Jason Pitt sets out the case for a national ‘Buy British’ policy — arguing that reindustrialisation, sustainable supply chains, and meaningful procurement reform are essential to the UK’s economic and social renewal.
With economic uncertainty, global instability, and rising trade barriers, the case for supporting British manufacturing has never been stronger. But while industry is ready to deliver, government leadership is missing. It’s time for action — not just words.
Last month, I ran a poll across my business network to gauge sentiment on a “Buy British” scheme — and the response was overwhelming. Of the 187 business leaders who took part, 87% said yes, the UK should embrace such a policy. Only 7% said no, with 5% unsure. This sends a clear message: British industry wants leadership, not indifference. The data speaks for itself — there is a groundswell of support among manufacturers and business professionals for a campaign that backs British-made products and strengthens our domestic supply chains.
Re-industrialising Britain isn’t just about making things—it’s about rebuilding communities, creating secure jobs, and addressing the climate crisis. A recent poll shows the public and business leaders are ready. So why isn’t the government?
As the UK stands at the crossroads of economic uncertainty, geopolitical volatility, and environmental crisis, one message is becoming increasingly clear: we must take control of our future by investing in ourselves. That starts with a simple but powerful principle—Buy British.
Not as a slogan. As a policy. As a movement. As an economic strategy.
The Made in Group, which I represent, champions UK manufacturing not because it’s nostalgic, but because it’s necessary. We unite businesses across the supply chain to strengthen local economies and showcase the UK’s industrial strength. And the appetite for a “Buy British” approach is growing.
Last month, I conducted a poll across my business network asking a direct question: Should the UK embrace a 'Buy British' scheme? The result was striking. 87% of 187 business leaders voted yes. Only 7% opposed the idea, with 5% unsure. The message was resounding—British industry wants change. Not more slogans or soundbites, but structural reform that supports local manufacturing and procurement.
So what does “Buy British” actually mean in practical terms? It goes far beyond patriotic purchasing. It’s a roadmap for stronger communities, a greener planet, and a more united society.
1. Re-industrialising to Rebuild Communities
The decline of British industry hasn’t just meant lost productivity—it has hollowed out entire regions. When factories close, communities suffer. Secure, well-paid jobs are replaced by precarious work or unemployment. This has a direct social cost: weakened families, rising inequality, and deepening divisions.
Re-industrialising the UK isn’t a romantic throwback. It’s about reviving towns and cities by anchoring them with real, tangible work. Manufacturing offers long-term careers, apprenticeships, and skills for the next generation. When we buy British, we support a supply chain that lifts people up and fosters stable, resilient communities.
2. Sustainability Through Shorter Supply Chains
We talk a lot about climate change. But what we often overlook is how on-shoring production and shortening supply chains can slash emissions. The transport of goods across oceans accounts for 3% of global CO₂ emissions—and that’s just the shipping.
Buying locally produced goods cuts transport emissions dramatically and reduces waste. It also gives businesses tighter control over ethical standards and environmental practices. According to the Carbon Trust, supply chains account for more than 80% of a company’s environmental impact. Localising production is arguably one of the most effective steps we can take to make UK business genuinely sustainable.
3. Moving from Virtue Signalling to Virtuous Action
Every week, we hear public declarations of support for sustainability, ethical business, and local economies. But there’s a gap between words and deeds. Many procurement decisions—both public and private—are driven almost entirely by cost, often at the expense of UK suppliers.
It’s time for organisations and individuals alike to reflect on their purchasing power. Are we living our values, or just tweeting them? Whether it’s a government department choosing office equipment or a consumer buying a washing machine, every transaction is a vote. Let’s stop outsourcing responsibility and start acting with intention.
4. The British Supply Chain Multiplier
When you buy British, the benefits don’t stop at the factory gate. British manufacturers typically use British suppliers—creating a multiplier effect that keeps money circulating within our economy. Research from The Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) shows that £1 spent with a local supplier generates up to 4x more economic benefit than the same pound spent with a multinational.
This means buying British doesn’t just support one business—it fuels a whole ecosystem of SMEs, engineers, logistics providers, and apprentices. That’s real impact, not just symbolic.
5. Challenging the 7% — And the Narrative
Here’s a question we need to ask ourselves: if 87% of people support a Buy British scheme, why are we still listening to the 7% who oppose it?
For too long, the dominant narrative has framed industrial policy as outdated or protectionist. Buying British is painted as divisive, even xenophobic. But that framing is false. Supporting domestic industry doesn’t mean closing ourselves off to the world—it means valuing what we contribute to it.
It’s time to shift the narrative. Buying British is not about flags or slogans. It’s about creating well-paid jobs, reducing carbon, and restoring pride in what this country can do. It’s a progressive, practical, and inclusive agenda—and we must stop apologising for it.
Final Thought: Every Action Counts
As our political and social landscape becomes more polarised, we must realise that economic choices are not neutral. They either unite or divide. They either create jobs or export them. They either lift communities or leave them behind.
If we want a better future, we need to build it. Not just with policy—but with purpose. Every purchase is a decision. And every decision matters.
Let’s make buying British a movement, not a moment.
Join the Campaign for a Stronger, Smarter Britain
The Made in Group is the voice of the UK’s SME industrial base — a trade body that champions manufacturing, innovation, and resilience. Every member, no matter their size, has an equal voice in shaping the future of British industry.
On 4th December, we’ll be returning to Westminster for our annual visit, where we will be campaigning for the adoption of a 'Buy British' procurement policy — one that puts UK manufacturers at the heart of national decision-making.
📍 Members: RSVP now via your dashboard to secure your place.
🤝 Not yet a member? Visit our enquiries page to learn how you can get involved and help us build a more secure, sustainable, and sovereign industrial future.
Let’s make our voices heard — together.