Meet the Manufacturer, the trade show and conference for the UK fashion and textiles industry organised by Make it British, is partnering with leading industry body, the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT), to launch Meet the Buyer at its event that takes place from 3-4 June in London.

The new Meet the Buyer sessions will offer exhibiting manufacturers an exclusive networking opportunity with key buyers in a dedicated area, away from hustle and bustle of the trade show. 

“Following feedback after last year’s show, we’re confident that there is a demand for this type of unique workshop.   Our close connections with manufacturers, coupled with the UKFT’s extensive retailer relationships, make this the ideal partnership to pioneer something like this,” commented Kate Hills, founder and CEO of Make it British.

Making it British

Kate Hills is founder and managing director of Make it British. Twenty years of working as a designer and buyer for brands such as Burberry and M&S and multiple product sourcing trips overseas prompted Kate to set up the Make it British website to help promote UK manufacturing and British- made brands.

Now in its fifth year, the website has gone from strength to strength and Kate has appeared regularly on television and radio espousing her firm belief that manufacturing in the UK is thriving, cost-effective and sustainable. 

Buyers and manufacturers

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work together with Make it British on this exciting new concept at their Meet the Manufacturer event,” said John Miln, CEO of UKFT.

“We continue to encourage the industry to work collaboratively on restoring production to the UK.  The values and purpose of Meet the Manufacturer fit perfectly with ours – to bring together fashion industry buyers and manufacturers for an inclusive British networking event.”

Meet the Manufacturer

Kate Hills launched Meet the Manufacturer in 2014, a trade show and conference for the UK fashion and textiles industry.

The event brings together British manufacturers with buyers and designers looking to have their products made in Britain. The inaugural event featured high-profile speakers, such as Mary Portas and Eve Pollard and attracted nearly 3000 visitors.

www.meetthemanufacturer.co.uk