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Hi everyone, I’ve been doing this craft for over three years now, so I’m still a bairn compared to many of you. However, since the beginning of 2024, I’ve taken it more seriously. Aside from tools, I no longer import leather or hardware to avoid the extra 20%+ fees. Here in the UK, things have changed a lot since Brexit. Prices have skyrocketed on nearly everything, and import taxes are just extortionate. For example, I bought a press from Tandy (based in Spain) a couple of months ago—it was on sale for about £200, but FedEx delivered it with an additional £65 charge! I couldn’t believe it. There are a few UK-based online shops (which I won’t name) that source tools and threads from the EU and the States, but they end up costing more than if I bought directly from those countries, even with import taxes. Thankfully, there are still some good suppliers here in the UK for leather and tools, like Metropolitan, George Barnsley, J Wood Leathers, Abbey England, and Le Prevo. Of course, there are also A&A Crack and Sedgwick, which offer some of the finest leathers in the UK, though their prices are a bit out of reach for me at the moment. Lately, I’ve been checking out other makers’ shops in France and Spain. I noticed they use some really unique rivets—chunky, embossed ones that aren’t laser-burned, as well as D-rings with snake designs and embossed buttons. I haven’t seen anything like that here in the UK, apart from a few on Etsy from Asian shops, but they go for £3-5 each. If anyone has a list of trusted suppliers for leather, hardware, and threads (excluding tools), I’d really appreciate it. Here’s what I’m looking for: High-quality solid brass and nickel hardware Veg tan, waxed leather, and quality chrome leathers Tiger thread or similar Thanks in advance, God bless

Hi All, I had a surprise this evening in the form of an email saying Northampton branch is shutting at the end of the month and Manchester will be the main site in the UK. Unfortunately this is too far for me to use as often as I use Northampton , 2 1/2 hours and a frequent giant car park in the form of the M6 as against 45 minutes, so I will be looking at other suppliers, sadly probably abroad because of costs. It doesn't affect my main saddlery and harness business but mainly light leather goods belts etc (not leather). I now know how people feel with few local suppliers, I know I prefer to see a fitting to see it is what I want and the quality is right. I have used it and it's predecessor at the leather factory for over 25 years. Sorry mini rant over!!