Wiltshire’s Unidome Joins Made in Britain, Championing Handmade Domes
Wiltshire’s Unidome
Unidome, a Wiltshire-based company specialising in handcrafted domes inspired by ancient nomadic designs, has become the latest member of Made in Britain, a membership organisation representing over 2,250 UK manufacturers. Founded by James Towner Coston, Unidome creates structures that blend sacred geometry with traditional woodwork, supplying festivals, campsites, bars, and restaurants across the UK and internationally.
Membership in Made in Britain requires companies to adhere to British laws and regulations while meeting strict standards for quality, sustainability, and social responsibility. This includes fairly rewarding workers, fostering skilled work environments, and supporting other British businesses. Crucially, the organisation verifies that all products bearing its trademark are entirely made in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with 100% of the labour sourced domestically.
James Towner Coston, Inventor and Founder of Unidome, emphasised the importance of community and mutual support among British businesses. He said: “No man is an island, but we do live on one, so we need to support each other. We joined Made in Britain because it’s good to be part of a community and because it proves that we handmake our domes in Britain. Getting Made in Britain membership is like someone giving you a little step up and saying ‘we see what you’re doing and we support you’ – it’s good for the soul, because we all need to help each other.”
James described his approach to business as spiritual rather than cutthroat, noting that his products have transformed the lives of customers who have built their own enterprises using his domes. “It doesn’t matter if I’m not the richest man in the world, my heart is,” he added. He also highlighted the pride in British craftsmanship: “We’ve had some extraordinary brands that have made Britain stand out in the world, and there’s magic in making things ourselves, making things for our own community and supporting our community as we do it. Of course, we’re very happy to share the love with the rest of the world too.”
Born in South Africa to British parents, James drew inspiration from the temporary domed homes, or kraal, of Zulu communities when he built his first Unidomes 14 years ago. Today, his team of four produces up to 35 domes annually. Their creations have been installed at notable locations such as the Eden Project, Battersea Power Station, and Glastonbury Festival, as well as campsites in France, Portugal, and the USA. High-profile figures including Aiden Turner, Ruby Wax, Julianne Moore, and the Dalai Lama have stayed in Unidome structures, with James also claiming that street artist Banksy has used one, though he declined to disclose their identity.
Made in Britain, established in 2011 as a not-for-profit trade organisation, seeks to unite British manufacturers and help them increase sales. Its trademark serves as a mark of distinction for genuinely British-made products that comply with its rigorous code of conduct.
John Pearce, Chief Executive of Made in Britain, described the organisation as a community representing the best of British innovation and craftsmanship. He stated: “Britain is a nation of innovators, creators, problem-solvers and manufacturers. A country that combines heritage with ambition, craftsmanship with technology, and tradition with world-leading innovation. From advanced engineering to clean energy solutions and handcrafted glamping domes, what distinguishes British businesses is not simply what they make, but how they make it and it’s only right that they should be recognised for that.” Pearce added, “The Made in Britain trademark is a badge of honour that helps shoppers to quickly spot a product they should be proud to support. It’s also a community of makers, from low to high tech, big or small, but all outstanding and all pulling in the same direction.”
Unidome’s commitment to community extends to its innovative business model aimed at lowering financial barriers for landowners wishing to start camping, glamping, or festival ventures. Instead of customers purchasing domes outright, Edwards Farm in Shaftesbury, near Unidome’s workshop, has entered a unique partnership. The farm received several domes free of charge in exchange for sharing profits generated through their use, enabling business expansion without additional costs.
The domes are designed to last over 14 years, with many original units still in excellent condition. They also benefit from a free annual service, allowing them to remain erected year-round. If successful, this partnership model could be adopted by other landowners, with another Dorset campsite set to join soon.
Looking ahead, Unidome plans to quadruple its workshop size and more than double its workforce. James also intends to make the business self-sufficient through solar power and launch a new modular system for indoor and outdoor food cultivation called WeGrow.
James stressed the importance of conducting business with integrity and community focus. “I always like people to operate within the bounds of good manners,” he said. “I want to have a conscious business – not just a business. I want to do right by the community, and that’s why I’m proud to have joined Made in Britain.”
