For the past few years, factory performance in the UK has declined. And it’s time we hold hands to restore it to its deserved place. At Scyphus, we pledge to support the UK brands with our bespoke branded paper cups. We are confident this can go on to change perceptions about UK products and help to revitalize the manufacturing industry.

But, we are in this fight together, and everyone has a role to play. Uniting on a “Buy Manufactured in the UK” premise can enable us to overcome the sustained wounds from Brexit and the Coronavirus pandemic. That way, we can save businesses, boost employment, and regain our fading pride.

Brexit Uncertainty and How the Coronavirus Inflicted Our Industries

Our manufacturing problems are not new. Late 2019, the UK manufacturing industry faced a sharp deterioration in both domestic and foreign orders. This came after seven years of consistent growth recorded from July 2012.

Rob Dobson, the IHS Markit (director) said, “July 2019, saw the UK manufacturing segment stagnate because of global economic issues, political uncertainty, and Brexit repercussions.” “Factory output dropped at high speed in seven years as customers delayed, and cancelled orders from the UK.”

Manufacturing decline triggered the worst unemployment levels in six years. Most businesses cut staff numbers while the situation heightened economic worries.

Yet, optimism levels were constant as most people expected a friendly business environment after Brexit. Little did we know, the hope wasn’t going to last. A few months later, the Coronavirus pandemic stroked severe blows on the global economy, causing massive loss of livelihoods.

So far, many people have lost their loved ones. Meanwhile, job losses continue to rise at unprecedented levels. As a result, over almost one million people applied for the government’s universal credit benefit to cushion them during the pandemic.

Collaboration for a Sustainable Economy

If there’s a lesson from the Coronavirus pandemic, it has to be the need for government-business collaborations. It’s also a wakeup call for the government to bolster the foundations that bind our nation. That is, empowering its people, systems and structures.

Amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, the UK government urged domestic brands to step up and help with the response. In turn, some companies acted to prevent job losses, support health workers, donate and waiver rents.

Co-op, the food retailer announced the recruitment of 5000 extra workers to overcome high demand and save hospitality workers who lost their jobs. Lloyds bank suspended planned job cuts and granted mortgage holidays to over 70000 customers.

Meanwhile, Unilever contributed over £89m as its donation against the pandemic. McCarthy&Stone, UK’s retirement homes builder offered the government over 300 complete house units to host the aged COVID-19 patients.

In the same spirit, the UK government introduced measures to protect people during the pandemic. For instance, employers can request the government to pay 80% of their wages for the furloughed workers. Mortgage holidays and taxable grants are also extra measures introduced to sustain businesses.

UK’s Manufacturing Sector Global Image

All that said, the UK manufacturing sector is still in an excellent position to revive. In the most recent reports, the industry ranks as one of the largest globally. It also boasts of a positive image that we can count on for quick growth.

Our reputation as a quality-focused nation heightens the global demand for our products. One survey showed that customers are willing to pay extra for British branded products.

What’s more encouraging is the universal strength of British branded products. Britain ranks as one of the strongest global brands, with only a few nations doing better. The best part, quality is our key weapon as most global markets associate our products with excellence.

Our resume identifies with premium products and brands. Land Rover is one of our oldest points of pride. Meanwhile, the ilk of Rolls Royce, Thornton’s, and Dunhill hoist the UK flag high. We are also an icon of sustainability with companies such as Bio Paper Cups, Bio Bean, and Aerial Power leading us.

We export 45% of our manufactured products and contribute up to £6.7 trillion to the global economy. It is so clear we have the foundations to adapt and restore UK manufacturing.

How Can We Promote Domestic Production and Restore the UK Manufacturing Sector?

With the Brexit and the Coronavirus pandemic, the economy looks gloomy more than ever. But after all the travails, we will have the chance to manufacture and promote made in the UK.

Our primary task will be to tell the customers of our renewed faith in the UK brands. True, we may have high-quality products. But we also face high external competition from cheap imports.

Only through investments in the right promotional strategies can we regain consumers’ trust. While social media is useful, relying solely on it doesn’t guarantee an emotional impact possible via print items.

Made in the UK labelling and nurturing a buy domestic spirit is the first step. This will help in reaching 60% of the UK customers who say they favour products labelled as “Made in the UK”.

For consumables that rule domestic consumption, proven branding tactics such as branded paper cups can be useful. If buying the UK is our pride, then mobile promotional items like branded umbrellas, or paper cups can help show the trust in our products.

Print promotional items bolster pride and create a sense of ownership. Trust us; this is what we need to ensure everyone appreciates the value of domestic products.

Using Branded Paper Cups to Promote Made in the UK

At Scyphus, we help to create brand awareness through what the UK people love. That is coffee. More, we associate our products with the aspects of elegance, quality, and sustainability.

As enthusiasts of “Buy made in the UK” we support brands through supreme branded paper cups that help to build identity. Keep in mind; we make them with quality materials sourced 100% from the UK.

They are an effective platform for domestic brands to promote “Made in the UK”. So, let’s all join hands to display our pride and help to revive the UK manufacturing sector.