I had the joyful task of chairing a session with Patrick Grant at this year's Borders Book Festival. Patrick is a renown advocate for sustainable fashion and British manufacturing (as well as designer, businessman, author, judge on The Great British Sewing Bee). He talked about this book LESS Stop buying so much rubbish. How having fewer, better things can make us happier. There is a huge appetite for this topic - we spoke in front of an audience of 500 and there were many more who couldn't manage to get tickets. There was such support from all corners to see British manufacturing more valued.
Patrick's ideas are so aligned with the core ethos of Made Scotland, so LESS really resonated. I'd urge anyone who is interested in small business, in buying British, embracing quality, in sustainability, to get a copy. Though frankly we should all be reading it whether we're interested or not.
There are so many ideas in it, I've put down 10 key points that came out of our discussion on stage:
SIMPLICITY IN OUR CONSUMPTION
Patrick emphasises the need for us to consume less and choose better. Quality trumps quantity and this is the best way of promoting sustainability and reducing waste.
VALUE OUR LOCAL PRODUCTION
He champions the importance of local manufacturing. By suppoorting British manufacturers, consumers can help preserve traditional skills and boost the local economy, leading to a more sustainable and resilient production system.
CONSIDER THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
A core message of LESS is the environmental cost of mass production and fast fashion. Patrick urges us all to be more conscious of the environmental footprint of the things we buy and opt for sustainably produced things. And the best place to start with that is buy buying British made.
THINK QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
Investing in high quality, durable products is a recurring theme of Patrick's. He talked a lot about how well made things, although perhaps more expensive initially, provide better value and satisfaction over time.
SUPPORT ARTISANS AND SMALL BUSINESSES
Patrick highlighted the role of small businesses and artisans in maintaining high standards of craftmanship, a point very close to my heart and that of Made Scotland. Supporting makers sustains families and even communities and it provides us with unique, well-crafted products.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY IS KEY
This is something which previous generations took for granted, where products are designed for longevity, repairability and eventual recycling. This reduces waste and maximises the lifecycle of goods. Any fans of The Great British Sewing Bee will be familiar with the number of challenges where reusing and repurposing is key.
TRANSPARENCY AND TRACEABILITY
Transparency in the supply chain is crucial. Patrick argued that consumers should ALWAYS be informed about where and how their products are made, and who by. Doing this ensures ethical practices and fair working conditions.
CULTURAL VALUE OF MANUFACTURING
British manufacturing, Patrick believes, isn't just an economic activity it's also a cultural one. He talked at length and passionately about the cultural heritage that's embedded in traditional manufacturing techniques and how important it is that we preserve this heritage.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Patrick stressed that he understands the challenges faced by British manufacturing such as competition from cheaper overseas production but he also highlighted the opportunities in niche markets that value quality and sustainability. He pointed to the recent Dior fashion show at Drummond Castle in Scotland, which collaborated with various Scottish brands such as Lochcarron, Esk Cashmere, Johnstons of Elgin, Harris Tweed.
WE SHOULD ALL ACT NOW
What does it all boil down to? Patrick Grant's book LESS is ultimately a call to action for consumers and manufacturers, to workers, educators and governments. He urges us all to reconsider our consumption habits. To support local producers by buying from them. And to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable manufacturing eco system.
Crucially Patrick is doing this with his campaigning fashion brand Community Clothing. And it's also at the core of Made Scotland's mission, to promote sustaianblly made Scottish products. About helping people to find a better, more responsible way to shop. And finally it's a powerful reminder of the impact our everyday choices have on the world around us. Do read the book it is fantastic.
