We are delighted to share some updates from Q2 2025 that underline our work to build a stronger UK fashion and textile industry.

UKFT Q2 MEMBER REPORT

Highlights from Q2 2025 include:

Voice of the industry: Advocacy & policy engagement

• Engaged with Government on ongoing conversations and consultations covering the UK’s position on UK-US tariff policy, the UK-EU renegotiation, and FTAs with India, Canada and South Korea.

• Met with several Ministers over the past three months to discuss sector challenges and opportunities.

• Continued lobbying for an eco-modulated textiles EPR to support a more sustainable UK industry.

• Provided key input on major government consultations, including the UK’s De Minimis regime.

Membership services & industry support

• Delivered tailored support across business essentials, sustainability, international trade, skills, compliance and manufacturing.

• Hosted webinars on a wide range of topics, including managing currency risk, AW26/27 and SS27 colour trends, energy-saving scheme ISO 50001, climate and energy reporting, and the EU GPSR.

• Visited more than 30 companies in studios, factories and offices across the country.

• Launched the Small Marketing Team Network with the event Maximum Impact, Minimal Resources: Strategies for Small Marketing Teams.

• Published key guidance and reports on compliance and regulatory issues.

International Business

• Planned activity for the season includes promoting and supporting British brands and textiles: Pitti Uomo, Paris Men’s Fashion Week, Milano Unica, Première Vision, A Fabric Affair, and Paris Women’s Fashion Week.

• Supported businesses in navigating global markets, trade agreements and regulations.

• Provided guidance on emerging issues, including the impact of the US election on global trade, uncertainty around the De Minimis exception, and potential mandatory Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) labelling from 2030.

Compliance

• Launched a new series of guides and webinars to help members understand obligations across a wide range of issues and materials.
• Strengthened EU engagement through active collaboration with Euratex and direct interaction with the EU Commission.
• We hold quarterly meetings with the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) to discuss current and proposed US, EU and UK regulations

Skills & Training

We made progress with key interventions and initiatives to address critical skills gaps in our industry and promote the sector to new entrants. These include:

• Production Sewing Machinist (PSM) Programme: Flexible online training in industrial sewing and employability skills.
• HM Prison PSM Project: Training prison instructors and linking ex-offenders with employment opportunities.
• Careers Events & Job Fairs: Promoting industry careers.
• Licence to Sew Programme: Addressing local manufacturing skills gaps in partnership with West Lancashire Borough Council and The Sewing Rooms.
• Bursary Programmes: MADE IT, New Talent and Young Textile Technician bursaries providing financial support and hands-on training.

Sustainability & Innovation

• Successfully concluded two major initiatives uniting academia and industry: the Circular Fashion Innovation Network (CFIN) and ACT UK.
• Delivered Sustainability 101 webinars focused on energy and carbon reduction.

Keep reading to learn more about these exciting initiatives and feel free to get in touch out if there are further ways we can help you. Thank you for your ongoing support!

UKFT Q2 MEMBER REPORT

For member access to webinars, resources and other support, please email info@ukft.org.

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