HRH The Princess Royal, President of the UK Fashion & Textile Association, visited heritage brand and luxury luggage maker Globe-Trotter at its factory in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, today to celebrate British manufacturing.

Globe-Trotter was founded in 1897 and every product is still made by hand in Britain using methods and machinery unchanged for the past 120 years. The company, which employs around 100 skilled craftspeople, is a member of UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT).

Her Royal Highness spoke to company members as she was given a tour of the Globe-Trotter factory floor, and was joined and greeted by UK Fashion & Textile Association Chairman Nigel Lugg, and Chief Executive Officer Adam Mansell, along with Globe-Trotter’s Chief Executive Officer Toshiyasu Takubo, for the factory tour.

“We feel very honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness to the Globe-Trotter factory,” said James Fisher, Globe-Trotter’s Business Development Director. “We have been producing handcrafted suitcases and leather goods in the UK using traditional techniques dating back to the Victorian times for the last 90 years so it is great to get this recognition.”

He added: “To manufacture an iconic Globe-Trotter suitcase takes approximately 100 individual processes – should one be made from scratch, it takes around 10 days from start to finish. It is a privilege to be able to show Her Royal Highness the skills required to produce what is deservedly an iconic product featuring the best of British craftsmanship and it gives our team an acknowledgement of the work that they do here.”

Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT, said: “Globe-Trotter produces luxurious fashion-led luggage right here in England that has gained great international success both for its own brand whilst also working with some of the most iconic fashion brands in the world. The company fuses high-tech with artisanal skills, using original manufacturing methods and machinery alongside state-of-the-art technology to create products that are built to last a lifetime.”

The Royal Visit forms part of UKFT’s Let’s Make It Here initiative, which celebrates Britain’s rich manufacturing heritage.

UKFT’s Let’s Make It Here website allows designers and brands to search by product type, support services or location, to make it easier to source in the UK. The database covers all stages of the supply chain, including yarn, fabric, garments and accessories, as well as ancillary support services, such as pattern cutters.

The website attracts significant interest, not only from the UK but globally, with many of the enquiries coming from overseas, providing those listed with export opportunities to promote the heritage, efficiency and craftsmanship of UK manufacturing.

LEARN MORE ABOUT UKFT ROYAL VISITS

Pictures courtesy of Ben Broomfield Photography. Instagram: @photobenphoto