Yorkshire heritage woolmaker says Made in Britain mark is “a badge of honour”

UK consumers trust British-made products over those made by global manufacturing giants, according to new YouGov data.

The research reveals that the UK ranks among the top countries in the world for product quality, ahead of both the United States and China, as well as the European Union.

Commissioned by Made in Britain, the official trademark for British-made manufacturers, the new research confirms that the UK ranks second globally amongst a specified list of the UK's biggest importers for perceived quality of non-food products, with almost a fifth of respondents (19%) selecting it as their preferred manufacturer.

Edward Sexton, Business Owner of the heritage countryware clothing company Glencroft, said: “We choose to produce country clothing in the UK specifically to ensure the highest possible quality for our woolly jumpers, scarves, and tweed caps.

"While UK manufacturing can involve higher costs due to fair wages and stringent environmental standards, the investment is justified by the longevity of the products.

“Labelling our goods as ‘Made in Britain’ is very much a badge of honour. For us, Made in Britain means trust in decades of specialist manufacturing experience.

“It is common for customers to visit our Yorkshire Dales shop wearing Glencroft items purchased over 30 years ago that are still in excellent condition.

"Each of the factories we work with - the scourers, the carders, the spinners, the weavers - are probably some of the best in the entire world, having done their specialist bit of wool processing for many, many years.

"It creates a finished yarn, and finished blankets and jumpers of quite exceptional quality that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere.”

Japan (21%) was the only country that ranked higher than the UK in the poll, with just two percentage points between them.

Asked to select the country or region that they associate with the best-quality non-food products, 19% said that the UK makes the best products, while 15% said they preferred products made in the European Union.

5% of Britons favoured Chinese and only 2% selected the USA, while. 1% chose Canada, Turkey or Australia and only Japan scored higher with 21% said Japan.

The survey shows the high regard that people in Great Britain and Northern Ireland hold for products that are manufactured in the UK, with products that are made here outshining those made in almost any other country.

Made in Britain’s CEO, John Pearce, said: “The British public is incredibly discerning, but it’s clear that people still have a lot of trust in British-made quality. Our survey proves yet again that British products do outshine those made by the major exporting economies like the United States, China, and Europe, who all lose out to homegrown manufacturing when it comes to perceived quality.

“With well-known manufacturers like Babcock, Wren Kitchens, Vauxhall and Stannah Stairlifts bearing the Made in Britain mark, it’s clear to see why.

"Add to this the innovative British manufacturers that are making a name for themselves, like 9Barista’s internationally renowned stovetop espresso maker, as well as resurging British originals like the Mathmos Lava Lamp and the Gluggle Jug, this isn’t simply product patriotism - it’s recognition that British products are truly world-class.”

As conversations around global trade and tariffs continue, the findings also reveal that there is an appetite for targeted policy support, with 34% of consumers saying tax incentives for UK-made products would make them more likely to buy products made in the UK.

With over 2,200 manufacturers already bearing the trademark, Made in Britain continues to call on retailers to increase the visibility, availability and promotion of British-made goods, helping consumers make informed choices and supporting sustainable economic growth across the UK.

For more information on the Made in Britain campaign, visit www.madeinbritain.org.