Christopher Nieper OBE, managing director at Derbyshire fashion house David Nieper. © Make it British Live.

Christopher Nieper OBE, managing director at Derbyshire fashion house David Nieper, will be one of the headline speakers at this year’s Make it British Live event, which takes place from 17-18 March 2020 at the Business Design Centre, London. David Nieper designs and manufacturers its entire women’s fashion collections in Alfreton, Derbyshire, including making its own knitwear using Shima Seiki’s flat knitting machinery.

Kate Hills, CEO of Make it British, comments: “If there is one person more than any who has continued to amaze and inspire me in his dedication to UK textile manufacturing it is Christopher Nieper OBE.  The company has been a designer and manufacturer of high-end women’s fashion for almost 60 years and their commitment to sustainability makes Christopher the perfect ambassador for sustainable business and I’m delighted that he has agreed to speak on this subject at this year’s event.”

“His company recently commissioned an academic report into the environmental impact of offshore manufacturing, as part of a campaign to localise British manufacturing.  It highlighted some startling statistics, revealing that 47% less emissions are created by manufacturing clothes in the UK.  This is something that his own company takes seriously.  It has a zero waste to landfill status and operates a just-in-time manufacturing policy to eliminate waste,” Make it British says. 

Christopher Nieper OBE says: “The trend to manufacture overseas has not only decimated the jobs in British fashion, but it is having a disastrous effect on the planet.  It stands to reason that sourcing offshore incurs thousands of air miles per garment and environmental standards are not the same in all countries.  British retailers need to consider their entire supply chain and take more responsibility.  Our report has shown that more than two-thirds of the emissions from UK clothing consumption occur in other countries.”

“Make it British Live! is the only event in the world that showcases the best of British manufacturers and producers of textiles, clothing and homeware.  It takes place on 17 and 18 March at the iconic Business Design Centre, London and includes a two-day conference and trade show,” the event organisers say.

www.makeitbritish.co.uk