Series 8 of the Make it British podcast is here!

After many of you asked, “Where’s the podcast gone?”, it's coming back with a brand-new themed series: Women in Wool.

Over the past few months, I've been recording interviews behind the scenes. As the conversations unfolded, a clear thread emerged. Every guest was a woman. And every one of them was working with the same fibre - Wool.

This new series shines a spotlight on the women driving innovation, craftsmanship and revival across the UK wool supply chain – from farming and spinning to weaving, knitting and manufacturing.

🐑 Why Wool? Why Now?

The UK textile industry was built on wool. Entire towns, trades and skills grew around it, yet over recent decades, wool has been pushed aside by cheaper synthetic fibres.

Now, the tide is starting to turn.

Recent cultural moments have helped bring wool back into the spotlight:

1. The 'Traitors effect' with Claudia Winkleman’s tartans, tweeds and knits dominating headlines.
2. The Princess of Wales visiting Welsh mill Melin Tregwynt and wearing Welsh wool.
3. Growing attention on natural fibres and fully traceable supply chains.
4. The launch of The Great British Wool Revival, a platform dedicated to strengthening British wool supply chains.

At a time when brands are preparing for Digital Product Passports and increased traceability requirements, wool stands out as one of the very few fibres we can genuinely grow and process here in the UK.

👩‍🦰 Why Women in Wool?

While the textile industry has historically been male-dominated, more and more women are now leading businesses across every stage of the wool supply chain.

From micro-factories to knitwear brands, from farming to finishing, female founders are shaping the future of British wool. This series celebrates them.

🎙️Be My Guest

If you work in wool, or know a woman who does, and would like to be featured in the Women in Wool series, email kate@makeitbritish.co.uk with the subject line Women in Wool.

🧡 Love the Podcast?

If you’re a regular listener and this show has helped you, please take a moment to leave a review. Reviews help more people discover the amazing prhttps://www.instagram.com/makeitbritish/oducts still being made and manufactured in Britain.

Want to start or grow a British-made brand?

There are several ways that we can work together depending on what stage your business is at.

➡️ Let's Work Together!

Follow Kate on Instagram @makeitbritish

🚀 Want to join British Brand Accelerator? Apply here: makeitbritish.co.uk/apply

Got a question before applying?

DM me on Instagram: @makeitbritish

Not all factories are created equal!

And if you’re contacting 20 different manufacturers hoping one will say yes — you're doing it the hard way.

In this episode of MANUFACTURING SOS, I’m talking about one of the most common mistakes I see when people start looking for a UK manufacturer: assuming every factory can make every kind of product.

You’ll learn why factory specialisms matter, how MOQs and capacity make a difference, and what you actually need to look for when shortlisting a manufacturer.

I’ll also share why I took down my free directory of UK manufacturers and the surprising truth about what manufacturers really said about being in it.

▶️ Watch this episode on YouTube

Listen now to find out:

🏭 Why not every factory with a sewing machine is right for your product

🧵 What kind of research you really need to do before reaching out

🛑 The red flag that means a manufacturer isn’t a good fit

🍷 What looking for a factory partner and choosing a wine having in common!

Get a copy of my UK Manufacturers List

▶️ Watch all 5 episodes of MANUFACTURING SOS on YouTube

🚀 Ready to scale your UK-made brand? Apply for the British Brand Accelerator at makeitbritish.co.uk/apply