2025 was a challenging year for the UK fashion and textile industry. Businesses continued to navigate economic uncertainty, geopolitical instability, changing international trade arrangements, growing regulatory requirements and persistent skills shortages. Against this backdrop, UKFT focused on providing practical support to members as they navigated a volatile and rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, while representing the industry’s interests to policymakers and regulators in the UK and internationally.
Government engagement remained high throughout the year. UKFT contributed to a wide range of consultations, parliamentary inquiries and policy discussions covering trade, manufacturing, sustainability, skills, procurement and industrial strategy. We worked closely with ministers, officials and international partners to ensure the needs of the fashion and textile sector are reflected in developing policy, while continuing to press for greater recognition of the industry's contribution to the UK economy.
Supporting members through a rapidly changing regulatory landscape has become an increasingly important part of our work. Businesses rely on UKFT for practical guidance on international trade, product compliance, sustainability legislation, packaging legislation, product safety, labelling, tariffs and market access. Alongside tailored one-to-one support, we expanded our programme of technical guidance, webinars and member resources to help businesses understand and respond to new requirements across UK and international markets.
International trade remained a key priority. UKFT supported hundreds of UK brands, manufacturers and textile companies through overseas trade events, market development activity and export advice, while working with government and overseas partners to improve market access and strengthen export opportunities. At the same time, we provided members with practical support on the impact of changing tariff regimes, new customs requirements and evolving international regulations.
Developing the industry's future workforce also remained central to our activity. As the Government-appointed Sector Skills Body, UKFT has continued to influence skills policy, develop new qualifications, expand vocational training and strengthen links between education and industry. Our bursary programmes, Production Sewing Machinist training, careers initiatives and partnerships with universities, colleges and employers are helping create new routes into employment while supporting businesses to develop the skilled workforce they need.
Sustainability and innovation continue to shape the future of the industry. During the year, UKFT completed major collaborative projects including the Circular Fashion Innovation Network (CFIN) and ACT UK, published the National Textile Recycling Infrastructure Plan and expanded practical sustainability support for members through guidance, webinars, research and one-to-one advice. This work is helping businesses respond to changing legislation while supporting investment in circularity, responsible manufacturing and new technologies.
Membership continued to grow across every part of the supply chain, with businesses joining from, fashion, retail, textiles, manufacturing, education, recycling, innovation and professional services. Throughout the year we strengthened opportunities for members to connect through events, webinars, networking, industry visits and specialist forums, while continuing to promote members' achievements and share opportunities across the wider sector.
Across all areas of our work, the focus has remained consistent: providing practical support that helps businesses respond to immediate challenges while contributing to longer-term improvements across the UK fashion and textile industry. Whether influencing government policy, supporting exporters, developing skills, helping businesses navigate regulation or leading collaborative innovation projects, UKFT continues to provide the expertise, representation and industry connections that members rely on.
