London’s Fashion and Textile Industry: A powerhouse of economic impact and job creation
23/11/2023
On Thursday 23 November 2023, Justine Simons OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, visited the London-based garment manufacturer ApparelTasker alongside UKFT CEO Adam Mansell, to launch the London chapter of a new landmark report commissioned by UKFT. Scroll down to find out more.
The fashion and textile industry supports one job in every 23 in London, according to a new landmark report commissioned by UKFT. The sector contributed £11bn in gross value added (GVA) in 2021, equivalent to £1 in every £43 of London’s GVA for the year.
Justine Simons OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, launched the findings with a visit to ApparelTasker, an innovative garment manufacturer based in Bromley By Bow in East London, which specialises in garment development, sampling and bespoke manufacturing.
London is home to a wide array of renowned fashion designers, internationally acclaimed fashion schools, London Fashion Week and a vibrant fashion culture seen from Shoreditch to Savile Row. The capital has long since been a hub for fashion creativity and innovation, with the sector indirectly supporting more than 200,000 jobs. The vast majority of these are focused around retail, distribution and aftercare but there are also a significant number (20,000 people in 2021) directly engaged in “creating and making” fashion and textile products.
From left to right: Adam Mansell (CEO of UKFT), Justine Simons OBE (London’t Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries) and Zack Sartor (Owner of ApparelTasker).
Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, Justine Simons OBE, said: “Our dynamic fashion and textile industry plays a vital role in London’s economy, supporting more than 200,000 jobs and attracting investment. We are home to some of the world’s best fashion schools and host some of the most important exhibitions in the industry’s calendar. We’re also leading the way with a wide range of businesses that are driving innovation and nurturing the next generation of homegrown talent. It’s a real success story and the Mayor and I will continue to do all we can to support and champion the industry as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”
“The vibrant, dynamic fashion and textile industry in London continues to assert its significance as a key driver of the city’s economy,” said Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT. “ApparelTasker is a great example of a young company making clothes and accessories in the capital, with a focus on ethical manufacture and sustainability.”
From left to right: Adam Mansell (CEO of UKFT), Justine Simons OBE (London’t Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries) and Zack Sartor (Owner of ApparelTasker).
ApparelTasker has recently worked with UKFT, London College of Fashion’s Making for Change and Newham College on a project to support prison leavers and community trained participants to progress into production machinist roles.
‘The Fashion and Textile Industry’s Footprint in the UK’ report identified clusters of expertise across London, with East London for example recognised as a hotspot for product developers, designers and creative specialists. Hackney South, Shoreditch, Streatham, Bermondsey and Old Southwark were identified as focal points for creating and making activities. Distribution, retail and aftercare services thrived in Hayes and Harlington, Bromley, Chislehurst and East Ham.
Hackney North and Stoke Newington, Putney and Chelsea stood out for their focus on fashion design, while Ealing Central and Acton, Vauxhall and Walthamstow specialised in rental, repair and the washing of fashion and textile products. Barking demonstrated expertise in manufacturing of fibres, textiles and leather and manufacturing, and Brent North in the manufacturing of textile machinery.
Find out more: