What Does British-Made Mean to Us?
Pam JohnsonIs it a hallmark of quality and expert craftsmanship? Or simply a label of origin?
As a British bed retailer for over 70 years, we were curious to find out what ‘British-made’ really means to people today and if it’s as important to consumers as it once was.
So, to find out more, we surveyed 1000 Brits to ask about their views on British products. Here’s what we discovered.
What does ‘British-made’ mean to us?
Although it’s a term most of us are familiar with, we wanted to know what criteria people think an item would need to meet to be labelled as being made here.
More than half (58%) of those surveyed say they think a product would have to be created solely in Britain to be classed as being made here. (a)
A fifth of those surveyed think a product would have to be assembled in Britain (b), and 17% think products would need to be made by British workers to have the ‘Made in Britain’s tamp. (c)
So, who is correct?
Well, the Trade Descriptions Act 1968 outlines that to define a product’s country of origin, goods shall be deemed to have been manufactured or produced in the country in which they last underwent a treatment or process resulting in a substantial change. (1)
How important are British-made products?
Almost three quarters (73%) of those surveyed said that if they had a choice, they would prefer to purchase products made in Britain,(d)suggesting that British-made goods are still very well respected.
When asked how often people buy British-made items, 34% said they always try to choose products that have been made in Britain, (e) while 28% said they tend only to buy British when purchasing substantial items, such as a bed or furniture. (f)
When we asked what would make people decide against buying British, 55% said they might buy from elsewhere if the product was poor quality, (g) 44% said they might be put off if the cost was too high, (h) and 23% said they might buy an item made elsewhere if the British-made product range was too limited. (i)
Why do we prefer British-made?
To support British manufacturing
British manufacturing makes up almost 10% of the UK’s economic output and makes up a significant proportion of the country’s exports, making it an invaluable asset to the British economy. (2)
65% of those surveyed say they try to buy British-made products because they want to help support the British manufacturing industry- (j) and this figure rose to 81% for those aged 55 and over. (k)
Trust in British quality
Almost half (47%)of people surveyed say they prefer to buy British-made products as they are usually of much better quality, (l) while more than a half of those in the West Midlands, Eastern England and the Southeast regions say they have more trust and overall confidence in British brands. (m)
More than a third say they prefer to buy British simply to show their patriotism and affection for their home country. (n)
Lower prices & shorter delivery times
Buying from overseas can often come with additional fees, such as international shipping costs, which can increase the price and may also mean waiting longer for items to arrive.
A third (32%) of people aged 25 to 34 said their main reason for buying British products is because they’re usually more reasonably priced, (o) while 25% of people said shorter delivery times were their primary incentive. (p)
Reduced carbon footprint
Almost half of those we surveyed aged 55 and over said their main reason for buying British-made products is because the carbon footprint tends to be much lower than buying from overseas. (q)
When you buy locally, goods typically don’t have to travel as far, which helps keep emissions to a minimum.
Knowing goods have been made in the UK also helps to reassure people that products have been made in safe, fair, and ethical working conditions, which is why almost a quarter of those surveyed say they prefer to buy British. (r)
Sustainability and British-made quality at Bensons for Beds
Staples & Co. Artisan Mattress Bed Set
Of those we surveyed, 60% said it’s very important to know that the products they purchase have been sustainably made. (s) As a British bed retailer for more than 70 years, we understand what it means to offer quality British products with sustainability in mind.
We have a dedicated manufacturing site in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, where more than a third of our beds, divans and mattresses are made. As part of our commitment to climate action, we’re also targeting Net Zero by 2040, reducing our emissions across all direct and indirect operations.
To date, we’ve already recycled more than 92,000 mattresses and are proud to be one of the first mattress producers to switch to carbon-neutral Green™ Polythene packaging.
We’re also proud to work exclusively with a range of bed manufacturers committed to using sustainable practices. Here are just a few of those brands.
Read More: Bensons’ Sustainability Strategy
Hypnos Luxurious Earth Mattress Collection
Hypnos are a British family-run business that has been handcrafting award-winning beds and mattresses in Buckinghamshire for over 100 years.
Their new Luxurious Earth Collection, available exclusively at Bensons, features 100% recyclable, natural, certified sustainable and traceable materials and has been endorsed by the Eden Project. This partnership demonstrates Hypnos’ commitment to using nature-based solutions and regenerative farming practices to promote climate-positive action. The Eden Project will also receive a donation from the sale of every mattress in the Luxurious Earth Collection.
Hypnos beds and mattresses have also proudly held the prestigious Royal Warrant of Appointment since King George V. This Royal seal of approval is a mark of recognition to companies who regularly supply goods to the Royal Household and highlights the quality, comfort, and luxury of these British-made mattresses.
Artisan Collection by Staples & Co.
Made exclusively for Bensons, the Artisan Collection of mattresses from Staples & Co are made here in the UK, using certified organic cotton, natural hemp fibres, British sheep’s wool, and UK Alpaca wool. The range is also endorsed by the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI), which campaigns tirelessly for sustainable farming practices and fair, ethical working conditions for cotton farmers.
Naturals Inspired by Nature
One of our most environmentally friendly range of mattresses to date, the Naturals collection features natural botanical fibres, including organic cotton, bamboo, and flax fillings. The Truecomfort layers are also made with recycled bottles, and the Tencel™ fibres are one of the most eco-friendly fibres available. Each mattress is also made here in the UK and carries the BSI Kitemark™ for outstanding quality.
Whether you’re looking for beds, mattresses, or headboards, you’ll find a range of sustainable, British-made quality products to suit your needs at Bensons for Beds. Shop our entire range here.
Survey data
a. 587 of 1000 people surveyed answered ‘the product/parts are created solely in Great Britain’ when asked, ‘How would you define the term Made in Britain?’
b. 207 of 1000 people surveyed answered ‘the products/parts are assembled in Great Britain’ when asked, ‘How would you define the term Made in Britain?’
c. 170 of 1000 people surveyed answered ‘made by British workers’ when asked, ‘How would you define the term Made in Britain?’
d. 733 of 1000 people surveyed answered ‘agree’ when asked, ‘To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement? ‘If I had the choice, I would prefer to purchase products that are made in Britain. 344 of 1000 people surveyed answered, ‘I always try to buy products that are made in Britain because I know they can be trusted for quality’ when asked, ‘Which of the following statements best describes you?’
e.284 of 1000 people surveyed answered, ‘I tend to only buy products that are made in Britain if they are more substantial items, such as beds, furniture, etc’ when asked, ‘Which of the following statements best describes you?’
f. Of the 1000 people surveyed, 289 answered ‘poorer quality craftsmanship’ and 286 answered ‘poorer quality materials’ when asked, ‘What factors, if any, would negatively impact your decision to purchase products that have been made in Britain?’
g. 447 of 1000 people surveyed answered ‘cost’ when asked, ‘What factors, if any, would negatively impact your decision to purchase products that have been made in Britain?’
h.236 of 1000 people surveyed answered ‘limited product options/range’ when asked, ‘What factors, if any, would negatively impact your decision to purchase products that have been made in Britain?’
i. 483 of 733 people surveyed who said they would prefer to purchase products made in Britain answered, ‘to support British manufacturing’ when asked, ‘Why, if for any reason, would you prefer to purchase products that are made in Britain?’
j. 375 of 462 people surveyed aged 55+ answered ‘‘to support British manufacturing’ when asked, ‘Why, if for any reason, would you prefer to purchase products that are made in Britain?’
k. 316 of 733 people surveyed who said they would prefer to purchase products made in Britain answered ‘quality’ when asked, ‘Why, if for any reason, would you prefer to purchase products that are made in Britain?’
l. 51.32% (39 of 76) people surveyed from East of England, 52.78% (38 of 72) people surveyed from West Midlands, and 50.86% (59 of 116) people surveyed from Southeast answered, ‘trust in the British brand’ when asked, ‘Why, if for any reason, would you prefer to purchase products that are made in Britain?
m. 33.70% (247 of 733) people surveyed who said they would prefer to purchase products made in Britain answered ‘patriotism’ when asked, ‘Why, if for any reason, would you prefer to purchase products that are made in Britain?
n.32 of 98 people surveyed aged 25 to 34 answered ‘cost’ when asked, ‘Why, if for any reason, would you prefer to purchase products that are made in Britain?’
o. 188 of 733 people surveyed who said they would prefer to purchase products made in Britain answered, ‘delivery time’ when asked, ‘Why, if for any reason, would you prefer to purchase products that are made in Britain?’
p. 231 of 462 people surveyed aged 55+ answered ‘reduced carbon footprint’ when asked, ‘Why, if for any reason, would you prefer to purchase products that are made in Britain?’
q. 178 of 733 people surveyed who said they would prefer to purchase products made in Britain answered, ‘more ethical’ when asked, ‘Why, if for any reason, would you prefer to purchase products that are made in Britain?’
r. 608 of 1000 people surveyed answered ‘Agree’ when asked, ‘To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement, ‘It’s very important to me that I know the products I purchase are sustainable.’
Sources