My MANy Bags News #200

HRH the Duke of York visited the Mulberry Factory in Chilcompton, Somerset

When a brand appreciates and invests in the artisanal skills of manufacturing at their place of origin, the effort is commendable and much welcomed. Mulberry has set up an apprentice programme to support the brand's wish to retain and increase the level of manufacturing based in the UK - a rarity in industry today. This effort resulted in their Chilcompton, Somerset factory being one of the largest of its kind for accessories manufacture, producing 30% of Mulberry’s handbags that are sold worldwide.

On Tuesday 02 March HRH the Duke of York visited the Mulberry Factory in Chilcompton, Somerset.

The visit was arranged for HRH The Duke of York to see Mulberry’s successful apprentice programme and investment in developing craft skills.

The apprentice programme developed with Skillfast, the learning and skills council (LSC) and Bridgwater College has rebalanced an ageing workforce – which has resulted in waiting lists of over 70 young people wanting to join the Company’s production line – and supported the introduction of lean manufacturing techniques at the factory.

Does this mean more Mulberry bags will get to be manufactured in UK? I for one, supports the effort, no bag is better than the ones manufactured in the brand's country of origin. I have always loved my UK made large Bayswater and Piccadilly!

Source: Mulberry