Just 13% of shoppers say they always consider products that are made in Britain and 35% of UK adults say that they rarely or never notice when a product is made in Britain, according to a YouGov poll.
The survey of over 2,000 consumers, commissioned by Made in Britain, found that just 11% said manufacturers and retailers always make it clear enough when a product is made in the United Kingdom.
The same survey also found that 50% of people recognise the official Made in Britain trademark, whilst 44% said clear Made in Britain labelling would encourage them to buy UK-made goods more often.
At a time where global trade agreements and tariff announcements are regularly changing, as many as 45% of respondents to the online survey said more availability was needed in shops for British-made products.
Made in Britain’s CEO, John Pearce, said: “It comes as little surprise to us that customers are finding it difficult to identify British-made products from imports, as this is part of the reason we began the Made in Britain campaign in the first place.
“Manufacturing employs 2.6 million people in the UK and sustains a wide range of other industries and sectors, so buying British has a direct impact on supporting local and regional economies and people’s livelihoods.
“It’s encouraging to see demand is there from consumers to buy British, but manufacturers and retailers need to do more to showcase their Britishness.
“We have thousands of members who can attest to the benefits of proudly displaying that products are Made in Britain, which means that not only are those products verified as being made here, they’re also made in line with British values and sensibilities. Our trademark serves as not just recognition of a manufacturing location, but also as a sign of quality, sustainability and ethics, with workers, suppliers and customers being treated fairly.
“Members also make a commitment to supporting British industry at all levels of the supply chain, meaning that when you buy something that’s Made in Britain, you’re supporting a wide range of local businesses. Consumers want to support British manufacturing, but they need some help to do it.”
Made in Britain is a nationwide organisation that has been supporting British manufacturing since its inception in 2013. Now with 2,170 manufacturing members in industries including construction supplies, food products, technology, defence and clothing, the organisation works to develop the stature of British production, boosting the national economy and building consumer confidence when buying British goods.
For more information on the Made in Britain campaign, visit the website
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