THE LEDGER: YOUR MASTER SOURCING LIST
For deep-dive journals and photographic studies of UK-made icons, visit The Edit. Here in The Ledger you’ll find our ever-expanding directory of UK makers with details on their origins, products and more.
These are short-form entries - distilled intelligence on heritage, provenance and why these brands deserve a place in your collection. As our field research continues, we’ll produce full photographic reviews in The Edit.
TAYLOR OF OLD BOND STREET - Jermyn Street, London
The Heritage: Founded in 1854 by Jeremiah Taylor, the business has remained in the family for over a century. Originally based on Bond Street and now on Jermyn Street, they built their reputation on botanical extracts and high-quality wet shaving products that eschew modern gimmicks.
The Verdict: The gateway to proper shaving. Their Sandalwood Shaving Cream is legendary - a dense, rich lather that puts supermarket gels to shame. It is an affordable entry point into the world of traditional British grooming that feels far more expensive than it is.
Core Products: Luxury shaving creams and soaps, aftershaves, colognes, shaving brushes, razors and general gentlemen's toiletries.
NEAL'S YARD REMEDIES - Peacemarsh, Dorset
The Heritage: Founded in Covent Garden in 1981, Neal's Yard Remedies operates a custom-built eco-factory in Dorset. The company was an early pioneer of Soil Association certified organic cosmetics in the UK.
The Verdict: A benchmark for sustainable UK apothecary. By manufacturing domestically using 100% renewable energy and cultivating key botanicals on their own Dorset farmland, they prove that high-volume skincare can maintain uncompromising ecological integrity.
Core Products: Organic skincare, bath preparations, and essential oils.
MOLTON BROWN - Elsenham, Hertfordshire
The Heritage: Established on South Molton Street, London in 1971, the brand transitioned into luxury bathing products. Despite now being owned by the Kao Corporation, manufacturing remains anchored at their historic Hertfordshire facility.
The Verdict: While it operates on a multinational scale, Molton Brown warrants inclusion for continually investing in its UK production base. It remains a reliable domestic source for premium, vegetarian-friendly bathing fragrances that support UK manufacturing jobs.
Core Products: Bath and shower gels, Eaux de Parfum, candles and hand care.
FAITH IN NATURE - Radcliffe, Manchester
The Heritage: Established in 1974, the company formulates and manufactures natural, cruelty-free cosmetic and cleaning products in the UK.
The Verdict: Established ecological manufacturing. The brand provides reliable, domestically produced alternatives to synthetic cosmetics, utilising naturally derived ingredients.
Core Products: Shampoos, conditioners and body washes.