As Brexit negotiations continue, a British company is taking matters into their own hands and have started producing washing machines here in the UK - something that has not been done for a decade.

And the new machines are being made available to customers in East Anglia via MTS Electrical in Halstead, which has become one of the first retailers to stock the domestic appliances.

MTS Electrical’s owner, David Day, said: “There is certainly a demand for British made appliances.”

North East based manufacturer Ebac has invested £7m in the development of its washing machines, and has built collaborations with leading appliance experts, with more than 120,000 man hours provided in research and development.

The new models, which are the first new washing machines to be manufactured in Britain for more than 10 years, offer a revolutionary and environmentally caring hot-fill option, as an alternative to traditional cold fill machines. Now the machines are ready to go on the market they have prioritised independent retailers to spread the maximum economic benefit and to make sure the premium quality machines are accessible to everyone.

Mr Day added: “We continually get asked by our customers for British made appliances, especially those with hot and cold settings and I’m absolutely delighted to have secured this partnership with Ebac and being able to now supply these great quality washing machines is fantastic.”

John Elliott, of Ebac, said: “We are delighted with the support we have received from MTS Electrical, and indeed all of our retail partners. There seems to be a real appetite for a washing machine which is made right here in the UK.

“We should be prioritising buying British. If people vote with their wallets, they will help rebuild our own manufacturing industries along with an expanding potential for export. We all want to support a growing economy capable of providing quality jobs for ourselves and our children, all it takes is for us to spend our money on British made goods wherever possible.”