Centuries old British craftsmanship in demand

A historic UK leatherworking and saddlery non-profit organisation has hailed the unification of British-made manufacturers under the Made in Britain trademark as an inspiration to help the industry navigate increasingly complex global export challenges.

The Worshipful Company of Saddlers, which has supported the artisanal craft of UK saddlery since the 12th century, hosted the Made in Britain team at its annual Showcase of British Saddlery and Leather Goods in the City of London last month. The event, held alongside the Society of Master Saddlers National Saddlery Competition, brought together industry leaders to discuss the difficulties UK manufacturers face in exporting their goods overseas.

With as many as 80% of British-made saddles exported globally, particularly to key markets including the USA, Europe, and Australia, saddlers have faced increasing difficulties due to post-Brexit regulations, export finance concerns, and growing logistical barriers. The event saw representatives from the Department for Business and Trade, the Chartered Institute for Export and International Trade, and Made in Britain engage in meaningful dialogue with saddlers and leatherworkers to explore solutions. Among the key themes was the need for unification on the global stage - which the Made in Britain trademark visibly exemplifies.

Pictured left: Made in Britain CEO John Pearce speaks at the Saddlery Export Showcase 2025

Philip Napier, the Worshipful Company of Saddlers’ clerk, said: “The Saddlers’ Company was delighted to welcome the Made in Britain team to our annual showcase, set against the backdrop of the Society of Master Saddlers National Saddlery Competition. This was the perfect place to admire the incredible craftsmanship and aspirational attitude of British saddlers and leather workers. Over the last few years, those in the trade have expressed concerns over the increasing difficulty of exporting their goods — whether due to export finance, the growing pile of paperwork, Brexit, or even securing insurance for products once they leave the UK.

“That is why we were so pleased to have key industry leaders, including John Pearce from Made in Britain and representatives from the Department for Business and Trade and the Chartered Institute for Export and International Trade, deliver passionate addresses that served to inspire and give confidence to those in attendance. A number of major saddlery businesses from Walsall and beyond have already signed up to use the Made in Britain trademark, and more have expressed a desire to do so.”

British manufacturing at its finest
John Pearce, Made in Britain’s CEO, highlighted the importance of British manufacturing unity in a competitive global market. He said: “The saddlery industry is an extraordinary example of British manufacturing at its finest - combining heritage, craftsmanship, and world-class innovation. With sustained overseas interest in the centuries-old craft, it is clear that UK saddlers must be recognised and supported.

“We know that British-made goods hold a premium reputation abroad, and the Made in Britain mark enables our members to enhance their credibility in key markets like the USA, Germany, France, and Scandinavia. We want to see more British saddlery businesses proudly displaying the mark to boost visibility and support collective export success. They are truly made in Britain and trusted worldwide.”

The saddlery industry is deeply focused on quality and animal welfare, with leading UK brands commissioning research to ensure saddles provide optimal comfort for both horse and rider. However, businesses report that trading in Europe has become significantly more difficult post-Brexit, with little in-person government support available.

Pictured right: Albion Saddlemakers Co Ltd, a Made in Britain member, showcasing handcrafted excellence

Cath Pagnillo-Gordon, managing director of Albion Saddlemakers Co Ltd, emphasised the need for collective action. He said: “British saddlery alone isn’t enough to sustain large companies - they have to export. That is why we have partnered with Made in Britain. The more saddlers who use the mark, the stronger its credibility and the greater the cohesion. It is about making British-made products more visible on the world stage. Events like this are vital for us to share knowledge and explore new ways to overcome the challenges of post-Brexit trade.”

As the saddlery industry continues to innovate and evolve, industry leaders are calling for greater collaboration between manufacturers, trade bodies, and the Government to establish stronger partnerships that can ease export processes and ensure the longevity of one of Britain’s oldest surviving trades.

To learn more about Made in Britain and its growing community of British manufacturers, visit the Made In Britain website here. For more information more about The Worshipful Company of Saddlers, visit the website here.