Our Promise
Handcrafted in Devon
12 Reasons
Why 'Made in Britain' is the future
At Devon Duvets, we are proud to carry the 'Made in Britain' label, a mark that means so much more than where a product is made. For us, it represents the heart of what we do – crafting sustainable, high-quality products that support local industries, preserve skills, and help build a resilient economy.
But today, we’d like to take a closer look at why 'Made in Britain' matters on a national scale. With politics playing an influential role in shaping the future of British manufacturing, the importance of supporting local industries has never been more relevant. Here, we’ll explore why choosing British-made products benefits everyone and how government measures are helping to secure a brighter future for UK manufacturing.
The economic power of British manufacturing
Did you know that in 2023, British manufacturing contributed around £268 billion (*see ref) to the UK economy? Even though the number of manufacturing jobs has decreased in recent decades, the sector’s productivity remains vital. From automotive to aerospace, British manufacturing supports a wide range of industries, both at home and abroad.
Here at Devon Duvets, we see the impact of British manufacturing every day. By making our duvets here in the UK, we not only contribute to the economy but also create jobs for skilled workers in our local community. It's a small but meaningful part of a much bigger picture – one that reflects the overall importance of supporting British industries.
Jobs and Communities: The social impact
British manufacturing isn’t just about numbers. It’s about people, communities, and preserving essential skills. In the 1980s, around 6.8 million people were employed in the manufacturing sector. However, over the years, automation, outsourcing, and globalisation caused this number to drop to 2.5 million by 2020.
However, things are starting to change. Since 2020, the number of jobs in British manufacturing has risen to around 2.6 million – a small but significant increase. This resurgence is largely due to the efforts of the UK government to stimulate growth in the sector, particularly in response to global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit.
How Government initiatives are supporting British manufacturing
The UK government has introduced several initiatives aimed at boosting British manufacturing. These include:
- Industrial Strategy (2017): Focused on improving productivity in sectors like advanced manufacturing through innovation and skills development.
- Clean Growth Strategy (2017): Invested in low-carbon manufacturing processes to create jobs in green technologies.
- National Retraining Scheme (2019): Helped workers upskill for modern manufacturing roles, addressing skill gaps.
- Post-COVID Recovery Plan (2020): Encouraged reshoring manufacturing to reduce reliance on global supply chains and create local jobs.
- Investment in Clean Energy Manufacturing (Ongoing): Focused on expanding industries like electric vehicles and renewable energy.
These initiatives aim not only to create jobs but also to build a future of high-value, sustainable jobs that will support the UK economy for generations to come.
Why supporting British manufacturing benefits us all
So, why should you, as a consumer, care about supporting British manufacturing? When you choose a product with the 'Made in Britain' label, you’re not just buying a product – you’re investing in the future of the UK. You’re supporting local communities, skilled workers, and businesses that are committed to sustainability and quality.
Supporting British manufacturing has a direct impact on the economy, too. A stronger manufacturing sector means more jobs, higher wages, and improved public services, all of which contribute to a higher standard of living. When local businesses thrive, so do communities. Increased spending power and tax revenue can be reinvested into vital areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare. This ripple effect benefits everyone.
At Devon Duvets, we believe that products should be made to last, benefit the environment, and support the local economy. By choosing British-made products, you’re contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future for the UK.
"Designed in Britain" vs. "Made in Britain"
Some companies may use terms like "Designed in Britain" or "Designed in the UK," but this isn’t the same as “Made in Britain”. Often, these are trading companies that want to give the impression their products are British made, but in most cases, they are not. To be sure a product is truly manufactured in the UK, always look for the official 'Made in Britain' logo.
British manufacturers are proud to say their products are made here. So, if you don’t see any mention of the country of origin, it’s worth questioning where the product was made.
Invest in British-made products
When you choose to buy British-made products, you’re not just investing in the item itself – you’re investing in the future of the UK and the wellbeing of its citizens, including yourself. By supporting British manufacturers, you help create jobs, sustain local economies, and ensure that traditional skills are passed on to future generations.
At Devon Duvets, we are proud to be part of the 'Made in Britain' story. We believe in the power of local craftsmanship and sustainable manufacturing, and we’re committed to contributing to a brighter future for British industries.
Looking ahead – leading the way in sustainability
In our next blog, we’ll explore how British manufacturers are leading the way in sustainability and how the 'Made in Britain' label is helping the UK achieve its environmental goals.
At Devon Duvets, we’re proud to be part of this journey, and we look forward to continuing the conversation with you.
If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with others who might be interested in learning more about the importance of 'Made in Britain.'
*Ref: The figure of 268 billion mentioned as the contribution of British manufacturing to the UK economy is derived from various estimates and reports on the economic performance of the manufacturing sector. Specifically, Make UK (fomerly EEF, the manufacturer's organisation) and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) regularly publish data on the contribution of UK manufacturing to GDP. According to Make UK in their 2023 reports, the manufacuring sector contributed around £268 billion to the UK economy, representing approximately 10% of the total UK GDP.
