207 – Celebrating the North of England’s Creativity, Charlotte Raffo

Charlotte Raffo is the founder of The Monkey Puzzle Tree, a homeware business that creates award-winning, artist designed fabrics and wallpapers with a twist and a conscience.Working with artists and designers to produce the most beautiful collection of products, The Monkey Puzzle Tree makes everything within a hundred mile radius of Leeds.The business has also recently won two awards for it’s design and innovation - a Guildmark for their cork wallpaper, and ‘Best in British Product Design’ award at the Brit List Awards.Discover:03:02 Charlotte's background and why she set up her own business.10:20 How The Monkey Puzzle Tree collaborates with local artists.12:01 Why Charlotte chooses to not follow trends and work with artists with unique styles.14:41 How Charlotte goes about deciding on the fabrics, processes and manufacturers to use to make her products.23:37 The trade shows Charlotte attends and why she sees that as an important way to market her business.32:54 Why Charlotte believes you have to invest in your business for the long term.42:05 How the name The Monkey Puzzle Tree came about. More The Monkey Puzzle TreeThe Monkey Puzzle Tree on InstagramThe Monkey Puzzle Tree WebsiteStay in TouchBritish Brand Accelerator - Find out how you can work with me to build your British-made brandMake it British websiteJoin Make it British - become a member of our community and promote your business in our directory or UK-made brands and manufacturersMake it British on InstagramMake it British on YouTube - subscribe to my YouTube channel to watch many of the podcast episodes as videos.