Why we make here in the uk

Growing Up in a Changing Industry

Bryony grew up watching the clothing industry around her struggle. Her parents built a business that relied on British making, and she saw first-hand how quickly it was dismantled when production moved overseas. Skills that had taken generations to build were lost in a matter of years. Mills closed. Factories shut their doors. Communities that once thrived on craft and industry were left with little to hold onto.

Why We Make in the UK

That experience shaped her vision for Palava. From the beginning, she wanted to know and understand where things come from, how they are made, and who is making them. Trusting the supply chain and protecting the skills that remain in the UK became central to the business. For Bryony, making here isn’t just about money. It’s about pride. It’s about preserving something valuable, so it has a future.

Traceability Matters

Traceability is part of that commitment. The more local Palava can source fabrics, the more is known about where they come from. Keeping the supply chain small means understanding not just the finished garment, but the whole story behind it — who made what, where, and how. That knowledge builds trust and makes every piece more meaningful.

Why We Care About British Wool

British wool is also a vital part of the story. For years, it was undervalued, with farmers paid less for a fleece than the cost of shearing it. Palava set out to challenge the idea that British wool was too coarse or scratchy for clothing, working with blends that combine softness and strength. By using it in knitwear, Palava supports local farmers, reduces carbon miles, and restores value to a fibre that is both renewable and biodegradable. British wool proves that warmth, durability, and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Supporting Real Skills

Every Palava piece made in the UK supports real jobs and real craft — from mills in the north to local fabric merchants, pattern cutters, and machinists. Making close to home means shorter supply chains, less waste, and clothes that carry a story worth telling.

Looking to the Future

Palava also has big plans. Bryony began asking: what if garments could be produced locally from start to finish? That question has grown into the vision for the Hatchery — a micro-factory where clothes can be made to order, waste repurposed, and people trained in the skills that were nearly lost. Looking further ahead, the dream stretches even further. Perhaps one day, raw materials like flax could be grown here in the UK, bringing the process full circle.

Why the Films Matter

This is why Palava’s film series How We Make Better is so important. It shares not just the process, but the values behind it. You can watch the films here at THE PALAVA FILM CLUB.