Every Wednesday night at 8pm, I go live on Instagram (@Lockwood_Smocks) and TikTok (@LockwoodSmocks) for a no-filter business update I call the Wednesday Waffle. It’s a chance to reflect, share progress, and talk to the people who’ve been with me from the start of this journey with Lockwood Premium British Smocks.
This week was a big one — not necessarily in energy (I was running on fumes) but in vision. Here’s what went down:
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🇬🇧 The Future of Lockwood Manufacturing: A Site in Wales?
I laid out a long-term dream that’s been growing in the background — opening a dedicated Lockwood manufacturing site in Wales.
Why Wales? It’s steeped in textile heritage and fits my commitment to keeping Lockwood 100% British-made, supporting local jobs, and avoiding the easy route of cheap overseas outsourcing.
This won’t be quick or easy — but it’s the right thing to do. Lockwood Smocks isn’t about fast fashion. It’s about making garments that last, from a business that lasts.
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🐑 Fair Trade Wool in Britain – It’s Time
I’ve spoken before about the idea of creating a British Fairtrade Wool Board, and this week I expanded on the concept.
Farmers in the UK are often underpaid for their wool because it’s seen as a by-product of meat production — and that’s wrong. If we want to talk about sustainability, we need to value wool for what it is: a durable, renewable, heritage-rich material.
This business started with wool. I want to be part of building something that gives back to the farmers who produce it.
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🧵 The Secret Project…
Yes, I teased it again.
No, I still can’t show it to you.
But images of a new project are coming in the next couple of weeks. If you’re on the mailing list, you’ll be the first to know — and if you’re not, you should be. This is big.
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👑 The Final King’s Birthday Parade
On a personal note, I reflected on what was my last King’s Birthday Parade as a serving soldier.
It’s emotional, especially when you don’t quite know what’s coming next. But what I do know is this — I’ve got Ruth, I’ve got Lockwood, and I’ve got a fire in my gut to keep building something that matters.
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📦 Invoices, Show Calendars, and Marching Orders
This week also involved the boring but important — finalising invoices for my 2025 trade show calendar. You’ll see me at events like Hickstead, the Rundle Cup, and more.
Catch the full list on my Instagram highlights and if you’re coming, come find the stand. You’ll spot the smocks.
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🔔 Simon Squibb’s Help Bank Visit – 60 Seconds on the Clock
I also paid a visit to Simon Squibb’s Help Bank in Twickenham.
You get 60 seconds to pitch. I made it halfway before the timer ran out — but even half a pitch is better than no pitch at all. The takeaway? Sometimes, backing yourself means doing it before you’re ready.
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💤 A Little Tired, A Lot Grateful
Yes — the hair was a bit wild, and I looked knackered. People noticed.
But that’s the reality of trying to build a business while serving full-time in the Coldstream Guards. I’m not trying to look polished — I’m trying to keep showing up.
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📲 Watch It Back
Catch the full Wednesday Waffle on the Lockwood Premium British Smocks YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@LockwoodSmocks) and don’t forget to follow us on social media for future updates.
💻 Shop British-Made Wool and Countrywear (https://www.lockwoodsmocks.com)
