A SOMERSET-based business has moved some of its manufacturing business into the UK because of the disruption to the supply chain with imported goods.

The first product has arrived in the warehouse of Hippychick, based in Bridgwater, on time, on budget and in the quantities ordered.

The company outsourced production to Thimble, a specialist in baby accessories and also based in Somerset, which has been inundated with work since the repercussions of Brexit.

The Hippychick feeding pillow in ochre and charcoal grey adds to an existing award-winning collection which is currently manufactured in India, but which has been in limited supply in the warehouse for over three months as a result of container shortages, border control and lack of lorry drivers.

Julia Minchin, managing director at Hippychick, said: "Customers are so used to ordering and getting next day delivery.

"No one wants to have to wait weeks and even months, particularly with baby products which are outgrown at such a pace.

"Working with Thimble has been really refreshing. Not only have they produced on time – a huge rarity in these challenging times - but it’s been so easy for us to work with a business that’s not just UK based but is literally on our doorstep."

But there are also downsides.

She added: "Pricing is currently an issue as manufacturing in the UK is considerably more expensive than the Far East and Asia.

"However, the upside is being able to fulfil orders without delays which in themselves can be costly.

"As demand grows prices will hopefully start to level out, making it feasible to produce more of our goods in this country going forwards."

Hippychick is most famous for its Hipseat baby carrier, the founding product in the portfolio, as well as its all-in-one waterproofs.

Ms Minchin said: "We sell 5,000 retail pieces per annum and bringing these to UK would be quite a sizeable piece of business for a manufacturer.

"We’re delighted to hear from any businesses on our shores who might have the capacity to work with us."