Find a UK Manufacturer for Your Brand
Looking to make your products in the UK?
Discover how to connect with the right UK manufacturer and create products locally with ease. Whether you’re a startup, reshoring from overseas, or looking for a new factory partner, we’ve got you covered.
Why Finding a UK Manufacturer Is a Smart Move
Local Production
Reduce lead times and stay closer to your supply chain by choosing UK manufacturing. With local factories, communication is quicker, delivery times are faster, and you can make changes more easily as your product develops. Avoid the long waits and unpredictable delays often associated with overseas production and maintain tighter control over every stage of the process.
Higher Quality Control
Oversee production in person and ensure your products meet your exact standards. UK manufacturers are known for their craftsmanship and attention to detail, giving you peace of mind that your goods will meet customer expectations. Regular visits to your factory make it easier to build a strong working relationship and resolve any issues quickly, resulting in a smoother production process and higher-quality outcomes.
Sustainability Benefits
Minimise your carbon footprint by producing closer to home. UK manufacturing reduces the need for long-distance shipping, lowering the environmental impact of your supply chain. By supporting local factories, you also help preserve British craftsmanship and create jobs within the UK, aligning your brand with values of sustainability and ethical production.
But finding the right UK factory isn’t always easy. Many businesses struggle with unanswered enquiries, unclear requirements, or choosing the wrong type of manufacturer. That’s where Make it British can help.
How We Can Help You Find a UK Manufacturer
If you're looking for help to find a UK factory or supplier, you’ve made the right decision by coming to Make it British!
We match British brand founders with factories. Helping people who want to make in the UK connect with people who can make it for them.
We can help you on your UK manufacturing journey - from finding the perfect UK factory to guiding you through the process of developing your products from start to finish.
Over the last ten years hundreds of designers, buyers and retailers have worked with Make it British to find UK clothing, textile, homeware, accessories and handbag manufacturers and we’d be delighted to help you too!
With over 30 years of industry experience, I’ve helped thousands of businesses like yours connect with reliable UK factories. At Make it British, we specialise in:
- Matching Brands with Manufacturers: We help you find factories that align with your product and values.
- Streamlining the Process: From first enquiry to final production, we’ll guide you every step of the way.
- Providing Insider Expertise: Learn the key steps to avoid costly mistakes and build long-term partnerships.
Start Your UK Manufacturing Journey Today
Grab Our Free Guide
Download the Quick Start Guide to Finding a UK Manufacturer, trusted by thousands of business owners to save time and money.
This guide includes:
- A step-by-step checklist to prepare for working with UK manufacturers.
- Tips for sourcing raw materials, setting target costs, and creating a clear product brief.
- Expert advice to ensure your enquiry gets noticed.
Free Guide
Quick Start Guide to Working with a UK Manufacturer
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Who We Help To Find UK Manufacturers
The 5 Steps to Finding the Right Manufacturer
1. Do Your Research
Before reaching out to any manufacturer, it’s essential to understand your product, market, and competitors. Knowing your target customer and how your product fits into the market will show manufacturers you’re serious and prepared.
This isn’t just about making your business look attractive - it’s about ensuring you choose the right manufacturing partner to bring your vision to life. Researching your competitors can also help you identify common pitfalls to avoid and find ways to differentiate your product.
2. Source Your Raw Materials
Unlike many overseas factories, UK manufacturers often work on a CMT (cut, make & trim) basis, which means you need to supply your own raw materials, including fabrics, trims, and packaging.
This gives you more control over the quality and provenance of the materials you use, which is especially important if sustainability or ethical production is a core part of your brand. Being prepared with your materials not only streamlines the manufacturing process but also signals to the factory that you’re organised and ready to move forward.
If you're unsure where to start, seek advice or look for suppliers that specialise in low-MOQ materials for small businesses.
3. Set a Target Cost Price
My process involves working backwards from your intended retail price to establish a realistic target cost price. This is particularly important if you want to wholesale.
Don’t fall into the trap of benchmarking your costs against overseas factories—UK manufacturing inherently comes with higher labour costs but offers greater benefits in quality, flexibility, and sustainability.
Having a clear target cost price will also help you determine whether a particular manufacturer is the right fit for your business.
4. Create a Clear Product Brief
Your tech pack is the blueprint for your design and how you want your product made.
It should include technical specifications, detailed drawings, measurements, and a bill of materials. Think of it as your contract with the manufacturer—it ensures they know exactly what you’re looking for and helps minimise errors or misunderstandings.
A comprehensive brief also demonstrates your professionalism and commitment, increasing the likelihood of building a strong relationship with the factory.
5. Focus on the Right Factory
Not all manufacturers are created equal, and finding the right one for your specific product is key. UK factories tend to specialise in particular areas—whether it’s knitwear, accessories, or outerwear—so it’s essential to match your product to their expertise. Take the time to visit their facilities to see the machinery, meet their team, and assess their production quality. Building a personal connection can go a long way toward establishing a collaborative and productive relationship. Don’t forget to ask for recommendations or referrals to verify their reliability.
You can find the right UK manufacturer by looking at trusted industry directories like the Make it British Manufacturer Directory, where we have manufacturers specialising in everything from knitwear to accessories. Attend trade shows and networking events to meet potential partners in person. When shortlisting manufacturers, check their production capacity, certifications, and testimonials from other brands they’ve worked with.
One of the key benefits of working with UK manufacturers is their commitment to sustainability and ethical practices. Many use environmentally friendly production methods and uphold ethical labour standards, making your product more appealing to conscious consumers. For more on this, check out our article on Why UK Manufacturers are Better for Ethical Production.
Why Work With Make it British
Hi, I’m Kate Hills, founder of Make it British. I’ve been helping brands make their products in the UK since 2011. With decades of experience as a designer and buyer, I know what it takes to connect businesses with the right factories.
Over the years, I’ve:
- Guided thousands of businesses to successful manufacturing partnerships.
- Built a network of trusted UK manufacturers across fashion, textiles, homeware, and accessories.
- Launched the British Brand Accelerator, a coaching programme that fast-tracks your UK manufacturing journey.
Let me help you make your UK manufacturing dream a reality.
Who We've Already Helped Find a UK Manufacturer
From Zero to six figures in under a year, starting with an order of just 50 pieces.
"The direct introductions were a complete game-changer. Manufacturers take me more seriously if I’ve come via you rather than just stabbing in the dark and guessing who to go to.
Also things like doing customer personas, and working on the costings and looking at the materials I’m going to need. It’s been completely invaluable. I’m not sure I’d have been able to put in an order if I hadn’t done all of that work behind the scenes first."
From dream to reality - turning an initial idea into a viable business
“The amount of quality information you'll learn on the Accelerator is unmatched. I learnt so much, felt supported and was encouraged with Kate's help. Without her vast knowledge on the manufacturing and business industry, I would not have come this far with my business, she helped me to turn a dream into a reality.
If you also have dreams of launching a business, I highly recommend getting in touch with Kate to find out more and joining her programme, it is worth it if you truly believe in yourself, your idea and your business.”
Switching from working with an agency and Chinese production to working with me saved Clare £30,000
“I was in the position of bringing production back from China, having been working with an agency, and looking at re-sourcing everything from scratch. I was very wary about putting my trust and money in the hands of “experts” again… But joining Kate’s British Brand Accelerator program was honestly the best decision I ever made!!”
