[Margaret Pilkington]

We exported jobs when we sent mill equipment to countries that could produce cotton goods at a fraction of the cost.....and then we wondered why no-one was buying what we produced.
Confidence in our ability to manufacture to a deadline was also compromised by the actions of the militant unions. OK, that was in the dim and distant past, but once the rot sets in it is a hard job to stop it.

It is really difficult to buy British made goods........maybe it is because the companies that make stuff do a poor job of promoting their products...or it may be that the products are too expensive....or it may be that they aren't up to scratch.

Other countries like China(it used to be Hong Kong or Taiwan) can produce goods much more cheaply....so the edge of competitiveness of British made stuff is lost...and this stuff has to be transported here and duty paid on it...and it is still cheaper.

I do think that Britain is the only country in the EU who sticks to the regulations...and these regulations regarding protectionism do us no favours.