4. Dartington Crystal

Dartington was founded by the Dartington Hall Trust which was a charity started to assist the economic regeneration of rural areas through business, education and the arts. Concerned that there were a lack of opportunities in North Devon which would result in a population downturn, the charity identified the creation of a glass making industry as the answer to the areas problems. Hence, in 1967, a group of Swedish glass makers were brought in to help start a very different glass company. Working with the finest natural materials, these craftsmen soon became known for creating beautiful glassware that would be used and appreciated.

Dartington is known for its contemporary, clean designs which result in a range of elegant glassware which was intended to be practical yet beautiful. Their range includes all shapes of drinking glasses, decanters, vases through to ornate glass sculptures.  Dartington Crystal glass is the only crystal brand still producing in the UK and happens to be one of the most well respected glass manufacturers in the world.

A management buy out in 2006 has safeguarded the future of the factory and the business now also owns a number of other glass businesses in the UK. They are the most significant employer in Torrington, Devon and their reputation as one of the finest glass manufacturers in the world is going from strength to strength.

3. The British Mini

A true British classic recognised the world over; the quintessentially British Mini. Despite many changes of ownership and fortune, the Mini continues to be made in the UK with parts that are 60% sourced from the UK. This makes it one of the most British of all cars assembled in Britain.

Launched in 1959 as the British answer to the hugely popular VW Beetle, the Mini has earned a cult following over the years. Legend has it that it was designed on the back of a napkin with the sole design brief being that the passenger and luggage space should account for 80% of the car - a huge amount given the space needed for the engine and gearbox and a hence a design triumph.

Having been part of British Leyland and then Rover/BMW, the Mini name was retained by BMW when they sold Rover. With Rover having gone into receivership and ultimately sold to China, the Mini stands alone as one of the true greats of the British automobile industry.

The original was built in Longbridge, Birmingham and Cowley, Oxford with panels pressed in Swindon, Wiltshire. The new Mini, launched in 2001 is now built in Cowley. BMW have launched a range of additions to the classic range as well as an all new model in 2006. Manufacture continues in Oxford.

2. Northampton Shoes

One of the industries that is most associated with England is shoes. Northampton has been the centre of British shoe making for over 100 years and continues to define quality, durability, prestige and sophistication. Using time honoured practices that remain largely unchanged, the craftsmen and women in Northampton can be rightly proud at maintaining Britain at the heart of quality boot making against stiff competition from Italy, Spain, Eastern Europe and of course, the Far East.

Crockett & Jones is one such example. They have been making traditional English shoes since 1879. Each shoe goes through over 200 different highly skilled operations and takes 8 weeks to manufacture. Although a pair seems expensive, they will last far longer than cheaper shoes and they get more and more comfortable by the day.

The shoes come in a range of traditional styles that are rarely out of fashion. The best advice is to buy 2 pairs and rotate them so that each pair is only worn every other day. This allows the leather time to settle and dry after use ensuring that the leather remains in perfect condition. Rotating shoes is believed to almost triple the lifetime of the shoe and hence is a worthy investment.

1. Leather Wallet

Green Billfold Wallet

So the first of 365 amazing things still made in Britain. We have found these amazing leather wallets from Ettinger. The best leather is often assumed to be Italian or Spanish but these wallets are carried by the prince of Wales and are made in Walsall, England.

Walsall is home of leathermaking in England and no doubt we will see some other leather products on this blog. Each wallet is handstitched using the best cuts of the leather hide and are the sort of thing you only buy once as it will last a lifetime.

The Japanese are known for their attention to detail and the fact that Ettinger have opened a shop in Japan shows how good their products are. So if you are looking for a wallet, look no further than Ettinger and be proud to know that it has been made by skilled craftsmen in our very own Walsall.



Royal Purple Billfold Wallet



365 Products that are made in UK

Join us in celebrating the diverse craftsmanship that is found across Britain. We are constantly told that nothing is made in the UK anymore, it is impossible to find manufacturers or that there is no alternative but to move production abroad.

Well we think that is defeatist. We are constantly amazed by what is still produced in small corners across Britain and we therefore set out to celebrate what is great about Britain. We will post the details of something that is made in UK everyday for a year and show that Britain still has tremendous skill, craftsmanship, innovation and heritage.

So from Rolls Royce jet engines to a craftsman in a corner of Britain, this blog seeks to support, celebrate and preserve the best products that are made on these shores. If you have any ideas or products that you think are worthy of inclusion, please submit them to max.dambrumenil@njtinto.com

Here's to celebrating Britain.