England: Part One

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old_factoryAs I mentioned in one of my first posts, we are trying to find a handbag factory in the UK that we can work with to develop our new British handbag brand.
A few phone calls to some of the bag factories listed in the UKFT directory yielded several that were based in London. As we are trying to source everything as locally as possible it would be great if we could find a factory close by to our base in the City.
Everyone that I’ve called has been very helpful, although it appears that the demand for factories manufacturing handbags in England is far out-stripping the ability to supply. Several of the manufacturing units that I spoke to said that they can’t take on any more new clients as they don’t even have enough machinists for the work that their current customers are giving them.

What I am finding is that there is a overwhelming desire on everyone’s part to help keep manufacturing alive in the UK, and if they are full to capacity then they have given me the details of other British bag manufacturers to contact.

Do you have any experience of sourcing leathergoods in the UK? or know of any handbag factories that would be willing to work with a fantastic new start-up? If so, please let us know.

UPDATE 31.05.2011: Since writing this blog post  I have found so many inspiring brands and manufacturers in my search to find a UK factory that I now want to concentrate on supporting them in their dedication to keep these skills alive in the UK. I am now working on developing a business that will help do that. Please watch this space!

16 Responses

  1. nadia says:

    Hi, I’m looking for a small production factory that makes high quality leather handbags (less than a dozen per style). Can you offer any information on some factories pleae? Your help would be greatly appreciated.

    • Jules says:

      Hiya, You asked the question about soucing a small production factory that manufactures high quality leather handbags, could you let me know how you got on with the suggestions from other people please? many thanks Jules

  2. junior says:

    try j and r designs ltd 0208 985 0717 london

  3. Alisa says:

    07886599524 Jana,
    Leather bags factory /studio in east london , please contact us

    • Jevgenijs says:

      Hello, i am also looking for some small leather handbags factory in UK.
      Can i have some web page and e-mail?

      Thanks,
      Regards – Jevgenijs

      • Alex Hughes says:

        The website is being upgraded to e commerce site and will be back up next Thursday.

        We are based in Cheshire and manufacture leather bags and briefcases and luggage also canvas and leather and exotics.

        My mobile number is 07729 710604. please give me a call.

        Many thanks
        Alex

        • Mariam says:

          Hi Alex,
          What is your email address I’m looking for a company who manufacturer bags .

        • Claire Brown says:

          Hi Alex,

          I’ve left you a message twice on the mobile you’ve provided. Can you let me know if you’re interested in still looking for more business? I have a proposal I’d like to discuss further with you.

          Many thanks
          Best regards
          Claire Brown

        • Helen Collins says:

          Hi Alex, I am currently setting up a new business with the aim of selling top quality British made leather bags. I am looking for a UK manufacturer who makes top quality leather bags who would be prepared to produce an initial sample run of bags for me prior to my placing a much larger order. I am based in Rutland (East Midlands) but I am quite happy to travel for the right manufacturer. British made and craftmanship are the two most important factors for me in the manufacturing process.
          Are you able to assist? If so please could you provide me with details of your company`s website.
          Helen

  4. suzanne french says:

    I’m a new business start-up looking for British manufacturers of leather handbags. How has everyone got on with sourcing someone? I only want a small affordable test run maybe 20-50 of one design (dependent on price) if anybody knows anyone that can help please let me know. I stupidly thought that abroad was a good way to go but the quality is shocking!!! I ordered some jewellery and out of 50 pieces only 4 was in a saleable condition and even then I couldn’t charge what I wanted to charge as they looked so cheap. Never again! British is best!

  5. aisha says:

    Does anyone know of any northern handbag manufacturers? I have initial samples made abroad, but am now looking to manufactur in the UK with smaller runs to start – can nyone help? THANKS
    Aisha

  6. phil says:

    Hi.can anyone help me or point me in the right direction in finding leather bag makers.my own designs and will be small runs[bigger when i conquer the world].any help very much appreciated.thank you.phil.

  7. Lany Pringle says:

    Looking at the queries and comments above I, too, would like to find out if there are factories in London or near London that I could contact in order to enquire on making design bags. I would like to start a business in bag industry and would like to test in making samples of 3 of my designs.

    I would appreciate any comments or more information on starting a small business.

    Many thanks

    Lany

  8. Helen Collins says:

    Hi, I am currently setting up a new business with the aim of selling top quality British made leather bags. I am looking for a UK manufacturer who makes top quality leather bags who would be prepared to produce an initial sample run of bags for me prior to my placing a much larger order. I am based in Rutland (East Midlands) but I am quite happy to travel for the right manufacturer. British made and craftmanship are the two most important factors for me in the manufacturing process.
    Can any manufacturer assist?
    Helen

    • Samantha Rivers says:

      Hi Helen

      I too am in the East Midlands, close to Swadlincote and I too am starting my own business making bags, but in fabric. I was wondering if you’d like to share emails and chat and support one another. Let me know. Cheers
      Samantha

  9. Lisa says:

    Hi all, did anyone had any success in finding a UK manufacturer that can produce small runs?

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