Hello, I’m Paula, the founder of BRITISH design BRITISH made.
What We Do
BRITISH design BRITISH made — does just that — supplies quality British designed products made right here in the British Isles.
How It Started
The seed was sown in 2004 during a visit to a big London retail event where I was alarmed by the sheer volume of poor quality products imported from overseas, many likely to end up in landfill within a short time. An avid recycler for nearly a decade, I was already aware of the impact humans were having on our planet and the future of humankind. But what if our focus could be shifted to British made products which are often better quality, made without cruelty to animals and by adults paid a regulated living wage? Would a store selling only British made products be viable?
How many times do you hear people say ‘…but we don’t make anything in Britain any more’. I set out to show people that we do and that a shop selling interesting, quality, durable and useful British designed and made products was not only possible but could be totally fantastic!
Early Days
Starting from a small tabletop in 2004 to the opening of our Flagship High Street Store in 2012, BRITISH design BRITISH made started to redefine the whole concept of retail and bring real sustainability to customers.
Authentically British
During my journey, I have been disappointed by British businesses trading on their so-called Britishness while making their products overseas, frustrated by those that claim their products to be British made when only a tiny part of the manufacturing process is carried out in the British Isles…but also delighted by the commitment of British makers who use both traditional and new skills taking the time and effort to bring you their creations, and the availability of so many products made here in the British Isles. Growing steadily, we now have hundreds of dedicated British artisans who make products for us. Our Bricks & Mortar Store is full to the brim with authentic British products, and customers are delighted with what they see. Feedback has been sensational! So now, we are taking our next big step with this online marketplace to bring you even more great British manufactured goods and an enjoyable and simple to use shopping experience, available 24/7.
Our Mission
- To bring as many outstanding quality products that are designed and made exclusively in the British Isles to as many people as possible at reasonable prices.
- To support and encourage British makers and manufacturers whose values and integrity align with ours, from the humble tabletop worker to the factory-based producer, showcasing their products, promoting their stories, bringing positive changes to their lives and local community.
- To encourage us all to think before we buy, to buy lasting quality in order to buy less in future. To question the environmental impact of ‘made overseas’, help you reduce your carbon footprint, buy more local, buy more useful.
- To provide unsurpassed customer service to everyone with whom we deal.
- To be socially and ethically responsible whilst supporting our British economy.
- To enjoy and celebrate with our customers and partners our great British culture and heritage.
We’d love YOU to join us, whether you want to shop here or sell here! Please read on to see how…
Is everything British made?
Our Commitment
We promise that everything we sell is carefully chosen from the work of talented British designers who manufacture here in the British Isles.
We only show you products exclusively made in the British Isles and seek out items that are made with sustainable or recycled materials.
We have high standards – the majority of the manufacturing process must occur in the British Isles. Of course, it’s nigh impossible for all the components to have been made in the British Isles, but where this has been possible, we’ll be sure to share that with you.
We handpick every single maker and curate every product to bring you the best of British made.
Just think, what if we, as a nation, could reduce our carbon footprint by buying better and buying British? This would also help to preserve our historic manufacturing base, heritage and craft skills, and build a stronger platform for its future growth.
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