Richard Crane, technical director at Devon-based high performance technical textile specialist Heathcoat Fabrics will discuss how to create a culture of innovation at the Weaving Conference in Huddersfield on 6 October.

The conference will be held by UKFT, in partnership with The Weaving Group at the Cedar Court Hotel in Huddersfield, uniting the industry to discuss the latest developments in technology and new opportunities for woven textiles.

Heathcoat Fabrics has made a significant investment in technology, equipment and people to drive innovation in recent years and in 2022, was recognised with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation.

In his presentation ‘Innovation in weaving from fibre to finished fabrics’, Richard will outline why Heathcoats is committed to a programme of on-site technical training and recruiting skilled graduates to help achieve its ambitious growth targets.

UKFT, in partnership with The Weaving Group, has assembled a line-up of insightful speakers from machinery companies including Picanol, Karl Mayer, Stäubli and Itema who will present their latest developments alongside sessions packed with topical and cutting-edge research discussion. They will be joined by a number of representatives from leading UK weavers, who will share their experiences of putting new technological advances into practice.

Book your place at the conference now to reconnect with industry colleagues and stay ahead of the issues that matter in our sector.

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Please also join us on the same evening for the Conference Reception and Dinner which offers conference participants an excellent chance to network in a relaxed setting while continuing discussions about the day’s events.

For those wanting to stay over at the Cedar Court Hotel Huddersfield, UKFT has secured a reduced room rate of £54.25 for for single occupancy including breakfast. Please ring 01422 375431, select option 1 and quote ‘The Weaving Conference’ to access the discounted rate, available on a first come, first served basis. Hotel prices guaranteed until 5th September. (UPDATE: All previous reserved rooms at a discount rate have now been filled and the best available rate shall be offered by the hotel at time of booking.)

First speakers announced:

• Bob Harding, Managing Director of Vandewiele UK: ‘Factory of the Future: Industry 4.0’
• David Barker, International Sales Manager at Cygnet Texkimp: ‘It’s all about the fibre – From creel to despatch’
• Richard Crane, technical director at Heathcoat Fabrics: ‘Innovation in weaving from fibre to finished fabrics’
• Professor Parik Goswami, head of the Department of Fashion and Textiles at the University of Huddersfield and Director of the University’s Technical Textiles Research Centre (TTRC): ‘Design Thinking and Innovation: Navigating the valley of Death’

The full details and speaker line-up will be announced shortly.

For any questions, please contact paula.mcilwraith@ukft.org