'Made By Britain' has been developed as a collaboration between the Associate Parliamentary Manufacturing Group, and the 1851 Royal Commission: an organization with a long and distinguished career in supporting British industry.

160 years ago Prince Albert instigated the Great Exhibition; a showcase for British industry and the world's first international exhibition of manufactured products. The Exhibition was a huge success with more than 6 million attendees. However the quality of the international exhibits left Prince Albert with a concern that the UK was falling behind in the application of the best of science and art in its manufactured products. He requested that the Royal Commissioners responsible for the Exhibition remain in post to apply the substantial profit made to help British Industry become more competitive. The Royal Commission continues to this day, using its resources to support and encourage education, science and art for the benefit of productive industry.

Today we are operating in a very different world, but the UK still faces similar challenges in terms of stiff competition from abroad and a manufacturing sector that is striving to grow. Showcasing what we do well is an important part of supporting manufacturing, and we hope this project will do that, as well as engaging the country’s top policymakers on the issues that manufacturers face. 

More information about the 1851 Royal Commission can be found on their website: www.royalcommission1851.org.uk