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A Designer’s Dilemma
Listed under: One Voice
Published: Friday, October 26, 2007
Supporting British manufacture is simple, right? Not so says designer Donna Allibone
I read John Broome's article (Going Local, Craft Business October) with great interest. As an individual who has obtained the UK Patent on a new crafting tool, I was very keen to have my product manufactured in the UK. It took me seven months of searching, many signatures on non-disclosure agreements and hundreds and hundreds of miles driving to speak to factory managers about my product.
Eventually, I managed to source three out of the four components of my product but at extortionate costs even for a reasonably high volume first order. I am unable to source the fourth part anywhere between Land's End and John O'Groats. I have had to resort to exploring manufacturing in China because factory managers here in the UK didn't want to know about a new product or a small company. This is despite the fact that I had documentary evidence of a prominent client ready to place a significant order based on my original drawing. I kept on getting the same response: "Ooh, it's a bit fiddly isn't it" and even "We'll pass, but thanks for thinking of us!" I wasn't expecting people to fall over themselves to do business with me, but I did feel, as a valid customer requesting the very service provided by a company, that companies would at least provide quotes.
I'm delighted that S&J Woodcraft are proud to be a British company offering consistently high customer service. I wish my product could be made from wood, as John would be the next (and hopefully last) company I'd need to sign a non-disclosure agreement. I'd pay a little more, and take a little less profit if I could proudly display Made in England on my packaging.
Eventually, I managed to source three out of the four components of my product but at extortionate costs even for a reasonably high volume first order. I am unable to source the fourth part anywhere between Land's End and John O'Groats. I have had to resort to exploring manufacturing in China because factory managers here in the UK didn't want to know about a new product or a small company. This is despite the fact that I had documentary evidence of a prominent client ready to place a significant order based on my original drawing. I kept on getting the same response: "Ooh, it's a bit fiddly isn't it" and even "We'll pass, but thanks for thinking of us!" I wasn't expecting people to fall over themselves to do business with me, but I did feel, as a valid customer requesting the very service provided by a company, that companies would at least provide quotes.
I'm delighted that S&J Woodcraft are proud to be a British company offering consistently high customer service. I wish my product could be made from wood, as John would be the next (and hopefully last) company I'd need to sign a non-disclosure agreement. I'd pay a little more, and take a little less profit if I could proudly display Made in England on my packaging.
