N Brown’s hopes to revive UK Manufacturers

 

As costs in the Far East increase, N Brown says it wants to consider the prospect of moving production back home to save costs. N Brown sells around £700 million goods online and through catalogues like Simply Be and Fashion World.

N Brown group buying director Paul Short says: “I honestly couldn’t tell you what product they make in the UK now, or how many factories there are but we are going to try to find out. This will be a long-term project starting with a handful of key partners to test the water and go from there.”

Over the past two years the costs of labour and commodities, for example cotton, have risen which in turn has caused the rise of prices on the High Street. Prices have increased by between 5% and 10% compared to last year.

Labour shortages have made it harder for manufacturers to re-order popular products due to factories claiming to only want large orders.

Having the production of products in the UK would mean that the company could re-order far quicker and it would be more efficient for stock levels. It would also improve online products and when the product became popular, more could be ordered.

Most UK based suppliers now manufacture overseas but there some factories still exist in a few areas such as Leicester while others are abroad.

 N Brown said it would ensure all factories would be aware of the high standards set as previously some UK factories were found to be under paying their workers.  

N Brown has contacted local suppliers, used paper adverts in the local papers and fashion magazine Drapers. The meeting is to be held in the executive suite at Leicester City Football ground on February 10 and the turnout is expected to be more than 50 suppliers.