“Where are these made”?
This was the first question from over 50% of visitors to the Ecotile exhibition stand at a recent UK manufacturing and electronics show. This focus on where our tiles originated took us by surprise to be honest, but should it have?
We always knew it was a factor in decision-making for some customers, but maybe we underestimated the importance to many buyers’ considerations.
Being a British, family-owned business, we’ve been used to making all our products in the UK. Or more specifically, in our Bedfordshire factory just off the M1. It’s what we do. We’re aware of lower quality floor tiles being made in the far east, so we often have customers ask where they are made. But not as the first question, and not so frequently as we witnessed at the exhibition.
What can we read into this?
With Brexit and the pandemic impacting at the same time, maybe the British Isles has felt a little isolated and hard done by. Maybe the desire to understand where products are made is a subconscious, or even conscious decision to ‘look after our own’ during times of difficult economic climates.
Community is featuring more in the news and everyday life of late. There certainly felt a sense of community around British-made products at the show, with many visitors to our stand reiterating these views. We’re in it together certainly rang out. With the cost-of-living crisis wreaking havoc to households, it’s easy to see why that sense of community spirit is coming to the fore.
Add the widely reported delays in goods arriving from overseas (especially from the far east) to the picture and it offers more reasoning as to why procurement professionals are more likely to ask where goods are manufactured now. Understanding lead times is a critical part of decision-making, and buying British improves delivery times for projects to be completed on time.
Reassurance will play its part too. If it’s made in Britain, there’s peace of mind that the manufacturer is fully audited to exacting standards. Production adheres to ISO standards and tile performance meets British standards to ensure safety. Lead times are short too, as the tiles are manufactured by us, so no waiting for 3rd party supply or logistical complications.
Put British made to the fore with your clients
Ultimately, we’re finding British-made is a key consideration in the decision-making process. So, when you’re reselling or quoting for Ecotile projects, include the fact that Ecotiles are made in Britain. It just might help you clinch that job.
To read more about our experience at the Southern Manufacturing and Electronics Show in Farnborough, click here
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