Government must 'buy British' to support businesses during and after crisis, says head of Northampton shoe manufacturer

It’s been quite a while since the Government purchased Northampton footwear in bulk for our military.

The town was literally built off the back of the leather and footwear trade.

In 1642, in the reign of Charles II, bulk orders were given to the town for the English Army going to war.

During these difficult times 500 years later, many high tech Northamptonshire companies have shown their true grit by delivering to the Government exactly what has been asked of them, in turn supporting the frontline health workers fighting a very different silent but deadly enemy.

Now it’s time to seriously revisit the “made in UK” proposition to create jobs, a sustainable community, fair pay, boost export and support all British manufacturing.

Northamptonshire is bursting with a skilled workforce ready to return to their place of work once the isolation restrictions are over. The footwear industry and the high tech automotive industries may be 500 years apart, but they both represent the very best of Britain.

The Government must now reduce its footwear procurement in Asia and India and support our unique homegrown Industry.

The business landscape may look a bit fractured st the moment, but we will all need British manufacturing to flourish to stand any chance of society fully recovering.