Buy British Day
The 3rd October marks ‘Buy British Day’; established in 2014 by the Best of Britannia organisation, to promote British brands and businesses.
So, what does ‘Buy British’ mean today?
The ‘Buy British’ movement has become even more important since the COVID-19 pandemic. Covid wiped out a huge sector of the British market, with small businesses unable to sustain themselves and their employees through lockdowns and supply shortages. It also pushed consumers to turn to market leaders such as Amazon and eBay where they could buy online. Some businesses are still trying to ‘bounce back’, even after almost 3 years since the outbreak, with progress stunted by the ‘Cost of Living Crisis’, which continues to increase pricing for products up and down the country.
However, supporting local businesses and boosting the British economy is not the only reason to Buy British. In the UK, goods are produced under strict laws and regulations, to ensure they are safe and fit for purpose. For example, food and drink produced in the UK must be manufactured under The Food and Safety Act 1990. This states that businesses shouldn’t include anything, remove from, or treat food in a way that could damage a person’s health. Furthermore, quality should be as expected, and products must be clearly labelled and presented in a way that is not false or misleading. For manufactured goods, there’s a whole host of regulations that must be followed. These ensure electrical safety, preventing choking hazards and monitoring chemical expulsion. Products made in the UK or even brought in from other countries to sell in the UK are tested rigorously to conform to regulation. This is symbolised by logos such as the British Standards Kitemark, the CE mark and many others found on electricals, toys and more.
To celebrate ‘Buy British Day’, make a point to do just that, buy British! It’s said if everyone spent just £10 on something made in Britain, the multiplier effect on the economy would be monumental. Whether you visit a local independently owned business, attend a community event or order online, every little bit helps!
At Silex, we make and manufacture our products in our facilities and warehouses in Bordon, Hampshire. We also source our base materials and tools from reliable and trustworthy sources. When buying from Silex, you can rest assured that your order has been produced and processed in line with regulations set out by the government and are true to the accreditations listed against them. We are proud to be British, and support hundreds of companies across the United Kingdom as well. If you have any queries about the Country of Origin or Commodity Code of a product, contact our Sales team who will be happy to help.
