Make it British Live! will shine the light on some great heritage brands and British success stories at the two-day trade show and symposium that takes place from 23-24 May at The Old Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, London.

“Make it British Live! is the only 100% British sourcing event. For many of our visitors, the highlight of the event is the seminar sessions, which are a great way to learn more about making in the UK and hear from the brands that make it work,” commented Kate Hills, founder of Make It British.

This year’s symposium will be chaired by industry commentator Eric Musgrave, and talks will include panel discussions and keynote speakers covering topics, such as production, funding, IP protection, skills and marketing. The two-day programme of seminars will bring together inspiring, informed and provocative people who are passionate about manufacturing in the UK.  The inspirational line up of speakers includes:

• Simon Middleton, founder and MD – Blackshore, British Coastal Clothing
• Simon Cotton, CEO - Johnstons of Elgin, a woollen mill established in 1797
• William Church, joint MD – Cheaney Shoes, making fine shoes for five generations
• Tim Little, English shoe designer and owner of Grenson
• Shailina Parti, buying and merchandising director – Jigsaw, in business for over 40 years
• Paul Johnson, MD - WT Johnson, one of the world’s leading textile dyeing and finishing companies
• John West, first ever skills and training manager, UKFT (UK Fashion and Textile Association)
• Robert Yentob, chairman and MD – Dents and Corgi
• Charlie Ross, founder - Offset Warehouse, a sustainable source for sustainable textiles and dyes
• Lynn Wilson, designer and specialist - Circular Economy Wardrobe, zero waste specialist
• Jenny Holloway, CEO - Fashion Enter, an award-winning social enterprise
• Sam Morrison, director – British shirt maker, Smyth and Gibson

Alongside the seminars there will be over 200 exhibitors in the trade show plus a series of workshops.

Make it British Live! began in 2014 and was originally called Meet the Manufacturer. This show prides itself on being the only sourcing event exclusively showcasing British manufacturers and producers. Make it British is the campaign set up by Kate Hills to encourage more people to buy British and make in the UK. Kate, a former fashion buyer, founded a website called Make it British in 2011 as a platform for promoting UK manufacturers and British-made brands. 

www.makeitbritishlive.com