As I step down from my role as Chairman of the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT), I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey that began in May 2015. After a career at the helm of leading supplier to the UK and European high street, I had the responsibility of steering this organisation into a new era alongside new CEO Adam Mansell. Our mission was clear: to cultivate a fresh culture, re-establish the association’s relevance with the industry and position UKFT as the unified voice to government.

Nigel Lugg with Adam Mansell at New Balance

When I first joined the UKFT board – long before my appointment as Chairman – the landscape was vastly different. Back then, there were 47 board members, and the organisation operated with a solid foundation but lacked the adaptability required to meet the changing needs of our industry. It was a pivotal moment for transformation, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been part of that evolution.

Nigel Lugg with HRH The Princess Royal at Globe-Trotter

The past decade has seen seismic shifts in the industry. The collapse of traditional department stores and the arrival of major international players on the high street signalled the winds of change. Digital technology was just beginning to make its mark, sustainability was a concept still in its infancy, and buzzwords like “social compliance” and the “green agenda” hadn’t yet entered the conversation.

Nigel Lugg with new UKFT Chairman Stewart McGuffie and UKFT treasurer Ian Maclean

Together with a talented team, I’ve had the privilege of driving a new way of thinking, helping UKFT adapt and thrive. Our industry has faced unprecedented challenges—globalisation, the disruptive effects of COVID-19 and Brexit, and the urgent need for sustainable practices. And yet, we have risen to these challenges, finding innovative solutions and charting a course toward relevance and resilience.

Nigel Lugg and HRH The Princess Royal visit ACS Clothing

I’ve been privileged to witness the remarkable ingenuity within our industry on many of my visits with our President, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

HRH The Princess Royal visits ACS Clothing

From visiting small manufacturers across the UK which embody the spirit of survival, to encountering breathtaking innovations and visiting our well established global brands, I’ve been reminded time and again of the power of skills, creativity and heritage. This can be seen in companies spinning, weaving to garment manufacturing, all here in the UK.

There’s nothing quite like being taught how to properly wear a kilt by a master craftsperson or seeing some of the world’s finest fabrics being made – it’s moments like these that capture the heart and soul of our industry.

Nigel Lugg visiting Macnaughton Group at Islabank Mill, Keith

We became Sector Skills Body for the industry in 2017 and now work tirelessly to reduce industry skills gaps and shortages, and boost the skills and productivity of the workforce. Compliance has become increasingly important to our industry and is set to play an even greater role in the future. I am proud that UKFT has taken on the responsibility of advising the sector and preparing it for what lies ahead.

Nigel Lugg

Sustainability and innovation have become central to our work, and I’m deeply inspired by the innovators in our field who are reimagining what’s possible. Here in the UK, we’re developing processes for disassembly and repurposing to create garments with a true circular lifecycle. These breakthroughs underscore the resilience and creativity that define us as an industry. However, innovation alone isn’t enough. We need investment to ensure that these ideas come to fruition, and we must embrace robotics and AI while preserving the invaluable human skills that remain essential.

We also need investment to help showcase the best of our sector on a global stage. The removal of the Tradeshow Access Programme (TAP) is a real loss for our industry because I have seen firsthand how it helped countless brands and businesses gain that all important foothold in a new market, helping them to grow and scale. This is an area we all need to get behind to ensure our sector can continue to thrive in many years to come.

Nigel Lugg at Pitti Uomo in Florence

One of my greatest joys has been mentoring companies of all sizes, helping them add value, become more profitable, and, most importantly, survive. Ours is fundamentally a people business, and my greatest concern as I step down is the lack of opportunities for young people to gain firsthand experience. During my early years, it was common to visit factories and travel the world to learn about global practices. Unfortunately, tighter budgets have made these types of experiences less accessible.

As I hand over the reins to the next chairman Stewart McGuffie, I do so with immense pride in what we’ve accomplished together. This role has been a privilege and a pleasure, and I leave with a sense of optimism for the future. The industry’s adaptability, heritage and commitment to innovation will serve it well in the years to come. I was recently reminded of our wonderful heritage when visiting a global brand in Matlock. I was standing in the valley where Arkwright started the Industrial Revolution, where the world’s first water powered cotton mill was founded in 1790. It made me reflect that we are merely custodians of this wonderful industry, responsible for ensuring its future by innovating, investing and equipping the next generation with skills.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. It has been an honour to lead and to serve. Now, I look forward to cheering on the next chapter from the sidelines and continuing to support this incredible industry in new ways.

Best wishes, Nigel Lugg