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.
Help Us To Spread The Word So We Can Grow
Please sign up for our newsletter and tell your friends and family about us.
We promise only to share exciting and relevant news.
We will never share your information and you can unsubscribe at any time.
And we won’t bombard you with too many emails.
If You Would Like To Recommend A Maker/Manufacturer Or Product
We’re always looking for amazing new British made products, so please email recommend@britishdesignbritishmade.com
If You Are A British Maker/Manufacturer, we would love you to join us!
Please email hello@britishdesignbritishmade.com if you’d like to be part of our future – because we’d like to be part of yours!
Our Bricks & Mortar Store, Battle, East Sussex
We are located in Battle, East Sussex, which we feel is rather an appropriate location…you can read more about Battle further down the page. As you make your approach on the High Street, you might hear the tinkle of great British music…anything from traditional British jazz or classical, to more contemporary singer-songwriters. As you enter, the smell hits you (it’s described on TripAdvisor as ‘amazing’) and there is always something new and fresh to discover – a delight for all the senses! You may be lucky to find us on a tasting day or during an exhibition of local talent. There’s a children’s corner where younger visitors can sit and create an artistic masterpiece, and the store is pushchair and wheelchair friendly. Dogs are welcome too.
The store reuses or recycles at least 90% of supplier packaging and uses 100% renewable electricity – every drop made from British sun, wind and rain.
See for yourself what people are saying on TripAdvisor.
Open Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm.
We can’t always get to the phone 01424 777711 during opening hours but if you leave a message, we’ll call you back as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can contact us here enquiries@britishdesignbritishmade.com.
Our Bricks & Mortar store is where you will often find one-off unique pieces that never make it online, so do pop in and take a look for yourself.
Thank you for your interest.
Paula,
Founder, BRITISH design BRITISH made
A Bit About Battle, East Sussex
On 14th October 1066, this area witnessed the most celebrated confrontation to take place on English soil – the Battle of Hastings, an event so significant, it completely changed the course of English history. Most people would be forgiven for thinking the Battle of Hastings 1066 took place in Hastings. Well, it didn’t! It happened here on a field in the middle of the Sussex countryside between England’s would be rulers William Duke of Normandy and the Saxon King Harold. Following the battle, William the Conqueror built Battle Abbey – a penance ordered by the Pope for the loss of life incurred in the conflict. This famous English Heritage site, 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, draws visitors from all over the world. The annual re-enactment brings this important part of our history alive.
Our charming market town grew up around Battle Abbey. It takes its name from this famous battle and later developed a reputation for quality gunpowder produced in the area. The first gunpowder mill in Battle was built in 1676 on land owned by the Abbey. Gunpowder works could also be found in Powdermill Lane – the remains of which have been converted into a beautiful hotel. The Duke of Cleveland refused to renew the licence in 1847 after many mishaps, including one occasion in 1798 when more than 15 tonnes of gunpowder were left in the oven for too long and exploded! The local ‘Battel Bonfire Boyes’ is claimed to be the oldest of the Sussex Bonfire Societies and Bonfire Night in Battle is still quite a spectacle.
Battle has a vibrant and thriving community and offers a diverse mix of attractions and independent family-run shops where you can find almost anything – alternative health clinic, antiques, bakers, books, butchers, chemists, chocolate, crafts, delicatessen, designer clothing new and used, electrical, fishmonger, florists, gallery, gent’s outfitters, gifts and cards, greengrocer, hardware, health food, homemade fudge, interiors, ironmongers, jewellers, kitchen and bathroom showroom, library, pets, picture framers, post office, a shoe mender like no other who can mend almost anything, shoes, speciality beer, supermarkets, sweets, wine cellar, wedding venue, wool – in addition to pubs, restaurants and takeaways, great coffee and tea shops, all waiting to be discovered and enjoyed. You can also be pampered and preened in a number of establishments in the town. Battle has everything! If you cannot see anything you like, we also have two opticians!
The busy High Street links Battle Abbey with a contemporary statue of a Norman and Saxon in combat by sculptor Guy Portelli.
Battle lies approximately 50 miles south-south-east of London, 30 miles east of Brighton and 25 miles east of Lewes (50.92°N 0.48°E) on the Hastings to Charing Cross train line, 78 minutes from central London. It lies in the designated High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is among one of Lonely Planet’s ‘top ten hidden gems of Europe’.