Britain's textile industry is getting back its glorious days. Luxury labels like Mulberry and Burberry are bringing production back home. Young tailors are once again being schooled in the art of suit making at London’s Savile Row. Britain's textile industry was once an engine of the UK economy but declined since the 1970s as firms moved to China or India to take advantage of lower costs.

Brands feel that producing in Britain will help them bring products to market faster and charge a premium. For the first time in five years, producers are investing in new equipment such as state of the art digital printers and weaving looms. Lingerie and sleepwear maker Headen & Quarmby brought all production back to England from Asia to gain greater control and proximity to its UK customers. The global appetite for British-made products is driving investment in skills at some of the country’s biggest luxury brands. High end leather goods maker Mulberry has run its apprentice program since 2006.

While Made in Germany is still the brand to beat in many areas of manufacturing, British-made goods are increasingly seen as a mark of quality in textiles. The US remains the UK’s largest export market. But the highest premiums can be found in Qatar and China. Consumers there are willing to pay up to seven per cent more for products from Britain.