"Oh Britain doesn't make anything any more" - that is one of the things I am so fed up with hearing at networking events and dinner parties. There is a feeling that Britain's proud manufacturing tradition has dwindled past rescue.
But of course Britain makes things, in the nooks and crannies of our country there are mills, factories and printing workshops carrying on against the odds - it is just more expensive to buy them than to ship in from other countries with lower labour costs.
What you are paying for when you buy British is local jobs, health and safety, proper working conditions. You are paying to allow the people who make things to live a fulfilling and civilised life.
One of the things that I am most proud of is that Snapdragon has created jobs - giving people meaningful, enjoyable, work and contributing to the UK economy are right at the top of our list of priorities.
We have always worked with UK producers - our cards, postcards and notebooks are all made by small producers based here.
The wool, linen and velvets that we use are woven in Great Britain.
But, due to costs and minimum orders, we have always sourced our textile blanks from UK companies who bring them in from the Far East.
So the most important of this year's Snapdragon projects is a plan to work with UK textile manufacturers to come up with new products which will be made from British fabrics in British factories. I am very excited to close the loop.
Over the next few weeks I shall be on a "Make it British" road trip - touring little factories and chatting to people who still make things in Britain and working with them to come up with new things to add to our range.
I would love to know what you think we should be doing and would love it if you would fill in our 3 question survey. If you fill in your email at the end we shall send you a thank you gift.
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