UK-based brands inspiring me right now. Independent makers and craftspeople.
Every so often I come across a brand that makes me stop and think. Not because it’s shouting louder than the rest, but because it feels rooted. The people behind it care about materials, about heritage, and about building something that lasts.
In a culture obsessed with speed and scale, these makers remind us that slowing down still has power. Here are some of the UK brands that continue to inspire me.
Trakke is one of them. Started by Alec Farmer in Glasgow and now part of Alpkit, it began with bags made from reclaimed materials and has grown into a brand known for waxed canvas packs tough enough for Scotland’s weather. What I admire most is the philosophy: bags designed to live with you for decades, to wear in rather than wear out. They gather stories as they’re carried, which is a rare way of thinking in an industry dominated by disposability.
In Cornwall, James Otter is shaping Otter Surfboards from locally grown wood. Each board is built by hand and designed to last. But what makes Otter so inspiring is the way James invites others into the process. His workshops let surfers build their own board over the course of a week, leaving with an object infused with memory and meaning. It’s about connection as much as craft.
Then there’s Paynter Jacket Co, run by Huw Thomas and Becky Okell. Paynter focuses on one product at a time. They release four limited runs a year, each one made with carefully sourced fabrics and meticulous detail. Jackets sell out in minutes, but the story isn’t about hype. It’s about community and transparency, with customers brought into the journey of making. In an age of immediacy, waiting becomes valuable.
Hiut Denim, founded by David and Clare Hieatt, is another favourite. When the denim factory in Cardigan, Wales closed, hundreds of skilled machinists lost their jobs. Hiut brought jeans-making back, giving the town its craft again. Every pair is made by a “Grand Master” whose skill is celebrated as much as the product. For me, Hiut is proof that business can restore as well as grow.
Also from Cornwall, Finisterre was founded by cold-water surfer Tom Kay. From the beginning, Finisterre was committed to sustainability and resilience, long before it became fashionable to do so. The brand is tied deeply to the sea, and its gear and storytelling both carry that connection. It’s one of the strongest examples of how a company can scale without losing its spirit.
In Manchester, Private White V.C. carries over a century of heritage. The brand is named after Private Jack White, a Victoria Cross recipient, and still manufactures garments in its own factory on the banks of the River Irwell. Outerwear is cut and sewn in-house with military precision. In a city shaped by textiles, Private White feels like a direct line back to that history.
Inov-8, based in the Lake District, has become one of the most respected names in trail running and fitness. Known for its grip, durability and uncompromising performance, it’s a brand that was literally built in the fells. At GAIN Creative Studios we had the privilege of rebranding Inov-8, connecting its products with a refreshed identity that matched its ambition. It’s one of those projects I’m genuinely proud of.
Huddersfield’s McNair Shirts is another example of blending local craft with global relevance. Founded by Neil McNair, the company creates mountain shirts from Yorkshire wool. They’re weather-resistant, hard-wearing and made to last, with every piece cut, sewn and finished in their own workshop. It’s outdoor gear with a deep respect for tradition.
What ties all of these businesses together is not category but their approach.
Bags, surfboards, jackets, jeans, shirts, outerwear and shoes.
Very different products, yet united by the same belief: make fewer things, make them better, and stay rooted in craft and place.
These brands do not just create objects. They create reminders that patience and care are not old-fashioned values. They are still powerful in a world that often feels disposable.
And for me, that is why they inspire.
