At Lockwood Smocks, it’s never just about selling jackets. It’s about flying the flag for British manufacturing, championing ethical fashion, and making sure rural sports and traditional craftsmanship don’t get left behind. And the past few days have been a prime example of exactly that.
Starting the Season at the Assam Cup, Rutland Polo Club
The week kicked off with a visit from SVS Valeting Services, who gave my car a proper clean-down before I hit the road to the Assam Cup at Rutland Polo Club — my first show of the season.
Rutland Polo is one of the great grassroots sporting venues in the country, and turning up there as a business owner — surrounded by horses, heritage, and great people — reminded me why I started this journey in the first place.
To be able to say I now watch horse sport as part of my work is surreal. But more than that, it’s a privilege. These shows aren’t just about sales — they’re about showing up, standing tall for British craftsmanship, and connecting with the kind of people who understand quality, function, and authenticity.
The Mission to Clarkson’s Farm: British Manufacturing Needs a Voice
After Rutland, I drove to Clarkson’s Farm in Oxfordshire with a mission:
To try and speak to Jeremy Clarkson face-to-face — not as a fan, but as a fellow campaigner for British industry.
He’s shone a light on what’s been happening to British farming: the neglect, the red tape, the fight for survival. I’m trying to do the same for British manufacturing — where skilled jobs are vanishing, traditional mills are closing, and fast fashion is killing the very soul of what “Made in Britain” used to mean.
While I didn’t get to speak to Jeremy directly, I did have a good conversation with one of his team — someone who’s kindly offered to help with something potentially exciting down the line. It’s early days, but it’s a foot in the door, and I’m not giving up.
Why This All Matters
Every smock I produce is handmade in Britain. Every button, fabric, and stitch supports UK supply chains — from Hainsworth wool to family-run tailors in Birmingham. I don’t believe in fast fashion. I believe in garments with grit, purpose, and permanence.
And I believe in standing up for industries that built this country — even if it means knocking on big gates and taking bold chances.
So, whether you’re here for the clothing or the cause: thank you. And if you’ve ever watched Clarkson’s Farm and felt something stir — that instinct to stand up and support something real — then now’s your chance.
What’s Next?
The season continues. More shows, more smocks, more stitch-by-stitch progress. But something bigger is brewing, too. With a bit of luck, and with the support of people like you, this brand might just get the spotlight it deserves.
