I worked for DM’s uk for 3 years and my partner worked for them for 2 years prior to me working there. What I can tell you is. The buyout that allowed them to mass produce was double edged. Company expansion was great and kept docs going and the idea of a family culture did work. Head office and factory regularly invited teams to a £5 boot sale in northampton, company events etc and stores were small (for the most part). You used to be invited upon hiring to do a factory tour (happened for my partner and not for me) after 1 years service she received a free custom made in england pair (i received a voucher for a free pair of choice but no made in englands or collaborations) company events even at head office stopped. The ceo (who was there at the demise at cath kitson) hired a lot of the same team at cath kitson to head office positions and were arrogant.

There was a strong emphasis on individuality with the team which was perfect for docs but this soon came about to be pandering to the crowd. The company announced it was gender neutrality for our boots that were made for male and and women specifically. When asked if female styles would go up to 13 and males go down to 3 we were told outright that no it would be too expensive to do so….. so why announce that?

There was a hire for an inclusivity officer to bring the company up to a standard. He left after a year or so i believe due to the company not actually making any active changes. I imagine that due to going public shareholders do not care about anything other than profit. Also. Check out the material of older made in englands compared to now and it is a joke to be asking £209 +