Member

This category is open to UK-based professional milliners, hatters and headwear designers, including factory-based hat manufacturers.

Businesses with up to 5 full-time employees: £100 annual subscription + £20 one-time joining fee.
Businesses with more than 5 full-time employees: £200 annual subscription + £20 one-time joining fee.

Note: Two part-time employees are counted as one full-time employee. If you feel this assessment does not apply to your company, please contact us.

Professional Milliners, Hatters and Headwear Designers, including factory-based hat manufacturers, and those working in Theatre/Film/TV, Occasion Wear, Fashion and Education.
Minimum of 3 years trading in a professional capacity, eg sole trader, limited company, practice or partnership.
Members must be resident in the UK and their business must be based in the UK.
Members must produce a high quality product or service within the millinery industry, and innovation and/or a high level of creativity must be shown within their field.
Employment within the millinery industry should be the main source of income for members.
It is expected that at least 50% of an applicant’s production will be based in the UK. Applications from companies with less than 50% UK production will be looked at on a case-by-case basis, with due consideration given to their heritage, quality and working practices.
Members must maintain good working practices within their sphere of work.
Members should have a professional website and social media presence.
A digital portfolio and/or letter of recommendation from a recognised professional individual or organisation may be required.
The application should provide information about the applicant’s education/training/work experience.
Applicants may be called for interview.

Please Note: Applications will be considered by the Admission Committee and their decision is final.

Members will be expected to:

Attend and participate in the BHG meetings, including the AGM, either in person or online.
Join the BHG committees where appropriate to their skills and experience.
Take an active role in events, activities and exhibitions organised by the BHG.
Support the Education Committee by offering advice or work placements, where possible.
Maintain professional standards and good working practices.
Represent and promote the British hat and headwear industry to raise public awareness and encourage hat wearing.
Promote the BHG through social media where possible.

Members can expect:

To be included in decisions and planning to shape the world of British hat design and making.
The benefit of being connected to a national network.
Access to networking and collaborative opportunities.
Invitations to take part in BHG events.
The right to vote on matters put forward by the BHG Shareholders, Directors and Committees*.
The right to approved use of the BHG digital logo.
To be promoted on the BHG social media platforms and website.

* One vote per company or organisation.

The 2024 application process has now closed. Please check back again later in the year to find out about next year’s intake.