Ninety-seven per cent of van drivers are more likely to buy a vehicle accessory if it was manufactured in the UK, a national survey commissioned by Van Guard has found.

The research by the British van accessories manufacturer also discovered that 92% of respondents said that buying British is somewhat or highly important to them.

The survey, which targeted more than 2,500 van drivers in the UK, also highlighted that more than 95% of those questioned associated British-made products with high quality, whereas 96% would choose British-manufactured van accessories over foreign-made products.

It also found that 93% believed it was highly or somewhat important that consumers supported British manufactured products generally.

Barry Woodward, managing director of Van Guard, said: “We undertook the survey for a number of reasons, the main one being to sense check whether we were right to believe tradespeople were really behind British-manufactured products.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive in its support of British manufacturing, which is really encouraging and it has certainly helped to validate our thoughts.

“We are really proud to be waving the flag for British manufacturing and commend van drivers for supporting the UK economy by buying British.”

In recognition of Van Guard’s 25-year history as a British manufacturer and substantial investment in new machinery, the company has been awarded Made in Britain accreditation – the only business in its industry to hold this marque.