Why Blacker Designs buys British and buys local

Wool and other natural fibres are sustainable, high performance raw materials providing warmth, insulation and comfort. We believe it is wrong to use oil-based or high energy alternatives, particularly when such a wonderful resource is finding it difficult to pay its way.

When good design is used, these fibres can be turned into classic, elegant and hard-wearing products that reward those who value and care for them. We believe in creating things to last.

We source almost everything from Britain and we make here, too: we believe in buying and making local, and we believe in a future for high-quality UK-manufactured goods.

Our fleece suppliers are supported with advice on getting the best fibre from their flocks and we aim to pay more than they would obtain elsewhere when they achieve the quality standards we have set.

Usually we pay a premium for rare and quality fleece and at least the market rate for mohair and alpaca. Where practical we arrange for the collection of the fleece. We believe that there is an important future and role for farming and for the countryside as the lungs and heart of the UK.

We do all that we reasonably can to reduce the company's impact on the environment, recycling most of the waste we produce and keeping the remainder to a minimum. For the sake of the people living on the planet in future, we believe in doing as little damage as possible.

Enquires about what we do are welcomed; we are not advocates of call centres or telephone button pressing, so you should quickly find a person to talk to.