Our Manufacturers’ Plight- Will you support ‘Made in Nottingham’ this Christmas?

I’m writing these words with a heavy heart…the wonderful manufacturers whom have been such a significant part of the journey so far, even pre conception (excuse the pun) of the Lotus Maternity brand are having to close their doors this Christmas :-(. 

Hillary and Christine who have worked in the textiles trade as machinists for over 40 years, started up on their own small, clothing manufacturing business 19 years ago with a modest unit in the heart of what was a former Victorian lace factory and warehouse, just outside Nottingham’s City Centre. This provenance however was not what attracted myself to their business, it was their warm, welcoming and incredibly understanding nature. 

I remember the first day meeting them so vividly, predominantly because we had a lot to laugh about…So those of you that are reading this blog who know of the Lotus Maternity brand, will likely be familiar with our strapline, ‘Designed by Midwives for Mothers.’ I was very honest about my lack of experience with sewing machines and was very quick to confess to Christine and Hillary that I had more experience in sewing the perineum than sewing garments!

I did have the concept however. I took this chiffon top out of my bag, which I’d been quite creative with the day before with a pair of scissors, altering the neckline, removing the sleeves etcetera. The ladies were looking at me somewhat bemused as I went on to explain my concept of what was to become our Daisy and Azalea multi award-winning nursing tops.  

I was asked whether I wanted a pattern and I replied, “No, no, I don’t want the fabric patterned, just plain in about 3 or 4 different colour ways. They smirked and said that a pattern in garment making refers to the paper and card cut-outs, which allow you to cut pieces of fabric to the correct size and dimensions. This is why I am going to feel quite lost without these ladies. The synergy of the ideas that I have for Lotus Maternity’s breastfeeding and baby products, coupled with their superb craftsmanship, experience and skill is testament to the successes we have enjoyed together, such as our bamboo baby blankets winning the Independent’s Indy Best Awards, 2019!

So what is Lotus Maternity doing to help…

A main factor in why Hillary and Chris are closing the unit is because of an unpaid bill of £25 000, from a customer who has ceased trading and declared her brand insolvent. This individual has made renumeration near-on impossible too, as she has signed over all of her assets, so on paper it appears as though she has ‘nothing’. Thus, despite winning their legal case, the debt collectors haven’t been able to recover the finances. As a result, Hillary, Chris, Brenda, Jo, Elaine, Dawn, Sonia and Yana haven’t been paid in 2 months- not ideal in the run up to Christmas.

We have pop-up events running around Nottingham and have offered to sell the clothing via our website to help recuperate the manufacturing costs. Margin is not being made, so we’re selling these products at a steal!

You simply cannot buy locally made, premium sportswear ordinarily at these prices. For some context, when I started working with Phoenix Clothing 5 years ago, their manufacturings costs alone were £25 per hour (pre energy and cost of living crisis). A ‘Made in China’ garment does not carry the same production costs. 

Whilst it might be obvious that my skills are lacking in the dress making department, I’d like to think I know a bit about sales, especially having graduating from Nottingham University Business School this year with a Masters degree in marketing. So I have organised 2 pop-up shops in Nottingham to help sell the stock (which remains unpaid) and 100% of sales will go to a good cause- helping the ladies to receive a pay cheque before they close at Christmas!

You might have noticed recently on our socials the modelling shots we took trying to showcase the products. Me pretending to be jogging round the local park is something to smile at, if all else fails! Not quite as glamorous as the professionals get- the runway and champagne reception were unfortunately absent on this freezing cold Saturday morning! 

So my final question is will you help? If you want to purchase Made in Nottingham, premium quality exercise/ leisure/ active wear at cost prices, you’ve come to the right place! In fact you’ve come to the only place! It goes without saying that Made in the UK garments are a rarity to come by and have been for the past few decades. 

Available to purchase through our website whilst stocks last, limited sizes are available and they can’t make any more. How often can you say that in today’s climate? Where fast fashion is abundant and to be wearing something unique, that only a handful of other people own is somewhat extraordinary.

Pop down and see us in person, fill your stockings now as these will fly off the shelves! What we have is the only genuine ‘sale’ you’re going to see this Christmas Season.

Pop-up Shops:

The Ingenuity Lab, University of Nottingham, Jubilee Campus – Thursday 8th December 1-4pm

Roko Health Club, West Bridgford – Saturday 10th December 8am-sold out

We have 239 units to sell. Phoenix Clothing will shut shop in 12 days time. The ladies would like to enjoy a big turkey this Christmas as they spend the day with loved ones and copious grandchildren- the challenge is on…

A huge thank you to all who have purchased so far,

Olivia x

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December 6, 2022 3:32 pm clothing production, made in England, make it Britiish, pop-up shop