Made in England not feasible for Hackett

The UK government has been keen to promote goods

made in England and the fashion industry has embraced the initiative with the Fashion and Textile association launching the "let's make it here database".

Still, the reality is, for many brands manufacturing in the UK is difficult, costly, and not competitive.

Earlier this week the Times reported Hackett founder Jeremy Hackett stated British brands are increasingly popular overseas, it was rare to find quality clothes that are made in this country.

Hackett once manufactured 95 percent of its collections in England, but over the past 30 years production has been decimated. “I used to be able to go up to Leeds and I would have a choice of three different factories. But if you go up to Leeds now, there’s nothing,” The Times quoted Hackett as saying.

John Miln, the CEO of the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) said Hackett should invest in creating high-specification tailoring capacity, and described Hackett’s remarks as not being constructive.

“If they want to have a product made in the UK, why aren’t they seeking out a partner to create that capacity, and to invest in the UK?” Miln was quoted as saying.