The Top 20 Custom Badge Makers in the UK – Crafting Heritage and Modern Identity

Badges in the UK are more than just accessories; they are powerful symbols of pride, heritage, and belonging. From Scouts earning their first embroidered cloth patch to corporate teams wearing branded workwear and music fans collecting unique enamel pins, badges are deeply woven into British culture. The UK is home to a rich history of custom badge manufacturing, with companies that have been perfecting their craft for over a century, alongside modern studios pushing creative boundaries.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top 20 custom badge makers in the UK, detailing their history, expertise, and significant contributions to the world of embroidered, woven, and metal badges.

1. Franklin’s International Ltd. – Sheffield’s Pride in Cloth Badges

When it comes to custom cloth badges in the UK, Franklin’s International Ltd. is one of the oldest and most trusted names. For more than 70 years, this Sheffield-based company has been weaving identity into fabric. Franklin’s has perfected the art of embroidered and woven cloth badges, making them durable and stylish for uniforms, sports clubs, and corporate branding.

• Founded: 1946
• Specialty: Woven & embroidered cloth badges, garment labels, corporate workwear badges
• Clients: Schools, Scouts, corporate groups, sports clubs
• Location: Sheffield, United Kingdom

With services ranging from laser-cut edges to Velcro-backed patches, Franklin’s remains a leader among embroidered badge suppliers in the UK.

2. Badgemaster – The Global Badge Powerhouse

Started in 1992 by John and Vicky Watson in Nottinghamshire, Badgemaster has grown into one of the largest custom badge manufacturers in the UK. Today, they produce millions of embroidered badges, name badges, and corporate identity products every year. In 2014, Badgemaster took its biggest stride yet by acquiring Akorn Badge Company Ltd.—a significant rival with over 30 years of legacy.

• Awards: Winner of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise (2017)
• Clients: NHS, Virgin Atlantic, global hotel chains
• Location: Hazelford Way, Newstead, Nottinghamshire

Their modern production technology and eco-friendly approach make them not just a supplier, but a global authority in the badge-making world.

3. Thomas Fattorini Ltd. – Royal Badge Makers Since 1827

Few names in British manufacturing carry as much weight as Thomas Fattorini Ltd., founded in 1827. For nearly two centuries, this family business has been trusted to produce medals, insignia, and enamel badges for governments, institutions, and the Royal Family.

• Specialty: Enamel badges, medals, insignia
• Recognition: Holder of a Royal Warrant
• Locations: Birmingham & Manchester, UK

Their products are not just badges—they are heirlooms. For collectors and institutions, Thomas Fattorini represents the very finest in British craftsmanship.

4. Merit Badge Company – Supporting Scouts and Schools

For over half a century, Merit Badge Company has supplied colourful scout badges, school patches, and achievement insignia across the UK. Based in London, their badges celebrate milestones and encourage youth participation.

• Founded: 1950s
• Specialty: Scout & school badges
• Location: London, UK

Generations of students and Scouts proudly wear their creations, making Merit Badge a cornerstone of the educational badge market.

5. Rocket Badge – Modern Creativity for Brands

Founded in 1987, Rocket Badge has brought innovation to the custom enamel badge market. Their badges, pins, and patches are designed for modern branding, often working with high-profile clients like Disney, BBC, and Coca-Cola.

• Specialty: Promotional badges, enamel pins, cloth patches
• Location: London, UK

Their bold, colourful designs appeal to charities, festivals, and youth brands. Rocket Badge has become a household name for custom enamel badges in the UK.

6. Woven Labels UK – Detail in Every Thread

Woven Labels UK has become a trusted name for woven garment labels and cloth patches. Known for their precision and durability, their woven labels add value to fashion products and sportswear.

• Specialty: Woven text labels, garment patches
• Location: Essex, UK

They are particularly popular with independent fashion brands seeking long-lasting, premium labelling solutions.

7. Emblemco – Embroidered Badge Specialists

For more than 40 years, Emblemco has been supplying embroidered and woven badges for schools, clubs, and corporate events. Their products include iron-on badges, Velcro patches, and laser-cut edges.

• Specialty: School badges, embroidered patches
• Location: Lancashire, UK

Known for fast turnaround and bulk delivery, Emblemco is a dependable supplier nationwide.

8. Impressions – Embroidery and Printing Innovators

Impressions started in West Yorkshire as a printing service but soon expanded into embroidery and cloth badge production. Their mix of printed pennants and embroidered patches makes them versatile suppliers.

• Specialty: Embroidered sports badges, custom banners
• Founded: 1980s
• Location: West Yorkshire, UK

They remain a go-to choice for local sports clubs and community groups.

9. Studio Dais – The Modern Creative Studio

Launched in 2016, Studio Dais represents the new wave of creative badge makers in the UK. They specialise in enamel pin badges, woven patches, and bespoke embroidery for artists, agencies, and indie brands.

• Specialty: Enamel pins, woven patches
• Location: London, UK

Their contemporary style makes them a favourite for fashion-forward projects.

10. Just Badges UK – Affordable and Quick Solutions

Based in Birmingham, Just Badges UK has carved a niche in providing affordable cloth and embroidered badges with a quick turnaround.

• Specialty: Budget-friendly custom badges
• Location: Birmingham, UK

They are especially popular among schools and charities needing cost-effective solutions.

11. Premier Badges Ltd. – Leaders in School Rewards

Founded in 1986, Premier Badges has become a specialist in school reward badges. Their enamel “Prefect” and “Achievement” badges are worn by thousands of UK students.

• Speciality: School enamel and cloth badges
• Location: Leicester, UK

They manufacture millions of badges annually, making them one of the UK’s largest school badge suppliers.

12. Button Badge Co. – The Festival Favourite

Based in Brighton, Button Badge Co. is well-known in the music and campaign scene. Their button badges are widely used for events, protests, and festivals.

• Specialty: Button badges, campaign merchandise
• Location: Brighton, UK

Eco-friendly production and creative designs make them popular with youth culture.

13. Made by Cooper – Charity and Creative Specialists

Founded in 2007, Made by Cooper in Huddersfield has quickly become a trusted name for charities and independent designers.

• Specialty: Enamel pins, woven patches, charity badges
• Location: Huddersfield, UK

They combine creativity with professionalism, producing badges that tell meaningful stories.

14. Badge Design Ltd. – Precision and Detail

For over 25 years, Badge Design Ltd. has supplied corporate enamel pins and woven badges across Coventry and beyond.

• Specialty: Corporate identity badges
• Location: Coventry, UK

They are known for detail-focused design and high-quality finishes.

15. School Badges UK – Motivating the Next Generation

As the name suggests, School Badges UK focuses entirely on student recognition. Their colourful badges encourage learning and reward student leadership.

• Specialty: School awards, enamel prefect badges
• Location: Manchester, UK

They have become one of the most recognised names in the UK’s school badge market.

16. The Badge Company – Eco-Friendly Innovations

From Cornwall, The Badge Company stands out for its eco-friendly enamel and wooden badges.

• Specialty: Sustainable badge manufacturing
• Location: Cornwall, UK

They align with today’s demand for environmentally conscious branding.

17. Patchion UK – Specialists in Uniform Patches

Patchion UK has a strong presence in military, biker, and corporate uniform patches.

• Specialty: Velcro-backed embroidered patches
• Location: London, UK

They produce patches built for durability and identity.

18. Express Badges – Same-Day Service Experts

As the name suggests, Express Badges focuses on speed and efficiency. Known for quick design approval and same-day dispatch, they’re perfect for urgent orders.

• Specialty: Fast cloth badge production
• Location: Kent, UK

19. PinPoint Badges – Branding Through Design

PinPoint Badges is a modern supplier of event and corporate enamel pins. Their woven patches are popular with branding agencies.

• Specialty: Event branding badges
• Location: Birmingham, UK

20. Badge Base UK – For the Creators

Based in Glasgow, Badge Base UK supplies badge-making machines and DIY kits, empowering individuals to create their own patches and pins.

• Specialty: Badge-making kits & supplies
• Location: Glasgow, Scotland

They cater to hobbyists, schools, and small businesses.

Conclusion

From the centuries-old heritage of Thomas Fattorini to the modern, creative approach of Studio Dais, the UK badge industry reflects a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Companies like Franklin’s International and Badgemaster continue to lead as trusted embroidered badge suppliers in the UK, while new studios introduce sustainable and creative trends.

Whether you need a woven cloth badge for a Scout troop, an embroidered school badge, or a custom enamel pin for brand promotion, these top 20 UK badge manufacturers highlight why the country remains a global leader in bespoke badge making.